Heroes come in all shapes and sizes (IC)

[milkmaiden38]

Isola, Dragon Psychologist! (or how to talk to a dragon without being burned)

Isola laughed at the dragon’s comments … breaking the tension a little.

"I never knew dragons’ had such dry senses of humor!” She giggled and smiled radiantly.

“We are all away from our homes, one of us has only 1 outfit to wear … marching through a forest with a big lizard the size of 5 elephants … with teeth as long as short swords. And I seem to remember an elf captain that called me a cow … defiantly an insult in my book … unless I’m a female minotaur. And last time I checked” She touched her head “Nope … No horns … And finally a pack of garlik tried to kill us small little mammals" Isola pointed out, her face still contained that big smile.

“Your reaction back there … was about something else. If you don’t want to talk about it … I understand. Some people need their own space and self-time.” Isola paused … the next thing she had to say maybe dangerous, but it needed to be said. She pushed on. Her face grew serious.

“But if you are here sulking by the lake feeling sorry for yourself. Well … grow up. You are responsible for your own emotions. You need to take responsibility for them.”

“That other name the elf princess used … it hurt your pride … but a name does not define you. Your actions do that. And in my opinion, you have been as noble as noble can be! You have acted honorably … winning over the hearts of people that feared you and mistrusted you. If this is some dragon thing about … birth order or parentage … I don’t care …” Isola pointed down to deathsknight “Maut al Feres … he doesn’t care either! … I don’t think anyone in our group cares. We all respect you.”

Isola looked deep into Nas’ big eyes “I’m proud to call you, a friend … and friends are there for each other … I’m here for you now … Isola took a breath and asked. "Do you want to talk about it? Or do you want to burn me down to ash

Princess Allontree

The princess looked at the remaining heroes as Isola ran after the dragon.

“I'm sorry for saying the wrong thing to Nas … But let me continue welcoming you to our city … there are a few I have not met yet” She turned to the large Minotaur.

“Zarik … the minotaur … you appear to be all brute … but you surprise people with your brain. A master riddler. You personally respect the other races even if some from your society think they are all weak. It is good to see your race again reaching out … rejoining the other races. In the conflict to come … that maybe critical. Welcome”

The princess saw Bronwyn hiding from her welcome.

“Bronwyn … Welcome to the Falls of Enos. I know that elves in the past have wronged you … that you have found little acceptance from either race, elf or human.” Her eyes looked up at the other elves meeting the group and the remains of captain Irtheel company. “But that will not happen in this city. I command it!”

The captian also spoke up "She is an honored friend of the elves. Any that speak bad to her... will need to answer to me!"

The princess nodded. She looked back at Bronwyn “you are soft spoken, but your words are full of wisdom. We shall need that wisdom in the days to come”

The princess turned and knelt in front of Prrip. She started to sign to her as she also spoke.

“Prrip …your story is most miserable. You were a proud hunter for your tribe. But a human captured you for his own pleasure. There is much death and pain in your past. But you have risen above that. You are free now. And I have foreseen … another meeting between you and your captor. May that meeting free the demons within you and clean the world of an evil. Welcome” She said.

The princess stood back up and prepared to answer any questions the group had.

 

[Mantra]

Nas and Isola

"Do you want to talk about it? Or do you want to burn me down to ash?"

The human woman asked. Nas was not used to rebuke...and he did not think he liked it. But this woman had come at least... and she seemed sincere.

"The idea has merit," Nas said, letting his eyes focus on her. "but you have courage...if not a lot of sense. I can respect that at least."

The dragon settled into a more comfortable position, although it was clear that Nas was not used to discussing himself with anyone. He spared a glance over at the death knight before letting out a sigh, big enough to send leaves, needles and other bits swirling about for a moment.

"It is more than being 'a dragon thing' as you put it. That word is NOT my name, it is more like a label than a name. As I once told your minotaur companion, I have no name or titles. I have only the word, and I will not accept the word."

 

[milkmaiden38]

Isola listen to what the dragon was saying. She remembered the chant in the school-yard when she was growing up. “Sticks and stones can break my bones but your words cannot hurt me.” But that was not true, at least in her experience it had not worked that way. No matter how loud she chanted the saying, it did not seem to protect her from the hurtful words. She still felt the sting of those words or worse the shame of the group.

As a young teenager, she remembered being bullied for having big breasts. The other kids made her run around so they could laugh at her bouncing breasts. People called her a cow, or asked her if she was breast feeding, or thought she was stupid because she had big breasts. But as time went by instead of making her hate her assets, the hurtful words led her to embrace her big boobs. She realized women came in all shapes and sizes, kind of like the heroes in this group. She also realized big boobs didn’t make her stupid it made other people stupid!

When she chose to become a concubine, she had been called a slut, and a whore. She had overcome those negative terms by understanding the true meaning of a concubine. She had come from a poor family and she needed to help them. Becoming a concubine served a dual purpose, she no longer needed them to feed her … and she helped her employer. She provided him services like food preparation, entertainment, sexual pleasure without bearing children, she was a travel companion, and provided some limited protection and healing. All good things.

Words had power. A single word creates thoughts that then gradually manifest themselves into feelings and actions. The word they had given Nas had altered him. The word was trying to control his actions, control his feelings. Thus, he had rejected the word! But in that rejection was the word still controlling him?

“Nas … words have power I full understand …” Isola agreed as her eyes started to water up. But she would not cry in front of the dragon. “Many people have placed labeled on me. They were hurtful. I can empathize with what you are feeling. Please tell me more. What does this label mean … and who and why did you get it?

 

[Mantra]

Nas and Isola

“Many people have placed labeled on me. They were hurtful. I can empathize with what you are feeling. Please tell me more. What does this label mean … and who and why did you get it?"

Nas shook his head slowly. "It is difficult to explain. I have many labels given to me by silly little creatures that fear or hate me. Their words mean nothing. But that is not the same meaning as this word."

Nas considered how to get Isola, this little human female, how he, a dragon was affected. It was a awkward attempt, as Nas was not used to having to explain anything to anyone before. A thought finally dawned on him as a way to draw a comparison, even if it was a feeble one.

"What is your name?" he asked plainly. "What is it that explains who you are?"

 

[milkmaiden38]

“Well, my name is Isola Parnel, daughter of Sibota Parnel and Pip Parnel. But that is just a way to describe me more uniquely, since there are a lot of humans. Who am I is a harder question” Isola said looking down at the water below her. She could see herself in the water. She was thinking hard about his question. She had been told that dragons were very smart and clever. Nas was definitely both. Finally, she looked up again.

“Well, what explains who I am … can be broken into three parts … the first part is my physical being … my shape, the person you see before you. Who is Isola? … she is that girl with the long silky burgundy, big boobs, wearing that green outfit. The second part is my actions … the thing I have done … so who is Isola? She was the concubine of a wealthy man, who was killed in a battle with the Garliks. Or the girl that won the spring festival beauty contest before the goblin’s attacked. And third is my attitude … such as my love of life … my naturally playful outlook, the thrill I get out of danger …Who is Isola? … she is that girl with the flirty sexy attitude that always looks on the bright side.” She said.

“I think I rambled a bit ... let me sum it up again. So what explains who I am, is a combination of three things: me …the collection of flesh and bones before you, my past and my approach to the situations” Isola said hoping her answer was pretty close to correct and did not sound too crazy.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Brownyn blushed as the beautiful princess' attention fell upon her. Her melodious voice singled out the young ranger, and told in a few words what summarized her life. But though the princess decreed that she would not suffer any insult here among these elves, it was the Captain's adamant declaration on her behalf that touched her. Her turquoise eyes misted as she looked upon his features with open admiration. She barely heard the princess' further comments about her soft spoken wisdom. She was too distracted in wondering why the sight of the noble captain defending her left her feeling a flutter inside.

++++++++++++++

Prrip's amber-green slitted eyes regarded the beautiful pointed ear female impassively as she knelt before her. The leopard woman knew nothing of Elven royalty or their mannerisms. The only elves she had known before had been pleasure slaves to Him. So this gesture was lost on her. But the words were spoken in a kind tone and an almost musical lilt. Prrip liked the sound and the person it came from.

She understood the words, despite the regal accent, but the signs that the princess used to accompany her words made sure that Prrip understood. The princess spoke of her past, but what piqued Prrip's interest most was when she foretold of another meeting with the bad Ma'an. The elf's words were vague, but seemed to hint that the cat woman would have her revenge. And that brought a fire of vengeance to her belly. When the princess finished speaking, Prrip extended her clawed hand, and clasped the princess' shoulder in the gesture of friendship and greeting common to her people.

 

[Mantra]

Nas and Isola

“I think I rambled a bit ... let me sum it up again. So what explains who I am, is a combination of three things: me …the collection of flesh and bones before you, my past and my approach to the situations”

Nas had his head cocked to one side as Isola spoke, drinking in what the human said. Her explanation was a bit feeble in Nas's mind, but he reminded himself that these humans only lived for what? Fifty or sixty years? That really wasn't much time to explore one's self. Still, Nas was able to garner a key trait from Isola's story; her zeal for life.

"Very well, Isola LifeDancer." he said.

"Our names are also an explanation for sorts. They are more than just names, they are an expression of who we are. I cannot explain it's true meaning, but a draconic name is...special."

His mood darkened suddenly. The change in his mood also suprised him as he discovered that he was actually enjoying his conversation with the female. Conversations with anyone where he could talk about his own history or culture were practically non-existant.
He had not even bothered knowing Isolda's name before now, nor any of the others. Now he was giving one of them a draconic surname.... How very odd. He usually just killed those who came to 'converse' with him.

Regardless, his mood fell from keen interest to melencholy as his thoughts turned to darker memories.

"Now imagine that you do not have this name. You did not have your human name or have any name that identified you. Instead you only had 'Diseased Harlot' to be refrenced by."

"Or other words to that effect, that were not so kind."

 

[milkmaiden38]

As the princess finished talking to the group of heroes, the young woman with the long red hair and grey eyes looked at the assembled group. Her appearance spoke of magic. She was wearing a red corset and skirt made of tanned leather, her shoulders and arms were bare, but stylish red leather boots protected her feet, at her waist hung a small spell book on one side and crossbow with bolts on the other.

“My name is Megan Bloodfrost, I’m an Illumian from the guild of words. I’m a traveler conducting research throughout the land. It is my pleasure to meet all of you.” Megan said politely. Then her eyes focused intently on each member of the group. She studied them for patterns. It was an awkward moment; everyone was not sure what to do. So they stood still as she looked at them.

Once this inspection was done, she spoke to herself, but loud enough for everyone to hear. “This will be a most interesting trip!” She refocused on the group and her radiant smile returning to her face. “My kind specializes in magic items, and the princess thinks there is a chance you maybe be going to Ardel’s tomb. Ardel was a human wizard who dealt with great magical powers … The princess thought someone skilled in magic could assist you."

Princess Allontree smiled and laughed lightly “Megan … you are getting ahead of yourself.” Then she turned to the group “Honored guests, a welcoming feast is waiting for you. Please follow me.”

The princess led them through the tunnel and into the elf gardens beyond. Everyone was in awe of the gardens and forest within and behind the Falls of Enos. The roof of the great cavern provided the light for everything to grow and water from the falls … seems to be directed to the plants. The whole forest was a garden. Each plant selected and shaped to augment the space. The trees seemed to be paired with the flowers to maximize the beauty. Small tended paths worked their way through the forest and grass areas to allow visitors to travel through the garden. Butterflies added color and movement. Song birds sang striking songs; the whole place had the smell of spring in the air. It was like a dreamland … unbelievable in detail and scope. Tranquil, peaceful, serene were the feelings garnered as the group looked at the scene in front of them.

The princess continued to lead the group to the feast … a walkway of cobblestones opened to the right and led to an idyllic lake. The group could see Nas sitting in the water of the lake while talking to Isola, who strangely sat in a large oak tree. She was eye level to the great dragon. The perfection of the garden was only slightly disturbed as a tree had fallen next to Nas … which is where deathsknight sat.

“Well … Nas and deathsknight seemed to have made themselves feel at home. At least the dragon has not eaten Isola yet! Or deathsknight raise the dead!” Zarik kidded Bronwyn as they followed the princess. Another funny thought struck the minotaur “I hope Prrip does not eat the song birds … I kind of like the music!” He joked some more.

 

[milkmaiden38]

“I think I’m being to understand …” Isola said “for humans … our names do not bind us. In fact we can change our names, if we do not like them. The things we do can also change the meaning of our names. For example … there is a tale of a king named terrible. A witch had foretold that when this prince took power he would be a terrible king. Well, he became ruler … and just the opposite happened. He would go down in history as one of the finest kings ever. To this day … people in that kingdom … use the word terrible as if it was the word great. An awesome sword is said to be a terrible awesome sword or another phrase is I can't go to the dance without a man telling me how terrible I look.

“So if I’m understanding you correctly … for dragons it does not work that way. Your name can shape your actions. So what does your name mean? And what happens when you reject your name … as you have done?

 

[Mantra]

Nas and Isola

“So if I’m understanding you correctly … for dragons it does not work that way. Your name can shape your actions. So what does your name mean? And what happens when you reject your name … as you have done?

"No, however our actions may shape our names." Nas explained. "But you have at least begun to grasp the concept of what our names are. Still you are not seeing what the name is."

He motioned towards Isola, motioning from head to toe with one of his curved talons.
"Understand that your name is Isola LifeDancer and that Isola LifeDancer mean you. Your name explain who you are from body, to soul to spirit. Your love of life, your thrill for danger, your zeal for... er...mating rituals. All of this IS the LifeDancer and the Life Dancer is Isola. You cannot be anything other than the LifeDancer because if you were, you would not be the LifeDancer."

"The name and the being are one, anything else is a mere title, a shadow, a label."

The dragon cocked his head at the human. "Do you understand?"

 

[milkmaiden38]

"More … your name and your actions are tied together. So if you don’t like your name … you are fighting yourself. Wow that must be an awful situation to be in. I can see why it angers you” Isola said. She thought for a moment, trying to come up with a related human condition

“A master concubine told me once … that sometimes people have a discrepancy between our personal view of our self and what people think of us. Like, I might think I’m intelligent, athletic, and attractive. But actually I’m not intelligent at all and when others point this out … or I realize it myself. I can become angry or depressed. It can also lead to an identity crisis. Where a person needs to find themselves.”

“If your name problem is like this ... I'm not sure I can help you with this problem. I usually help people with physical discomfort ... mental discomfort is something different” She said not sure how to help the dragon. "is there something I can do to help?" Isola asked.

 

[milkmaiden38]

The Feast

The party had reached the feasting area. Tables had been set up in the forest glade with the food already plated. Several important looking elves were standing and waiting in a greeting line for the heroes’ arrivals. There had even been a large area cleared out for the dragon. Apparently, the dragon’s favorite food was giant sea tuna, which was pilled up for him in that location. Interestly, there was no “fishy” smell from the tuna either.

The princess led the group to the greeting line and introduced each member as the various dignitaries greeted the guests. Good to her promise, everyone was polite and welcoming. Bronwyn was greeted warming by everyone, with a particularly venerated greeting from the general of the elven army, Captain Irtheel doing no doubt.

The guests took their seats at their assigned places, which had been thoughtfully selected. For example, Zarik had been placed next to an elven riddle master. The two immediately took up a conversation about riddle tournament techniques. Bronwyn was with other archers and interestingly … Captain Irtheel. Prrip was among “signers” that had special knowledge of her culture and various leopard people tribes’ histories.

The food was very different then the Bulkholden spring festival. There was very little meat and everything was served on “natural” items. For example, no large platters made of pewter … instead thick leaves or polished bark wood was used. There were more soups, and raw vegetables were in great abundance.

A small flute played a signal note, followed by an announcement “All rise for the arrival of King Enos” and all the elves rose from their seats. The heroes figured out quickly they needed to stand as well, and did so. Walking into the glade was a tall, slim elf with silvery hair that reached down to his waist. There was a small golden crown on his head. He wore a light robe made of silver and gold, richly decorated with a capelet like stole draped over his shoulders containing magic looking symbols.

“Please be seated” He asked everyone as he got to the seat next to his daughter at the head of the table. Everyone took their seats but he did not. “Narlumious” he said speaking the magic word and suddenly all the glasses in front of all the feasters filled with elven wine.

“I welcome the heroes to the Falls of Enos …A toast to you and your brave deeds.” He said as everyone raised their glasses and toasted with a chorus of “to the heroes and their brave deeds”. “Please … you must be hungry … enjoy the feast” He said and took his seat.

Even though the food looked different than that at the Bulkenhold festival, it was similar in that it tasted great. The smells, the sights and the tastes were all excellent and delighted the senses.

The meal was relaxing, enjoyable and the heroes felt at ease. It was during the serving of dessert that a most interesting exchange occurred between Zarik and the King Enos. Zarik had not been looking forward to this event. He did not like elves; they always managed to make him look foolish. But for some reason, today none of the elves turned his words against him. They did not giggle or look funny at him if he used the wrong fork, or drank the wine without extending his pinky.

As the dessert arrived, he decided it was time to address the reason they had come here. The big bull looked at the king and caught his eyes. “King Enos … I must ask a … possibly insulting question. But it is the reason for our visit.”

The King smiled and nodded “Please Zarik, I shall not take offense … please ask your question.”

“After the battle for the town of Bulkenhold … a captured subcommander of the goblin force was brought before the baron … this most horrible creature claimed … that the elves had hired the goblins to attack the human town. That you and the goblins were now allies. The baron did not believe this fanciful tale … but he sent us here to gather evidence to disprove the goblin’s words”

The king nodded “Zarik it is lucky you warned me of the possibility of the question being an insult. You may not be aware … but GOBLINS KILLED MY WIFE! You may also not be aware that elves and goblins have been at war for 1000’s of years. We are still at war … and NEVER have elves and goblins been allies.”

“King Enos … I did not wish to make you upset … but the words the goblin said needed to dispelled, so that the trust and friendship between the elves and humans can be maintained. Is there anything you can provide that would enlighten the town folk of Bulkenhold, why the goblin attacked?”

“We can beseech the magic of the moonwell” Princess Allontree said looking at her father. He seemed to have calmed down and he nodded to her.

“That would be possible … however, we require a full moon. That is in 1 week from now. Additionally, I warn you that the images you see coming out of the well … are not only of the past … but can be from the future as well … there is danger in knowing too much about the future.” He said ominously

“Thank you, King Enos …” Zarik looked at his fellow travelers. “I believe such powerful magic will be helpful in this situation.”

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Bronwyn watched the interaction between Zarik and the king with interest. She never really believed the elves were allied with the goblins. As haughty as the elves were, they would be more choosy in their comrades than that. Her own life was a testament to that fact. But as she cast her eyes once more on the handsome features of the elven Captain Irtheel, she couldn't help the little smile that turned up the corners of her lips.

They had been getting along better than she could ever have imagined in the final few days of the journey to the Falls of Idoor. Several late nights they had sat up by the camp fire, trading stories about their adventures, and describing the things they loved best about their homelands. Many pleasurable hours had been spent in the captain's company, enough to fuel the dreams of many nights to come for the young half elf ranger.

It appeared that they might be staying for a week if they were to attend the moonwell ritual, and that prospect didn't bother Bronwyn at all. It meant more time with the handsome captain, if she was lucky. But Zarik's comment brought her attention back to the present and she remembered something she needed to ask the king. Shyly clearing her throat, she stood from her seat, waiting for the king to recognize her.

When his gaze turned to scrutinize her, she imagined herself as a weed in his eyes, and seemed to wilt under his stare. At the last moment, she remembered to bow - or perhaps she should curtsy - and she ended up performing an awkward half bow, half dip of her knees that just made her feel stupid. But she pressed on, her voice quiet, "Your Majesty, if I may be allowed, the baron sent me here bearing a weapon taken from the goblin general. It is a sword, claimed by the baron himself, but given to me to bring here. The same lying goblin who accused the elves of being in league with them also claimed that the sword was evil. The baron sent it with me to find out if this was so, Majesty. May I approach?"

At his gracious nod, Bronwyn stepped forward, reaching to draw the sword. Several of the royal guards stepped forward cautiously, their hands on the hilts of their weapons, but Captain Irtheel shot them a glance and they hesitated. Bronwyn caught their movement out of the corner of her eyes, and as she drew the sword, she spun it in her hand so that just as she reached the king and knelt before him, bowing her head, she held out the sword, presenting it to the king, pommel first.

 

[Mantra]

Nas and Isola

“If your name problem is like this ... I'm not sure I can help you with this problem. I usually help people with physical discomfort ... mental discomfort is something different” "Is there something I can do to help?" Isola asked.

Nas shook his massive head from side to side.

"You are beginning to understand, but you still do not know what I endure. I have no name to be identified with, nor to reject or even to be at war with myself over. "

He looked over her head into the distance and sniffed the air.

"You should go now." he said plainly. "I have had enough of talking about unpleasant things, such things do not often sit well with me. Mammals usually die when I become unhappy."

It was an empty threat, Nas's heart wasn't in any sort of fight or confrontation. In fact, he felt as if his heart had fallen right into his feet. The smell of elves was stronger now and the scent of food was in the air as well. The scent reminded him that he had not properly eaten in some time and his stomach grumbled its discontent.

"Besides, perhaps I shall see if these point-ears really do wish to test my resolve and patience. I should go to this little 'feast' of theirs after all."

He began moving past Isola's tree and the Deathknight, who had not moved since their arrival.

"Perhaps we will speak again Isola LifeDancer. In a sense, you have been given an honor that has been denied me."

 

[DeathsKnight]

As the dragon rose and took the first steps in the direction where magic and life energy was apparant, Maut looked up at the dragon.

"I shall wait here, Nas when you deem your time worth it, we need to talk."

He didn't wait nor expected an answer, he lowered his gaze and yet again stared off into the horizon, the horizon he could see looked far different than the edge of trees, he saw passed or was it through the trees, his vision blocked only by mineral bearing rocks and even passed these he looked and what he saw was troubling, the human king needed to be warned, an army was raising, one so big that it would crush the unprepared humans and march on the Elven homeland...he realized how they will bypass the barrier and all the death made his fingers twitch. But he knew that his lady wished for the meta-races to win, it will be a hard-fought war indeed.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Bronwyn and The Magic Sword.

King Enos took the sword in his hand. He knew much about magic and was considered an expert on magic swords.

“The baron got THIS from the goblin prince?” He asked Bronwyn. The half elf nodded.

“This is not a goblin weapon. To well-crafted and it is so light. Lighter than any metal that is known to me.” A puzzled look appeared on his face as he looked closer at the weapon. “I think I know what this weapon is …this is a very old sword. It is not made of metal. This sword is made from the bones of a particular demon. There were only two swords like this ever made.” He turned the weapon along its side … small runes were written in the side of the pommel.

“The original welder of this weapon, Nimius, had both swords … he was killed battling the garliks many ages ago. This blade’s original name was “fang of blood”. But you may call it any name you like.”

The King looked into Bronwyn’s eyes … “The blade has magical and non-magical properties. The edge will stay very sharp and the weapon is very strong and light. But it was hit with the mass of a much heavier blade. This is not caused by magic … it is a property of the bone material used in its construction. It is written that the magic in the blade when “tuned” to you … would help guide your thrusts, add strength to your arm, finally the blade will bend almost like a snake to help land blows. Did you feel the tendril of its mystic energy reaching into your mind when you fought with it during the ambush?” The elf king asked Bronwyn.

She thought for a moment “no … I felt no tendrils … but the blade did do those things …or at least I thought it did.”

“Most interesting!” He said in surprise. “You have no need to worry the blade is not evil. And should you ever come across its twin. You might want to get it. The blade by itself is powerful … but together with its twin your abilities will be increase by a factor of 4!”

The king handed the sword back to Bronwyn.

Isola

Isola stared at the lake water as Nas got out and headed for the feast. The clear water was now muddy. Just like Isola understanding of Nas’ name. But the last thing the dragon had said was the key. She whispered it to herself again, "In a sense, you have been given an honor that has been denied me."

He needed a new name. A new dragon name. That was probably something only a dragon could give him. But at least it was something to try. The next dragon they ran into, that did not eat her, she would ask him or her to give Nas a new name.

She continued to stare at the water … Nas had given her a dragon name … LifeDancer. It made her feel different. It made her feel stronger and better about herself. It was quite an honor … she had never heard of anyone with a dragon name before.

This trip had been full of honors so far … her kind of winning the beauty contest … sitting with the baron at the head table during the festival … now a dragon name … and being invited to an elf feast in a hidden elven city. WAIT …NAS WAS HEADED TO THE FEAST …. HE WILL EAT ALL THE FOOD! She quickly climbed down the tree and ran at full speed after the huge dragon. She yelled at him “Hey save some food for me … remember … I talked to you … I made you feel better!!”

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Bronwyn listened attentively to the king's explanation of the sword's history and powers. She was intrigued, remembering back to the fight with the garliks, and how the sword had performed. She had not felt the tendrils of power that the king spoke of, but she had been resisting such a thing due to her uncertainty of whether the sword was evil or not. Now that the king had confirmed it wasn't, she resolved to try it out again and open up a little more to it's influence.

But that would wait until later. She was in no hurry to get into a fight just to try out the sword. And she wasn't forgetting that it was actually the baron's sword and not hers. He had asked her to carry it to the elven realm to find out about it's powers, but she naturally assumed he would want it back.

She accepted the blade back from the elven king, bowing a little awkwardly, not being used to formal court manners. That as a female she should have curtsied didn't even occur to her. She was a Ranger, and used to traveling alone and keeping her own company, wild and free. She returned to her seat, unaware of any faux pas in etiquette. Once back in her seat her gaze shifted surreptitiously back to the handsome Captain Irtheel. As she sipped her elven wine throughout the feast, she indulged in a little day dream.

In her vision, she was walking with the handsome officer in a moonlit garden. She was wearing a beautiful gossamer gown, not her usual woodland garb. Her arm was interlocked with his, and he was holding her hand in both of his. He turned to her and smiled, so handsome and gallant. She looked up at him with her turquoise eyes as he asked her where she would stay while she was within the city. She replied that she had no place to go, and he smiled as he invited her to come to his home and be with him.

And then he leans in, the moonlight sparkling in his eyes as his lips drew ever closer and.......

"I said, Bronwyn, how are you enjoying the feast?" Princess Allontree repeated.

Bronwyn blushed deeply and cast her gaze downward, embarrassed, as if the Princess could somehow know her thoughts and was privy to her fantasy. She murmured quietly, "It's very nice, your Highness. I'm grateful for your generosity and hospitality." She glanced up in time to see the captain just turn his gaze from her, and she impulsively blurted, "Princess, I was wondering......what are the arrangements regarding where we are to stay while we are here?"

 

[milkmaiden38]

The princess adjusted her thin white ghostly gown as she prepared an answer to Bronwyn’s question.

“We have arranged for guest quarters for everyone in your party, except for Nas of course. We had thought he would prefer to remain here in the forest gardens.” The princess said, spreading her hands to indicate the beauty around them. As she did this … she looked into Bronwyn’s eyes. In the half elf’s eyes she saw a familiar look. A look she once had. She had fallen for a handsome warrior. She had imagined how they would make love all night long and into the morning hours. It was what she had desired. But a princess needed to marry for political reasons. And her marriage would almost certainly be arranged. Which also meant it would be one with no passion in it. So she had seen Bronwyn’s look before … it was a look of longing … and imagined passion. She decided to help the archer out.

“However … I think in your case … perhaps staying with a fellow archer might be more fun.” The princess suggested.

Captain Irtheel jumped at the opportunity “Bronwyn, I would be honored … to have you stay in my guest room” He said looking at her hoping she would say yes.

 

[Mantra]

Nas

Nas had settled down at the far end of the gathering, being far too large to actually come next to the table. That suited Nas just fine, the 'feast' was largely a typical elvish assortment of weeds, fruits and nuts. The dragon sighed. He could never figure out how the elf society was considered so 'grand' when they ate like squirrels. Hells, Nas didn't even like eating elves; they tasted like salad.

He was quite relieved when some of the females brought over great platters of fresh tuna, which Nas happily consumed. As he did so, he listened to the elves go on about...nothing really. The little sword was apparently enchanted, which did peak Nas's interest. If the half-blood female died, Nas would have to make sure to acquire it if he could. It might make a nice addition to his trove after all.
The conversation began to blur together as Nas's attention drifted from elf to elf. The dragon did admire one thing about elves, they loved their jewelry and fine things. Elves did make pretty things, even if they did break easily. He watched two of the female elves, moving about as they catered to the guests around the table. like their jewelry, they too were pretty but so very breakable. His eyes drifted over the cat-female, watching her. She was also small and thin, but Nas would not describe her as fragile, feral perhaps, but not fragile. His gaze fell on Isola who seemed completely at home nibbling on some piece of fruit and teasing some stuffy elf lord with her human assets. Nas did not understand the humans and ther mating rituals, but the dragon was struck at just how out of proportion the human woman was compared to the elvish women. Nas was not sure if that was a good thing or not, but apparently the males across from her couldn't decide that either.

"Well," Nas muttered to himself. "perhaps there will be entertainment after all."

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Bronwyn listened to the answer the beautiful princess gave, and smiled politely at first, but then when the princess amended her answer, and the gallant Captain Irtheel spoke up with his invitation, she beamed a high wattage smile that reflected the happiness in her spirit. Her turquoise eyes shone brightly even as the pink of a blush colored her cheeks.

She replied, trying to keep her words calm and maintain some dignity, "Why, Captain, it would be my pleasure to share your home." She blushed deeper as she realized how her choice of words could have been interpreted, and quickly followed up with, "Thank you for the very kind invitation."

Afterwards, she could hardly sit still during the rest of the feast, often stealing glances at the handsome captain when she thought no one was looking.

+++++++++++++++

Prrip was enjoying the attentions of the pretty pointed ear females, all of whom were dressed in such finery that it reminded her of the friend she met in the Master's home. And these elves could speak the hand talk with her. She was enjoying the chance to tell tales of her hunting exploits, and of her life in her village before she was captured. She even told a tale of the elf slave who taught her how to use the hand language of signs.

Unlike other people she had met who could talk a little bit of the language, these elves knew the language every bit as well as the one who taught her, and so her full vocabulary could now be employed. To their surprise and delight, the elven maidens found that the leopard woman was quite intelligent and articulate. Because of her limited ability to communicate with others who were not well versed in the sign language, her vocabulary often made them think her intelligence was simple, about the level of a child. Indeed, they often mistook her for an innocent, child like, naive personality.

Until they saw her in combat.

That is when most came to the sobering conclusion that she was no playful kitty, but a formidable foe when aroused to anger. For some, it was a shocking surprise.

But just now, one of the elven maids was quite interested in finding out more about the elf woman who had shared Prrip's captivity. Long ago, her sister had been gathering wild herbs in the outer forests of Idoor when she went missing. From Prrip's description, it seemed that her long lost sister's fate might have been discovered.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Nas’ arrival at the feast had been astonishing, unexpected and stunning. Watching a beast that size, enter the glade was amazing. The largest animal in this forest behind the waterfall was a family of bears. Nas was many times their size. Princess Allontree was unexpectedly surprised that the dragon had rejoined them. She saw Isola running behind the dragon with a worried look on her face. She was not sure what that was about, but she was pleased that Isola had been successful in having the dragon join the welcoming activities.

The elves to their credit did not gasp or cry out …like humans would have done. They continued to sit and watch as the dragon took his spot. Several of the important looking elves from the greeting party started to get up to properly greet the dragon, but King Enos wisely told them to remain seated. “Best to wait until the dragon has eaten.” He said … the greeting party elves all nodded in agreement. No sense in getting between a dragon and his meal … unless you wanted to become that meal!

Nas commenced to eat almost right away. The eating part …was savage. The dragon’s great jaws would grab the fish and crack the bones … then he would swallow the fish whole. Then he would grab another and swallow it whole. You could actually see his serpentine neck bugle where the half chewed fish was on its way to his great belly.

As you the reader already know … Marslug, the goblin prince, famous words at the battle of bulkenhold were “Nothing ruins a battle plan … like a dragon!!” The saying was catchy … and many people were now applying it to all sorts of situations. One of the elves at the feast was in total shock and dismay as he watched Nas eat. He was overheard saying “Nothing ruins the decorum of an elven feast … like a dragon eating his food!!”

Isola was a bit out of breath when she got to the feast. But she straightened out her outfit and brushed her hair into place … and walked the remain 10 ft to her spot at the feast with dignity and grace. Again, the members at her table had been well placed. All rich and single! Isola was having the time of her life … trying to seduce 4 men at the same time. But as she had learned from her encounter during the trip to the falls of Enos, the direct approach with an elven male was a bit too brazen. So she tried to be subtle, elusive and teasing. When any of the elves showed an interest in her … she would play hard to get. Lastly, she did not look like the thin female elves and never would. So she knew right away … she needed to play the erotic different kind of girl. She would run her hands through her thick hair … she would laugh out loud at their jokes … she would bend over and show off her huge cleavage.

It worked … maybe too well … all 4 elves were interested in meeting with her later ... privately, at least that was what their notes … secretly slipped under the table to her ...said.

Finally, and maybe most surprising of all, was Prrip’s revelation about the elf’s sister having been seen alive. She was asked to tell the complete story. When was she seen last? Where was she seen? Did she know where the slaver went? Etc.

Additionally, several other elves came over and ask Prrip about their missing family members …had she seen any other elves.

Finally, when it appeared Nas had completed his meal … King Enos and the greeting party rose and walked over to greet him. All of the elves had been instructed to call him “Nas” and nothing else. The king was the first in line and said “Greetings Nas … welcome the Falls of Enos.” He bowed slighty in a sign of respect. “It is not often we have the pleasure of a dragon visiting our city.” He said “I hope you have enjoyed the food …” and he touched the large barrel full of water …. And suddenly it was elven wine! “I believe dragons enjoy a good wine … and we pride ourselves on this particular vintage”. The king stepped back from the barrel so the dragon could try some. "please try some" he suggested

 

[milkmaiden38]

Bronwyn and Captain Irtheel

As Nas finished his meal and the other elves were getting up to greet the massive dragon. Captain Irtheel quickly made it over to Bronwyn side of the table.

“Can I show you the beauties of the forest garden … While the others are “consumed” by greeting the dragon?” The Captain said grinning over his play on words.

Bronwyn giggled and answered “Please lead the way”

The two went down a garden path and away from the feasting area/glade. As they entered the forest he turned to her “Now that you are in the forest … you are the most beautiful thing I can show you!” He said to her smiling

Bronwyn loved to compliment but she did not even know the captain’s first name … “Captain, I …”

“Please call me Haldamir … that is my first name. Before you say another word … look at these flowers” The captain said. Showing off the magical Luna flowers … which glowed a soft blue until the captain got his hand closer to the flower and the light grew much stronger.

He showed off more beautiful and amazing areas of the forest. Like the strange song birds … as Haldamir sang a song … the birds tweeted the background rhythms/notes on their own. Then there was the “bedgrass” he called it. He laid down on the grass and amazingly the grass grew stronger and thicker … like he was on a bed made of grass.

They ran across 4 wood nymphs playing in a small glade. The creatures were very beautiful, with smooth, peachy skin, lovely faces, and lush hair – two blondes, a brunette and a delightful redhead. Their thighs slender and creamy, their rumps dainty and tight, yet each possessed exquisite curves, even Bronwyn knew that most men would be entrapped by their beauty, but Haldamir hardly looked at them … he only admired Bronwyn.

And finally they made it to the viewing place behind the waterfall. Where they could look out into the forest of Idoor, and not hear the rushing sound of the water.

During their walk they had a chance to talk. He told her a bit about his life. His father was a minor member to the royal family. His relationship (to the king) led to his becoming an officer in the army. He was the head of the royal guard instructor team, before Princess Allontree asked him to take a company of men to Bulkenhold. He was the youngest Captain in the royal army but elves lived so long … that didn't mean much. He told her, he had won several sword fighting duels, and many elves considered him one of the best swordmen in the elf army.

At the waterfall, He tried to get Bronwyn to open up about her life and the circumstances that forced her to live … moving from town to town. He also asked about her parents and other relatives.

Haldamir found himself fascinated with Bronwyn and her story. It made him conscious of how guarded his life had been. He had been provided every opportunity life had to offer. He pondered, 'What a difference the fate of birth can make in two individuals.'

The walk was wonderful and it ended in front of a large tree with a spiral staircase around it. “The stairs lead to my home. It is not very large … but I have a small guest room on the first floor. Let me show you.”

They walked up the stairs and enter the small but comfortable tree house. A living room, a small kitchen, and the guest bedroom were on the first floor. On the second were Irheel's larger bedroom, small study and storage. It was nice, but definitely had a man’s decorating tastes. Sword and shields on the walls, a few family pictures that was about it. But it was still very nice … and something about being in the trees was pulling on Bronwyn’s elf half. It just seemed natural to be in the trees.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Prrip was surprised and a little overwhelmed at the sudden attention and the flurry of questions that came from the elves around her. She struggled to answer as quickly as she could, but the hand talk was not really suited well to clawed paws, and she had to go slower to make herself understood. And not only that, she could only answer one elf's questions at a time, so it took a while for her to get all the information out.

She concentrated on the sister of the elf she had known in the Master's household. She explained that the elf girl had taught her how to use the sign language to communicate, and that before that, people just thought she was an animal. She talked at length about how the elf maiden became her friend, and was very frank about the way the Master used her friend for his pleasure.

Prrip explained that she had met no other elves save one. She was reluctant to continue, but the elves surrounding her pressed for more information. Hesitantly, she continued.

< I met him in the pit. It was the third time I was pitted against an armed foe. The Master had determined to punish me for attacking him when he tried to force himself on me during my season. So he ordered his guards to torment me with pain and suffering, poking and stabbing me through the bars of the cramped little cage they kept me in. They drove me mad with pain and anger, and frustration at not being able to strike back in defense of myself.>

<When they led me to the pit for the first time, I didn't understand what was wanted of me. They threw me in, and the crowd of people made such a loud noise! I did not like it, so I tried to leap out of the pit. But the man at the edge hit me with a hard metal club and knocked me back down. That is when I realized that there was another man in the pit with me, a you-man. He had a spear, and was trying to stab me with it. At first I moved away, dodging and evading him. But he chased me, and the crowd began to throw things at me. Someone threw a rock and hit my head. And just then the man thrust his spear at me and hurt my side. I was angry! My tail lashed back and forth, and my growls echoed from the pit walls.>

<When the man came at me again, I leaped up to pounce off the side wall of the pit, and onto the man's shoulder above where he held his spear. He could not get it turned around to hurt me, and I sank my fangs into his neck. My claws raked his back as I slashed my back paws down along his spine and I held him tightly with my front claws. My jaws tightened on his throat until I felt it crack under my teeth. His blood spurted everywhere, and the people in the crowd made a roaring sound. That was the way my first fight ended.>

<But my Master wasn't done punishing me. He made me fight again, the next time against an orc. He was testing me to see if he could make me fight any foe. My claws tore through the orc's belly, making his insides come out. He squealed very loudly for a long time before he died.>

The elves grew silent and grim. They could see the way this story was headed, and the simple, matter of fact way that Prrip described the way she was treated and the way she was taught to slaughter her foes made the description more horrific.

At last she came to the part of her story that she hesitated to tell. Her eyes were downcast as she felt, for the first time, remorse over the opponent she'd had to kill to survive. She told her story haltingly, trying to offer explanation before she had to tell the truth. <My Master wanted to make me savage, a killer. Every fight he made me fight was a struggle to the death, and I did not want to die. Not at first. Not when he made me fight the elf male.>

She spared the details of the combat, but the outcome was the same. The proof was that she was there talking to them in the hand signs, and the elf was not. By the end of her story, the fur on her cheeks and muzzle was damp with the trail of tears. The hardest part was the way the elf woman cried when Prrip described the elf she had slain, and the description matched her missing son.

The elves moved away to comfort the grieving mother, and although the maiden who's sister may still be living in slavery was hesitant to leave, eventually they left the leopard woman alone. When the dragon's entrance and eating became the main target of attention, Prrip slipped quietly away from the feast, seeking solitude in the forest.

She moved through the trees as silently as a shadow, lost in her own thoughts. For the first time she was thinking about those she had been forced to kill. Always before, it had been merely survival, her or her opponent. She'd followed her instincts all too easily. He had made her savage, made her look forward to killing, just so she could take out her frustrations He caused against some other flesh and blood. He had made her crave the feeling of rending flesh under her claws, and the metallic tang of blood in her mouth when her fangs sunk so deliciously into a fragile throat.

But now she thought about the elven mother, and the son she missed so terribly. How many others were waiting for their loved ones to come back, or at least to receive word of their fate? How many people of all races had she left bereft just so she could survive another few days in her own personal hell? And then she thought about her own people. Was there anyone in her tribe that missed her? For all they knew, she had gone hunting and just never came back. Hunting alone was dangerous, and a hunter going missing was not an unusual occurrence. That thought made her wonder how many others of her kind who had gone missing ended up in a similar fate as her.

She had come to settle in a grassy area beside a gurgling creek, deep in her own thoughts. She watched the water trickle over the rocks, forming eddies and ripples, but her vision was an ocean voyage away, in her own homeland, on wild plains and savannahs, on jungle pathways through the trees, and on dusty canyons teeming with antelope. Would she ever see those things again?

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Bronwyn and Haldamir

Bronwyn was delightfully surprised to be invited by the handsome elvish captain, and she graciously accepted. As she followed him from the feasting area, she couldn't help feeling as if they were sneaking away to get into mischief together. She found herself hoping it would be mischief of an intimate sort, and wondered when she had started to have such feelings...and for an elf, no less.

Not that there hadn't been handsome young elf lads she had fancied when she was growing up, but because of her heritage, very few pure bloods would have anything to do with her. And because of how she was treated then, she was cautious now. As Haldamir led her through the beautifully manicured forest, showing her the delights to be experienced there, part of her wondered when this fantasy would be burst like a soap bubble by some cruel prank. When would the insult come that would tear her down and make her heart hurt? That she found him attractive, and dared hope from their experience on the road to Idoor that they had found common ground, made the possibility of being hurt by him even harder to bear.

And so she waited for the other boot to drop, so to speak. As she watched the dignified elvish captain she knew spread out on the 'bedgrass' like an exuberant young man trying to impress a lady, it suddenly hit her that she was the 'lady'! And seeing the 'bedgrass' respond under his body, buoying him and cushioning his weight gave rise to some thoughts in her that were decidedly unladylike. It also gave rise to a pinkish blush that colored her to the tips of her ears.

As they walked on, his hand brushed hers and she impulsively allowed her fingers to slip into his. They seemed a natural fit, and that simple contact made her heart flutter with elation. She scarcely saw the wood nymphs, just enough to notice their surreal beauty. Bronwyn was able to appreciate the beauty of the feminine form as well as the masculine. But what held her attention more were the startling blue eyes of her host and guide, that kept looking at her instead of at the nymphs.

As they toured the forest's many wonders, Haldamir spoke softly of his life, of his background, and the events that had made him the man he was. She was surprised to find he was related to the king, and as he opened up to her, she found he had more depth than she had given him credit for. She felt guilty that she had judged him wrongly, but given her past experience, and the first impressions of their meeting, she could hardly have come to any other conclusions.

By the time they reached the viewing place behind the waterfall, she had let down her guard enough to begin to share some insights into her own life. At first, she only answered the direct questions posed to her in a shy, reticent way. But the longer she spent in his presence without being ridiculed or belittled, she more she began to trust him.

"My mother was elven. My father was human. I'm not exactly clear on the circumstances of their meeting. In fact I never really knew my father; only what little my mother told me of him. It seems he was a soldier of some sort. All I knew is that my mother left her home when she found out she was expecting me. She traveled a lot, until her term approached and she wasn't able to travel easily. That's when she came to the elven village of Randalee."

"She was already heavy with child, and no father accompanied her, so my birth was already under a cloud of controversy. And when the elves found out I was of mixed blood, well....needless to say I wasn't very popular. To make things worse, I grew up faster than the elvish children who should have been my peers. I was always just a little bigger, a little more gangly and awkward back then than the other children. So they didn't want me around much. I found solace in the forest, and often spent whole days alone, learning the ways of the wild places."

"I found that I preferred the solitude of the wild lands to the company of people who didn't want me around. So there was plenty of reason for me to leave as soon as I could make it on my own. I foolishly thought that my welcome might be better in a human town. That was my first adventure, and it turned out to be a rude awakening. The humans saw me as different just like the elves did. Only they had other uses for a young woman, and different ways of making me feel 'awkward'."

"So I traveled from place to place, alternately getting lonely when I'd been in the wilds too long and craved a little company, and then when I came to a town it usually wouldn't take very long to be reminded of why I wanted to be away from people. There were some good things about my way of life though. My skill with a bow came from the need to survive, as well as what skill if have with a blade. And I learned to 'read'.....everything: people, places, situations.... I just notice things, little details that tell me more than words or gestures, sometimes more than people want me to know. Now that I think of it, I guess that's one more reason people aren't too thrilled to have me around."

Bronwyn realized she was beginning to sound self pitying and depressing, so she lapsed into silence, letting Haldamir lead the way. They arrived at the spiral staircase that led into the great old tree and up to the captain's home above. He showed her around his home, obviously proud of his living space. For Bronwyn, it was different. She hadn't had a home since she'd left the one her mother lived in. Home for her was a bedroll on the ground, looking up at the stars above if she was lucky, or a miserable night huddled under a tarp before a small fire as rain drizzled down on her head if she was not. The notion of having an entire home all for one person was like a dream to her. She smiled shyly as Haldamir showed her his bedroom.

It wasn't as if she'd never been with a man, but drunken carousing was not the same thing. And always before, it was a given that she would wake alone. Of course, she thought, she was getting ahead of herself. He had invited her to stay in his home while she was here, but that was not the same as taking her to his bed. Perhaps they had struck up a friendship based on their mutual respect for each other's abilities, but that was not necessarily a romance. Her old self protectionist caution was kicking in, forcing her to lower her hopes.

"Your home is beautiful, Haldamir. And your invitation to share it was very generous. I'm very grateful. Thank you for your kindness." Her smile was shy, and her long lashes veiled her turquoise eyes. But in their depths was a glint of desire, mixed with vulnerability. She was more capable and tougher than many men, human or elf, but at the same time, she was a woman, with feelings that had been hurt many times before. Would she suffer a similar fate this time?

 

[milkmaiden38]

Prrip and the Water Nymph

The water nymph stared at the strange creature. She was part beast … part of the wilds … part of the forest she loved, but part of her was not. Was she evil? She could not tell. She was a pretty creature, with beautiful hair and spotted fur. Her face and eyes shone brightly, full of intelligence, wisdom and surprisingly certain kind of vulnerability. Vulnerable? The water nymph realized she was hurting, she was sad about something. Wounded animals often came to the nymph for healing, perhaps that is what this cat like creature wanted … healing.

She did not know what to do yet. So she watched. The leopard woman just looked at the water … and was serious. Should she attack the cat woman, drive her away? No, she needed to understand her better. She should reveal herself to the cat creature.

http://galleries.adult-empire.com/74/7433//083h/3.jpg

The water nymph slowly, silently rose up from under the water. Her long blue hair dripped with water. She was naked and Prrip could see no imperfection on her perfect skin. Her large bright blue eyes stared at her, her large swept back ear listening. The water nymph was unbelievably beautiful.

“I am Sylandian, the water nymph of this stream” she said, speaking directly into Prrip’s mind. “You are wound … mentally … do you seek my aid?” she asked. Not moving any closer.

Bronwyn and Haldamir

Bronwyn had supported Haldamir, supported him during the loss of almost his entire company. It had been his toughest command assignment. She had helped him hold it together and make it to the Falls of Enos.

Now his attention was riveted on the woman in his home. She was beautiful, not only physically but in sprite as well. She was tough, smart, skilled, and still a woman.

"Your home is beautiful, Haldamir. And your invitation to share it was very generous. I'm very grateful. Thank you for your kindness." She said as he looked into her turquoise eyes, he saw her glint of desire.

“Thank you … but you have been the kind one … thank you for all you have done for me.” He said back to her. He grabbed a bottle of elven wine and two glasses. He popped the cork and poured two glasses, one for each of them. He handed her one glass. It was the best wine he had … an excellent vintage.

“Please enjoy” he said as he put the glass to his lips, he could not help but glance across her body. His heartbeat quicken. He thought about the look she had given him … it made him wonder. As the cool wine slid down his throat, he could feel the wine smooth him. He re-corked the bottle and placed it back on the kitchen shelf, glancing across at her nervously.

He nodded softly, "MMMM, that is a good wine, if I say so myself ...." he paused to collect his thoughts. “Things are going too fast … she will thinking I’m ruled by my loins … I need to be a gentleman” all went through his mind. Finally carefully he continued,

"Well... we should get some sleep … it has been an exciting and long day. Please let me know if you need anything. I’m just up the stairs.” He said softly.

"You are an amazing person, Bronwyn, Incredible. I look forward to being with you in the morning ... I hope you feel the same way" He added sure his face was flushed red and he was babbling like a fool but those glints of desire in her eyes … did she really want him? Or was he miss reading her … seeing something he wanted but she did not. He wanted her … by all the elven gods he wanted her …. But he needed to be the gentleman … and conceal his need …his craving ... his yearning.