Struggle. *Open to all*

[LadyFairy]

Loran travled down the road hoping to reach the village of Kant before night fall when she caught the sent of smoke in the air. Kicking her horse into a gallop she road faster down the road and around the bend.. Stopping just ontop the hill she looked down at what was left of the Village.

Vandles had attacked Kant, men women, and children had been slaughtered, the smell was awful. It looked as tho they hadnt left anyone alive, buildings were burnt to the ground.

Loran road down to the village dismounting and drawing her sword she searched thru the wreckage for any survivers. Anger surged thru her at such a waist of life.

Hearing a muffled cry not far off she hurried over in the direction it had come from. Kneeling down she could see a small boy had been trapped by a fallen beam from one of the buildings. Hold on boy i'll help you out. Give me a moment.

Looking around Loran didnt see anyone but that didnt mean they werent there. Taking a chance she shethed her sword and found a smaller beam to use so she could prop the beam up off the boy. Once she had the beem moved up enough she knelt down to the boy once more.

Can you move boy or do i need to pull you out? The boy didnt awncer but she could see him trying to move. Once he was clear she could see that he was in a state of shock.

After looking him over to be sure that he had no broken bones she picked him up, and carried him back to her horse and mounted up behind him. There is an old friend of mine boy who lives not far from here. You will be safe there. She said kicking the horse into motion.

The boy still didnt speak or move.. the only way she new he was alive was by the shivers, and shallow breathing comming from his small body. Lorna judged him to be around no more then 8 or 9 years of age, and his looks were impossable to tell thru all the soot.

Arriving at her friends cottage Lorna was glad to see that it still stood and had not been harmed by the raiders who had attacked the village. Dismounting and bringing the boy with her Lorna knocked on the door, and smiled at the little old lady who opened it up to allowed her entrance. Greetings Fona i have a guest in need of your aid.

 

[blackopal19]

Jasmine stiffened from her hiding spot near the ruined village. Her father lay somewhere in the wreckage, but she had no hopes of finding him. She had saw him fall from an arrow as she ran. He had urged her, demanded that she leave the village and hide as the barbarians had first attacked. He had given her his warhorse, a big grey stallion that loved sweets more than anything. At first she had refused, had wanted to stay and help defend. But in the end her father had won out, and she had taken the horse and fled.

For the most part the village had remained silent since the attackers had left. Then she had heard the even foot-falls from an oncoming steed. Taking precaution she had hidden herself and her steed in thick brush, but that of which allowed her to see whoever was coming.

She watched in interest as the stranger rescued the boy, and left on a nearly hidden path. This piqued her interest, as few people outside the village knew about the outsider's hut. Jasmine mounted her steed and urged him to follow this newcomer.

 

[LadyFairy]

Loran layed the boy on the bed in the guest room, and helped Fona remove his soot covered clothing. Taking the clothing to the wash room so it could be washed.

She let Fona clean the boy up and check for wounds. Healing was her area tho she had taught Loran a few things growing up she wouldnt use it unless it was necessary.

Loran sat down at the table down stairs she was dressed in leather armor much like that of a gladiator. Her hair was white, and her eyes violet in color. She stood about 5ft 4in and wade about 120lbs.

Standing she took off her cloak she hung to on a peg near the door, Removing her gauntlets she lay them aside, and went to check on the stew Fona had started before they arrived.

Dishing some of it out into tree bowls she set them on the table to cool. Hearing some footsteps on the stairs she looked up to see Fona standing there. He is as well as can be expected and resting.. Tell me what happend while we eat. Then we will take the bowl of stew to the boy.

Loran sat back down with her at the table and begain telling her of her travles sence she had left and explained about the village and what she had found.

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Amanda stirred, groaning painfully. Opening her eyes, she saw she was in the midst of the woods, lying on her back.

Every part of her body hurt, but she felt a particular burning pain in her side. When she tried to move, the pain was intensified.

She was able to barely sit up. An arrow, broken off a little below half way, stuck in her side. Her skirt was ripped, and her thighs coated with blood and ... other fluids. Putting her hand to her head, she came away with a handfull of blood.

Groaning again, not certain how she had survived the raid. The Vendels had dragged her out of her parents' house, raped her, beaten her, and shot the arrow into her side to finish her off. Even so, she was alive.

She pulled herself over to a tree, leaning against it. Her breath was heavy, and rasped out of her lips painfully. She needed help, but was too weak to cry out for help. The pain overwhelmed her again, and the world went black around her once more.

 

[blackopal19]

Jasmine's steed slowly picked his way through the woods. She had decided to take the hidden path to the outsider's hut. At least that's where she had figured the newcomer was going.

Suddenly, her steed pricked his ears forward and stopped.

"C'mon boy, whats the matter?"

And then she saw the figure laying in the brush. She hopped down off her steed and investigated. Jasmine was horrified at what she saw. Although she didn't know her name, she recognized the female that lay broken and bleeding.

Carefully she picked her up and layed her on the back of her steed. She had heard rumors of the outsider's healing abilities. Well now she would find out for sure.

She carefully guided her steed through the underbrush and made her way to the hut.

 

[Lotharian]

((I can't leave you ladies to your own devices without allowing a man to at least have the IC fun of watching ))

Ardan lay on the ground in a pool of his own blood. He was dressed in the simple leathers that a Militiaman wore to protect himself somewhat from the basic dangers of the woods. But it didn't protect him from the swords and arrows of raiders. His body was tore and ripped by all that had come upon him.

His hair, once blonde, is now black from the mud and blood. And yet he was still just concious. Feeling every bit of blood seep from him. Hearing every scream. Although it seemed as if he was beside himself and heavily drunk, it didn't change it. His eyes just stared out upon it all. He lacked the strength to even mutter. Just breathing. He didn't know why. Why not just stop and let the darkness take him? Why not just die with all the other people in town that he failed?

That was when he saw her walk past him. Probably just discounting him with the rest of the dead. That was when he saw her. The gladiator. A warrior from parts unknown to the simple guard. He tried to groan. He tried to say something. But his vocal cords wouldn't respond.

'Come on! Do you really want to die that badly!?!' Ardan scolded himself. But it was too late. She was passed. Though people were beginning to come out from under the shelters they had taken.

Ardan just focused on building up the strength to groan or something if someone else showed themselves. To at least be able to get somewhere...

 

[Logan2]

((I hope it's okay if IU join in as well))

Tankoran stoped his horse and threw the hood of his traveling clock back. He smelled the air and padded his horse on the side.

"Easy, boys," he said, he still hadn't decided on a name for the horse, even though it was now in his posession for over 4 weeks.

He jumped on the ground and took a few steps in the direction of the smoke and bend down to examine the ground. They had come here, he knew it. Their route lead them nearly in a straight line away from the capital in the direction of the coast. They planed to escape their justifyed punishement and on their way they commited even more crimes.

Tankoran shook his head. How stupid of them. They really thought they could escape a MageJudge? Even if they could reach the coast and somehow procure a ship he would follow them to the ends of the world.

But first he had to make sure every survivers they left on the way where cared for. He got back on his nameless horse and continued onward to the villiage that was the source of the smoke.

After a while he felt a rising power nearby. This was not something destructive, it was healing power and it came from somewhere slightly off the road. So he followed the trail and came to a hut.

 

[blackopal19]

Jasmine hesitated outside of the hut. The female on her steeds back was still unconcious and still desperatly needed help. She steeled herself and called out a greeting, wondering if the outsider was here....

 

[Logan2]

The magic trail lead Tankoran to the back of a hut. He was just about to round it as he hear a female voice call out a greating.

The voice sounded a bit tired but in no way threatening so he guided his horse around the hut, carefull to make enought noice to nobody would think him an attacker.

As he rounded the Hut he saw a woman on a dangerous looking warhourse with another woman, who was badly wounded over the back of the horse.

"Hello," he said, "I'm Tankoran," he raised his hand in greeting so she could see the mark of the MageJudges on his palm.

 

[blackopal19]

Jasmine heard the other horse approaching. But she wasn't expecting to see a man, nor a MageJudge at that! She still regarded him with caution, however, he didn't seem to be a threat as of yet. But she didn't dismount her horse either.

"I am Jasmine of Kant...I suppose you have seen the destruction of my village?"

Jasmine tried to keep her voice steady. She was still somewhat in shock of witnessing her entire family and village slaughtered.

"This woman needs help. "

She motioned to the unconcious figure behind her.

 

[Logan2]

"As you know, I'm no healer, but I felt healing magic in there," he pointed to the hut, "so I guess she will get help here."

He unmounted and walked over to her.

"Do you know what happend?"

 

[Screech]

Johann Gurthwolde had been walking for weeks across the varied landscapes of the countyside. It always made him smile how the scenery could change so quickly, or how he would see a patch of wild plantlife, and not another like it for many more miles.

However, this day was different. The wind that blew against his travelling robes carried the scrid smell of smoke and death on it. He would have hurried along, had he thaught that his presence would have made any difference. But the smell was old, so his pace did not quicken

Arriving at the edge of a farm, his blue eyes saw the devestation that had been wraught. An entire village had been destroyed. Not just the buildings, but those that lived there too. Johann walked up to the smouldering wreck of the farmstead. Being a tad under 6' tall, he ducked inside the doorway.

Nothing had been spared the flame

Sighing, he stepped outside, and began the grim task of looking through the remnants of the village for survivors

 

[LadyFairy]

Lorne stopped in her conversation with the old woman when she heard voices outside. Rising she moved to the door and looked outside. Better make some more soup, and lay out a few more cot's Fona .. There are others in need of aid.

Openining the door the rest of the way she moved outside. Greetings i am Lorne.. You are welcome here.. Are there any others? She asked looking twords the road hoping to see more.

Looking over to the male as he helped get the girl down from the horse, she siad. If you are not injured then once we have these women settled i would be glad of your aid in searching the village to see if any others are trapped.

Lorne held the door open for them as they went inside, and directed them to the extra bedroom upstairs where the boy lay. Fona had set out 2 more cots in there as well as down stairs in the small living room.

Fona came in as soon as the girl was layed down on one of the cots near the boy, and took over the girls care shooing everyone else from the room. Going back down the stairs with the man and women she begain gathering her cloak and gauntlets wondering how manny she had left that she thought dead.

Looking to the others she said. There is some soup you many help your self. I am going back to look for others who may still be alive. You are welcome to come with me if you choose to do so. If not then i recomend you stay here. Fona will see to your needs. She is a good women.

 

[Screech]

Johann walked up to the town well, the centre of their little community. Thankfully, the mechanism was still in one piece, although it appeared that someone had tried to winch up the bucked at either use it as a weapon, or to defend themselves. Judging from the three bolts sticking out of the poor man's back, he had failed.

Freeing the bucket, he retied the rope and dropped it back down the well, hearing a splash after not too long. Waiting until the rope was taut, Johann hauled the bucket back up, and looked at it's contents.

He smiled

Whoever had put this village to the torce had not decided to poison the well. Using his hands to spoon out some water, he drank thirstilly of the waters.

Once finished, he dropped the bucket back down the well, and walked away down another street, looking for either survivors, or anything useful to him that had survived the blaze

 

[Lotharian]

Arnas heard it approaching. It had to be someone of something. He could do but one thing. At least attempt to cling to his life. Maybe redeem himself to those few that still drew breath.

He managed a soft moan. More of a whimper really. Hopefully, whomever it was that was near him, would hear it.

 

[Screech]

*deleted*

 

[LadyFairy]

Lorne hadnt waited to see if the others would follow mounting her horse she road back down the road twords the village. Slowing her horse to a stop at the edge of the village she dismounted and lead her horse the rest of the way. Searching for anyone who may still be alive.

Hearing a soft moan not far off she left her horse where it was and moved in the direction of the sound. looking down she noticed a guard she had thought dead when she heard the boy crying.

Kneeling down she checked his pulse.. It was faint but still there nun the less. I dont know if you can hear me, but dont give up yet. I am going to try and heal you. Lorne said gently placing her hands on the worst of his wounds. She didnt use this skill often but in this case it was nessary. Lorne begain to hum a tune to help her focus as his wounds begain to close.

Hearing a noise behind her in the direction of the well she was jerked out of her concentration. The guard wasnt healed completly but was in a lot better condition then he had been. Drawing her sword Lorne watched as a man moved twords the well getting a drink of water.

Who are you? Are you one of the survivers? She asked stepping forward so that he could see her, but staying close so that she could protect the injured guard if need be.

 

[Screech]

Johann looked up as he was apprached by an armoured woman, holding a sword defensivly Who are you? Are you one of the survivers? He smiled, and shook his head. "No miss. I am not from here, nor am I a raider, or I would have used this"

Johann opened his traveller's robe, revealing a wide bladed sword sheathed at his belt. Several tassles hung from the handle, each one ending ina bound globe

"I am a wanderer. I happened apon this village a short moment ago. Aah, but where are my manners?"

Johann bowed before Lorne

"I am Johann. Whom may I ask I am addressing?"

 

[LadyFairy]

Lorne watched him a moment not sure if he could be trusted but new she didnt have much of a choice. Welcome stranger.. My name is Lorne... There is an injured guard over here that i could use your help with. Have you come across anyother's who may still be alive? She asked lowering her sword but keeping it ready should she need it.

 

[blackopal19]

Jasmine let the lady take the body of the female she had brought. She had gratiously accepted water, but refused food. She hadn't the stomach for it. She grudgingly accepted the presence of the MageJudge.

She simply nodded her head in agreement. She would return to look for survivors. She hadn't much hope...but searching was still required.

Effortlessly, she mounted her fathers warhorse once again and followed the healer back to the burnt village.

However, she remained mounted as the healer took to foot. She would follow closely while on horseback.

She watched the healer with the stranger. Her steed too, strangely seemed to watch the stranger as well.

 

[Screech]

Johann nodded to Lorne. "Of course, I will lend what aid I can" He let his robe fall back into place, coverig his blade, before following the warrior woman to the wounded guard.

"I fear I have found no other survivors. You, this guard, and the mounted lady watching me from afar are the only living beings I have met since I arrived here"

Johann knelt by the guard and looked him over. "He is near death, I would say. Do you know any healers?"

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Amanda

(OOC: Hope ya don't mind if I borrow Fona )

She again awakened, gasping in surprise at being indoors and on a cot.

She started up, but a lady touched her chest gently.

"Lie still," she commanded, and Amanda did so.

"Here, bite down on this when you feel the pain."

Amanda placed the bit of wood between her teeth, and nearly bit through it when the lady pulled the arrow out of her side. Even with the wood, Amanda let out a small, whimpering noise that was in fact a stifled scream.

Fona grimaced, applying a wad of linen to the wound to staunch the blood, and bound it to her side. The arrow had been wickedly barbed, and removing it (a necessity) had torn the woman's side further.



"Barbarians," she muttered.

Amanda pulled her teeth out of the wood, spitting splinters out of her mouth.

Glancing down at her now naked body, she saw that she was bruised and battered almost everywhere. She groaned, and laid back down, nearly losing consciousness again.

 

[LadyFairy]

occ : i dont mind you using her at all hun. She is an npc. I'll give more back ground on her as we go. She is a kind old woman who raised Lorne. *grins*

 

[blackopal19]

Jasmine softly dismounted, keeping a wary eye on the stranger. She didn't have much trust yet in strange men....not after what she witnessed.

She kept a respectful distance from the fallen guard, the stranger, and the warrior woman. She softly stroked the neck of her own steed while holding the reighns of the woman warriors horse.

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Amanda sat up slowly, supported by the old lady as she held a wooden bowl to her lips. It was soup, and something else. There was a bitter aftertaste that made her scowl.

"Shhh ... You taste the medicine. It will help you heal."

Amanda sighed softly. The hot soup, and the clean linen dress she now wore over her bandages, made her feel more alive, and more human.

"I am Fona. I will see you to health. Lie back, child."

"Am .. Amanda. Thank you. Did you ... did you find me in the woods?"

Fona smiled softly. "No child, your savior chose to return to find more survivors. She will return, doubtless."

"She?"

"No more words. Lie down. Rest. Time enough for questions later."

Amanda did as she was bidden, and fell asleep quickly. Her sleep was disturbed by night-mares she could not escape: Fire, pain, beatings, rapes, and arrows piercing every inch of her brusied and bleeding body.