Kelton inwardly groaned, not sure what he was getting himself into, or if it was even wise to speak to this person. But he didn't want to come off as even ruder than he already made himself seem. He moved over some of the maps to give the newcomer some room, "I wasn't looking for one, in fact I really had not thought of that." He began to fold up his maps, "I have no doubts about your competence, I'm sure you would make a worthy companion. I just wonder if you would be able to stand me." He smiled a little, he knew he wasn't the easiest person to be around or work with, and at times he just tried to make himself difficult to make people leave him alone. That might sound cruel, but he was very picky about who spent their time around him, and he preferred to have people he really cared about, instead of people who he didn't know well, or trust. Truly he preferred being alone, but it wouldn't be wise for him to travel to the castle by himself, "Perhaps it would be wise for us to travel together," he mused, "You do seem as though you know quite a bit about the castle, perhaps more than I."
"Oh, dear! Traveling alone to the castle under the hill? That's basically asking for death." Nova laughed, their lips curving into a smirk at the man's compliment. "Why thank you. Ah, don't worry about that. I usually get along with everyone." Unless they were Nova's parents, and then… nope. But everyone else was fine. "I'd say we're getting along pretty good right now." They ran a hand through their hair, floofing it even more. If this guy let them come along with him, it would save so much time and effort. They wouldn't have to find people to go with, because he was right there! "I see you've come to your senses. And I do know a lot about the castle, but that's just because I've lived here for years and heard every story about it at least five times." Nova shrugged, then realized they should be selling their expertise, not writing it off. "But I've also done a little research." That was a half-lie. They'd started, but gotten bored and never continued. "Not as much as you, though."
Kelton shrugged a little, "The reason we are getting along is that I am making an effort to be at least polite, that doesn't happen too often though." He tried to smile a bit at the man, trying to make himself seem a bit friendlier, "I know the stories, mainly from my family, and people living in the village, but that was about it, most people will tell you their opinions of the castle, rather than what the story really is, or was. And then you have the people who make things up and such, it is so hard to figure out the truth," he said shaking his head. Kelton figured that they might be a good fit, perhaps the journey wouldn't be all that bad, he'd just need to try and keep himself calm. "Oh, my research? No, mainly it was my uncle's, but after he left I did my own work, but most of these maps were his, and some were passed down in my family. But that is unimportant, I believe we should be talking about our plans, when would you like to set off?" He was thinking about asking about lodging, but a tree would suffice, he would just need to find a sturdy branch, then nature could take care of him from there.
"Huh. Well, thanks for being polite so far," Nova said cheerfully. "I hope it will continue, though I can still work with a dreary person." They leaned back in their chair, crossing one leg over the other. "Well, that's the whole fun of the stories! You get to hear everyone's opinions on it, and sift out the few facts that might be true. It's like a treasure hunt." One of the reasons why they hadn't gone mad with all the stories about the castle under the hill was because almost everyone put their own spin on it, so it was almost like they were listening to a different story every time. "Well, they're nice maps, anyhow. I don't really care when we leave, so whenever you're ready, I'll be ready," Nova said, grinning. The guy had accepted their offer! They didn't have to look for people now! "Oh, speaking of, where are you staying?" They leaned towards him as if sharing a secret. "I really hope it's not here. Their beds are the worst. And everything is so dirty you'd almost be better sleeping in the street. You're welcome." Nova winked and leaned back in their chair again.
Kelton chuckled a little, "Hhm, we'll see about that, I might just be the dreariest person you've ever known - at least at times." He tried to crack a bit of smile at them, "That's the issue with the stories, it is impossible at times to tell what is true and what is a fable, at times it is impossible to tell what is just pure nonsense." He shook his head in slight disgrace, "I do not understand why the story is told so wildly if there could just be one story, that had everything there was to know about the castle, then and only then would I be truly happy. Oh, and thank you about the maps, they are one of the few things for me that makes sense when it comes to the castle." He nodded along to them speak about the rooms here, "Ah, I was planning on finding a nice, sturdy tree and lodge there. There aren't many bandits in the area, I hope, or that plan might not be the smartest." He had done things like that many times in his village, but this wasn't his village, and there were many things that were done differently here than at his home. He sighed softly, feeling a bit glum. The sooner the quest began, the quicker he would be able to go back home, "How about maybe tomorrow, or the after, I do need to gather a few supplies?"
Nova shifted in their chair slightly, a thoughtful look on their face. "It can be annoying, I guess. But it lets you see a little of each person who tells it. 'Cause they all like to tell it in their own way, you know? One story being told over and over again would be even more annoying, in my opinion." They paused, trying to bite back a laugh. "You're going to lodge in a tree?" The laugh finally burst out of them. "Gods, that's the funniest thing I've heard all day. Sorry. But this isn't the only place you can get lodging. The other places aren't much better, but at least you'll have a bed. I wouldn't pass on the last time you can actually sleep in a bed for a while if I were you." They shook their head slightly and looked up at the man in front of them. "I'd be fine with tomorrow. The sooner the better! If you need supplies, then we can go get it as a team, yeah?" Nova grinned winningly at him. So far, he wasn't turning out too bad… A frown passed over their face as they realized something. "We never exchanged names, did we? That's a problem. Ehm, anyway. Nice to meet you. I'm Nova." They stuck out a hand towards the man.
Kelton shrugged a bit, trying to show that he was interested in the conversation, "Hhm, I never thought of it that way, but, you are correct. I guess I just like things simple, the easier it is, the better and more quickly it can be done." He wondered if it did show the person's mindset or ideas, and if it did, he wondered what people thought of him when he told the story, 'They probably think that I am a bore.' He mused, 'They aren't wrong.' He winced a bit at their laughter, "I. . .I wasn't joking, I have done things like that before have you not? Oh, it is amazing, just being out in the forest, sitting on a sturdy branch, being able to look up at the sky and admire the stars, it is one of the best things in the world. But, if you suggest finding a room for the night, perhaps I should begin to look." The sun was beginning to set, and he had much to do. "Well, I do have some things necessary for the journey, we will need food, and maybe some more items." Kelton smiled back at them then shook their hand, "I am Kelton, it has been very nice meeting you." He waved over one of the bartenders and order an ale, "Would you like one? To make a toast?"
"I see your point. Things don't have to always happen quickly, though, to still be good." Nova laughed lightly. They'd just met this guy, and they were having debates with him already. "Oh, you weren't? Sorry. Most people don't want to sleep in the outdoors unless there's nothing else." They pressed their lips together slightly. "I have, but usually when I was in the middle of an adventure or something with no place else to sleep. And usually not in a tree." Nova nodded, then smiled at him. "Nice to meet you too, Kelton. I hope we have many adventures ahead of us! And hopefully one will start tonight! I will take one, yes." They nodded enthusiastically. Was it wise to be drinking the night before setting off on an adventure? Probably not. But it wasn't like they were going to be drinking excessive amounts of alcohol that night. One couldn't hurt.
"Maybe not to be good, but to just be done, the sooner things are done the better, at least that is my look on life. OI do not like drawing things out longer than they need to be, it is just a waste of time for me, and for anyone else. You would be wasting resources, wasting money, and who knows what else, so yes, you should take time to do it right, but if you can do it the thing quickly, you should." It was odd how he could easily begin to argue with anyone, it's not that he always felt that his idea was right, but at times he would try to defend the undefinable, he wasn't exactly doing that now, but perhaps he ought to stop. "Oh no, it is quite alright, I have gotten that reaction so many times, so I quite used to it. After all, it is an odd thing to hear, that a person would prefer to sleep in a tree than in a bed. But, that's just me." He said, his smile growing even more. When the drinks came Kelton grabbed his mug and lifted it up towards Nova, "A toast to our new adventure!"
"That can apply to some things. Just not adventures, at least in my opinion. Part of the fun is just getting there!" Nova grinned. They loved adventuring for the thrilling fights and great payoffs, but also for the journeys they went on to get there. It was amazing to see all the different places the world had to offer, and someday, Nova wanted to see them all. "You may be wasting time and money, but as long as the stakes aren't too high and the views are beautiful, I'd say it's worth it." They crossed their arms, though the move was more casual than defensive. "Oh, good. I'd hate to sour our relationship before it even started. To each their own, I suppose." Nova grabbed their mug and clinked it against Kelton's. "To new adventures, lots of fun, and making history!" They agreed, taking a long sip of their drink.
"You are right, and I understand what are saying, I guess I just like rushing things," Kelton said taking a quick swig of his drink, "I mean, in my family, it was always a race to see who could finish the job most quickly, but also do it the best. We also would also try doing more chores and such than the others to win approval with our parents and other family members." He took another swig of his drink, it had been a while since had had a good ale or actually enjoyed himself around someone else. He truly hoped that this Nova person would actually turn out to be a good companion, and would help him with this quest. He finished off the ale and set the mug down, "So. . .uhm, err, do you have an idea of a quick path to take to the castle, or a scenic route?"
"Huh. That makes sense, I guess." Nova bit back a 'imagine getting approval from your family' joke– that sort of thing probably shouldn't come up on the first day of knowing someone. "Well, I think this trip will teach you to take some things slowly and just enjoy the journey." They took another sip of the ale. The tavern might have had terrible lodgings, but it sure had some good drinks. "I… think I have something." Nova had figured out a path to the castle… kind of. It was rough, but maybe with Kelton's maps, they could find out a more solid way. They leaned over the table, finger tracing circles in the air over the map. "It's a little scenic, but I think it also avoids some dangers present on the more direct path." After thinking a little, they started tracing a path in the air above the map. From what Kelton had said, these maps were pretty important. They didn't want to damage the map by touching it. "Like that, I think. Like it?" Nova looked up at Kelton.
"I guess, it does, although I don't think that any of us really. . .you know what, I need to stop talking about that? right?" Kelton sighed and ordered another mug of ale, it probably wasn't wise to drink away his feelings, as least tonight, but it was just his issue, and perhaps he would be fine, just another drink or so and he would be fine. "That sounds nice, it would be nice to see some of the wildlife and flora." He smiled a bit happily just thinking about that, "I do like it, it should be a nice path to travel, and I'm sure that we would get there soon. At least I would hope, but if you would prefer taking a longer route, I'm sure that that would be nice, and perhaps maybe help me slow myself down, maybe enjoy some more things." His next drink came and took a sip of the drink, he was already feeling a bit better, but he didn't want to embarrass himself in front of Nova, or a new town. He quickly finished off the drink before putting it down, enough was enough.
"I wasn't going to say anything," Nova admitted, smirking at Kelton. They finished off their drink but didn't order another one. They'd already had one before Kelton had shown up, and two was enough. Any more and they might get a little silly. "Yeah. There's definitely some of that on the trail. And look," Nova pointed at one part of the path, "if we take a small detour, we have an amazing view overlooking a canyon! Oh, you'll love taking it slow. It's not like the castle is going anywhere." They laughed and ran a hand through their hair. Kelton had said he might be dreary, but they weren't seeing it so far. Maybe it was because he'd just met them, or maybe it was because he'd gotten some alcohol in his system. "We should probably figure out a place to meet up now before we forget, yes? I'd hate to waste half the day just trying to find you." Nova grinned at him.
Kelton looked out the window and noticed a large tree out in the distance, "You see that tree there? You'll find me there on one of the branches. The weather seems favorable, so I think that it will be a perfect night to spend outside. Or we could meet back up here? That ought to work unless your lodging is too far, then I could just go and meet you where you are staying. " He laughed a bit at the joke, "Although that would be an interesting start to our adventure, just going and looking for one another, then finally heading out to the castle." He rerolled his maps back up before gently placing them in his satchel, " I'm sure that taking it slow will be fine, but I will definitely quicken my pace if we encounter any unfriendly people or creatures, I ran into a few on the bandits on my way to this town, and honestly, I'd prefer to have a smooth trip." He reached for his satchel pulling it into the lap, "So, I shall see you tomorrow?" He started to stand up, he wanted to get to that tree quickly, he was exhausted and just wanted to get some sleep, it would be a while before he would be able to get a good's night sleep again.
Nova followed Kelton’s gaze, spotting the tree after a few seconds of looking. They listened to the rest of Kelton’s suggestions and nodded. “I’ll just meet you at that tree. It looks interesting. And I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to see you sleeping in a tree. Though I’ll probably see it a lot more. But still.” Nova giggled. That ale was hitting them a little harder than expected– oh, right. They had had half of one… no, one whole one before they’d had the other first one. Oops. “Well, who wouldn’t run while being chased by something after your blood? OH, yeah, bandits. They’re the worst.” Kelton started making moves to leave, which was probably a good idea. Nova reached into their pocket and pulled out a few coins for the ale. “I shall see you tomorrow in the tree!” They confirmed, standing up as well. The smile on their face was wide and excited. This adventure would be so much fun, even if they didn’t make it out the other side.
Kelton chuckled a bit, "It's surprisingly a lot more comfortable than sleeping on the ground, perhaps when we venture out you would try it? All you really need is a strong branch that's wide enough to lie on and you should be fine." He didn't mention the fact that at times the trees would shift to accommodate his tossing and turning. Kelton wasn't even sure if that really happened at times, he figured it was his imagination or something, but somehow he always woke up in the branch, never near the edge and never on the ground from a fall. He dug into the bag and pulled out a few coins as well, then pulled the satchel over his shoulder, "That they are, and terribly ruthless too, it is nearly impossible to escape them at times, especially when there are so many running after you." He said test they reached the door of the tavern, "Yes, I shall hopefully be awake and functioning at that time, and if not, please wake me up, I do not want to delay us at all." Kelton felt a bit jittery, he was excited about going on this adventure, as Nova had called it. It was more of just a necessary journey for him, you could even say a closure. He just hoped that he made it out alive.
Nova set the coins on the table and picked up their bag. "I guess I will. But if I fall out of the tree– and I'm probably going to– I'm blaming that on you." They gave Kelton a lopsided smile and followed him to the exit. "They're very annoying. It's always funny, though, when one thinks they've got me because I'm small and weak, and then they find out that I'm not weak, but by then I've got something sharp against their throat. But only one. A whole pack of them is no good. At least it will be two against a thousand instead of one against a thousand." Nova knew they were talking too much, but whatever. "It will my pleasure to wake you up if you aren't when I arrive." They stepped out of the tavern and started towards their place. "See you tomorrow, Kelton!" Nova threw over their shoulder, giving him a small wave as well.
"Oh, I hope you wouldn't, I'm yet to do that yet, so I'm sure you would be fine, just balance a bit first, and I'm sure things will turn out fine." Kelton shifted the satchel, "Ah, yes they really are upsetting. I try to avoid them as much as possible, but when push comes to shove, or when I really need to defend myself, I do begin to fight. I mean one or two isn't that bad, but I do know when to run." He said his smile growing a bit, "That would be much appreciated, but I will try to be awake by the time you come by." He smiled a little, "I am a bit of a morning person. " He took a step in the opposite direction, "Tomorrow." He said waving back, then began to head towards the tree. After a few minutes or so he finally arrived. He grabbed onto one of the lower branches then began to climb up to one of the higher branches, until he found one that would suit him, "Ah, finally," he sighed as he closed his eyes, "I hope that this all goes well."
Nova smiled softly as they walked away. They still couldn't see how this Kelton guy could be dreary. Maybe it would start tomorrow, and he'd just been putting on a really good show that night. After a good 10-minute walk, they arrived at the place they'd been staying for the time being. It was a small room over a bakery, which meant they were treated to delicious bread smells in the mornings. And they always had something to eat, even if the weather was terrible outside. The stairs weren't all that great, Nova reflected as they climbed, but at least they got a nice workout. They unlocked the door and stepped inside. After locking the door again–one couldn't be too careful– they took a few steps over to their bed and flopped onto it. Before they even had time to take off their boots, they were asleep.
Nova always woke up early to get their hands on the fresh bread, and today was no exception. Though, they would be a little later than usual, since they had to pack everything they needed for the trip. Still, the sun had barely risen as they skipped down the stairs, a full backpack on their back. They paid for half a loaf with butter and some thin slices of meat– their breakfast. After giving the baker a bright smile, Nova headed out towards the tree. The town was just waking up as they made their way through the streets, taking bites of their breakfast as they went. Anyone on the streets got a friendly grin and a 'good morning'. Nova didn't get a lot of responses, but that was fine.
Kelton was still fast asleep by the time Nova got to the tree, he had stayed up a bit later then he had hoped the night before trying to think through the plan, the way they would get there and such. It was hard to think about the fact that he might not make it back, but he had a good feeling about this. Maybe it was just some people who didn't return, and that it was a load of lies that all didn't make it back. But before he could come up with any other ideas to argue with himself about, he was fast asleep. And stayed asleep until he rolled out of the branch. He felt himself falling and instinctively grabbed at a branch. Pulling himself to safety he rubbed the sleep from his eyes and saw Nova waiting down at the base of the tree, "I'll be right there!" He called down to him as he began to climb to the branch were he had left his satchel. When Kelton grabbed it he jumped down from the branch he had been standing on and onto the ground, "Good morning." He said groggily, "Are we ready to begin?"
Nova arrived at the tree and was delighted to see that Kelton was still asleep. They were just getting themself ready to climb the tree and wake him up when Kelton rolled off the branch he'd been lying on. A sharp squeak of surprise escaped their lips– were they about to watch their traveling companion fall out of a tree and break something? Thankfully, he managed to grab onto a branch and not die. "Gods, are you trying to kill me via heart attack?" Nova gasped, clutching their chest dramatically. "And good morning to you as well. You look kind of tired," They observed, shifting the pack on their back. "Yeah, unless you want to get some stuff here before heading out. Also, you're going to be in charge of the maps. I'll be in charge of the butterflies, etc." Nova fluttered their fingers at a nearby butterfly, then looked at Kelton as if they'd explained something intricate and important.
Kelton groaned inwardly, he was already regretting saying yes to working with this person, "I fell out of the tree, nothing more nothing less, no need to have a heart attack over me, you barely even know me. If I had a heart whenever I saw anyone put themself in a dangerous situation I'd be long dead by now," he said snidely. "Yes, I am tired, I didn't sleep much last night, but I'll be fine, I'll wake up when we start walking." He ran his fingers through his hair trying to smooth it out, "I think we are good to go, you seem to have enough with you, and I have what we need, and we need to get along before the sun reaches the highest point. Then, it'll be to hot, and from what I can tell, we won't be near a forest at that point." He re-adjusted his satchel a bit grumpily and sheathed his broadsword, I am fine with taking care of the maps, but you will need to do more than just watch butterflies, alright?" He groaned again, Nova was very interesting indeed, he just hoped that he could get along with them.
"Yeah, but it was unexpected. If I knew you were going to fall out of a tree, it wouldn't have almost had a heart attack. I just walked up and you were falling." Nova shrugged, noting that Kelton was starting in on being a dreary person already. And so early in the morning, too! "Alright, perfect. Good thinking. Heat is not fun. Is there a river or lake near there, though? We could dunk our heads in or something." They tried to think about the path they'd drawn out the night before, but without a map, it was useless. "Well, obviously. I'll also watch out for bandits, other adventurers, cool views, dangerous terrain, and monsters!" Nova spread their arms wide, grinning widely at Kelton. They would drive away his bad mood with smiles and sunshine. That might also make it even worse, but they were willing to try. "Lead the way, Mr. Map Man!"
"I guess that makes sense," Kelton muttered as he began to walk. He pulled the map he felt would lead them the best and began to follow it the best he could while nodding along to what Nova was saying, "I think that there ought to be a river or stream in the middle of this." He pointed at the spot on the map for extra effect, "Forest, I haven't been in there before, but I'm sure it won't be too bad. In fact, if we could take a path or two through the forests that would be quite nice, and then we would have shade from the midday heat. In fact I think that would do nicely." He grew engrossed into the map not really paying attention again to Nova, until they began to mention parts of the adventure, "I. . .err. . sure, you do that, I'm sure that the adventure would be more enjoyable for you when you get to battle other creatures and beings, I'm not too sure if I will enjoy that myself, but it's your life, you make your decisions." He shook his head a bit, trying not to crack a smile when Nova called him Mr. Map Man, "Alright, well, then you must be the Leader of Butterflies, hhm?" Okay. . .so he could have come up with something wittier.
"Ooh, wonderful! I hope it's not a slow river filled with weeds, though." Nova frowned. "Those kinds of rivers are not fun. Especially if they're not that clear, 'cause then there could be anything hiding under there, waiting for someone unexpecting to dunk their head in." They shook their head solemnly, then glanced at the place where Kelton was pointing. "Yes, let's try the forest! There are more hidden dangers, but more shade! I'd say that's a pretty good trade-off." Nova's head tilted to the side. "Well, it's not more enjoyable when I'm fighting things, but it does add a certain spice. But just walking is nice, too." They laughed when he called them the Leader of Butterflies. "Ha, I guess. Though I don't think butterflies follow anyone. They're free spirits." Another butterfly fluttered by and Nova grinned. So far, this adventure was turning out very nice. Then again, they'd both only been walking for about five minutes, maybe, so it wasn't a really good indicator. They hoped that it would stay like this, though. It was hard to go on an adventure with someone boring, though they could do it.
"I would hope not, that would be so boring, and if it is one of those we could always go search for another? Right? I do not think that it would be a hard thing to do, we could always find the source too?" Kelton tried to cheer up a little bit, and be a little bit less rough and rude to Nova, sure he wasn't the nicest person in the world, but he needed to at least seem decent, "I get very tense when I fight anything, but I do enjoy fighting something, it gives you a sense of accomplishment whenever you defeat another creature?" He finally smiled a little and Nova when he began to speak of the butterflies, "I would think that they would be that way, although they are beautiful creatures, I feel like they are just like a symbol of hope, or just something really nice to see, I don't know, I think I might just be weird."
(Short, I know, sowy)
(You're good!)
"Yes! We will take a small side quest to find the best river if that's what it takes!" Nova exclaimed, looking excited at the prospect. Rivers had a certain magic about them, especially if they were clear and had delightful rocks and running water. Nova could probably go on and on about the (figurative) magic in a river or stream, but it wasn't the time for that. "Yeah. It's even better if that creature underestimates you. I love the look on their face when they realize the short person beat them up easily." Their smile was a little wicked, but mostly just bright. Their facial expressions usually leaned towards happy and joyful, though mischievous expressions sometimes crossed their features. "Aren't they? All the colors they come in… so pretty." Nova heaved a satisfied sigh, the look on their face slightly dreamy. "Hope… does that mean I'm a symbol of hope? 'Cause I'm their leader, right?" They skipped a few steps, hair bouncing slightly. "Anytime you need hope, ask me. I'm the hope person." Nova winked at Kelton and took a deep breath of the fresh morning air, feeling very satisfied. Kelton had smiled a bit, they were talking about butterflies, and they probably wouldn't be baked in the sun when midday arrived. And no one had attacked them yet. All in all, good.
Kelton tried to hold in a chuckle as Nova spoke, sure he might not be in the best mood at the moment, but he must admit the man was funny, oh so funny. "Why not just forget about the castle completely and just go searching for the perfect river, what do you think of that?" He was joking the castle was much more important, but that could definitely be something fun to do, and something quite interesting, "Their colors are pretty, I guess, but they just mean a bit more to me than that. Of course, of course, I will always come to you if I need hope, does that sound good to you? And why they give me hope or make me feel hopeful is because my mother loved them. They were my mother's favorite creature, she always looked out for them, then would try to attract them, although that never really worked. She was just that kind of person, she loved to be out and as she loved to put it, one with nature. I never really did understand that, but that was her." This might be a nice journey if he could stop talking about his family, and be a bit nice to Nova.
"Forget the castle? What about the gold?" Nova laughed. "But afterward… I will use most or all the treasure from the castle to find the perfect river. You may or may not be invited– it depends on how good you are at finding a good river right now." They shrugged, smirking at Kelton. "So, do your best, or you may not be invited on Nova's Most Interesting Adventure For Rivers Ever." They skipped another few steps, spinning in a small circle before resuming their normal gait. "Wonderful! I will do my best." Nova listened to Kelton's story about butterflies and his mother. At least one of them had had a nice relationship with their mother. "That's nice! She sounds wonderful," was all they could come up with. Kelton's mother did sound nice, but they didn't know what else to say. It wasn't like they could compare stories on mothers. Well, they could, they just really didn't want to. To make up for the (in their opinion) sad answer, Nova spun in another circle.
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