Beautiful People: Altan & Baatar

Well, well, I think it's time to introduce some more characters. I swiped the following questions from Paper Fury's monthly Beautiful People link-up. Though I wouldn't go so far as to call either Altan or Baatar beautiful, I thought the questions might suit them reasonably well.

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1. How long have they known each other, and how close are they? 

Being siblings, I suppose they have known each other as long as they've been old enough to know anything.

Baatar and Altan watched the exchange in surprise and, understanding none of it, shared their silent questions with a glance. Baatar, always the better judge of mood, gave a small shake of his head in reply to Altan’s lifted eyebrow. The question was best left unspoken for the present.

2. What's their earliest memory of being best friends?

Personally, I believe it was the first time Altan leaped, headfirst, into a fight, and found Baatar's strong back set firmly against her own. However, I don't think that either one could point to a definite first memory. Their friendship is simply the result of growing up in semi-isolation with no other options for companionship.

3. Do they fight? How long do they typically fight for?

Altan flung up her head. “Glad would I be to spill my life’s blood in honor’s pursuit. Then I might pace the halls of the hereafter with no trace of shame.” 

“Surely the gods will not honor one who is wasteful of life.” Baatar’s tone remained calmly reasonable, but there was a firmness in him that gave no ground beneath Altan’s fire.

 His very calmness made her still more angry. “If honor is, to you, a simple waste of time, then ‘tis clear that your gods and my gods can no longer be the same. What other excuses has your cowardice devised?” She snapped the words out contemptuously as she rose in one swift movement. She stood, balanced and ready, challenging him with her eyes.

Well Baatar knew that, had he risen then, Altan might have flown at him with either fists or steel. His anger dared him to rise and accept the challenge, but good sense took the upper hand. He remained where he was, unyielding. Altan spat into the fire, then deliberately turned her back upon him and stalked away to fetch her horse.

4. Are their personalities similar or do they compliment each other?

Altan is conviction and fire and immediate action. Baatar is determination, steadiness, and careful planning.

Sometimes there are conflicts and explosions.

5. Who is the leader of their friendship (if anyone)?

A casual observer might assume that Altan's temper was easily the leading force in the relationship. But don't we all know better than to trust casual observation?

6. Do they have any secrets from each other?

Altan doesn't believe in keeping much of anything to herself. 

Baatar is capable of holding his own council when he perceives the need.

7. How well do they know each other's quirks and habits?

About as well as one person can know another, I suppose.

8. What kind of things do they like to do together?

Theirs is a life of survival and necessity. When they aren't working together, practicing with their weapons, or involved in some war or other, you'll probably find them at the nearest tavern or sharing stories around the hearth place.

9. Describe each character's fashion style (use pictures if you'd like!) How are their styles different/similar?

Their clothing could best be described as eclectically utilitarian.  They usually adopt the clothing of whatever land they're in when the need for purchasing new garments arises. Their protective gear is usually light and flexible; leather with metal reinforcement or partial armor.

10. How would their lives be different without each other?

Bataar would probably be settled down with a family and livestock of his own.

Altan? Well, Altan would most likely be dead.

Altan wondered bleakly what it would be like to journey alone. It had been so long, so very long, since she and Baatar had last parted ways.

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