Post by Cendra on Aug 1, 2013 14:23:41 GMT -5
"I'm Telrien Wallen. I try to stay under the radar of anyone big, but it just so happens I'm a bit low on funds right now." - Telrien (Rainbow, Shortbow, Mindblown)
Specs[/size]
Name: Telrien A. Wallen (Tel for short.)
Age: 23
Weight: 150 lb.
Height: 5'7"
Eye Color: Dark Green
Hair: Dirty Blond, Straight
Skills: Telrien is not a power, however, she is very adept in archery and has a great love for chemistry and other sciences as well. These things together are part of what makes her unique, allowing her to make many different types of bows and arrows. Tel has also taken lessons in acrobatics to improve her balance and agility, but finds more enjoyment in aerial arts. And finally, last, but not least, sleight of hand and lock picking are an essential part of Telrien's skill set.
Bio: Telrien was born and raised in Ã…ndalsnes, Norway, a small town on the Romsdalsfjorden, where she learned the basics of many of her current skills. As a mischievous child, Telrien was caught pickpocketing a tourist by a young con artist passing through. Seeing some potential in her, the young man decided to teach her a few tricks of the trade. Telrien's questionably less destructive skills, but by far her favorites, were honed at her father's custom archery shop where she learned how to craft different bows, arrows and safety gear. It was a hobby that she and her father, Eric, enjoyed together. After the death of her mother and the decline in her father's health, Tel decided it was time for a change and began to put her theft and archery to work. It wasn't long before she started taking more risky jobs that took her away from home.
RP Time Line[/size]
Telrien has appeared in two RPs so far. Their names and links can be found below.
Rainbow, Shortbow, Mindblown (Bows)
Luxury Train Ride (LTR)
Summary: "Rainbow, Shortbow, Mindblown" begins with Telrien rather giddy about a side mission of her own involving a mysterious blue liquid. It isn't long before she finds herself in a bit of trouble and is easily recruited by Nopcsa and Garth for what she hoped would be a quick side job. Their mission to get their hands on a phurbu in the possession of a lama, at first seemingly easy, takes a turn for the worse when Nopcsa disregards Telrien's warnings about the sleeping lama and takes a more direct approach. The RP currently leaves off with them fighting for their lives and the artifact.
Author Comments: It's definitely been fun developing Telrien from an "ordinary" albeit cheeky, pickpocket into the, still cheeky, but innovative, chemist, archer she is now. Before "Bows" Tel was more of a loner and tended to stay well out of the way of any power. Taking a job with Nopcsa and Garth was one of her more rash ventures and has her teetering on the line of common sense (Common for her anyway.) and the excitement this new daring brings.
Telrien demonstrates her more strategic side when she not only uses her arrows, but also finds a way to make them the most effective. I would go on, but I wouldn't want to spoil the story. I can, however, list what types of arrows she uses so far.
Grappling Arrow
Hallucinogen Arrow
Liquid Nitrogen Arrow
Acid Arrow
Now go read why she uses them! GO!
Summary: In "Luxury Train Ride" Telrien meets many new people including Aquara Oceanara, Orville Giguere, a mysterious neighbor, Flint and Dace Balao. Many plots are still unraveling in this RP. It will be interesting to see what situations Tel finds herself in.
Author Comments: With everything going on in the King Thomas, Telrien isn't quite sure where she should look first. Though she's used to being in large crowds of people, there's a bit more action going on around than would usually in her experience. Meeting such different people is bound to give more insight in to her personality and maybe even a little of her past.
There's not much else I can say about this RP right now, but hopefully you'll follow along and see how all the angles play out.
Interview[/size]
Natalie wrinkled her nose at the harsh chemical smells of the beauty salon. Quite justifiably, they'd segregated the two spa cars aboard the King Thomas. One was for massages, aromatherapy, and other stress relief, whereas this one, in the coach area, had been set aside for beauty treatments like hair styling and pedicures. Natalie had come for the latter. There was only so many monster asses you could kick before your feet needed a little tender loving care.
She leaned back in the cushy seat, feeling the warm water swirling around her feet. Natalie was a woman of action, but once in a blue moon, it was good to unwind.
She cocked her head to the side, noting a blonde woman in the seat next to her. The woman's features looked familiar, her darting eyes taking note of everybody passing by. After a moment, they met Natalie's.
"We've met before, haven't we? You're that debt collector who was looking for that tool Terrian, right?"
Telrien looked over to the woman on her left. She had seen her when she first came in, but had been hoping that their brief meeting would have been forgotten. Regardless, she put on a bright smile.
"Well, hello! I'm so sorry, I remember your face, but I'm afraid I can't recall your name, Miss."
"Sylvia Ulima. But my middle name's Natalie, so most people just call me Nat," She turned at the waist to better face Telrien, her flared ponytail rustling against the seat, "Can't say I recall your name, either, though."
Natalie's gaze narrowed slightly. When this lady had first come looking for Terrian, it had felt more than a little suspect. Sly had offered him a room, but it wasn't exactly likely that Terrian had used that as his mailing address. (Then again, throwing the problem into somebody else's lap and bolting was kind of his M.O.)
"I'm Ann Tanner. Pleasure to make your acquaintance again," The blond held out her hand to Natalie. It was a name Tel often used. Not quite a lie, but not complete truth either. Hopefully it was true enough to quell the woman's suspicions.
"Tanner?" Natalie took her hand firmly, making sure she had a solid grip. "No relation to the King of Clubs, I should hope. The last thing this train needs is more thieves and charlatans running around..." She kept her grip firm, locking her fingers on Telrien's wrist.
Telrien raised an eyebrow at the hand that grabbed her wrist. While she wasn't really a fishy handshake person, firm grips weren't her thing either.
"No need to worry. It's actually a pretty common surname. If we are related, it's too far removed for anyone to remember. Besides I doubt I would be collecting bill payments if it were the case. Going door to door sure is murder on the feet. A girl's got to treat herself every once in a while," She wiggled her toes in the water and sat back against her plushy chair.
Natalie released her grip, and nodded in assent. "I know exactly what you mean."
She recalled the time she'd squared off with a hulking murderer who'd taken a family's three young children hostage, and she'd been hired to extract them safely. She'd kicked the man hard enough to break his spine in two places.
"It really can be murder on your feet. Me?" She paused, and smiled slightly. "I sell insurance."
"I tell you, it's so weird working in the Archipelago. It's like 'I'm sorry ma'am, but your policy does NOT cover your house being eaten by a genetically modified hippopotamus possessed by a cultist of Tawaret.' Some of the claims I've heard..."
"How about you? Ever have anybody throw a fireball or summon a monster when you said they owed your employer money?
Telrien heaved a deep sign and then broke out in a fit of giggles.
"You don't even know the half of it," She said as she gained some composure, "My first solo job was to pay a visit to this older man's house. It sounded harmless enough at the time, but when I got there he summoned this bull-like creature and ran me off. My coworkers thought it was hilarious. Something about a hazing. But let me tell you, at the time I did not find it the least bit comical," One of the lady workers came over and stared massaging and scrubbing her feet. Tel's face scrunched up at first, trying to hide how it tickled her feet, then relaxed once the woman applied more pressure.
"It's a hard job when you have no powers of your own. Thankfully, I've managed to stay alive somehow though."
"Yeah, I know what you mean. It's like, I talk with friends in America proper, and they have no idea what it's like over here! They live in a completely different reality. You or I, though? Living in the Archipelago takes some serious balls, I gotta say." Natalie clenched her fist for emphasis, her charm bracelet jingling at her wrist.
"Which is something I find myself asking almost everybody; why the Archipelago? Why choose to live somewhere so dangerous, when you've got so many other options around the world?"
"Well, it's probably a mixture of things." Telrien tilted her head in thought. "I've always liked knowing about different things and experiencing them first hand. I guess I have a little bit of a adventurer in me. My work definitely satiates that itch for sure. They also pay allot better in the Archipelago because of the increased risk of a job. My father's been a bit low on his health lately so every little bit counts. I can't take care of him myself anymore and I couldn't just sit there and watch, so I guess it was just a get away." The girl ended with a shrug.
"I know what it's like, to see somebody you love wasting away..." Natalie's shoulders slumped. "It's like, you want to spend as much time as you can by their side, since it's your last chance to be with them, but all the same, you don't want to, because you don't want your last memories to of them to be of this feeble shadow of what they were."
Natalie licked her lips. "It's the ugliest quandary in the entire world. I'd fight anything, anyone before I ever went through that again."
Telrien nodded her head in agreement. She resumed her study of the people passing by to keep her emotions at bay. Once she was sure most of it was under control she turned her head back to Natalie a melancholy smirk. "Who knows, maybe I'll go visit him after this little adventure. It's been a while after all."
After a moment, staring out the window at the dark waves of the ocean roiling past, Natalie spoke again.
"But on a brighter note, yeah, the pay in the Archipelago is pretty sweet. I think we actually have the lowest poverty rate out of any United States territory, heck, states included. It's pretty much one gigantic boomtown, you know?"
Tel's smirk grew to a smile. "Sure thing! I've been saving up a little here and there so maybe I'll get a business of my own going. Just have to see how things play out."
"I'd have to say that owning a business could be pretty interesting. My best friend..." Natalie scowled for a moment and rubbed at her ear, "My sort-of best friend runs a bakery of her own. Me? I'm not responsible enough for it, but it seems like you've got quite the entrepreneurial spirit!"
English being her second language, Telrien wasn't quite sure what quite sure what 'entrepreneurial' meant, but it was obviously mean as a compliment so that's what she took it as.
"I'll be sure to call if I need insurance." The comment was accompanied with a good natured laugh.
"Heh, I don't know if you'd want the sort of insurance that I sell," Natalie raised an eyebrow suggestively, "But considering that it's the Archipelago we're talking about, you never know."
"Speaking of which, you're new to the area. Do you have many friends in the area, or have you just been focusing on work?"
"Mostly just my coworkers. They're not really the kind of people you would get buddy buddy with. Kind of a 'try to please the boss' environment if you know what I mean. I suppose it's too soon to tell if there are any actual friendships." There was the sound of snapping and filing as her toes received some loving care.
"I have done a bit of traveling, though." Telrien continued, "So, I have some good friends dotted here and there. Then, there are those places you never want to go back to because of that one person you met there." she rolled her eyes and shook her head.
"Oh?" Natalie displayed a devilish grin, "What might some of those places be?"
"Well, there's Denmark for one. I happened to meet a seemingly lovely young man there. He was polite and kind, telling about his work and all that." she leaned in bit closer to her pedicure companion as if about to reveal a secret.
"He was very easy on the eyes to." Then she leaned back into her own seat before the young girl at her feet could protest. "The first sign of trouble I suppose. Anyway, we got to know each other relatively well. Then, one day, he was up and gone with a big chunk of my savings! Thankfully my father was there to help me recover from the back luck I stumble in to, but I'll find him some day for sure.
"What was this fellow's name?" Natalie braced her hands on the armrests of her seat, and sat up straight.
"I can always forward a butt kicking to him if I see him first," Natalie offered with a wink and a chuckle.
Telrien let out a loud laugh. "Well, if I remember correctly it was Philip Osten, but who knows if even that was true. Give him a nice shiner for me would ya?"
Natalie cracked her knuckles loudly, enough to make one of the attendants jump. "Just a shiner? Simple enough, but I can do that for you."
"Well, you know, and where he lives." Tel winked.
"Heh, you're going for the whole package, aren't you? Not that I can say anything against that. I carry quite a few grudges myself..."
One of the girls knelt to start attending to Natalie's feet. She had to admit, she pitied anybody who tried to tackle those callouses. She prided herself on how lean and honed the rest of her body was, but all the running she did took a toll.
"I mean, there's the Summoners, but everybody hates them, so I don't think I'm all that special when it comes to that. There's Terrian, who you already know about, but he's just a knucklehead..." Natalie spoke of grudges in a way that most people would list off their favorite bands.
"Now, the Fascere Order, that's a pretty solid collective of assholes, if I've ever dealt with one. Can't say I'd mind giving them each a few black eyes, in the very least. I don't know if you've heard of them, but they're a bunch of thieves and scumbags that go around stealing artifacts and other ancient valuables from their rightful owners, and selling them to the highest bidder."
Natalie's grip on the arm of chair tightened until it creaked.
"If you ever hear about them, head the other way. They're nothing but trouble."
Telrien ran a hand through her straight hair and let out a breath.
"Yeah, I've heard of 'em. It's hard not to if you've been around the block. I think about them now and again. Sometimes I don't feel much better than them in my work. I mean, there are definitely people who deserve whatever misfortune I bring, but then there are others who where at the wrong place at the wrong time or weren't making much money. I guess it lets you see all sides of the bottom. Got to be motivated enough to not fall in yourself," The woman brightened a bit.
"It's definitely satisfying when you get to take down a real jerk, though. Who knows?" she added with a shrug, "Maybe there's someone in the Fascere Order who feels the same way. There's always some light in the darkness and always some darkness to the light. Things aren't always so clear cut as we think they are."
There was a short pause.
"But you're probably right. Most, if not all of them, are propelled by greed and their abnormally large egos. If I could, I'd give at least choice few something to really cry about," Telrien finished. Her lips were pursed and her eyes were set in a slight glare as if she was thinking back to specific memory or person. After a few seconds she shook the thoughts from her mind.
"But you know, what can you really do against people like that when you're someone like you or me?"
"You don't stand for it. That's what you do. We might feel like we're small, insignificant, in the face of these vast organizations, but you stand firm. You've heard of the civil rights movement in the U.S., right? That was just a bunch of ordinary people standing their ground against a vast power greater than them."
Natalie looked Telrien straight in the eye. "One person can make a difference. It might be a small one, but it all adds up. As you said, there's always light in the darkness. As long as people like you and I are willing to take a chance against all these forces around us, eventually things are going to change for the better."
"I guess that's another reason for us to be in the Archipelago, isn't it? We're there to do what we can. There's nowhere else on earth that is so rapidly shifting, so malleable, so it's best that there's good hearts and strong hands working to lead it in the right direction."
"I suppose you're right," Said Telrien after a brief silence. "Every good thing comes with its flaws, but you have to focus on the healing it's left behind instead of the scars. Most people can't see past what they view as an ugly thing."
"Ugh, tell me about it. You bend a couple rules, and everybody jumps on your back. It's like, guys, it's called the greater good because it all adds up to bigger than the few little bads you had to do along the way," Natalie rolled her eyes.
"We can agree on that. A little bending is just necessary. No rule covers every situation. None that I know of anyway. Finding loopholes is part of my job as well. Those are probably the more fun jobs," There was a mischievous twinkle in Telrien's eye.
"It's nice to have things all planned out, but you also need to be able to think on your feet. Book smarts only get you so far." A little fan blew on Telrien's, now painted nails. Black designs were swirled around in the red base.
"Now all I need is a traveling spa to come with me."
"Just keep at this whole businesslady deal. Given enough time, I bet you could raise enough to hire the crew of this train to follow you around," Natalie jerked a thumb over her shoulder, as if indicating the flying train, "Yeah, this right here's my posse."
Telrien raised her fist, "The Spa Mob." she said theatrically, then broke out in giggles as she pictured a mob armed with nail files and scissors.
"Okay, that's actually a pretty scary image. Anybody merciless enough to inflict body waxing for a living is somebody I don't want to trifle with. And I've backtalked Summoners before," Natalie noted with a skewed grin.
This just made Telrien laugh even harder. Her hands clutched her stomach as she tried to regain some semblance of control.
"Maybe I should have gone to cosmetology school instead!" she said as she wiped the tears from her eyes.
"I dunno. Could you imagine how much worse it would have if you'd had to give that old guy a pedicure instead fleeing his bull demon? You really dodged a bullet there!"
"Yeah or a gatling gun, if you put it that way."
Natalie noted that the pedicurist was finishing up, stenciling a feathery looking white design over a vivid green that matched her highlights in her hair.
"Well, looks like we're almost done here. Was good talking with you," The shapeshifter noted curtly.
Telrien smiled and hopped off her chair.
"So it seems! It was a pleasure to talk to you as well, Miss Ulima. I'll see you around I'm sure."
"Oh, definitely. I'm hard to miss. And if you're ever in Whelkshore, look me up. Us 'good people' need to stick together, after all."
Telrien wasn't certain if she had blinked or if Natalie had simply moved too quickly to see, but the next moment, Natalie was on her feet. The girl looked back over her shoulder with a smile and wave.
"Try to stay out of trouble. It's everywhere on this train," Nat said forebodingly, and then exited the car with a whoosh of the pneumatic door.
Telrien shook her head and rolled her eyes as she watched the woman leave.
"'Stay out of trouble.'" she gave a little snort. " Yeah, right. Everyone always has to make a flashy exit." Unfortunately for her, firing a trick arrow and making a fancy split wasn't exactly a option. Most of the time.
"Ah well, best to see what's been going on while I was in my oasis."
Author's Notes
How did I think of Telrien? Well, Telrien, at her base, is made of three different parts.
1. I love archery and science! Needless to say, that makes up her skills. Not much more to say about that.
2. I chose Norway as Telrien's origin because I wanted something a bit different, but I also wanted a place that I'd had a little experience with. I visited Norway a few years ago for a wedding and had a wonderful time exploring! While I know I'm not an expert on the place, it's really fun writing about somewhere that you've been. Another perk is that my sister-in-law is from Norway (the wedding) and I can ask her something about it if I get stuck.
3. Telrien's personality was originally meant to be very close to the opposite of mine. You can probably tell in the beginning of "Bows" she's more reckless and saucy. Though she is still those things, I've tried to add a few more angles to her, both of things that I am and am not, to round her out. Hopefully, I'm doing well and you like how she's turning out. She's still got some stuff to show you!
So, to summarize, she is: part me, part my sister-in-law and part my evil twin.
Well, I hope I covered everything you were interested about learning about Tel that wasn't spoilery. Let me know if you have any questions!
"Hey, Nopcsa! I know this probably isn't the best time. " She grunted as she tied the cord to the loop in her belt and notched her next white arrow. "But I think it would be more than fair if I get at least 30% of your pay cut in addition to mine for saving your butt and all the extra trouble. Oh, not to mention the medical bills I'll have to pay." The last few syllables where said at a slightly higher octave as a snake tail rammed into her pillar coating her with dust and debris. "And possibly therapy!" - Telrien (Rainbow, Shortbow, Mindblown)
AUGUST '13 FEATURED CHARACTER
TELRIEN WALLEN
[/center][/size]Specs[/size]
Name: Telrien A. Wallen (Tel for short.)
Age: 23
Weight: 150 lb.
Height: 5'7"
Eye Color: Dark Green
Hair: Dirty Blond, Straight
Skills: Telrien is not a power, however, she is very adept in archery and has a great love for chemistry and other sciences as well. These things together are part of what makes her unique, allowing her to make many different types of bows and arrows. Tel has also taken lessons in acrobatics to improve her balance and agility, but finds more enjoyment in aerial arts. And finally, last, but not least, sleight of hand and lock picking are an essential part of Telrien's skill set.
Bio: Telrien was born and raised in Ã…ndalsnes, Norway, a small town on the Romsdalsfjorden, where she learned the basics of many of her current skills. As a mischievous child, Telrien was caught pickpocketing a tourist by a young con artist passing through. Seeing some potential in her, the young man decided to teach her a few tricks of the trade. Telrien's questionably less destructive skills, but by far her favorites, were honed at her father's custom archery shop where she learned how to craft different bows, arrows and safety gear. It was a hobby that she and her father, Eric, enjoyed together. After the death of her mother and the decline in her father's health, Tel decided it was time for a change and began to put her theft and archery to work. It wasn't long before she started taking more risky jobs that took her away from home.
RP Time Line[/size]
Telrien has appeared in two RPs so far. Their names and links can be found below.
Rainbow, Shortbow, Mindblown (Bows)
Luxury Train Ride (LTR)
Summary: "Rainbow, Shortbow, Mindblown" begins with Telrien rather giddy about a side mission of her own involving a mysterious blue liquid. It isn't long before she finds herself in a bit of trouble and is easily recruited by Nopcsa and Garth for what she hoped would be a quick side job. Their mission to get their hands on a phurbu in the possession of a lama, at first seemingly easy, takes a turn for the worse when Nopcsa disregards Telrien's warnings about the sleeping lama and takes a more direct approach. The RP currently leaves off with them fighting for their lives and the artifact.
Author Comments: It's definitely been fun developing Telrien from an "ordinary" albeit cheeky, pickpocket into the, still cheeky, but innovative, chemist, archer she is now. Before "Bows" Tel was more of a loner and tended to stay well out of the way of any power. Taking a job with Nopcsa and Garth was one of her more rash ventures and has her teetering on the line of common sense (Common for her anyway.) and the excitement this new daring brings.
Telrien demonstrates her more strategic side when she not only uses her arrows, but also finds a way to make them the most effective. I would go on, but I wouldn't want to spoil the story. I can, however, list what types of arrows she uses so far.
Grappling Arrow
Hallucinogen Arrow
Liquid Nitrogen Arrow
Acid Arrow
Now go read why she uses them! GO!
Summary: In "Luxury Train Ride" Telrien meets many new people including Aquara Oceanara, Orville Giguere, a mysterious neighbor, Flint and Dace Balao. Many plots are still unraveling in this RP. It will be interesting to see what situations Tel finds herself in.
Author Comments: With everything going on in the King Thomas, Telrien isn't quite sure where she should look first. Though she's used to being in large crowds of people, there's a bit more action going on around than would usually in her experience. Meeting such different people is bound to give more insight in to her personality and maybe even a little of her past.
There's not much else I can say about this RP right now, but hopefully you'll follow along and see how all the angles play out.
Interview[/size]
Natalie wrinkled her nose at the harsh chemical smells of the beauty salon. Quite justifiably, they'd segregated the two spa cars aboard the King Thomas. One was for massages, aromatherapy, and other stress relief, whereas this one, in the coach area, had been set aside for beauty treatments like hair styling and pedicures. Natalie had come for the latter. There was only so many monster asses you could kick before your feet needed a little tender loving care.
She leaned back in the cushy seat, feeling the warm water swirling around her feet. Natalie was a woman of action, but once in a blue moon, it was good to unwind.
She cocked her head to the side, noting a blonde woman in the seat next to her. The woman's features looked familiar, her darting eyes taking note of everybody passing by. After a moment, they met Natalie's.
"We've met before, haven't we? You're that debt collector who was looking for that tool Terrian, right?"
Telrien looked over to the woman on her left. She had seen her when she first came in, but had been hoping that their brief meeting would have been forgotten. Regardless, she put on a bright smile.
"Well, hello! I'm so sorry, I remember your face, but I'm afraid I can't recall your name, Miss."
"Sylvia Ulima. But my middle name's Natalie, so most people just call me Nat," She turned at the waist to better face Telrien, her flared ponytail rustling against the seat, "Can't say I recall your name, either, though."
Natalie's gaze narrowed slightly. When this lady had first come looking for Terrian, it had felt more than a little suspect. Sly had offered him a room, but it wasn't exactly likely that Terrian had used that as his mailing address. (Then again, throwing the problem into somebody else's lap and bolting was kind of his M.O.)
"I'm Ann Tanner. Pleasure to make your acquaintance again," The blond held out her hand to Natalie. It was a name Tel often used. Not quite a lie, but not complete truth either. Hopefully it was true enough to quell the woman's suspicions.
"Tanner?" Natalie took her hand firmly, making sure she had a solid grip. "No relation to the King of Clubs, I should hope. The last thing this train needs is more thieves and charlatans running around..." She kept her grip firm, locking her fingers on Telrien's wrist.
Telrien raised an eyebrow at the hand that grabbed her wrist. While she wasn't really a fishy handshake person, firm grips weren't her thing either.
"No need to worry. It's actually a pretty common surname. If we are related, it's too far removed for anyone to remember. Besides I doubt I would be collecting bill payments if it were the case. Going door to door sure is murder on the feet. A girl's got to treat herself every once in a while," She wiggled her toes in the water and sat back against her plushy chair.
Natalie released her grip, and nodded in assent. "I know exactly what you mean."
She recalled the time she'd squared off with a hulking murderer who'd taken a family's three young children hostage, and she'd been hired to extract them safely. She'd kicked the man hard enough to break his spine in two places.
"It really can be murder on your feet. Me?" She paused, and smiled slightly. "I sell insurance."
"I tell you, it's so weird working in the Archipelago. It's like 'I'm sorry ma'am, but your policy does NOT cover your house being eaten by a genetically modified hippopotamus possessed by a cultist of Tawaret.' Some of the claims I've heard..."
"How about you? Ever have anybody throw a fireball or summon a monster when you said they owed your employer money?
Telrien heaved a deep sign and then broke out in a fit of giggles.
"You don't even know the half of it," She said as she gained some composure, "My first solo job was to pay a visit to this older man's house. It sounded harmless enough at the time, but when I got there he summoned this bull-like creature and ran me off. My coworkers thought it was hilarious. Something about a hazing. But let me tell you, at the time I did not find it the least bit comical," One of the lady workers came over and stared massaging and scrubbing her feet. Tel's face scrunched up at first, trying to hide how it tickled her feet, then relaxed once the woman applied more pressure.
"It's a hard job when you have no powers of your own. Thankfully, I've managed to stay alive somehow though."
"Yeah, I know what you mean. It's like, I talk with friends in America proper, and they have no idea what it's like over here! They live in a completely different reality. You or I, though? Living in the Archipelago takes some serious balls, I gotta say." Natalie clenched her fist for emphasis, her charm bracelet jingling at her wrist.
"Which is something I find myself asking almost everybody; why the Archipelago? Why choose to live somewhere so dangerous, when you've got so many other options around the world?"
"Well, it's probably a mixture of things." Telrien tilted her head in thought. "I've always liked knowing about different things and experiencing them first hand. I guess I have a little bit of a adventurer in me. My work definitely satiates that itch for sure. They also pay allot better in the Archipelago because of the increased risk of a job. My father's been a bit low on his health lately so every little bit counts. I can't take care of him myself anymore and I couldn't just sit there and watch, so I guess it was just a get away." The girl ended with a shrug.
"I know what it's like, to see somebody you love wasting away..." Natalie's shoulders slumped. "It's like, you want to spend as much time as you can by their side, since it's your last chance to be with them, but all the same, you don't want to, because you don't want your last memories to of them to be of this feeble shadow of what they were."
Natalie licked her lips. "It's the ugliest quandary in the entire world. I'd fight anything, anyone before I ever went through that again."
Telrien nodded her head in agreement. She resumed her study of the people passing by to keep her emotions at bay. Once she was sure most of it was under control she turned her head back to Natalie a melancholy smirk. "Who knows, maybe I'll go visit him after this little adventure. It's been a while after all."
After a moment, staring out the window at the dark waves of the ocean roiling past, Natalie spoke again.
"But on a brighter note, yeah, the pay in the Archipelago is pretty sweet. I think we actually have the lowest poverty rate out of any United States territory, heck, states included. It's pretty much one gigantic boomtown, you know?"
Tel's smirk grew to a smile. "Sure thing! I've been saving up a little here and there so maybe I'll get a business of my own going. Just have to see how things play out."
"I'd have to say that owning a business could be pretty interesting. My best friend..." Natalie scowled for a moment and rubbed at her ear, "My sort-of best friend runs a bakery of her own. Me? I'm not responsible enough for it, but it seems like you've got quite the entrepreneurial spirit!"
English being her second language, Telrien wasn't quite sure what quite sure what 'entrepreneurial' meant, but it was obviously mean as a compliment so that's what she took it as.
"I'll be sure to call if I need insurance." The comment was accompanied with a good natured laugh.
"Heh, I don't know if you'd want the sort of insurance that I sell," Natalie raised an eyebrow suggestively, "But considering that it's the Archipelago we're talking about, you never know."
"Speaking of which, you're new to the area. Do you have many friends in the area, or have you just been focusing on work?"
"Mostly just my coworkers. They're not really the kind of people you would get buddy buddy with. Kind of a 'try to please the boss' environment if you know what I mean. I suppose it's too soon to tell if there are any actual friendships." There was the sound of snapping and filing as her toes received some loving care.
"I have done a bit of traveling, though." Telrien continued, "So, I have some good friends dotted here and there. Then, there are those places you never want to go back to because of that one person you met there." she rolled her eyes and shook her head.
"Oh?" Natalie displayed a devilish grin, "What might some of those places be?"
"Well, there's Denmark for one. I happened to meet a seemingly lovely young man there. He was polite and kind, telling about his work and all that." she leaned in bit closer to her pedicure companion as if about to reveal a secret.
"He was very easy on the eyes to." Then she leaned back into her own seat before the young girl at her feet could protest. "The first sign of trouble I suppose. Anyway, we got to know each other relatively well. Then, one day, he was up and gone with a big chunk of my savings! Thankfully my father was there to help me recover from the back luck I stumble in to, but I'll find him some day for sure.
"What was this fellow's name?" Natalie braced her hands on the armrests of her seat, and sat up straight.
"I can always forward a butt kicking to him if I see him first," Natalie offered with a wink and a chuckle.
Telrien let out a loud laugh. "Well, if I remember correctly it was Philip Osten, but who knows if even that was true. Give him a nice shiner for me would ya?"
Natalie cracked her knuckles loudly, enough to make one of the attendants jump. "Just a shiner? Simple enough, but I can do that for you."
"Well, you know, and where he lives." Tel winked.
"Heh, you're going for the whole package, aren't you? Not that I can say anything against that. I carry quite a few grudges myself..."
One of the girls knelt to start attending to Natalie's feet. She had to admit, she pitied anybody who tried to tackle those callouses. She prided herself on how lean and honed the rest of her body was, but all the running she did took a toll.
"I mean, there's the Summoners, but everybody hates them, so I don't think I'm all that special when it comes to that. There's Terrian, who you already know about, but he's just a knucklehead..." Natalie spoke of grudges in a way that most people would list off their favorite bands.
"Now, the Fascere Order, that's a pretty solid collective of assholes, if I've ever dealt with one. Can't say I'd mind giving them each a few black eyes, in the very least. I don't know if you've heard of them, but they're a bunch of thieves and scumbags that go around stealing artifacts and other ancient valuables from their rightful owners, and selling them to the highest bidder."
Natalie's grip on the arm of chair tightened until it creaked.
"If you ever hear about them, head the other way. They're nothing but trouble."
Telrien ran a hand through her straight hair and let out a breath.
"Yeah, I've heard of 'em. It's hard not to if you've been around the block. I think about them now and again. Sometimes I don't feel much better than them in my work. I mean, there are definitely people who deserve whatever misfortune I bring, but then there are others who where at the wrong place at the wrong time or weren't making much money. I guess it lets you see all sides of the bottom. Got to be motivated enough to not fall in yourself," The woman brightened a bit.
"It's definitely satisfying when you get to take down a real jerk, though. Who knows?" she added with a shrug, "Maybe there's someone in the Fascere Order who feels the same way. There's always some light in the darkness and always some darkness to the light. Things aren't always so clear cut as we think they are."
There was a short pause.
"But you're probably right. Most, if not all of them, are propelled by greed and their abnormally large egos. If I could, I'd give at least choice few something to really cry about," Telrien finished. Her lips were pursed and her eyes were set in a slight glare as if she was thinking back to specific memory or person. After a few seconds she shook the thoughts from her mind.
"But you know, what can you really do against people like that when you're someone like you or me?"
"You don't stand for it. That's what you do. We might feel like we're small, insignificant, in the face of these vast organizations, but you stand firm. You've heard of the civil rights movement in the U.S., right? That was just a bunch of ordinary people standing their ground against a vast power greater than them."
Natalie looked Telrien straight in the eye. "One person can make a difference. It might be a small one, but it all adds up. As you said, there's always light in the darkness. As long as people like you and I are willing to take a chance against all these forces around us, eventually things are going to change for the better."
"I guess that's another reason for us to be in the Archipelago, isn't it? We're there to do what we can. There's nowhere else on earth that is so rapidly shifting, so malleable, so it's best that there's good hearts and strong hands working to lead it in the right direction."
"I suppose you're right," Said Telrien after a brief silence. "Every good thing comes with its flaws, but you have to focus on the healing it's left behind instead of the scars. Most people can't see past what they view as an ugly thing."
"Ugh, tell me about it. You bend a couple rules, and everybody jumps on your back. It's like, guys, it's called the greater good because it all adds up to bigger than the few little bads you had to do along the way," Natalie rolled her eyes.
"We can agree on that. A little bending is just necessary. No rule covers every situation. None that I know of anyway. Finding loopholes is part of my job as well. Those are probably the more fun jobs," There was a mischievous twinkle in Telrien's eye.
"It's nice to have things all planned out, but you also need to be able to think on your feet. Book smarts only get you so far." A little fan blew on Telrien's, now painted nails. Black designs were swirled around in the red base.
"Now all I need is a traveling spa to come with me."
"Just keep at this whole businesslady deal. Given enough time, I bet you could raise enough to hire the crew of this train to follow you around," Natalie jerked a thumb over her shoulder, as if indicating the flying train, "Yeah, this right here's my posse."
Telrien raised her fist, "The Spa Mob." she said theatrically, then broke out in giggles as she pictured a mob armed with nail files and scissors.
"Okay, that's actually a pretty scary image. Anybody merciless enough to inflict body waxing for a living is somebody I don't want to trifle with. And I've backtalked Summoners before," Natalie noted with a skewed grin.
This just made Telrien laugh even harder. Her hands clutched her stomach as she tried to regain some semblance of control.
"Maybe I should have gone to cosmetology school instead!" she said as she wiped the tears from her eyes.
"I dunno. Could you imagine how much worse it would have if you'd had to give that old guy a pedicure instead fleeing his bull demon? You really dodged a bullet there!"
"Yeah or a gatling gun, if you put it that way."
Natalie noted that the pedicurist was finishing up, stenciling a feathery looking white design over a vivid green that matched her highlights in her hair.
"Well, looks like we're almost done here. Was good talking with you," The shapeshifter noted curtly.
Telrien smiled and hopped off her chair.
"So it seems! It was a pleasure to talk to you as well, Miss Ulima. I'll see you around I'm sure."
"Oh, definitely. I'm hard to miss. And if you're ever in Whelkshore, look me up. Us 'good people' need to stick together, after all."
Telrien wasn't certain if she had blinked or if Natalie had simply moved too quickly to see, but the next moment, Natalie was on her feet. The girl looked back over her shoulder with a smile and wave.
"Try to stay out of trouble. It's everywhere on this train," Nat said forebodingly, and then exited the car with a whoosh of the pneumatic door.
Telrien shook her head and rolled her eyes as she watched the woman leave.
"'Stay out of trouble.'" she gave a little snort. " Yeah, right. Everyone always has to make a flashy exit." Unfortunately for her, firing a trick arrow and making a fancy split wasn't exactly a option. Most of the time.
"Ah well, best to see what's been going on while I was in my oasis."
Author's Notes
How did I think of Telrien? Well, Telrien, at her base, is made of three different parts.
1. I love archery and science! Needless to say, that makes up her skills. Not much more to say about that.
2. I chose Norway as Telrien's origin because I wanted something a bit different, but I also wanted a place that I'd had a little experience with. I visited Norway a few years ago for a wedding and had a wonderful time exploring! While I know I'm not an expert on the place, it's really fun writing about somewhere that you've been. Another perk is that my sister-in-law is from Norway (the wedding) and I can ask her something about it if I get stuck.
3. Telrien's personality was originally meant to be very close to the opposite of mine. You can probably tell in the beginning of "Bows" she's more reckless and saucy. Though she is still those things, I've tried to add a few more angles to her, both of things that I am and am not, to round her out. Hopefully, I'm doing well and you like how she's turning out. She's still got some stuff to show you!
So, to summarize, she is: part me, part my sister-in-law and part my evil twin.
Well, I hope I covered everything you were interested about learning about Tel that wasn't spoilery. Let me know if you have any questions!
"Hey, Nopcsa! I know this probably isn't the best time. " She grunted as she tied the cord to the loop in her belt and notched her next white arrow. "But I think it would be more than fair if I get at least 30% of your pay cut in addition to mine for saving your butt and all the extra trouble. Oh, not to mention the medical bills I'll have to pay." The last few syllables where said at a slightly higher octave as a snake tail rammed into her pillar coating her with dust and debris. "And possibly therapy!" - Telrien (Rainbow, Shortbow, Mindblown)