Do your job, Sov

[Sovellis]

The holiday season had been fun, and true to form, Sovellis had thrown himself into the festivities. Now, sitting by the fire in the inn's common room, he tried to recover from the consequences of his actions. Despite having slept until the afternoon, he still only got about 5 hours of sleep and so felt drained. He sipped his mug of hot coffee. Little light filtered in through the windows from the dreary, cold, winter day. Perhaps he should just go back to bed. 

 

The front door opened, allowing a chill breeze to swirl amongst the tables. The man who entered was wrapped in a cloak, but the armor he wore was visible beneath. It was recognizably Badroni style, a sash indicating he was an official agent of the kingdom. Being so far from the kingdom where he had pledged his fealty so long ago, this was the last thing Sovellis was expecting. Scanning the room, the newcomer's eyes stopped when they reached the elf and he stepped right up, giving a little nod. 

 

"SuleSuthrie Niallo, yes?"

 

"I am."

 

"Hetman RefSuthrie commands your immediate return to Sejabird Hill," the messenger stated simply, handing a letter bearing the Hetman's offical seal to Sovellis. 

 

Sovellis nodded, taking the letter. "You can tell him I have recieved his summons and will return as soon as I can." The messenger, seemingly satisfied, offered one last short nod, turned, and walked back out into the wintery evening. 

 

Letting out a long breath, Sov leaned back in his seat and opened the letter. The contents revealed little more than what the messenger had said, but the very brevity of the note was interesting. Could the Hetman be concerned about the message being intercepted? What had been going on since he had left the kingdom of Badronis? He shut his eyes and sighed. He was far too tired to head out immediately. That would have to wait until tomorrow. 

 

"Time to step up and fulfill your duties, Sov," he mumbled to himself. 

 

<------<<<

 

Alright, time for another challenge. Definitely over indulged over the break, which is no surprise. I really want to buckle down and start living my life the way I want to live it this challenge. This means not making excuses to not work out or to put off working on my school stuff. I will be combating my fears and anxiety head on, utilizing an ACT therapy workbook. I don't know exactly how I'll be tracking things this challenge, but a daily post updating about everything I did is required. Also, daily update of the bank. 

 

Goal 1: 1 hour minimum of school work a day

Goal 2: Bike/lift on alternate days

Goal 3: ACT workbook

Goal 4: Adulting

 

This is a bit rough still, and I plan to tweak things as I go. I just really wanted to get something posted today, no excuses, right? Time for me to grow up and do the things I need to do. Period. This is the path I chose, and whining about the rock in my shoe doesn't get me any closer to my destination. Rawr!

 

As for today's update, my sleep schedule is so completely messed up that I'm doing a hard reset. This means I am not sleeping until tomorrow night. It'll suck, but I'm not going to let myself use this as an excuse. I've already done my duolingo, pulled feeders for the snakes, and tried changing my bike tire so I could finally put it on the trainer. Unfortunately, I ended up tearing the tire. Grumble. I'll take it to a shop and have them do it. That means I can't bike, so I'll lift tonight instead. I'll also work in the ACT book and do some interview prep (interview is on Friday). I will also pull runes, and if my brain allows it I will read a while as well.

[Jezaraen]

I love goal 4 of adulting. Struggle of my life ha ha

[petefeet]

Following along buddy

[Moros]

Following along for the awesome stories...

[Sovellis]

Woo! I did all the things I intended to plus some! Now I just need to stay up until 10 pm tomorrow at the earliest. Rar.

 

 

I love goal 4 of adulting. Struggle of my life ha ha

 

lol, yeah, a perpetual struggle for me too

 

 

Following along buddy

 

Good to see you again!

 

 

Following along for the awesome stories...

 

Aw, thanks. I'm not too thrilled with my first entry for this story, but my brain was just sorta refusing to make words be. Oh well, it's a starting point, hopefully following episodes will come out better.

[Sovellis]

WOW I am so tired right now. Hard resets suck. Ugh, come on, I can do this! 10 pm! RAR! I managed my duolingo, dishes, and took down the xmas tree. Kinda doubt I'll get my fitness goal met today,but I did go on an hour and a half long walk in the wee hours of the morning, so that sorta almost works.Oh, I also did some spiritual reading stuff, not much, but as much as my brain would allow. Now for bad tv and maybe another walk, anything that is engaging but doesn't require much brain work. Wheeeeee.... Time for more coffee. Gotta make it to 10!

[petefeet]

Trying to force your brain/body to function when it doesn't want too is a uphill battle buddy, I feel for you.

 

"Sometimes" I've had luck switching tasks, to jar my efforts into another productive path. If I didn't feel like working out, maybe I'd work on a story at these that way my time would be spent doing something rather fighting a losing battle.

[Wild Wolf]

Subbing for some awesome Sovellis story telling! Good to see ya back this challenge, dude

 

Wolf

[Dusk]

Hi Sov! Following, of course. I hope you are able to get your sleep schedule reset! I can't imagine how hard it must be, staying up that long. I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT THOUGH. RAWR!

[Sovellis]

Sov was tired, very tired, but he knew that regardless he would have to set out in the morning. He also knew that it would help to have some company, and immediately thought of his new halfling friend. He made his way to her door and knocked.  "You still for hire? " the muffled voice beyond the door inquired.

 

Some shuffling, then a reply from the other side of the door: "Depends. What are you hiring for?"

 

"Simple enough, I need a guard, one to get me back to Sejabird Hill and possibly help with security once there."

 

The door opens. "Oh, really? You're going... home?" She'd heard him mention the Hill, but wasn't entirely sure what his relationship to it was

 

"Yes, I've been summoned, I think there might be something serious  going on." He paused, unsure of how much to divulge. "The message was rather brief, but I do have duties to uphold there."

 

Ed looked him up and down. He looked like shit. She didn't feel all that much better, herself. "Okay, we can travel. But first, get some sleep." She started to shut the door, then stopped. "My usual rates will apply."

 

A grin spread across his face. "Of course, I would expect no less," he said with a nod and headed back to his own room, longing for his bed.

 

Looking back over his shoulder, he said, "Be ready to leave at dawn, we have a long way to go."

 

<------<<<

 

Sleep resets suck, but I think it worked. I woke a little after 10 and actually feel functional. Already knocked out my duolingo for the day. The rest of today's to do list includes ACT work, interview prep, lifting, runes, dishes, reading, and feeding the snakes. Oh, and thanks to JMitch for lending her halfling character, Ed, to this little rp! What is it with Sov an halflings? lol

[Sovellis]

Trying to force your brain/body to function when it doesn't want too is a uphill battle buddy, I feel for you.

 

"Sometimes" I've had luck switching tasks, to jar my efforts into another productive path. If I didn't feel like working out, maybe I'd work on a story at these that way my time would be spent doing something rather fighting a losing battle.

 

I used pretty much every strategy I could think of, and you're so right about it being an uphill battle, but I made it through! Woot!

 

 

Hi Sov! Following, of course. I hope you are able to get your sleep schedule reset! I can't imagine how hard it must be, staying up that long. I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT THOUGH. RAWR!

 

It's rough for sure. It's amazing how you can get so tired that it's physically painful, but it's worth it! Now ONWARD!

[Dusk]

[Sovellis]

Today I am being stupidly productive, and it's awesome! Even knocked out a couple of anxiety provoking things on my list that I've been putting off, like transferring some audio files for a school thing and checking what all I need to be able to switch my license to an Illinois license. With elections coming up and all, I really need to get this done. Unfortunately, I apparently need to wait until I get another round of bills in the mail and a statement from my bank (to prove residency). One problem of not having an up to date lease is that I now can't use that as proof that I live here. Oh well. I also did interview prep, and while the anxiety keeps popping up, I'm doing pretty good acknowledging it and then just keeping going. I hope I can keep it up. I honestly don't even want to get placed at this site, but I gotta try anyway. Still gotta lift, shower, pull runes, and read, but I did finally get around to finishing the wallet project from my leather tooling kit. Tooling is so tedious, but it looks really neat when it's done. The stitching was a PAIN though, and I wore a spot on my thumb raw. I pretty much haven't stopped moving all day, and I've gotten a bunch done, but I still feel like I'm not doing enough. Maybe I'll take my bike wheel to the shop tomorrow so I can finally get it set up on the trainer. Alright, I'm gonna write up a thing I promised Noor, cast runes, then hopefully my food will be settled enough that I can lift. 

 

Oh, and Shadri, it won't let me quote your post for some reason, but that pic is adorable!

[Sovellis]

Ow ow ow ow ow. I lifted again, and now I am so sore... You'd think that this would be enough motivation for me to keep up on regular exercise, lol. Every time I slack off or fall out of the habit, I have to go through this initial intense soreness and stiffness yet again. At least I know it won't last!

[Sovellis]

The journey back to Sejabird Hill in the Badroni kingdom was surprisingly uneventful, and the pair covered ground quickly. Sovellis couldn't help but complain along the way. His back hurt, his feet hurt, and it was sort of a tradition for him to whine while travelling. Their rapid progress meant that Sejabird Hill was drawing near far more quickly than Sov would have liked. He knew he couldn't hide from his duties any longer, but actually facing up to his responsibilities was a terrifying thought. What if whatever was going on back home was more than he could handle? What if something horrible happened? What did this new Hetman think of him? What if he was disappointed in the elf? Sov tried to reassure himself and focus on his aching body rather than the gnawing unease growing in his chest.

 

<------<<<

 

I can't believe my first interview is tomorrow. I know I'm prepared for it, and that I don't even want this site, but I still have this persistent feeling that I'm not prepared enough and that it will be horrible. Ugh. Anyway, the plan for today is get my bike tire fixed, duolingo, interview prep, set up and ride the bike, runes, dishes, read, get laundry prepped for tomorrow, and hopefully sweep and vacuum. 

[Surakha]

I can't believe my first interview is tomorrow. I know I'm prepared for it, and that I don't even want this site, but I still have this persistent feeling that I'm not prepared enough and that it will be horrible. Ugh. Anyway, the plan for today is get my bike tire fixed, duolingo, interview prep, set up and ride the bike, runes, dishes, read, get laundry prepped for tomorrow, and hopefully sweep and vacuum. 

 

I know that feeling well. It blows. 

[Sovellis]

Ed found, to her surprise, that she was the one being shook awake each morning, and the one dragging behind during the days' travels. Sovellis complained as much as normal, but she'd never seen him so driven. The closer they got to the Hill, the more nervous he became. Ed was uncomfortable, too, but for her own reasons. Once they crossed the border, she started wearing her hood up while they traveled on the road.

 

"Come on, Ed, keep up. By the end of the day we should only be about a half day's travel from the keep." He pulled his cloak tighter around himself against the chill breeze. "I'm tired of thin bedrolls laying on lumpy rocky ground, I want a proper bed again," he grumbled, trying not to think about what else was waiting for him.

 

"Yeah, sure," she replied, eyes focused on the horizon. Then she blinked and a ghost of her usual scowl appeared on her face. "Easy for you, long-legs! I have to take two steps for every one of yours."

 

"Hmph. I learned long ago to never underestimate halflings, you are more than capable of a hard day's travel. Though I am still amazed at how many of you never wear shoes. My feet are rubbed raw despite having quality boots."

 

Ed wiggled her fuzzy toes at him. Her leg wrappings covered the tops of her feet, but the soles were bare, thick, and calloused. "I don't know how the rest of you can walk in those foot-squeezers. You should try walking without them. It's more healthy."

 

He curled a lip in mock disgust at the idea. "I think not, especially with winter upon us now. These lands are far colder than where I was born, and I haven't ever quite gotten used to it." Low hanging clouds slowly closed in over them, dimming the sun. Over the past few days, the mountainous terrain had given way to rolling plains lands, which were slowly being taken over by more and more trees.

 

"Suit yourself, princess-feet. But tonight you'll have blisters and I won't!"

 

"I'd have far worse than blisters without boots, short stuff. Hurry those little legs along, I know we haven't known each other for long, but this is the first time I've ever seen you fall behind like this. What's up?"

 

"It's nothing." Ed rubbed the back of her neck and picked up the pace to catch up to Sov. "I just... might have some unfinished business in this part of the world that I'd forgotten about."

 

His surprise showed clearly on his face. "I had no idea you'd ever even been to this land. Perhaps this will be a good excuse to take care of things?"

 

She shrugged. "It probably won't even come up. It's from a long time ago. I'm not really the same person I was back then."

 

Nodding, he turned his gaze back to the road ahead of them. "I know how that is. But then again, it seems like the more someone changes, the more they stay exactly who they are."

 

<------<<<

 

Today is going well, got up on time and got started on stuff immediately. Haven't really stoped except to eat. It always surprises me how much I eat when I don't drink for a while. I walked to a bike shop to get my tire fixed, but it was closed and I had to walk in the complete other direction to the next nearest bike shop. Finally, the tire was fixed and I was able to set up the bike. Tried to do a spin class video thing on youtube, but it was more than a little beyond me, so I just rode for 20 min. By the end I was dripping, so I feel pretty good about my effort. Did my duolingo, swept, and got my laundry stuff prepared. I got my interview clothes and everything ready, so I guess I could count that as prep, but I'm going to go over my notes some more as well. Still gotta shower, do dishes, cast runes, and read. Trying really hard to not freak out about the interview tomorrow. It's only an hour long, it's not a site I want, it's a site I am actually well suited for, and then afterwards I'm meeting with Noor for lunch and then possibly going to her place for gaming. *fingers crossed* So if anything, I should be looking forward to this. Might not get all my goals met tomorrow, but that's okay I think since interview and gaming kinda trump the other stuff. *breathe, breathe* Just gotta keep charging forward!

[Sovellis]

After they stop and set up camp for the night, Sov is rummaging through his pack beside the fire. He sighs heavily as he pulls the half empty wine bottle from his bag. "I suppose this would be a bad idea, huh?" he asked, looking down at the smooth curved glass.

 

"Do you really want to arrive at the Hill smelling of wine?" Ed countered.

 

"No, but I'd really like to settle my mind for the night." He laughed, short and humorless. "I doubt I'm going to get much rest as it is."

 

"Can't you do your elven meditation thing?"

 

"Focusing well enough for it to work has been difficult lately," he admitted, his shoulders slumping a little.

 

"I don't think the wine is going to help with that!"

 

"Heheh, it might?" With a shrug he looked over at her with a grin.

 

Ed shrugged. "I aintcher mom. But you asked if it would be a bad idea, and the answer is, yeah, probably."

 

He nodded and set the bottle back in his bag. "Yeah, just keep this in mind if I keep you up with my pacing tonight," he half joked.

 

<------<<<

 

Finished my to do list earlier than I would have dreamed, and now I'm stuck with all the time in the world to sit here and think about this stupid interview. Deinitely using a sleep aid tonight, cause ugh. Maybe Skyrim will help take my mind off things... I only have 2 drinks in my bank right now anyway, grumble.

[Sovellis]

Warning, Sov freaked himself out and rambled bad. Read at your own boredom, lol.

 

>>>------>

 

Whether he kept her up or not, Sov wasn't sure, but he was pacing like a caged animal. He found he couldn't settle, even with the calming tea he had picked up in the last town they visited. This was real. He had to be on his game, even if he didn't like it. It would matter if he failed, one of his greatest fears. This was real. This mattered. And it was going to happen. Tomorrow. He could run, right? He tried to think of any way in which that option would not be horrible, and came up empty. He slammed his eyes shut, grimacing in frustration and shouted an expletive. After a glance over at Ed to make sure she hadn't woken, he fell back into his repetitive thought cycle. He wanted to be tired, begged his brain to settle, to let him sleep, or at least rest. He would need his wits about him tomorrow, and he was scared. There. He said it. He was scared. Just like he always seemed to be. Shaking his head, he tried to throw off the insecurities and self doubt that plagued him. It was all the more irritating because he knew that only those who really knew him knew the extent of his struggle. Perhaps he should be happy about that. At least then they didn't know what a mess he really was. He groaned loudly, half expecting Ed to wake. She would know soon enough the truth behind the carefree, charismatic bardic warrior. She had already had a few glimpses. Looking over at her small, sleeping form, he dreaded the day that he would inevitably disappoint her. Maybe he shouldn't have hired her at all. He knew he was probably overthinking this. Guaranteed he was overthinking this. And guaranteed he would be tired tomorrow, but despite his fears and insecurities, he still knew his ability, his knowledge, his experience, and that he would have plenty to offer this new Hetman. He just needed to actually do it. Actually meet with this person he knew nothing about and present himself just exactly as he was. Spin wasn't even necessary, though he was capable of that as well. The Hetman should be glad to have him in their service. Somehow, still, Sov failed to convince himself of anything.

[petefeet]

 

 

I can't believe my first interview is tomorrow. I know I'm prepared for it, and that I don't even want this site, but I still have this persistent feeling that I'm not prepared enough and that it will be horrible. 

 

Before my current job I used to interview once a year or so to keep fresh as well as get comfortable until the "right" job came along. If you see it as a learning exercise you can't fail <g>.

[Sovellis]

Around midday they finally approached the fortress of Sejabird Hill. The central keep was encircled by a high wall of dense wood, interspersed with towers of stone manned by guards. There were a few small farms situated around the outer wall, and all seemed peaceful enough. As they approached the gate, a guard called down from atop the wall, "Halt! Who goes there?"

 

"The Lord of Sejabird Hill has returned. Open the damn gate!" he shouted back, leaving no room for argument in his tone. A short moment later the heavy double doors of the gate were opened and a short, stocky human bearing a sash walked out to greet them. His hair was short, dark, and curly, and his face appeared to have been used as a battering ram at some point. 

 

"Sule Nialo, appologies, the boy is new at his post and did not recognize you. Welcome home! Please, you and your companion should come inside and change, I know the Hetman wishes to meet with you as soon as possible."

 

"It is no bother, please give the boy no punishment, he was simply doing his job as best he could," Sovellis requested with a warm smile. Motioning toward Ed, he continued, "This is my new bodyguard, Ed. See to it that she is assigned a room and gets the full tour, she'll be working with us for a while. Ed, this is Hals Vasin, he takes care of, well, pretty much everything. He's the reason I could afford to be away for so long." He turned back to Vasin and asked, "Do you have any idea what was so urgent that the Hetman called me home?"

 

Vasin looked uncomfortable. "I'm sure you should hear about it from him, I am not one for politics or any of that."

 

Sov nodded and they walked inside, talking in a comfortable, friendly matter, clearly having known each other for quite some time. As they entered the central keep, a large, stone, hexagonal structure, probably of dwarven make, Sovellis excused himself, leaving Ed with Vasin to get situated. Sov walked the halls to his own private chambers and quickly changed out of his travelling clothes and into something more suitable for meeting with the Hetman. His attendant appeared glad to have him home again, but frowned and fretted over every new scar he had collected, tisking quietly at each one. Once dressed, he cut quite the figure. He wanted to go show off to Ed, but knew he didn't have time. 

 

In the courtyard, his horse was already prepared for him, and he mounted in one smooth motion, urging it on towards the gate, which the guards opened only just in time for the charging horse. He tried to focus on the pounding of the hooves, or the fact that he looked great, or ANYTHING other than the meeting he was hurtling towards, but it was only a short hard ride to the town of Suthrie and in no time he was entering the city gate. Pulling up in front of the Hetman's house, it was obvious that he was expected. His horse was taken and he was swifty directed indoors, and then directly into the Hetman's small conference room. 

 

The Hetman looked tired. He leaned against the table, covered in scattered maps and parchments. Without even looking up, he motioned for Sovellis to sit before he started speaking. The meeting was shorter than Sovellis had expected. The dwarves of Soar Crag were apparently as racist as ever, and were now using this as an excuse to withdraw what little support they had offered in alliance with Badronis against the black tide. The suddenness of this reversal of policy was suspicious, however the King's men had not been able to garner any information on what else might be motivating the dwarves. If the dwarves could not be convinced to renew their support, several important trade routes would be threatened and could possibly fail. Sejabird Hill was an important position just off one of said routes, and may well be a target of the tide now. What was needed of the elf right now was to shore up the defenses at the Hill and extend patrols along the roads, as well as head to Badengard to meet with the King, or possibly just his advisors about the delicate political situation. 

 

Leaving the meeting, Sov's head was spinning. Yes, there was a lot of work to be done, but he felt remarkably good about it. The ride back to the Hill was far more relaxed as he pondered over everything he had learned. Apparently this new Hetman had some confidence in him, as he had suggested him to the King for this job. Arriving back, the gates opened without him having to say anything, and he headed directly for the wine cellar, wondering briefly how things were going with Ed. 

 

<------<<<

 

I rocked that interview so hard. I think it was the best interview I've ever had. They would be fools not to rank me, and I think I will rank them as well. I could actually see myself there for a year, wouldn't be ideal, but it could work. Not nearly as behavioral as I thought, plenty of opportunity to work with kids and families, and I wouldn't have to be on call for the 24 hr crisis line. Pay isn't great, but it could be worse, and there is no insurance. I just... I'm kind of in shock. I don't think any of my anxiety came through at all. I came off as calm, comfortable, and engaged, knowledgable, passionate, and motivated. All my interests seem to line up almost perfectly with what the site had to offer, which wasn't entirely true, but I made it seem like that. I am going to cash in the 4 piddly drinks I have banked and play video games tongiht, but I am actually going to go and knock some stuff off my to do list first! I am not lifting because my biceps are so tight that I can't fully straighten my arms without help. I may have over done it a little, oops. But I can still do duolingo and dishes and runes and such. This is a damn good day!

 

Oh, and my hair looked awesome!

 

 

 

Before my current job I used to interview once a year or so to keep fresh as well as get comfortable until the "right" job came along. If you see it as a learning exercise you can't fail <g>.

 

I was trying to look at it as practice for the interview that I really care about. I guess it worked!

[petefeet]

Glad the practice interview went well buddy, and hair looks awesome by the way.

 

Sadly having sore biceps isn't enough to get out of dishes, if it was I would work out more <g>.

[Dusk]

Niiiiice! Congrats on the interview!! You're doing really well on the productivity front lately, too.

 

Quick question - how do you pronounce Sejabird? 

[Sovellis]

Glad the practice interview went well buddy, and hair looks awesome by the way.

 

Sadly having sore biceps isn't enough to get out of dishes, if it was I would work out more <g>.

 

Thanks! I really like how it turned out! And yeah, dishes don't care about sore muscles.

 

 

Niiiiice! Congrats on the interview!! You're doing really well on the productivity front lately, too.

 

Quick question - how do you pronounce Sejabird? 

 

say-dgah-bird (Hey, Noor, is that pretty close do you think?) The previous owner of the hold named it after a bright red and orange storklike bird that isn't even native to the area, but when The Path reclaimed the hold and was given an official claim on it by the Hetman of Suthrie, the nearest city, they decided to just keep the name. They thought it was kinda funny to have a hold named after a bird none of them had ever seen and wasn't even native to the area.

 

I know there's a lot in my last post that I haven't explained, this is basically au fanfiction of our dm's world, and man is it a complex world. Hoping to clarify a few things with an rp session with Ed soon. Hopefully things will make more sense, lol.

[Sovellis]

My old high school workout buddy has agreed to run a warrior dash with me this summer! We're going to have to coordinate our training, which might prove difficult since we live in different states now, but I think we can make it work, and it'll be a blast! I can't wait!