King and Country

[Moneytalks]

Even Vixen was amazed at the gall of the man. "Roland.." she hissed, "a lot of nerve you have coming up all friendly after all you've put us through..." Vixen felt Rothrar's hand on her arm holding her in check. She glared at him questioningly. He shook his head... "let's hear what he has to say..." he suggested.

Vixen turned to Glorianna for support, but she too seemed at least willing to hear Roland's words. With a snort of disgust, Vixen showed her disapproval by turning her horse and walking over to Pierce, Marietta and Mansard. They didn't speak to her, her face showed express hostility towards anyone even breathing Roland's name at the moment.

Pierce watched Vixen carefuly, wondering if maybe he should say or do something. His friendship with Vixen still too new. Vixen caught his anxious look and managed a terse smile, "'tis okay young prince... I am not angered at thee..." she assured him. Her eyes remained troubled though. She sighed causing Mansard to look her way. "What does trouble thee?"
"Him... " she nodded towards Roland as he stood before Rothrar and Glorianna talking animatedly with his hands waving in the air as he described some amazing story to them. "I don't trust him..."
Mansard looked over at Roland and had to admit, he had no real love for the man himself. Vixen straightened suddenly catching their attention.
She squinted into the trees just over Mansard's shoulder. "Did any of you see something moving out there?"
She asked.
Marietta chirped up, 'maybe you're just edgy because of Roland's sudden appearance?"
Vixen sniffed, not willing to admit his appearance had affected her at all. "I don't know, maybe I should check it out.."
"NO!" Mansard spoke firmly, and recieved a startled look from Vixen in return.
"No?" She asked quietly.
"I mean... M'Lady Vixen... we are in a village, there are people moving around here, it is only natural..." he spoke reassuringly, "besides, I'm sure the watch here is more than capable."
Vixen's frown smoothed out, "I guess you're right," she smiled giving him one last probing look before she urged her horse over to Glorianna again. "What have we decided, do we stay here tonight?" She asked, pointedly ignoring Roland.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

Roland: "why vixen thank you for giving me a chance to explain my actions. As you know well i am questing for the Royal Sword. When i heard sith's suggestion at taking the Test of Heretige i sent a messanger to Ku-Rathia to declare i was taking this test. to my surprise the first part and second part were to determine if the traveller seeking the sword and his companions were worthy of the kings attention. i was not able to tell you because that is the pourpose of the test is to judge your skills in a feild with snap decisions. i hope you forgive my little disalusionment but i do declare all will be made up for and then some, even you vixen may find a thing or two here that will spark your intrest. Do not discuss staying here it has already been arranged."
The captain of the guard spoke
"the king of Ku-Rathia bids you to take your time on the way to his castle far off. He wishes you plan your next moves carefully, and cunningly, as the protection that was set on you as you left Gloriannas home is now lifted, and all the orcs of these mountains will want your head. i can tell you this only. Enjoy your merriment while you can as it may be many weeks before you are allowed to do so again. We wish you the best of luck. and dont be too hard on ol roland, he means well but sometimes is a little unpredictable."
with a wave of rolands hand the illusion dissappeared
"now my friends come come and make merry! i have preapred So much scince i left you i do not know if we will be able to fit it all in! but come and Eat, drink and be merry!!!"

 

[Sith]

Sith

"So, Roland, do you know what will be the final test? The 6th one?" said Sith.

Roland seemed puzzled for the fraction of a second.

"Didn't they tell you there are 6 tests, or did they say there where 4 or 5 only? No, I can see they haven't. There are 6 tests, well, 7 really. I've only been able to discover that the 6th is completely personal. The 7th is when you pick up the sword, if somehow you passed the tests without being worthy, you'll be smashed to smitherins..."

 

[ShyGoddess]

Glorianna:

She had to admit, Roland really had gone to a lot of trouble. The wine was warm, the food divian, and the entertainment comicial. She laughed and talked and smiled happily and throughly relished the fact that she could ignore Valdor to her hearts content. She danced with the children of the village and had a wonderful time.

"I'm going outside for some fresh air. I'll be right back," she told Pierce who was sitting next to her.

"Don't be to long, Glori. I don't want to have to come looking for you." his smile was mocking. Glorianna just stuck her tongue out at him.

She stood on the little walk way in front of the inn and gazed up at the stars and smiled at the moon. Her parents would be pround of her, she just knew it.

"Starwatching, little one?" Glori whirled around as Valdor stepped out of the shadows.

"Did you follow me out here?" her tone was indignant.

"Since I was here first, I don't see how I could have."

"Fine." She turned back to the stars, ignoring him like she had been doing since she had first met him.

"You can't ignore me forever, little one."

Glori gave a very unladylike snort. "I can try," she mumbled under her breath.

His voice was suddenly very near her ear. "Well, I'll just have to give you something to remember me by." He whirled her around and yanked her into his arms so fast, she didn't have time to do more than gasp. Valdor took instant advantage and made a foray with his tongue, and then he was gone, just like that.

Glorianna stamped her foot in frustration. How dare that man take such liberties with her person! She stormed back into the inn and plopped down in her seat. She caught Valdor's gaze and glared at him. That appaling man had the nerve to smile at her. She swung her gaze to the stage and clenched her teeth so hard her jaw started to hurt.

"Problems, cousin?" Pierce seemed to have a knowing grin on his face. What was it? Did all men know instictively or something?

"Of course not, what makes you say that?"

"Oh nothing, you just look a little...flushed, that's all."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Pierce just chuckled.

 

[Moneytalks]

Valdor smiled at his annoyed little spit-fire. Her lips had tasted so sweet, felt so soft. He didn't regret taking liberties... he had thoroughly enjoyed it in fact. He was almost certain she liked it herself, she was just too damn stubborn. He watched as she made a renewed effort to ignore him. He waited until she was amongst several ladies including a kindly old matron before he approached and with an elegant bow kindly asked her for a dance. She seemed appalled at the idea even as the other ladies tittered enviously at the attention she was recieving.

"What a charming young man... " the matron stated.
"Please call me Valdor M'Lady... " he smiled at the woman... she nodded and turned to Glorianna pushing her firmly in the back towards Valdor's gallantly held out arm. "Don't you feel obligated to talk to me girl, you're young and beautiful, you should be enjoying yourself... " her smile did not allow any response so with a very cold glare Glorianna took his arm. He lead her smoothly to the dance floor and pulled her into a firm, but correct embrace. He was a very good dancer, and for some reason this made Glorianna even madder at him.

They glided easily around the floor and Glori found herself actually enjoying the dance. She did notice several envious glances be thrown their way as the women swooned at her partner. She frowned, well... looks weren't everything she huffed to herself. She almost felt Valdor chuckle as if he could read her mind.


**************

Vixen sat alone picking at her food. Several men had asked her to dance but she had declined. She usually loved to dance, she just couldn't bring herself to tonight. She wasn't sure why.

Finally someone started to play a stringed instrument and several people cajolled with her to sing. She smiled, unable to deny such a request. She stood before the players and listened to their introductory notes before she let her voice escape. The words she sung were pure and light and danced like the music about the room. Several of the people not dancing themselves gathered around to watch and listen.

She sang of heroic deeds, of knights and lovers... her voice full of passion as she sang. Her voice was glorious, she was well trained. She sang like a story, each character she sang about coming to life through her voice.

She was wearing a dress tonight, she brought one when she travelled should an occassion arise, as it sometimes did. The violet velvet clung to her curves, the plunging neck line emphasizing her cleavage and showing off the smooth whiteness of her throat. She didn't look anything like the assassin that rode with the travellers during the day.

Her long dark hair was loose about her shoulders. It glinted like dark silk in the firelight. She wore no jewellery, only her eyes shone brightly as she sang. Vixen felt let herself go into the music, adoring the notes as they swam about her in delicous melody.

She opened her eyes as she finished her song and saw several of her companions staring at her. She blushed and smiled. Cheers and several "bravos" were called out and Vixen laughed and thanked them all. She went to sit down but the crowd insisted she stay and sing just one more. She groaned mockingly at them... begging their mercy but they insisted. She sighed and stood, much to their joy and considered her next song... it was softer, a romantic song... it took great vocal control... and Vixen had that. It was a song for lovers... and about lovers...

 

[Morgoth]

OOC: Am I dead, have I been forgotten over four days? I go on vacation and it's like nobody even remembers me?

IC:
Lokken sat with a roast turkey in front of him that no one had touched, he glared evily at Roland, for what he had done to them. Suddenly a little imp arrived and whispered into his ear. Lokken let out a mighty roar and pulled out his sword and brang it down with such force that it not only cut through the turkey and the table, but it also but a small crater in the ground. The imp whimpered and dissapeared. Then Lokken's chief demon, Thrinta(BNW) rode in. He quickly dismounted and ran up to Lokken."My Lord, have you heard the news?" Thrinta asked quite loudly," Unluckily, yes", Lokken almost shouted.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

Roland: i laughed and cheered along with everyone as i bid everyone to leave the floor for the main show would soon begin
i stood up on the stage and bowed
"Tonight ladys and gentlemen we will tell one of my favorite storys, mainly because i am in it." a great cheer and clapping roar came up from the audiance
"We have called this play, The Bold New World"
i saw vixen and sith look a little surprised at that comment
"You will soon see what it is all about, i hope you enjoy it and thank you!" i stepped off the stage to cheers as the play opened on the last place they would have thought, The Town Of Brimston....
OOC: i just love it when i do these things

 

[Morgoth]

OOC: Why did you just ignore my last post, Roland? I just shattered a table, someone needs to pay attention to it!

 

[Sith]

OOC: Nice to have you back, Morgoth. I was thinking on starting a thread to ask if anyone knew what had happened to you!

Note: I have managed to post at almost the same time as Roland recently. It could have been that (11 minutes diference between your post and Roland's...)

 

[Sith]

The snake-man looked at Lokken.
"Our guests won't like it if you go on breaking their furniture, Lokken." he said in a paternal tone.
What is the matter that has angered you so much?"

 

[Morgoth]

"The furniture, bah! The matter is personal, but I shall tell you. My sister, Thirsha, has been brutally slauhtered by the foul conquests of Kirenna, another one of my enemies. Thrinta found her body hung and shredded over the remains of her once beautiful country, Zhon", Lokken said, in a voice of outermost despise." Although Thrinta is here to stay, he said looking at his chief general. Thrinta was not like normal demons, he had instead of a left hand, five enormous gold claws, a gold breast plate, and an entire scimitar made of gold hidden in his arm.

OOC: Thank you Sith, for actually caring. And I think your right.

 

[poohlive]

Garret, barely touching a meal, stepped outside. Something about this wasn't right, everyone was happy, everything was finally peaceful but somehow it just didn't fit to Garret.
He went up to his horse, Wyld, and grabbed a blanket. Quickly he went out into the forest to find a nice tree.
Seeing as the stars were out, Garret dismissed the idea, taking up camp in a nice clearing, he layed down.
Garret looked up at the stars. He couldn't help but get lost in them, he didn't hear the footsteps coming towards him until it was too late.
"Who's there?" Garret looked up, grabbing for his sword.
"It is only I," Garret recognized it as Elvin, the bearer of weapons from the day before.
"Hey Elvin, how did you find us?"
"Well, my friends and I hid a small magical trinket in the bag of weapons, to find you when we needed too."
Three dwarves lept out of nearby bushes, grabbing Garret. He tried to fight, but they had the element of suprise.
Soon, Garret was in a sack, being dragged away to who knows where.
Elvin went up to the horses, and placed the ransom note. It would be a couple of hours till the pary was over, and even a few more before anyone missed Garret. Elvin had predicted at least dawn before they had found the note, and were on the trail, and by that time Garret would be dead, for killing the royal guards of the prince.
Elvin smiled as he vanished into the night. There was work to be done.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

this post has been anniahlated in order to preserve the story line please continue OOC: i wasent putting on the play i just introduced it

[Edited by Roland Gilliad on 08-05-2000 at 03:34 AM]

 

[poohlive]

OOC: Well, I was trying to get everyone involved. It seems like there are too many people here trying to be heroes all by themselves, not wanting to join in the group, I thought this would be a great chance for us finally to do that, but I guess not. Oh well, next time, I suppose.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

OOC: sorry....dont worry with this quest thing i have going on there will be PLENTY of chances to get everyone involved.
(maybe too many even for you!)

 

[poohlive]

OOC: But your post makes no sense. The last time you wrote, you were about to put on the main play Bold New World. In fact, you left it off saying, And here is our main event, a play called Bold New World.
Then, all of the sudden, you leave your own party, in the middle of your own play, that you set up yourself to go alone on a mission, not even bothering to grab up a few people, "Let's go save the day."
It just doesn't add up to me. There were tons of things to do at that party, and in one post it is already morning. Even if people weren't involved in my rescue, they were totally denied the chance to write anything else on the rest of that night, interactions, truths. Morgoth had a good thing going with his posts. I just don't get it.

Sorry, I am probably just venting. I think it is time for bed.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

OOC: better? i hope so. time to try and find somthing else to write about

 

[Jonas]

Mansard grabbed a keg of ale and left the hall. The appearance of Lokkens demon had killed his appetite, but fortunately, not his thirst. "Demons now, hmmmp! That Lokken is a dangerous man." He checks on his horses at the stable, giving Lightening a rubdown.
"Stablemaster!"
"Sir Mansard? May I assit you?" A young man in peasant clothes enters the stall.
"Where might I find a...bath in this... lovely community?"
"We have a hot spring Sir! Just north of town." Hefting his ale keg on his shoulder the small man heads north.

The spring was as hot as promised. Up to his neck in hot water, Mansard opens his eyes. His focus, fuzzy at first, centers on the Gnome standing on the far side of the spring. He stands and walks to the Gnome, showing empty hands.
"Peace my Brother. May the great Goddess bless you!" The Gnome gestures Mansard to stop and holds out a parchment.
The small man has to stretch to reach it. Opening the note he frowns. "How long ago." The Gnome signs for 20.
"Depart in peace my brother. My thanks and blessings."
"Depart in peace Mansard. We watch and wait." The Gnome slips quickly back into the shadows.

Mansard runs to the party. Unable to locate Rorthan he rushes up to Vixen. "Read this quick!" Vixen reads the note her face growing concerned. "We need to move quickly My Lady!" Vixen shakes her head at the small man and points at a wet towel several yards behind him.
"Perhaps..My Lord might put on some pants before we leave."
Mansard looks at the towel, turns briskly and walking with great dignity heads out of the room. He grabs his fallen towel and replaces it around his waste, without breaking his stride or slowing down. Stopping at the door he turns, "I will gather the horses." He bows slighly and runs from the room.

 

[ShyGoddess]

Glorianna:

She had warned Valdor to stay away from her after the dance ended, but she could feel his eyes on her. Everything he did bugged her, but she just couldn't understand why. She usually got along with everyone, he just rubbed her wrong. She swung around and her eyes clashed with his. She refused to give him the satisfaction of looking away, and she smiled when he broke the contact, even if it was because Vixen had come to tell him something. Then her friend was hurrying toward her.

"Come, Glori, we must make haste!"

 

[Morgoth]

"Imp, come here, I want you to go off and send my forces off against Kirenna, I want my third in command, Helegrim, to lead the conquests. But tell him that if I find a carcass instead of a live body that has been totally untouched, they will soon change positions!" Lokken noticed Vixen's worried look so he walked over." M'lady, what is wrong?" he asked.

 

[Moneytalks]

"It seems... one of our own has been kidnapped Lokken" She replied. "We found a ransom not for the safe return of Garret... I've looked and asked... some saw him leave a few hours ago, but he is not in his rooms or in his stables... even his horse, Wyld still sleeps there."

She spoked to Valdor and Glori as well, who now stood with them. "I can't be sure how long ago it happened, we were lucky to get this note as quickly as we did, Mansard has a contact who noticed something funny... anyway... I think it was the elves that gave Garret the gifts... when I questioned him, it was like some spell prevented him from clearly remembering the actual event... I can't believe that was an accident."

"Glorianna, we don't have much time, and I don't want to jepordise the Prince and Princess, both look drowsy with wine and food as it is. The smaller we are as a group the better, Lokken, Mansard & I will go North... You, Valdor and Sith should go North East... we will go full circle Valdor knows what I mean. We'll cover the most ground that way, and we'll be able to meet up whoever finds him first. Rothrar can't be found... so he'll be left here to defend the prince and princess... with Roland as he knows the people here better than any of us."

"Are you ready to leave now Glori?" Vixen asked in all seriousness, "we may very well need your powers of negotiation in this..." Glori nodded in the affirmative. "Okay..." she looked up to see Mansard, now thankfully dressed... she grinned... "our horses are ready... we ride!" They ran outside to find their horses ready. "Damn!" Vixen cursed causing Mansard to look her way... "I don't have my knives..." she replied to his unspoken question.
"Here!" He offered her a set of five silver knives.
"Where did you...?"
"Take them!"
"Fine!" she scowled placing them strategically for easy access. The one down her cleavage was tricky, but her training made it possible. She punched him in the arm as he gazed at her bossom openly. "Keep your eyes on the road big boy..." she laughed.

They road out. It was only after the two teams of three had parted that Glori realised she was stuck riding with Valdor. She was grateful that he seemed wholly concerned with finding Garret, he lead them, she followed, Sith came in behind. She watched his strong back as he easily manouvered his horse. He had a gentle hand she noticed, not like most men who forced the horses mouth. She shook her head... what did this matter anyhow... they were on a mission. She prayed they would find Garret soon.

Vixen lead her team, with Mansard and Lokken close behind. All three looking about for any sign or trail of Garret and his kidnappers. Vixen kept them silent... using only her hand signals to keep them moving.

 

[ShyGoddess]

Glorianna:

They rode for what seemed like forever. Glori had brought Maven along to help them track. She had a wonderful nose and her senses were astute. The giant cat went in and out of the forest on silent feet checking places the search party could not.

"This way," the thought intruded in on her mind. Maven had discovered something.

"Wait! Valdor, Maven has found something." He stopped and dismounted walking carefully towards where the cat was sitting. He still seemed weary of the tiger. "What is it, what have you found?" her voice was anxious.

"It looks like a trail of some sort, like something was dragged through here. It heads deeper into the forest that way." He stood and looked towards where she and Sith were waiting. "We have to get word to Vixen and the others. We'll need their help."

"Maven can take it, and get there quicker than any of us." She beckened the cat with a wave of her hand. Their minds connected in that strange way. "Go. Find Vixen and bring her here. Go my love. Go as fast as you can." The tiger disappeared into the waiting darkness.

Glorianna looked at the moon, wondering if her mother was watching. "What do we do now?"

Valdor studied her in the moonlight. "There's nothing we can do until the others arrive. We can only sit tight. We don't know what's down there and we'll need everyone to have a chance at saving Garret. We'll make camp and wait for the others."

Glori sighed. The last thing she needed was to be camped with Valdor, even if Sith was here. He just unnerved her to much. She prayed the others arrived soon, and that Valdor remembered why they were stuck together.

 

[Jonas]

Flashing an embarrassed smile and giving Vixen a knowing wink, Mansard mounts Lightning. He settles back in his saddle, nodging the gelding over to Lokken and Thrinta.

"My Lord Lokken...my understanding of your craft is...limited. It's possible that my ignorance has bred this mistrust and...fear of the magic. What I'm trying to say Lokken is that we need your help to save this brave lad. We may need your power. There may not be time for a long search." The small man spurs Lightening and trots after Vixen.

Later:

Following the others down a narrow trail Mansard spots familiar colors in the heavy underbrush.
"Hold! YO! Hold!" The riders stop and struggle to turn around on the narrow track. The tiger jumps out of the brush onto the trail. Manssard eysd the beast nervously.
"Maven?"

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen heard Mansards voice calling to stop. She turned in her saddle to see a giant cat, eyes gleaming at them in the darkness. His tail swished impatiently and he turned to go back down the track... then came up again... then turned...

"Do you think the other's have found something?" Vixen asked Mansard. Mansard shrugged, then nodded... "possibly..."

"Okay... we follow him then," Vixen looked to Lokken who also nodded in approval. She turned to the cat... "Okay Maven... lead on... take us where your Mistress has asked you..." The great cat lowered his head briefly as if in affirmation before bounding off into the trees. The three of them followed as quickly as they could.


************

Valdor didn't set up a proper camp site, knowing that they would need to move as quickly as possible as soon as Vixen and the others arrived. He simply rolled out a blanket for Glori to sit on while he tethered the horses out of sight between the trees. Sith used his magicks to heat up some mulled wine he had brought from the party. Glori sipped it gratefully feeling it drive out the cold. Valdor returned from checking on the horses and watched her again.

His mind wasn't distracted now, they just had to wait for Vixen and the others. She looked so pretty, so vulnerable there sipping her wine. It scared him, this sudden need, this desire to protect and care for her. What was she doing to him he wondered. Then he almost laughed, if he asked her she'd tell him which cliff to jump off, it was clear she didn't feel any urges towards running into his arms for protection. Still, Valdor couldn't shake the sense that they had a connection, an attraction of sorts, something he had been unconciously searching for in all his travels. His... soul mate? Indeed she inspired him, her wit and beauty and honour all combined. He grinned as he recalled the expressions on her face when he had managed to annoy her yet again. Well, at least she reacted, she wasn't completely indifferent.

He sat next to her. She shifted, but there was really no where to go so she concentrated on her wine like it was the most facinating thing in the world. He grinned but didn't say anything, satisfied for now just to be close to her. He almost groaned at himself, what was he, a love sick boy? He turned to Sith who sat calmly warming himself, he asked about his adventures with Vixen... he had missed so much of his sisters life. He was slightly in awe of the fierce independence of her.

 

[Morgoth]

As they followed the tiger, Lokken felt a huge power source draw nearer and nearer." Duck!" he shouted to Vixen as an arrow flew out of the brush.http://smilecwm.tripod.com/megaman/bassfly2.gif