King and Country

[Lady_Aline]

The Patrician's secretary arrived later in what remained of the village inn, looking for the royal party. So far he had found none, but he had a lead that they would be here.
People instantly assumed that he was more bodyguard then clerk. Who wouldn't, with his 6'2" frame and muscle build? He was beautiful to look at; the court of Daleland's most elligable bathelor at thirty, with a high powered job under his belt... a real catch to most women. He smiled secretly at many women's attempts to get their claws into him as a husband; but he had no wish to marry. He played with his necklace and smiled some more.
He dismissed all of his party to search for the two princesses and the heir of Elbonia and their entourange once more; he wanted to sit by the inn's warm fire and brood- and Indigo was good at brooding. He stared into the flames, relaxed, feeling slightly sleepy. Then he got the impression he was being watched... He followed his violet tinted eyes to the direction of his audience and saw a young blond boy watching him attently.
"Join me," he said. The boy blushed and did join him with a half-shy smile on his face. The boy's eyes trailed briefly over his body and to his face again. Indigo saw that the boy was trained to fight by his fluid movements- and of course the expensive sword that hung on his waist. And he did not miss the look in his eyes... something like hunger.
"Are you thirsty?" Indigo poured the boy some mead into his cup. The boy accepted it with shaking hands.
"And who are you?" The boy asked bravely, after a gulp of his drink. As if in an act of defiance he set the cup down and pulled out his necklace hidden from the depths of his shirt; it matched the same one as Indigo's. Indigo smiled.
He's half your age, he added silently to himself. Don't even think about it. Indigo watched Pierce behind closed lids. He was a very handsome boy. But he just that- too young, he said with a curse to himself.
"I'm Indigo." Indigo held out his hand.
"Pierce." As Pierce grabbed his hand, Indigo held onto it a little while then he should, staring so intently into such innocent blue eyes. With a smirk he let go- slowly. Pierce swallowed manically.
"And why are you here, Pierce?" Indigo stared at him over his cup.
"I'm here in my father's place. I'm a... merchant." It was a good lie, Pierce thought. He did not want it known that he was a Prince.
Indigo looked at him with a frown, slightly disbelieving.
"And what is a wealthy merchant like you doing in a ruined village such as this?" Said Indigo with a chuckle.
"I'm resting here, then I'm off to Daleland to trade," Pierce said. He frowned thenl instinct told him not to trust this man, but another instinct was taking over his miand and body like a spell...
"How old are you?"
Why so many questions? Pierce thought. "19."
Indigo laughed outright. "And I'm 21," he said slyly.
"Why are YOU here?" Pierce got up and tossed his head back defiantly.
"I'm looking for royalty... Do you know of anything, merchant boy?"
"No." Pierce was now so irritated and annoyed at himself for letting his lust get the better of him that he set down his mead cup and put on his cloak. "Must go. Early start tommorow," he said, his jaw tight. But he did not dare look into such magical purple eyes... they were bewitching.
Pierce made to leave, but Indigo grabbed his hand. "What makes you think I'm finished with you? You're attracted to me, I'm attracted to you. What say we go to my room and see where this attraction leads?"
Pierce tried to refuse, but it stuck in his throat. He looked at Indigo dumbly, working his mouth in a "no". But nothing came out.
"Take that spell you got off him. Now." Said a voice hid in shadow across the room. Pierce sighed in relief. He recognised the voice.
"And what makes you think I put a spell on such a pretty boy as this?" To emphasise his words, Indigo stroked Pierce's cheek seductively. Pierce nearly melted into the ground.
"I'm not stupid; I can see a bewitching spell when I see one," added the voice. Please help me, added Pierce silently to the voice.
"Let him go. Or I'll kill you." Indigo smirked and released his hand. Pierce collasped on the floor, unconscious.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

OOC: sorry Goth, you took quite a while to write your conversation, you can put it in now and we can say it was before my post

 

[Jonas]

Mansard walks up to Glorianna and Vixen leading a pack horse. He face is smudged with dirt and soot. He bows slightly. "My Ladies, as luck would have it I've found one horse and about half my packs. I'm tired, but I'll start after them now if you so desire. The Patrician's men will not harm the Royals. If Landstaff is still under the Patrician's control, he'll not dare harm them either."
"If he's not under...control." Vixen's eyes knew the answer, before Mansard could speak.

"The green mage is a sadist. I'll not speculate on his intent if he's beyond control." The small man looked at the woman. He wanted to tell them the story, but feared the time wasn't right. "We head north toward Stromwind Keep for 2 days. Then we must use stealth. I have the means to kill this mage. It was given me....by the Grey One. However, if the green mage is aware of my presence...he will destroy me before I can act. We'll need a....backdoor into his castle and a strong diversion...to occupy his attention. I await your command."

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen's expression was carefully neutral. She had heard the stories about the Patrician... she'd thought them mostly tales... but one story in particular still sent shivers down her spine. Mansard had mentioned that Landstaff was a sadist... this was a word she had been unfamiliar with until she started travelling... and as far as she knew the worst of them all... the man people said was the inspiration for that very word... Indigo... Vixen's eyes flickered as she remembered.

Her best friend... like a sister she had been. Her heart clenched, much like Glorianna herself she recalled. She had been so pretty... so lovely... yet unlike Glorianna... she felt confined by her family name and what was expected of her... at every turn she willfully defied her elders... in the end... to her own demise. Vixen tried to shake away the memory... but the picture was so clear in her mind... her once pretty friend... that body... defiled and mutilated... and... and... she had always thought that death brought a kind of peace, but her friends face... even in death was twisted with fear and pain. Vixen closed her eyes and swallowed hard willing the image to leave her mind.

"Mansard... go... but keep with in calling distance... we can't afford to loose you before we get there understood?" Mansard nodded in agreement. Glorianna added, "Maven will go with you... for protection as well as to help find the trail..."
"As you wish M'Lady," Mansard replied, his voice haggard.
"Mansard..." Vixen stopped him... "be careful..." her eyes were intense as the held his for that brief moment until he broke the seriousness with his cocky grin... "always M'Lady..." He did his most courtly bow... and though Vixen's lips parted in a soft smile... her eyes were still troubled.

"Glori... I have a really bad feeling about this..."
It was Glorianna's turn to comfort her friend... she wrapped her arms around Vixen's shoulders and held her tight. She felt Vixen stiffen as if to stop her, but she relaxed and returned the hug. Glori wondered what kept her friend so detached, what drove her to do the things she did?

"Thank you Glori..."
"'Tis okay Vixen..."
They both giggled... ending their morbid thoughts so that they could concentrate on the task at hand. Everybody was saddled up and ready. They moved out following in the direction which Mansard had gone...

 

[ShyGoddess]

Glorianna:

Her thoughts were troubled as the group started what seemed to be their most difficult and dangerous task yet. Lokken and Roland and Sith and their observations rolling through her head. What if she couldn't help her cousins? What if her inhibitions about magic stopped her power? What if she couldn't help? She couldn't live without Marietta's constant questions or her deep conversations with Pierce. He was so much more than anyone seemed to know. Her thoughts turned a little darker.

She knew his secret. Knew what his pendant was meant to stand for. But he was still her cousin and she loved him, no matter what. She just worried for him. Not everyone was as understanding as she was. They might try to hurt him, and that she couldn't stand.

"What are you thinking about?"

Glorianna jumped a little in the saddle at the sound of Valdor's voice. It was the first time he had spoken to her since his pledge. She thought about telling him now, but couldn't. Her feelings were just to new.

Her eyes caught his before flickering away. For the first time his presence calmed her. "I was thinking about my cousins. I miss them so much and I don't know what I would do without them." her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

He smiled at her courage before his eyes took on an intense gleam that reminded Glori distincely of his sister. "I meant what I said. I will do everything in my power to get them back."

"I know you will." she smiled shyly at him. "Valdor," it was the first time she had said his name, "I...I won't let you pledge your life to me." she held up her hand before he could speak. "I don't believe any living creature, man or beast, should pledge their life to others. I can't except what you offer me. Please don't ask me to." She didn't look at him, for fear she might charm him to grant her request.

Valdor didn't say anything. He rode away from her as silent as he came.

 

[Morgoth]

OOC: Pretend this is the conversation, please read it and answer.

IC: Lokken walked into a nearby clearing and started a fire. We have a few issues to discuss gentlemen. Number one and most important. I feel a powerful presence. It is number one, obscuring it's true power, so I do not know what it is, but I do know it is a powerful mage. We cannot come to any conclusions right now, but we must always be at our ready. Anither thing about this unknown is that it keeps getting closer and closer, you all saw that war arrow, didn't you? The second thing is Glorianna. She is extremely powerful in the ways of mana, not magic. Still, she has decided that we so not train her, so we will not try. Nor shall we try to harness her mana, as she will die if we try. Is all this understandable? Questions can be asked now", he told them commandingly.

 

[Sith]

Sith

The snake man looked offended.
"Harnest her mana? Who do you take us for, dark one? I don't need to harvest any other one's mana like a vile necromancer, I have more than enough with the shadow plane, even for necromancy."

Then, calm of a sudden, he went on.

"I've also felt that powerful presence, but it is undefined enough to make us unable to pinpoint it, so we'll have to keep on guard for when it appears. And as I said before, I know charm magics, I'm a snake after all, and I know that Glorianna's natural ability would be drowned if it was encased by magical dogma."

 

[Sith]

Rorthrar

Rorthar rode impassively on his warhorse, his gauntleted hand playing with his moustache; but inside he was in turmoil.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

Roland: "For the presance i felt it in the air when i found the letter. it was heavily encased in magik like we were supposed to find it.i belive this LandStaff could be our power, but taking StormWind Keep without an army of millions at our back will prove Very difficult, but we will speak of this later. as for her power i sense somthing else in her, somthing she is hiding. i kno not what this is. but we should be cautious. and alert at all times, lest she bring us to peace in a time of war....." there was a great power surge in my mind and i began to have a feeling of immense dread. like we shouldnt go to StormWind Keep......

 

[Jonas]

Mansard travels the trail north following sign of the retreating raiders. Road worn and weary he finally makes camp by a small stream. The smell of roasting rabbit soon drifts from his fire. The Gnomes sniff the air as they approach.
"Blessings of the Great Mother on you brothers." There were two. "Dine with me, I give you honor." The Gnomes sit across from Mansard and accept the offer of rabbit. After the meal, the Gnomes light small long stm pipes, offering smoke to the small man. "Thank you my brothers, it smells sweet..hmm.." he packs and lights his old briar pipe. "My it's strong. It's relaxing it's...."
"Fear not Mansard, One on the astral plain desires to speak.
The smoke will transport, we will guide." The Gnomes approach the man and lay hands upon him.
"I feel like I'm falling..I..." Mansard slumped to the ground, and slipped into the dream trance.

 

[Morgoth]

"Now, as I have repeated, we must be more weary than ever, but now we need to regain our strength, I will create mana potions for us all, but until then, food and sleep will be enough, but always cast a third eye spell on your sleeping quarters, understood, I fear for your lives, you see, as you have been the greatest friends one could ask for", he told them, looking about." Now, let's get back to the camp", he finished off his little speech.

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen was concerned about Valdor. He seemed withdrawn... almost... like he had taken himself somewhere deep inside of him. She was pretty sure no one else noticed... he responded to conversation and questions... he kept a careful watch... but something was wrong... hurting him. She remembered feeling the way he looked... she glanced over at Glorianna... then back at her brother... then back a Glorianna again. She sighed... wishing she could do something... knowing she couldn't.

She whistled shrilly, hoping they were getting closer to Mansard. He would know her call and answer. There was no response. She briefly recalled Pierce... she remembered that intense face... those eyes so deep and thoughtful. She hoped he was okay... she really did. Vixen sniffed the air. She stopped her horse and slid off. She walked forward a few feet and sniffed again. Rothrar rode up and asked her what was wrong. "I... I can smell... something... camp smells... rabbit..."
Rothrar lifted his head and sniffed... "you may be right... Mansard?"
Vixen frowned... "I whistled... he didn't respond... it may be bandits... or Orcs... we better be prepared..." She withdrew her knives and went forward on foot, through the trees. Before she slipped away Rothrar asked... "should I come?"
"No.." she shook her head.. "this is better done by one... stealth is easier for one.." She smiled her eyes gleaming as she disappeared into the trees... moving into the shadows... her element.

She followed her nose.. her steps silent even across twigs and leaves.. she heard a murmer.. voices.. she stepped forward and pressed herself up against a tree. She looked out into the clearing.. a camp fire.. smoke.. she sniffed.. strange.. she thought.

"Vixen.. we mean no harm.. come forward."
She was surprised, shocked even, that they knew she was there. She stepped forward, her eyes darting around, her knives ready.
"Step forward, unfearing, we greet you with open arms sister..."
"who..." her eyes focused on the little men.
then she saw Mansard... lying down... "Mansard!" she called out alarmed.
The little men raised their arms... "he is in no danger.. he speaks.. to the mists.."
Vixen felt the feather light touch of a mental caress and cringed... stepping back... but they managed to impart their intentions... no harm.
"We are sorry, we did not mean to intrude on your mind.. it won't happen again.."
Vixen paused before answering carefully, "'tis okay.. I.. understand.. she watched as they vanished into the mists.. she walked quickly over to Mansard and lifted his head, patting his cheek gently. He moaned softly before his eyes flickered open. "Vixen?"
She grinned... "Sleeping on the job old man?"
His eyes cleared instantly...

 

[Lady_Aline]

Indigo grinned wickedly, stepping over the slumped body of Pierce.
He looked for the voice, and saw a woman -a girl- trying her hardest to be brave.
"And how will YOU kill me, little one?" Said Indigo with narrowed eyes. Adreniline rushed through him, his fingers itching with dark magic wanting to be used. All it would take is a snap of his fingers and...
"He's my brother. I'M a Paladin," said Marietta bravely. She put her hand on her sword hilt to emphasise her words. "I'll kill you." Or die trying, Marietta added silently.
Indigo, with a smirk on his face, opened his hands out wide in a gesture to show he had no weapons. Turning around, he showed Marietta he wasn't hiding anything behind his back. With a sly stoop he gathered the embers of the dying fire and held them in his hands. The movement made Marietta draw her sword out nervously, live steel ready in her hands to kill.
"All right, here's a deal. We fight for you brother." Marietta was glad that Indigo could not see the fear in her eyes. "You and your Paladin sword, and me and this..." He held out his hands and revealed a short, dagger sized stump of burnt wood.
Marietta looked at him apprehensively. "Wait..." She started, her hands sweating.
"What's the matter, brave Paladin? Think that you're going to lose to a man twice your age armed only with a piece of wood?" The sting of his words taunted her. She'll show him, she thought. She'll kill him, and wipe that irritating smirk she'd seen on so many others faces- Pierce's, Rothrar's... even Glorianna's. That look that made her feel worthless inside- like she was a born loser- useless at being a Paladin.
"Deal." Anger made her literally run for Indigo's throat with her sword. With a cold grin, he crushed the wood in his hands, and under his breath muttered "so mote it be." In his fists sparked a coil of fire, slithering up his arm and entwining with his limb until they became one. But Marietta did not back off; it only made her more determined, more angry... she was going to kill him.
"Didn't your Ma teach you not to play with fire?" Said Indigo with a laugh, ducking Marietta's parrys with a swipe of his fire-arm. Then with a look of boredom, he pointed a finger like a dagger to her face...
...and fire rushed to her like a coiled snake striking with it's fangs outstretched, ready for the kill. Her hair and clothes caught alight... she screamed so loudly...
...Glorianna heard her screams. Even thought she was far away from the inn, she heard Marietta's cries in her head, tormenting her.
"We must turn back, turn back!" She screamed to a worried looking Vixen. "Oh Goddess... he got to Marie..."
Marietta, remembering her father's teachings, stopped, dropped and rolled. Barely she was awake, the searing heat causing ugly burns on her face and upper body. It still felt like she was on fire.
"Looks like I got your brother," he said to the smouldering form of Marietta, who was whimpering quietly. Pain made her pass out. He picked up Pierce and slung him over his shoulder. "By the time we're finished, you shall be my apprentice," he said to Pierce distantly. "Yes... you can take over my job when I am done... be my right hand man." He laughed a little then, thinking of the spells he would have to cast to make Pierce willingly walk over to his side. But the fun they would have...

 

[ShyGoddess]

Glorianna:

She couldn't wait for the others, Marietta needed her. Her face and body burned and she didn't know why. "Jafar! Come to me." He was before her instantly, with Maven not far behind. Her movements were frantic as she mounted.

"Where are you going?" Vixen looked at her.

"No time, he has gotten Marietta. I must go to her." her mind blocked out rhyme and reason. Jafar felt her urgency and took off heading back towards the inn.

"WAIT!" she vaguely heard Valdor's voice. It was the first thing he had said to her in days. But she didn't wait. Marietta needed her, she was in a great deal of pain. Pierce she couldn't feel, but was sure he was close.

Glorianna followed her instincts, allowing Jafar to feel what she wanted. It lead her to where Marietta lay unconsious on the ground, her face and upper body burned. She dropped to the ground next to her cousin, cradling her in her arms. "My sweet pippen. Who has done this to you? Why would someone hurt a child?" Tears blurred her eyes and she didn't hear the footsteps in the darkness.

"It was her own fault you know. She challeneged me and lost. No more than she deserves."

Glori's head snapped up her violet eyes holding so much venom the man seemed to pause for a moment. "Maven," her mind whispered, "take care of Marietta until I return to her." The tiger instantly curled protectively around the wounded girl.

"So, you have magic. I can feel it radiating from you."

Glori got to her feet, every fiber in her being screaming for vengence. She had never felt anything like it. All her life she had worked for peace, but at that moment she felt a blood lust so powerful, it defied reason. "Who are you?" her voice was whisper soft.

He gave her a mocking bow. "I am called Indigo, and who might you be?"

Glori took a step forward. "I am Princess Glorianna of Elbonia, niece of King Morphius and Queen Putulia, and that GIRL you hurt is my cousin. And I don't allow ANYONE to hurt the people I love." her violet eyes locked with his, and she froze. She had looked into those eyes before. Long ago before her parents had died. She remembered him. He had come to court and bowed and primped and showed her the things he could do. He had smiled at her and given her little trinkets, and then he had proceeded to kill her parents and burn her home to the ground.

"It was you."

"I was wondering if you would remember. I knew the moment you pronounced your name. My, my, my. Who would have thought you would survive that fire. It was quite powerful, I assure you. No one could put it out. All magic it was. and now, now, just look at you. The haughty taughty princess, sticking her nose in the air and threatening ME! You have witnessed the extent off my power. Do you really want to test yourself against me?"

Her eyes started to glow with a fire she couldn't control. "You ruined my life. You took what was most treasured to me. You came to my home. Made my parents trust you, and then you killed them without a care. You burned my home and thought you had killed me. But I survived, and I will make you pay for what you took from me. I will not allow you to hurt my cousin. I won't allow you to hurt me anymore." her last words revealed so much about what was inside. What she didn't notice was how much of an effect she had on the man in front of her. He had strong magic, but for the moment before he shook it off, he was as charmed as others had been, if not more, but it only lasted for a moment. His arm ignited with the fire and it lashed out at Glorianna, her own fire was there to meet it. Her hand shot out and a purple flame lept from it, clashing with his. They stood glaring at one another. "You can't win, Princess. I'm too strong for you to beat."

"I will win. I must."

The others had followed her trail and stood just out of eyesight not wanting to distract Glorianna. Somehow they knew it took everything she had to keep that flame going. Slowly it was draining her. They had to do something. They couldn't beat Indigo. He was to powerful. Vixen knew what he was capable of. Her face went pale at the thought of him taking the life of another friend. She crept around behind him, wanting to wound him, and maybe weaken him enough for everyone to escape.

 

[Jonas]

Mansard woke to see Vixen kneeling with him.
"You must go to Gloriana at once! She is in trouble."
"What about you?" The small man smiled and grabbed for Vixen's behind. She easily evaded the grope.
"Your alright, OK I'm off."
"I'll catch up, I've got to...gather my thoughts. I have been...blessed with..some insights." Mansard watched Vixen ride off. "My love must forever remain unspoken. Goddess, what a woman!" He set about breaking camp.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

Roland: "Where did Glorianna go!" "She went to Face someone!"
"No..GLORIANNA!!!" i Leaped to shaddowfax and sped off in the direction of glorianna as i approached i felt the power increase. I leaped into the Clearing and Tore out the Black Sword only to be taken aback at the sight of the wizard....Indigo....he should be dead!

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen slipped into the Inn... she fought the fear... the terror she felt as she watched Indigo and Glorianna clashing with each other... flames... orange and purple flickering. She had to do something. She knew what... she felt a dagger in her hand... she didn't even remember taking hold of it. She felt her energy... what she had... pull inside of her... channelling it into the blade.

Then she did the one thing she knew would distract a beast like Indigo. "HMMMPPPHH!" She let the sound travel... "playing with fire and women... one wonders... how... small one must be to constantly need to amuse oneself like this..."
Indigo's eyes flashed as he heard Vixen's taunting voice.
He turned and backed up slightly so he could see her and still parry flames with Glorianna. Vixen and Glorianna exchanged glances. Vixen noted the slight tremor in Glorianna's stance... her energy draining...

Vixen stared into Indigo's eyes and was suddenly awash with images she'd thought she had long ago dealt with. Her years of being alone, of training... supported her though. Her gaze didn't even flicker... she smiled cooly back.
"Ah... little Trinity... this is marvelous... just like all my little pets come back to play with me one last time..." Indigo's voice was full of cold amusement.

Vixen hid her fear well, she leaned nocholantly against the wall tossing her dagger as if it were a coin she had just picked up. Now Indigo's eyes gleamed merrily, "you think to stab me perhaps?"
Vixen looked at the dagger as if she were surprised to see it there... "why NO Indigo... what a silly idea!" Vixen's own smile was calculating, causing Indigo to pay closer attention. Glorianna used this moment to redouble her efforts, she gasped, finding an extra pool of energy deep inside to throw against Indigo. He cursed as he felt his control waver. Vixen put one arm back, and found her brother Valdor's. He had been standing behind her in the shadows waiting. She felt his energy enter her... it infused the dagger she held so that it glowed blue. She mentally thanked her brother. In two steps she was right under Indigo's nose. "Surprise!" She crooned... slipping the dagger into his ribs. He howled in surprised pain.. his eyes glowering as he lost control of his flames and backhanded Vixen hard across her jaw sending her flying across the room. Glorianna finally free of the duel sank to her knees.

Indigo seemed shaky on his feet. He spun away calling for his guards who swarmed into the room. Valdor attacked them, drawing them away from the fallen women. Roland rushed in and immediately started to attack, helping Valdor. Vixen shook her head... trying to clear it... she was seeing stars. She focused her sight just as she saw Indigo leaving the Inn.

"NO!" She screamed... "Glori!" She shook the other woman who seemed exhausted. "He's getting away... I think I've wounded him... but... but we can't let him get away... he might have Pierce!"
Apon hearing the name Glori allowed Vixen to help her to her feet. The forced themselves to ignore their pain, their fatigue. They slipped out of the Inn looking for where Indigo had fled to...

 

[Morgoth]

A bright flash of light erupted out of the forest and Lokken went flying out of the trees and smashing into a tree and slumping down on his knees in front of the others. A huge metal cladden figure stepped out of the trees." Now, Lokken, let's finish it!", it screamed at him, it's eyes glowing bright red. The eyes were the only part which could be seen. Suddenly, electricity surrounded him like a blanket.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

Roland: i leaped to gloriannas side to make a check, then fire blazed in my eyes, Indigo you Bastard....i will get you yet!!!
i ran back to shaddowfax not heeding the words of my compatirots and rode with the greatest of speed following his mana trail trying to catch this monster.... i heard somone crying behind me, valdor i thought, not his place this isnt....i rode on with the greatest of haste trying to catch the infernal mage......

 

[Sith]

3 tendrils of shadows sped towards Indigo, entangling his legs. With an effort he broke them and went on, he had lost a mere 2 seconds...

 

[Sith]

Rorthrar bent towards the princess, worry fighting rage. He laid hands on her, and the worst part of the burns went away. He had one more lay of hands till he slept, although he always could pray to his God to heal. He debated if he would be better keeping it for Prince Pierce, but then decided that the matter at hand was more pressing. He didn't know if Pierce would have use for his ability. He did a second laying of hands on the princess, and now she was better.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

OOC: hey what was that sith???

 

[ShyGoddess]

Glorianna:

She stumbled, her body fighting exhaustion, and Vixen was there, her friend pulling her along, keeping her going. She had to fight this man. He hurt Marietta, and he could have Pierce. He had an important part to play, an important part of history, she would give her life to have him safe.

Glori fell to her feet. "Vixen," her voice was a little disoriented. She couldn't keep the memories at bay any longer. They were crowding in on her, playing on her weak body. "I can't go any farther, my body won't let me." She looked deep into her friends eyes, "You MUST go on without me. Don't let him get away. If he has Pierce...don't lose him."

"I won't leave you here by yourself. You're too weak to defend yourself."

Glori's eyes started to droop. She faught the exhaustion taking over her body, but it was no good. "You must..." her body slumped and she slept the sleep of the dead. Vixen didn't know what to do. She knew she had to follow Indigo, but she had to protect Glorianna.

"I'll stay with her. You go, find Pierce."

Vixen looked up to see Valdor walking out of the shadows. She gave him a quick smile and was gone on silent feet.

Valdor picked up Glorianna cradling her in his arms and walked a short distance to sit beneath a tree. He held her like tightly against him, feeling a fierce protectiveness come over him. He was still hurt from her rejection, but that didn't make his feelings go away. He would give his life for her, and at the moment she needed him. And he would be here when she woke up in his arms.

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen didn't question Valdor's appearance. Her relief evident, she left her friend in the only person's care she could entrust her to.

Vixen ran through the woods much like her namesake would. She was so tired. Her muscles felt numb with fatigue, but still she kept moving. Her breath coming in harsh gasps, as she pushed her body onwards. She wasn't even sure if Indigo was still on foot or whether he had found some other transport. She shook her head, she'd been following his tracks carefully.

The rage she felt everytime she thought about what he had done... done to the princess, her friend... everything he stood for. She felt renewed energy spurring her on. She slowed to a stop seeing the tracks change. The tracks merged into a messy scramble as if many had been in this particular clearing. She knelt her breath slowly recovering. She touched the surface of the ground, testing it... she sniffed her fingers, her nose wrinkled in distaste. Orcs. Again. Would they never be rid of them. They were like locusts.

She remained kneeling, looking around for some sign of a trail. She couldn't lose them. Not now. She wished desperately she had Maven... Mansard... even Garret with her right now. She was at a loss. Suddenly she heard a sound. Horses. Her head turned East. On the wind, her sensitive nose picked up the familiar scent. Her eyes narrowed with renewed determination. With quiet stealth, she crept through the trees towards the sound... her knives at the ready.

 

[Morgoth]

"Mages, gather with me!" was the incredibly loud roar that echoed through the forest. Sith and Roland jumped beside Lokken who already had three mana potions, one of them drunk. "Drink", he said, giving them the potions." Step into the light, scum, so we may know who we are fighting", Lokken said bravely. The stranger did. "No, not you, you killed them, you killed them all", Lokken screamed, jumping into a rage and losing all calmness he had.