A March in No Direction

[Soleil]

Not a few seconds after the old man had finished speaking, Mountain went into a small frenzy. He began to buck and shout, if horses could shout. Soleil grabbed the reins of the beast, and yanked them down hard. He whispered, "Calm boy, calm," into the beast's ear. He looked up at the old man, impressed he'd stayed on the animal. "I'm very sorry about that, he's usually very calm when new people begin to ride him. I assure you, it won't happen again." He patted the horse on its neck, it might have calmed down, but its eyes made it look on edge. He lifted the reins, that were still in his hands, and looked up at the old man. "You won't have to do much my friend, tomorrow morning I can send out scouts to look for anyone who's heard the name... I'm sorry I don't believe you've introduced yourself." Usually he wouldn't use his power to help just any stranger when those scouts could be truly needed at any moment. Usually, Soleil didn't feel this empty or bored.

Belade had admitted she didn't want to ride a horse. Soleil had assumed that, on account of her proud nature. He looked at heras he spoke, and said, "It's no trouble at all my lady." he began to lead the horse that carried the old man out of the forest.

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It had been dark for about twenty minutes when he first saw his home. There was a large iron gate, lit on either side by large torches. It was closed as they trotted up, but by the time they actually reached it, it was high enough to pass through, the lookouts immediately recognizing the son of their lord. He said to his companions, "Welcome to Unar Manor." The horses trotted down the lit, stone path through the garden, while he and Hetman walked. He looked up at the small castle in front of him. Columns so big he couldn't put his arms around them, Gargoyles on the roof top. Arches and bends everywhere in the face of the wall. Truly a sight to behold.

[Caelduin Odintongue]

Almost as soon as he had righted himself on the horse's back, the beast seemed to sense that Cael was more than he appeared to be and immediately began an attempt to throw his new rider from his back. The dragon' instincts kicked in before his mind could catch up and he dropped the old man act for a moment, clinging to the saddle for dear life. Soleil rushed to his aid and calmed the horse, giving him just enough time to resume the charade and look noticeably shaken. As far as he could tell, the nobleman hadn't noticed and was simply glad to see that the horse had not bucked his rider. Caelduin summoned his best smile, and chuckled as if the horse hadn't just tried to kill him. "Think nothing of it," he replied warmly, "I've never had away with animals and it seems your horse is no different. Neither of us appear to be harmed, which is fortunate. These old bones are rather frail, I'm afraid." Soleil then reminded him that he had not introduced himself. The dragon nearly told him his real name, then realized it was probably best to hold onto that information for the time being. He quickly though up a fake name and replied, "My name is Khal Derren. I'm a merchant of sorts, though trade has been rather difficult lately. As for my relative, his name escapes me currently, but, perhaps after a decent meal, my memory will be a bit clearer." With that, they began their slow journey towards Soleil's manor.

They ride, though longer than Cael would have preferred, continued without further incident. Before long, they arrived at a manor that even he was impressed with. He had to admit, this day was turning out much better than he had ever expected. He had set out searching for a relative that would probably not even house him and instead, had found a human noble who opened his doors to him without further thought. And judging by the size and grandeur of the estate, Caelduin could tell that Soleil commanded a least a fair bit of power. Perhaps things were finally turning around for him.