Kilgram....Closed unless invited

[LadyFairy]

Name: Luna
age: 20
hight : 5ft 4in
wght: 120lbs
class. Ranger
Phyisical Discription. Long red hair braided down to mid back, hourglass figure well toned from hunting and tracking, ice blue almost white colored eyes.

....................

Luna's father had been one of the hunt's men of the village near Kilgram, he had wanted a son, and was slightly dissapointed when his wife died after giving birth to a girl, but soon took joy in teaching her how to hunt at his side.

They were out hunting when the village, and caslte was attacked. Hearing the screams from the village they had made their way back to see what they could do. Only to discover that it was too late, when they were attacked as well. The emblem on the soldjers armor was that of a dragon.

Luna's last vision before being left for dead was watching her father being cut down. Her head pounded from where she hit the tree as her father knocked her to the ground, taking the blow ment for her.

Thinking her only a younger male insted of a female for the way she was clothed. The knight had tryed to run her thru, and killed her father insted. When she didnt move the knight left her for dead to chace down one of the young village girls.

Slowly sitting up she raised her hand to the back of her head. Her hair was matted with dryed blood from a minor cut on the back of her head, but other than a small bit of nasua she seemed fine. Her long red hair was thankfully still held back by its braid, a few tendrals falling in her face, but the cap she had been wearing was lost.

Looking around she reolized that her bow and arrows were still near by, but she didnt see what good they would do her at the moment. If they found her they would ether kill her or take her captive.

Slowly getting to her feet taking her bow with her she stuck to the trees and worked her way around to see what she could discover. Trying not to let her greif over her father and what was left of the village distract her.

After making her way around to where she could see what was going on she watched horrified as the princess was being tied out in the open naked for all to see. She couldnt hear what was being said but she new she had to do something, but what could one girl do against an army... They would only track her and kill her.

Luna watched as the knight begain touching Alonria's naked body. Narrowing her Ice blue eyes her anger giving her the courage she needed she couldnt just stand there and watch, better to die now fighting and be done with it. She thought as raised her bow, and took aim on the knight.

Taking her time she took careful aim so as not to hit the princess, and released the arrow, watching only long enough to see it hit its mark before ducking back and making a run for it thru the trees. Praying her death would be a quick one.

Luna heard the man yell as she ran thru the trees.. she had a good head start but with so many of them comming for her she new she would have to find a place to hide.

Stopping to look where she was going and catching her breath she dedicded to climb a tree near by the branches were thick enough to hide her. Even if they looked up, she would be hidden as long as she didnt move, or her breathing give her away.

Hearing them closing in on her direction she quickly climbed and did her best to slow her breathing, trying not to scare off too many birds in the process. When she felt her ankel being grabbed and was yanked to the ground. Damn.. Not fast enough she thought....

Landing hard her ankel still in the man's hand she quickly brought her other leg up and kicked him in the chest knocking him back. She got up to run only to be surrounded by his companions.. One of them took in her apperance and gave her a learing grin. Look here lads looks like it be a woman were ta be takin back ta the captin...

 

[airatome]

Name: Gard Orthox
Race: Elven
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 135
Job: Leader of the Red Dragon Knights of Cross
Physical Description: Silver hair, almost platinum that falls just over his shoulders. Emerald Green eyes. Athletic body and tone, and very agile on his feet.
______________________________________________________________

Gard quickly jumped on his white steed Ghaleon and headed out of the castle with a peice of parchment in his hands. His armor and shield bearing a symbol of a dragon.

"This better work......my last directive must be enough to stay their hand for only a bit. I have no other choice now."
Gard quickly reached the castle the was under siege, he saw the princess tied up and was about to be violated when an arrow peirced through the head of her attacker. The knights quickly jumped to alert and chased after the hidden archer. Gard threw a knife cutting the ropes to her hands giving her the chance to free herself then chased after the knights.

He found them circled around a girl, her bow and arrow quiver in her grasp. He dismounted his horse, his armored grieves clanking as they touched the ground. The knights looked up at him suddenly and stopped in their tracks. "Dragon Knights of Cross; you are hereby charged with the mandate of returning to Cross Castle immediatly. You are to gather any wounded, attack no one unless threatened, and make haste back to your castle. This order comes direct from the King, and as your General have been charged with delivering this message."

They looked at him. "But general what about the girl?"
"I shall deal with her. Now go, quickly, and dont turn back."
"Yes sir." The knights left as quickly as they came, leaving just Luna and Gard.
Once they were out of sight he spoke. "Are you ok girl? Are you injured? They shouldnt return for quite some time, i suggest we not be here if they do. I've stalled them for as long as i can and i pray that was my last order as General......"

 

[LadyFairy]

Luna looked at the man infront of her her bow still in her hands, and was unshure as to wether she should trust him or not as he sent the men away. What was he up to she wondered. Why didnt he simply kill her and be done with it.

He was dressed in armor from his head to his toes so she couldnt see his face or what he looked like, and appeared to be their leader and yet... He seemed different from the others who had ran to do as he told them.

Hearing him ask if she was alright Luna's eyes narrowed as she contemplated taking off into the forrest srurrounding them, but with her head pounding and being wore out she new he would catch her in a matter of miunets. I am un hurt.. Save for some minnor injurys.....

Hearing someone approch Luna glanced behind him and noticed another Dragon Knight as he had called them step forward.. He was dressed in what looked to be the same type of armor the one infront of her was wearing. Genral..... We were not expecting you.... The men are ready to move out.. There princess in rounding up what is left of the villagers we left her free as you had cut her ropes yourself. If they are to be left unharmed we need to move. He said with a snear. Seeing her he said. Is This the one who Killed Grath? A woman?, and a human?...

 

[airatome]

He turned as one of the Captains under his command approached. "Leave her to her villagers, we have done enough here. Take whats left of your men and return to the castle with the others. I shall be along shortly with the human in hand." Gard turned to Luna and winked at her quickly, a smile on his face. Turning back to the Captain he added; "And yes, this is the one who killed Grath and i shall deal with her accordingly myself. Now make haste, you best not keep your King waiting."

The captain turned and left. "Ok then......" He took off his helmet revealing his long silver hair and elven ears. "I suggest we hurry up and make sure your Princess is safe. I no longer trust these men that were once under my command. If you can escort me to shelter i can explain everything." He looked at her with his emerald eyes. She was too gorgeous to be a fighter, how had she learned archery of that precision? She far out classed even his own men in accuracy. "I am Gard; Gard Orthox. What was your name again?" He hoped for answers later.

 

[LadyFairy]

Luna studied the man in front of her even more confused, as she was sure his captin was. For he handt taken her wepon nor had he killed her, but decided her questions could be asked later, and watched as the captin shot a discusted look in their direction and left as he had been told.

Watching as he removed his helm Luna couldn't believe her eyes. He was an elf and to be blunt gorgeous. I did not give my name... but as you have given me yours I will give you mine. You can call me Luna

Turning Luna begin leading the way back to the village taking a different route then his caption had gone. It didn't take much to understand the look in the mans eyes he had wanted to kill her for what she had done, and hated that he had to follow his orders.

Stopping at the edge of the village watching as the horses and men left the village to ride back to their king. Luna watched as others who had survived begin coming forward and searching for any that might still live. Spinning on her heal she looked at the elf in front of her. Why do you wish to hide from your own men?

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

OOC: LadyFairy and airotome, if I have the "sides" of the war mixed up let me know. I don't believe I read a name for the Princess Kingdom, but the only names were the ones for her enemy, if that's wrong let me know and I'll edit. Thanks for the invite LadyFairy ~ and the rescue... you too airotome.


Name: Alonria ~ Princess of Grekken Wood
Race: Human
Appearance: 5'8", green eyes, auburn hair
Personality: A bit stubborn and usually friendly, enjoys getting into trouble, but not serious trouble... more like mischief, never really being careful, just shoots from the hip and does what she wants first.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Alonria was in the village when the attack began, fear shot through her, not for herself as much as for the young children that were surrounding her. She was visiting the village this beautiful sunny day, taking a moment to connect with her people, something she enjoyed immensely. Now as screams of pain, fear, and anger rang out she found herself hustling the children toward the castle.

The attack was a surprise so there were few soldiers out to protect her or the village. As the men scrambled to fight off the attackers, Alonria hurried down the path that would take the wee children to safety. She stumbled, the children stopping to help her up, she yelled for them to run, and soon found herself lifted from the pathway, only to find herself tossed over the lap of one the dreaded Red Dragons.

Her fiery mane of auburn locks fell over her shoulder and she was soon lifted higher, forced to sit astride the great stallion or lie over the horn of the saddle. She could barely breath, the grip of the man’s strong arm wrapped tightly around her stomach. Her anger was evident as the fighting raged and she was pulled away from it, the screams of battle ringing in her ears.

The Knights rode hard, taking themselves into the forest. As they rode Alonria feared for her people, their well fare at the fore front of her mind. Her thoughts refused to allow her to think of what the man intended to do with her. “Ransom, no doubt,” she thought to herself. Once they made their way into a clearing she knew she was still somewhat close to the castle as well as her people. She had no clue why they had stopped wondering why they had not ridden further where they could hide while the ransom demand was made.

Fear for herself finally found its way out of her mind and ran through her veins. “Why were they stopping,” she asked herself. Ransom would require her being taken somewhere, held up until it was paid, but now... she was being pulled down and pushed into the beefy arms of another Knight. She swallowed her fear, glared at her captors, and cursed at them. A hand came up, cuffed the side of her head, and darkness consumed her.

When she awoke her body was free to her enemies eyes. Her moss green eyes looked left then right, her hands now tied to the stakes on the ground, one foot was bound to another stake and her other was about to be secured as well. She kicked at her enemy only to have her leg held down, it too was soon tied. Fury ran through her as her eyes watched the man move toward her, his hands working the ties of his breeches free. “You’ll not get much for me if I’m violated you fool,” she hissed. His laugh filled the air and he bent to move his hands over her naked flesh.

Alonria tried to pull away no matter how futile it was, but she was unable too. The man pinched her breasts, ran his palm down her stomach, over her hip, and pushed a finger along the warm center of her sex. She hissed at him, cursed him with words she’d only heard her most trusted soldiers use. “You’ll die this day,” she told him. Seconds later blood splattered over her naked form and she screamed in shock and surprise.

Men appeared to run around searching for answers to an enemy they couldn’t find. One of their own came to her sliced the ropes apart, looked briefly at her, and then set out for his men and the warrior that had killed her captor. Alornia staggered to her feet and stumbled toward the edge of the woods. Her eyes looked around, searching for something to cover herself with. She saw a war horse, its feet moving nervously back and forth on the ground. She moved toward it talking softly. Once she reached its side, she stroked its neck, cooed quietly and was soon pulling a blanket roll from its back. It fell open and she wrapped the coarse fabric around her body. She looked left then right, wondering what direction was best to travel. Hesitantly she started north, the sounds of her village growing closer.

 

[airatome]

"Those are not my men. Not anymore. They arent even of Elven kind, but they did fight under me at one time if thats what you meant. I dont wish to hide from them either. Its.....well, complicated." He paused here sighing.

"I came here to stop them from making a grave mistake. There is something in my Kingdom of Cross that has been burried for centuries, and for good reason. Now the King of Cross wishes to open that sealed something. They need your Princess. Alonria of Grekken Wood to do it. As soon as i found out i betrayed my own men and came to here to rescue here. The order from the King was a fake, made up by my trusted friend Gabriel. Once the king finds out of this betrayal my head will be wanted. Please understand Luna, i no longer fight for the Red Dragon Knights of Cross. I have no where to go."



((And you have perfect Timing Red, as usual. And no you got all the details correct. We hadnt named the Princess or her Kingdom yet.))

 

[LadyFairy]

This is confusing.. you will have to explain more but for now let us see who is left alive and then we will find a safe haven. Luna said finding herself wanting to belive him. Turning on her heal she lead the way back into the village and watched as a few others began emerging from the tree line, along with the princess Alonria.

Moving quickly forward Luna ran to her side. My lady are you alright??? Luna asked seeing her wrapped in a horse's blanket.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

As the Princess made her way toward the sounds of the crying and wailing peasants, her thoughts focused on putting one step in front of the other. Her fingers wrapped tight around the blanket, her bare feet moving gently over the rocks and sticks. Finally, she arrived at the edge of the village. Her eyes took in all the sad faces, the broken barrels, a few thatched roofs burned, some not worth trying to extinguish. Her heart was full of sorrow and anger. She knew there would be retaliation from her father, but when would he strike? Her thoughts were pulled from her when she saw several men and women stop and stare as a woman and a Knight warrior walked into the the village.

Alonria heard the voice of Luna, she stared at her and stilled. Her eyes grew wide in both shock as well as a mix of fear and confusion. Luna was making her way toward her, a man followed behind her, one of the Knights. Alonria searched his features, realized he was the one that had cut her free. For a moment she was going to offer her thanks and then she realized that it could very well have been a trap.

“Luna... I hear rumor your father was slain. I offer my condolences as well as use of whatever you may need to care for his burial and yourself.” Alonria looked at the young woman and then to the man again. “I see he follows you... I take it he is seeking shelter?” She raises one brow, her fingers tightening on the worn blanket. The scent of horse, sweat, blood and death surround her, but she stands there as regal as she would if she were gowned in her finest, sitting with her family.

Her green eyes lock with his, she bows her head slightly. “Thank you for releasing me... but until I’m sure this was not some trick to get you into the inner circle of the kingdom your shelter will be under strict guard.”

She took a deep breath and her attention went back to the female soldier. “I trust you and your abilities... I’m sure it was you that saved me and for that I am most grateful. However he is larger than you and so you and one other will need to guard him until I feel his words are true. I’ve no time to discuss this now, I must get dressed and help with the injured.”

“He may reside in the servants hall. Find a room for him. It is to remained locked when he is alone, a guard at his door whether it be you or another. I don’t want him wandering about... I only trust him as far as I can throw him... and I don’t think I can throw him very far. Let me dress and come to the study in a couple of hours... until then find his rooms, get him a meal and drink, and for the love of the Heaven’s... Don’t trust him!”

Alonria left them, her soul purpose on getting dressed and tending to the injured. She needed to check on her parents as well as the children she’d ushered to the castle. “Please... let them all be okay,” she prayed.

 

[airatome]

Gard heard her words, but dared not to interrupt a Princess. She finished then left leaving him with Luna to be taken to his 'quarters' . "I understand her doubt. I wouldnt trust me either right now, im still wearing my kingdoms shield." ((Or what we'd call symbol now adays)) "Please know that i mean you no harm. Now i think we should do as she asks, the more i cooperate, the happier she'll be. I will be glad when we can all sit down and let me explain things though."

 

[LadyFairy]

“Luna... I hear rumor your father was slain. I offer my condolences as well as use of whatever you may need to care for his burial and yourself.” Luna nodded and said Yes my lady i thank you for your condolences i only hope that you will find things well with your family. Luna said falling silent as Alonria looked her way and then to the man again.

“I see he follows you... I take it he is seeking shelter?” Luna nodded in awncer to her question knowing that no awncer was needed as it was plane what he wished, and waited as she spoke to Gard.“Thank you for releasing me... but until I’m sure this was not some trick to get you into the inner circle of the kingdom your shelter will be under strict guard.”

Seeing the Alonria's attention once agian turn in her dierection Luna waited for her instructions. “I trust you and your abilities... I’m sure it was you that saved me and for that I am most grateful. However he is larger than you and so you and one other will need to guard him until I feel his words are true. I’ve no time to discuss this now, I must get dressed and help with the injured.”

“He may reside in the servants hall. Find a room for him. It is to remained locked when he is alone, a guard at his door whether it be you or another. I don’t want him wandering about... I only trust him as far as I can throw him... and I don’t think I can throw him very far. Let me dress and come to the study in a couple of hours... until then find his rooms, get him a meal and drink, and for the love of the Heaven’s... Don’t trust him!”

Luna nodded and watched her go honored that her princess trusted in her ablitiys even though she was a simple Ranger, and she had to agree with the princes as well as Grad when he said. "I understand her doubt. I wouldnt trust me either right now, im still wearing my kingdoms shield." ((Or what we'd call symbol now adays)) "Please know that i mean you no harm.

Now i think we should do as she asks, the more i cooperate, the happier she'll be. I will be glad when we can all sit down and let me explain things though." There was indeed much that needed discussed and Luna new that if she didnt get him to his quarters soon and if they didnt meet with the princess in the study in an hour that the villagers would most likely start to attack Grad because of the way he was dressed. Follow me please She said and begain leading the way twords the castle still carring her bow and arrows in her hands.

Once inside the castle wall's she lead the way to the servents quarters thru the kitchen's as she had never been in the castle any other way. I hope you do not mind but i do not know any others here in the castle and so i will guard your door. With the attack on the village i dont want to take the chance that an angry guard would slit your throat for you. Luna said showing him the quarters he was to be confined to.

The room was small containing a small window, one a bed, an armorie, toletee and washbason. I will have a servent bring you some other clothing, and food so that you will be a little bit less of a walking target. I hope that things will go well for you when we meet with the princess. Until then i will be outside the door if you need anything. Luna had been avoiding looking up into his eyes until she said the last but couldnt help but admire the way his silver hair fell around his ears nor the way his eyes seemed to see everything around him. Clearing her throat she nodded and stepped back out into the hall closing the door behind her.

Seeing a maid in the hall she requested food and clean clothing fit for a man of his size, and waited at the door. Moving only when the maid returned with the items requested. When the maid returned she looked rather upset and Luna asked her what was a miss and was informed that the king and queen had been killed in the raid... and that the princess was the only royal member of the family left.

Luna allowed the maid to go into the room and insturcted her not to speak to the man inside. Luna's troubled and worried thoughts turned to the princess and what was to come. Unless the princess married the land and titles would go to her nearst kin or revert to another kingdom.

The only good thing to come of the lands reverting to the king would be that if the kingdom that attacked them before wished to take control of the land they would have to pention the king for a marrage alliance, but at the same time other kingdoms would do so as well.

 

[airatome]

Gard followed Luna as he was taken a backway to his quarters. There he had what he needed. Wash basin, armorie, and a bed. He listened to Luna speak, almost certain that she was avoiding eye contact.
"I trust you shall guard me well Luna, but it wouldnt hurt to make acquantances with some of the other guards. You seem a very quite girl."

He turned and undreased as she closed the door, a small window square with bars over it the only means of seeing inside the quarters. Once his new garmets arrived he dressed in them, hearing mention of a slain king and queen. ((What exactly am i wearing now ))

(They got the royal family.....dammit. That leaves only the Princess to these lands. Plus she's the only key......) He thought to himself. "How am i to protect her now that no one else is left......surely i thought i'd be quick enough to avoid this tragedy."

Gard sat on the floor at the foot of his bed and closed his eyes in meditation. Something elves used to calm and attune themselves with their surroundings. Eventually Luna would call him out for their meeting with the Princess, in which Gard would explain what he could.....

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

When Alonria finally reached the castle she was aware of the servants eyes following her. At first she thought that it was her state of dress, she dismissed that idea when she saw her father’s most trusted advisor approach her, his hands covered in blood, yet he looked to be unharmed himself. She stilled, her face growing pale, her mind on the edge of reason. Her lips trembled, as she saw his mouth move, trying to form the words that she feared she already knew would fall.

When his voice finally reached her ears, she felt her body sway. The strong arms of one of her guards surrounded her, swept her up and carried her to her chamber. Alonria thought nothing of it, only saw her past floating behind her tears. She saw her parents face, their smiles, their eyes. She heard their laughter, felt the love that filled them, love that she hoped to one day be a part of. The guard laid her on the bed, then left her. One of her ladies maids came to her, pressed cool cloths over her face, and waited in a chair near the window incase Alonria needed her again.

It was an hour before the young woman stirred, even then it was with tiny movements. Her maid helped her dress. She pulled on the black skirt, the bodice also black giving only a hint of grey lace that swept down the front. She’d not wear the color long, but for the next few days she would, just to show respect for her parents. She knew they would not want her in the dreary colors for long. Sweeping her red mass of curls to the top of her head, her maid secured them with the ruby hair pins then slipped a black ribbon around her neck. “Thank you,” she told the girl, dismissing her with a wave of her hand.

Alonria left her room, headed to the study, and looked to her father’s desk. She felt her emotions threaten to take over. Biting her lip she walked stiffly to his desk and took her place behind it. She knew her place, knew her position, and knew her responsibility. First she needed to deal with the unsuspected hero or the conniving enemy... which one the Knight was, is what Alonria had to decide.

As she ran her fingers over her fathers’ desk, taking inthe smoothness of the wood, she fought back her pain. It wasn’t until the housekeeper wheeled in a tray of tea and biscuits that Alonria realized the time was approaching and the enemy/hero would be making his presence known to her. The door to her study opens and Alonria looked up, once more meeting the eyes of her advisor. He holds in her hands several of her father’s papers. She lifts a brow, curious as to what he suddenly finds important. “Yes?”

“Your Highness,” he cleared his throat. “I’m sorry... but I will only bring this up now and then not again until later. You’ll have to marry sooner then we’d thought now... you do realize this don’t’ you or other actions will be taken.”

“I know.” She watched him leave and pushed yet another worry to the back of her mind. “One thing at a time,” she told herself.

 

[LadyFairy]

Luna watched the maid come out of the chambers and asked her the directions to the library before allowing her leave and continue down the hall about her dutes.

Hearing only the smallest sounds from the room as he dressed in the simple leggings and tunic that had been brought to him. Luna knew if he proved to be on their side then his things would be returned to him.

Thinking about what he had said about her making friends with the other knights Luna knew that none of them would accept her because she was a simple pesant she had no status save for what her father had erned, and even that was no more. What she received now would be erned on her own merret, and was for the princess to decide.

Hearing no sounds from with in the room Luna thought about opening the door to check on him but thought that perhaps he had layed down to rest before the meeting.

Once the hour was up Luna Knocked on the door to the chambers and then unlocking it walked in. It is time for you to meet with the princess if you will follow me i beleive i can find the way.

 

[airatome]

Gard was awoken suddenly by the soft voice of Luna. He had fallen asleep in his Meditation position. He stood up, stretched his legs, then followed her out the door. All the while to the Library going over his explanation in his head. How was he going to tell the Princess that her very life was in danger, and that she alone was able to bring chaos, or peace to the lands beyond the horizons.

If the Red Dragon Knights of Cross ever got her inside what lay beneath Cross Castle, all would be doomed. She had to know the truth. Gard would tell her the facts, and only the facts. She desearved to hear exactly what was conspiring against her.

 

[LadyFairy]

Luna had only gotten lost once on the way to the library because she had been stopped by a guard who hadnt seen her in the palace before, but stepped asside when she told him the princess requested that she and the elf with her meet with her in the library and continued on her way.

Ignoring the guards snide comments and that he decided to follow them and make sure they were going where she had said she was. Luna raised her hand and knocked lightly on the library door, and waited for a responce before opening it.

Stepping inside she motioned for Gard to step forward and wait while she closed the door quietly in the guards face. Turning to face the princess she waited for her to to notice them before speaking. We have come as you requested my lady.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Alonria heard the voice of Luna and she looked up from her desk, her eyes immediately went to her enemy and she tightened her grip on the quill in her hand. “Luna please step aside from him and draw your weapon.”

She stood up she knew the young woman would do as she’d requested. “Keep it trained on him.” Staring hard at him, her pulse raced with anger, distrust, and pain . Her features, however should only strength, a strength born to those that know the power that can be displayed by meer looks alone. She could kill the man herself right now, but she waited, she'd agreed to hear his words, to judge him before sentencing his death. Taking a deep breath she started to speak, her voice never waving, the pain hidden behind the control of her royal birth.

“Your kind attacked my home, killed my people, burned my village, and attempted to rape me. You say you are here separate from their quests and you rescued me. I return to find out that while your “so-called” rescue was carried out my parents were killed... Now... explain to me why I don’t have Luna send the arrow through your heart and end your life right now. What is it about me that would force you to chose a mere Princess over the lives of a King and Queen?”

Her fists curled at her sides and she desperately wanted to see his blood spill on the floors of her father’s study. She wanted this man’s life, for the lives of her parents, and if his words even hinted at ones of deception and greed she wouldn’t hesitate to give Luna the signal to end his false words before he finished them.

“Every word that falls from your lips had best reek of honesty, for your life ends here this day if it doesn’t.” She waited for the man's words to either save him or condemn him.

 

[airatome]

"I will tell you as i told Luna here, Lady Alonria. Then i shall tell you more. The humans who attacked here were not my kind, for as you can tell i am of Elven Decent. I was forced into knighthood upon oweing a life debt to my savior. He was the current leader of the Red Dragon Knights. I took his place upon failing the life debt i owed him. I would have preferred to leave those humans to their own mechanics, and war." He stopped and looked at Luna. As per instructed her sword was out and was unwavering.

"After i found out what the King of Cross had planed i hurried as fast as i could here with a forged order to return the knights to their castle, i thought that would save you and your parents. Apparently there was something else in their orders, or they wouldnt have been so quick to rid this place of their king and queen. I saved your life and would have continued into the castle to save them, if it werent for Luna's aggressors. They would have killed her if i hadnt followed her she will tell you."

(Now the hard part....) he thought to himself. "Now, Lady Alonria; you are a key to a very devestating weapon that lie beneath Cross Castle. It is a tower that rises from under the ground and into the very heavens. According to the legend a key is needed, a royal human key, to raise the tower from the mountain to the sky. I beleive they are calling it the Tower of Biblos. All i know is that the king is bent on getting his hands on you, and getting you to unlock the secret weapon of this tower. I have abandoned my allegiance with the Cross Kingdom; they are fighting for the wrong reasons now. I shall gladly fall into your graces, and alleige myself with you if you will have me. My skills are undeniable, and i stay at bay of Luna's sword only by choice, and respect alone. I trust my words will ring true, and if you found any doubt in them then my life is at your hands."

With that Gard bowed his head, careful not to hit Luna's blade, but also keeping his eyes open and on Lady Alonria.

 

[LadyFairy]

Luna listened as Grad spoke and not taking her eyes from him when he was finnished speaking she in turn spoke. I can confirm my lady that the others who attacked us were human, and that he did save my life, for that i owe him, and it is true if he wished he could disarm me in a heart beat. As for the rest of his tail that i cannot confirm for all i have heard are roomers, and old wives tails.

Shifting her feet slightly for a more comfortable stance she contined to do as her princess had orderd and waited to hear what it is she would decide. She didnt really want to fight Grad she felt that he was telling the truth, but it was not her place to decide his fate.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Alonria listened to the man, her fury reigned in for the moment while she stood before him. He pleaded his case, telling of why he was wearing the crests of her enemy. He spoke of how he would have liked to have left the humans, but his dept kept him tethered to him. She would have to take that at face value, most men were honorable, so she for now she would place him in that group of Knights.

She continued to listen to him speak to her of how he hurried to save her and her parents, instead chose to run after Luna instead of the two people that ruled a clan. She looked to Luna wondering if perhaps the man knew her and that was why she’d been saved. Just as quickly Alonria dismissed the thought, knowing Luna was loyal and it was Alonria’s loss that made her doubt for a second her friend’s loyalty.

There were always legends and dreams floating around this land. Some true, some false. This one she wasn’t sure whether to believe or not. Her parents long ago told her she was special, unique, and would one day be called upon to do something for a great number of people. But she thought it was just being Queen when her parents passed and she married. Now she wondered if perhaps it wasn’t something more.

When Luna added her words of support to those of the warrior Alonria added a slight nod indicating she’d heard the young girl. She turned away and moved back to her desk, knowing Luna would not move until she was told she could. Alonria sat down and called in a second guard. “Since you and Luna both have stated how quickly you could dispatch her then she is now relieved of duty and will no longer be your sole guard.”

The man that entered the room was quite large. His chest was thick, well formed, and since he was one of her personal guards she did not fear for her safety. “Luna you may relax and please take a seat near me.” She pointed out a chair that rested to the left of the desk. “You may take a seat here,” she indicated a chair opposite of her.

Once they sat where she’d asked she spoke to the man before her. “There are legends that surround everyone and everyplace. If I’m the “key” to this legend. Since it is so apparent that I am wanted by the King then I will go and present myself to him. We will steal this weapon and destroy it. Once it is destroyed we will deal with the King and you can go on about your happy life. I’m sure you would enjoy getting back to your family... and I would like to settle the debt of my parents death on the shoulders of the man that ordered their lives.”

Her eyes studied his, “Unless you have some other great step to this legend I must fulfill.”

 

[airatome]

Gard couldnt help but surpress a smile as she changed Luna for a more adequate person for the job. It seemed these humans were not used to dealing with Elves. He respected her concern though and figured he was at no harm unless he did something sudden. "I would love to confide in you and say that it would be that easy. But this weapon, is not mobile. The weapon itself IS the tower; now what the weapon can do and how it operates is still a mystery. The king of Cross guards it like it were his own life. Instead of guarding the castle, his elite guard instead watches over the Tower entrance deep underground. I was once part of this guard untill my duties changed as per my master."

Gard knew how to get into the Tower, but he knew not what good that would do any of them. "If you wish i can lead you to the Tower entrance without ever having to pass through the castle, but i am unsure what we would do once inside. I hear tales of a library between you and their lands that holds many tomes of knowledge. Maybe there we can find something on this Tower of Biblos. Aside from that, i have no more knowledge to impart to you Lady Alonria. All that i have left to offer are my services as a knight, and Druidic warrior. I hope you will consider them as payment for my lack of protection to your parents."

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

When the man mentioned the library Alonria's attentione was drawn back to him, where it had been wandering away, trying to think of someway to infiltrate the keep. The library was supposed to be a lengend... as one of royal birth she knew it to be real. She'd been taken there once as a small child, told that she'd have need of it one day. She was small though, perhaps only 6. She had no memory about how to get there, what paths to take, or what all lay within its walls besides books.

“There is a library, yet only those of royal birth know that it does indeed exist. To others it is merely a legend. My father took me there when I was six, as did his father before him, and his before him. Only the head of the family and their oldest child travel there. They travel as peasants. I can remember that trip with him. It was the only one where I was allowed to wear breeches in public. I had to talk as if I was uneducated, play in the dirt, and overall act as if I were a subject instead of a princess... that was great fun, that trip.“ She wiped a tear that was threatening to spill.

“I don't know the path, there are ancient maps here in the castle, both in this room and in my parents bedchambers. Due to the importance of the library I doubt father would keep the map here in this room, but in his bedroom. However, what better place than to keep something from your enemy then placing it right under their nose?“ She pushed from the table and nodded to her guard. “You may go... just wait outside the door. We will trust the man for now... “

Alonria looked back at the warrior. “I have gone through my memory since meeting you and I don't recall you giving me your name. I would like to know what man will be accompaning Luna, my guard, and myself to this library... once we find the map that is.“

She angled her head waiting for the man's name. Once he gave it she welcomed him into her home. “Gard, since you will be staying here searching for some time. You will have access to this room, the kitchens, the parlor, as well as the minor rooms in the house including the study. I do ask though that when venturing into my father's study... which is this room we're in now... ummm... my study, that you do so with Luna. Other than that you are free to roam the grounds, but... please don't think I'm trusting you completely... there will always be someone watching you.“

Alonria turned back to her desk and sat behind it once more. “Luna... you should gather your things from your home and bring them here. Since you trust this elf then you will beable to watch him more closely. There will be a room readied for you in the servants quarters as well. You will have to have a private room in the palace, because of your gender you can not stay with the other men.“

“Are there any more questions or things either one of you wish to discuss or ask? If not then you're both free to go... we'll meet again after the evening meal. I must attend to the needs of my parents.“ Alonria waited patiently for the two to address her, thoughts of preparing her parents for their buriels were fresh on her mind.



ooc... I pm'd another writer.

 

[airatome]

OOC: ((okay good, we're gonna need more enemies, it sucks fighting NPC's -_-))

He gave his name as instructed and then waited for her closing statments. "Thank you Lady Alonria. I am sure you have many duties to attend to now that....." He stopped, understanding that humans take death at face value, not as his kind does. "I understand your need for caution against me and i will take no offense in your means of protecting this castle and yourself."

He thought hard about her last question, if he had any other concerns or questions. "I have many questions and things to address, but i shall not burden you with them now, i only need Luna or your guard here to direct me to any form of training grounds you may have. My Rapier could use tempering."

 

[LadyFairy]

Luna was wise enough to keep her slience through out the rest of the meeting and did as she was instructed. Hearing Grad mention that ether she or the giant who had entered to help her guard him would needs lead him to the training grounds Luna knew it would have to be the Drake who took him because she didnt yet know the way.

Looking over at Drake Luna nodded in greeting keeping her slience. Sence she was a child everyone called him Giant though his true name was Drake he had come here along time ago with the princess's father, and she could remember being scared of him as a child and him picking her up when she fell trying to get away from him. Sence then he had visited her father from time to time.

I am afraid that Drake will have to take you to the training grounds, as i have things i need to retreve from what is left of my home. she said trying to hide the emotions that thought brought to her, but she had some small hope that the bow her father had specially crafted would still be there. Bowing as the princess dismissed them she stood and left the room.

Strangly enough thoughts of Grad kept entering her mind as she made her way back to the village, and worrie for her princess. Would it be wise to place herself in the hands of the enamy?? Luna agreed that the library was a good place to start though she had been seceretly taught to read sence she was a child, and had found she enjoyed books emensly, but dared not show it else people think her stranger than they do already.

Being a huntswoman she knew there were manny dangers on the road aside from theves and animals. While her father and her had been out hunting before the attack they had been scouting out some Kolbolds that had been in the area, but hadnt had time to finnish their search.

Standing infront of what was left of her home Luna tryed not to cry. Manny of the other pesants had started to burry the dead and Luna decided that her belongings could wait she needed to see to her fathers body.

Finding him where he had fallen, Luna could see simpathetic looks from some of the few villagers who had survived, but none offered to help. Lifting her fathers body over her sholders Luna carried him to the foot of a small tree behind their house and set him down infront of it. You always said you wanted to be burried in your quiet spot papa.. well here it is...i am sorry i couldnt save you.

Picking up a shovle from the shead behind the house Luna begain to dig a grave in the ground near the tree. Silent tears falling as she barried his body. Once finnished she wipped the sweat and tears from her face and laying the shovle down said. Good by papa.. I'll not forget you nor anything that you taught me i promise..

Standing she knew the hour was late and that she needed to finnish gathering her things and return to the castle, by now she was sure her room would be ready and she would see if she could get a bath because she really needed one.

Going inside the house she didnt find anything that was worth saving, and stepped back outside. her only posessions the clothing on her back,shortsword at her side, and the bow, and quiver on her back.

Luna? Luna turned to see the village blacksmiths boy Tom. Yes Tom? she asked. Will ye come with me please my father has yer bow and some armor yer father had made.. Luna looked confused but followed.

Once at the blacksmiths Tom's father explained that her father had been approced when she was a little lass and had been told she was destaned to go on a quest with their princess. The blacksmith explained that it was all her father knew and so had asked him to make a specal bow and some armor to protect her on her way. He didnt know when that day would come so he had me keep it here and when we were attacked i had Tom hide them.Here they are yours. He said handing them to her.

Luna smiled and thanked him before leaving and made her way back to the castle carrieing her fathers last gifts with her. Not wanting to wear them until after she herself were clean.

Once back at the castle, and being shown her room. Luna asked for a bath and was able to clean herself up, and dressed in the studded leather female ranger armor that her father had specificly made for her.

Luna could hear the sound of steel on steel and once she finnished dressing left her chambers following the sound to the training grounds to see who was training and see if maybe someone their would be interested in teaching her.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Alonria pulled her long tresses up into a knot, allowing the curls to cascade down her back. The priests had come to her insisting that she give a showy buriel for her parents, but she refused. She looked at them and told them her parents wouldn't want a show for their final passage to Heaven, especially when there were so many others grieving the loss of their own loved ones. Each person in her village had thier own beliefs concerning how to prepare for the journey to either the God Alonria believed in or the ones they believed in.

When the priest lit the wrappings that bound her parents together, only Alonria, her guard, and the parish priest were in attendance. The flames licked the skies and the Princess fell to the ground, allowing herself to be a girl again. Her body shook with grief; her eyes were sore; her chest hurt. Alonria cried until she was gasping and then hiccupping. She didn't feel her guard lift her, only felt the arms of a friend hold her close. She held him tight as he took her to her rooms.

Once inside he laid her on the bed and left her in the hands of her ladies maid. “Shhh...” the young girl said. “Tonight you're Alonria, not a Princess of a country.“ Alonria welcomed the arms and she cried herself to sleep in the ladies maids embrace.

The ladies maid slipped from the sorrowful Princess and eased her into the bed and covered her up. Then she turned out the lanterns and shut the young woman inside. Her footsteps carried her down to her own private chambers and she slipped in, disrobed, and found her lover in her bed. “To bad the little girl got away,” she whispered as she placed her sex over his.

“Yes it is,” the man answered, his fingers reaching up to toy with her soft globes. “But we'll get her in time... though the addition of that new menace will cause a slight problem.“

The woman slowly began to ride the hard shaft that was impaling her. “Yes... but we'll get what our Master needs. Oh God I'm going to come fast this first time.“

The voice chuckled, “I'm not God, my pretty... just his messenger.” He rose up and bit her left nipple and he felt her shudder over him. He laughed against the hard bud, “I expect to see you in confessional in the morning.“ He told her before rolling her onto her back and ramming into her again.