Bardsong (Open after PM)

[roleplaylifer]

(This is somewhat of a sequel to Dark Days of Old by Sky Jade...the old thread kinda faded away due to some character conflicts. It is not a requirement to read the past thread before posting here. It IS a requirement to have some form of creative writing and roleplaying skills, one paragraph posts are not welcomed here, be descriptive...and have fun! This thread is open to any who feel they meet that one requirement, though I do ask that ideas for characters be PM'd to myself or to Sky Jade for approval before posting here please. )

Alexis o' the Vale

Height - 5'6"
Weight - 95 lbs.
HC - Auburn
EC - Emerald
Measurements - doesn't give that out to just anybody.
Race - Half-Elf
Occupation - Bard

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Idle fingers strummed softly across the flat, polished base of the cherrywood instrument lovingly, a soft pouting smile turning the half-elf's full lips down just a touch. She had always been a creature of perfection....right up until she hadn't the choice to be anymore.

A slightly tipped ear twitched gently as nimble fingers passed over the chords of her lyre once more, the slight undertone of discord causing her almond shaped eyes to narrow gently. Though few patrons could even hear, much less acknowledge, the miniscule imperfection....to the lyre's mistress, it was unforgivable.

Several moments later, after a tense moment of tuning, the instrument was back to its normal self. With a loud, dramatic sigh, Alexis finally looked up from the bothersome object, her gaze instantly locking with that of the nervously fidgeting barkeep.

The smallish halfling's nervousness only seemed to amuse his newest patron. The little man could only blush and shake his head as the bard's only good eye winked at him, an impish smile stealing its way across her face. Despite first impressions, the barkeep hardly noticed the plain leather patch that covered her other eye now, windworn from obvious years spent travelling. It was so much better to keep this one smiling then thinking of darker days......

Then it began....

A low scale of near perfection slowly stole its way throughout the rapidly filling tavern hall, rising and quickening rapidly to a melodious skirl no amatuer could hope to repeat.

Closing her one remaining eye, Alexis gave herself to her craft willingly. Auburn locks spilled around her shoulders as she tilted her head back slightly, baring her well tanned throat to the crowd as one by one attentions turned from private conversations to gaze upon the entertainment for the evening. A second later, a single low ringing tone could be heard as the song began.

Beers and ales sloshed happily as patrons nodded in rhythm with the tune, a few chuckling lewdly at the bard's choice of performing dress, bets made and more coin changing hands as some of the younger and more daring men of the tavern dreamed of a bawdy romance.

A few scarred veterans noted and recognized the soft, yet unmistakable Northern lilt in her voice. The memories of past battles fought against those barbarian tribes causing at least one of them to return his gaze almost immediately to his own reflection deep in the earthen mug he cradled.

She sang of her travels, of the ruins she herself had traversed, and of the great battles that had happened there eons ago, when the orcish hordes had been repressed......long before they had swept out from the mountainous Eastern regions to re-establish a foothold in the world.

The occasional clink of a coin thrown her way reached her ears, though Alexis would hardly allow herself to become distracted. It wasn't until the final chord was struck, and she allowed herself to set aside her lyre for just long enough to wet her drying lips with a swig from an offered mug that she scanned her immediate surroundings for earned coin.

Even as the room hung silently on her every move, eagerly anticipating the beginning of the next song, the silence shattered and a dozen heads turned at the sound of a single patron's applause.....

 

[Sky Jade]

Salina Ledaro was the youngest of her five sisters. She came from the Ledaro family, rulers of the Saek Kingdom in the Kolden providence. Though she was a princess by blood, she had been raised to live by the way of the sword and magic. Her parents felt that her older sisters would be enough to carry on and rule because she never seemed fit to rule. It could have been the way magic seem to come to her, a rarity among humans. There were wizards and sorceresses through the world, but the often came from the common people, not royalty. It would not be right for a queen to have such power on the throne.

At first her parents were going to give her up to a common family to raise, but Syvia, the captain of the Saek Army, suggested that her talents be put use in protecting the kingdom. Her parents agreed reluctently and Syvia was soon learning the ways of the sword at the age of 5. Syvia also had the court wizard help Salina develop her magical abilities. Selina was a natural at magic and soon reached the point that the court wizard could not teach her any more by the time she was 18. Selina had also become a masterful fighter, prefering to use a short sword in one hand and a dagger in the other.

At the age of 18, Syvia released Selina from her care and told her to find her own way in the world. She had many battles with monsters, fought bandits, and even rescued a young queen dragon from danger.

Selina was now 25. The young queen she had rescued was named Beth'ria and had became her traveling companion, often carrying her in the sky and over land on her back.

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It was growing dark by the time Beth'ria landed a little ways from the small inn which sat by the main road from the capital city of Droth in the Castrel providence. Selina slid down from her companion's back, landing lightly on her feet. She took a deep breath for a moment and pulled her riding hood down from her head to let her hair free. Thick, wavy red hair tumbled down to stop just below her shoulderblades. The riding cloak she wore was wrapped around her lithe body, hiding what she wore but accented the gentle curves of her body.

Leaving Beth'ria to find some food, Selina made her way to the inn and pushed it open. The sounds of music, laughter, and warmth rushed out to greet her as she stepped in, her leather riding boots stepping over the wooden floor softly. Soft green eyes looked around at the crowd gathered, mostly men, but there were women as well, some serving wenches, others soliders as well. She figured most of the crowd were mercenies stopping for the night. She made her way over to the bar and placed five silver pieces on the table, the firelight and lamplight wavering over her lightly tanned skin.

Her lips moved softly in the din as the innkeeper nodded, taking the money and placing a mug of ale on the counter for her. She took a swig of her drink and was immersed in her own thoughts of what she would do next when the lovely music of the bard seeped into her mind. She lifted her head and looked towards the bard, tapping a foot softly as she enjoyed the tale which was woven.

Once the music ended, she was a little upset no one had seemed to appriecate the well-woven tale, so she felt she would show hers by clapping for the bard. After a moment of clapping, she picked up her mug and moved carefully through the crowd till she could sit down near the half-elf lady.

"You have a beautiful voice and a talent for tales m'dear bard. I would like to inquire about you name."

She gave a sweet smile to Alexia for a moment before she took a swig and set her mug down nearby.

 

[roleplaylifer]

"You have a beautiful voice and a talent for tales m'dear bard. I would like to inquire about you name."

A sly grin split Alexis face now, the true twinkle of merriment giving her lone eye the same mischievous glint that must have shone in the face of her admirer.

"Has it been that long, Salina? Or do ye just do that ta torment me!"

Long legs sprang outward, eliciting a groan from the crowds as her lithe half-elven body slid easily off of the cleared wooden table she had been using as a makeshift stage. A few long strides later and the princess found herself wrapped tightly in Alexis' embrace.

Pulling back slightly, keen eyes wise with years of her own travelling, studied the young woman's face with a practiced ease. Liking the warmth she still seemed to find there, her smile faltered for just a moment as the memories of their parting leapt back to her. An uncharacteristic moment of solemnity stole about her like a passing plague for just a moment. Auburn tresses spilled from her shoulders as her head hung in honest shame for a moment.

"I'm sorry, lass.......I know I promised."

Indeed, it was the only promise she had made in her lengthy life that she had broken. They had met in a similar place months ago, the bard's curiousity smitten by the frank honesty of Salina, and the adventure she had promised. Not one to turn down the makings of a future story, Alexis had readily pledged herself to the cause......only to clash violently with others of her "teammates."

It took little effort to slip away in the night, though even then it had shamed her to do so. A cantrip or two to prevent being seen.....or smelled.....and the bard's natural skills took care of the rest. At had been for the best, hadn't it?

Ignoring for the moment, the dissatisfied grumbling of the tavern's patrons, she tried hard to stay focused on what she needed to say.

"I trust everyone's in good health yet? I....hope ye understand why I left....I know I shoulda told ye....."

A nervous glance towards the door was the only sign she allowed herself to show of just how much she dreaded the thought of those same teammates coming through the door for her now.

 

[Sky Jade]

Salina smiled at Alexis's comment and shook her head softly.

"I thought you would enjoyed the greeting."

She returned the bard's hug, the cloak falling open to reveal her leather riding outfit. It was slightly worn in places, but shined in the light proudly as it covered every in below her neck except her hands. She shook her head for a moment to move hair from her face.

She looked back at the bard with soft eyes, taking her in after their sudden parting before. She reached up and squeezed Alexi's shoulders gently in her hands.

"It was only a little misunderstanding. There is no reason we can't make up for the lost time."

She lowered her hands to pick up her mug and take a drink. She sighed softly for a moment at the mention of the others and took a seat.

"I am not sure as them, but I have been in high spirits. After you had left, things didn't go quite as hoped and we went our seperate ways. I did not imagine I would see you again, but I could not ask for a better surprise."

She smiled and grinned softly for a moment.

"I do believe the rest of the tavern is wishing to hear more of that sweet voice of yours. I would like to as well, so shall we talk more when we retire for the night?"

She reached up and touched Alexis's auburn tresses softly for a moemnt before nudging her gently back towards her playing post.

 

[roleplaylifer]

Salina's incessant prodding for her to return to her duties, along with the promise of continued conversation later on, brought yet another of Alexis' trademark impish smiles to creep across her face brightening her ruddy skin with its glow.

"Think I got just the one lass, its turning out ta be a favorite o' mine. Not ta mention just how popular its gettin round these parts."

Grinning openly now, she plopped her firm rump unceremoniously back onto the sturdy table she had be given to perform on. Swinging her long legs back to where they belonged for the moment, she earned more than one curious glance as the room filled with her low, throaty chuckle.

Reaching for the polished wood of her lyre, her fingers struck the strings almost irreverantly, the tune purposefully strained in the beginning as to confuse her friend in the audience. After all, she had heard this song before, though never to music.

The hardest challenge of all was wrestling away the urge to burst out laughing, as the rough chorus swiftly smoothed out into a simple and repetitive, yet rollicking melody. The wicked half-elf's lone emerald eye sought out Salina, relishing more than anything the look upon her face as she inevitably caught the first few words.

"There once was an elf named Orion
Who's lineage kept the boy cryin
Was he orc spawn or elf?
He oft asked himself
His ma told him elf but was lyin."

It was all Alexis could do to keep from laughing outright as she saw the princess' eyes widen in amusement and....horror? Her jaw dropping at the outlandishness of her friend.

"The boy had the gift ta make flame
But he could nae produce a last name
He stared deep in the fire
Ashamed of his sire
And by now he had found who to blame

The orc lord was found late at night
Which preceded a terrible fight
When he stood all alone
He still couldn't atone
For his monstrously shameful birthright.

So he took up the name of Pierscon
Like a dog slavering over a bone
And he thought, if I must
I'll evade their disgust
And from now on I'll travel alone.

If he happens to see a half elf
It reminds him of his darker self
His orc blood has won
And red rivers run
Till once more he feels proud of himself.

So I tell ye good folk ta beware
A warning most certainly fair
Take care of yourself
From the orc that is elf
And have all your daughters take care

For Orion is looking to breed
And sow all his damnable seed
While I'm only presumin
That he likes to bed humans
If were me I would flee with due speed."

As the last note slowly faded to a hollow tone shortly before disappearing entirely, their eyes met again. A brush of a practiced hand scooped up any nearby coin she had rightfully earned amidst the swell of laughing and toasting patrons.

With a grin she threw Salina a wink, lifting a generously offered mug of ale to her lips in mock salute and toast.

 

[Sky Jade]

Salina tilted her head a little, curious as to what sort of song the bard was going to be performing. It took her a few lines to realize the meaning behind the song, becoming amusing and just a little bit of horror. She hadn't quite expected something like this, but she enjoyed it none the less.

She licked soft lips for a moment, wetting them before she took a swig as Alexis finished the song. She grabbed another round and held her mug in the air, mush to the surprise of a few of the patrons.

"Here's to the best and most beautiful bard in this part of the country."

She winked to Alexis for a moment before she took a large gulp and put the nearly empty mug back on the table. She wasn' quite certain of the time, but a few of the other patrons seemed to be getting ready for the night.

"Well, shall we retire for a bit ourselves m'dear?"

 

[roleplaylifer]

"Well, shall we retire for a bit ourselves m'dear?"

Ignoring the question for just a moment, Alexis spun from her old friend just long enough to gather herself into a sweeping bow in honor of her attentive audience. More than a few catcalls and whistles could be heard throughout the tavernhall as the action provided those closest to her with a look down the black velvet bodice she wore as part of her performing dress. Grinning as one such young man gulped hard at the sight, blushing profusely as their eyes met for just a second. With a wink and a wave, the rambunctious half-elf spun back on her heel to face Salina.

"Aye, that we shall now that I've done and had my fun fer the night."

Grinning from ear to ear, her smile faltered for just a moment as she directed a pointed stare at the barkeep. The already nervous, but much happier halfling, nodded once in understanding. Wiping the growing pool of sloshed ale from his already stained wooden bar counter, his free hand dipped slowly behind the wooden monument, teasing the large pile of copper and silver he had amassed in just a single evening.

Turning briefly, a slow cocking of his head brought a tired looking brunette to his side. A few whispered words to be relayed to the cook, and he went about his business.....

Lacking any of the barmaid's fatigue, Alexis took the stairs two at a time, eagerly awaiting the lush room that had been placed at her disposal. A quick glance behind her told of Salina's pursuit, though at a slower pace. It had been too long since she had spoken with her friend, and despite herself, she was eager to hear of her old comrade's travels.

Finding the correct door at last, a pure note of exultation escaped her lips as the door swung open. Rich carpeting blanketed the floor, a godsend for sure considering her worn feet, blistered from recent travelling. Steam rose from an adjoining room, heralding the presence of a large bathtub already filled with near scalding hot water. Luxurious darkwood furniture peppered the otherwise plain looking room with an almost brooding presence.

Glancing behind her, almost relieved as the action brought her almost uncomfortably close to Salina, she beckoned her old travelmate inside.

"Looks like I did this bar a favor it does. Ye care to join me? We've much ta talk about it seems."

 

[Sky Jade]

She placed her empty mug on the table as she stood up and waited on Alexis. She thought her friend looked quite stunning in the outfit. She stood with one hand on her right hip as she waited patiently to head upstairs. She smiled and nodded as Alexis agreed it was a good time to head up.

"After you."

She gestured for a moment with her free hand, watching the bard glance towards the barkeep for a moment. She took her time following after Alexis, her body gently swaying as she walked. She may have been a fighter, but she was elegent enough to keep a few of her ways as a princess.

The closenessof her proximity to her friend let her inhale her scent for a moment as she smiled.

"I would be delighted."

She took a moment to look at the lush room from the doorway before she moved to the bed and sat down on the edge. Her leather outfit barely madeany noise with her movements, and she removed her cloak, laying it over the end of the bed post.

"Why don't we start with you m'dear? What were you up to after you left?"

 

[roleplaylifer]

Alexis grinned despite herself.

"Gettin inta trouble, like usual. It seems that song bout Orion's quite popular now. Popular enough that some of the ol' Pierscon clan came lookin fer me a week er two ago."

Not yet comfortable enough to change clothes in front of the princess, Alexis instead settled for taking a seat on the edge of the bed. Raising both hands abover her head, thin fingers interwined as she arched backwards, stretching like a cat. The tight fabric clothing her clung revealingly to her slender body, dramatically calling unintended attention to every feminine curve until the exact moment the bard relaxed once more.

Rotating a stiff shoulder experimentally, her smile was wan as she answered her friend's unspoken question.

"They're not dead, if'n ye be askin. Just probably wishin that they were. Bout as stuck up as he was, if'n ye can imagine that."

Briefly she seemed surrounded by a dull inferno as she shook her head violently, her ruddy colored hair flying wildly about her face and shoulders.

"Just rovin from town ta town, tryin ta make an honest coin when I'm able. A dishonest coin when I'm not."

Alexis chuckled despite herself. Though hardly a rogue, she had picked up several of the thieving arts along her travels, skills that had come in handy from time to time.

An arm gestured grandly to emphasize the surrounding room from her seated position.

"As ye can see, I'm holdin my own."

Leaning forward, bearing down on Salina with the unrelenting gaze of her lone eye, the half-elf interjected herself before the princess could phrase another question.

"So just how did ye rid yerself of the others? Or did they just go at each other when they didn't have me ta pick on?"

 

[Sky Jade]

Salina laughed softly as her friend mentioned about getting into trouble. She leaned back on the bed a little, putting her hands behind her to support her. Her eyes fell on Alexis for a few moments as she strecthed, looking her over for a few moment before looking around the room again. She could only nod every few moments as Alexis spoke, since she wasn't able to get a word in edgewise yet. She grinned softly as she meet Alexis's unrelenting gaze and her question.

"First, it's good to see ye doing well for yerself, no extra harm done to ye. Ye seemed more than capable of taking care of yeself when we first met. Now as far as the others, they stuck around for awhile. However things broke down over petty matters, in my opion. Alicia and Orion disappeared one night, the ranger had become more interested in collecting treasure, and I am not certain why the others left. It has only been a month you know since we parted before. Beth'ria and I have been trying to make our way back to my homeland, but always seem to run into difficulties. I really wish to get home to help defend my home, even though I really don't have a stake in things there. I still have my family to keep well."

She thought for a moment and then smiled, shifting to stand up. She strecthed lightly for a moment, the leather outfit seeming to getting tighter against her well-shaped body before she relaxed.

"I think I should go and make sure Beth'ria has foundt a sleep to bed down for the night and then book a room for a myself. Shall we meet again in a bit or wait till morning m'dear?"

 

[roleplaylifer]

Alexis stuck out her tongue in response to the princess' teasing. Abandoning the proper Common of royalty that she had been taught, Salina's grin held some mischief of its own as she answered the bard's question, perfectly mimicking the half-elf's lilting Northern accent.

Long, thin fingers ran through her bright hair as Alexis paused a moment in thought at her friend's words. Her lips pursed as she mulled over this new news, leaning forward, she slid herself off the edge of the bed.

"Then ye'll still be needin me. Fair enough. I'll make sure the innkeep still has my bags. Whisper's stabled outside, should be ready ta ride by tomorrow mornin.

A low chuckle filled the room.

"We'd might as well meet back here. I signaled the innkeeper ta bring us food fer two."

Reaching for the door, she paused for just a moment before opening it to glance back at Salina. Alexis wasn't really surprised to see that the princess had risen as well.

"Meet back here in a few?"

Not really waiting to acknowledge the nod she knew was coming, she jerked the door open perhaps a little rougher than she had to, before stepping back out into the hallway. With an almost practiced air, she began to make her way back downstairs to the throng of people below.....

 

[TheScarletBlade]

A new town.It was nothing special yet it seemed to be bustling like a bee hive.People walking around,doing things and generally it seemed to population walked amongst the weather worn wooden buildings happly.The center of it all:The entertainment district where a large strip of covered pavilions sat,with all sorts of people trying to sell all sorts of things.Also in the entertainment district,lining the center street were many taverns,where the party seemed to be roaring twenty four seven as the loud music,cheers and laughter of drunken men and sometimes the sound of fighting coming from behind semi closed doors.

With a large city came corruptions.Like the Romans,they got so big that corruption began to destroy the mighty empire from the inside.With corruption came villainy and greed,two things that he was here to get rid of.Standing on a hill over looking the city,Valorium watched with hawk like vigilance was unremarkable and thus not seen just watching the city.Finally disappearing from plain sight,he made his way to the city: Stealth was the greatest asset of a warrior.

Valorium was a troubled character.He wasn't insane or a blood thirsty warrior,Valorium was wounded on the inside and instead of trying to fix the hole in his wounded heart,he attempted to fill it with violently taking the wicked down.He was a vigilante,one that stalked the villainous murderers,theives,rapists and other evil men.No one really ever saw him,they would find his victims dead or tied up,waiting for the local authorities to come and get them.

Valorium's dark past is what injured him and troubled him deeply.He was born into a noble house in a country he never really says where.He was raised to be intelligent as well as strong in combat.A poet,a swordsman and a romantic lover,Valorium was one of the sought after guys in all of the kingdom.Invited to become the captain of the kings elite gaurds,he accepted and became good friends with the king.

Nothing gold can stay,as once said in wise word of wisdom from his father.Soon,when he was off on a secret mission for the king,the king was killed "Naturally" by old age when the king was only 40.His brother had quickly taken the throne and anyone who questioned his rule or didn't believe in him ruling the kingdom was quickly cast out.They came for Valorium,over powering him in his sleep and taking his family was well.They were brought the deepest darkest dungeon for the rest of the night.Put in different cells,they sat there in the darkness,knowing what awaited them at sun rise.When the guards cam for him,he fought his way out and escaped,but not in time enough to save his sister as she was burned on the stake.Alone,Valorium escaped into the woods,his family was killed and he was never married so he had no other next of kin.

After running through the woods,he finally collapsed.The other parts of the story were really irrelevant but they all lead to Valorium standing in the crowd.He was nothing out of the norm yet when anyone looked to see him,he seemed to be gone.He was a trained assassian,using his skills to enforce the law instead of killing people.Making his way towards one of the more centralized and larger taverns,he slipped in threw the doors. Valorium was a human,standing about 6 foot tall.He was a muscular man,his muscles honed from years of combat service on the field of battle and intense training.

Wearing a tight black shirt and comfortably tight black pants,seemingly unmarred from travelling.His clothes made out of a light weight expensive material,he wore a dark green cloak,with the hood down to display his handsome face and piercing blue eyes that watched everything,yet when you looked at Valorium,it looked as if he was focusing his attention directly on you.With short black hair,he ran a hand through it as he found a seat at a table by himself. Sitting to himself,he pulled a notebook seemingly out of no where and began to pen something on the pad,writing in a beautiful and fluent transcript that seemed to dance gracefully across the paper.

It was the afternoon and soon it would be night.With night came the time of his prey and he would be at work soon.Sitting back,he kept an eye on a couple of woman around the room,not that he would be around for a long time but he might as well look for some fun.Lowering his head,he looked at the pad as he began to write.

 

[Sky Jade]

"Of course."

She had answered the question of meeting back for dinner, but Alexis had stepped out into the hall already. She shook her head for a moment and chuckled. It seemed she would have another adventure to go on. She picked up her cloak and pulled it back on carefully, tying it closed around her. She pulled the hood up once more, pretty much turning herself into a cloaked figure once more. She followed after Alexis's path, only making her way through the thin crowd towards the door. She paused at the door to look around the tavern once more, and then was gone as a cool breeze of evening air swept in.

She stood in front of the inn as green eyes searched for the possible hiding place of Beth'ria. She smiled as she spotted the young queen's golden hide in the woods across the road and walked swiftly over to her. The dragoness lifted her head as the scent of her Misstress approached and gave a soft roar to her.

"Yes I see you sweetie. Did you find some place to rest? Let's just hope some hunters don't try and come after you. But that doesn't happen much anymore, does it?"

Salina's fingers scritched softly along the queen's eyeridge for a few moments before she gave her a kiss on the top of her head.

"Now sleep well. We have a long day ahead of us."

She smiled once last time before she made her way back to the inn.

 

[roleplaylifer]

Salina hadn't been the only one keeping a watchful eye out for the presence of dragons. Alexis clearly remembered the feel of her own heart skipping a beat a month ago when they had first met, Beth'ria nearly scaring her into an early death.

While the bard hadn't yet heard of dragons with mischievous streaks in them, she was hardly going to compromise her own health by letting her guard down a second time.

Near silent curses peppered the night as she tried to negotiate the hard ground with her thinly soled gown shoes, feeling each and every rock she stepped on as vividly as if she had been barefoot.

"Why the hell didn't I remember ta change 'fore comin out 'ere?," she half whispered to herself more than anyone who might be listening.

Slowly picking herself to the stable, the bard scowled as the sleepy face of the stable boy split into a wide grin at the sight of her. Her fierce look must have done something as the boy adopted a more serious look almost immediately.

"Ello, m'lady. Come ta check up on yer 'orse, are ya?"

Nodding absentmindedly, Alexis' eyes were already piercing the shadows beyond the youth, seeking the familiar form and whicker of her closest companion.

"I'll need him ready in the mornin, bags and all. Ye hear?"

The boy frowned slightly, not fully understanding.

"But I thought....."

She cut him off abruptly, hair flying again as she shook her head vigorously.

"Plans change. Sides, I think ol' Renneke's made plenty o' coin this eve. More than enough ta pay fer me room and board, ye think?"

Knowing better by now than to argue, the stableboy simply nodded.

"She'll be ready by dawn."

Alexis winced at the boy's use gender. Whisper was a gelding, and that most definately made him male. Opening her mouth for a second to correct the boy on this matter, it closed almost as fast as it opened as the bard considered the pointlessness of the action.

"I'll be off then, just make sure he's ready."

Turning slowly, the half-elf began the rather tedious task of picking her way back across the stone laden tavern courtyard to the lit barroom beyond.......

 

[Butch]

"Are you sure you will be alright, miss Elvira?" the bulky warrior asked "This seems to be quite a shady town."

"Don't you worry, Byron." Elvira answered "I can take care of myself. Besides, you've only been paid to escort me here. I couldn't possibly afford having a bodyguard follow me around all day."

"Then I guess this is goodbye then. But I hope you know I'd accompany you all for free. Though I reckon a lady of your stature couldn't be seen with a freak like me?" His once happy face quickly turned into a frown. He knew that people talked behind his back, and that didn't bother him. But when someone like Elvira, someone he'd come to think of as a friend, turned their back on him in shame; it hurt. All because his skin was dark. Sometimes he cursed his father for dying, leaving him practically being the only black man in the civilized world. And sometimes he cursed himself for being born.

"I'm sorry Byron. I'm going to stay at my aunt's houseand they only expect me. I can't imagine anyone I'd rather have accompany me on this trip, though. I'm sure we will meet again someday. Good bye."

As he watched her walk away he once again felt lonely. They'd been each others only company for several weeks. And they both knew she couldn't have taken this trip without his protection. But that was the life of a bodyguard. Standing alone in the middle of street, he felt penetrated by peoples' gazes. Granted; any seven feet tall, 195 lbs man with a massive 2 foot double axe on his back was bound to attract his share of bystanders looks. However, Byron, in his gloominess made it all to a personal insult.

It was getting late and Byron didn't have a place to stay. The town's entertainment district seemed littered with inns. But Byron was not in the mood for song and dance; he wanted a warm meal, a cold ale and a bed for the night. Therefore he picked an inn in which the entertainment for the night seemed to be over, or at least quiet. There appeared to have been a performance by a bard here earlier, but now it was relatively still.
He made his reservations for the night and took a seat at a small table and started eating.

Through his bites he saw a woman carrying a lyre, whom he figured was the bard, and another woman accompany each other up the stairs of the inn. He thought nothing of them but was a bit surprised to see them return down the stairs again a while later. One of them didn't want to be recognized, for some reason, but Byron had a knack for details. He suddenly became curious about them. No doubt were they both extraordinarily beautiful, but something else intrigued him about them. Something he didn't know what it was. He was sure that he would soon get to know them better. How? That was a question for later. He just had a gut feeling is all. He ran his fingers through his finely trimmed beard and wondered how he'd introduce himself.

 

[roleplaylifer]

Thoroughly pissed by the time she re-entered the tavern, Alexis ignored the bawdy whistles that cut through the normal clamor as she promptly reached down and relieved herself of her shoes. For a moment, she couldn't help but think longingly of the steamy bath she had left back in her room.

Even as her footsteps retraced her earlier path in that direction, she froze as a man stood slowly from the bar.

It seemed that he shared her interest as he took his time studying her as well, and Alexis wasn't sure if she liked what she saw. While the man's dark skin marked him as a possible traveller from Southern lands, it was his height that put her on edge. Even from a distance, the bard could just about guess how he would tower over her. If this one started trouble, it wouldn't be a fun fight. The armor he wore seemed well used, marking him as a veteran of a sorts. Suddenly, she longed for her own armor, left safely in her room upstairs.....

He paused, no doubt noticing her one good eye narrowing cautiously even as her fingers paused at the thick leather strap that shouldered her lyre. Foolishly, she had left almost all of her weapons in her room as well. If this man did indeed prove hostile, magic would be her only recourse, she could only hope that he didn't realize this from such a mundane action.

 

[Butch]

"Excuse me, miss" Byron's deep, kind baritone thundered as the bard re-entered the establishment "I was wondering if I could have a word with you?"

The girl's face, that just a second ago showed fear and battle instinct, turned into a question mark. Byron slowly remembered that his build and sheer height often had the effect of fear on first encounters. That had kept him out of countless bar brawls, bandit ambushes and whatnot. He had no intention of fighting the girl, but a feeling deep in his gut told him he was soon going to have to protect her from something. That kind of premonitions came to him shortly before something bad happened, though he could never predict what that bad thing might be.

"This is kinda hard to explain, but when I saw you here with your lady friend here just a minute ago I kinda knew deep inside that I need to protect you. Something bad's gonna happen to you soon. I dunno what it's gonna be but this ain't the first time I've had this feeling. I'd real happy if you'd accept my offer and let me guard ya. Whaddaya say?"

 

[roleplaylifer]

A thin eyebrow arched incredulously as the dark-skinned man approached her slowly, almost as if he could read the tension on her face. But it was his form of a greeting that really piqued her curiousity....

"This is kinda hard to explain, but when I saw you here with your lady friend here just a minute ago I kinda knew deep inside that I need to protect you. Something bad's gonna happen to you soon. I dunno what it's gonna be but this ain't the first time I've had this feeling. I'd real happy if you'd accept my offer and let me guard ya. Whaddaya say?"

He had hailed her almost the very minute she had walked back in the door, waiting patiently for her to remove her shoes in her childish little temper tantrum before addressing her. When he had finished, Alexis barely restrained a chuckle. How did she get herself into these things.

Relaxing visibly, the auburn haired half-elf placed a hand almost coquettishly on her hip, fixing him as best as she could with her gaze.

"And do ye have these premonitions often, or was that just yer come on line?"

While her words held some sharpness, her own ability to appreciate them spread a delicate smile across her normally brazen face.

(OOC: Sorry I didn't post more. I had to go to work. Will be back online later tonight.)

 

[Sky Jade]

Salina had entered the tavern a litle bit before Alexis did, and had made a beeline straight for the inn keeper. Her attention had been focused on him, so she hadn't looked around or noticed anyone else just yet. As she walked, she undid the knot on her hood, letting her red tresses fall in a wave from their captivity. She paued at the bar as she placed her hands on the counter and leaned forward a little.

"What information can you tell me about the Saek Kingdom in the Kolden providence?"

The innkeeper thought for a few moments before he spoke.

"Well, they have been having more problems with orcs lately. So far they have been able to keep the damn creatures at bay, but there's also word that mercenaries have been called for. I can't tell you much more than that m'lady."

Salina nodded softly for a moment and laid a few silver on the counter, which he took happily. She turned around and looked over the crowd, tilting her head curiously as she noticed Alexis talking with a tall black stranger. She figured that his skin color pegged him as from the Southern lands, and his worn armor marked him as a merc. She hmmed as she wondered what possible reason a merc would have with Alexis.

 

[Butch]

"And do ye have these premonitions often, or was that just yer come on line?"
Byron realised just now how odd their introduction must have seemed to her. His total openness generally had that affect on people he didn't know.

"I'm sorry 'bout that, miss. My name is Byron and I apologize for the crude introduction. And to answer your question: no, I don't get them premonitions often but I had couple of 'em before and so far they all came true. I can asure you that it ain't my pick up line."

The girl, who looked a bit odd to Byron, still seemed really sceptical to his offer. The others had been like this at first as well, but when he'd saved their lives later they seemed quite happy that he got his weird premonitions. Miss Elvira too, acted like this at first but soon realised that a bodyguard with an almost sixth sense for danger was quite handy to have around.

"I only wish you to seriously consider my offer. You don't even need to pay me; I can't just stand by when I know there's trouble round the corner."

 

[roleplaylifer]

The man's frankness bothered Alexis, who was well used to being hit on in whatever barroom she frequented. Some of the cuter ones actually got what they desired, but this was different.

Half expecting a bawdy comment or two, Byron's sincere apology caught her by surprise as she rocked backward on one heel, collecting her thoughts.

What he said was really no surprise, she never had learned how to keep her mouth shut really. More than a few would pay hard coin to have her songs and laughter silenced forever....

Having manipulated emotions for an entire lifetime of song and wit, studying Byron came fairly easy. The half-elf almost felt sorry for chastising him earlier for his introduction, the man clearly had seen his help rejected before. A wan smile crossed her lips, its presence confusing her new bodyguard. She had a feeling this one would tag along whether or not she accepted it. And yet......perhaps there was a tale waiting to be told here......

Looking around the room briefly, the bard saw the lithe form of Salina sliding slowly away from the bar. Their gaze meeting briefly, a jerk of the half-elf's head told her old freind to go on without her. Alexis could only hope that she would be back in her comfortable room soon.

Hooking a slender ankle around the knobby leg of a barstool, the red-headed woman smoothed her already tight dress around her body before gathering up enough of the hem to sit down. Only when she was comfortable did she face Byron once more.

"So ye wanna guard me? That's a first. Still ye seem ta be out of a job, and despite what ye say, I got coin ta retain ye fer a while. In return, I gotta price o' mine own that ye'll hafta meet."

Her elbows propped gracefully in front her her, thin fingers intertwined as her chin resting gently on the net they created. The plunging neckline of her performing dress provided an ample show of cleavage as the bard motioned for the warrior to be seated.

"I smell a tale here, and its yers ta be tellin. Tell me bout yerself and where ye come from. How ye came ta be here, and o' travels ye've had in the past."

A soft chuckle tickled his ears as she noticed the rather obvious rewards to her simple overtures, his gaze drawn time and time again from her face as Byron's imagination took over. Despite her amusement, she sobered swiftly as she considered the multitude of possibilities.

"If'n yer honest, and not too exaggerated.....I might even tell ye a touch bout what yer up against."

 

[Butch]

Taking the seat opposite the red-head, Byron listened to what she had to say.

"Well, I don't really know where to start. Also, I'd like to ask something of you: it's always made me a bit uncomfortable to tell my life story to someone that hasn't given me their name."

His sincerity still seemed to catch her off guard, but this was a rather sensible question. It would truly be stranger if he hadn't asked it.
Byron called out for another ale and started his story:

"The most logical place to start, I guess, would be the beginning. As you can see, my roots are not from around here. In fact, you're about the first person I've met in a month who wasn't scared by the way I look. Anyway, my dad came to this part of the world some thirty years ago. I think he was part of some travelling entertainment show. They got to be real popular back in my home town, 'specially 'mong the youth, and stayed in town, by request, far longer than they'd planned. Mum went to a lot of their shows and was really into one of the performers, dad, and one thing led to another. They fell in love, became lovers and before too long mum was pregnant. This would usually be well and all but mum came from a family o' nobles. And let me tell you, little brown babies ain't exactly their dream come true. Unavoidably, her parents found out, and they weren't real happy 'bout it. They demanded she'd get rid of me before I was born, but mum refused. In stead she had to promise to give me away after I was born. Meanwhile, they'd banned dad from our town for the rest of his life, though him and mum still manage to see each other in secret.

Anyway, the time of my birth came around and mum was forced to give me away. However, in stead of giving me away to some childless couple, mum gave me to an old friend of hers, captain Ioin of the town watch. They decided that I was to be brought up as a brave and strong warrior. Someone who'd always be able to stand up for himself and protect the ones he loved. I still saw my mother at least once every week and her parents were really good people so they didn't seem to mind it.
I always trained real hard to make my mama proud and soon I was the strongest and best in all of the town watch, even stronger than uncle Ioin. So when I turned 18 I felt I was ready to explore the world. I realised quite fast that because of the way I look, people was scared of me. While this kept me out a lotta fights it also made me real isolated.
I recognised, however, that there were a lot of people who seemed to need the protection of someone big and strong like me. So naturally I drifted into bodyguarding and sometimes mercenary work. That's what I do most of the time. Nothing fancy, just mainly clobbering orcs oar bandits or whatnot. Sometimes, though, I get these kinda premonitions. Something deep inside telling me I gotta do something. It's kinda like a sixth sense that tells me when something real bad's 'boutta happen. And I just gotta do what it tells me. I can't live with the knowledge that I coulda averted a disaster. Because of that I'm afraid I'm gonna follow you wheather you like it or not. 'Cause I won't let that happen again..."

He was drifting back to a dark memory. Probably his only dark memory, and the first time his voice inside had spoken to him. He'd ignored it, and what happened happened. He still blamed himself though and he wasn't about to tell some stranger he'd just met about it. He gathered himself and laughed it off.

"Now my throat's real dry. That's my story. Is it worth your name?"

 

[TheScarletBlade]

Two Weeks Ago

The clanging sound of steel on steel echoed through the empty halls of the palace.Sword against sword,sword against sheild,the clamour of battle seemed to be filling the deserted halls of the Kingdom of Ashagaldan.Today was a strange day like the rest of the week had been,it was the third day in a week long festival.No one seemed to be around in the castle,ideal for the battle taking place in it.

If you followed the noise of battle and entered through a beautiful oak door,one would enter a beautiful throne room.The entire room was made of marble,with one long red carpet stretching from the double doors to a golden adorned throne sitting on a small step like rise.With trapppings and weaponry and all sorts of other beautiful things in the room,it was a marvel of many nations.Two young men,dressed in fine clothes were fought alone in the room.The first,a handsome young man,looking about twenty mybe twenty one, with raven black hair that was short and well kept. Wearing a silver breastplate that had a Rising sun insignia with sword swords crossed infront of the sun made out of gold on the front of it.With other patches of scale mail adorned his suit and he wore a fine dark blue cape.With a beautiful bastard sword a shield with the same insignia as his breast plate on it,he seemed to have the advantage against his opponent.

His opponent,a young man in dark black clothes and a green cape with only one great sword tried to get an edge on his opponent but could not find one.The fight went on for many minitues,neither opponent could land a hit on the other though the fighter with the shield seemed to get close.Finally,the doors came barrelling open and a tall,powerfully built man with an old gray beard and a wise yet stern look."VALENS!" The man roared as he crossed the room.Comming in the door as well was a beautiful young woman,looking mybe twenty five with a nice green and blue dress on and a golden circlet around he head.

"Munio,you may leave,I must speak with Valens" The king said as he looked to the fighter with the large sword.Bowing,Munio bowed and walked out of the palace,smiling towards the woman before he did.The king looked at Valens and shaked his head "Valens,I am ashamed with you.You desicrate this holy place of your ancestor by fighting here.Also,all you ever do is go out and hunt for only three things: Wine,Women and War.You should be here,learning to be a kign Valens,you are the rightful heir of this kingdom and you cannot rule while doing the disgraceful things you do." The king said as he grabbed Valen's by his breastplate.

Trying to break free Valen's only puts on a sly grin "Well father,your daughter here is more regal and far more intellegent than I am.If anyone in this stupid kingdom would not follow her when you die,then they are fools.She is my older sister and she should be heir to the throne.I am only good for those three things and trust me,I will be here if anyone tries to dsrupt the kingdom,I just wont be in my bed when it happens,I will be else where" Valen's said with a wink.

Shaking his head,the king tossed Valens back in anger.Growling "You are a disgrace to me! well if that is all you want then you should take a Warriors Pilgrimage.From this second foreward,you a exiled from the kingdom until I recieve word that you have done one good deed for the world,done something to become a better person Valens.You will not be without help or funds because and man friendly to our kingdom outside our kingdom with help ou anyways they can but you are not allowed here,heceforth until the conditions are met." The king said as he walked over a sat on his throne.

"But fath..." Valens started but from the look of his father and a finger towards the door,Valens was quiet.Standing up,he sheathed his blade and turned his back,gaining a strong look of determination on his face.Striding quickly from the throne room,he walked directly towards the stables and mounted onto his horse.His horse was a large black charger.He had money and other things on his saddled horse.Spurring the horse,he was gone into the breach again.

Valens found himself on his horse again,preparing to leave another town as an angry mob of men and woman rushed from their wooden shanties and from all across town to mob him.Dodging thrown fruit,Valens was soon surrounded."What did I ever do to any of you?" Valens proclaimed.The mob went silent until one farmer came out from the crowd.The man had a red beard and looked to be about 47."All you did for us was nothing,you proclaimed you were a hero and a prince,but all you did was come and take things from us,kill people and say they were bad men and bed our daughters!"

Smirking Valens knew he could deny none of that yet he shouldn't have to be attacked for it.Drawing his blade,he pulled the reigns and brought his horse up,kicking onto its back legs.Taken back by the display,the commoners were amazed.It took only a second before Valens was charging through the ranks,his massive charger overrunning peasants,trampling them out of his way.Making for the horizon,he was out of town a good league away when,comming from the forest,a old man dressed in the livery of his own nation with a famliar face appeared.

Pulling his horse to a stop,he looked at the man."You look famaliar sir,who are you?" Valens called out.Comming up to the horse,the man smiled and said "I am a old fried of your father,sent here to find you Valens.I have come to help you because things have changed back where you live.Last week your father was killed and now the kingdom is falling apart.Your sister is trying to keep control yet Munio,your old friend is leading a rebellion,trying to start another war of ascension so he can be king,since your sister denied his proposal for marriage.With you gone,no one can seize the throne and there is about to be a war o our hands.You cannot return until you have done a good deed for the world so I have come to tell you of a group of people: A beautiful female bard and her friend who turns out to be the missing queen of a nation that was recently seized by an evil man.If you help the young lady take back her kingdom,mybe you can return to your home in time to stop a war.What you do is up to you Valens" The man dissappeared.

Shaking his head in bewilderment,he held back tears as he looked solumnly down the road where two beautiful women were supposed to be needing help.He could mybe do the world some good,meet a couple of nice girls and get back in time to avenge his father.His father....as rebelious as he had been,he regretted it now...now that he could never say he was sorry to his father.Spurring his massive charger on,he road towards the town full speed.

 

[Sky Jade]

Salina smiled to Alexis for a moment as she caught the little nod as her friend looked in her direction. She nodded back in understanding and made her way towards the stairs. Even though her parents had bade her to go out on her own, which meant that she wasn't really going to get any sort of privilages for being of noble blood, she had done her best to try and blend in with the common folk around her. She had managed to do that in her eight years of traveling, but she couldn't quite get rid of way she held herself like royalty sometimes. Old habits seem to break hard. She paused for a moment at the foot of the stairs and took one last look around the place.

Alexis and the foriegn black merc seemed to be engaged in a deep conversation. There was about a handful of mercs scattered around the place, a few traveling peasents, and some soldiers. She shook her head for a moment before she turned and walked upstairs to Alexis's room.

"I see the serving girl has been here."

A platter of meat, bread, wine, a couple of glasses, and plates were already laid out on the bed. She smiled and slipped her cloak off, hanging it by the door before she sat down on the floor to wait and eat with Alexis when she came up.

 

[TheScarletBlade]

((Continued from my last post))

The road to the small town was stright there from his position.Night was closing in and he had been in the saddle for at least five or six hours with only a small rest to water his horse.Thundering across the road,he passed many people.His dark blue cloak whipping back in the wind as he travelled,he stood tall.He was the lone figure riding through the night.His body leaning foreward as the night dragged on,with a look of determination on his face with a single clear blue tear cascading down his dirt covered cheek.

Like when his mother died when he was little,he now felt bad that his father had been assassinated,but how and by who? It began to storm pretty hard yet the wind and the rain pounding against him would not stop him as he spurred his charger on and on.Fighting the very primal and furious forces of nature,he pushes on until the storm ends,the thunder roaring around him and lightning striking in the distance.Around 4:00 in the morning,the storm ended as he entered a dense part of the trail,larger underbrush covering the sides.

He was only a hour from the town when he pulled to a stop.The horse was soaked and tired just like his master.They were not stopping to rest though,there was whispers in the forest.Drawing his ancestral sword,a bastard sword known as the Rising Sun,the beautiful blade with a hilt of gold adorned with rubies that sparkled from the rain.The pommel was a large ruby carved to look like a rising sun.The blade sparkled in the rising sun when four men dressed in all dark black jumped from the under brush,drawing weapons.Swing his sword down the left side of his horse,he battered the blade of an assassian away.Swinging to intercept the next man,he spun the horse around as he preceded to attack the next one.Fighting the men back,his blade worked deftly as it worked its way around an assassians sword and into his chest.

Drawing the blade now dripping with blood,he began to work on the next guy when they brought his horse down.The horse wasn't injured,just tripped up.Thrown to the ground,he quickly recovered and fought his way to his feet,swinging it sword in both hands to reflect the blades stabbing at him.Working in circular motions,fighting off his enemies,he made his way for his horse.Kicking his sheild up,he caught it in his other hand.Striking at with it,slamming an assassian back,he growled and jumped between to assassins,blocking a blade with his sheild and cutting the other assassians leg clean off.

Falling to the ground in a pool of his own blood,the other assassian screamed in agony as the prince turned to meet his last attacker.Fighting savagely with a combination of sword and shield strikes,he growled as he pressed the attack.Finally working his opponent into a corner,he find his moment and struck.The blade peirced clean through the mans chest and rooted him to a tree.Taking a deep breath,looking as he was about to fall over from exhaustion,the Prince whistled for his horse as he pulled his blade out from the dead assassin,the assassians body slumping down the tree trunk.

Finally reaching the town,he was leaning foreward in the saddle,one arm on his lower side.His hand bloody as he came in,he had taken a slight cut in the side,just under his breast plate,it was a lucky shot and not deep,it was just bleeding.Riding into the town,he rode past all sorts of people,cutting through crowds and stopping infront of a large inn.He was in the entertainment district,the perfect place to look for a bard.Dismounting,just leaving his horse there,he strapped his sword on and strode through the door.He looked sort of worn down yet he was still a handsome man,his hair wasn't to bad and he looked regal like a prince should.

Walking up to the bartender,he looked at the old man and set a peice of gold ontop of the oak bar."I need to know where a female bard is and her companion,anything you know can help.Also get me some of your best wine,I defiantly need a drink and...please dont ask about how I look,its been a long day" The prince said as he slumped into a chair.