From Peasant's to Kings

[Roughneck]

Heres the rundown for this story, make it what you want. I will open the story, but where it goes and how it ends is up to those who play. The story will be in or around the Middle Ages, but in the context of Middle Earth. This means fantsy Char's such as Dragons, Elf's, etc etc are all allowed. You don't need to create a bio for your char, rather just enter him/her into the story and develope them as the story moves along. There are no rules or requirments, but I do ask that you make your char with mortal flaws, no need to make a super human char that nobody can beat.

 

[Roughneck]

The begining

The wind quietly blew across the open fields, the thick morning fog hanging heavy to the ground. Slowly the sun rose, cutting through the thick fog, to reveal the movement of men. Soon the quiet morning air was replaced with the marching of men and the beating of drums. As the sun rose higher and the fog lifted, an army of great size could be seen. Their banners flying high, their lines marching in perfect formation. This once promising day would soon be turned into a morning of death.

This was the third year of the War of the Crowns. A war which was started after the death of the King. A war which had turned the once proud country of Ocllo into a dangerous land of endless struglgle and bloodshed. The Great King Bardic was well loved by his countrymen, from peasants to royalty, he was feared by all, and respected for his fair rule. At the time of his death, his eldest son Philip took up the crown, but his reign was short lived. The kings brother Balron, who emersed himself in the dark crafts, killed the eldest son and asumed the role as king. King Bardic's two remaining sons Gillian and Camlann took up arms against their uncle in hopes to assume the crown for their own. This struggle would soon be refered to, as the War of the Crowns.

The first two years of fighting resulted in nothing more then a stalemate between the sides. As the third year of the war began, King Balron made an alliance with the neighboring country of Magincia. In return for their support, the King allowed them to take over the rich low lands of the country. Magincia had always desired these rich farming lands, but King Bardic had defeated their many attempts at it, the wars between Ocllo and Magincia had many times been referred to as the pasture wars. This new alliance now forced the sons of King Bardic to combine their own army's. The two men despised each other, but knew they stood no chance at defeating their Uncle divided. Their alliance became known as the Bardic Pact.

Today the armys of Price Gillian and Camlann marched across the open fields, before them stood the armys of King Balron. As the morning fog lifted, the battle began to take shape. Yet this battle would be the beginning of a great adventure, a start of something neither side would be able to control. For though men may fight and kill for power, it is the Gods who decide who shall rule. For this day the Gods turned their favor not to the ruling king or the princes, but to a soldier, a mere peasant.

 

[Roughneck]

Bristol

Bristol stood there in formation as he and his men awaited the comand to begin the march toward the armys of King Balron. As Bristol stood there, his stomach turning with fear, he began to reflect the events that brought him here.

He grew up a peasant like many of the men that stood here. His life as a farmers son had been hard, but under King Bardic's rule life had been good. His father desired a better life for him, and at the age of sixteen enlisted him in the kings army. He still could remember the words his father spoke to him as he left. " Be safe son, and strive to better your life. You will have a chance to learn how to read and write, giving you a better chance then just to be a farmers son." He could remember the tears streaming down his fathers face as the horse drawn cart pulled him off, he promised himself that one day he would return. That was eleven years ago, and now he found himself a Seargent in the armys of Prince Gillian and Camlann.

When King Bardic died, the army split up between the fighting factions. Bristol saw the killing of King Philip as a crime against the counrty, and quickly enlisted in the army of prince Gillian. He saw many friends now become his enemy and with the alliance of Gillian and Camlann he saw many enemys now become his friends. Yet something was bothering him deeply inside, not the thought of the upcoming battle, but something deeper. When he took his oath to King Bardic, it had meant something. He, just like his father,had deeply loved the King. Yet he fould himself growing to hate his current leaders. He grew tired of the constant fighting, the three years of death and destruction grew heavy on him. Deep inside he wanted to go home. As each day passed, the desire of a farmers life seemed more apealing.

" Seargent !" yelled the Captain. " get your head out of your ass and start moving your men forward"

Bristol nodded, then turned to his men, "Forward. . . . March!"

 

[Mistress]

Iris De'Lavoney (Human)

A soft tune could be heard coming from the bath chamber of the castle, the voice lifted to the sky as if exalted by the innocence of the young woman who bore it. She opened her pale blue eyes and smiled warmly at the Servant Girl combing her hair, then frowned at the thought of calling the older woman a Servant Girl. “Ahh Sara, how did I come to rest in this coffin of cold stone and iron?”

“M’Lady, you mustn’t say such things!” She hushed her and glanced towards to door that was heavily guarded upon the other side. Setting down the comb she gently stroked the younger woman’s hair, “Why must you challenge him so Iris?”

Sighing, the woman looked up at Sara and grimaced, “You know why, because I am being forced to marry him! He disgusts me, he is vile and wicked and I shall want no part of him, nor his false kingdom!”

Silencing her again Sara quickly stood and made her way to the door, listening to see if she could hear the guards. Then just as quickly she made her way back, “You are dancing with the Devil himself M’Lady. You should be honored that he has spared your life and taken you to his side. He could have slaughtered you along with the rest of the Dharma villagers”

Snorting Iris stood from the bath and grabbed her robe, wrapping it around her slender pale body. “I am supposed to be honored by that? To be spared only to see the destruction of my home and family?” She ran a hand through her long dark curls and spat upon the ground. “I would be better off rotting like my people then to be trapped in this….this living TOMB!”

“M’Lady please!” Sara cried glancing at the door.

A loud knock sounded as a gruff voice passed through the wood, “Hurry it up!”

Sara hurried over to Iris, grabbing her gown from a near by table. “Please M’Lady get dressed so that we may go. Please do not wish any harm onto yourself!”

Iris gritted her teeth and nodded, “Fine, my voice will only be silent for a few moments however. I will never show any type of allegiance to Balron not in mind; body, nor spirit Sara. I shall cut my own wrists before I marry that wart of a Human being!”

“M’Lady, your only means to survival must be to at least pretend to adore the King.”

“Sara, sometimes you are as smart as a whip and other times you are out right foolish.” Iris finished tying the laces to the front of her bodice and shook her head. “One day my dear friend, I shall leave this place in the dead of night and run to the freedom I so desire. I will take you with me as well, together we will live a richer life then any King and Queen could because we shall be free. Nothing is richer then freedom Sara, nothing, you will see that one day.”

“Once again I must ask you M’Lady to please silence yourself.” Sara’s tone was harsh but Iris could see the sparkle of hope in the woman’s eyes. She may be a captive in this place and she may be forced to marry this King, but at least at the moment she knew she had a trusted friend in Sara, and friendship would be the only thing that could get her through the next few months before the wedding.

“Pray to your Gods for a miracle Sara, we are in need of one.” Iris whispered then opened the wood and iron door, her head held high and her eyes straight ahead ignoring the Guards. After a few steps she turns and eyes the Guards, “Next time you disturb me in my Bath I will have your throats cut in your sleep.” Immediately their eyes dropped to the stone floor and she smirked to herself, well, at least there was one advantage to being Balron’s betrothed.

 

[Roughneck]

Bristol

As he gave the comand, his men marched forward in perfect formation. The sun's rays reflecting off their armor gave them an almost holy look. " Steady men, keep the formations tight! " yelled Bristol. He again turned his attention to the conflict at hand. He knew King Balron's forces out numbered them, their strong point being their calvery. Yet the battle field did not favor them, giving the forces of the Princes a chance.

As the Princes force neared the armys of King Balron, a legion of arrows were leased against them. Bristol looked up into the sky, the arrows seemed like a black cloud in the air. "Cover!" yelled Bristol, as the arrows began to fall upon them. Quickly the formations closed file, raising their shields to cover from the onslaught of death from the sky. Volly after volly was unleashed against them, yet they still moved forward. The screams of pain and death filled the air, as many of the arrows reached their target.

Just as soon as the arrows had be leashed upon them they stoped, and now a new sound was heard, the shouting of men. Bristol drew his sword, then turning to his men he yelled, "Chaaaaaaarge !" The two armys charged into eachother, the sound was a deafing crash of steel and armor. Bristol fought with all his might, his anger and hatred being taken out upon his enemy. The screams of death were blanked from his mind, the face of death nothing more then a shadow. He was a man consumed with hate, he was in his onw mind. . . . death.

As the battle unfolded, it seemed the Gods had favored the armys of the Princes, the tide was turning in their favor. Though some thoughts are short lived, for a new foe entered the fray. . . . a Dragon. The beast was pure power, its mear size put fear in their ranks. " What dark magic do they have to summon a dragon to their aid?" asked Bristol, as the chaos of the battle field came to a halt. All was silent, all eyes were on this mighty beast. The dragon seemed amused, Bristol was sure the Dragon had a smirk on his face. The trance he found himself in was quickly broken as the Dragon let out a roar. His men, as well as many others began to flee. " Hold steady men, stand your ground!" yelled Bristol. It would do no good as the Dragon began to tear apart the army of the Princes. The carnage was vast as the Dragon, cheered on by Balrons forces, quickly threw panic into the forces of the Princes. As Bristol watched the dragon tear apart the men around him his heart broke, he had reached his end. Bristol screamed in anger and fear, charging into the fray. What few men remained with him followed, but it was a lost cause.

As Bristol lay on the battle field, badly wounded, he began to cry. He slowly closed his eyes, he seemed so tired. As his eyes closed, the fears inside him sliped away. A calming peace filled him as he slowly sliped away. " I'm coming home father."

 

[Mistress]

Iris sighed at the lude display of dancing women before her and the others within the court. She gazed about the men in the large chamber and shook her head; all of Balron’s finest warriors were flocked together along with the King himself. They had not a care in the world etched upon the lines in their weathered faces. There was a war being fought and yet, they were here, feasting! She had no idea what black magic Balron was using to fight his war but she knew it must be something strong if even he had no worries other then watching the half naked women dance about to loud music. She caught a glimpse of Sara standing near the south doors and slowly rose to her feet in order to not disturb Balron with her movement. She quickly closed the distance between her and the other woman; she saw the look of fear upon Sara’s face and stopped just short of her.

“What is it?”

“I heard from a source that King Balron called upon a Great Dragon to take out the Princes. All shall be lost now no one could defeat a dragon such as this, what will we do Iris?”

Iris closed her eyes and breathed in deeply, “I do not know just yet, I will have to think on it. You better get back to your duties before one of the others see you have gone and I should return to the Toad King.”

Sara stifled a giggle nodded her head and quickly ran back down the hall. Iris made her way back to the King’s side; he never once glanced over at her as she settled back into her seat. “Find something interesting?” His voice whispered near her ear all of a sudden.

“Nothing more interesting then this show of flesh my King.” She said flatly causing him to chuckle loudly.

“You wish the Dancers to leave Iris?”

“It is not what I want M’Lord, it is what you want.”

“Ahh, playing it safe I see my dear girl.” He turned to look at her his burning black eyes dancing in the torch lights. “Iris if you wish the dancing to stop then so be it, but you must take command and make it stop.”

She turned to look at him and cringed at the magic she could see reflecting in his eyes. Gulping she slowly stands and opens her mouth but nothing comes out, sighing she starts to sit back down then shaking her head she straightens back up and shouts in a loud clear voice, “Dancers leave, you bore me!”

The music stopped as everyone turned to look at the pale woman at the King’s side. The Dancers glanced from her to the King; he raised an eyebrow and took a sip of his wine. Iris frowned and crossed her arms, “Do you dare defy your future Queen?”

With that the women quickly gathered their robes and hurried out of the Chamber. The King’s laughter filled the room as he tugged Iris back down into her seat. Leaning over to her he whispered in almost a hiss, “Feels powerful to be a Queen doesn’t it M’Lady De’Lavoney?” Iris looked away and breathed in a deep breath….

 

[poohlive]

The blade stuck against his side. He shifted, just a bit to adjust, but it pinned against him even more. He moved against the sway of the dancers, holding out a tray to different men of power. Each of them watching with interest in the display before them.
Had he not been so afraid and nervious, he would do the same.
Times were becoming tough, and leisures such as that could do without for a while.
In a moment, the tray he held began to empty, and he went to the kitchen to grab another. The feast making them all relaxed and calm. A waiter, moving about the hall, making sure each of them had their fill.
He made his way to the main table, weaving about dukes and prince's and warrior soldiers with steel glinting at their sides.
Sweat came off his forehead.
Wiping it, he continued his little ruse, making sure each man got their last two bites worth of the mighty feast.
"Dancers leave, you bore me."
Derrin's eyes glanced past the rows of men, to the pale woman, sitting next to the king. She looked defiant, and yet scared...
And also familiar.
Could it be?
No. Just an old memory, nothing more. She had a familiar face, both fair and pretty, he had seen them all before.
Something about her drew to him though.
He couldn't put his finger on it.
She would be the one.
"Do you dare defy your future Queen?"
His eyes glancing over at the man, the king, the cause off all the pain and suffering his people went through. So much respect and admiration he had for the woman. Derrin nodded, yes, indeed, he would make sure nothing happened to her.
She would be the one.
He moved again, this time walking to the side of the head table, allowing the general high courtiers to view his display of pleasentries for the meal.
They picked, chose, nodded, or simply waved him away like a common peasent.
He moved closer to the couple, his breath coming short. Sweat once agains ran rampant over his face, and he used a sleeve to wipe it all off.
The man next to her grabbed for an apple.
He eased a hand into his tunic, reaching for the knife.
The tray coming to her, letting her choose something.
"Don't struggle," he whispered, "I'll get you out of here soon enough."
He struck fast. The tray falling to the floor, food running in every direction. The blade coming up to her pale neck, inches awya from cutting her. His other hand grabbed her, leaping her over the chair, and then pressing her hard against him, the knife in front of her so she could see it.
"Nobody move," he screamed, behind the woman, his eyes going from the soldiers, already standing and blades in their hand, to the king, looking at them both with shock and fear.
"I will cut her throat, I pray before heaven and earth her blood will fall before anyone attempts to kill me."
His voice loud, reaching anyone, but also shaky. The hand holding the knife twiching, he tried to stop it, but it only made things worse. Blood pumping through his veins, he could hear it.
So many sounds coming to him, eyes watering from the sweat dropping into them.
He couldn't see straight.
"The dragon," he hissed, first and foremost, "Call of the dragon right now Balron. My people have suffered long enough. Call it off, send it back to whatever hell spawn you bore it from. DO IT, NOW!!"
He back against the far wall, keeping an eye on both sides of him, to make sure no one got to close. The soldiers still stood, unsure to proceed or stay back before this is all done.
"She dies, I kid you not."
The blade, closer to her neck, but not too close. He still did not trust his own shaking, and right now, he was scared to nip her, even a little bit.
He had played all of his cards now, and without her, he wouldn't get out of here alive.
He had never been so scared in his life.
"NOW BALRON!"

 

[Mistress]

Iris gasped loudly as the arms encircled her; it all happened in a blur she did not know what to do. She was torn in her mind, one thought of freedom the other of pure panic, her eyes were wide as she stared about the room at the men ready to charge the imposter. Balron’s eyes sparkled with anger and she knew that the stranger would die either way. Turning her head she gathered her thoughts and whispered words only the stranger could hear. “He will defeat you and all of us if you do not go now and save yourself. My day for freedom will come but it is not now, if you try to take me now we both shall die. Balron has no real need of me; he can pick any other girl. It is only my innocence that he craves, and that he intends to wait on until we are married.”

The man eyed her then looked back to the approaching men, “I beg forgiveness M’Lady but I can not have you ruined by this man!”

“And I can not have another innocent life taken from this world, my new friend, listen to me closely. You and I will not make it out of here, I am not that important Balron.” She lied knowingly that she was very important to the King but she did not want another death to take place. “Let me go friend, and I will demand you go free and unharmed from the castle!”

He hesitated unsure of what to do, his eyes darting back and forth, “I can be without parish?” He asked.

Iris nodded, “Let me go; back away and I shall do the rest. I swear on the blood in my veins. He is a man of great magic, why would he call off a dragon just to save my throat from being cut when he will have the greatest Kingdom in the Land after he has won the war?”

He dropped the blade and backed away, just as the men were about to rush him Iris shouted out in her clear commanding voice, “This man leaves the castle freely without harm!”

The King silenced the objecting men, “And what thought does M’Lady have behind this plan?”

“The man was frightened for his people, and had enough courage to face the mass of your best Warriors, that M’Lord is something very admirable.” Iris slightly smiled at the amused look on the King’s face, “As well he let me go, for not to harm your future Queen.”

“And?” Balron asked crossing his arms.

“And,” She paused, “Obviously it was your Guards fault for being weak in their duties. A stranger should have not been able to penetrate the walls of this castle unknown.”

He thought for a moment than nodded chuckling, “Fine, go but know now if you are seen around the castle and my lands again you will be put to death. You should be lucky and grateful that M’Lady has a compassionate heart, and that I as her King am willing to listen to it.” He gestured for Iris to come to his side. “Let it be known, this man walks freely from our lands on this day and only on this day!”

The Warriors looked at the King as if he was insane but did not speak up, the order was made known and now they must follow it. Iris nodded to the man, “Go now, before they change their minds. Hurry run!” The man gritted his teeth but turned and ran from the Chambers, Iris knew he must be feeling some form of defeat but she also hoped that he would realize he would live to see another day.


Balron leaned down and breathed upon the sensitive flesh of her neck, “When you speak up and make your thoughts know it warms my blood. You will be a fine Queen, and I think,” his hand caressed the side of her bodice, “The wedding may have to be moved up in time. I can not continue much longer without the feel of your body beneath mine.”

Iris shivered and looked to the floor, “The King should not say such things to a Lady.”

He grinned, “Ahh but I am not an ordinary King and you my girl are not an ordinary Queen.”

Iris blinked her eyes and then said softly, “I am tired, I shall retreat to my Bed Chambers, I will see you in the morning my King.”

“Go and hide within your walls Iris, soon you will be hiding within mine.” He laughed loudly as she hurried away down the hall.

 

[Roughneck]

Bristol's journey home

A silance filled the air, where could he be. " Hello!" yelled Bristol. The words echoing through the air. Where could he be, this seems so familiar. The trees, the road. . . . .wait its my home. Bristol began to run, he felt like his legs were moving through the air. He soon came upon the bridge that lead into his village, he stoped half way over it, looking down into the water. The reflection he saw shocked him, what he saw was not the man he had become, but the child he once was. "What. . or where am I?" said Bristol, as he ran his had over his face.

Then the echo of his name could be heard, whos strange voice was that. After hearing it severl more times his face lit up. "Mother, my dear mothers voice." Bristol sprinted over the bridge towards the direction of the echo. As he neared, he could see his home, his father choping wood, his little sister skiping around in the garden. "Father, I'm home." whispered Bristol as he aproached him. His father did not respond, he acted as if he didn't hear him. " Father, I'm home, see Im back as I promised." Again his father did not respond, instead he looked up at his mother, calling Bristols name from the front door. " For the love of the Gods Sara, hes gone, he'll never return." His mother looked shocked, taken back by the words his father spoke. " I know he can hear me Richard, and one day he will return, I can feel it in my heart."

Bristol shot up from the ground, screaming like a mad man, the pain shooting through his body. He was alive, he wasn't dead. What had he just seen, a dream, a vision from the Gods? As Bristol got his bearing straight, he noticed the carnage around him. A sea of rotting flesh surounded him, the stench making his stomach curl. With effort and pain Bristol stood up, his legs weak and unsteady. He quickly checked his wound, the gash across his side needed medical attention. By the dry crusty blood around his wound, and the rotting corpse that surounded him, Bristol judge that the battle had been over for three days.

He would tend to his wound, then see about finding a horse or pack animal. He would loot what value was left from this rotting graveyard, then make his way home. Slowly he stumbled about, looking for whatever could aid him, the pain causing him to grit his teeth with each step. Again he silently whispered to himself, " Father I'm coming home"

 

[Mistress]

/OOC anyone wanna take on the role of Balron?



/IC


Iris stared at her reflection in the wall mirror, tears in her eyes. “He scares me at times Sara, and at other times, it’s as if he understands me. I don’t know what to do my mind is confused. He wants to move up the wedding and I have no more plans. My will to fight has faded, I’m afraid; his dark magic is drawing me in.”

Sara placed a gentle hand upon Iris’s shoulder, “You are a strong woman Iris De’Lavoney, and you will not give up now. He’s trying to seduce you, let you taste power and tease you with it, I can see it in his eyes, he knows what the blood of your family holds and he is after it.”

Iris quickly turned to look at the woman, “The prophecy?”

“Aye,” Sara nodded and kneeled before the pale maiden, “He wishes to have your first born so that his power will grow. It is then he can finally defeat all the other lands and have a magic so strong no one could break free.”

“He knows my family’s gift of magic then?”

“Yes.” Sara sighed and bowed her head. “Ye child will be born with a magic pure then time itself. Thy child will be able to call upon the heavens and hell at will and will be able to walk among fire and ice….”Sara quoted with tears in her eyes.

Iris began to cry, “All is lost if I birth his child, all is lost!”

 

[IDreamofBunnies]

Gui LuRoe

And all throughout the fiasco in King Balron's hall, one man had remained motionless. A foreigner who despite his bizzare appearence, a manner so alien to Ocllo had remained for the most part unnoticed.

The Marquis Gui LuRoe of Holy Malhambria, an ambassador with an odd agenda. He had appeared in the court at Philip's crowning but never acknowledged the king, this in fact was one of the smaller tidings that encouraged Balron to make his move. But when Balron siezed power he refrained from comment as well.

Balron has come to accept the odd presence of this man, on occassion he attempt to garner his favor; if the armies of Holy Malhambria were ever to choose a side in this war, that side would be the victor. But at every turn LuRoe rejects the King's offers, usually with a small unassuming smile and a polite shake of his head, sometimes a softly murmered "No thank you." spoken over a laugh.

Even Iris had grown used to this man; gliding down the corridors with his voluminous robes of many colors and his white porcelain mask. She hadn't exchanged many words with him, he seemed completly unfamiliar with the fine art of small talk but he sometimes let a word of encouragment slip out. Usually something along the lines of "All will be well, in the fullness of time." or something equally cryptic and off topic.

His gaze followed the would be assassin carefully as he was released, he sighed heavily and left the room. His absence was noticed by a few but uncared for.

Later he found himself outside of the future Queen's chambers, a door he might have passed before, but never one he had stopped at. He raised a white gloved fist and put it silently against the door, withdrew it, then hesitantly returned it.

tap. tap. tap.

"My lady," he said softly through the thick door, "I cry your pardon, and beg for a word with you. Will you hear me?"

 

[SecretDesires]

Trianna

OOC: Looks like Bristol could use a little help.

IC: Trianna rode the countryside in spite of her father's objections. "The cares of man are not the cares of the Elves" he would say over and over again. Shaking her head she wondered how her people could be so caught up in their own world not to realize that the outcome of this war between the humans would affect them as well. Did her father and those like him really think that the false king would stick to coveting the lands of his own kind? The elvin lands were lush and beautiful and full of life. Were Balron to win it would not take long for his gaze to set upon those lands full of magic and mystery for elvin magic was strong but only as long as the land flourished. Should this man destroy it than her people would perish as well.

She leaned over to pat Dusk, the horse that allowed her to ride it. Ownership of horses were unknown to the elves. They asked nature for all things including permission to seek rides upon the backs of the beasts and they took care never to burden those giving permission with saddles or bit. It had always been thus and it had not changed in centries of life.

Catching a whiff of an overpowering stench she sat up upon her mount and her nose wrinkled. Pushing a stray raven hair back behind a slightly pointed ear that marked her ancestory she murmured to Dusk to tread lightly for death was in the air. Indeed it did not take long for her to stumble upon a scene so grusome as to turn her stomache for bodies lay everywhere. And the bodies were not like any she had seen before. These were torn apart as if with a vengence and there were charred marks all along the ground. The ground itself cried out to Trianna in agony and it was almost too much to bear.

"Dragon," The elvin maid said to herself, her mouth drawing into a hard line.

She was about to turn aside and assend a hill where she could circumvent the scene and escape the shuddering of the earth itself when she detected movement. Placing a hand over her eyes to block out the glare of the sun she let her sharp vision bring in what it was clearly. It was a man. A human and he looked to be badly hurt.

Trianna hesitated. If she helped the human more than just her father would have cause to chastize her. And yet she could not bring herself to abandon the one sign of life admist the overpowering sense of death.

Whispering to her mount she urged it toward the stumbling figure, sliding from the back of the midnight black horse when she had come within a short distance. Moving to his side, she placed a hand around him, pausing only to register his surprise and startlement before urging him to move toward the protection of the trees upon the hill.

"I am a friend," She said in a soft melodic voice,"Come with me and I will help you with those wounds." Her arm around the man and with a strength that belied her build she moved him to where he was sheltered by the branches of the trees and she could look more fully at his wounds.

Taking a flask from her belt that was decorated in elvin carvings, she pressed it into the man's hands and bade him drink. "It is wine blessed by our goddess. It has healing powers beyond human medicine," she explained breifly as she reached into a small pack on the other side of her waist and produced a small vial of salve. First taking off her bow and quiver and laying them down on the ground beside the man, she began to apply it to his wounds. The salve had magical properties in it though she did not know how it would react on a human for it had not been tried before to her knowledge.

A small snickering alerted Trianna that Dusk had followed her and was getting impatient. "Yes, I know, My Friend," She said in a quiet voice,"But what was I to do? Leave him to die like his companions? My father and the elders could be wrong, you know. A few centuries of living does not necessarily mean that you know everything in the world. It is not beyond the possiblities that the animosity between our races could have more to do with their feelings than logic does."

Finishing with her task, she looked at the man's face clearly for the first time. It was not an ugly one though many of her kind would have you believe that all humans were ugly on the inside and the outside. It was not the lean, sculptured features of the males in her own village but it had character to it as well as pain and worry etched upon it. She wondered how long he had been fighting this battle and how young he really was?

Taking the flask from him she said,"I am called Trianna of the Wood Elf Clan. What is your name and where is your destination now that the battle is over?"

 

[Roughneck]

Bristol

Bristol stumbled about, lost in a world of pain and confusion. He tried to focus his mind at the task at hand, he had to clean and mend his wound, the effects of fever from it were taking root. Oh how hot the sun felt, he was so thirsty, could there be no relief from this pain?

As he looked up, something caught his eye, something was approaching him. Bristol weakly went for his sword, but found nothing there to grasp. He stumbled about, trying to focus his eyes on what was nearing him. Was this an angle before his eyes, it looked like a female. The sun reflecting off her gave her a heavenly look. She began to speak to him, though he could not make out the words, though they were soft and comforting. Slowly she lead him to shade, he found himself entranced by this angel, this women of beauty

He could feel her touching him, she seemed to be mending his wound, offering him drink for his thirst. He could hear her voice, but still could not make out all the words but he did hear her ask of his destination. " Home" Bristol softly said, " I want to go home." He closed his eyes, softly mumbling, " The south lands to the east. . . . . . my village. . . . Altec. . .my father. . .my my." Bristol fell off to sleep, the healing powers from the flask had drawn him into a deep sleep, he quietly slept, as his wounds healed

 

[SecretDesires]

Trianna listened to the mumblings and bit her lip in thought. Altec-a human village. It was a place that no elf tried to go unless there was no other choice. Looking at the man she sighed. And was there any other choice at this moment? If she left him here, even with his wounds healing and the potion in the flask working he could still die. Looking out onto the field it was plain that his side had lost and if an enemy found him lying in a stupor with fever making him weak death would be certain. But he would never survive a trip to his village. She must find something nearer.

With a sigh she approached Dusk again. "I must ask you to carry the human," She said softly and then patted the horse as it nickered a bit. "I know, I know but I promise no one will place saddle or bridle upon you while I live. I have a friend that lives near here that will give him shelter while I see to his health. As soon as we reach that place I promise you may go free."

The horse snorted and seemed to think a moment before slowly dipping his head. With a pat of thanks Trianna gathered up the human man and, though it was not easy, managed to get him lying across her equine friend. With a hand to steady him she and Dusk moved into the woods at a slow pace so as not to unseat him.

As they walked Trianna thoughts went to the battlefield and the men who had lost their lives. The thought of a human being able to use a dragon in battle was not a pleasant one. Especially not a human such as ruled the human kingdom now. It did not bode well for any race upon this land and she would have to get word back to her father somehow.

The sands had not run through the hourglass before she reached her destination and she could see Jara, an elf like herself who had chosen to live alone in the woods instead of with his own kind. Jara was sympathetic to the humans and their plights which is why she was so sure that he would allow her to nurse this human back to health. His views and beliefs had been his reason for leaving the village and it was from him that she learned to think outside the prejudice that seemed to belong to her people.

Hailing him where he was busy with his carvings he came running upon them coming close enough for him to surmise what had happened. In fact, upon questioning he admitted to hearing the battle far off but thought all of the army was dead.

With a shake of his head upon hearing her tale he helped her get her charge from the horse and to a bed within the hut. After Bristol was settled and sleeping she took Jara aside.

"Someone must get word to my father that they have found a way to use a dragon in battle. Both of us know that with such power they will not stop until all lands, regardless of what race owns them, are theirs. He must know and you must ride Dusk if he will let you back to the village and tell him. I have more healing abilities than you so I must stay with the stranger until he is well. After that he can go to his home as he wishes but I will not let him die. A loss of life, when it can be prevented is not acceptable."

Jara frowned. "They will not listen to me, young one," He said with doubt in his tone,"They never have."

"Then you must make them listen. I know you can do it. You MUST do it. All of Elvinkind is in danger and that danger must be known. At least deliver the message. What they do with it will be up to them. We can only give them the knowledge."

Still not looking happy Jara nodded and went to pack a small sack with food for the journey which would take him the rest of the day and into the night. Moments after he left she heard Dusk giving permission for Jara to ride him and then their were hoofbeats leading off from the hut.

Trianna set about boiling water and mixing herbs she found in Jara's cupboards. Taking clean bandages she began to undress Bristol blushing as she found her eyes lingering upon his hard body so unlike those of elvin males. Taking hot water she bathed his whole body trying to give him as much modesty as she could but finding she was drawn to his human form more than she cared to admit.

With an indrawn breath she finally finished her task and covered Bristol, throwing his torn and useless clothing in the fire. She would find something else once he was able to get up from his bed. Then, taking the herbs she had mixed and some fresh bandages she went over the places she had noted on his body that needed to be medicated and bandaged.

It was late when her task was done and yet she felt no need for sleep at this point. Taking a bowl of cool water, she sat beside him and began to bathe his head an elvin song of healing coming to mind. Singing to her inert patient, she bathed him occasionally and set him up to give him water and more sips from her flask and waited for the fever to break. When his tossing and turning became great she would change her song to one of slumber, beconing him back into the world of sleep where his body could heal itself. When sweat soaked the bandages she changed them and placed medicine upon his wounds once again.

Upon daybreak the fever finally broke and she sat back, silent for the first time in hours, the last strains of her songs dying away to be replaced by those of the birds outside. She felt tired but happy. His breathing was gentled and his sleep undisturbed. He would survive.

 

[Jacobo_Curious]

/OOC

Am I allowed to just jump in? If not, PM me, and I'll erase this. Otherwise, I thought this might help...



/IC

King Balron, the Lord Magician, Wielder of Darkness and holder of the Malignant Staff of Karnon, sat in his chambers and brooded introspectively.

"What a world," he muttered, tapping his incredibly powerful artifact-staff on the ground, as he mused on his own actions.

They called him Evil. Of course, they would. They couldn't possibly understand him, or what would happen when he conquered the world. He would bring a new golden age with his iron fist, crushing petty syncophants and stupid peasants in his wake, forcing humanity to evolve. No one else could do it. He was the Chosen One, and he knew it.

But he was not the real Balron. The real Balron was dead.

This Balron was once called Nammil--Nammil Greenleaf, though none but himself and the dead knew. His father had been a drunkard, and when his father killed himself while trying to beat his mother, his mother had been ostrasized from society, and thus she turned to drink. Nammil looked around him and saw all the petty feelings; all the stupid, worthless philosophies; all the people going about their lives while convincing themselves they would go to Heaven when they died or that they knew the higher purpose; and Nammil was disgusted.

So strong was his hate, it turned to Magic.

When he summoned his first demon, it destroyed his entire village, killing everyone, including his mother. However, at that point, he just couldn't care. He had stopped crying when his father died... that stupid, stupid man...

Nammil wasn't stupid by any stretch of the imagination. He knew what he had done was Wrong, by any virtue, though perhaps he had released his mother from torment. Yet he couldn't make himself care. He couldn't care, not anymore. He wasn't sure why he didn't just kill himself... but he was the strongest, the smartest, and the wisest. He must rule. He must show these fools...

So when that stupid brother of the King, Balron, was killed by his own demon, and Nammil heard the news from his demons, he cast a spell of changing and took Balron's place... and then got rid of Phillip. That boy would've never fixed the problems... he was as deluded as any other human on this planet.

Perhaps his son would be happier. He would teach his son not to take anything for granted, and watch his son become a living God. Iris... that woman is so terribly beautiful. She hated him, but...

...he couldn't force himself to care.

King Balron smiled grimly. Nammil Greenleaf was dead. He had been dead for an eternity--perhaps he never existed. King Balron of the Mighty Soul lived, and he would rule.

Oh, yes.

But first he had to sleep... and battle the nightmares...

 

[Jacobo_Curious]

In his dreams, the woman he most desired spat in his face.

"I will never let you have me," hissed Iris.

Balron wasn't sure where they were, or what was happening, but he knew he wanted her. He tried to be nice, sometimes. He tried to show he was compassionate, and he let that man, that would-be assassin, go when all he wanted was to crush the fool. The fool, yes! For thinking that family or even the material plane is something worth protecting.

He looked up at Iris, his eyes dark.

"Don't you see?" he whispered. "I will bring a golden age to this realm! I possess the power! When we combine our innate energies, our child will rule this planet! True enlightenment can be gained! I am the Destined One... and... our child-to-be is desired by destiny itself!"

"You're mad," she snarled. "You killed the rightful King."

"Yes, I did," he responded coolly. "And no, I'm not. Just far more intelligent than anyone could understand..." He spun suddenly, stalking toward a window that wavered into existance in the dreamy landscape. Moonlight shafted through, scintillating.

"Life is bondage," he said darkly. "Everything that is good and right in this world is an illusion. We are trapped in an endless conflict, as a plaything of the Gods and the Great Creator. Oh, certainly," he added spitefully, "I will bring education, and hospitals, and all, with the wealth I gain, once I ensnare Magicina and absorb it as well. Yet, this all doesn't matter, don't you see?" He spun back to Iris. "This world, this life, is a joke! A charade!"

Balron growled. "I will destroy God. I will rip this world apart, and bring all the little souls together, returning them to consciousness. Ending this foolishness of life, or individuality. Every moment brings me pain, when I see people fooling themselves into believing this plane has any meaning at all. I can't stand it," he muttered. "I must expose this lie..."

Iris shook her head mockingly. "You idiot," she sneered. "You blithering fool. You're insane. Life is beautiful. You cause pain to people, and you don't understand pain."

All the words he hated. All the words of those stupid, stupid people, who could never understand, coming from the lovely mouth of that one woman who...

"Noooo!" he screamed. "I do understand! YOU don't understand! Aaaaa--"

"-aaugh!" gasped Balron. He was alone. It was dark. The nightmare was over.

He shuddered.

It was these moments when he could only hope that he was correct... when he could only hope there was something beyond this stupidity, that there were no more lies of Heaven or Hell or life beyond death, or life at all...

But he had to be. He had to be the Chosen One. He was the only one that understood.

"I'm not insane," he whispered. "Am I?"

Sighing, he leaned back, and closed his eyes.

 

[Roughneck]

The Journy home

Bristol stirred, slowly awaking to the morning sun. As he lay there he could see the embers of the small dieing fire, as well as the sleeping figure beside it. He slowly sat up, the pain racking through his brain, reminding him of his injury's. He could see his wounds were cleaned and bandaged, also noticing he was quite naked under his blanket. Embarassed, he reached for his clothes and began to dress, trying to make as little noise as passable.

" Where do you think your going" said the figure by the fire.

Bristol turned to the figure, who was now awake and sitting up. He could make out the features of a women, the same women he saw in his confused mind, his angel. He returned back to putting his clothes and armor on, trying to figure out what to say.

" I thank you my dear lady for saving me, I owe you my life and I shall repay your kindness someway. Though it is not uncommon for women to serve in the army, I don't recall you being in our ranks." Bristol again to turned to the women.

This time he was shocked at what he saw, for now she stood, and her features were more defined, she was an Elf. Bristol was very confused, what would an Elf be doing so far away, in these parts no less. Was she an outcast, or was she lost, he found himself in a very confused state of mind.

" Miss what is and elf doing" Bristol was cut short as she raised her hand to silence him. In a soothing voice she spoke, " My name is Trianna , true I found you, and helped nurse you back to health, you owe me nothing."

Bristol watched her move about, her movements were swift and perfect, she held his gaze, the slight smile from the corner of her lips gave his gaze away. Blushing, Bristol quickly returned to his equipment, trying to clear his mind of her. he knew he had to head east, how far he was not sure of. It had been so long since he had seen his home, but somehow he would make the journey. Lost in his thinking, he didnt hear Trianna speaking to him till she taped him on the shoulder. Bristol looked up at her.

" I asked you how you plan to travel in your condition, your wounds need time to heal"

" I have no time to waste, I must make haste from here, my wounds can heal as i travel." said Bristol, snapping the last links of his chain mail together.

" Then it is settled, I shall accompany you, for you lack the strength for such a journey." said Trianna, as she placed a finger to his lips, silencing any argument that may come from his lips.

" Very well then, no sense trying to argue with a women, let alone an elf. besides, it will give me a chance to repay the debt that is owed to you." said Bristol as he slung a small pack over his shoulder.

 

[SecretDesires]

Trianna smiled at his comment. "You know of women-and elves then?" She said, laugher in her voice. "I am sure you have one at home. A woman that is. And that is why you are so anxious to set off when you are still so ill."

At that moment Jara entered the hut, his eyes going from Bristol to Trianna. "He is awake and ready for travel already?" He said.

"You know how these humans are, Jara," Trianna said, a sparkle in her eyes,"They have such short lives that they are in a hurry to do everything and think their bodies can keep up with the grueling pace they set for it."

Jara made no comment as he came and poured himself a cup of tea. "And what news from my father do you have?" She said as she strapped on her quiver and bow.

"What you expected. They will take pains to guard against the dragon and have put more men on guard around the perimeters of the village but they will still do nothing to help take down the false king. 'Affairs of men-not elves' I believe were Aldrich's exact words."

Trianna sighed. "It was to be expected. Did you send Dusk away? He is my favorite mount but he must be tired from all of the travel he has done in the last two days."

Jara nodded and added,"There are two fresh mounts outside. They were not happy about the man riding them. Humans are too prone to try and possess things and they are afraid he will insist upon a saddle and then deny them their freedom when they reach their destinations. I assured them that that was not the case and that you would be with him until he reached his village and then they were free of any obligation."

At her look he shrugged. "I know you, Trianna, you will not let the man go alone until you are sure he is well or until he is at the village where they can care for him. The healing magic is strong in you, young one, and it cannot be denied."

Her laughter sounded like a small brook bubbling over the rocks in it's bed as she leaned over to kiss Jara quickly upon his cheeks. "You know me too well," She said to him,"Once I start something I cannot help but see it through. I shall be chastized mightily when I get home but in the end Father will understand why I have done this."

Picking up a cup of tea with healing droughts in it she handed it to Bristol. "Drink it. It will help you to endure the journey ahead. And I have packed healing medicine which I made from Jara's store." Giving Jara a glance she said,"I shall replace it when I return." Jara waved it off as if it mattered not to him and yawned.

"If you are going, girl, then do so," He said in an affectionate manner,"I have earned my rest and my chores will go undone for the day. I shall have to do twice as much tomorrow."

With a smile and a wave, Trianna stepped outside the house to be greeted by the chill of the morning as the sun had not had time to warm the earth as yet. Also outside the door were two stallions. One was brown with a star upon it's nose and the other speckled grey.

Going up to them she said,"I appreciate this, My Friends, and I shall make sure to reward your kindness with my loyalty." So saying she mounted the Grey and looked over at Bristol. "I assume you know how to ride bareback?"

 

[IDreamofBunnies]

The silence spoke volumes. The masked LuRoe turned about and walked down the hall with long, graceful steps that just barely tapped against the cold stone floor.

"It's to be expected I suppose, I am a stranger in this house. It is surprising that Balron still tolerates my presence, surely he has come to understand that Holy Malhambria will have nothing to do with this heathen's war."

He passed by the guarded door that lead to Balron's bedchambers and heard the king's cries in the night. He lowered his head and withdrew his hands into the long, wide sleeves of his outer robe. When he withdrew them he had a small bit of earthy red clay in each hand; he pressed each between his thumbs and forefingers and with disturbing speed had pressed them into the chestplates of the two guards. Before they could react he snapped his fingers and both of them went limp, leaning on the walls and slumbering peacefully.

He entered the bedchambers, unphased by the sheer opulance around him. He looked at the twisting form of the king. LuRoe shook his head and peeled off one of the many litany seals from his inner robe.

"Sleep Balron, no more shall your dark deeds hinder your dreams, no more shall your victims scream curses in your nightmares."

He threw the litany seal and it floated in the air, turning and twisting until it flew under the massive bed and hit the floor. The marquis walked out of the room and withdrew the claw from the soldiers. Once he was halfway down the corridor he snapped his fingers and the two woke up, unaware of what had transpired.

 

[Jacobo_Curious]

He had closed his eyes, of course, to another nightmare.

He saw the destruction he had caused, the lives that had been lost, and felt disgusted at his own lack of feeling and yet gleeful that his goal came closer. He hated himself for not caring, and then realizing that he didn't hate himself for killing, he hated himself all the more. He twisted and whimpered, held by the vicious cycle...

...until peace came.

He hadn't felt peace in a long, long time.

A soft smile, a genuine smile, grew on his face. His willpower slowly recovered, and he felt devotion to his cause grow again. Finally, a chance to rest.

He would awaken refreshed and pleased...

<<--->>

Morning came, beautiful and warm.

"The Phell Knights, sir?" repeated his military advisor, surprised.

"Yes," responded Balron. "Only they can hunt and find the remains of the Princes' armies. We do not need them here for now, with a Dragon at our command."

"We can not keep the Dragon for long," reminded the ambassador from Magincia, surrounded by his disciples. "Only for a few more days. Then our contract expires."

"I understand," the King said, surprisingly civil. Everyone was commenting on how determined he seemed. "The Dragon will simply be stationed here. The Phell Knights will not take long to sniff out their prey." He turned to a large map that hung on the wall of his War Room. "I think..." He pointed to a small, unimposing dot on the map. "...THAT village would be a good place to fortify."

"Hmm. It is in the center of where our enemies came from," replied his military advisor. "Good choice, your majesty. I will send some troops and builders to help enforce the defenses there, and send out the Phell Knights in a wave to catch stragglers."

With a nod from Balron, the military advisor and the ambassador from Magincia withdrew. A man in dark clothes almost immediately flowed from behind Balron's large chair.

"Your desire?"

Balron turned to the thief, whose life he had spared long, long ago. "Yes," he responded. "Keep an eye on Iris while I am gone. Do whatever you can to dissuade anyone from trying to take her. And..." He frowned. He remembered something from his dreams... something important... it might be silly, but he wanted to know for sure... "And keep an eye on Ambassador Gui LaRoe."

The thief looked a little surprised, something that didn't happen too often--though he might have merely been putting on a show. "The masked man from Holy Malhambria?"

"Yes," said the King. "Don't let him know, at all costs. I know you're good enough. Even use your magic if necessary. I doubt I'll get anything useful out of him anymore, but all the same, I would not want to anger him." He shook his head. "I just feel he... knows something that I need to know."

The thief nodded, and flowed into nothingness. He was gone in an instant.

The King sighed.

They were heading for the village of Altec.

<<--->>

The Phell Knights rode.

Demon men on demon horses. Summoned by Balron himself. Loyal to Balron, only Balron. And very, very difficult to defeat.

Normally they lurked around the castle, ready to be summoned at a moment's notice. Now they rode.

They could only be wounded by magical relics, very rare in these times unless one was an experienced adventurer or very rich, or the powers of magic -- and not even much by those. Insanely tough and virtually unstoppable, they cut swathes through regular armies.

And now they were on the hunt...

 

[Mistress]

/ooc sorry been away, thought thread died

Iris's slumber was desturbed by her own nightmares that night, she hadn't heard the soft knock at her door, mainly because so much self stress plagued her that she feel into a deep fitful sleep. Her talk with Sara had her scared, if Balron knew of her blood line and the child that she could one day have then the world as they knew it could be doomed. A child born into the Dark magic of such a man even with his or her mother's influence could still be persuaded to evil.

When she finally woke the next morning she saw Sara’s face smiling down at her, "Shall I get the bath ready?"

Iris yawned, stretching as she curled over onto her side, "I hate going to the Bath Chamber, I miss the days of being scrunched up in a small tub in my own room at home."

"You M'Lady are odd." Sara chuckled and pulled the blankets back, "Come on now, and get up."

"Must I?" She asked lazily.

"Aye, it is my understanding Balron has left the estate, will be nice to wonder around freely don't you think?"

"He left?" Iris sat up rubbing her eyes, "What ever for?"

"Only the devil knows." Sara said calmly as she held out Iris's cloak.

Iris slowly climbed out of bed and wrapped herself up, "Blasted castle is so chilled in the mornings."

"The bath will be warm, you can relax there."

"Mmm, and fall back to sleep."

"None of that, come on lazy bones, get ye self moving."

Iris grinned and leaned over kissing Sara's cheek, "Yes mother.” She teased. Sara nudged her playfully and then headed over to the giant wardrobe in the room.

"What do you wish to wear today M'Lady?"

Iris frowned, "I hate the clothes he gives me."

"Iris."

Sighing she looked over Sara's shoulder, "What do you think?"

"I like the blue velvet gown, brings out your eyes."

"Then I shall wear the red." Iris grinned and stuck her tongue out at Sara. It was odd; she was rather playful today and couldn't explain it after having a night of usual nightmares. Maybe it was the thought of Balron not being in the castle today.

"Come on you." Sara took the dress and held it up to keep it from touching the floor, "Bath waits."

"Yes mame." Iris smiled and followed her down the great hall to the Bath Chamber, the guards close behind them. "One day I shall like to walk down these halls without Balron's goons at my heels."

"Iris." Sara warned softly.

Iris giggled and shrugged then opened the Chambers door; just before she entered she turned and eyed the Guards. They lowered their eyes and waited for her to enter. She smirked and closed the door behind her....

 

[Jacobo_Curious]

Balron sighed and leaned back against the green hillock. His darkly handsome face turned up in a slight smile as a butterfly fluttered past, and the flowers waved slightly in the breeze. His staff at his side, he lay back against his purple cloak, and listened to the cries of anguish from the villagers.

He wouldn't kill them, of course, even though they lived on territory that the Princes' had owned before they had been scattered. But he would have to destroy their houses, in order to build a wall and a fort for the Phell Knights and his garrison to reside in. The peasants could stay there for the time being. He wouldn't be so silly as to destroy anything else, however. They were his people now, after all.

Five of his newly aquired people lay dead on the street, after attacking the soldiers when trying to defend their homes.

"Well," he muttered, "more souls to devour..." He glanced sidelong at the Staff of Karnon, and smirked. Fools. As if their homes were worth anything. As if their LIVES were worth anything.

While the Staff of Karnon was a powerful melee weapon, in reality, its powers could be used just as well if the gem on top were used as a brooch -- for the gem was what contained the energies of this powerful artifact. Long ago, a great Devout of the Elder Spirits named Karnon used his magic to steal souls and consume them, gaining power and energy. His crude magic became an art, however, when he began to take souls from the Planet itself and restore them to corpses, founding the art of Necromancy. The gem contains both these abilities -- and Balron uses them extensively. Why not? It was hard enough to acquire...

Yes, Nammil Greenleaf had once been an adventurer, though not for very long. Why bother, after all? When you can be King...

<<--->>

The Phell Knights rode.

They had defeated numerous soldiers already, springing upon inexperienced green troops who had fled from battle and who could only scream before they died. The Phell Knights had then split up, searching...

Dzz'sdnl rode his steed harshly but skillfully through the terrain, leaving wilted grass in his wake. He was death itself. He burned with a hundred flames. He held a long, ever-bloody cleaver and wore tattered demon-plate armor. And he smelled like decay and burnt flesh.

He was very unpleasant. Deadly, in fact.

And he would be closing in soon on two travelers he had sensed... a human man and an elven female...

 

[IDreamofBunnies]

LuRoe awoke and gazed up at the ceiling, another dreamless, peaceful evening. Gui's meditations were always thus; a mental cleansing that drove his worries away.

At breakfast he enjoyed a solitary pear, carefully cutting into it with a silver spoon. He listened to the various courtiers at their gossip and the officers talking about their efforts on the fields, rather boring to his ears.

It was after breakfast that work began. Back in his room he hovered over a candle, held firmly by his long, smooth fingernails was a solitary strand of Balron's hair; stealthily snatched from the armrest of his chair after last night's supper.

"Tell me now, where are your comrades? Where is your master?"

He burned the strand in the candleflame and made a sign in the air as smoke began to rise. The thin trickle of smoke soon became an impossibly enormous conflagleration of toxic fumes. Gui looked into the smoke for a moment and nodded. He snuffed the candle between his forefinger and thumb, causing the smoke to vanish.

"The Staff of Karnon? That simply will not do Balron. Denying their souls a chance at achievement in the next life...I can think of no greater crime."

Gui left the room and began his rounds, his daily ritual where he sailed up and down the halls seemingly aimlessly. Most of the castle's inhabitants had grown used to it and didn't bother to stop him anymore. Balron's spy kept careful tabs on the marquis, if the masked man knew he was being followed he showed no sign of it. Something about his walking down the halls disturbed the spy however, the way the ambassador never seemed to touch the floor, his seemingly random turns and twists down various corridors; something was wrong but he couldn't identify it.

 

[Roughneck]

Escape from danager !

OOC: Jacobo, does this picture sum up your Phell Knights?

IC:

"I assume you know how to ride bareback?" said Trianna. Bristol looked up to her, scratching his head, looking somewhat confused.

" Well, not to sure about that, but I guess there's no time but the present to learn." Bristol approached the other horse, slowly running his hand down its mane. Bristol leaned forward, whispering into the horses ear. " I know you don't care much for me, and frankly I don't blame you. So lets make this easy on the both of us, you let me ride you and when we get to my village, I'll feed you apples to your hearts content."

The horse snickered, stomping his foot, showing Bristol he approved of the arrangement. Bristol grabbed onto the horse, and slung himself up, quickly adjusting his weight on the animal. Bristol again leaned forward whispering into the horses ear, and again the horse showed his approval. Bristol patted the horse, then turned to Trianna, seeing a look of astonishment on her face.

" Don't be so shocked, I was once a farmers son, and know quite a bit about animals. Besides, you think your the only one who can understand them?" Bristol smiled at Trianna, giving her a wink before he turned his horse around and trotted off.

Before long Trianna was along side him, both ridding at a steady pace. Not much was said between the two for most of the day, Bristols mind on the journey ahead and Triannas mind on Bristol.

Trianna broke the silence, " So why do you want to go home so quickly, do you have a wife and child there. . . or maybe your just tired of fighting?"

Bristol turned to her quickly, a grim look on his face. " Maybe I should ask you Miss, why your away from home and traveling with a human?" Trianna began to respond, but Bristol raised his hand to silence her.

" To answer your question. . . . yes I am tired of fighting, my heart desires peace, to enjoy the simple things of life. It has been 11 years since I left home, and I deeply miss it, along with my family. Family being my mother, father, and baby sister." Bristol laughed after he made the last comment, the look on her face was priceless. Quickly he spurred his horse on, " Come now friend, lets see how quickly they can catch us!"

The horse picked up the pace, sensing the game that was being played. Bristol spurred the horse on, looking over his shoulder to see Trianna chasing after them. As they came over a ridge, Bristol lost his balance, falling off the horse and tumbling to the ground. Bristol lay there a few moments, before opening his eyes. Standing over him was his horse, which began to gently nudge him, and standing beside his mount was Trianna, a look of relief on her face. Both stared at each other for a few moments, then both broke out in laughter.

The next two days went by quickly, as both explained their life story and adventures. Bristol told Trianna about his life in the military, his countless battles and brushes with death, she listened with eager ears, many times flooding him with questions.

On the third day they reached a main road, neither knowing the name of the road or were it would lead to. So they decided to head east on the road, for Bristol knew that was the general direction of his village. As the noon sun hung over them, shinning its rays upon the travelers, Bristols horse jerked, stopping, refusing to budge. Triannas horse began to get nervous too, stomping its hoof to the ground. Bristol gave a questionable look to Trianna, not knowing why the animals stopped.

" They sense danger, though you may not see it, they can." said Trianna, as she began to comb the area with her eyes.

" What do you see Trianna, what is it thats making the horses nervous?"

She did not respond, her gaze fixed to the west of them, Bristol tried to adjust his eyes, but could not make anything out.

Trianna snapped her head around to Bristol, a look of fear on her face.

" What the hell is going on? " asked Bristol as he slowly drew his sword. She did not respond, but looked again to the west, Bristol too tried to see what was there, but again could see nothing.

This time when Trianna turned back to him she uttered one word, " RUN !"

 

[SecretDesires]

Trianna pointed to a crop of trees in the distance. The acrage was decent enough to give them cover. "To the trees," She said leaning low over her horse so as to cause the least wind resistance,"We will climb and hide among them. If there is anywhere an elf can hide it is within the trees."

Not pausing for more of an explanation she made for the woods looking back to make surre Bristol was keeping up. It was a tense few minutes before they were finally emclosed within the leafy refuge. Making her way deeper within, Trianna slid from her horse and motioned Bristol to do the same. She was relieved to see the medicine she had been giving him and applying to his wounds seemed to have him in at least a decent enough shape for he did not seem to be over strained from the ride.

Speaking to the horses in a sharp, quick elvin tongue they snickered and rode off. If both she and Bristol survived this than they would return to help them continue the journey. Climbing one of the tallest trees, made her way among the branches. Bristol's childhood must have included climbing trees for, though not as agile and surefooted as Trianna among her native setting, he was keeping up with her at a decent pace.

When they had gone about halfway up the tree, Trianna stopped and reached into her quiver which held a wrapped item that was not an arrow. It was a sword which was decorated with intricate elvin design which were really runes, a plessing from her goddess. From her small pack she took several throwing knives with the same design. They were meant as a present for her father when she returned. Part of a peace offering.

"From Jara's," She explained quickly,"He is an expert metalsmith and makes items to trade with the humans close by. They are imbued with magic from my goddess

"They are imbued with my goddess' magic," She said,"Your sword shall do nothing against such evil for we shall need all of her help this day for we are being pursued by a Phell Knight. I do not know who sent them but I know that he is after us and will hunt us down until either we or he dies."

Motioning to a branch that held quite a bit of cover she added,"My arrows are imbued with the same magic. Hide here where the knives can be thrown with some accuracy. The magic in them will help guide them. Just speak the name of Marrasa, our goddess as you throw them and she will take it from there."

Giving him a quick smile, she said,"I am sure she will aide you for you are with one of her children." Then she disappeared further up the tree, stationing herself in cover and stringing her bow, her feet steady in the familiar setting. Looking out into the distance she could already see dust on the horizon.

"Marassa," She prayed in elvish, the words flowing like a song,"Help your child and servant this day. We face more evil than any of your children have faced in centuries and, without your help, we shall surely parrish."