The Ambush

[queen-mab]

Princess Skye

She had not meant to bite the fingers of the brigand who offered her bread.

No, she had meant to tear his heart out with her teeth.

She shook with fury in her bonds. She wondered, as the man howled and berated her, if a cornered lynx felt the hatred she did when it faced the hunters. She was beyond fear in this moment. Centuries of royal blood coursed in her veins...all of it now in revolt against the stinking peasant who crouched so disgustingly near her.

She clenched and unclenched her hands within the ropes. Filthy curs! She wanted them all strung up on a gibbet for daring to touch so much as the hem of her garment.

Her feet were mercifully together, her long skirts bound closely around her legs. As though she stood on the edge of a high precipice, she felt a sudden wave of horror-stricken nausea as she realized what could have been done to her. She remembered Dame HoneyFair's words...the misericord...and what the worth of a woman defiled would be.

It was then that her small body was wracked with the long shudders that were like silent sobs.

This was the horror she could not look upon.

And Simon...faithful Simon....where was he now? Where was her protector and what had they done to him?

 

[TrinityScribe]

OOC: 'kay - I'm totally new at this so I hope I'm not breaching any etiquette by wanting 2 jump in late. It's just that this thread seems so much *fun*!

If you are okay about me joining then I'd like my character to be as follows:

Tall, strong, shapely woman. Dark of hair, curvy of proportions. Secretly a vicious assasin trained by the princess' uncle. Her plan is to try to shadow the bandits and ensure that the princess is returned, relatively unharmed, to her uncle's castle.

So can I play? Please? If not I'll just njoy reading 4 now and try 2 join u on the next one

TS

 

[Arius]

Darius

OOC: Unfortunately Trinity, I would like to keep the thread just with the chars I have right now. This is my first thread and I wish to keep it small. Thank you though for your interest and praise and I will remember your offer for the next thread.

IC: Stepping forward to bind Simon's arms Darius noticed a slight wince from Alex, subtle, yet clearly of pain. Her eyes showing weakness for a brief moment, then her proud and invincible facade took root once again. "That will be dealt with at the camp." Darius thought to himself, "Damn stubborn woman. Too proud for her own good." Looking back to Simon Darius spoke "A wise choice friend. I give you my word that she shall not be harmed. Though I do not doubt that you believe my word is not to be trusted I assure you that I speak truth." Darius quickly bonded Simon and nodded to his men to take Simon and place him on one of the supply wagons.

The afternoon sun beat down hard on Darius as he surveyed the scene. Turning to the bandits he pointed toward the char "Well Done. Be sure to take everything from the char that is of value and sink it into the bog over there. Once done, we ride to camp. Let's move!" Once confident that the task was complete. Darius mounted his steed and rearing back he pushed on through the woods as the rustling of the trees and the wind followed the dark band in their travel. The late afternoon sun dimmed the landscape as the bandits faded into darkness.

Darius thought for a moment about the wealth obtained in the raid, but his thoughts were pushed to Alex as the sight he beheld. "Bloody stubborn woman." said he as the group reached the hidden glade that was to be the thieves camp for the eve. William had completed the task of setting the tents and starting the fire. Darius dismounted and walked to the fire. Turning to his men he spoke "You have all done excellent work! The wealth that you have won will make all of rich men and women." A cheer was heard through the camp from the bandits. Darius smiled as he continued. "Rest now and rejoice, Tomorrow we leave for EmberFall once there as planned you will all have your cut. Dismissed!"

Darius watched as the crowd dispersed, his eyes setting to Alex as she turned to walk away. Heaving a sigh, Darius moved to his tent, meeting William and listening to the princess' exploits in his absence. "I see...William my friend, you must be more careful. I will deal with her. But think of this situation were you to be her. Though knowing you as I do you would not end with a finger." Darius laughed as he nodded to his friend. "Now my friend, I need to have a moment to speak with the Princess. As William turned to leave Darius added Oh and William, Once I am done here have the Princess moved to the tent of the man the servant killed. As well I want you to place the servant with her. Also if you would please tell Alex that I request to meet her within my tent shortly. That will be all William, thank you."

Darius nodded to him as he turned his attention to the Princess. "Now then...I believe you and I need to have a talk." Darius, loosened his black gloves dropping them to his feet as he leaned back within his chair. For the first time Darius had the opportunity to look upon the princess. Her beauty was truly magnificent, her raiment of royalty concealing her feminine curves well. Although, in Darius' mind the exact vision of what she truly would appear as was painted perfectly. Her eyes glared at him with venomous disdain. "Poor deluded and pampered girl" he thought to himself. "I doubt she will take the truth well." Darius looked back to her, sighing and shaking his head his deep voice fell upon the enraged Princess. "Truly, in the realm of regal etiquette you were taught that it was rude to stare at another were you not?" Darius' lip curled into a bemused smile as he leaned forward placing his elbows on his lap.


"Perhaps we shall begin with introductions, I am Darius Hawker. The leader of the ragtag band, A pleasure to meet you Lady Skye." His learned tongue was no doubt a mockery to her. She who viewed bandits as uncouth and bloodthirsty. "I have one rule of which you must abide by and one rule alone. Do not try to escape. My reasoning for your abduction shall be unveiled within the morn when we reach...my home. Now then, I will have food and drink brought to you soon, you must excuse our ill made provisions, but your servant killed our cook." Darius grinned wryly. "Do you have anything to say Lady Skye?" Darius was well expecting enough venom and thorns to emerge from this bound flower to kill the entire camp, leaning back once again he prepared for the onslaught

 

[queen-mab]

(Deleted duplicate post)

 

[queen-mab]

Princess Skye

As well as she could, bound hand and foot, and prone upon the dirt, Princess Skye maintained a semblance of dignified outrage. Her jaw tightened, and she looked the bandit leader over. First appraise your opponent, the swordmaster, de Joineville, had always told her. She had paid him scarce heed, she knew. For the first time in her life she wished she had taken his lessons more seriously. Then she might have had a chance to teach this arrogant bastard a lesson.

"Where is my companion?" she said, biting the words out through rigid lips.

She had never desired Simon's presence so much as she did now. And yet, had he been there, she feared she would have dissolved into tears before this stinking blackguard, all of her sham-courage demolished by the presence of the man she thought of as her protector...her strength.

She watched the bandit warily, breasts heaving and falling rapidly with every frightened breath. She could smell fear on her skin, and hoped that he could not also. (Of course, through that miasma of onions, sweat and bitter ale, she doubted he could smell much of anything.) He was not an ugly man, if considered objectively. But there was an ugliness about his demeanour; a cocky swagger most unsuitable to an outlaw without rank or land. She found that he made her flesh crawl. Had he stretched out a hand to her, she would have screamed.

 

[Arius]

Darius

Darius leaned back as he spoke "Your companion is safe and you be with him soon. I am having you moved to another tent my promise made to him was that you would be unharmed. Rest assured I have no intention of breaking such a promise." Her fear was evident to him, but he spoke softly as to not cause her alarm. "You must be tired after such a day, I will have you taken there now, we will speak more in the morn." Clapping his hands together two men appeared. "Take the princess to her companion, if any of you touch her other than to take her there I will have your heads. I trust I am clear on this?" Darius murderous eyes fell on the men, conjuring an immediate nod "I bid you a good night my lady." The men brought Skye to her feet and exited the tent." Darius rose and walked to the corner of the tent, looking carefully at a torch, the flames dancing freely as the soft crackle filled his mind with thoughts of the fiery mercenary within his camp. "She is reckless to herself. A trait that could find her dead. She hides emotions as well as a thief conceals themselves within the shadows. What then would happen if one was to shed light into that dark corridor of her soul?" Darius thought as he crossed his arms awaiting Alex's arrival.

 

[HippieChick]

Simon

When the ropes were tied around Simon's wrists, he had to close his eyes to keep himself from trying to escape. Images of the last time he'd been in bondage flashed through his mind.

The sultan had not been kind when Simon's daliance with one of his concubines had been discovered. He still bore a scar or two on his back from the daily whippings he'd been given. The thought of his punishments weighed heavily on him, but not nearly so heavy as the knowledge that he'd been betrayed by the one he loved.

Nasreen. Her image formed in front of Simon's tightly shut eyes, and it was too much to bear, even after a year of healing. His eyes flew open, and he was forced to reposition his feet to keep from falling.

To counter Nasreen's memory, he fixed the image of Princess Skye in his mind and repeated his vow to do whatever was in his power to protect her.

Over the next hour or so, he was tramped around the bandits' camp from one location to another before a man finally appeared who informed him that a spot had been found for his continued captivity.

Simon thought about what the leader of the kidnappers had said. He believed the man when he said that they wouldn't be killed, but Simon still worried for the princess's safety. Even if their leader had no intentions of harming her, it would be difficult to keep the libido's of that many men in check. Simon shuddered at the thought.

 

[Sinjun]

Alex

Alex frowned furiously after William had delivered Darius’ message, no… his order. Could the man but at least wait until she had at least settled down back at camp? The ambush was perfect, not a hitch, there was no reason for a meeting. If there were mistakes, Darius’ usually allowed some time for his men to rest before launching off into a lecture and taking a few skins off as punishment along the way.

For the first time since she arrived, Alex deliberately disobeyed the bandit leader’s direct command. Her injury needed to be cleaned or she would risk infection, something that she could ill afford to do. She also refused to let anyone in the camp know that she got hurt. Her tunic was now soaked completely along the side with her blood. She rummaged through her few belongings before finding a small bundle and a clean shirt.

It was easy to sneak away from the main camp to the small lake nearby. All the men were interested in catching a glimpse of the lovely Princess tucked safely away in Darius’ tent. For a moment, Alex sympathized with the Princess’ unfortunate circumstance. However, she was much, much younger when fate dealt her such a similar hand. She quickly suppressed those soft feelings. Everyone had his or her own fate and this was the Princess’. She would not interfere.

Once at the lake, Alex shed her dirty clothing and stepped into the frigid waters. She cleaned herself quickly, washing her hair and taking care of flushing her wound. The wound was deep but nothing serious. A very clean cut, nothing jagged or any torn flesh. She was very lucky this time. Alex cursed herself for such a stupid mistake. If she had her full concentration, there would have been no way for such a clumsy guard to have even come this close to her.

The air was still warm as she dressed, leaving her shirt unbuttoned. Her hair, unbound, now fell to her waist like a sheet of liquid black ink. Because of her injury, she decided to forego her usual task of binding her breasts. Though she was considered quite small and delicate, her body was lithe and willowy. Her breasts were in proportion to the rest of her, small but perfect in shape. Her waist was narrow and tapered off to a gentle curve of her hips and to her long slender legs. She was in every way different from the voluptuous and innocent beauty of the Princess.

She did not relish the idea of stitching the injury herself but if she planned to leave as soon as possible, then she had no choice. She would have preferred to bind her healing herbs over the wound and thus leave less of a scar to mar her skin. She had long given up on any pretence of any vanity but still she had some pride. She smiled at this. Who was she trying to fool?

She tossed her mane over her shoulder as she retrieved her small packet and the things she needed for sewing flesh. It would be the same as darning a child’s sock, only a lot more painful. With her shirt dangling on one shoulder and one arm, she bent her head and gingerly began her task. This was going to take some time.

 

[Arius]

Darius

Tapping his foot impatiently and pacing several times back and forth across the tent. Darius cursed "She is going to get infection in that wound unless she has it treated. Where the hell is she?" Just then William came back without Alex. "I see. Thank you for your prompt delivery my friend. I will deal with it from here."


Darius reached into the drawer of his desk. Taking hold of a small jar and turning on heel he walked out of his tent. "That was rash Darius, still she needs to take care of that wound. No doubt she will herself. But she has to be made aware that he actions may not let her off so easily next time.." Darius thought to himself as he moved near Alex's tent finding her as expected to be off somewhere else. "I am chasing her around like a stag after a doe. What on Earth am I doing? I have to get away to think for a while" Darius said to himself as the gruff voices of the boastful bandits began to irritate him. "Perhaps I will go to the lake. It always seems to calm me." Darius walked quickly through the camp so as not to be seen. After a short distance through a small path in the woods the sound of splashing water was heard.


Immediately taking caution, Darius lowered himself in the underbrush, inching closer to the lake, he parted the branches of a bush to have a closer look. There, within the center of the lake, bathed in moonlight was Alex. Her nude body glistening from the cool water. In the back of Darius' mind he realized what he was doing was wrong. But night after night he thought of the mercenary beauty, her soft curves visible now before him as they appeared within his dreams. She was untouchable, that was his thought, her veil of pride would never allow him closer than this. The heat of lust and desire began to flow through him stirring the fire of manhood within him and singeing his conscience as his eyes fixed upon her. Her mane of black hair flowed as a stream behind her. Her soft beautifully rounded breasts heaved as her body reacted to the cold water. She stood within the lake giving Darius the view of her entire body she was built as fine as a sculpture, her slender hips tapering down to long, smooth legs. the moonlight betraying the darkness exposing her triangle of femininity Darius swallowed hard. It was a side of the mercenary that Darius had not beheld and time seemed to stand still within the vision.

Drinking up Alex's form Darius determined that in battle, her breasts were bound. This fact was clear now seeing them in their fullness. Although Darius often would take lingering looks Alex's body and had relished within his own thoughts of her, this is something he most certainly would have noticed. Pulling himself from trance he heard movement within the water. Alex moved closer to her clothes on the edge of the lake. Darius slid back suddenly, carelessly cracking a branch. He froze. still as the lake. Darius made a silent prayer that the sound of the lake faded the sound of the branch. Darius' last look at Alex was as she began to stitch her wound. "I have to go, I should not be doing this.Have you sunk so low Darius?"

Darius began looking about for means of escape and for the first time in his life Darius Hawker ad known fear, not the fear of the impaling blade or the executioner's axe but the fear of being discovered while viewing an object of beauty that had taken hold of him since the first day she walked into his camp. "If she was a nymph, I would be dead!" Recalling his father's tales of legend, Darius remembered his aged and learned words "To see a nymph robed it is said will cause you to be blinded by her perfect beauty, however look not to her if her veil lay about her feet for the beauty shall halt a man's heart." Darius interjected within his own thought "Aye, but if Alex finds me here I think I would choose that punishment over her rage."

Looking behind him he noticed several more branches near his foot. she was too close now not to notice if he moved. "Stay still Darius. Contemplate what your lust for this woman has led you to."

 

[queen-mab]

Princess Skye

As she was marched by her captors across the camp, Princess Skye did her best to show herself unafraid. She straightened her back and lifted her chin, walking with the pride of an empress though her scarlet gown was muddied and its sleeves and hem torn. She compressed her lips tightly together and focused her eyes straight before her.

The leader had told her she would be taken to Simon, and she determined that she would do her best to remain strong and unafraid for his sake. Simon had become almost a second father to her over his year-long sojourn at court. Princess Skye knew that he had often smoothed things over for her with Dame HoneyFair. She also knew though, that the apparent laxness of his stewarship was just a mask. His eyes were keener than those of a gyrfalcon, and his tireless vigilance on her behalf had robbed him of many a night's rest.

Skye loved the King, of course. But the King had the duties of a monarch to carry out, and his true care had always been the welfare of the realm. His love of Skye had always been somehow like an afterthought, like something understood but not actively reinforced. Simon had been the flesh and blood nurturer, the warm glance and the fond smile. Simon had answered the difficult questions, Simon had admired the sudden change from child to woman...although in the most fatherly way.

She wondered, not for the first time, if Simon privately sorrowed over his inability to have children of his own. She wondered if perhaps his selfless care of her were rooted in his thwarted instinct to be a father in truth. Had there ever been a woman in Simon's life? A woman from the harem perhaps...maybe even a royal wife?

She prayed the bandits had not beaten him. Soon enough she would see him, and be able to judge his condition for herself.
Even as she rejoiced at being reunited with him though, she also felt constrained to show less fear than she really felt. She knew that he would suffer if he thought his royal charge had suffered in any way.

So far, thankfully, she had not been so much as roughly spoken to, she reminded herself. That in itself was puzzling. She wondered at the forebearance of the bandit leader, but then it occurred to her that the ransom paid for her return would be much higher if she were left intact.

On either side of her, the two bandits assigned to escort her were smiling. Neither one tried to conceal his open admiration of the royal prisoner. One had the temerity to openly touch his groin and wink, though he quickly masked his action with a leisurely scratching and a grumbled "Damned fleas!".

Princess Skye cast daggers at him with her eyes and lifted her chin still higher. She imagined the bandit himself as a giant flea, and mentally crushed him between her fingernails. The expression of her face must have been particularly vivid, for the bandit next spat into the road, missing her foot by only a hair's breadth.

"So," the princess thought to herself, "they will obey their leader's command to the letter. They will not actually harm me. But I think they will do what they may to humble me just the same."

She was turning this over in her mind when she was suddenly halted and roughly pushed through the doorway of a tent.

 

[HippieChick]

Simon

Simon had been sitting, fitfully attempting to meditate, in the nearly empty tent for only a few minutes when Princess Skye stumbled in through the entryway. He climbed to his feet as quickly as he could with his hands bound in front of him. The princess had fallen to her knees when he got to her. The guard who had been placed in the tent to watch him did not move from his post next to the entry flap.

Simon squatted in front of the Princess and took her bound hands in his and waited for her too look up at him before speaking. "Princess Skye! Are you well? Have they mistreated you in any way?" He could see no marks on her, and she was not in tears as he had expected. In his mind, he knew that there was no action he could take if they had decided to harm her, but there were parts of him that were better off not knowing that.

When she did not immediately respond, he lifted her chin and looked her straight in the eyes. "Princess? Answer me. Are you well?"

 

[queen-mab]

Princess Skye

Princess Skye lifted her chin and met Simon's troubled gaze. A little of her old spirit returned to her when she saw how worried he was, as always, about her welfare. She forced a smile to her face and hastily assured him that she had not been harmed.

"Nothing about this ambush makes any sense to me, Simon," she confided, struggling to shake her tangled hair back from her eyes. "These bandits are men of low estate -- outlaws all, and no doubt for many years. Yet their treatment of me has been almost...chivalrous."

She craned her neck and glanced towards the entrance of the tent, which was closed now, affording at least visual privacy. Outside she could hear the raucous tumult of the bandits as they celebrated the success of the morning's raid. It was clear that spirits were being consumed liberally as bags of gold were hefted and counted. Here and there, an occasional scuffle broke out, and was hushed in short order by a harsh command or a brusque cajolery. "Now, now, you stinking hulks -- there'll be pickings for all, and no need to fight over them. Fair's fair, and Cap'n Darius will see that each man gets his share."

Princess Skye looked at Simon and narrowed her eyes.

"Captain Darius," she whispered, bending her lips close to his ear.
"I think I met him earlier. He was a strange man. Not like the rest of these lot. I think we might find him reasonable to parley with for our release. Certainly he must know that my father would be likely to send an entire army to rescue me, if he learned that I had been taken."

Simon seemed less sanguine about the possibilities of negotiation. Princess Skye's hopes wavered as she listened to him.

"You were unconscious, my Lady, at the time when the ruffians bound me and marched me here to their camp. I had some...opportunity...at that time for converse with this Captain Darius. I also saw the careful steps he took on the road to make sure no sign of our ambush was left to aid in our recovery by your father. My Lady, you must try to brace yourself to hear the worst. I fear that your father will never know that we have been taken, unless this rascal Darius chooses to ask him for ransom."

The Princess pressed her lips firmly together to stop their trembling.

"But surely Captain Darius will sue for ransom, Simon. He must know that hostages are taken for no other reason!"

So young, my Princess is, Simon thought to himself and could not help but pity an innocence that could see no greater evil in men than the lust for gold. I never told her of the atrocities I witnessed in war-time in the East. May she never have occasion to find out for herself!

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps from outside. Heavy, uneven footsteps accompanied by hoarse whispers and choking laughter.

"Maybe the Princess would like to share our wine," a voice said, and a tall, broad shadow appeared on the tent wall.

"Maybe the Princess would like to taste some fine and juicy bandit meat. After all, Cap'n Darius only said we were not to lay a hand on her. He said nothing about what other parts of us might do!"

Hearty laughter greeted this statement, and a huge hand suddenly thrust itself through the tent-flap, groping about in a way that sent the assembled bandits into further whoops and chuckles of approval.

"And the old gelding can watch!"

The tent-flap was thrown open and a man loomed up suddenly behind Princess Skye.

 

[Sinjun]

Alex

With a grimace of pain, Alex finished her painful task. She surveyed her work with a careful eye before gingerly wrapping the injury with clean bandages. There would be a scar but it would serve as a reminder of her careless error.

Without meaning to, her thoughts drifted to the bandit leader. He carried a lot of authority and power for someone of his age. She wondered what were the circumstances, which lead him to such a life. He was very different from his rag tag band of thieves. Since the short time she had joined, she had gradually come to admire his skills both in combat and in leadership. If their circumstances were different, she would have found it intriguing to become more familiar with him.

He was powerfully built, strong broad shoulders and chest, long muscular legs and arms. But it was his hands that intrigued her most. Strong large hands that wielded his two weapons with absolute finesses and skill. Hands that were strong enough to snap a lesser man’s neck in half yet were gentle enough to calm the most nervous of horses. She wondered what other skills those hand might possess.

She quickly broke her reverie as her thoughts drifted toward more intimate ideas. She blushed. She gathered her things quickly and roughly as she wrestled with her emotions. It was clear to her that she was attracted to the man. A dangerous thing for her and a sure sign that it was time to leave. She had managed to remain aloof and unemotionally attached by refusing to stay with any one group for long.

With her profession, there was no possibility of closeness and companionship. Her eyes darkened sadly as remembered her last lover so long ago. She had nearly died with him that dreadful night and there were times that she wish she did. He was the reason why she had closed herself off emotionally. She looked up at the moon and sighed. And now she found herself attracted to Darius who was most likely tying between the Princess’ soft white thighs now.

Alex had never taken another lover since then. Yet she was human, a passionate one at that and she had needs like any other women. She thought quickly and made her way to the shadows in the forest, away from the path. She found a well-hidden and secluded spot, with thick bushes around providing ample covering, yet also giving her a clear visible access to the pond incase anyone decided to visit it.

Carefully she spread her towel over the leave-covered ground and began to remove her clothing. With a whisper of a sigh, she lay down and stared up at the stars and moon above her through the opening of the tree branches. Tonight she would make love to the moon, tomorrow after receiving her share of the gold she would leave.

Alex closed her eyes and slowly began to touch herself. She cupped her hands over her small breasts and gently pinched her nipples. In her mind she tried to conjure the face of her dead lover, but only the chiseled features of the bandit leader appeared looking at her with passion filled eyes. She gave up trying to banish the man’s face and decided to allow herself, just this once, this little bit of pleasure, never realizing that the man she found herself desiring was only an arm’s length away, watching.

 

[HippieChick]

Simon

Simon stood up and put himself between Princess Skye and the intruder. "Your leader promised me that the Princess would not come to harm."

The bandit looked over his shoulder at his companions and laughed as loudly as he could manage. "Maybe 'e made a promise an' maybe 'e didn't. But either way, I didn't promise nothin'. An' I intend to 'ave some fun."

More laughter erupted from just outside of the tent.

Pulling himself up to his full height, Simon steeled his gaze and spoke with an even tongue. "I have only been cooperative to assure the Princess's safety. You will find that I will only remain so as long as you leave her be."

The bandit laughed again and shoved Simon to the side. This incurred no immediate response. It wasn't until the bandit's hands were inches from Skye's terrified face that he received a swift kick to the chin.

The bandit fell to his side, but somehow retained consciousness. Simon returned to his post in front of the princess.

Growling, the bandit rose to his feet. "You really shouldna done that." He threw a punch at Simon's face, which was caught in his tied hands. The knee to the gut made it through, however. Simon crumbled to the ground and the bandit placed a knee in the small of his back.

He shouted to his friends to get someone to hold the gelding and turned his attention back to the princess. "You're going ta pay for 'is insubordination."

 

[Arius]

Darius

Taking a sigh of relief as he watched Alex move to the edge of the lake, Darius began to move away from the branches. Stopping suddenly, Darius began to dwell more on Alex, the threat of detection now dissolved, curiosity beckoned him to follow her."Why is she not returning to camp?" Darius thought to himself. Clearly Alex was heading toward the other side of the lake. "Could William have been right to be suspicious of her? Perhaps I will watch a while longer."


Moving quietly through the forest, He shadowed Alex. Kneeling quietly near a tree he watched as she stopped at a secluded glade. Her silhouette shedding a flowing blanket to the grass at her feet. Soon, other shadows fell from the mercenary's moon kissed body. Darius neared dangerously close, his curiosity and lusty thoughts drawing him closer. There, lying in the center of the blanket was the raven-haired beauty his body hungered to be with; her silk skin bathed within the moonlight. Darius began to feel the scathing heat of desire flow over him as his eyes devoured the sight of her body. Her soft hands sliding up her stomach, to close over the small buds of her nipples, she let out a soft sigh at the initial touch. Her body writhing slowly as her head turned from side to side. Her melodic moan arousing Darius, feeling the straining bulge within his breeches harden as he began to be drawn into the sight. Leaning back into the leaves quietly, his mind began to manifest Alex in an attempt to create the vision his thoughts began to form. Her moans fueling his imagination.

In his vision he walked to her, as she was drawn into the throes of her own ecstasy, he knelt next to her, clsing his hand over hers, he eyes remain closed as his fingers drew down her hand, as Darius brushed his palm over her breast. Her head bends backin reaction to the pleasure he begins to give to her. Leaning forward, his mouth closed over her hardened bud, trapping it between his lips, the tip of his tongue lashing it teasingly slow. Leaning forward, he devoured more of her flesh, smoothing his tongue over the soft skin of her breast. His other hand cupped her other breast as his thumb playfully flicked the untouched nub. Intoxicated in the taste of her, he suddenly felt a closed hand over his hardened pole as soft fingers moved slowly up and down his shaft. In his vision it was Alex that had taken hold of him, however within the realm of reality, Darius' strong hands were the stimulation to continue the dream. Alex's hands were those of an expert, the tip of her finger sliding down his tip collecting a small tear of precum then tightening her grasp and increasing her methodic rhythm. Whether he groaned within the world of reality was unknown, however in his vision the sounds of love were shared between them. He quickened the movements of his tongue, lapping with evil quickness over her nipple. She began to moan louder. Being drawn completely into his passion fueled illusion, Darius' caution was thwarted. The realm of reality did not exist, only this...

 

[Sinjun]

Alex

Alex’s eyes flew open as a soft but audible moan sounded from the bushes near her. She was not alone! In one smooth motion, she yanked one of her knives and rolled into a crouching position. Without stopping, she dashed toward the source of the noise and around the tree.

Her small body immediately connected with another, catching whoever it was off guard. Using surprise and her own innate speed, she pushed the other person into the soft ground and pressed the edge of her knife at the most vital spot on his neck.

“Dairus!” her eyes widen with surprise as she looked down, “What in the world are you doing here?”

The man was staring up at her, his eyes dark with a primal passion and lust. Alex then realized she was naked and sitting on him. She was also able to feel his arousal pressing, no straining, through his breeches. She immediately withdrew her blade but kept it poised over his heart.

“You better have a good reason,” she growled at him. Her eyes glittered dangerously in the moonlight as she watched him.

 

[Arius]

Darius

Darius' imagination kept hold of him as Alex lunged toward him. He extended his arms in the world of reality as they were extended within the world of his dream, hands closing over Alex's warm flesh as he felt the warmth of her body upon him then suddnely the cold tip of a blade brushing his chest, his eyes flew open to come face to face with Alex, sitting naked atop him, a look of fury within her eyes. His hands remained closed over her breasts, the shock of the blade and the immediate threat of the dagger far more real to him than his own actions. Darius' voice was denied words as the blade poised directly above his heart. "I..followed you to give you this healing poultice...but gods Alex, I could not help myself, there has not been something as perfect put on this earth than you." The words fell from Darius' mouth. "I am a disgrace...to have done what I have..Darius' desire fueled even now as she placed him on the nearness of death. his fingers absently tracing the tips of her breasts. "I am willing to accept the consequences of this. You could kill me, and the loot would be yours. But to have this one opportunity to sip the forbidden wine that I have this eve would let me die contently. But the truth be told I have longed for you since the first day you walked into my camp, You have been a fire that I have so often thought of braving touch of, yet have not over fear of smothering the flame."Darius, shifted slightly, his erect member heightened further from the position of the two." What were you fantasizing about Alex? Do you think about me as I do you?" Darius gave a sly smile as one who approached the executioner's blade without regret." Were you imagining my hands on your body, arousing you as you have aroused me?" "Answer me that, and whatever you do after will mean naught."

 

[queen-mab]

Princess Skye

The Princess blanched at the bandit's words, and a sick feeling spiralled like a cold worm upwards from the pit of her stomach. There could be no two ways in which to interpret what was meant to happen to her next.

Normally she would have been consumed with worry about Simon, but she found that she hardly remembered him as she stared into the leering bandit's face, almost stupefied. He was a huge man, his face and arms matted with reddish hair. He stank frightfully, and the lacings of his breeches were already partially undone...no doubt left that way after his last foray behind an obliging tree to relieve his overfilled bladder. Skye caught the merest glimpse of the snakelike...thing that swelled alarmingly behind the stained and gaping fabric, and quickly averted her eyes.

Outside the men were cheering drunkenly.

"Now, now, lads...Captain Darius left me to keep order in the camp when he was not about, and order I shall keep," one man suddenly shouted in a curious, light-hearted way that sounded like the harangue of a merchant at a fair.

The men erupted into mingled guffaws and curses. Skye could hear many pairs of feet advancing on the tent. A trickle of cold sweat dripped down her spine.

"You know I always have your best interests at heart, lads...can any here say that I speak other than the truth?" the man continued, and Skye found herself thinking of her horsemaster trying to calm a wild stallion with his sing-song, lilting voice.

More curses, but the footsteps came no closer. On the wall of the tent, Skye could make out the shadow of a small, thin man who wore an ostentatious hat -- no doubt plundered from some hapless noble. His nose was large and his codpiece monstrous. She could plainly see its bulging, overstuffed silhouette. For additional ornament, it was hung with bells that chimed every time he made the smallest move. Since he was a true showman, and suited action to the word, his speech to the bandits was accompanied by a tinkling, clinking, chiming chorale.

"Out of the way, de Granson!" one deep voice finally managed to shout above the bells. "You heard Chastellain -- he called us to help him with that infidel steer. You'd not keep us from going to the aid of a comrade, would you?"

The laughter of the man called de Granson was almost as silvery as the singing of his bells. "Of course not! But in this, as in all things, we must have patience. We must not spoil the very treasure we seek to enjoy. I propose we draw lots and...visit the Princess in an orderly procession, as befits the likes of such distinguished outlaws as ourselves!"

OOC: I imagine my staunch fellow-players will understand if I do not carry on to the almost certain violation of Princess Skye in this post. While a gang rape might have its attractions...it loses some of its allure when a girl is obliged to play all of the parts herself! *wink*

 

[Sinjun]

Alex

Alex’s eyes widen with surprise at his words. Her mind and thoughts were a jumbled confusion of emotions, passion, anger and desire. He seemed oblivious to the danger he was in. She could kill with one quick thrust but she hesitated. His hands, those wonderful hands, were on her, touching her, caressing her.

She had never allowed another man such an intimate contact and yet here she was allowing Darius to touch her. Her nipples hardened to rough little peaks as he used his thumbs to gently tease them. Her body began to respond to him. A soft flush crept over her skin as she felt desire course through her blood. The flames of passion burned in her eyes.

The temptation of feeling his bare skin next to hers was strong. She longed to run her fingers through his hair and to kiss his lips while their tongues imitated the dance their bodies would soon follow. She wanted to feel the steel of his muscles as he made love to her. She wanted to hear him groan when he finally embedded himself within her softness. She wanted to feel his hands caressing her and knowing her most secret of places.

For the first time in her life, Alex was unsure of herself. Never had she wanted something so much. To feel his arms around her, holding her after the throes of passion, to feel wanted, were things she had denied herself for so long. Darius could see the answer to his questions in her eyes. Yes, she did desire him but she wanted more. Not just a lover but a man who would love her too. One who would replace the empty void in her heart.

She knew the impossibility of such thoughts for people such as her and Darius. But would she be able to settle for one night of passion? To make love and to take the memories with her after she left? Alex closed her eyes as a sad tear slid down her face. She wanted more then just passion. With a soft cry, she pushed herself away from him and stood up.

She looked down at him with eyes filled with sadness, “I shall take my leave in the morning. Please have my share of the gold ready by then.”

Alex turned and gathered her belongings, dressing quickly. As each layer of clothing covered her, her mask of strength and pride reasserted itself, hiding the vulnerability Darius had just witnessed. When she was through, the wandering mercenary she was now stood facing the bandit leader.

She stood tall, head held high as walked past Darius who had remained silent and unmoving the whole time. Her eyes soften as she met his before looking away to head back towards camp.

 

[queen-mab]

Princess Skye

The Princess could feel terror starting to overwhelm her as she listened to the bandits outside the tent. It sounded as though the man called de Granson had managed to buy her a few moments of time as he lined up the men and sent someone off to gather straws for the lots.

The words of Dame Honeyfair were roaring in her ears.
“Better to die a martyr’s death, my Princess, than to see your maiden’s flesh defiled.” Skye took a deep breath and awkwardly contorted her body, trying to reach down with her bound hands to the place between her breasts where the misericord was hidden.

The merits of death over defilement would have to be debated on another day. For now, the Princess thought she saw a way in which to escape.

It was lucky that Captain Darius had given the order that she not be handled, the Princess thought, as a cold sweat of terror began to soak through her gown. Her fingers had somehow managed to grasp the hilt of the stiletto, and she drew it upwards, arching her back deeply to make free the cold steel's passage between the glistening flesh of her breasts. The blade caught on her front lacings as she drew it awkwardly forth, but modesty was the last thing on her mind as she hurriedly bent to slice the bonds on her ankles.

"Right then young Gabriel Sharp...bring us the straws, and mind they be of an even length..."

Princess Skye unconsciously moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue. She tasted salt...and copper. The blood of the bandit whose hand she had bitten, she remembered. No time to think of that now. No time to think even of Simon. She paused just long enough to sever the bonds at his hands and feet. She had no time in which to revive him, and no way to carry him.

"Now, gentlemen. I have shortened one straw, and the man who chooses it shall have...the first dance with our Princess," de Granson announced, and a new cheer went up. Princess Skye shook her long hair out of her face and looked up for just a moment to the shadows on the wall of the tent. There was a sudden ominous quiet as one by one the straws were chosen. She could wait no longer.

Bending, she pressed a kiss to the unconscious face of Simon, one soft breast lying naked against the velvet of his tunic. Exposed to the cold air, the nipple stiffened...rose pink and elongated, it brushed against Simon's lips as she straightened up again, fighting to keep her balance with her own hands still bound.

"Sorry, Longman...your name has been a curse, I see. I think your straw has actually grown," de Granson said with a theatrical flourish, and a round of laughter and catcalls followed as the first of the bandits saw his hopes dashed.
"More than his straw has grown!" someone else shouted, and for a few moments there was complete chaos outside, each of the outlaws trying to outdo the others in making coarse jests and regaling his fellows with the state of his own "straw".

Princess Skye hastened to the back of the tent, praying that none of the brigands had been stationed there on guard. Her hands were trembling so violently that she almost dropped her blade. To think of what would be done to her...to think of those men...to think....

The misericord sliced through the rotting canvas with hardly a sound, and she was out. The forest was thick here. The trees beckoned to her, their shadows enfolding her like a cloak of invisibility.

Hands bound, white body half out of her riven gown, the Princess of Toran ran...and ran...and ran....

 

[chris611]

William

William was relieving himself when he noticed out of the corner of his eye, the Princess fleeing into the woods. How had she gotten out of her restraints? where were the bandits that were supposed to be gaurding her? There was no time to answer that now. Even with the Princess in her ripped gown, she was running at a pace unusual of someone who is not an athlete, as Princesses rarely were. William was slowly gaining on her, when out of nowhere, he tripped on a vine his footed had become tangled with. He was only down for a second, but when he looked up, she was gone.

He would have the head of the bandit that let her get away.

 

[Arius]

Darius watched as the emotions warred within Alex, his eyes catching hers. as she called out and drew away from him. "Once again her wall raises." Darius said to himself as he rose to a sit.


"I shall take my leave in the morning. Please have my share of the gold ready by then." As she turned toward the camp Darius stood, his voice of anger. "What is it you fear Alex? Do you fear that you will have the same feelings of me as I do of you?" Darius walked behind her as he spoke. "We are both wanderers, our souls and hearts belong to the roads because we do not allow it to touch another in fear it would be a weakness." She continued to walk away from him acting as if she beared no acknowledgement of her voice.

"Do you truly think I desire to be a highwayman my entire life? To live alone within an old ruined keep? "The Princess is nothing to me, there are other reasons as to why I abducted her, and none of them have to do with desire." Darius crossed his arms. "You were wounded because you tightened your guard on your heart, you lowered your defenses to fear of allowing such emotions to dwell within you. Do you not think that I have been watching and reading you since the first day you walked into my camp?" "You once had desire within you and something horrible happened, now you have deadened yourself to love. He watched her within the shadows, was she slowing down? He could not tell, nor did he care.

"Know this mercenary the sword of loneliness will cut you deeper than the arrow of love." "I will have your money in the morn Mercenary, but that glitter will soothe you for only so long." Darius turned away with a frustrated growl "Take my words as you will Alex, As the words of a man who desires you, or the words of a Bandit, it will matter not they are still the same." Darius looked toward the lake, his mind a swirling vortex engulfing his desire back within a darkened void within his heart.

 

[Sinjun]

Alex

Alex froze in place. Fury rose in her as she spun around to face Darius. Her angry eyes were filled with unshed tears. Before she knew it she lashed out, striking him across the face with her hand. The resounding crack was loud in the stillness of the night. “Don’t you dare mock me! I have loved harder and deeper than you will ever know!”

She stood her ground; livid and shaking like a leaf. “You have no idea who I am! Therefore do not presume you understand my heart. The guards I have placed are mine alone, you have no right to even question me!”

Amethyst fires of rage could be seen burning in her eyes as she faced the bandit leader, matching him in spirit and temper. Never had anyone caused such a range of emotions within her. Did he truly think that all she cared about was the money? He had no idea that she was after justice, righting a wrong committed by the king. She would have her vengeance and have the honor of her father’s name restored.

The fire in her eyes were now an inferno as she stood close to Darius, “What feelings do you have? Wait, don’t tell me, I can see it in your eyes…lust. Am I afraid of that? Of course not! Then what is it that scares me?” Her voice shook with emotion, “I’ll tell you what scares me…love. That the passion and desire I feel for you will turn to love.”

The fire was still burning in her eyes yet pain and grief began to shadow the flames, “I am a mercenary, a path chosen by my own free will and thus love is something I may never have without fear of harm coming to my loved one. Until I can leave this life behind, I cannot risk my heart, I must not risk my heart.”

The embers of rage coupled with sadness smoldered within her as she watched him. His eyes were dark and unreadable. Alex would never be able to explain her next action except that her passion and desire were so enflamed by her anger that it clouded her rational thoughts.

“I am not afraid of lust,” she hissed, “If lust is what you want, then lust is what you will have.” With those words Alex pressed herself against Darius and pulled his head down to hers, catching his lips in a deep kiss which immediately flamed the small spark of arousal already burning within them. With a soft moan of surrender, the mercenary parted her lips as his tongue assaulted her senses.

 

[Arius]

Darius' temper was dissolved within the stinging slap by Alex. Each word was dagger thrown by a finely trained hand, straight into him. His own past began to sting as the poison laced on the blades. Visions of his own betrothed reaching out from a fiery stake, hundreds gathered around her, his hands bound as the fire consumed her. Her voice screaming his name. The murders of revenge that followed. "We do not know each others hearts" Alex, Darius thought to himself as he continued to feel the scathing words rip through. She neared him as she spoke "If lust is what you want, then lust is what you will have.", her fists clenched, Darius attempted to prepare himself for the slap that was to follow when he felt her lips against against his, instinctively his tongue snaked into her mouth, entwining around her own. He heard her moan, fuelling his lowered flame the heat from her body rose as his matched the intensity, his hands slid down her back, gingerly down the sides of her body, greedily taking in her form with his wandering hands. He brought a hand to her cheek, sliding her soft stream of raven from her face. as he deepened the kiss, pressing his body closer to hers. His other hand crossing between their bodies, his palm tracing over her breast, using the fabric of her shirt as an additional tool of pleasure. Snaking his hand over base of her concealed nipple, he traces it with a teasingly slow finger, his tongue lashing against hers as the fires burn deeper within him stirring his own manhood to rise once again, pressing against her. Perhaps all that they could hope for was this primal feast of lust, perhaps that was what their way of life had intended, Morals and values parted from his the moment his tongue penetrated her inviting lips, now there only stood passion, unbridled emotion and a deepening sense of want.

 

[HippieChick]

Simon

OOC: Sorry if I don't post promptly. I can only manage about one post a day.

IC:
Simon sat on the floor in Princess Skye's bedchamber facing the door. Behind his back the princess was being dressed for the day. He kept his mind focussed, trying not to think about the nearly naked beauty only a few paces behind him.

There was a tall vase next to the door, painted white with details in red, the color of that risque dress the princess was wearing. The one that dipped so low that he could make out the swell of her budding breasts. Those breasts that could be exposed to his gaze if he were just to turn around.

No.

He must watch the door.

The vase had been treated with a glaze and was quite shiny. He could just make out his own reflection in it. Looking more closely, he could see the image of his own face quite clearly. The more he concentrated, the more he could see. His dark eyes stared back at him and over his shoulder he could make out the silhouette of a nude woman. If only he could look more closely, he would be able to see her more clearly.

No!

The door.

Simon's eyes snapped back to the door. It needed watching. Movement flashed at the corner of his vision in the mirror next to the door. The mirror with the white trim and the red etchings. He could see a nude woman clearly, but her face was obscured; he couldn't see it from this angle. She placed a foot on the bed next to her and looked at him. Tilting his head, he tried to bring her face into view. She ran a hand up her calf and across her thigh. She turned her knee and he could see the hair upon her sex. The woman smiled, and Simon leaned further, trying to see her face. If he could just see her face, then he could...

NO!

Door, door, door, DOOR!

He snapped his back upright and lifted his chin, returning his attentions to the door. The vision of her body lingered in his mind. He just wanted to be able to see her face. She had been smiling only because he couldn't see her face; he was sure of it. Motion next to the door again. She was standing there, facing the wall. The curves of her hips beckoned to him, but his gaze did not stray to look this time. Slowly, she turned around until she was facing him, looking through him, smiling through him. His attention was on her and her alone, but he did not turn his eyes from the door. He could not make out her face! He needed to make out her face! If he could just turn around and look at her face, then he...then she...then it would...

He turned around.

And she was there. She smiled at him and gazed into his eyes. A mere hand's breadth away from him. He tried to return the gaze, but found that he could not make eye contact. That face...her face...

She smiled. She raised a finger and pointed at him. Nasreen said, "That's him. He's the one who attacked me."

Simon screamed into the dirt. His face covered in dirt, he sat up to silence. He hadn't noticed the shouting going on outside the tent until it had stopped abruptly. He was alone. Where was Princess Skye?

He jumped to his feet, only idly wondering why the rope fell off his hands and feet. Simon was about to storm out of the tent to find her when one of the bandits stormed in.

The bandit looked around the room. Simon appeared to be hunched over in the middle of the room, not far from where he was before. But there was no princess. Before he had a chance to even think through what he was seeing, Simon leapt up from his crouching position, placed a hand on the man's sword and pushed the man back with his foot. The sword slid cleanly out of the scabbard as the bandit stumbled backwards. When he regained his footing, the sword's point stared him in the eye.

"What have you done with the princess, you foul, wretched curr?"

The flap flew open and in charged the rest of the crowd. The quickest wit of the group shouted out "The princess has escaped!"

Simon paused only long enough to see the rip in the tent where the man was pointing before he moved. Only one of the men was fast enough to react. A small, skinny little wisp of a bandit broke free of the crowd, drawing his own sword, and charging towards the tear in the tent.

He was fast and got there just before Simon did. The bandit's sword flew forward with a powerful thrust. Simon was barely able to parry the blow, and even so, the deflected blade bit into the edge of his shoulder as it flew past. The cut was not deep, but it made Simon stop to reflect upon his attacker.

He couldn't have been much more than a kid, not yet twenty. But his face spoke of experience and greed. The two fighters looked each other in the eye, sizing each other up for a mere moment.

Simon shuffled his feet a hair's breadth to the right, and the kid attacked, swinging his blade with obvious skill. The two blades met with a clang. The shing of metal sliding against metal rose as the two swords met at the guard above the hilt. Rather than fling his opponent's blade to the side, Simon chose to shove it back, directly at the attacker, leaving a perfect opportunity for a retaliating strike.

The kid thrust his sword forward, Simon twisting at the waist. The sword passed dangerously close to Simon, but he was able to use the bandit's momentum against him. Contininuing to spin with his entire body, Simon turned around the boy and elbowed him in the back, forcing him to stumble into the spot that Simon had recently occupied. They had switched positions.

All this was done in the few meagre seconds before the remaining bandits were able to ready their weapons and approach the escapee. The boy turned around and brought his sword in a long, powerful, horizontal arc. His companions were only a step behind him.

Simon leapt backwards.

He passed through the torn hole in the tent and landed on his back, his arms taking most of the impact and guiding him into a backwards tumble. Simon lifted his body into the air with his hands and by the time he'd finished his roll, he was upon his feet again.

Then Simon ran. He was about to leap over a log when the log stood up. Unable to completely stop his forward motion, Simon bounced off the man and tried to pass him by.

An arm shot out and snagged Simon by the shirtsleeve, halting his escape. Simon turned and looked into a very angry face.

OOC: Feel free to recapture Simon, or do whatever you think would be best for the story. I enjoy the fighting and such, but I don't care if he wins or not.

Sorry for the length, though. Got carried away.