Decadents and Dropouts IC

[DormantEvil]

With no need to hunt for the night, Relic jogged off with a light step into the undergrowth to collect her horse. Within ten minutes she returned, leading it into the clearing before tying it up with the others. A few minutes later her bundle was laid out on the ground, with the saddle removed so the mares coat could breath for the night. She was sitting cross legged on a bedroll, a cloth unwrapped to reveal the cured meat which she promptly sliced and ate on bread. A water bag gave her a few mouthfuls of water before she settled for the night.

With no fire there was only the moonlight, and she watched as Verialyn stood guard.

Closing her eyes she settled into her meditative state, allowing her to remain aware of her surroundings.

 

[Belinda35]

Phyliss Ovida

Phyliss took of her clothes and put on a nightie. She chose the short green one, because she could move best in this.
"Just wake me, Verialynn before you go to sleep." she said and tried to get some sleep after all.

 

[Cherubian]

Verialyn Kallidis

Verialyn watched as Phylis drifted off to sleep, and Relic entered her trance. She enjoyed the quiet, her senses now at full attention and one with the night around them. No one approached them.

Verialyn usually required no more than four hours of sleep per day, so she waited well into the night before she finally walked over to Phyliss, softly touching her shoulder and carefully trying to wake her up.

 

[Belinda35]

Phyliss Ovida

The gorgon nearly jumped up, but calmed down as she recognized Verialynn.
"Oh, it is you. Good." She got up and started to dress. She put on a black, sleveless dress, with a slit down below, allowing her to move better. She put on the soft, black boots and wrapped a very thin, green transparent shawl around her shoulders, partly around her snakes as well. The snakes were to big and to many to be covered, but from very far away they might look like unusual, wavy black hair. She prepared to guard until morning.

 

[Belinda35]

Phyliss Ovida

She wasn't happy to get up again, but she didn't want to be asleep when the drow was awake.

 

[Cherubian]

Verialyn Kallidis

As Phyliss got up Verialyn bent down her head to whisper in the gorgon's ear. "Go easy on the drow girl. My gut tells me she won't cause problems, and my gut is usually right in these things."

Then Verialyn prepared for the night. She did not want to sleep in her leather clothing, In particular since the only set of clothes to change into she was carrying in her backpack was definitely not suited for the road.

But this should not be a problem since there were no males present - that would be interested in her, she corrected herself, thinking of Canut. She turned away from the others and started to undress. First her shoes, then the vest and lastly her pants. Finally naked she placed the claymore within reach of her sleeping bag, slipped into it and waited for sleep to come.

 

[Belinda35]

Phyliss Ovida

The night wasn't as exciting as the day. No sandcrawlers or angry barbarians turned up, no animals or beasts approached them, and the drow didn't try to murder anyone in the sleep. Everything was fine, except that Canut was still missing. At dawn, the grogon used some water and washed herself, then she fixed her make-up- Even in wilderness, she still kept the traits she picked up in her luckier days. After she was finished, she walked over to Verialynn to wake her up.

 

[DormantEvil]

It was around four or five hours after Relic went into the trance that she woke herself from it. Staying still to see what the others were doing, but it seemed as though they were simply going about their normal duties. Standing up, she brushed herself off before sniffing the air. There should be a creek somewhere, and she needed to be able to wash up after her morning hunt.

"I need to replenish supplies, I won't be long." She quickly took off into the forest, withdrawing her blade as she did so. Soon she crept along through the undergrowth, following fresh tracks. Something on four legs, smaller than a horse, maybe a deer by the hoof marks.

It wasn't long that the scent filled her nostrils, the wind blowing it down to her. She circled around, keeping down wind, her form low to the ground but swiftly moving. She tensed for a moment when the creature who's antlers shifted in warning turned to scan the forest. But it soon relaxed, she could sense another was nearby, but her eyes were locked on the large kill.

She withdrew her pipe, fixing a short term paralysis dart into it. The drug wore off within minutes, and was not toxic. It might make someone who ate meat that was drugged with it a little drowzy, but once cooked it was fine. Bringing the tube to her mouth she breathed out sharply, the dart flying into the animals rump. As soon as there was a hit she took off, chasing after it.

It ran off into the forest, but she followed, running quickly along it's path before it stumbled. Pouncing she took it's antler in one hand and plunged the blade deep into it's chest. Finding it's heart as it cried out sharply before falling still.

The smell of blood was strong as it pooled, and she removed a water bag off her belt that was empty and let the blood drain into it. It was good for making war paints and brown dyes, but also a great protein supplement to add to meals. Her blade made quick work of it's flesh, skinning it, the hide a good way of wrapping the meat.

 

[Cherubian]

Verialyn Kallidis

Verialyn awoke to Phyliss' touch on her shoulder. After giving herself a few more seconds of rest she slowly rose and climbed out of the sleeping bag, noticing Relic's announcement to go hunting.

She began to stretch, enjoying the fresh morning air on her skin. Then she picked up the claymore, ready to start her morning exercises. Since no one else was close by that could peep in she decided to do so before dressing. So she walked off a few steps and then began.

She no longer needed to train her speed or strength, those were gifts of her vampiric nature. So what she trained instead was precision and coordination. In slow-motion she moved, like a dancer performing some exotic dance of death, the blade almost floating around her in precise arcs. She felt one with her body and her surroundings. She really loved these exercises in the morning. And that claymore was indeed an excellent weapon. She wondered how Ulfgard had obtained it.

After half an hour she was finished, walked back to the campsite and picked up her clothes in order to dress for the day.

 

[DormantEvil]

It took almost thirty minutes to complete her chores, and say her words of peace so that the creatures eternal spirit could live on. And she bundled her bounty up and carried it back to camp, but she stopped dead at the edge of the clearing when she spotted the naked Verialyn. Her control over the sword was exquisite, and her form was almost mystifying. Shaking her distracted stare away, she entered the clearing once again. Her hands were still covered in the blood of the deer, a few droplets dripped occasionally from the hide she carried. Her blades were about the only thing that was cleaned.

She walked past the practicing swords woman and placed the bag with the bedroll. Wiping her hands on her pants to clean them of blood.

"Do you know if there is a creek nearby?" she asked, standing up and walking over to Verialyn.

 

[Cherubian]

Verialyn was about to start dressing when she was approached by Relic. She turned to face the dark elf.

"Oh, I see you have been successful. That is god. But I fear regarding a creek you are out of luck. The last one we encountered on our way is at least two miles down the road to the west. But we should cross another one soon once we are on our way, so there should be plenty of opportunity to quickly clean yourself."

The smell of the blood on Relic's hands started to tingle in Verialyn's nose. Again she was thankful for the fact that due to her slow transformation she was not fully a vampire. On the one hand she did not feel the ecstasy a real vampire felt while feeding, but on the other hand she could control the urge to lick the drow's hands clean without even flinching.

 

[Belinda35]

Phyliss Ovida

After Phyliss was ready with dressing, make-up and washing, she packed her things. Most of the stuff she carried along were clothes. She felt a bit hungry again, but she told herself that they would reach a place soon, were she could buy something to eat. She had to be careful with her remainig money. She didn't like to ask the drow for food. Before she would do that, she would even eat another rat's head out of Canuts unwashed hand. By the way, where was Canut? She was worried now. Was he caught by some companions of the drow who were already arounding among them, ready to strike?
She started to write a message for Canut.
"Dear little friend! We are moving along to the places you talked about to our companion. If we will not meet you there or if you don't find us, We will leave messages for you. P.S. We miss you and we are worried about your absence." She decided to show the message to Verialynn, before she would put it on a place where Canut should find it. She walked over to Verialyns place.

 

[DormantEvil]

Dipping her head a little, Relic huffed at her own lack of trying to avoid making herself a right mess. But she soon lifted her chin and smiled. "One day I shall indeed learn." Taking a seat on the ground and opened up her bag of spoils. The next town she would sell them to the butchers, and make a little profit for the morning's work. A white bag was procured from the gear she set aside earlier and she promptly went about packing the meats with salt to preserve them. "You are well trained, and very strong. Have you attended some sort of academy?"

Relic had never attended school herself, but she had spied on some of the warriors practicing. Copying their moves from afar, but instead of slow and powerful strikes she had sped it all up, quick slashes, aimed at the vulnerable areas on the body. Tendons at the back of the ankles and knees, under the arms, the groin and arteries on the sides of the neck. Eyes even. Wrists.

 

[Belinda35]

Phyliss Ovida

Phyliss thought about a moment and added another note:
P.P.S. I even promise i will do my best to get along with the pet.
The gorgon walked past Relic and approached Verialynn, showing her the note she wrote on a piece of slate.
"Take a look. I have written a note for Canut."

 

[Cherubian]

Verialyn began to dress. Inwardly amused by Relics question she thought 'Some sort of academy? I have stopped counting them. But it is funny how you learn something new every time.'

Outwardly she replied. "Actually I have. My father had no sons, so he found it prudent that his daughter would be able to defend herself."

She glanced over Phyliss' note and gave a nod of approval. "Perfect, that way only Canut will be able to follow us".

Finished with dressing she packed her belongings and stowed them on Sleipgardwyn's back.
"A new day awaits, let us get going ... or riding."

 

[Belinda35]

Phyliss Ovida

"Ok. I get my things." Phyliss walked back and looked over her shoulder if she was alone. She quickly copied the note on a second piece of slate and hid them at two seperated places. If somebody who listened to her conversation with Verialynn steal or destroy it, there was another one she didn't mention. She brought her bag back and mounted the horse.

 

[DormantEvil]

It didn't take very long for Relic to finish, and get her horse ready for the days ride. With a tighten of the girth the saddle was in place and she was ready to ride. Rolling up the bedroll, she used a strap to tie her bundle on the back of the saddle before pulling herself up. Her feet slipping into the stirrups like she had spent many years riding.

"To the next town then?" she said, wondering if they were still heading for the river.

Circling around she checked the sleeping area to make sure there was nothing stuck in the ground she may have forgotten. Afterward she simply followed.

"The training shows..."

She was content to just sit back silent, unless there was some meaningful thing to say beyond that.

 

[Cherubian]

Verialyn led the way as they followed the road towards the east. At the next creek crossing their path they made a short stop so Relic could wash herself, and then they continued.

It was about three hours after noon when they saw a four horse carriage escorted by four armed men ahead of them. The carriage was also heading east, but was slower than the girls on their horses. Verialyn hesitated at first, but could not make out any uniforms on the guards. They were no imperials, merely some hired bodyguards probably.

She did not fear four humans, so somewhat relieved she gestured towards the others to keep going, slowly catching up.

 

[Belinda35]

Phyliss Ovida

The gordon closed up to Verialynn. "Careful, we do not know who this might be."
In fact, Phyliss was quite common with the rich and noble folk, but only with the tolerant, slightly decadent one. Last time she lived at the court of Prince Korrrap Djion and had two noble lovers there, but she had to run for her life after some stupid outraged peasants, who had no sympathy for the luxurious lifestyle of their leader, ruined everything in an uprising. The fools even burned the palace down.
Still, she had her experiences and was conversant with the conventions of the upper class. She know how to move, how to greet and how to speak there, when to lower her voice, lash her eyes or blush. She knew the popular dances, songs, the gossip and topics to talk about. She would sit at the right place at the table, eat the right dish with the right cutlery, never using the wrong words or telling the wrong jokes. She assumed that Verialynn didn't have that background, so maybe she could be helpful to her this time.

 

[Cherubian]

Verialyn Kallidis

"I will be careful. But I do not think this is something we cannot handle."

Soon they had closed up to the carriage. The four guards watched them warily, particularly Phyliss and Relic, but distrustful gazes was all that came from them. No one reached for his weapons.

As they were passing the carriage Verialyn could see the passenger. He was in his late fourties or early fifties, the first traces of gray in his brown hair. If the four man escort and the carriage were no indication of his wealth, then his clothing surely was. It was of the best materials and the highest clothing. Another sign of his wealth was his noticeable girth. He was not really fat, but also far from athletic.

Verialyn guessed that this was a wealthy merchant. There was just a certain something missing in his bearing for him to be of nobility.

The Narrator

Marcus Farmintides was feeling well. He was driving home from yet another successful and lucrative business deal, and today he would reach his estate located a few miles from the city. His refuge for pleasure and relaxation.

Marcus was a merchant, and a very good one. He had inherited his business from his father, and had prospered. This way he had come to considerable wealth, but unfortunately the power that money could buy was limited. Real influence required the corresponding social status, and that meant nobility. He had been working on this for the last twenty years, but until now to no avail.

Marcus had been married once, and the marriage had produced two sons and a daughter, but his wife had died ten years ago. He had entertained himself elsewhere ever since, and was enjoying the life of a bachelor.

As he was traveling along the road he noticed a small band of riders approaching from behind. Suspecting they usual travelers, he only shot them a casual glance at first, but his interest was piqued immediately. All three were female, and interesting ones to say the least. One of them was a gorgon, and a pretty one. A rare sight in these lands, considering the superstitious peasants. The same could be said about the second one, who judging by her black skin must be a drow.

But what really got his attention was the third one. She was not as unusual as the other two, but there was something about her that gripped his attention. It started at her breasts. The other two were well endowed, but she had even more, and some fortunate defect in her clothing made this plain to see for everyone. The whores he usually had had either smaller breasts or a fat ass, while this one was slender, almost skinny. To accentuate this there was her light skin and her raven black hair. He had to have her, no matter the cost. His groin began already to itch.

So he leant out and addressed them "Greetings to you beautiful ladies on this wonderful day. My name is Marcus Farmintides, may I inquire whom I have the pleasure to meet?"

 

[Belinda35]

Phyliss Ovida

The gorgon kept a bit behind Verialynn, maybe the merchant would trust a human more then her. She kept close enough to hear what he said, nevertheless.
"What was his name, Farmintides?" she thought. She went trough the names of merchants that she heard so far. At last she renembered. She had never met him personally, but someone mentioned this name as she was for dinner in a mansion of a rich, still not noble family. Some merchant told that Farmintides was quite successful that time, but they would not invite him for some reason she didn't renember. It didn't interest her that much that time. Well, she should had listened better, it would have been helpful now.
Phyliss felt ashamed now that she didn't offer any of her dresses to Verialynn to give her a decent appearance. But maybe they wouldn't have fitted anyway, she was a little bit taller then her, and even small differences in bodysize could be very unfortunate in elegant dresses. But at least she should have given her a shawl to cover her broken button. It was to late now, so she listened what Verialynn would answer to Farmintides.

 

[Cherubian]

Verialyn Kallidis

Verialyn was surprised by the polite welcome at first, but then she noticed a slight lustful glint in the Merchant's eyes. That explained his behavior, although he did a good job of not staring at her breasts.

Even if his motives were not as noble, as long as he took a liking to one of them he was a potential source of income, one way or another. Some rich men were notorious for their valuable gifts, and if this one did not belong to them, there were still ways to profit from the situation.

However, considering the second route of action might become necessary she probably should not offer her real name.

"Greetings to you as well, kind sir. My name is Ciara Dioran."

She did not introduce the others, leaving it up to them to decide whether to reveal their true name.

 

[Belinda35]

Phyliss Ovida

Phyliss noticed that Verialynn did not use her real name, she might have her reason for that. Phyliss had three possibilities to choose. She could use a fake name, but that was no use. She was just to noticeable, and there weren't to many gorgons around. It would just be to easy to prove her lying, and that was even more dangerous then using her real name. Then, she couldn't introduce at all. But that would be an affront unworthy of her. And of course, she could use her real name. None of the sandcrawlers knew her name, and she hadn't met anybody for days before. She would use her real name.
"I am Phyliss Ovida." she said, raising ver voice a pitch and lashing her eyes, as it was fashion for the ladies of the upper class.

 

[swordandsandle]

Ok, I'm going to try to put all of this into one post.

(Sorry for the delay, I had a 20 hour farewell shift at the Community Center after a shit load of parties, none of which I attended, and then had to move into collage. This is a sweet dorm, by the way.)

Phyliss had many talents, but in the short time he'd known her hiding her emotions diden't seem to be one of them. "I understand how you feel that way," he calmly nodded to her. "And I hope you'll understand how I feel. If you, or ANYBODY harms her in any way, I will personally make sure that that person, whomever they are, will never be able to urinate comfortably again," he drew has knife to emphasis this "Get it?"

When the dark elf popped out, he quickly leaped off his horse to get between Koetia and the mystery assalent, dozens of spells running through his brain as he examined the attacker. Drow, female, looked like she was ok with her blades, but lacked the type of force nessicery to do damage from the front. AKA, and ambusher. "Look," he glared sharply at her. "Just set the wepons down, and back away slowly." Catutioning her, he slowly grew closer to his girl. "I know she isen't your sister, you're obviously drow and she's obviuosly of human stock, so you might as well just give it up."

When she disarmed herself, he approched, shaking her hand as he sneezed. "I'm Canut, kobald magus extrodrinare. Perhaps you've heard of me," she gave no signs of actually knowing him. "Must not be from around here then." He kept his subterrianaly trained eyes peeled for renforcements "We don't want any trouble, just trying to stay alive is all. If you don't have anywhere else to go, you're welcome to stay with us."

The five of them stood there for awhile, Koetia cowering behind him for fear of the violent-smelling stranger. She was shaking like a leaf, and sometimes was in such a panic that he'd have to bend down and let her look into his face, which kept her stable for a short time.

The sun started to go down over the horizon, and he could feel himself starting to go sluggish. "Well ladies," he yawned. "I'm going to have to hit the sack. I'll be over to the left, so don't try anything funny."

Koetia kept following him along like, well, a dog on a leash. Had they somehow custom-trained her back at the tavern, just waiting for him to come along. Something deep within him, something her rarly felt, wanted her to sleep next to him so bad, to have the world go dark with her soft, trusting skin next to his own...

But, then again, there was the girls to worry about.

"Stop girl," he commanded her, and Koetia obedantly drew her striding legs back. "Go," he pointed over to where the girl's bed rolls where set. It would have just been, well, akward to have to explain to them why the two of them where sleeping together. The look in her eyes, however, almost got him to withdraw that command. It was such an innocent sorrow, completely unable to comprehend why what she needed was wrong, but sulking she walked over to the girl's camp, and dozed off.

He could here her whimper occasionaly whale he was still awake.

(ok, so I can't do this in one post. So sue me)

 

[DormantEvil]

((Sues))

The ride was uncomfortable, something in the back of her mind triggering as they rode down the road. It wasn't familiar, more a subtle unnerving feeling that she couldn't shake. The merchant wagon they approached caused her to narrow her eyes and pull the hood down to shade her face. She felt uncomfortable around people who had wealth. It always caused something deep inside her to ignite. Her palms always became sweaty. But maybe it was just because she hated people who showed off their wealth, especially those who gave nothing to those less fortunate.

Perhaps that was why she didn't get fuzzy feelings about the gorgon. She wore nice clothing, and makeup. Out here? It was absurd. But then again, she doubted the woman had to survive living off berries, game and the slim pickings that pick pocketing produced.

She hadn't even realized that Canut hadn't followed, or even that he had moved away from them after her 'welcome' into the group. For some reason he seemed to be forgettable, maybe it was his disinterest in anything but the dog girl. Relic bit her tongue, a smile spreading across her face as she wondered what sort of activities they would get up to alone.

But the merchant speaking to them brought her back, and she did nothing more than glare at him. Although it would be hard to tell under the shadow of her hood.