King and Country

[Roland Gilliad]

Roland: her..brother? That beefy guy was vixens brother? damn...so girlish around him....i saw it in her eyes...the way she looks at me now...one of the cons of all this newfound freedom..i guess...it really wasent ment to be... oh well...she'll find some one..some where...sigh....
i sighed openly enough that glorianna took notice..
"are you all right mr.gilliad?"

"yes young lady...im ok...a little heartbroken perhaps..but i will survive..as i alwase have..."
a teer rolled down my cheek...i guess ... i can never truly love her....not ever....and that is the saddest thing in the entire world...never can i ...kiss her...or hold her again.. never...can i truely have a relationship...this..i guess..is what they call..there can be no good without bad......love really does stink..as my dad said..dont ever get involved..somthing will happen...somthing did happen...in the most drastic way possible sigh..time to go i guess...i sombered out of the room leaned against the wall as i saw this tempest charicter talking with the king....i guess with a brother like that ...id never get a chance..unless i had kingstopper....but... i might fail in that....why is this happening to me

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen sighed to herself as her brother and the King drew up a mutually agreeable contract.

What was wrong with her. Was there something about Roland affecting her thinking? No, couldn't be, don't be silly Vixen. He's a friend, a teacher, a pain in the ass, but nothing more... right?

So why did it appall her so that he had changed into a snake-man? She couldn't figure out her feelings. Determined not to dwell on it for now, she stood up and did some stretching excercises. It looked remarkably Asian and flowed smoothly like an intricate dance. She went through the routine feeling the energy radiate in and around her. Unaware of the picture of beauty she made. Feeling the energy well in her, she usually finished the routine allowing the energy to dissapate back into the earth, this time she felt like a little bit of spark so she chanelled the power into a glowing orb between her hands and flung it upwards creating something akin to fireworkds above her. The sparkles showered down about her and she laughed openly like a young girl again.

Sighing she sat down under a tree and checked her supply pack. Waiting for all the others to come to the meeting place to start their journey...

 

[Sith]

Sith had a bit of a teacher in him.
"The staff allows has a serpent living inside. Here, as you can see, this 'scratches' are really old snakish runes. They tell how to invoke the serpent, but it also warns about the danger in invoking such a powerful one. It also has a few nice extras, all related to snakes and snake-men. The extras may come in handy, we'll see." Finished the snake-man.

 

[Sith]

Rorthrar accepted Lokken's challenge with a small bow of his head. Training would be good before a trip. It would be an interesting encounter, because he thought of Lokken almost as if he was an antipaladin. They both took a fighting stance, and after eyeing each other and circling one another, brandishing their swords protectively, they charged each other, the silver steel of Rorthrar's holy avenger shining brightly as it caught a ray of light that came through a dusty window.

 

[Lady_Aline]

Petulia entered the war room of the castle carefully, noticing her husband's darkner then usual mood. She sat down next to him and held his hand. He smiled gently at her as she squeezed it affectionately.
"Darling, I do understand what you are going through." How he loved his wife! Granted she was an old fashioned busy-body sometimes, (that knew nothing of politics) but she was supportive of him. And still he loved her- was still attracted to her. Right now, as she was illuminated by the soft candlelight, she reminded him just how pretty she was. As he leaned forward to kiss her, a knock errupted from the door.
"Yes?" Mordred snapped irritably. Petulia giggled like a school girl at his reaction, blushing furiously. So, she still had the touch...
"Dad-dy-"
"Go to bed, Marietta," he said in a sigh.
"But-"
NOW." Marietta left. She only wanted to say that Pierce said she was not fit to go, telling tales like she usually did.
"That daughter of yours," he muttered.
"Ours," corrected Petulia.
"She gets it from you," Mordred added slyfully, waiting to see if his wife would rise to his bait.
Petulia stuttered in indignation. "I'm not the one that indulges her!"
"You want her to be a pampered princess." Mordred got up and put the signed documents in a magically locked cuboard.
"No woman should carry a sword! It's disgraceful! In our day men were men and women were women. I keep on asking her WHY she wants to fight and she- " Mordred walked to his wife and silenced her with a kiss. She soon shut up. He thought of gathering Petulia up in an embrace and carrying her to their bedroom but he thought better of it. Petulia was not a thin sixteen year old maiden anymore. She was a wide girthed mother of seven (with another on the way.) Instead he pulled her up and dragged her away in a most Kuathrian fashion.
She fell into him. "Don't kill yourself," she said in concern. Although it was a peace mission, he could still die from either battle, assassination, poisoning, sickness...
"I won't. It's not my intention to get killed..." He watched as a servant went passed and pulled her then into the shadows. He kissed her again.
"What HAS got into you?" Petulia asked in another fit of giggles.
"Hmm. Don't know. The thought of being seperated by his wife for a long period of time is enough to make any man joyous." He ran away then, ducking Petulia's most un-queenly like clip round the ear.
"Why you- Mordred, wait till I get my hands on you..!" And she giggled as he ran, picking up her skirts to chase him.
"Promises, promises!" Mordred called back.
Sith watched, his face passive. He watched with some bemusment. Where he came from, snake people had nothing to do with relationships. When a female and a male snake person meet, it is usually for mating purposes and nothing to do with... emotions. Snake people thought they were an unnecessary waste of energy.
"Eight more hours 'til we leave," he muttered under his breath. Deciding that, he went to get some sleep in a nice warm place somewhere to heat his blood... Kuathra is a cold place.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

Roland: that excercise...a dance to the untrained eyes.but..it was so beutiful..and intracte...ooooh snap out of it roland...you dont have a chance in the world..no..she thinks i'm..weird....i dont think..ill ever have my chance with vixen now...sigh..and so lives the life of Rolando Gilliad..never will i ever find love...real love at least...i decided to practice some aerobatics.first i did my patented double roll up thrust.then a few double backflips. i decided to look daring..i got on the 2 inch wide railing and did a series of manuvers that would make any circus act wanna quit doing what they were doing to try and learn what i did..i coulnt raise my spirits very much..but i went downstairs threw back a pint and felt better some people we're heading for the training barracks..evidently some idiot had challenged lokken, rothrar?the holy avenger sword holder? this oughta be good.. i arrived at the barracks to see a feirce battle taking place.intresting...he fights like i do..

 

[ShyGoddess]

Glorianna:

Almost time to go, she thought to herself. Her hands shook as she pulled on her gloves. She had sent a servant to the stables to prepare Jafar, her horse. Maven was laying on her bed, waiting for her mistress. Glorianna had a strange connection with her animals. She could communicate with them in a way she never could with people. She needed that right now, that closeness with her friends.

"Well Maven, it's almost time to go." Her voice quavered a little. For the first time in her life she was scared. She was scared if she failed on this mission, she was scared at the thought of war, but most of all she was scared of the fact that there was a man who unnerved her going on this trip. She would just have to give him a wide berth, and hope that he kept his distance.

Glorianna picked up her pack and signaled Maven that it was time to leave. The party would be gathering soon and the mission would begin.

 

[Jonas]

Mansard still dazed from excessive free drinks, walked limply toward the barracks.
"Find Lokken he said," the small man rumbled. "I don't know where I am. Maybe here.."

Entering the barracks he saw Lokken parry Rothrar's thrust and counter with catlike speed. Finding a spot to against
he smiled. "This should be good."

 

[Roland Gilliad]

Roland: this battle was incredible..both lokken and rothrar are matching each others blows with uncanny accuracy. no one has made any ground.Its almost as if they we're equals. The battle is raging on with no end in sight.they seem to be so equaly matched. that one of them will have to pourposly give up for the other to win.. then i caught lokkens eye.. for less than a second. but thats all it took.he had lost the training fight with Rothrar leaving the barracks looking mighty proud of himself and lokken Glaring at me before he left. i grabbed mansard off the floor where i found him asleep. i hauled him to the front of the castle where all the adventurers and the king had gathered to say farewell....and good luck

 

[Morgoth]

OOC:

Roland, remember what I said, DON'T CONTROL OTHER PEOPLES CHARACTERS OR IN THE NEXT POST I'LL HAVE LOKKEN BURN YOU TO A CRISP! UNDERSTAND.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

alright alright

 

[Moneytalks]

Would you two... Roland & Morgoth... please just deal with your issues outside the thread... if you can't play nice together perhaps you shouldn't play at all?

[Edited by Moneytalks on 07-19-2000 at 11:52 PM]

 

[Moneytalks]

Intro... "Situation Breakdown... The Kingdom of Elbonia"

OOC:... this is for evilhyphen...

IC:

All are gathered at the palace gates in preparation of departure. Person's involved in this mission in order of appearance.

King Morbius... Paladin Knight and person funding this mission of peace. He will not be joining the team it seems rather he sends his best Knight, WeaponMaster Rorthrar.

Brzen... Thief... a man very good at sneaking around, who often manages to be around without many noticing him.

Queen Putulia... currently pregnant and the adorable wife of King Morbius. She will not be accompanying us on our journey.

Princess Mariette... spoilt daughter of King Morbius... she seems to have managed to wrangle her way into joining the mission.

Vixen... trained assassin and also singer/dancer/entertainer. Old friend of Sith's and Roland's and sister to Valdor.

Mansard... short at 4'... we are assuming he is a dwarf of some kind with the directness to match, very capable looking.

Roland... errr... well aparantly he is a snake man now and trying to come to terms with his new skills and loss of several of his past skills. He seems to have feelings for Vixen which don't seem to be returned by her.

Zeratul ... entered apparantly then disappeared without a trace... I assume he is gone for good.

Prince Pierce, young son of King Morbius... who doesn't seem to want to come but hides a talent with the sword.

WeaponMaster Rorthrar... Paladin Knight who trained Prince Pierce and will be joining the team... more it seems to ensure the princess' safety.

Glorianna... niece to the King... educated woman with many talents and beauty to match. She has offerred two possible routes of travel.

Sith... the original snake man... very educated mage... a natural teacher and one who doesn't let his emotions rule his head.

Lokken... From a kingdom called Taros...

Valdor... brother to Vixen... his talents have not been revealed but he seems very capable also.

[If I've missed anyone... please feel free to add to this list]
************************

"So!" Vixen chirps... "which route do we take then?" She asked those gathered as she swings her back pack over her shoulder.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

Roland: i belive the fastest route would be the best. tensions are rising all over and i do belive it would be wise to get there as quickly as possible

 

[Jonas]

Mansard waking, looks around confused for a moment, then focuses on Vixen. He stands, stretches to his full height and addresses the group.

"My Lords and Ladies, Ladies and good Sirs, I have recently return from a trip to the frontier. Myself and my two companians were set upon by a horde of murderers and thieves. My companions were killed, I..escaping only by my luck and the will of the gods. We were trying to reach a contact of mine in the Blackwell Forest. A leader of criminals who calls himself a Warlord. We have an ...arrangement. He will give save passage to myself and my company. I recommend we try to reach him, it is the shortest route."
The small man bowed and awaited the decision.

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen:

"Well I for one agree... shortest route seems the best so long as none of us get killed in the process... what do you think Glorianna?" Vixen asked smiling.

Glorianna took a few moments to respond. She had been staring at Valdor, Vixen's brother quite without realising it. Realising that Vixen was awaiting a reply she blushed pink and stuttered... "errr... it... sounds good... if Mansard can promise us all safe passage..."

She didn't notice Valdor look her way curiously. 'Hmm,' he thought to himself, 'interesting, wonder what caused her to drift off like that?'

Vixen poked him in his ribs and he realised he hadn't heard her question. "Sorry sweetie, what did you say?"
"Honestly!" Vixen huffed, "first Glori and now you? What is wrong with everyone today? I asked you how mom was these days... I haven't seen her in a while."
Valdor looked down at his little sister.
"You know that could be easily remedied..."
"Oh don't start on me now... I don't think I'll survive this trip if I have to hear you tell me how a good daughter visits her family..."
"Hey, you did ask... I don't understand why you can't visit occassionaly..."
"Because I CAN'T okay?..." Vixen nearly growled, she tried to soften her voice, "just drop it please?"
"Fine... " Valdor replied shrugging, he would never understand women he mused. His eye caught Glorianna again, 'although,' he thought to himself, 'there were some that were definitely worth the effort..."
He walked over to her and asked about her horse...
"Fine animal, how old?" He smiled warmly as he asked her.

 

[Sith]

"OK, everybody is here. Lets go." said Rorthrar as he started on the way out.

 

[ShyGoddess]

Glorianna:

Her face turned crimson. "He...He...", she cleared her throat, "He's seven, and his name is Jafar."

Valdor looked at her with a smile, as if he could tell he disturbed her. "How did a lady such as yourself come to own a great warhorse? Wouldn't you be better off on a docile mare?" his smile got wider.

Glori's eyes began to spark with purple anger. She hated it when men made assumptions about her just because she was a woman. When she spoke, there was no stuttering this time. "My uncle, the king, was going to have him put down. No one could tame him. He would let no one get near him. I couldn't stand the thought of such a magnifacent creature put down, so I asked for six months with him, and Uncle gave him to me. I cared for him and loved him and became his friend. I took him when no one else wanted him. Now, if you will excuse me." Glori swept away her body tense with her anger. Valdor's soft chuckle followed her as she led Jafar away. She really couldn't tell if she liked that man!

 

[Jonas]

"Safe passage, yes indeed." Mansard brightened at the prospect of travel at last. "We head 1 day north and turn east at the hills. Within three days we should reach the warlords territory. The way is wrought with danger, but I fear not in this company. Let's be off while we have the sun. We may yet cross the river before dark."

He strode over to Roland and whispered, "Hey, pal, how about a lift to the stable? I need to get my animals out of hock for the trip."

 

[Roland Gilliad]

Roland: i smiled at mansard. this is a guy i think i can trust. with a few beers of course.
"Sure mansard. Shaddowfax will bear any who i wish him to. but be warned he will not take a saddle. but you should not fear falling off of him for his hooves are steady and true even in the rockyest of territorys." we mounted shaddowfax without much trouble and started off for the stables.
i yelled to everyone else
"we will meet you at the town gate as soon as possible!"
and we rode off towards the barn.

 

[Jonas]

Mansard slips down off Shaddowfax's back, hits the ground staggering, almost falling over. Righting himself he straightens his vest, hitches up his tights and turns to Roland.
"Be back in a moment." He disappears into the stable. Roland waiting outside becomes inpatient.
"Hey! Come on let's be off." He shouts. From inside the stable comes loud noises, shouts, horses snorting and kicking. The small man emerges on the back of a brown gelding, leading 2 mares with heavy packs. He sits astride a saddle with a high-upholstered leatherback. Almost like an easy chair. His feet set in high stirrups, set more forward then down, giving the rider the appearance of reclining. Coming alongside Roland he urges his mount into a trot.
"Come my friend quickly to the gate!" Roland turns his mount and trots after the fleeing man. An angry proprietor runs out of the stable after them shaking his fist.
"This money isn't any good! Hey you crook! Stop!" He throws a rock, which falls far short of the retreating targets.
"You know," Roland says as he pulls along side Mansard, "I might have granted you a loan if you had asked." Mansard laughed loudly. Shaking his head and smiling he turns to the mounted Roland.
"That would have taken the sport out of it. Gettup Lightening." He spurred his mount to a faster pace. The 2 pack animals, their loads swaying to the pace, follow.
"Now Roland tell me about this Vixen."

 

[Morgoth]

Lokken:

"Finally travel, I think I'll make this journey a wee bit harder, I need to test my spells out after all", Lokken cantered to himself.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

Roland: i smiled at mansard. "ah yes vixen, she is a jewel among theives, the best in the business, there are none better than vixen. she is sweet, kind, smart, has magical abilitys from when i trained her, she is extremely beutiful and her wit has no bound. yes i do love her, more than any power in the world, but i dont have a chance now, well ke sera sera. i guess it wasent ment to be. you may have a chance with her, but be careful, dont upset her or you may find a knife near your neck. she has great confidenence in her ability and is constantly improving her skills, she is a great person and will help all of those ignorant of the world around her...thats how we picked up Gardeen that meddlesome knight and his wife. mansard, i have a favor to ask of you, keep your eye on vixen, i dont trust lokken, not in the least bit. i have never trusted him, not scince we accidently burned down his castle. hmm they are not at the gate yet. until they get here how bout a drink!"

 

[Morgoth]

OOC:

How many times must I repeat it, you nearly burned his castle, and what the hell you mean you don't trust Lokken, his challenges won't work because they'll be killed. He knows this.

____________________

Any day I ride my horse knee deep in the bodies of my enemies is a good day.

Richard the Lionhearted
King of England

 

[Jonas]

Mansard reaches in his saddlebag, and pulls out a skin tossing it to the mounted Roland. Roland makes a deft one-handed catch, pulls the cap, smells the contents, and makes a face.
"Trust me Roland I make it myself," the dwarf laughed, "Just drink it slowly, it packs quite a punch. I'll watch that Lokken. I fear before this is over we will need him. You'll have your hands full watching out for Princess Mariette. There are the others just beyond the gates. It appears that the weapons master has taken the point." As the pair reach the others, Mansard reins in his mount in front of Glorianna. "My Lady, as you are the official representative of My Lord Morbius, I ask your leave to guide the party. With this late start, at best we can still make the river before dark and set up a safe camp." Mansard nods to Valdor, winks at Vixen, bows to the Princess, eyes Sith and Lokken...speaks, "Say has anyone seen that thief...Brrzen?"