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alittlesmall) wrote2019-05-01 10:29 pm
alittlesmall) wrote2019-05-01 10:29 pm
salutations (ft. nowi)
[ The march across Plagia has been an arduous one. The intense desert heat and humidity dampened the soldiers' determination to see through their mission. Yet despite the exhaustion looming over them and the growing anxiety about rescuing the Exalt in time, the Shepherds tried to keep each other's morale high.
Ricken could see their efforts unfold as the army built camp for the night. There was an unexpected battle today as well, but the men and women were energetically moving about, tending to the wounded or unloading the necessary supplies for the camp. He suppose the lively atmosphere was also thanks the two new addition to the army: an grisly but experienced mercenary and a young girl who could turn into a dragon. Ricken only saw them fight from afar as he was traveling to a nearby town as per Robin's orders, but both of them seemed capable in their own ways. The girl especially looked super tough when she was in her dragon form.
So imagine his surprise when he finds that same girl sitting by herself, her shoulders hunched together. The lighting's especially dim in this part of the camp, so he can't tell what kind of expression she has on. For all he knows, she could just be tired from today's battle and is simply resting. But there was that slime chance she might be injured. For better or worse, he has never been too shy to offer help, so he fixes the basket full of clean linen in his arms and walks up to her, the gravel crunching underneath his feet as he approaches her. ]
Hey! Uh ... [ Oh right, he doesn't know her name yet. ] You're not hurt, are you?
[ He's learning basic first aid from Maribelle. If she really is hurt, he could probably do the bare minimum. If not ... well, he'll think about it then! ]
Ricken could see their efforts unfold as the army built camp for the night. There was an unexpected battle today as well, but the men and women were energetically moving about, tending to the wounded or unloading the necessary supplies for the camp. He suppose the lively atmosphere was also thanks the two new addition to the army: an grisly but experienced mercenary and a young girl who could turn into a dragon. Ricken only saw them fight from afar as he was traveling to a nearby town as per Robin's orders, but both of them seemed capable in their own ways. The girl especially looked super tough when she was in her dragon form.
So imagine his surprise when he finds that same girl sitting by herself, her shoulders hunched together. The lighting's especially dim in this part of the camp, so he can't tell what kind of expression she has on. For all he knows, she could just be tired from today's battle and is simply resting. But there was that slime chance she might be injured. For better or worse, he has never been too shy to offer help, so he fixes the basket full of clean linen in his arms and walks up to her, the gravel crunching underneath his feet as he approaches her. ]
Hey! Uh ... [ Oh right, he doesn't know her name yet. ] You're not hurt, are you?
[ He's learning basic first aid from Maribelle. If she really is hurt, he could probably do the bare minimum. If not ... well, he'll think about it then! ]
no subject
(And maybe she'll think a bit about how strange her life has become, and be a tiny bit overwhelmed by how big a change this is. It's not bad, but it's certainly a big change.)
She glances up when she hears someone speaking to her, and she manages a tired smile at the guy.]
Oh, hi! I didn't mean to worry you, I'm not hurt!
[She holds out her arms and then stretches them overhead as if this will somehow prove that she's uninjured.]
There was just a looot of work to do today, so I'm a little tired!
Oh! [She starts, as if something just occurred to her.] I'm Nowi! I don't think I got your name?
no subject
An awkward bashfulness creeps around him now that he knows the truth, but the trace of relief in his voice is harder to mask as he squares his shoulders. ]
Geez, you sure gave me a fright, Nowi ... [ But at least now he doesn't have to practice his rudimentary first aid on her? That's one good thing that came out of this. ]
Oh, my name is Ricken. I am one of the mages here. Nice to meet you, I guess?
no subject
[She pumps her fists a bit before settling, like that alone proves how tough she is. Without seeing her dragon form, it's understandable for people to think she's fragile, but by now she's sure most of the army knows about that. It's not every day you run into a girl who can turn into a dragon.]
Yeah, nice to meet you! It was really nice for you to stop by to check on me!
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[ Ricken will concede that. Her arm may be scrawny like his, but she could blow away a fully-armored man with her breath alone as a dragon. Every soldiers who fought in today's front line can attest to that probably. He averts his eyes as he continues on, watching nothing in particular on Nowi's left. ]
But I mean, fitting in an army as a new recruit is difficult, you know? Sometimes, you hide wounds you shouldn't because you don't want to be a bother.
[ At least, that's how it was like for him. Still, Nowi seems like the cheerful, outgoing type. She doesn't seem like someone who would hide injuries like some idiot he knows. He should quip in before she gets the wrong idea. ]
Not that I am saying you are! You sound fine so ... I'm glad! By the way, you don't need to thank me. We Shepherds look after our own, after all.
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[Honestly, she can't imagine trying to hide an injury. If she was in pain, she'd let everyone know just because she can't keep her mouth shut. But that... hmm. Maybe she could see that.
Thankfully Ricken doesn't think that's what she's doing, and she nods at his words.]
I'm really glad! You guys seem nice; I'm glad I'm coming with you! I've never been part of an army before, though. This is all pretty new to me!
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[ So it would make sense that she wouldn't have joined an army before, right? Even in a war-torn era like this one, people wouldn't be sending kids out to fight will-nilly. (Never mind how he himself looks like a child- he's of-age so it doesn't count) ]
If you're having trouble with something, feel free to ask me! [ There is a small but prideful smile as he fixes the basket in his arms yet again. ] I haven't been here that long, but I pretty much know everything that goes around here.
[ Pretty much because he tries to chronicle everything - from battles to regular marches to routine training. As Chrom's aspiring adviser, it's the least he can do. But well, apparently, he doesn't know EVERYTHING. Or he would've known about Nowi's real age. ]
no subject
[She puffs out her chest at that, like she's very proud of it. Nowi settles easily after that though, and nods at Ricken's words.]
It's really nice of you to offer! I'll be sure to take you up on it if I need help with stuff!
[Which she might, she might be old but she's not used to being a part of a group like this. Not that she's complaining, of course!]
1/2
[ There is a long pause as Ricken's smile slowly fades into a dumbstruck expression. He just heard that correctly, right? About her age? His ears aren't playing tricks on him?? ]
Wait. D-Did you just say ...
2/2
[ In hindsight, it makes sense that someone who can turn into a dragon of all things has some ~ mysterious ~ pedigree. But at the same time, thousand years are no joking matter! He finally drops the heavy basket on the ground and squats down in front of Nowi, the brim of his large hat flapping at his movement. His expression is still full of shock but his eyes are shining with wonder too. ]
But how ... when ... ? [ In the end, he furrows his brows childishly. ] You're not pulling my leg, right?