Stories of the Medieval Realm

[Trist]

The endless expanse of the forest was only blurred by the blood color the setting sun cast over it. In this part of the world alone one could find absolute peace. The mythical creatures of the woodlands did not entertain themselves with the wars over moral ideals such as the existence of the Light and the Dark; they thought themselves above such things. This, Bynx thought, was truly what one would call heaven on earth.

Pity she could never live in that world.

Bynx stood still on her cliff edge perch, her eyes scanning over the treetops in an apathetic manner. It was not that such a world was unappealing to her, but it was that she knew no different from the often considered “depressing” and “blood thirsty” lifestyle that she was given. She was as content as any person could possibly be given the circumstances; she simply left herself void of any natural emotion.

Slowly Bynx turned her gaze away; the sight of the forest was not pleasing to her cold, dull blue eyes. She only found slight interest in scenes of chaos and the torture of others. Pain and destruction, to Bynx, was the ultimate form of entertainment.

Bynx took a single step from the cliff edge, causing her heavy black cloak to sway gently and catch the soft breeze to begin a dance of rippling fabric. The wind seemed to increase slightly in power, as if on cue for the dramatic soliloquy of some character in the beginning of a story. This however, is not the way the stories of the medieval realm begin, as these are the stories not only of a girl named Bynx Aragwen, but the stories of all those effected by the struggle of the Light, the Dark, and the Grey.


Please post any questions or comments on the thread 'OOC: Stories of the Midevil Realm' (Yes, it is noted that medieval was spelled wrong; thank you Morwen for pointing that out). I would like this story to flow as well as possible without OOC speaking. Thank you in advance.

 

[nightray]

Derek Aragwen

I sit in black marble thrown watching with cold disinterest as the nobles play there games trying to increase there power threw aliases that rarely last very long alliance that are betray for the slightest chance of increasing there own power. I used to fined these deadly games with amusement but now it grows wearisome. All though there are some interesting moment still. I lift my finger slightly and my minister of ceremony calls out for silence. I say in a soft voice that every one strains to hear bring out the leader of the rebels.

Two of my guards come threw a side door pushing in front of them a bruised and bloody man in a iron collar and shekels. I say these man dared to appose my rule and for that I had all his men executed his men and sold their wives to the local whore house and there children I sold to the slavers. As for this man his punishment is to be flogged One hundred times for my are amusement and if he survives that then I will give hem to my granddaughter for her amusement. I lift my finger slightly and the man is chained to a stone column and one of the guards unrolls the cat of nine tales and begins. A rare smile twitches across my lips as his blood curdling screams rise in to the silent thrown room. I glance around seeing the fear in the eyes of the nobles at this small reminder of power.

 

[Tenaka_Khan]

Vaelis looked on at the still figure of Bynx for what seemed like hours, the wind catching his flowing long hair and sending it swaying slightly, a few strands knocked out of place. The darkness of his hair blended perfectly with the dark shade of his thick cloak, making it nearly impossible to tell where one began and the other finished. Bynx's influence again he thought to himself. He was glad that they became friends, he never thought he fitted in with the others, especially his parents. Sure he believed in helping people, but what would he have known about the world from just staying in the same state of perpetual peace. It made him feel uncomfortably safe, nothing appealing to his adventurous side. And then there was Bynx, though she chose not to show emotion, he felt an unexplainable kinship with her.

He stepped out of the shadows of a nearby tree, clasping his hands together behind him, the blood red colour of the sun washing over his delicate features, giving them their own red sheen. His foot came to rest on a fallen branch of the tree creating a cracking noise, a smile played across his lips. "Good day, Bynx, an unexpected surprise to see you here I must say." He said in his soft almost musical voice, barely more than a whisper. "It is a nice view, don't you think?"

Without waiting for an answer Vaelis took a few short steps towards the edge of the cliff. The sight filled him with a contradicting sadness. He loved the forest, how calm it could be, the life sparse and abundant. And yet there was always something missing. His gaze lingered on the forest for a few moments before he returned to looking at Bynx with his pale silver eyes, a sign that many believed to mean he was cursed, a bringer of destruction, and in many ways, he was.

"How are you?" He asked simply.

 

[Firegrl124]

Fyre looked around the hall as the nobles watched two men being flogged. The sent of blood and sweat filled the large room, as groans of men provided the bittersweet accompaniment to the sounds of the whips. Her pussy started to get moist at the thought of those whips kissing her skin. "As long as they don't realize I am a woman," She thought to herself, as she felt the corset that made her breasts look smaller bite into her ribs.

She loved this hall and she was in love with this land. The sky, the lakes and rivers, forests and trees, the people, horses, Unicorns and Dragons, all were part of her. But this was not the time to reveal that a strong good swordsman, the best Dragon Tamer and Conquerer of the Five Lords was a wench, a mere woman who hid in men's clothing, rode her horses like a man and drank and cursed like a man. Other lords and nobles were afraid of her. Her quiet voice, and petite form fooled many into thinking that she was just a young boy. Yet when one fought her in hand to hand combat or in a sword fight, she always beat them to the ground with unseen tactics brought from countries beyond the seas. Men respected her and many whores came to her doors as gifts from lords who tired to become her ally. All the bitches stayed at her castle of course, because she remembered how women are truly treated in other places. With a smile, she remembered the last wench, Natasha, who was as good at singing and dancing as she was good at eating pussy and using a starp on dildo to please her Mistress.

"...57, 58, 59..." The men's skin was oozing with blood and the sweat was only making it worse for them. They could no longer groan and cry out in pain. One has already lost conciousness, while the other silently shed tears all over the shiney floor...."63,64,65..." The cruel execution continued as Fyre continued thinking of Natasha, her latest lady-in-waiting....

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Rihlyia Amaranth

Rihlyia’s outburst seemed uncalled for at the time. Preceded only by the short, sketchy message that Klaque, a small southern providence on the outskirts of the Amaranth’s vast land holdings, had attempted a revolt, her violent temper was unexpected.

Storming into the echoing hall that afternoon, she shred the entrance door to splinters with a haphazard wave of the hand. Her skin was hot and prickly with the maelstrom of emotions. “Uncontrollable,” the servants whispered as they huddled together, watching the figure in the dark red robes of rulership sweep by. Long after she had disappeared out of sight, her crisp, cold footsteps resonated through the room.

Finding no one of high enough rank at her beck and call immediately, Rihlyia threw herself onto a chair, her eyes blazing and her dark crimson-streaked hair wild with feral frenzy. Her Uncle had finally trusted her and allowed her to rule over one of the least consequential territories. She had overheard him talking to his advisors, who had warned him of her unpredictable outbursts and the flood of power that accompanied them. She’ll do no harm, he had calmly assured them.

Within a week, the people had foolishly tried to rise up against her.

And, mimicking her Uncle's stern, unfeeling rule, she had used the most unruly bunch for her guard’s longbow target practice.

Lead by example, they said.

And so she was…

 

[Trist]

Bynx's gaze rose to the beautiful, slender figure of Vaelis only after he directed a question towards her. Her silver-grey hair blew gently in the breeze, small portions making their way over her shoulder and shown vividly against her black cloak.

"I'm doing as well as could be expected," she replied coldly, as was typical to her character. "And yourself?" she asked.

Something in Bynx seemed to open and cause effects not normal to her when she saw Vaelis; at times his mere presence would make her body lock-up and her mind to go blank. Other times she would "forget" about some important quest her grandfather had sent her on simply so she could talk with the Elven male for a few hours longer. Once, even, she had completely disreguarded the Grey King's orders to assassinate a high-ranking leader of an Elven guild.

Bynx remembered that day well. She had arrived at dusk, and entered the impressive magical Elven city without difficulty. But when she reached the guildmaster's quaters, she was quite surprised to find herself before Vaelis's father. Before she made a motion or even spoke a word, the Elf had began to curse at her, speaking of her 'poisoning' his son's mind. She left without refute... She didn't even know if Vaelis had knowledge of the incident. It had happened a year before this day; she hadn't seen Vaelis since then.

 

[nightray]

Derek Aragwen

I watch with cold eyes as the last stroke is delivered to the rebel leader. I watch as the gards unshackle the man from the stone pillar. He falls to his knees in a pool of his own blood delirious from the pane of having the skin and mussel of his back flayed off. I smile coldly saying my granddaughter will be pleased to have a new play thing if he can live throw that then he should last a will under her more inventive pleasures. I chuckle softly saying to the gardes take hem to the dungeon and fix hem up as best you can so he’s fresh for Bynx’s pleasure. The gardes bow deeply and carry the half conchs traitor out of the room. I think to my self where is my granddaughter any way I thought she was going to eat with me to day I shrug it of thinking she most be doing some thing important to mess eating with me.

I stand and say that was entertaining was it not. I smile as the nobles all node several of them look decidedly green. I say it’s now time fore the fest. I walk behind the thrown to a back passage as the rest go out the mane doors to the large dinning room. I step out in to the room being the first there as the passage is a shorter walk to several of my rooms. I sit in my large gilded oak chair to wait for the rest to make there way threw the long halls. The table is set up like a large T with the top part where I and a favored few sit being hire then the rest. I watch as the men and women slowly trickle in taking there sets. I watch one unparticular a new comer to my court I herd throw the spies that I have laciest throw out my noble houses that no one can mach his sword skills. I raze a finger to on off my servants telling hem to bring that man up to sit with me. I point hem out racking my brain for his name finely remembering it as Fyre. The servant bows and walks quickly to the man as he finds a set I watch as the servant talks to hem pointing up to where I’m sitting.

 

[Firegirl976]

Mind if I join??

I just read your thread and it sounds like it's off to a great start. Would you mind if I brought in another character?? A stranger to the land perhaps??

 

[Tenaka_Khan]

Vaelis absently brushed some of his silken hair aside, he expected the coldness of her reply, although a smile still graced his lips. "As well as could be, perhaps a littlebetter since we last talked. I argued with my parents about their outrage, they wouldn't listen. So I came to find you, sadly that was too late. It's good to see you again, Bynx, you shouldn't leave me for so long like that." Moving towards her quickly he catches her in a tight embrace. Hoping that she won't mind the uncharacteristic behaviour.

He knew that Bynx had gotten into trouble from talking to him a few times, he regretted making her late. Yet she was the only person he really talked to for years. His parents tried to shelter him from the truth's of the world, the entire town wished to cast him out. He was a dweller of two worlds, both not accepting him.

Vaelis also regretted wearing so much armour on this day, he'd found a small pool that looked like it would be exhilirating to swim in. He idly wondered whether Bynx had tried swimming before.

"So what are your plans for today, Bynx? Some spare time, maybe?" He asks hopefully, gazing into her eyes.

 

[Trist]

Bynx didn't attempt to escape Vaelis's hug, but she didn't return it.

She looked at the position of the setting sun to assume the time. "Yes, I have a couple spare hours. Why do you ask?"

She looked back into the Elven male's eyes, wondering what he had in mind.

 

[Morwen]

Talia Amaranth was called the Only Rose, for she was the only good thing to come from that wicked, wicked family, which was otherwise a bramble of thorns and evil creeping vines. Or so the minstrels sang.

She was graceful, she was beautiful, she was kind, and she was fair, and so her people loved her, even if she was one of the hated Amaranths.

As the only daughter and heir of the Baron of Klaque, a minor province in the great Amaranth land-holdings, she ruled all its lands and the small castle at its heart.

Her father had been an Amaranth, true, but he was a minor cousin, an offshoot of the main trunk, a branch not as rotted with evil perhaps as the rest.

He had been a tall man, and she had his height, as well as his ice blue eyes, as cold and distant as the sea. Her mother he never told her about, but the servants whispered of Fäerie blood. How else to explain the girl's effortless grace at song, the harp, at white magic, and the elven tongues?

~

"M'lady, most horrible news from the capital! Rhiliyia Amaranth has murdered them all!"

Talia looked up from her studies with some annoyance. The Elven scrolls were thorough and intelligible, true, but understanding the complex magics of Life Essence took intense concentration. Her maid knew better than to interrupt her during her mystical studies. The news must be horrible indeed.

"What are you yelling about, my dear? You are almost out of breath, and your face is flushed. Sit down, calm yourself. Let me get you some tea."

The maid, a pretty young thing who'd been with Talia throughout her father's long illness and for many years before, sunk gratefully into her mistress' chair. She took the cup of tea gladly, and sipped it delicately, but to no avail. Once she began talking again, her fluster and blush returned.

"It's the knights, m'lady. Those knights who rode to the Amaranth capital. They're dead!"

"What?" Talia exclaimed, momentarily losing her calm demeanor. "Tell me what happened."

"Yes m'lady! Sir Regnold, Sir Irem, Sir Althea -- all three of them, slain by Rhiliyia Amaranth! First she whipped them raw in her halls, then turned them over to her soldiers for longbowing! Oh it's terrible."

At that, the maid began to sob, and Talia comforted her with an arm around her shoulder. "There, there. It's terrible, yes, but I told them not to go. I told them..."

 

[Tenaka_Khan]

Vaelis couldn't help but smile at Bynx lack of emotion, somehow he found her much more of am interesting companion due to that. A soft laughed followed afterwards as Vaelis stepped back slightly. "On my way here I came upon a small pool of water. " Vaelis turns and points in the direction he came, the peak of a tall expanse of rock, surrounded by trees being the destination. "Have you ever been swimming, Bynx?"

He shook his boots slightly, then kicked them against a well-placed rock, trying to get the mud from them. Vaelis had always likes the trees of the forest, so restful to the eye yet even the smallest stood proudly. In a way, Vaelis admired the forest, yet he found greater respect for the mountains. He laughed to himself. "Haha, you should've been a Dwarf, Vaelis.." He glanced down at the finely carved, jewel-encrusted hilts of the dual swords he wore. Drawing one from it's fine white scabbard, the metal making a satisfying hiss of steel against steel, he lowered the blade to his left hand. The darkness of the blade was in direct contrast to the fine white beauty of the twin scabbards, light seemed to be absorbed by them. The blades were of Drow origin, tainted by Vaelis' own blood, somehow able to withstand the light that ordinary Drow blades withered in.

"I've spent the last year training with these, perfecting every little move. I would accompany you on any mission I could, Bynx, this docile town life is far from the way I intend to live out the rest of my years. But enough of that, for now. Let us swim, Bynx? Or at least take a walk, and talk as we used to?"

 

[Morwen]

Later that evening, Talia rolled up her Elven scrolls and locked them away carefully in the dresser at the foot of her bed. There would be no more studying tonight. Slowly, Talia took up her pen and began to write.

"Dearest Cousin Rhiliyia..." But that's as far as she could get.

Her maid's tale had been true. Later, some of her merchants who'd been in the capital had come and sworn the truth of this -- that her knights were dead, blooded by Amaranth hands. Her magics let her know when men lied, and these men did not lie to her. They told of cruel whippings, followed by brutal executions by longbow. Typical Amaranth terror.

Those foolish knights. She had told them not to ride to the capital, but they had. They thought they would reason with Rihliyia Amaranth, the niece of the great Amaranth tyrant himself, who had -- on the death of Talia's father -- been awarded the rule of Klaque.

But the people preferred Talia. As a wielder of the white fire of the pure and holy magic of the Good, the Life Essence, her people looked on her to protect them from the depredations of Amaranth rule.

When she rode out from Castle Rhossambrie, astride her white palfrey and in the long, flowing white gowns of the Avatrix of Life, her mystical Order, the people cheered. Simple, trusting folk, they put their trust entirely in her.

She scowled. Yes of course, she wanted what was best for the people of Klaque -- or Rhossambrie, as it was called in the local tongue. But already the rebellion against Amaranth rule had spilled innocent blood. How much more would follow?

She returned to her letter.

"My dear cousin. Our land of Klaque is a peaceful, simple place. It is small, and far away from your great capital, and hardly worthy of your attention. I beseech you, do not persecute us here,

"Your faithful servant,
Talia Amaranth, Baroness of Klaque."

 

[Khadgar]

Allanon walked down the path into one of the Amaranth realms. passing the suprizingly well kept gardens and flowers. by looking at it you wouldn't think this was a place who's name was black and dripping with hatred and disgust. Allanon smiled to himself. they mayb think poorly of him, but he was taken beter than most of the Amaranth. and when someone needed help, who did they call for? him. every time. any one who actually got to know him didn't think too harshly of him afterwards. of course, he was no rose, but compared to most of his descendants, he was a breath of fresh air.

He came to the door and knocked once. a deep hollow sound echoed through the air, and soon he heard scurrying feet. the door opened to show a young girl, looking up at him. Allanon smiled. "I wish to come in."

She looked hessitant. "Are you expected? this is not the best time for visitors."

Allanon shook his head slightly. "No, i am not expected, but i'm sure Talia wouldn't be too angry too see me."

The girl still seemed hesitant. "She is.... not to be disturbed at the moment."

Allanon sighed. "No harm wil come to you, just go get her!" the girl nodded and hurried off, moments later Talia came to the door. Allanon hadn't seen her since she was eleven, and time had brough her up wonderfully. She was stunningly beautiful and had the only land wth the name Amaranth on it that was respectable. desireable even. This was one girl who had wated through slime and come out clean. "Hello Talia, it is good to se you."

 

[Trist]

"Of course I've been swimming," Bynx replied as she watched Vaelis kick the mud from his boots.

Vaelis smiled and laughed lightly with amusement. Bynx knew better than to think that her previous reply was what caused the sudden entertainment. If Bynx had been anyone else, she would've asked Vaelis why he had let a laugh escape his lips, but, as Bynx, she felt an obligation to hold an aire of not caring.

Vaelis pulled one of his swords from its scabbards, watching the blade intentively.

"I've spent the last year training with these, perfecting every little move. I would accompany you on any mission I could, Bynx, this docile town life is far from the way I intend to live out the rest of my years. But enough of that, for now. Let us swim, Bynx? Or at least take a walk, and talk as we used to?"

Bynx's eyes were on the blade during most of Vaelis's speaking; the darkness of the blade had distracted her momentarily. She hadn't seen a sword of that make since the day the Drow's had attacked her within their dwelling; a guildmaster had possession of such a blade. Her eyes shifted back to the Elf's face.

"You know that I would not deny you my company, Vaelis." She paused for a brief moment. "Now show me to this pool of water you speak of."

Vaelis smiled, placing his blade back in its rightful holding. "Of course."

---------

The two walked for quite some time, mostly in silence. Bynx thought over what Vaelis said about aiding her in her missions. She wondered if he knew what he could be getting himself into by those words; the things that she did... they weren't exactly Elven work.

"Tell me, Vaelis," she finally spoke in a soft voice, "Why is it that you wish to assist me in my missions?"

 

[White Queen]

Melian Celeb-da Elf Priestess prisoner of Derek Aragwen

Melian sat on the floor of the dark dungeon, thinking, her mind traveling to distant places she had visited when she was free, forests of immesurable beauty, her family. How she missed them, did they knew she was here? of course they did, but she did not blame them for not trying to rescue her, her family had been a powerful one a long time ago but now... not enough was left to challenge house Aragwen...

Is this the life she was doomed to have? ... a life trapped in a cold, dark, dungeon. her energy being used to strengthen the Grey King himself... she did not know... but one thing was sure... she was losing hope fast...

Vierna Sorcerer of the Amarath Family

Trouble? again?... this time it was Klaque, a small province of the Amarath Kingdom, ruled by Talia Amaranth... an exception to the family indeed, a woman with a good heart and a Kind ruler like none in the Amaranth lieage...

On the other hand Rhiliyia Amaranth... she was not going to let that small province revolt against her... no, she was a smart one, cruel yes, but she knew how to submit people with fear. And it is not that the easiest way to rule a Kingdom? Well, time to pay a visit to her and see just how are things evolving... and of course to see if anything can be gained out if this conflict...

Vierna walks down to Rhiliyia´s room, she stares at the servant with her petrifing gaze... " Tell your Lady that I am here, and I would just like to have a word with her if possible..."

The servant immediately runs inside the room...

 

[Firegrl124]

Fyre

I follow the servant the T-shaped table. The sweat, blood and the incence mix, and my head becomes heavy as I feel the magick run deep at the head of the table. I come closer and I bow deeply, looking into his eyes. His cold dark dull eyes. Shivers run down my back and I wonder if he knows. He surely must know. He is the most powerful around here and I am just a girl, a mage, but a young one with lots of experience to gain.

My northern province, the Galadriel, is ravaged by wars of the two clans, and their supporters. I hate it and have to come to the Grey King to talk about joining forces so my country will no longer be torn apart

 

[nightray]

Derek Aragwen

I watch as Fyre comes to the head of the table my eyes narrow slightly that is no man that is a woman. I sense the magic potential with in her as well. I wave for her to sit at my left as only my granddaughter sits to my right. As she sites I see in her manner that she is nerves about sitting next to me. When the servant levees I say what brings you to my court my lady. A brief smile touches my lips at the surprise in her eyes. I say don’t be so surprised I’m not as easily fuelled as the thaws fools. I wave casually at the nobles as they fined there sets always joking for the best spot to gain the most power.

As I wait for her answer the servants start bring out the food on large platters roast goose suckling pig large platters of exotic fruits and vegetables. Servants with skins of wine and ail rush about in seeming kayos but still keeping the nobles mugs full. I wave my and the bared begins to play his lute playing soothing music suiting the meal. I look back at Fyre as I wait for her to answer me.

 

[Tenaka_Khan]

Vaelis masked a look of surprise with a smile, glancing at Bynx and stopping in the walking. "A soft voice I rarely hear from you, Bynx, are you losing your touch?" He teases her, although clearly concerned. He stands there, looking at her flawless face in silence, wondering if anyone else can see that she's a very attractive young lady. He also wondered if a blush had ever touched those cheeks.

"Since you left a year ago, Bynx, I've been worried sick about you. No knowledge of where you are, what you're doing, or even if you're alive." He sighs softly, fighting for control over a lingering sadness. "I shouldn't have let you go last time, and this time I'm coming with you. I can fight. I've killed before and I will again."

A pained look crosses his delicate face and he bows his head slowly, hair falling forwards to hide the look of sadness and worry there. His hands trembled and it took several long moments to recover, lifting his head once more and brushing his hair aside, a few strands of his hair clinging to the wetness of his cheeks.

"You can't leave me alone again Bynx, I fought at your side once before, I'll fight to be by your side this time." He says in a voice filled with emotion.[

 

[Trist]

Bynx looked to Vaelis.

"Well, it will be good to have a partner in battle, then." For the first time she let a small smile cross her lips; not a cruel, mocking smile like she gave some people before she ended their lives, but a true, genuine smile.

She looked forward, sighting the small pool. "Is that," she asked, "the pool of which you spoke?"

 

[Firegrl124]

Fyre

"M'Lord. I shall be honest with you," I breathe in, trying to control my heartbeat. I know that what I am about to say will either make or break me in this court. I have seen the floggins and the executions. I have seen the blood and the death here. But I have also seen good magick run deep within some people. This person before me was not one of the Life Essence. He could probably sense that although I belonged to his family in some ways, my heart was not set on war and destruction.

"I want my country to be free of terror. How, I do not care. But I don't want the women to be afraid to go out in the dark. I do not want the men to be afraid for their daughters, wives, sisters. We have gathered many women, mortal humans and others, who are willing to do battle to defend their babies. You know that a tigress who defends her young is the most dangeroous animal there is. We are more then tigresses. You may flog me right now or kill me, you may poison me for this frank talk. However, what ever you do, I will come back in one way or another to attain our goal. Perhaps," my hand moves slowly under the table and strokes your thigh, "perhaps we can work something out to your advantage. You need those grounds in battle against the Amaranth family. Your supporters outnumber their slaves and rapists. I, myself, am willing to work for you for some time, in exchange for peace in my country."

My heart grows cold, as I feel your stare at my face, my body.
I feel your eyes travel to my hair, my eyes, my lips...I shake with lust for you and I am sure you feel my juices flowing. I feel my personality split again, and I know that soon, a change will come over me. The Grey King will no longer be able to see into me. A dark, cold, evil shell will envelope my heart and spirit and I will be a brutal killing machine unless I find release in sexual manner. The curse that was put on me when I was a child is starting to make my nipples hard and my teeth bare as my hand strokes Derek's inner thigh.

"I will do everything in my power to get what I want." My eyes find yours and I see the look of understanding in your eyes. My smile grows bigger as my nails dig into the sensitive skin of your groin. I growl, trying to fight th evil nature of myself, trying to ease the grip and gain control over my actions and body. I will NOT let the curse rule me this way, I think to myself. My pupils shift from human to cat like and then human again, as I gain control over myself.

"I am sorry. An old curse, like an old wound, sometimes gives itself known at the wrong occasions." I hope you knows what I mean.

 

[Morwen]

Talia

She had finished her letter an hour ago, and had sent it off by mystical means as quickly as possible. Exhausted from the effort, she had just retired to her chambers to sleep, when suddenly her maid ran into the room again, trembling visibly.

"Now what my dear? You look as if you've seen a ghost."

The girl shivered, holding her arms to her side. "You have a visitor, mistress."

"At this hour? Who could it be?"

"A Black Mage, I think he is," the maid whispered. She did not just keep the chambers, she was also Talia's apprentice, and knew a little of mystical things. The terror in her face was palpable.

Talia rose and went to the door with a sense of foreboding. A Black Mage, to see her in her hour of need? It could be anyone, true, her family was filled with sorcerers, devil-callers, and necromancers, but there was only one Black Mage she knew by name, and he was no minor Amaranth.

He was Allanon, head of the family.

Allanon had been some times a tutor of hers in her youth, when her father had tried to find some teacher, any teacher, who could help his daughter learn her own magic strength. Allanon, the Black Mage, the rogue Druid, was the best her poor father could find.

Allanon had taught her the rudiments of magic, the basics of the art, but his gruff ways and dubious dealings had frightened her so much that finally, when she was a little older, she refused to have him teach her anymore, but instead ran away to the woods, where the Elves of Celeb-Alda taught her the white magic of nature and good.

And now Allanon was back, after all these years.

The huge, menacing figure, swathed in a robe so blue it nearly seemed black, grinned at her like some spectral being. "Hello Talia, it is good to see you," he rumbled.

"You?" she snapped, her hand carefully clenched around the translucent crystal worn around her neck. "What are you doing here? Intend to finish what your wicked child Rhiliyia has started?"

 

[Khadgar]

Allanon saw her hand fly to her neck, clutching something transparent and scowled. "You know i dislike the girl. she has let my poison, mine and all of ours get to her. she is dilluded, and i would like if you did not call her my child. she is my grandaughter."

He stood back up, no longer stooped over, remmebering the times so long ago. he should not do that. it pet her out of ease. "I am here, because it is my belief you need me. I bear no hard feelings about you, and i hope you do not about me. i did not force you into anything, when you wanted to go, and ran, i did not go after you, or shackle you to a wall like you're cousin would have. but there is your problem, as you most likely already know, she is bloodthirsty, and bored. a dangerous mating." Allanon paused, letting her soak in what he was saying. "Rhyliyia comes for you. you and your people. you are not cruel, and do not fight. therefore she comes thinking it will be easy to win you over. she is right you know. is it not true you have no army? all you have is the palace guards, blockading this home." He knew she would check to see if his entrance was recorded, she remembered his lessons all too well, they had chilled her to the bone, he doubted very much that she trusted him.

Allanon breathed deeply and let the heaviness of the matter pass away. turning slightly he admired the grounds. "This is a beautiful place. the elves taught you well. i admire you, you resist us, and learn these wonderful arts."

He turned back. "i'm here to help. i do not force anything on you, and if you do not wish my help, i will go elsewhere, to do the same thing. i have missed your company, although they were dark arts, those days are remembered with a smile."

 

[nightray]

Derek Aragwen

A small smile touches my lips as she explains what she needs. I don’t attempt to move her hand form my lag even as she digs her nails in the flesh. I feel the lust building in side of her as she talks my interest grows with every ward she speaks. I feel the lust with in her growing as well.

I say you’re right the Galadriel would be a very good strategic position for my armies to occupy. I peers my lips thinking. I then say I will send my troops to stop the clans from fitting but they will have to bow to me as there new king. I lay my hand on top of hers squeezing it gently and you shall stay her as there representative. I smile as I see her eye’s change briefly as I feel her mined being covered by something evil something that enjoy killing. I say after the meal we shall retire to my sitting rooms and discus the… terms of my helping your lands. I pat her hand on my lap meaningfully as I tern to my meal.

I say form now on you will sit next to me during meals. You don’t have t were the men’s clothing if you don’t won’t to. I smirk at the nobles saying they wont bother you about being a women they no better then to under estimate a female. My grand dotter tot them that lessen the hard way. I look over at Fyre saying and they see you sitting up hear with me only thaws that are to be feared sit up her with me so don’t be surprised when they look at you with fear in there eyes. A knowing smile crosses my lips as I say I have a feeling that you are some one that they should fear.

I wave for a servant to bring Fyre a plate of food I say eat up. And then we shall talk biasness after ok.

 

[Morwen]

Talia

Talia stared at the ageless wizard with eyes steady, blue and cold. Such honeyed words rolled from his tongue, words he meant to be of aid and comfort, but from him! Such hypocrisy.

"Yes," Talia said, thumbing her necklace and its store of mana carefully, "Yes, it is your granddaughter who persecutes my lands and my people, not you.

"But who gave her the Baron of Klaque, my lord? It was my father's land, and by what little law we have left here in your damned realms, that land should pass to me.

"Who taught her to reach for power, Black Mage? Who taught her to crush out lives like weeds? Do you hold yourself blameless in this regard? You have created this family in your image, now you come to me speaking of admiration, and help, and smiles?

"You, you traffic in demons, Black Mage. And now you're surprised Demons run your kingdom?"

Her words struck at him, she could tell. He looked away, looked at the gardens, which he seemed to admire so. The old man -- for old he was, centuries old, despite the outwardly youthful and vigorous appearance -- still had a few shreds of humanity left in him. Why else had he come here, in peace?

Doubt crossed her heart. Could -- could Allanon be persuaded to the side of good? She took a deep breath. Everything the elves of Celeb-alda had taught her demanded that she try, at least try, to redeem him, cloaked in sin though he was.

She walked away from the door, dropped her hands behind her back, the white satin of her sleeping gown sliding against her bare ankles.

"Allanon, do you remember," she asked quietly, looking out the window at the carefully ordered gardens of her estate. "Do you remember the day you taught me of the owls and the mice?"

~

She had been but thirteen and the world was green and good and full of life. Allanon had been teaching her magics, and the power and wonder of it all had taken her away.

Then the rough old mage, looking exactly the same then as he did now, had taken her out to a barn. They hid themselves quietly behind some haystacks. Talia grew restless, but Allanon bade her be still, and watch. Soon, some harmless little barn mice emerged from the planks, began to play in the open hay. Young Talia giggled with delight.

"Wait," said Allanon sternly. "Watch."

A moment or two later there was a flutter of wings and a great shadow descended from the rafters -- a Barn Owl, imperial in its majesty, kingly in its flight, swooped down and seized a mouse in its talons, sending the rest scattering, but the one in its grasp squealed, and a few drops of blood were left in the fresh hay like red rubies.

"This is the world," Allanon said. Talia, thirteen, cried and ran to her father. But her father sent back to Allanon. Three months later she ran away to the elves of Celeb-alda.

~

"I am no longer a mouse, Allanon."

She turned away from the window, looked back at the Black Mage, the wicked Amaranth King, who stood so contritely, so supplicant-like, in her own modest hall.

"I am an Owl now too, like you, though its not innocent mice I feed upon. I will fight to defend this place, these people, from all the evil you and your Amaranths have brought into the world. And from the Aragwens too"

The old wizard recoiled, anger clouding his mystic, multi-colored, unreadable eyes.

Talia bent her head, adopted a more modest tone. "You say you wish to help?" She took his hand in her own. She kissed it, gnarled with power though it was, the rune-rings blinking in the candle-light. "Then help me Teacher, help me truly. Stay here with me...let me teach you...of the light." She gazed into his eyes, raised his hand against her breast, so that he may feel the truthful beating of her own heart.

Then just as fiercely she pushed his hand away. "I have three widows, three father-less families to feed out of my own castle, thanks to your grand-daughter! You wish to help me, give us justice!"