King and Country

[poohlive]

Garret awoke. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, the dream already fading from his memories. He liked that one too, damn reality, always had to spoil his fun.
Garret lookd up at the sky, the clouds seemed to have parted, the stars shined brightly down upon him. Garret wasn't sure, but he thought he saw the beginnings of morning on the horizon.
Garret arose, hoping to start a new day fresh. He rolled up his blanket, it had indeed rained that night, but under the tree Garret had hardly noticed it.
Garret put the blanket back in his saddlebag. Wyld, who was still asleep, didn't seem to notice him. Garret would find some nice clover for the girl later, now he wanted to sit by the fire, and have a nice warm...
Garret landed face first on the ground. An almost inaudible OOMMFF came from his mouth. Garret had tripped on something.
He was mistrusted, bad on the field, seemed to piss just about everyone off already, including Glorianna, and now he was being clumsy too? Garret got up, dusting himself off.
He turned around.
There, on the ground, right next to his horse, was a huge canvas bag. Garret looked at it carefully. It wasn't his, and he didn't know anyone else to have a bag this size on the trip. He wondered...
Garret looked closer, he could just make out a note on the top of the bag.
This was curious. Garret took the bag, it was heavy. There seemed to be bricks or something in it. He lofted it over to the fire. There was no one else there. Garret could see there was some stew, still being warmed, probably or breakfast.
Garret read the note.
" Greetings Garret
(it was addressed to him, but who...)
I want to thank you for not killing me last night, I have seen what other humans can do without cause or repricussion
(he felt a sting of pain, he rembered shooting that one dwarf from behind...)
In a token of my gratitude, I have given you, and your fellow adventurers a few things to help them on their quest
(Garret looked at the bag, what was in there...)
Again thank you Garret, and I hope to see you again some day.
Eldan, Prince of the Dwarves
(prince?)"
He was a prince? Garret shrugged his shoulders. They both weren't totally honest to each other, that was ok.
Garret opened the bag.
He couldn't believe his eyes. There were tons of them. Lined all up, assorted. there were scimitars, and knives, all types of swords, longswords, broadswords, double edged. He could see warhammers, and cutlass's, maces, and even a...
Garret picked it up. There was only one in the whole bag. He couldn't believe he had one. No one made these, even blacksmith's refused to make them.
Garret held the Trident in his hand, it was cut to perfection. Not a scratch on it. He could see the handle was encased in jewels, coming up to the three pronged head. Each on as sharp as any sword. This was an effective weapon, it was a sword, a shield, a spear, and an arrow all in one.
Garret smiled as he quickly got up, and put it with his quiver of arrows. He would share the weapons, but this, this was his. Garret made his way back to the fire.
He couldn't wait till everyone else got up. Garret looked on the horizon again, yes, he could see the blue haze that would eventally bring on the sun.
He was eager to share the weapons, and as soon as everyone was done taking there pick of the litter, he would save the rest, for later. No use wasting good tools.
He couldn't believe that Glorianna's diplomatic ways had worked, and now they were being rewarded for it.
Garret waited patiently to tell them all about his adventure, and the weapons. He especially wanted to thank Glorianna, though. He couldn't wait to tell her, tell them all.

 

[Sith]

Rorthrar

The paladin awoke and went out of his tent in his sleeping dress. He saw that young one, Garett, looking at his stuff. Well, being an early rises pointed the young one in the right direction. He looked up at the sun, the symbol of the God of Order. He recited a small prayer. Then he saw Garett pulling a Trident out, and wondered how had the young lad come to one, as he didn't remember him having one. Even more, he didn't remembered Garett having such a big package...

Rorthrar approached Garett, curiosity showing in his face. He got to the young lad and saw the score of weapons there. He looked questiongly at Garett.

 

[Jonas]

Mansard's watch had ended. The dawn would be upon them soon. Returning to his tent, he discovers that Vixen and left for her watch. The man never intended to wake her. He rolls up the bedding, sighs, smiles, a happy memory passes through his mind. "Quite a day it was!"

"Time to start another day," he sets up some coffee to boil on the fire. Brings oats to his horses and leads them to the river. He sees Glorianna and Vixen talking together.
"That girl is taking to much on herself. Maybe Vixen can talk sense to her." Mansard hobbles his horses and returns to the camp. He puts some sausages on the fire, then settles back with a cup of strong coffee. Seeing some of the others about he offers, "Come have some coffee, I imported it myself."

[Edited by Jonas on 07-29-2000 at 04:58 PM]

 

[Moneytalks]

"Glori... " Glorianna looked up to see Vixen, she blinked away her tears and waited for the woman to sit beside her. Vixen spoke softly, not looking at her directly but looking out across the water. "I wanted you to know something Glori, I know I walked off on you when you apologised to everyone, I'm sorry for that."

Glorianna sniffled, wiping her eyes once more on the sleeve of her dress. "I think you should know, I admire you. You have a great gift, an amazing ability and strength, you are indeed an asset on this journey of ours."

"I'm sorry so many died this day." Vixen paused as she said this. She couldn't remember ever apologising to anyone for killing.

"Vixen, it's okay, I never judged you for your occupation you know."
Vixen smiled wryly, "well, you wouldn't be the first one to judge me if you had. The princess... she's... okay isn't she?"
"Yes Vixen, she's... distraught but she will be fine, her blood is royal and she has an inner strength none of you have seen yet. She, has her own personal feelings about assassins in particular, it's not my place to tell you them."
"Of course," Vixen replied, "I just hope, that... you know that if you tell me not to kill... I trust your judgement... but, next time, don't throw yourself into any situation without please asking at least one of us for our opinion. Out here, outside of great halls and polite circles, people, creatures, do evil things Glori. Unfortunately I know, that's the life I chose for myself. I have my own reasons for that. Suffice to say, my best reference is that I'm still alive." Her eyes twinkled with amusement at her own comment as she turned to Glorianna again. Glorianna and Vixen hugged like sisters.

When Vixen pulled back she looked at the woman carefully. Seeing the beauty her brother was attracted to, she smiled softly and whispered almost to herself, "my brother has such fine taste..." She winked at Glorianna before walking back to the camp watch point.

She passed the camp and kicked her brother on her way through. He sat up instantly alert and poked his tongue out at her. She grinned, "get up sleepy head, a lot of good that sword would have done ya since I so easily managed to kick your lazy ass!"
"I will not dignify that unlady like comment with an answer," he growled back. As she walked on he swung around and slapped her on her ass with the flat of his sword. Vixen yelped and her eyes flashed, "dear brother," his eyebrow rose as he waited for her comment, "I'll get you back for that one... count on it!" She flicked her hair over her shoulder and walked to the watch point.

Valdor stretched, putting away his sword. He walked over to Garret and Rothrar, picking up a mug of coffe from Mansard. The four of them sat around as Garret began to tell them of his booty and how he had come about it.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

Roland: it was too easy to spot...as i awoke and came out of my tent. the weapon garret had stuck out like a sore thumb amongst his arrows...a trident.....how in the devils name did he come by it...."Great Gods!" i yelled out..that wasent just any trident..that was the trident of posiden! "My God Garret how did you get that!" my trembleing finger pointed towards his trident...
"Do you know what that is!?! THAT my friend is the Tridetn of Posiden! The god of the sea! how in all of middle earth did you get that!nothing, save the black sword itself in my entire arseinal could match the strength of that Weapon!"
garret was stunned as he looked at the weapon with awe...
"Ye Gods how did you come by it without the entire might of the sea crashing down upon you!" only 3 people were allowed to weild that weapon...posiden, Zeus, and a chosen one who has yet to be revieled... could garret be that chosen one??!
i was almost in a fright. i became a tad panicky...then i forced myself to calm down.. an i channeled my inner strength to allow me control..
"i am ok now...but tell me what is that bag you have there?"
he said
"Weapons roland my friend and i will share them with all of you!" i decided to look inside this big bag and found an array of magical and mythical weapons...The Master sword was in here. i grabbed that as fast as i could...the Ax Of durin! i swiped that fast. Anduril! the sword that was broken and forged again! i took that with great care...The sister sword of dragonsting was here and it was called DemonSting....i got that one for my own reason..i was going to choose 2 more....lets see...i am going to need a bow....i found a good magic bow and a full quiver of 100 burst arrows. i then found the motherload of all these weapons...the Kings Sword of Strength..... only 9 of these were ever forged...and here in my possession, one of the nine....i took that and bowed low to him. and quickly walked to my tent to get out connecters for all these weapons

 

[Morgoth]

Lokken walked out of his tent and looked at the mammoth bag Garret carried. When he looked inside, he saw pounds upon pounds of weaponry." May I have a choosing of weapons, my good sir?" Lokken asked wonderously. When he recieved a confirmation, lokken slowly looked about. In the end he had picked up the sword of Morgoth, the sword of Westernesse, the crown of flames, the ring of necromancy, and... the orb of light! The orb of magic that only a few were allowed to even see! And here, he had it in his hands, he quickly took as his greatest prize.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

OOC: you got my hint about lord of the rings eh morgoth? but i got to Anduril first and i think someone else should have Mithlander, like maybe Mansard...or somthing like that

 

[Morgoth]

OOC: Quite, as I am one of the biggest readers of Tolkien, but I got Morgoth's Sword.

 

[poohlive]

Garret could see most of the group had gathered around. He didn't see Glorianna though, oh well, he would thank her personally later on. It would give them something to talk about.
Garret looked at them all, starting out with the story, "Last night, I went back into the field..."
It didn't take very long, but it sure was exciting, towards the end he saw everyone had gathered around. He finished his story, closing it up with the note and bag he had found next ot his horse. Garret, finished looked to everyone.
"Well, you can all take what you want, but please, use what you take. I will pocket all the extras. Please, this is for us, for our adventure."
Garret looked on, everyone dove in. There were a few tense moments when some argued over weapons, but since there was more than enough, Garret wasn't too scared.
Besides, the real prize was his, the trident. Garret smiled, he felt part of this group now. Yesterday was so awkward, he didn't feel in. Now, however, he felt as if he had made some friends, and he was a part.
Garret looked into the sky, it was going to be a beautiful morning.

 

[Morgoth]

"My good friend Garret, would you like to join me for a horse ride, not a race, just a ride to talk", Lokken asked.

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen stood with her arms crossed before her. She looked out into the distance, watching. She trusted her ears and nose more though and wasn't expecting someone to approach her from behind. She sniffed softly.

"Good morning my prince, I trust you slept well?" She asked without even looking back at Pierce. He stopped, surprised at her notice. "I'm sorry to disturb you... I thought maybe I could watch for you while you had breakfast?"

"Don't worry boy, I'm not terribly hungry."
"Not even after..." he trailed off realising that she didn't know he had seen her enter Mansard's tent.
"After a night of sex you mean?" she laughed as he blushed hottly at her directness.
"No, sex... sex fills almost all my bodily appetites," she winks at him, "how do you think I manage to keep my fine figure?" She laughed.
Pierce smiled at her comment. She didn't seem to mind him being there so he stood beside her. She glanced at him and stared. "You've changed boy... "
He looked at her startled, "changed? How so?"
She looked at him carefuly squinting as her gaze travelled over his body. "Whats that? A new trinket?"
Pierce fingered the pendant he wore, blushing softly as he recalled the letter that had accompanied it. "Yeah... kinda... a birthday gift from a friend."
"A male friend?" Pierce looked at her in surprise.
"Do you know of it?"
Vixen smiled comfortingly at him, "oh yes indeed, I have been around after all, one of the perks of my occupation. Are you comfortable wearing it boy, you understand what it means?"
He became defensive immediately, "yes... I do..." He said gruffly.
Vixen just nodded and Pierce noted that she didn't seem appalled by his answer at all. She wasn't judging him he realised. "Good for you boy," was all she said. "I was wondering why you didn't look at me like the other's tended to."
Pierce was aghast to think she could tell so easily. "You are very attractive Vixen, it's not that it's just..."
Vixen giggled, the sound entirely too sweet, it softened her usually harsh expression and Pierce began to think she wasn't so bad after all.
"Oh don't worry Pierce, I'm fairly confident of my desirability to the opposite sex, I'm just playing with you, I admire you, you're young to have to make such a hard decision. I wouldn't shout it out to the world though, some people aren't so very understanding."

She sniffed the air and noted the light of day. "Well looks like my watch is over, care to join me for breakfast, looks like I've found my appetite again, and Mansard makes a mean stew..." her eyes twinkled with mischief as they both walked back to the fire.

Vixen eyed the sack of toys the boys were umming and ahhing over. She looked at them and felt a little trepadition. Whatever or wherever they came from, she didn't like the looks of those weapons. She couldn't put her finger on why. When Garret offered her a choice of the remaining weapons she shook her head, saying she had more than enough luggage thank you. He looked suprised at her answer. She patted him on the shoulder to show him there were no hard feelings.

She accepted a mug of coffee from Mansard and offered him a warm smile in return, her eyes glinting as she recalled their night together. She sipped her coffee thoughtfully as she wondered what this trip held in store for her.

 

[Jonas]

Mansard sat sipping coffee and nibbling on a sausage he held on a stick. Garett finished his story and the men began to search through the weapons. Mansard waves to Garett.
"Beware young Garett, all gifts bare a price."
"Will you not take a weapon Mansard?"
"I'll take my turn lad. Here have a sausage."

Finishing his sausage, Mansard sets down his cup and walks to the pile of weapons. He lifts a knife, checks it's balance, nods and slips it in his belt. He knees and picks up a sword. The amulet against his chest tingles. It feels good in his hand. Walking to Roland he offers the blade for inspection.
"Know you of this blade Roland?" Roland hefts the sword,inspects the blade and hands it back to the smaller man.
"I know this sword, it's called Mithlander. It will serve you well."

The sun was starting to reach the tree tops as Mansard finished loading his pack horses. He saddled Lightening, rubbing down the old gelding's legs.
"You'll outlive me you old nag." Never a horse lover he had become attachted to Lightening. Mounting, he rides up to Vixen and Pierce.
"My Lord, my....lady. I'm heading east to find the crossing. I'll meet you all back here. Gaa..Lightening, let's go."

[Edited by Jonas on 07-30-2000 at 06:27 PM]

 

[ShyGoddess]

Glorianna:

She felt better after her talk with Vixen. She felt a little embarassed at being caught crying, and for no good reason. She got to her feet and headed back to camp. Maven and Jafar would be fretting and they would be leaving soon.

She walked into camp and found almost everyone up, the men seemed to be gathered around Garret and his pack, she didn't see Vixen or Pierce. She would have to thank her friend later. Glori turned to wake Marietta and encountered the stare of Valdor. She just scowled at him, and that galling man winked at her. He absolutely had no shame. Well, she would just have to ignore him. She bent to her cousin, she looked so peaceful, the poor dear wasn't used to early rising, she shook her shoulder gently, "Pippen, wake up. It's time to get ready to leave."

Marietta groaned but awoke and started to rise. "Why must we rise at such a god awful time of the morning?"

Glorianna just laughed.

 

[Lady_Aline]

Glorianna slapped her forehead in forgetfulness as soon as she saw Pierce.
"Oh dammit! I forgot... it's his birthday." Marietta yawned, then stretched like a cat. She pouted, then reached for her sword. Warming up, she limbered herself into her morning exercises that Rothrar has taught her.
"Don't see why you're getting yourself worked up... he forgot your birthday," she said in an exerted grunt as she swung her light sword over her head.
Glorianna raised an eyebrow at her coison's lack of manners.
"Pierce forgets things all the time- it's his way." Walking to her saddlebags, she reached inside her jewellry box and pulled out a gold garnet ring. It was pretty plain, a perfect gift for a male.
"What are you giving him?" Asked Glorianna, watching Marietta sweep and arc her way through her dance-like exercise.
"A good whooping, hopefully. I'm gonna kick his a-"
"Hardly think so, Marie." Pierce was watching them, with his arms folded. With a fluid movement, he grabbed for her sword arm like a cat, his momentum pushing her to the ground. He rose victorious, her sword in his hands.
Marietta rose like a wild cat, fur bristling. "How DARE you..." Pierce merely laughed. Vixen and Val hid their grins from behind their hands.
"They're younger versions of us, aren't they?" Val said affectionately to his sister.
"I was never that prissy," Vixen said with a clip round the ear for her brother- who ducked from it easily.
Glorianna, ever the peace maker, frowned and step between the feuding siblings. "Now children, learn to play properly." She pulled Pierce away from his spitting sister and gave him a hug and kiss. "Happy birthday, your majesty." She said. She gave him the ring, and still embraced, Piece whispered to her "you shouldn't have."
"I should of got you something else; I see you equired a new piece of jewellry." She fixed her serene eyes on Pierce's new thong necklace. Pierce cleared his throat and tucked his necklace behind his shirt.
"And what have you got, me, sister dear?" He said changing the subject.
Marietta, now cooled down, rose and went to her bags. She pulled out a wrapped package. Stomping to him, she pulled her sword out of his hands and pushed her present into his free hands.
"Happy birthday, you bastard," and she stomped off again to see Rothrar for more training; Pierce's taunts only made her stronger.
Marietta and Pierce exchanged surprized glances; Marietta thought of someone other then herself for a few seconds of her life. Unwrapping his present, he saw it was a lovely engraved goblet of Pierce's shield, further wrapped in a fine linen shirt. He pulled out a letter to, which read...

To mummy's little paladin, (and this point Pierce rolled his eyes at his mother's affection) your father and I give you this fine goblet which, hopefully, you will use for your ceremonies... weddings -your own hopefully-, knightings and so forth. Do hope you like it. Love Mummy and father.
P.S: The shirt is from Marietta and your other siblings. She chose it herself.

"Well, there you go." Pierce got up and went to the stewpot for breakfast, his presents in hand. Sitting down, he helped himself to his meal. Then Rothrar called everyone to the morning fire, his voice echoing across their camp, a look of importance on his face.
"As you know, I said we would talk more in the morning. So, here we are. Time to settle a few differences and decide a few rules for our journey," Rothrar said sternly. The travellers exchanged weary glances, and Pierce resisted the temptation to roll his eyes. It sounded like the start of one of Rothrar's famous lectures, himself recieving these blasts of his Paladin trainer's fury several times before.
"So," Rothrar continued, "who will start the ball rolling on this discussion?" The paladin looked with analytical eyes at his travellers, expecting an answer.

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen stepped forward.

"We need to decide who's in charge here." Her eyes clashed with Rothrar's as they eyed each other warily. Neither of them hid their general lack of affection for the other well.

"This is true, one person needs to be nominated, otherwise no decisions can be properly made..." he agreed.

Everybody else looked slightly uncomfortable at this. No one looked directly at the two who continued to stare at each other. Rothrar continued, "as the King's first man I feel it is my duty to lead this group..." he continued, "I'm sure no one will have a problem with this..."

"You pressume wrong KNIGHT!" Vixen said sharply, the way she pronounced the word left no doubt to her thoughts about his particular occupation. Rothrar looked at her in distain. "Surely you don't pressume to lead us? You're an Assassin!" He growled. The others could almost see the hairs rise on Vixen's neck she bristled so obviously.

Glorianna butted in, ever the diplomat. "There are many of us here, maybe two leaders wouldn't be so bad, at least then we know we've looked at all angles before we make a decision." She said reasonably.

Rothrar and Vixen continued to glare at each other, neither of them pleased by this suggestion. Rothrar however was a Palladin and couldn't shout at a woman, no matter how disgraceful her profession. He looked away first. Vixen's eyes glinted at this show of gentlemanly valour.

"Fine," she responded, her tone sounding anything but.

"Mansard has gone ahead to find the pass, once we're through the mountains it should be only a day's travel till we get to the outskirts of the township. That means one more nights camp somewhere. I suggest we try and get as close to the first village as possible before we set up camp. The further from the mountains the better."

Rothrar grunted, "that sounds... reasonable..." he confirmed, seemingly not pleased that it was.

"Fine!" Glorianna stated, smiling at the two, "we travel onwards, hopefully Mansard will be back soon with news of the pass..."

Everybody packed up, Vixen and Rothrar were finished first and waiting impatiently for the others.

 

[Jonas]

Mansard rides into the camp and dismounts. He ties his animals and reports to Rorthran and Vixen.
"The crossing is clear and I see no immediate problems on the trail to the pass. If we leave soon a good camp can be set up before dark." Vixen nods agreement.

"What do you mean by immediate?" Rorthran not sharing her confidence in the small man questions, "How far ahead did you scout?"
"Far enough paladin. No man can assure passage in these times. Are you to lead this party then, Sir Knight?" Mansard bowed deeply, as the paladin glared at him.
"We shall lead Mansard," Vixen steps in between the two men. "Rorthran and Myself shall lead together."
"Then I await your pleasure my lady....Sir Knight." Mansard bowed curtly to the pair, winking at Vixen, turns and walks briskly away. Stopping be Glorianna he bows.

"I trust you rested well my Lady. Today I shall defer to your sensibility and pray we encounter no violence."
"I pray so as well Mansard."

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen had to smile at Mansard's antics. He was irrepressible that one she mused. She looked over her shoulder and frowned as she noted that the princess was still fussing over her pack. Pierce was mounted and ready, she had to admit, that for his age he was efficient. She didn't want to admit it to herself, but perhaps Rothrar was a good teacher after all. However, she frowned again, wondering what on earth was keeping that girl, if he'd trained her as well he hadn't done such a good job with that one.

As if reading her mind, Rothrar turned his horse and walked it over to where Marietta was still playing with her pack. She didn't seem to realise that they were all waiting for her. "Marietta, get a move on!" He said gruffly. She pouted and replied, "but Rothrar, I don't want my sword to fall out while we ride!"
"Girl, we're not at the castle now, we're travelling, every second you waste fussing over your pack is a precious minute of daylight we may well need ahead. If you can't get your pack together, and you lose something, you'll not have anyone to run to for a replacement do I make myself clear?" He voice rang with authority and Marietta immediately felt like she was back in training. She flushed with embarrassment at his stern words and fumbling, she quickly tied the sword in place as best she could. She mounted and only her trembling lip betrayed how hard it was for her to bite back her instinctive retort. Rothrar seemed to wait to see if she would say something then seemed to nod to himself as she remained silent.

"Okay, let's ride..." he growled walking his horse beside Vixen, his gaze daring her to say anything. Vixen's eyes shone with amusement but she wisely remained silent also and the group moved their horses into a canter towards the mountain pass. Vixen and Rothrar seemed to come to some silent agreement. They took turns, one at the front leading, the other scouting the rear. They would come together occassionaly to report to each other and there was a grudging truce of sorts between them.

Glorianna watched this and finally felt she might be able to handle her position as Emissary after all. How much harder could warring Kings be compared to the two egos that even now would not admit their admiration for the other? She smiled.

Valdor caught that smile and moved his horse next to hers. "Avoiding me little one?" He asked. Glorianna was instantly defensive, "why must you consistently treat me like a dithering child?"
"Am I doing that?" He looked all innocent, "I had no idea you read so much into my words sweet Glorianna."
Glorianna flushed, "I am not reading ANYTHING into your words you chauvanistic... " she gasped realising she was about to swear.
Valdor grinned, his eye gleaming with amusement at her almost loss of control. She fumed, "YOU are sooooo IRRITATING!" She huffed defiantly moving her horse away from him so that she was next to Marietta who still seemed quiet after her chewing out from Rothrar.
Valdor raised his brow at her rebuttal but felt he was definitely making progress. He was nothing if not an opptimist.

Vixen whistled sharply to get Rothrar's attention. She signalled to him with sharp precise movements of her fist. Rothrar didn't know where she had learnt the silent language used in war when the sounds were too deafening for words, but he appreciated how much easier this made communication. He nodded as she indicated she was going to move ahead with two others to check something in the distance.

She called Garret and Roland to her and indicated they should follow. The three riders kicked their horses into a gallop and moved off. The pass was near. They could see the darkness that was the deep divide between the two great peaks that indicated the end of King Morbius' Kingdom. The three riders spit up at Vixen's command and scouted the area, checking for the all too possible ambush. The ground was rough and the mountains craggy, leaving lots of hiding places for the would be theif or murderer.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

Roland: sith looked at me and said
"you missed a perfectly good opportunity there, they were busy squabbleng that you could have stepped in and took control...i wonder why you didnt..." i laughed at him a little and brought out The master sword...the key to all time...man how could he not spot this weapon....he must have been pre-occupied with that trident...i re sheathed it..and galloped a little ahead of vixen as she yelled at me...
i laughed and galloped a littel ahead. until i was safely away.... i quickly took out the scrying glass
"Everything is in readyness?"
a strange voice is heard
"Ja boss"
"excellent...."
i put it away quickly as vixen rode up to me and stared repremanding me
after a good tounge lashing i smiled at her back and rode back with the group....everything is now in position...time for act 3.....

 

[poohlive]

There were hundreds of nicks and crannies, but he couldn't find one rogue, orc, or anything else of that nature. He glanced over, seeing Vixen was talking to Roland.
Garret rode over.
"I don't see anything. The path is clear."
Vixen nodded, she was satisfied with the scout. They all headed back to the group. Garret, seeing Glorianna was alone for a moment, rode up to her.
He was right alongside her, he could smell her wonderful hair.
"Hello," he said a little awkward, "I don't think we have been formally introduced. My name is Garret."
she smiled, "Glorianna."
"Beautiful name," Garret really liked her name, " I just wanted to thank you."
"Thank me? For what?"
"The weapons. They came from an elf, who thought I was very diplomatic, and gave them as a gift. I was only diplomatic because you said we should be on this mission."
"Oh, she said, "Well, you are welcome then."
Garret wanted to talk to her more, but her tone said the talk was over. Garret slumped to the back of the group.
"Oh well, you can't win them all," he said to himself, "It is just one of those things."
A lonely tear dropped appeared on his cheek, he quickly wiped it away, riding on.

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen stared after Roland as he rode back to the others. He was altogether to smug, he must be up to something. Although, she thought, it wasn't the first time he had smiled through a tongue lashing of hers. Honestly the man was too annoying. She frowned.

As she reached the group she nodded to Rothrar. As far as they could tell, it was okay to move onwards. She noticed Garret looking a little glum as he slumped over his horse at the back of the group. She didn't usually notice people, but today seemed to be her day for paying attention. She sighed to herself. Then making her decision she rode to the back, moving her horse in line with his. She didn't say anything, figuring he would say something if he felt like talking.

They rode in silence as the large mountains loomed before them. "Garret?" Vixen finally asked. "Yeah?" He replied.
"What did the creature who gave you the weapons look like?" She asked, as the thought occured to her.
"Well... he was... he was kind of... " his voice faltered as he tried to recall what the elf... or was it a dwarf?... had looked like. "Well... " he said a little defensively... "it was kinda dark... "
"Too dark to tell me say... how tall he was?"
Garret frowned as he tried to search his memory for that particular information. It was... decidedly blurry at best. Maybe, he thought, the amazement at the treasures in the bag had thrown him, if he thought about it, it would certainly come to him. The more he thought about it the less he remembered.

Vixen watched his expression thoughtfully. Something was very odd about that whole bag of tricks she thought to herself.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

Rolando: sharp as ever roland old boy...i dont really want to do this but the events that have happened leave me no choice....this is the first test of the Heritage test that would earn me the kingstopper.....unfortunately i am not sure how my partners in crime will react to this..Manasard is on my side. Sith is against the way but he should be a useful....cant garuntee anythin with vixen....she can turn on me in a heartbeat....but i must stay focused..we are coming to the bridge now...soon the trials will begin..from this moment on there is no turning back..i nodded to mansard and sith as we all came to the bridge...adn a host of orc and troll foes lie on the other side

 

[Sith]

Rorthrar

The paladin looked sternly at Pierce. Seeing the orcs and trolls he decided the time had arrived. He unfolded the only thing he got from Garret's package, a silver sword that reflected the morning sun almost painfully. He pointed with it at Pierce, his face like a mask.
"Prince, this here is the only weapon in that stash that I could find that was worthy of you, and didn't have a trace of evil in it, or a payback. This is Excalibur. I give it to you now before the battle, and I hope you are man enough to wield it."
Rorthrar had said it at last.
Pierce took the sword, astonished at its brightness and lightness.
"Remember to wear also the scabbard, it will stop your wounds from bleeding." this he said with a little affection.

 

[Lady_Aline]

"Rothrar, I..." He looked at the sword, a little shocked. It was a beauty. The hilt was imbedded with a large moonstone, tiny amethysts and emeralds clustered around it. The sword itself was inlaid with a swirling, interlooping pattern that never seemed to catch up with itself. "How do I deserve such a thing?" Pierce half-smiled, pride swelling inside his chest.
Rothrar folded his arms and looked stern, trying to mask his fatherly affection for the prince. "By wearing it, boy," he said, then stalked off. Rothrar was never any good at emotions.
He bit his lip shyly, then attatched the equally ornate scabbard belt around his waist.
"Marietta!" Pierce called across the field. Marietta pushed her horse forward to meet with him. "Yes, brother dear?" Marietta said, the word 'dear' heavily sarcastic.
"Get rid of that pathetic practise sword you have and take this," Pierce said, shoving it into her lap. Marietta raised her eyebrows, pride leaping to her mouth with a refusal. But practicality took over; she would be a fool to turn down such a fine sword.
"Thank you. And why might I ask are you getting rid of your old one?" Pierce, knowing Marietta would be hurt that he got a present from the pile of weapons and she didn't, decided to be tactful.
"Rothrar gave me this for my birthday," he said with a smile, tapping Excalibur affectionately.
"Looks a bit fancy," Marietta said with a one of her delicately raised eyebrows and turned her horse back to meet Glorianna.
Pierce hummed a little, the sword almost feeding him confidence. With this sword, he would do his father proud. With this sword, he would be a hero. With this sword, no one would refuse him. He would be immortal... picking up the pace, he clicked his tongue for his grey mare Moonlight to move forward. It was going to be a good day... Pierce could feel it in his bones.

[Edited by Lady_Aline on 07-31-2000 at 07:36 AM]

 

[Lady_Aline]

Glorianna, seeing the orcs, decided that there would be no more blood shed. She plodded her horse towards Vixen, who was literally bristling with defence. Rothrar pulled her back.
"Time to fight with words and not weapons, assassin," whispered Rothrar to Vixen. Glorianna was shocked at the reply. Getting off her horse, she approached the bridge carefully.
"I agree with Rothrar; now is the time to be diplomatic."

 

[ShyGoddess]

Glorianna:

She put her hand on Vixen's shoulder, halting her, "No, Vixen. It is my duty to do this. I'm the one who should go."

Vixen looked at her, worry for her new friend making her voice sharp. "Are you crazy?! The Paladin and I are leaders here, we'll go."

Glori, ever the peace maker, smiled, "I would ask that you accompany me, but I must insist in this that I be the one to speak. I do not want to sound offensive, but you have a way about you that is at times intimadating."

"The princess is right." Glorianna looked at Rothrar, not really believing he was agreeing with her. "She is an emmissary from the court of Elbonia, it is her duty to talk to them." He turned to the rest of the group. "Be ready, just in case."

The trio rode across the bridge, not really knowing how this scene would play out.