Of Horse and Men

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Eleanora was desperate for a job. It had been a few months since her last gig - helping an excavation team find some hidden artifacts of the Kwa species. Sure, she had plenty of credits saved up from all the gigs she had over the past several years. In either case, she didn't like going through her credits as fast as she was.

As such, she found out a small Chironian settlement on the grassy planet Maridum. They had sent a request out weeks, if not months, beforehand due to a raider problem. A large group of raiders had made their home near the Chiron settlement and would raid their farmlands & some of the products they created for export into other towns and cities, and even off planet.

Eleanora chose to take the small contract. It would put meals on the table, plus a relatively nice area to stay in. Once she could track down the raiders, she'd collect the full bounty & hopefully more opportunities would arise for her in her usual profession.

If not, at least she might could drag this contract out some. Maybe not quiet find the raiders, but beat them enough that they rarely attack. Maybe that'd work.

In either case, her hooves stamped on the ground a little nervously as she waited for the Chief of the village to meet her. She may not be the only one he hired, after all.

 

[Cal Bridger]

As Cal walked from his shop onto the grassy plains of the planet he couldn't help but wonder why he was there. He had gotten a distress signal coming from this planet. It seemed extremely urgent and Cal, being a force user could not turn down a call for help. No matter how inconvenient it was to his journey. He grabbed his staff and strapped the antique lightsaber to his belt. Looking ahead he saw villagers gathered together. "That must be where the signal is coming from." He said walking towards the gathering

As he walked he noticed that the people looked different. They were taller? And.. what? They had not legs, but the body of a four legged creature. Cal gasped as he walked towards the gathering. Suddenly he heard a galloping towards him. One of these natives pointed a large rifle towards him finger on the trigger. "What business do you have here?" The alien asked boldly. "My name is Cal Bridger.. I.. I got your distress signal" He said backing up. The man slung the weapon over his back. "Come with me."

Cal followed the man through the crowd of these aliens. He had never seen anything like them before. As he walked he couldn't help but feel small. The people towered over him. Suddenly he was in the center of the gathering. Beside him was another one of the aliens. Cal blushed as he looked upon her. She was.. beautiful. Her upper half was extremely fit, she had a broad face and bright eyes. Cal stumbled as he spoke. "Hello.. there. Nice to meet you."
[member="Eleanora Nolath"]

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

There was another one, at least so the Chironians were saying. She had been here first, but a couple of them mentioned that they had saw another one walking towards the camp. Presumably, a human or at least bipedal - not 4 legged, like the villagers. Eleanora nervously moved her hooves back and forth as a crowd began to form. She really wished she had brought her Holo device, she could be streaming the latest music and movies while waiting. Hopefully, they'd have the other man and her work together - and not just choose one or the other. It'd suck to have spent the money to get out here.

She watched as the human came next to her. She saw his lightsaber attached to his belt. She perked a brow, wondering where he fell on the Force's spectrum - light, dark, or neither? He was a handsome guy, at least. Very pretty mix-matched eyes. His nervous smile was infectious and she gave him a warm, welcoming smile back. She took a few steps back, to give him some space as she listened to him introduce himself. He was a cutie.

"I'm Eleanora," she reached a hand out to shake his, "It's nice to meet you, too. You got the distress call?"

A few moments later, the Chief exited the building - he was a larger than most Chironian, prepared, his horns long and sharp. "We have asked you here to help us. They're raiders somewhere around us that keep raiding us - taking our food, our resources, and our products. The latest one they killed one of our own, a youngling. We need help to at least get them away from us. We do not have much, but we can award each of you 5,000 credits if you can take out their camp, wherever they are... They're using hovercraft to get to us, so I'm not sure if they're close. We'll give you 50 per head, until then." He made his terms clear, wondering if they'd accept. The village truly couldn't afford much more.

Eleanora nodded, making it known that she accepted the conditions. Now, it was to see if he would do the same. Who knows, maybe they'd make a good team.

@Cal Bridger

 

[Cal Bridger]

He smiled warmly at the woman and shook her hand. "Cal Bridger. Nice to meet you. I got the distress call ju-" He was about to explain his arrival when a large four-legged alien stepped out. All of the natives around him bowed low to the ground, some of them touching the ground with their arms. He looked over to Eleanora, she was bowing, so Cal did the same. The chief's shoulders were broad and his body was were large, even the animal side. He came and left in what seemed like an instant. He came, gave us his terms and left without saying something. It was strange. How he demanded the heads of the bandits. It didn't seem like the honorable thing to do, and from what Cal could determine from this culture it seemed based on honor and respect. Of course Cal was not going to cut off the heads of the bandits, he was even contemplating whether or not he would take the credits.. "I don't know.. 5000 could be something good to have on demand.." He thought to himself.

That is when he looked [member="Eleanora Nolath"]. She seemed to be in deep thought. Cal decided to break the silence. "So um.. what is our next move?"

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

The group of villagers mostly dispersed at this point. They had their lives to go live, work, family duties and so forth. A few of the kids stayed back, watching the human and Eleanora - although, more so the human. He was a curiosity to their young eyes. There was other colonies of species on the planet, but this was a fairly remote village that had been settled. Eleanora didn't know their story - at least, not yet.

After the chief left, it was assumed they would take the deal or leave. She was going to take the deal but was unsure of Cal was going to or not. He snapped her out of her thoughts for a moment and nodded, "Come with me, we can strategize in the inn. I have some ideas, but since we're working together, let's bounce them off each others head." She pointed towards what looked like a small (for a Chironian, anyways) inn. It was mainly used for merchants and such, but she had already arranged free room and board for herself - he'd have to sleep in her room, but otherwise, he could sleep there for free too.

Once inside, she moved her legs so she could sit down. "So, the villagers aren't sure where the base is but they seem to come in from the NorthEast, where most of the crops are. It seems like the big thing they want to get is food." She gave the kid a smile, "You can call me Ele, by the way."

@Cal Bridger

 

[Cal Bridger]

She motioned towards the inn and Cal looked over. It was a strange looking building with a interesting building patterns. The way to describe it best would be to say "large" There was a sign that hung from a long pillar that had symbols that Cal didn't recognize. Most likely the native language. She looked up at his half and half companion and they walked towards the Inn.

Once inside they found a place to sit down. Cal wondered if there were any drinks or food that they served. He hadn't eaten in a while and he suspected that this set back would take a while. She looked up at the pretty woman as she began to explain details.

"Well Ele, if they are coming from that direction perhaps that would be a good place to start." He looked outside the window they sat beside and saw that it was getting late. The sun was already setting and he was unfamiliar with the planet. He looked back at her and smiled. "Tomorrow we should interview the farmers, to see if they know anything else." He smiled at her. His mind began to wonder for a moment. "Why would bandits take only food? These people have a currency." He whispered quietly to himself.

That is when he realized that whatever currency he had was no good here. "Um Ele? I.. don't have a room here.. perhaps.. I we could share?" It seemed awkward that he was asking to sleep in her room. His mind rushed with thoughts of what might happen. "Um.. accualy I will bunk in my ship. Tomorrow meet me back here and we will head out to the farms." He said that and quickly left the room. Out in the darkness he scolded himself for saying such a dumb thing.
[member="Eleanora Nolath"]

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

The Inn didn't have a lot of people in it - Eleanora wasn't entirely sure why. Could be a bad season for the village. Could be that rumors of the raiders got out. Lots of different possibilities of why it wasn't that busy. Most likely it was just due to it not being a caravan run.

She nodded her agreement, "Yes, I imagine it would be the best course of action. Hopefully, we'll find some clues. Maybe even see a couple of the bastards." She winked playfully, ready to bash some heads in. She perked a brow at him whispering, but was not able to exactly make out what he said. As such, she fiddled with her fingers as they both thought.

She smiled, blushed only slightly, and began to speak: "Oh? Yeah, you ca--" Or not... He was already running out the room. He was a confusing & funny guy. In either case, she had a very light supper and went to bed. They had a big day, anyways.

The following morning she was already outside, having gotten ready earlier in the morning. Her hair still wet, but tied in a messy bun as she waited for him. She had bought him breakfast, in case he hadn't eaten. Plus, she packed some lunches for them and put it in a backpack that she has on the sides of equine side. She was a little nervous to see him again, especially after the weird exchange they had as he left.

 

[Cal Bridger]

He opened his day with a prayer to the force. The way he was taught. Becoming a priest in his religion it gave him many responsibilities, and although he had left the order to find the disturbances in the force he knew that he still had to follow his duties. He prayed for guidance and strength. And that the hostility of the people he could possibly kill today would subside and that he would not have to take there lives. He stood from his prayer and attached his lightsaber to his belt. He looked over at his staff. "I am going to leave you here friend." He said walking out of the ship.

Walking outside he felt the cold morning air brush against his face. The smell of dew filled his lungs and he walked forwards to the village. In the distance he could see Ele recognizing her by her red hair. His stomach shifted as he thought of her. He had just met her and yet he still felt feelings towards her. She was pretty. "Ahh. How would that even work?" He thought to himself as he controlled his mind and feelings.

"Good morning." He said walking up to her. In her hand she held some sort of bag. She smiled at him and he smiled back. "Are you ready?" he asked gesturing in direction of the farms.
[member="Eleanora Nolath"]

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Eleanora picked her axe into her hand, switching it between hands. She needed to get ready for the possible conflict that would be occurring today. They may have guns and such, which she'd have to be able to dodge and get around. They were surprisingly easy to dodge when she was in a gallop, most likely due to her speed. It just made it hard to get a shot on her. Or maybe she was just lucky. Oh well.

She sighed as she stared at the axe, remembering all the faces that had lost their lives due to it. She hated killing people. And she had killed plenty. It never felt good, even if she was the good guy and they were the "bad" guy. Everyone had a family they were trying to feed, everyone had a sob story. Maybe one day she could finish school and solely be the excavator - no more mercenary work no more guard duty. That'd be a dream come true.

Her mind shifted back when she heard a voice say good morning - Cal had arrived. She smiled as he walked up. "Breakfast?" She asked, offering the food to him. Maybe he had already ate or not, but it never hurt to offer. "I also got us some lunches packed," she patted one of the backpacks on her side. She nodded, "I'm ready too - want to ride or walk?" She asked with a grin. It'd been a long time since she let someone ride on her. It was always a weird, interesting feeling. He didn't seem heavy, so she really didn't mind.

 

[Cal Bridger]

She offered him some food and he excepted. He had to eat some of the rations he had on his ship last night. She handed the bag to him and he opened it up. There was a slice of cheese and a small loaf of bread. "Thank you." he said bowing to her. He shoved the cheese into his mouth and the bitter yet succulent flavor went through his mouth. He liked it. He smiled and looked up at the woman. Her hair was still wet, he noticed a drop of water slowly fall down the side of her head and down her back. He wondered how this race of people washed themselves. He blushed thinking of what it would look like if Ele was.. bathing.

He snapped out of it when she offered him to ride on her back instead of walk. He blushed once more and tired his best to cover his face. "I'll take a ride." He said in a laughing tone. "That is if.. you are really okay with it?" He said walking towards her. She nodded and knelt down. He felt his face go hot as he lifted his leg over her and sat down. It was strange to him that it was attached to her. She stood up and Cal rose in the air. He laughed as she began to walk forwards. To steady himself he grabbed onto the sides of her waste. They were exposed and strangely warm. All she wore was a strap over her large chest. He moved his hands and wrapped them over her stomach, the soft feeling over her skin made Cal blush. Luckily she couldn't see him.
[member="Eleanora Nolath"]

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

It wasn't every day she'd let someone ride her. Or really, ever. It'd only happened a few time. Really, the only sentient being that ever rode her was her favorite Cor kitty. They made a strange duo, truthfully. The woman-horse and the cat.

In either case, Cal seemed nice, maybe a little naive to the world, but it was a good naive. She was hardened by now - from the situation with her parents, to killing people, and everything else that had gone on. Probably what she'd be doing later this day, too. She nodded, noting the blush that covered his face, "I don't mind."

Once he was safely on her equine part, he wrapped his arms around her waist. She then took off in a small gallop, wondering how the guy felt about riding a sentient person. Probably different, at the least. It was a few minutes later that they stopped at one of the first farm houses - a relatively ran down looking place, with several Chironians hanging around. There seemed to be a large family there. "Hello," she'd say as she came up to a stop near their home. "We're investigating the raider disturbances going on around here - care if we ask a few questions?"

Hopefully, they knew basic. Most Chironians did.

 

[Cal Bridger]

As they arrived at the house Cal let go of the woman's waist and slid off the side. It was amazing how small he felt here. Every being seemed to tower over him by feet. He stumbled as he landed on the hard wooden floor. In the farm house there were seven Chironians just standing about. It seemed strange, until Cal noted the looks on there faces. Cal walked up closer and let out a gasp. On the floor was a small female Chironian child laying a pool of their own crimson blood. The family around them had faces stained with tears.

"What happened here?" Cal asked expecting he knew the answer. "The... raiders.. came here.. they never come during the day. She screamed.. by the time.." The woman cut herself off as she leaned on a taller male sobbing. The male brushed her back and looked at Cal "This was our daughter. She was feeding the heard when we heard a scream." He said somberly "Can you tell us which way they went sir?" He asked making sure to be respectful. "They came from that way, only just a few minutes ago." He pointed North East, Cal looked towards his companion and back at the family. He bowed low to them. "We will find the people who have done this and make sure justice is met. If you would.. I could offer a prayer for your daughter?" He said. The man looked shocked for a second then nodded his head.

Ca knelt down beside the body of the woman making sure to stay out of the pool of blood. He close his eyes and outstretched his hands. In an the old language he muttered a few words. Translated it would be. "May you find rest, and peace in your new life." As he finished he began to focus on the energy around the wound. He melded it together and stopped the bleeding. He stood up and once again bowed to the family.

He ran towards his companion and hoped on her back. "We can catch them if we hurry!" He called out as they left the stables.
[member="Eleanora Nolath"]

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Eleanora couldn't believe what she saw as she entered into the farm house. Immediately her blood ran hot, a serious and pained expression showing up. She felt angry, she felt sad, she felt so many things. She didn't feel as bad as taking the raiders out, now. Sure, they had families - but they were ruining others.

She frowned as she listened and noted where the man pointed. North East - it would get hilly, mountainous. Not too big, but it would slow their travel down. Maybe half a day ride to get into the mountain. Then, it'd depend on where the raiders were actually located. As she contemplated their next move, she perked a brow as Cal asked to say a prayer for the daughter. She had the same expression as the father, did. Definitely a light sided Jedi, for sure. That made her relax a little bit. They didn't have to worry about some evil crap coming from him.

She closed her eyes as he said his prayer, her head bowed. The family seemed more at rest, seeing her daughter although passed away, at least healed.

She nodded as he jumped onto her back and she took off into a quick gallop towards the North East. "It's sweet, what you did back there for them." She smiled over her shoulder, her breath only slightly delayed. It wasn't because she was out of stamina - it was simply instinct to ensure she had enough air coming into her lungs.