Bounty (Closed for myself and RothAllure)

[AGothicLust]

As he watched over the large sheep herd of his brother... Rant thought long and hard about the journey he was about to undertake... he milled over all the conversations he had since had about said quest... and the inevitable conclusion he had recently come to...

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"You cant honestly be thinking of joining up again can you?," his sister asked him...just yesterday.

He did not answer... instead putting his long brown, straight hair (one of the signs of his old alleigance) into a pony tail... so he might pack for the trip to say goodbye to his brother.

"RANT..im TALKING to you!"

He sighed... "I can hear you sister...there is no need to yell...you know...its not as if i came to this choice lightly..."

"Theres NO choice about it! You turn them DOWN plain and simple..how COULD YOU! How could you agree to work for those...THINGS again?..." Lucitia stormed out of the room... the sound of her dainty feet and her long white flowing robe heard descending the stairs of Rant's tower...

He sighed...again...
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Rant said goodbye to his brother... leaving him to tend to the king's sheep. It was honest work..paid well and his brother Tobias loved to work with animals... he was happy he found peace in life...

For some people... only did one thing well in this life...

His brother was a herder...

Rant was a killer.

It had been a long time since he had worn the armor of the Sullen Order... the necromantic garb of the knights that followed a Dark Mage by the name of "Skulgrin". Long ago..when he was young... he had rode with the order... destroying any that stood in oppasition to his Lord Skulgrin. But when his sister and brother had gotten older...and their mother had died... Rant took it upon himself to throw down his blade and see to it that his mother's last wish... be fullfilled...they never join the order..following in his footsteps...

Now that his sister had married a wealthy noble...and his brother worked for his Majesty...King Lazarus... he felt he might again take up his old cause.

He wouldnt of even considered it, if it werent for the fact that he couldnt make ends meet anymore...at least thats what Rant kept telling himself...

The armor fit fine...as if it was just yesterday he last wore it....its funny, he could swear it had been calling to him...

http://www.horror.com.pl/publicystyka/grafika/dark6.jpg

He opened up the scroll of his first "bounty"... it was given to him by Skulgrin himself... along with the agreement that he would not have to kill unless it was absolutely nesessary...

Inside there was a picture of the young woman he was to kidnap....

A pretty young thing....

Whos name was....

 

[RotheAllure]

Whisp

Whisp.....

Her name was Whisp. And indeed she was a pretty young thing.

At this particular moment, as the Killer was opening His scroll and reading the bounty, she was miles, many miles away, enjoying the waning sunshine. It had been a long time since Whisp had been able to enjoy the heat, the light of the sun. In fact, she rarely had. She felt it curl around her, embracing her as if welcoming an old friend, a lost friend, into the warmth of a hug.

She and the sun were friends, or at least should have been. She and the sun should have been intimate. As she stood there, she felt that familiar tingling that often came when the sun's rays alighted upon her, fleeting as they had been. Whisp did not understand that tingling, she never understood.

She never would, unless someone taught her.

Whisp, was not human. But then again to look at her, one may have guessed that. Perhaps she could be classified as a fairy?? But her wings, those beautiful, ethereal, translucent wings, had long since melted into the form of her back, non-use often did that. Perhaps she were an Elf? Elven blood did not dominate her, but yes, there was a lacing that flowed within her, most apparent when one saw her ears. Some thought she was a mingling of animal and human, many of those people thinking she were an abomination. That was partially true as well, for this girl had a tail.

A Picture of Whisp

Whisp was an enigma. One of a kind. Very special, and very beautiful, with a mane of the purest white hair that cascades down her back, she looking as if she is wrapped in snow. Eyes of that same almost crystal white, intelligent, compassionate, with a power flickering within that even she did not understand.

Her birth had been foretold, a Saviour that could battle the darkness that threatened to shroud the lands.

But that was not to be. Upon her birth, she was taken, and imprisoned. She never knew why. She never understood. Raised by the nannies of the Castle, the King, a brutal Lord, yet he had a tender spot for the ivory haired child, kept her sequestered. She never knew her mother or father, both were killed when she was taken. She never knew anyone, except the people the Lord allowed her to see, and talk to.

She was never taught to use what lived inside her. Never told of her power, or her destiny. The Lord served the Darkness, the Dark Mage Skulgrin. That is until he was slaughtered when his rule was over thrown. That was when Whisp, a name he had given her, was free'd. It had been so many years, the girl was now almost 19 seasons old, that this generation did not know of, nor believe, the talk of the Saviour, the girl of ivory, of light. And ones who had, no longer believed.

But Skulgrin believed. And when news came about the overthrow, and the slaughter of his loyal servant, he knew the girl had been free'd. He could *feel* her.

That was when He chose Rant, providing the bounty. He would not tell Rant what she meant to him. That was none of his concern. He did hope Rant would indeed deliver her to him alive, for he wanted the satisfaction of watching the life ebb from her crystal eyes. That would be his greatest achievement.

 

[AGothicLust]

"I dont undestand my lord," Rant... on one knee...held his face down... it was considered rude to look the unholy Skulgrin in the eye "why is this..child so important." As soon as he had opened the scroll and the image had fallen out, something inside Rant stirred... it was as if he knew the girl... as if she was someone he had forgotten long ago... but everyone he asked about her either knew nothing..or were good liars... so he came to the source.. his lord was furious that he had not yet left to recover her...

"Commander Rant... for yearssssss you ssssserved me well, and it issss BECAUSsssE of thisssss that i humor your curiosssssity... but that issss of no concern of yourssss. FIND ME THAT GIRL!! Ssssshe issss....ssssomething we have losssst sssshall we ssssay and it isss very improtant that you locate her. Have i made mysssself clear?"

"Yes M'lord," standing and turning the same time... Rant exited the dank, dark chambers of the necromancer Skullgrin... and stopped just as the large bone doors closed behind him. He pulled out the image of the girl... she had a tail.. what manner of beast was she? All Lord Skullgrin told him was that it had something to do with a couple he had murdered in the name of the order years ago...before he turned down his sword for his mother. He wondered why all of this bothered him. No matter....

He placed his necromantic helmet back on...

No one escapes from Rant.

 

[RotheAllure]

If Whisp had known what was coming for her, what hunted her, she would have run. She would have run hard and fast, to get as far away as she could. Not that running would have saved her. If she had known what was coming for her, she would have known that NO, running would not save her.

She was now, only just enjoying her new found freedom. She mourned the King, the Lord that had held her. He was all she knew, altho she knew he was not her Father, she saw him in that same light. He and the nannies were all dead. Whisp had no one. The new rule, one who vowed to fight the Darkness, knew nothing of the girl or the strength that lived within her. He would have won the battle had he known. Instead, she was free'd along with any others that the Darkness worshipping Lord had kept captive.

It was almost a complete moon cycle now, that she had been free. Whisp found herself living quietly in the small village that surrounded the Castle and the bustling town within it's walls. A good portion of the people there accepted her, many were older, many knew the stories, the stories of the Saviour, tho none believed. The girl was almost ghostly to them. A spirit they knew was there, but could not believe could help them in any way.

How could such a beauty, so angelic almost, so innocent, battle the evil that threatened to devour the lands, and the light?? None would believe it. But...

She was still a loved and accepted member of the village. Her sweetness, her innocence, her compassion, and her knack for healing quickly winning the people over.

If only they knew what hunted her. And...... That He was so very close.

 

[AGothicLust]

Riding down the hill from Skulgrin's stronghold...two death knights at his side.. Rant could feel the stares of those that he knew..working in the fields of the town below. Though they could not see his face, they knew...they had all heard he had taken up the cursed blade again... he had quit his brother's farm and rejoined the ranks of these necromantic attrocities once more.

It was a small town...and while his family was allowed certain "privilleges" such as not being harassed by the order... they were still under the rule of Skulgrin, as was everyone else... sure the local lord rivaled him... and impuned his authority on every occasion...an inherittor since the death of one of Lord Skulgrin's vassles.. he refused to bow down and pledge allegience. His equal refusal to cause any major trouble is perhaps the only reason there has yet to be a power struggle... but many rumors run rampant in the villiage..and the outlining city...something is coming... and perhaps this was the worst time to take up his old profession....

Rant never DID have good timing...

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All seven of Rant's detail were at his feet...lying in pools of thier own life fluid. Ahead of him lay 5 of the 10 farmers responsible...a simple raze and sweep mission gone awry. The remaining 5 stood before him...he needed to thin the numbers...they were trained in combat...by someone good...Skulgrin's orders did not mention that..so he hadnt anticipated it.

Commander Rant turned his blade downward...swiping with both hands firmly along the handle across the ground biting deep and cleaving earth, he slashed across two of the farmers feet, severing them clean off from the ankle to the tip of the toes. Without their balance the two fell as the other 3 rushed him... he took the moment of horror that their screams produced to take a better stance...bracing himself for the other 3...

The first was sloppy and had almost no grip on his blade...Rant tapped his handle hand with his sword sending it flying away in some direction..successfully parryied, the next was too slow...the Necromantic Knight crossed his free arm across his sword arm to meet the farmer's assult, he clasped the assailant's wrist in his hand... blocking the second attack. The Third simply missed...aiming for his waist and not accounting for all of Rant's movement... barely grazing his ribcage armor. The forth and last farmers made it through... the hand sickle of one biting into his right shoulder and the short sword of the other glancing off of his skull chest plate... necromantic armor was very durable, and not as soft as the bone it resembled.

In the time it took the 5 men to realize what had happened, he chopped swiftly across the closest two with his free sword hand...slicing their throats. Knocking the arm of the one in his shoulder, away, he followed in with a throat punch...crushing it. The young farmer collapse with a pool of blood in his throat.

Those two whom had unfortunately missed now stepped back..taking a pause for thought they looked around themselves...8 of their close friends at their feet... the man whom had ended their lives...standing there with a sickle protruding from his shoulder...

They broke into a run...

Rant smiled....but felt dizzy..was the wound worse than he thought..had it bit deeper into his scale mail than he knew?..he looked around...

No

It was a mage.....and he was the victem of some form of magick...figures... Rant chose a day to launch an assault on his enemies, when they were having a magick fair in town...

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He could sense the disgust eminating from his two detaled death guards. The entire order (save for Lord Skulgrin) admonished him for coming back... they all felt he should of been hung for abandoning the Sullen order. But he and the Lord had always gotten along...he was after all his favorite Bounty Hunter and one of his most illustrious Necromantic Knights...

It mattered not...Rant did not need their approval to have their alleigence. While he no longer liked to kill...a beating would put them in thier place soon enough. At one time...long ago...Rant would of killed anyone for having such thoughts about him...

Funny how life changes...

He began to interrogate the very people of the town that he had grown fond of, farmers and barmaids... stable hands and hard working gaurdsmen...normal folk that enjoyed a normal life before the order came to town...

No one was helping him..either they were upset with him...or knew nothing.

His paitience was growing thin...he might need to speak with the Lord of the city...in his palace manor.

 

[RotheAllure]

"My Lord, My Lord !!" Cried out the Knight, falling to one knee before his King "He is wounded, the sickle has pentrated the armor joint, where the shoulder meets the arm. It seems the Farmers have some rather extensive training, to know to hit at that precise spot" He babbled, trying to control his excitment, and his fear.

It was more than rare for a Necromantic Knight to be injured. The Farmers were either very lucky, or cursed. Perhaps both.

The Lord stood as Rant was brought in. His own healers would never be able to handle this. This was not just a physical attack, this was far more sinister. Whatever had torn into the Necormantic with that sickle had used more than strength, he had used some sort of magic. Magic that surely was even now poisoning the Darkness within the Knight.

He thought for a moment only. He had no choices. If the wounded One were to die in his care, Dark Mage Skulgrin would be enraged and surely his vengence and anger would tear him and his lands apart. It was not something he wanted to expierence, or endure. Just the thought made him shiver.

"Bring Whisp"

A nod was given and the his servant Knight was on his feet and dashing to fetch the strange girl.

Whisp was all of 9 at the time. Young, nothing more than a child. But her talent for healing was already quite evident. And the Lord knew who she was. What she was. Knew that even tho her magic was untrained and untapped, her touch would be enough, he was sure, to devour the poison that ran now thru the wounded One. He hoped, prayed, that he was right.

Whisp came when summoned, her eyes widening at the sight of the wounded Knight. She did not recognize the armor as Necormantic, nor did she know anything of who or what He was, or who and what He served. To her, He was a wounded one that needed help.

When He opened His eyes, it was her, a child, that He saw. Whisp did not even know His name. Nor did she know that it was her inner power, what lived so deeply imbedded in her soul, that saved the Darkness, the Knight. She smiled at Him, her head slightly canted to one side, a stray strand of her ivory hair falling forward.

"You are going to be alright" she whispered, touching His cheek with a brush of her fingertips. That brush allowing Him to sleep, to heal.

She was glad she could have helped, and with a giggle and a smile, was sent back to her chambers.

That was the Whisp that Rant had met, so very long ago. Would He remember? She was no longer a child, far from it. This was nearly a decade later, and Whisp was now a stunning young woman, if that was what one wished to call her.

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The sun's light was dimmed, shrouded, by a consuming shadow. The people of the village, already spooked, and very frightened, did not like what was happening, what the wind, and the shadows spoke of.

Voices, words, rumors, began to drift over the village.

Warnings. Warnings that the darkness had come. The shadow. That the Death Knights rode again. Would they come to them? Why? Why would they? Come to claim the throne once more? Surely word of the overthrowing of the past Lord had reached the Dark Mage. Had He sent His Knights to take back what was rightfully his??

In reality he had, but it was not the throne he was after.

Whisp paid little heed to the stories. She had heard, this past month, of the Dark Mage. Frightened whisperings. But she knew nothing of what they spoke about, and thought the darkness was nothing more than an incoming storm. Why be afraid of a storm???

It was not a storm that they feared. If only she knew...

 

[AGothicLust]

"You are going to be alright..."

Rant snapped out of his reverie...dragged back down to earth by Sir Larsen, one of the knights employed by Lord Setzer, the lord whom had overthrown Skulgrin's lackey, long ago... claiming the land for his own purposes.

The newly rewelcomed necromantic knight knew the soilder from his time with his sister and brother... he had come to stand watch over the fields a few times when there was rumor of bandits on the countryside. Rant tried to convince the young man that he could handle any such "annoyance" But Larsen was a good man...and a good knight..always willing to help, even if people didnt realize they needed it...

"...after all... an intelligent warrior such as yourself will come to your senses soon enough... i dont espect you to ride with the legions of Skulgrin for much longer...then you and i can play cards again..like we used to. Remember? You and your brother still owe me quite the silver," he laughed.

Rant smiled, a happy grin that could be seen by all. He held his full helm to his side and brushed his long brown hair back. In the old days he would of NEVER smiled...but life on a farm..with family...and memories...can change even the darkest soul. "I dont know about that Larsen.... you dont know how much the order gets in your blood once your a part of it..." his dark eyes trailed off...as if a million miles away... "nevertheless....thank you for your help... well see each other again..."

He knew it was best to stop fraternizing with the local gaurd in front of his death knights... they would be quick to report any heretical talk back to Lord Skulgrin in exchange for a promotion or riches.

"No problem Rant, my man...just remember what i told you... go to the audience chambers... im sure Lord Setzer will make time to see you."

Rant bowed slightly and mounted his horse... "We ride"

The two deathknights followed suit as Rant placed his necromantic helmet back on, completing the threatening persona...together the three terrifying men rode down a road... along some farmland and past a barracks...heading towards the castle keep... to speak with Skulgrin's enemy.

 

[RotheAllure]

Whisp paused at the edge of the wood. She had taken a well worn short cut thru the wood, with intentions of heading into town, where the markets were. She was in need of some vegetables, and had hoped to find what her own small garden did not provide at that marketplace. She had alittle coin, mostly earned by using her healing to help the children of the *wealthier* people. Most of the time, the illness was nothing more than a belly ache brought on by eating too many mushrooms, or a scrape or bruise from roughhousing. Easy enough to comfort.

She paused, brushing back a stray tendril of that ivory white mane once more, it having come loose from the ponytail that hung down her back. Her crystal eyes focused on Sir Larsen. She knew Sir Larsen. He often had given her sugared candy when she was a child, living in the Castle. He had an easy laugh and a bright smile, and a head of blonde hair. Whisp had always had the slightest of crushes on the handsome Larsen. She had hoped to see him on her way to the markets.

But, who was he speaking with?

There were 3. Were those the Death Knights she had heard whisperings about? One had His helmet off. He looked pretty normal to Whisp, not the wicked, foul creature that the people of her village liked to conjure up in stories. But when He placed the helmet back on, and mounted His large horse, the animal was as imposing as the Knight she realized, Whisp could easily see where the talk came from.

She was going to call out to Sir Larsen, but some deep, inner voice silenced her, insisting that she hide, that she step back into the protective cover of the woods, before she was seen.

 

[AGothicLust]

"My lord," one of Rant's detail spoke "we should interrogate him..Lord Skulgrin will not be pleased if w-"

Rant shot the rookie death knight a look to end days... "I dont need any counsel on what our Lord is and is not pleased with, Knight. You simply need to follow my orders as i follow Lord Skulgrin's... I have the situation well in hand."

"Yes Sir!"

Rant smiled towards lord Setzer..he did not know him very well, but beleived there was no reason to be unkind to this man..his enemy..as of yet.

"Are you SURE you have NOT seen this girl... your assistance, however small would be greatly appretiated..."

Setzer shook his head... "No good sir...i have not...i promise you if i had i would tell you."

Rant looked over the noble man for any signs of deception..the mans shoulder length blonde hair was emaculate...primmed and pampered like most royalty. His skin looked soft...but worn... he had either worked before his rule or had seen some battle...perhaps an honest man...

"I think you for your time." The Necromantic commander bowed slightly and turned on his heels..his pitch black cape flowing behind him.... as they followed the carpet out of the throne room he whispered to his detail... "One of you stay behind... i want him under close watch... the other, take to the sourrounding countryside, roads and forrests... i want this girl FOUND!"

Soon he sat atop his horse... his tired body aching... he hadnt rode this much in ages...and the years were catching up to him. He was only 30 summers old, but for a knight that was an eternity. Rant again removed his helmet...letting his mare drink some water from a lake just outside of the town, he scanned the horizon for nothing in particular. He had learned from the castle hands and not the king that the girl DID once reside there.. but had left in the choas and change of rule... she could be anywhere by now... and most likely far away from here.

He was going to have to do something he didnt want to do.

 

[RotheAllure]

If Whisp had known it was she that was sought, she more than likely would have approached the Necromantic Knight herself. Not to say she did not fear Him, or the Death Knights, she did, even if she could not explain why.

She especially feared them now, now that she had talked to Sir Larsen. She didn't know that Sir Larsen had lied to his old friend, lied to protect the strange girl that the Knights were seeking. He knew her, he had often brought her sugared candy when she was young. He did not understand what she was, did not understand why she was imprisoned on the Castle when the previous Lord was in rule. It had never been his place to ask.

When Whisp had approached him asking about the Dark Ones she had seen him speaking with, the Man nearly went pale. If Rant found out he had conveniently lied about knowing the girl, the Necomantic Knight would run him thru, he was sure, friendship or no.

"Listen to me girl" he had implored "do not ask about the Knights, do not approach either the market or the Castle. It would be best of you hid, and hid deeply, until the Knights have gone" He would not take a chance and hide her himself. He dared not.

Whisp did not quite understand, but as she stood across the water, hiding in the shadows, watching the horse, a mare she guessed from her vantage point, drink, the horse of the very Dark Knight that she now feared, that Sir Larsen had warned her about. He looking out over the water, as if He could see her, tho she was sure He could not. Sir Larsen had gifted her with a very dark cloak, which even now hid her snow white hair, otherwise, surely His sharp eyes would indeed see her there in the shadows.

 

[RotheAllure]

(Gothic and I were playing in Yahoo Messenger, in character... Enjoy )​

rotheallure : Whisp drew the cloak closer to her suddenly shivering body. A chill had raced thru her, even tho the day was quite warm. It was Him, she realized, it was Him. The cold was coming from Him. Larsen's words haunting her. Hide from the Knights, hide from the city. Why were they hunting her? What had she done??? Whisp, for a breif moment, almost stepped out into the open, she was not up for running, for hiding, but her sense told her to stay put, and stay quiet, and see what He was going to do. She had the advantage, at least, she could see Him.... He could not see her... at least not at the moment ....


xGothicMasterx : "Sir!," Rant's attention turned to one of his death knights "I have just received word from an informant..."

xGothicMasterx : "spit it out then..."


xGothicMasterx : "the lord was lying... he spoke he HAS spoken with her. she was spotted here ealier"

xGothicMasterx : Rant sighed.... this was forcing his hand. "Ok. Thank you commander, you may proceed with the search..." his death knight bowed while still on horse back, leading his mare away before cracking the reigns and breaking off into a gallop...


xGothicMasterx : He considered the knights words briefly... it really didnt make that big of a difference... he would need to be a bit more agressive if this was go end quickly... he couldnt keep his Lord waiting..no matter how much he cared for the people and its land these days. Rant Looked out again across the water and into the countryside... "he wouldnt dare hide her....but he still knows her... and thats better than nothing..." He petted the head of his horse and brushed hits mane... before grabbing hold and riding his companion towards one of the death knights... there would be a change in plans.


rotheallure : Whisp breathed a sigh of relief when He turned away and rode. She had not seen the other Knight so close by this one, she guessing He was the leader, the Captain, whatever they called them. Debating for a moment, should she move, or stay where she was. But if they were searching for her, moving would be better. She still considered just stepping up to Him and asking what He wanted, at least she would catch Him off guard, which would be a good thing.. right???


rotheallure : the girl turned, and a soft touch of wind surprised her, the hood of the dark cloak blowing back, and exposing her long, very white hair. In the shadows of the trees, it was quite easy to see, standing out like a beacon of light. She quickly grabbed at it, gasping slightly as she did so, not meaning to do that either, she frantically looking across the water. "Hide" came Larsen's words once more. "Hide"


xGothicMasterx : Later in the day... a small wooden, royal wagon... wheeled up tot he front gates from withen. As the gate was raised..one could Clearly see rant atop of it... sitting regally adjacent to the driver. The wagon shook as if it were ready to fall apart..and rose and fell with each large cobble stone it rolled over. Comign to a sudden stop just in the square of town... rant hopped off the wagon. His strength made apparent by how he could land without crashing to the floor...the fullplate armor on his body not dragging him down with it. He walked up to a bulliten notice board... and placed a large piece of royal parchment.. around this tiem a crowd could be seen.. gathering from inside the castle keep...word of something had spread fast. Rant drove a dagger sharply into the wooden board...


xGothicMasterx : taking a moment to look at what was on it..pleased he nodded to himself and climbed back aboard the coach...nodding to the driver before it began its slow journey once again...seemingly headed out of town. "we must drive her out of here...i will meet this woman before i bring her to Skullgrin" he spoke to the driver, apparently now involved it he search... "if she is a pure soul she will follow the one that has helped her so much"


rotheallure : Whisp had made her way back to her small place, staying within, daring not to venture out. She was not aware of the events in the town, nor the parchment that was posted. She would find out soon enough. Larsen had seen the posting, shaking his head. What was not needed was a panic, nor a mob scene, and that parchment could illicit both, which was not a good thing. He read it several times, before concealing his face in his own cloak and walking away. He would warn her, the girl, he would warn her to get out, before any, seeking the notarity, went after her. When Whisp answered the door, she was surprised to find Larsen there. He stole in, quickly closing the door behind her.................


rotheallure : "Listen to me" he whispered, looking at the strange beauty that she had become "You have to go, You can not stay here" Whisp stared back at him. "What do You mean, this is my.......... home" It was the only home she knew, to leave was a terrifying thought to her. Larsen shook his head. "You will be found, you will be captured. Your only hope is to go, tonight" When He left, Whisp was in tears, confused, and scared. She trusted Larsen, and began packing a light bag, preparing to run, to leave, before ....... before what?? She had done nothing. Nothing wrong. Dropping the bag she had been packing, she decided to find this KNight, this Death Knight and ask Him herself, what she had done wrong............. She left her small home, nothing more than a room, the dark cloak once more


rotheallure : hiding her from most eyes. Was He still here? She headed toward the town to find out.


xGothicMasterx : "We are here, M'lord... i hope the trip wasnt too rough on you." Rant helped Lord Setzer out of the wagon, by effortlessly lifting him up and out of it...placing his lilth frame on the marsh floor below...


xGothicMasterx : he had binds on his feet and hands and a hood over his head. Rant removed the latter. "what have i done to deserve this! Your lord will pay for this with his BLOOD!"

xGothicMasterx : "Come now Setzer... if you could of dispatched my Lord i dont think we would be even having this converstion...do you?" inside Rant felt the suit talking to him again..all the old stirrings were coming back..for a moment he entertained slitting the throat of the noble... and finding the girl the old fashioned way...but he didnt want to kill... that was the bargain for returning to serve the order.



xGothicMasterx : "Im afraid you lied to me M'lord... i dont like being lied to...but who does for that matter." Rant removed his helmet... handing it to one of the other death knights...who in turn placed it near the other.. on a stump. The two vassels began to set up camp in the middle of the bog, starting a fire and going over watches and post commands.



xGothicMasterx : "i told you all i kn-"


xGothicMasterx : "SPARE ME!, you know the girl... you have even helped her.. " he sighed...calming hmself..the blood inside his body..inside his armor boiled hot...he needed to cool it with rationale... "All this can be avoided if you just tell me where she is..i promise no harm will come to either of you...just tell me...WHY is this girl so special? Who is she?"



xGothicMasterx : "i dont know who she is...and why she is special...well any man can clearly see that. Dont promise me things you cannot ensure.. you have no idea what your leige wants her for...nor do i...i cant gamble with one so innocent."


xGothicMasterx : "Its not your game to play Setzer... tell me... or die." Rants head was swimming... death was in his heart... and he wanted to entertain it... why was he feeling like this?


rotheallure : Whisp stopped in her tracks, the world around her suddenly swimming. She heard words, yelling, "Spare ME, YOU know the girl...." Whisp turned, who was speaking to her? But no one was there, only darkness. "I can't gamble with one so innocent".... Innocent? Whisp knew that word, many had called her innocent. The Lord that free'd her had called her innocent. Larsen had called her innocent. Whisp had not even reached the town, she was still on the pathway that took the village dwellers, of which she were one, to the larger town and the Castle Keep of the Lord that now ruled. The sun has set. All warmth had faded, and night was about to descend. "Tell me... or die" The words faded, replaced by something more ......... ominous... more chilling. It was the voices of men.................



rotheallure : several men, stomping down the path, talking loudly, almost too loudly, a moment later and there was the crash of a bottle being broken. As opposed to the voices she had first heard, which sounded more dreamlike, coming from far away, these were clear, loud, and very near. "I know where ssshhhe lives, I've sssseen her, always knew ssshhhe were ssstrange, always knew ssshhhe were trouble" the words were slurred, drunken. It took Whisp only a moment to realize they were talking about her. These were not the Knights, no, but instead a band of drunken men from the town, looking to make a name for themselves, and maybe some coin.........


rotheallure : "I have to hide" Whisp said to herself, quickly ducking into the surrounding wood. The Men were close, and she was scared. If only she had not stumbled, she would have easily illuded the drunken men. But she did, her foot catching a large root, and with a unintended yelp, she fell, her breath being knocked from her, the cloak hood revealing that magnificent mane of white, even the drunkest man could see her.....

rotheallure : "There she IS" came the call, they crashing into the wood. Whisp didn't stand a chance, as one of them fell upon her, wrapping her up in his arms. Struggling got her no where, they were stronger than her, no matter how drunk, and there were at least 8 of them all gathered around her. What her struggling had done, however, was rip open the cloak, baring her beneath, her clothing, nothing more than a simple top and a long black skirt, ripped as well. The men, were nearly drooling, no matter how strange she was, how odd, she was still a female. The one holding her tightened his grip as another approached, reaching out to squeeze a breast, ripping the top down, exposing the pale flesh of her pink tipped breast.. Whisp... SCREAMED....

xGothicMasterx : Whisp was held firmly from behind now..both her and her assilant on their feet. The putrid smell of the druken man's breath entering her nostrils... adding to her apprehension by not letting her forget that THESE men were not only down on their luck.. but without reservation for the more... unspeakable acts of man...


xGothicMasterx : "aye look at these pert, and large titiessss will yas? Neer have i sssen such an appetizing set..." The man seized her alabaster Breasts in both his hands...tightening his crude grip...leaving dirty prints from his thick callused fingers.


xGothicMasterx : the six others circled them... some of them wiping the drool from their mouths...others already beginning to disrobe.. "Are you sure this is ER?"


xGothicMasterx : "OF course ITS ER...look at the little bitches ears...look at her hair... not even an elf is so fair you fool!"

xGothicMasterx : "Shes fair now eh sir?...but she wont be afen we be done with er" A thick raspy tongue slid across Whisp's cheek..nearly turning it to the side with its force...these were hungry men...men who would never of come across someone as attractive and as beautifull in their whole lives.. and now they were gonna take advantage of it...


xGothicMasterx : A big protrusion could be felt against and between the girl's buttocks, the man with the tight grip around her waist was becoming impatient.


xGothicMasterx : One of the men held his manhood out... a small stubbly member.. but terrifying nonethe less... "get her on her knees lads... lets start with a quick education in how to say hello to a man properly!"


rotheallure : Whisp was completely terrified. No matter how hard she struggled, she could not break free. Deep inside her, she could feel something, something deep, warm, as if waking up. But her fear was too great to let the power she held loose. If she had known how to use it, if she were trained as the Dark Lord Skullgrin was with His power, she would have easily been able to break free......


rotheallure : "no... NO... PPPLEASE" she manged to beg, her voice a soft plea amongst the grunts and hoots of the men. She was shoved to her knees. "NO..
NOOOOOOO" Her voice rose, her eyes wide with panic, tears streaming down her face. Why?? Why were they doing this to her? What has she done?????? "NOOOOOOOOOOO" her last howl echoed, deep into the night around her. The man standing before her backhanded her, her cry cut off from the shocking blow. He then grabbing her chin, forcing her head up, his hardening cock poised over her mouth. "Damn, this is gonna feel good" he mummbled.


xGothicMasterx : "Oh FUCK.... NECROOOOS!!" The bellow seemed to echo like a ghost withen the bog... two death knights had stepped into the clearing to find the perverse scene unfolding... "RUNNN!!" The six furthest from the girl took off without a second thought but he whom held her and the brazen one looking down..was not about to go home without getting his dick wet this night...not after feeling the heavenly flesh of her bossom.

xGothicMasterx : "What the fuck! We were JUST bout to and Er over...werent we? whatcha lookin atus like that fo?"


xGothicMasterx : Commander Rant stepped between the two knights...his necromantic helm again worn... his demeanor as solemn as a crypt... "That my good man... is NOT how you great a woman."

xGothicMasterx : The two thugs looked at themselves...unsure of what to do next... "And OO the fuck ar You? We tolds yas...we wasss about to give her to ya..let me jusss av a bit of fun firssst"xGothicMasterx : Rant looked at the terriffied girl.. and then with a bit of shame he looked at her magnificient chest... the swollen orbs of silken flesh heaving as she panicked and looked at him with those yearning eyes... not yearning for him but yearnign for help... he turned back to the situation. Turning his back on all of them and walking back into the fog...now rising with the night...

xGothicMasterx : He stopped next to one of his knights...

xGothicMasterx : Turning his head

xGothicMasterx : "Kill them... bring the girl with you...do NOT let her see you do it... and give her anything she wants...but her freedom...then take her to me



xGothicMasterx : "as you wish" The two knights stepped forward


rotheallure : By the time Whisp was brought before the commanding Knight, all that He had commanded had been taken care of. The screams of the dying men still rang in her ears. She had seen nothing. A curtain of darkness had descended as the Knights approached. It seemed to wrap around her, as the men holding her suddenly realized that this was not good, not good at all, let go of her. Now they were the terrified ones. The shadow wrapping around the girl, shielding her from the carnage, the bloody, horrifying killing. The only man that survived was the one that had run when the Knights first approached. She, herself, asked for only one thing, a cloak to hide her nakeness, which was provided without a word. She had heard what the Commanding One had said. She would not be given her freedom......


rotheallure : so she did not ask. Blood colored the cloak, a streak had splashed onto her skin, one of the men had been killed right before her, but she had not seen it, she had, however heard it. She was trembling, but had managed to get her fear under control, and was desperately trying to stop her shuddering.

rotheallure : Stepping before the Commanding Knight, she tried to mask her fear, holding her head up, eyes raised to the visage of the helmet before her. The other 2 stood on either side of her. They had never touched her, they never had to.

rotheallure : "You seek me?" she simply asked. She would
not ask why, not yet. But she did owe Him something... "and, I..." she paused, catching her breath and her words "I thank You for stopping those men from..... from hurting me" That made her lower her gaze for a moment, but she quickly lifted again.

 

[AGothicLust]

----------------------------------------------------------------
When rant awoke... the King was at his side... even though still groggy, he was battle hardened and his reflexes were never weak... he lept out of bed and went to reach for his blade...but it was not there...soon he realized his wounds had been healed....magickally apparently..since there were no scars... and his armor was no where to be found.

He felt peacefull...and lost..at the same time.

"What have you done?" he asked...a barely audible whisper from a once strong man... still weakened.

"I have saved your life...or rather.. my....daughter has."

"I was not aware his majesty had any progeny..." looking around Rant came to understand that he was in the castle keep...one of the towers no doubt..but how long was he out for?

"It matter not Death Knight... you owe me... you owe my kingdom and i have come to ask you to pay up..."

"I dont have time for this M'lord... the TRUE ruler of this land...My leige, Mage Skulgrin is awaiting the report of my failure... i will pay dearly for allowing your farms to go unpunished. You know why he sent me... you serve him as much as do i... and the Master does not take lightly, how you have been bickering behind his back..." Rant winced in pain... some of the inner dammage still lingering... "who was that girl?....that child-"

"SHE IS NONE OF YOUR CONCERN!" calming himself... the King continued "Excuse me..it is late..and i am tired...what i mean is... that is the reason i have come here... you owe me...and i want you to do me a favor.. a simple request...really...for saving your life Commander Rant..."

Rant sighed...he was a bastard...but a man has nothing if not his honor... "what is it?"

"Do not include how the girl helped you in your report...she is...family...and i do not want our Lord to know of her involvement in this whole ordeal..."

"B-but why..who is-"

"Give me your word knight...for i knew your father...and i know you will keep your word...as surely as you would slit the throat of a man who didnt. PROMISE ME!"

"Fine...can i go now?"
----------------------------------------------------------------

The girl appeared from the bog... and seeing her, he removed his helm... in her prescence it was apparent why she was so sought after...but this was not simply a case of love or lust... there was something about this girl...that Lord Skulgrin needed... he wanted to know what that was...

"You seek me?....and, I...I thank You for stopping those men from..... from hurting me" For a moment she looked down... as if ashamed... but Rant felt it was most likely, just the trauma of the experience...she looked again in his eyes...unflinching... her eyes were ulike anything he had ever seen... the word beauty did not capture what one found there. They were a foreign body of wonder... shimmering stars, that looked right through him and made him feel sympathy... like he hadnt felt since on the farm with his brother...

"Up untill now i did not understand why you were so beloved and desired by the two Lords... however i can say with all certainty taht i have never seen a creature more lovely than you... that being said...." Rant sat down on a stump his hands at his sides...raised above his knees...as if the tree were a throne...it was ironic... like the marsh itself accomidated the knight, bending to his will...but it was simply a coincidence...that and a good choice of camp site "I want to know who you are and why Setzer has been helping you hide from me."

He motioned for his second in command to bring out Lord Setzer. In the distance the man who was driving the wagon...was beginning to stew a pot over the campfire...most likely dinner.

 

[RotheAllure]

Whisp's tail had lightly wrapped about her body beneath the cloak, the tip, graced with the same white that cascaded down her back, quivering slightly. She held the gaze of the Dark Knight, her crystal diamond like eyes never leaving His, as if searching for why, or what, or who He was, and why He wanted her.


"Up untill now i did not understand why you were so beloved and desired by the two Lords... however i can say with all certainty that i have never seen a creature more lovely than you... that being said.... I want to know who you are and why Setzer has been helping you hide from me."

She took a step back at His words, for a moment the thought that He too was going to try and take.... liberties.... with her raced thru her mind. She drew the cloak tighter about her lithe body, drawing her eyes from His for a moment to look beyond, as if looking for a means of escape. But Whisp knew there was none.


Her eyes did detect movement in the gloom that surrounded them, and a moment later, Lord Setzer was brought before her. Her own eyes widened, indeed these Men must have great power to be able to so easily capture and detain the Ruler of the land.


Her eyes flicked back to the Commanding Knight.

"I am called Whisp, and my question to You is the same. Why do You seek me, I do not understand" She looked back to the Lord. She did not know him any more than any other, except that he had free'd her. "As for my Lord, I know nothing of him hiding me. I reside outside the town walls, and have since he has taken power. I don't understand Sir. I know I am different, but I am nothing special" It was something she truely believed, but as the words slipped quietly from her lips, a gleam came alive in her eyes, as if the power that lived so deep inside her had again awakened, and knew that indeed she were special.

 

[AGothicLust]

Rant focused on the amazing creature's eyes... the almost heavenly appeal to them... he remembered it from his past.. he recalled it like a waking dream, though of at an opportune moment years later...

"YOU!," he called out... standing as if propelled by some force..driven by his realization... "I know you...i knew i knew you...." he smiled.. pleased with himself... but the grin was washed away as quickly as it came, by the ocean of his thoughts... 'what now'? he thought... indeed..what now?

He motioned for his death knights to leave... they stood their befuddled for a moment before seeing the conviction in their Lord's eyes and making haste with his directions. He looked towards Setzer... "Your old freind.... he who ruled your land at My Lord Skulgrin's side, told me to never speak of her power to my Lord... do you know of the power he spoke of?"

Setzer stood their.. in chains... a questionable look on his face...

Rant walked calmly over to the stump near the chef... he motioned for the chef to leave as well... this one did NOT hesitate. Enveloped by the forrest the cook dashed off... most likely to gather more ingredients. Rant grabbed the red hot stirrer/poker from beneath the pot... holding it between himself and Whisp he walked towards her...

He felt kindred to the girl..but his head was swimming... and his thinking clouded.

 

[RotheAllure]

Whisp did not understand what He was babbling about, quite honestly. She watched Him with the most bemused look on her face, her head tilting aside just a little, a tendril of her white hair falling along that shoulder.

"Your old friend.... he who ruled your land at My Lord Skulgrin's side, told me to never speak of her power to my Lord... do you know of the power he spoke of?"


Power? What was He talking about?? Whisp thought the Man, the Knight, was simply mad, as in insane.

But, as the words came tumbling from His lips, she felt something rumbling deep inside her. The sensation was warm, as if a flicker of flame had been alightened and now was beginning to burn.

Power, magical, whimsical, ethereal power, deep inside, that lived in her dreams. That entwined around her as she slept, keeping her safe, growing in strength.

But Whisp had no real knowledge of that power, what it was, how to use it, or the circumstances surrounding it and her. She truely was an innocent.

He dismissing His Death Knights, then turning and dismissing the one cooking just beyond where she and He stood. Warily she observed Him taking the heated, searing red poker from the fire, and turning toward her with it. Her eyes widening, Whisp took a step back as He came closer.

"what, what have I done to You?" she had no where to go, no where to run. Was He going to attack her? After saving her from a sure raping at the hands of the drunken men??? Whisp did not beg Him to stop, those words did not come from her lips.

"Don't" she said, almost a command perhaps.

Setzer was watching, confused and horrified at what he thought the Death Knight was going to do.

"STOP!" He yelled "Leave her BE!! She is an INNOCENT!!"

 

[AGothicLust]

Rant slowly knelt down beside Whisp...falling carefully to one knee... his hulking frame crushing portions of the swamp below him. He gripped the end of the burning metal with two hands..shifting possition and arcing his arm back... as if to strike.

He smiled warmly.. "I have no intention of harming this girl... you see...," he raised her chin slightly with his thumb and forefinger... gazing into her eyes once again... it was gentle and comfortable in those eyes... "I owe her one."

Letting Whisp's face go The Necromantic Commander drove the burning tip of the poker deep into his armor's bracer... digging through the mail... it began to sizzle and everyone could hear that it was now searing the knight's flesh. Ripping into his wrist.

He clenched his teeth and winced from the intense pain...but truth be told Rant had been through much worse. Its amazing the creativity of ones enemies when they need to extract information from a fallen foe..

Finished he rended the poker from its horrible wound. Blood and ashe and sinew dripping from his wrist... tossing the metal shaft aside he turned to the frightened and most likely horrified girl...

"Dont you remember? The first time we met...i was hurt then too."

He held out his arm...offering it to her... no sign of the pain... only a handsome smile on his face.

 

[RotheAllure]

"I have no intention of harming this girl... you see...," he raised her chin slightly with his thumb and forefinger... gazing into her eyes once again... it was gentle and comfortable in those eyes... "I owe her one."


Whisp's almost clear eyes met His, so dark, so intense, she could see herself becoming lost within those eyes. Her breathing slowing slightly, but the confusion did not leave her face, nor her mind.

She watched in horror as He did not strike out at her, but instead at Himself, the searing, glowing poker driving into and thru the metal that protected His arm, His wrist, and into the flesh, muscle beneath.

"No wait, DON'T" Whisp gasped, stepping back, staring, her eyes wide, unblinking.

Setzer gasped as well, turning his head away, unsure what was going on, or what the Knight meant in saying He owed her one.

Whisp could scent the burning flesh, and that coppery smell of blood.

"What are YOU DOING??" she asked, looking up once more at the Knight.

The poker was pulled free and dropped to the ground. It was coated with blood and skin. Whisp stared down at it, almost as if in a trance. Deep inside her, that heat, that flutter had started again, slowly winding thru her, circulating, almost as if it were in her own blood.

"Dont you remember? The first time we met...i was hurt then too."

"Hurt?" she murmered, looking back into His eyes, seeing the pain within that He hid from His face, His emotions. He was smiling, but Whisp could see the pain beneath. She had been soo young, she did not remember the Knight. She had been called to help several people, her healing skills were quite powerful. Had one been in armor such as this???

Her attention then went to the wound. Without asking, or thinking, she took His hand in hers, pulling off the gauntlet, exposing the awful, bleeding wound. Whisp still didn't understand why He had done that... WHY would one hurt themselves????

Slowly, Whisp's eyes rolled back, then closed. Her hands both emitting a warmth, a heat, a power that now was flowing thru her. She felt as if a thousand butterflies were fluttering within her, the warmth pouring from her. That power, that flutter, that heat, centered onto her hands, as she wrapped them around that torn wrist, her slender fingers were light and gentle.

She said nothing, she didn't have to. Her power worked on her will alone. She wanted to heal Him, so............. she did... He felt nothing more than a cooling touch, strangely enough. Her strength, her power, molded to what was needed. If He had been frozen, it would have been heat He felt, slashed, stabbed, beaten, and it would have been softness, for heat, burning, it was cooling.

When she pulled her hand away, His wound was healed. Setzer had watched the whole thing, his eyes wide, in shock. He had heard of what she could do, but never believed it, and never witnessed it.

Looking back into His eyes "You will be alright now" .. her own were mirrored, He able to see Himself within, along with that flicker, that gleam of what she held so deep inside her, that light that His OverLord, Skulgrin, wanted so badly.