awkwarddingo

The End of the World on an X

Solomon got a bit flustered from the attention the two gave him. Given what the two were saying, he was still unsure whether this was a blessing or a curse. And then they mentioned him being trained to shoot.

He looked at them both, surprised. "You mean with a bow and arrows? I've never been keen on them. I prefer my staff... but if it will make you two happy, I could learn." Solomon then had an idea, and laughed at its stupidity, but it wasn't something he should keep silent. "Do you think that our enemies would just drop their weapons, turn tail, and retreat if they saw that I had the mark." He said, chuckling at the absurdity of it.

The End of the World on an X

Should mention that I would like some review of my recent posts as well. I don't have a singular thing to ask for critiquing on, just whatever you think should be mentioned.

The End of the World on an X

Solomon chuckled and took the hand out of courtesy, letting himself be led in to the bowl. "Why thank you." He nodded politely. When he was inside the bowl, he did as the girls did and made himself comfortable, sitting down. He laid his staff down next to him and leaned back.

Solomon had never been on the run before. He was never chased. Ambushed, all the time, but never chased, forced to hide as he was now. His colorless robes did not do much to camouflage him inside the rocky area, and whatever colors he did have, being a grey-blue, only made him more visible. He never liked taking routes through wilderness, though he was no stranger to them. He preferred roads where disguises mattered and camouflage was never considered. He looked down at his robes. It seemed like all the turmoil did have the perk of dirtying his outfit. Mud and blood everywhere, leaving stains that will linger forever.

After getting comfortable, he took the wraps off the mark given to him by Durvain and observed it. In spite of everything, most of his thoughts, other than the well being of Rose and Amalthea, were on this mark. Does this mark given to him at what he assumed was random entitle him to the fate of a hero, a vanquisher of all evil? What was this evil he would face? The Fellmorans? He didn't like the idea a whole nation would have evil intentions? possibly just a portion of them. What would others think of this mark?

Speaking of, he glanced at the two. "Rose, Thea?" He started, then showed them the mark. "I just... I know what this is but-" He sighed, unable to find proper words. There was a lot he wanted to say. Asking questions, getting answers. Those had been a driving point for the last few hours, once the safety of the two was assured for a time. He also felt like their protector. He couldn't afford to be vocally curious if it meant showing his cluelessness, or worse, weakness. "What do you think others would say about this thing?"

The End of the World on an X

First point: I don't mind the length of posts as long as it isn't fluffed artificially. What I mean to say is that you aren't bringing yourself to write a long post. I don't care much for a required post size. Always saw those as demanding, especially when much doesn't need to be said. And I also tend to get to the point when I write. As for reading, I could do that all day. I'm fine with that.

Second point: I liked it. At first, I was confused, but your latest post cleared all of that up. My only point there is to open with it when a new setting is introduced.

Third point: When it comes to two possible love interests, it always pays forward to make them different from one another. You've been doing a good job of that. Don't beat yourself up if they actually agree on something. It would be rare, but it happens. Speech patterns should not matter too much, though I imagine Rose paying incredible intention to what words she uses while Amalthea, as you said, is more blunt with being vocal about her thoughts. As for mannerisms, all I can really say this early on is that Rose really does like prostrating.

Fourth point: I saw it as funny, Solomon would too.

The End of the World on an X

Solomon nodded. "Yes, the only downside would be getting in and out." He observed "If someone were to sneak there way in the rock formation with none of us taking notice, we would be trapped." He looked back at Rose. "Let's be sure that does not happen."

And with that, Solomon began his way towards the rock formation. "Earth looks safe enough. Yes. This will make a fine campsite."

He turned back at the two girls and smiled. "Also, it is good seeing you two not at each other's throats. Let's hope we all find each other trustworthy enough to have a decent night's rest. We all need it." He said, looking down into the bowl. "Looks like a few places with pointed rocks. Will make it easier to climb out..." He remembered the busted leg Rose has -or had- and all the injuries the princess dealt with. "Do either of you need help on the descent? Tonight's happenings did a number on you both."

The End of the World on an X

Solomon did not like what he heard, with that possibility of them being watched. "We can't stay in one spot then." He realized. "Not for too long, at least. We should rest until the early morning, just as the sun is rising, if we can time it."

He sat down again, fatigue now catching up to him. "Gods, so much has happened today..." He sighed. "Amalthea, how are you holding up in all this?" He kicked himself for not asking that earlier. So much happened. The inn, his death, resurrection, the brand, waking to a burning town. He hoped she was taking it better than he was. He had gotten past denial of this whole ordeal rather quickly, but he still felt... numbed, and he hated that. He wanted to feel the loss, so that it would drive him to do something rather than being at a loss of action, with nothing to do but pass out on the grass.

The End of the World on an X

Solomon looked down at Rose, a little surprised that she would humble herself like that. He then looked at Amalthea. He understood her decision not to trust, but there was little he could bring himself to do in this matter "I wont just kill her. And we cannot just leave her" He paused and brushed back his hair again. He leaned to Amalthea to whisper. "I have as much reason not to trust her as you, but... I can't explain it, but I swear on my life and yours that she will not kill us. I will not ask you to trust her. I am humbly requesting you to trust me, though."

He leaned back and looked at Rose again. "That wasn't necessary, Rose. You don't have to bow or anything of the sort. You will have to answer some question, however. Amalthea said you had been chasing her for months. I know she's the princess, but you went to impressive lengths if you chased her for so long. And how did your people know I was involved? Were we being watched in the village? Are we being watched now?" Despite trusting Rose enough to not tie her arms and legs and hold her prisoner, he showed some skepticism towards the assassin.

The End of the World on an X

The numerous questions Solomon had about the afterlife were put on hold with Rose's last question as she stared at the night sky. He brushed his hair back and looked up at Rose. He remembered the words she spoke to him as he died. The apology and the promise of bringing him back once she had the power to. He wondered if she made that promise to many others. He stood up and faced those emerald green eyes of hers.

"You can come with us." He finally offered. "I do not exactly know what our next move is for the morning, but we will be facing a long, dangerous road. I am not saying I can offer you redemption or penance for everything you have done. All I can give right now is a choice for you. And no. I don't think you'll backstab us. Travel with us, or go your own way."

Solomon had walked many roads in his lifetime, mostly that of a more literal nature. There were times, though, where he was given the same exact choice he gave to Rose. He saw those choices as blessings, not necessarily an easy way out, but a virtuous one. She at least deserved that, if nothing else, he thought

The End of the World on an X

Solomon listened to every word intently. His eyes widened when he heard grey lady, but stayed quiet until she was finished. "And yet here you are, talking to a man you just murdered in a casual conversation. There is some chance of going back." He reassured her. It sounded like he spoke from experience, but didn't expand upon it further, instead, he took a deep breath. He seemed to be thinking of not what to say, but how to say it.

I guess the two would see it eventually.

"So, about the Grey Lady. She came here and brought me back from the abyss, and she gave me this mark as well." He showed the two the mark on his hand. He knew exactly what it was. Everyone did. Even then, he didn't show it like he was showing off, but like some embarrassing birthmark. As soon as he showed it, he sighed and went back to previous sitting position, wrapping some fabric that was ripped from his robes around his right hand, covering the mark.

"I'm not exactly an animal that had been dead for days, but it's still rather impressive, I guess." He shrugged, half joking.

The End of the World on an X

Solomon nodded. "Right. Let me just put you down." Solomon let Rose on the ground gently. He sat down a few feet in front of her and looked off towards the village. he fires burning in the distance made the air feel warm, and there was enough light to see quite a distance into the dark woods. Do we even need a campire...? he thought. He then looked at Amalthea.

The girl that started all this, spun his life out of control, may have been the reason many have died. No. He shook the thought from his head. This was not her fault. "Amalthea, we could at least make our guest comfortable before we talk about execution." He stated, looking at Rose now.

The Fellmoran assassin. The last thing he saw before his death were her emerald eyes, the picture of them looking into his own eyes as a dagger rested into his heart. "While you heal yourself, I believe you can talk. With that said, explain yourself. Your name, your affiliation, everything you possibly can. Please." He sounded tired, sweat wetting the dirt on his face, his cloak stained with blood. His own blood. He couldn't feel a single bit of it. The numbness was all there is at the moment.