Lords and Ladies of the Realm

[Flurtayshus]

"Dory." Lillian began.

"Lilly, I mean him no dishonor. I only mean you the best protection that you may have. And that of the twins. He calls them brats as if they have no meaning. I won't stand for it. You deserve the best, and they deserve someone who values their lives or it will be in vain that we try to do this." Lady Dorynan silently challenged Wyrmbane with her eyes. Little flecks of green electricity shot across them.

 

[Moonlight_33]

Moonlight

Moonlight lowered her eyes, Dory was right. She hoped Lord Stark had the good sense not to chalenge her sister. Not now.

 

[unclebigbad]

A germ of a plan...

I saw a thing. I call it a thing for I have no other words to describe it. In the town where I was born. It had been burned, the people killed. I could smell the death, and the smoke. I sensed I was not alone. I wheeled, drawing my axe. I saw a figure all in black armour. It raised its' visor in salute. The helm was empty. Then I awoke. This dream, coupled with the scouts I saw last night, lead me to believe that, some should stay here, to act as if there is nothing wrong. My army will be here before sundown. We can keep the illusion of normalcy here, and perhaps provide a delaying action, should it come to that. The rest of you split and go. I would give those of you that go, a word of advice. Camp not in the open, and travel not after dark. The creatures that were scouting last night, are not the sort of beasts you would care to meet. *points to the torn and bloodless corpse of the NightBird* I daresay if you were to meet any of them, you would meet your end in much the same manner. There should be coming with my army, a number of the wood faeries. I will ask that they divide their numbers and accompany you as you travel. They can help to mask you as you rest. The glamours of the wood fae are legendary.

*walking to Lady Dorynan...kneeling, his axe laid on the floor before him*

Once again, M'Lady, in front of all those gathered here, I pledge to this House, my life, my blade, my heart, and my soul. I will give my last breath, my last drop of blood in defense of this House, M'Lady.

 

[Neale]

Stark Wyrmsbane

Stark chuckled silently to himself, and thought Looks as though the Lady Moonlight kept my trust, even from her sister. Sigh. 'Twould be much easier if we dragons could join the other nations in peace and harmony, but man's nature precludes that option, as ever. The charade must continue.

Assuming a glare at those grounded, Stark replies to the Lady's challenge, "So, assurances and vows you'd have of me, in kind with the Were-Lord? Very well, I apologize for referring to the children as brats; I'm sure they are wonderful representatives of the type." His voice dripped with sarcasm.

"In any case, I can see the threat that this Lord of Dung poses to us all, even my own people, should he come into possession of the full powers granted by the domination of the Elements. Since you will not allow my help elsewise, I pledge to you that I will allow no harm, by action or inaction, to come to your House. I will follow your sister in her challenge, and protect and aid her to the best of my ability."

Several of those gathered were visibly startled. All knew that dragons were tricksome creatures. They were absolutely held by their word, but those words were generally couched in such terms as to mislead the unwary. Stark had just given, clearly, his oath to aid the cause to the best of his not-inconsiderable ability. Evidently, he must know more of the threat than they, and must fear it greatly, to have pledged thusly.

I can only hope that Moonlight understands my unspoken words. It would be a great pity if she were to take my harsh words for anything other than the false front circumstances require.

 

[Morgoth]

Dralk hadn't slept. He had been calling to his soldiers, and they steadily began to muster themselves. HE could only see them because of the mental link he had with his generals, though. He watched as they filled in ranks, and then prepared to march. He walked to where Lady Moonlight was. "Mi'Lady, as you know, I command a powerful horde. I have mustered the most distant remnants of it, and would wish it to march to this castle immediatley. They are self-reliant, so provisions will not be a worry. With your, word, I will order them here", he declared, unsheathing his sword, and nicking his finger along the blade. He grimly smiled in satisfaction at the sharpness.

 

[Moonlight_33]

Moonlight (Lillian)

Moonlight smiled inwardly. Lord Stark had not challenged her sister directly, nor did he back away from her. She felt a sense of priding in knowing such a man.
Lady Dorynan seemed satisfied with his pledge, for the moment at least.

Moonlight was a little taken aback with Lord Dralk’s pledge, she has expected him to follow Dorynan, but was more than pleased he had chosen to travel with her.

“Thank you M’Lord, and I gratefully accept your pledge and your offer. Convene your armies, but for the sake of concealment, it would better to look for the children in a smaller group. Once we have retrieved them, we will need all the help we can get to destroy the Dark Lord. Your kindness and generosity will never be forgotten.”

Looking back to Lord Stark, she thanked him in the same manner for his pledge, but in her mind she told him more.

"You don’t know what it means to me that you have touched my heart. I know what you do is for the greater good and I will trust in you. Your vision and experience is something to be admired, and I do admire it greatly. M’Lord, I put my life in your keeping."

 

[Morgoth]

Dralk mentally sent the order, and his legions poured out of his city. As soon as they were out, the city sudenly dissapeared into nothing. Dralk approved of the shimmer spell, and nodded to Lady Moonlight. "I thank thee for allowing me such an honor to travel with you and to protect you", he solemnly said, dropping to one knee, and holding the sword in his right hand.

 

[Neale]

Stark Wyrmsbane

No more precious treasure has any of my people ever had to guard with the last drop of their blood. Fire and magic, tooth and claw, wing and will, you and yours shall be defended.

Stark turns from the table with a nod to the Lady Dornan, "Please excuse me for a short while. I feel the need to stretch my wings." He pauses, waiting a reply.

 

[Flurtayshus]

Lady Dorynan acknowledges him. "Please make yourself at home. Everything i have is yours. Use it at your will. My lands stretch far beyond the horizons so you should be safe should you decide to take flight here. Be safe Milord."

 

[Morgoth]

Lord Dralk stood up. "Excuse me, Mi'Lady, but I have pressing matters which I must discuss with Lady Doryan", he said. He gathered his cape about him, then walked to the Lady. "Lady Doryan, I have consulted your sister, Lady Moonlight, and I will be accompanying her. But I also am bringing my legions to this castle, at least for the time being. I would like your opinion on these matters", he said.

 

[Moonlight_33]

Moonlight

Smiling at Lord Dralk, she excused him to his business with her sister, and watched Lord Stark leave the room. There was something about the way he moved that made him a little deferent to mortal men. He had a grace and ease that seemed to let him glide as much as walk, even his retreating back was a pleasure to watch. She understood the need for a dragon to regularly take flight and release their human form. It must have been very confining for him to spend long periods of time in a mans body. A body that stirred things within her breast she had long since fought to forget. She sighed as he vanished from view, half tempted to excuse herself and watch him fly freely across the morning sky.

As she returned her attention to the table, something in the rose garden beyond caught her eye. She went to investigate. At first glance everything looked as it should, but the feeling was not right. Out of the corner of her eye, a shadow moved. Then another, and another. An unseen force struck her hard, sending her sprawling to the ground, knocking the wind out of her. Shifting her sense of vision she brought her attacker into view. It leapt at her again, but this time she was ready and rolled out of reach.

It was a Naga. A huge serpent with the head and torso of a human. She immediately regretted leaving her sword behind in her room, but with a wave of her hand, she produced another. She stood ready for battle when out of the depths came another five huge Naga’s. She knew at once this was not a battle she could win alone. She Cast a quick spell over the grotesque creatures, they became visible to all.

 

[Neale]

Stark Wyrmsbane

Stark's acute senses expanded into the supernatural once he had regained his natural form, that of a truly massive Ancient Gold Dragon. No sooner had he spread his wings, and taken flight, than he became aware of intruders in the garden below. Their spells of concealment hid nothing from him, and he knew them to be of the Naga race, vile half-snake, half-humanoid monsters of the worst sort.

He felt the stirrings of a familiar, sweet magic, and knew that the Lady Moonlight was at work below. Wheeling through the sky, Stark stooped down to the garden. Casting a message to the Lady, I come. Cover your ears, and close your eyes, now!, he came out of his dive with a thunderous flapping of wings, blowing up dust and debris, and a full-throated screech of draconian outrage, stunning the Naga.

Pitiful half-men! Crawl back to your master, for you face a truedragon this day! I command you, by right of blood, by right of scale, and by right of power. Begone, or face my wrath.

Despite his words, Stark had no idea if the Naga would listen to him. The half-human in them made them wholly unpredictable, and he was unable to simply command them, as he could if they had been fully reptilian. There were certainly too many to fight alone, and keep the Lady safe, so he chose the course of prudence, and picked her up in his claws at the bottom of his dive, and moved her to a perch on his neck. They circled the garden together, waiting for the creature's reactions.

 

[Flurtayshus]

Lady Dorynan sensed it before she saw what was going on. She quickly hiked up her skirt on her simply one layered gown.

"Lady Dorynan!" Lord Dralk watched her confused

She grabbed the dagger strapped to her thigh and launched herself across the table. She tied her skirt up to her side as she ran. As she turned the corner one Naga came at her in mid air. Lady Dorynan tucked and rolled and as she came up she planted the dagger square in his chest ripping his torso wide open. He fell to her feet in a bloody mess. Making her way to her sister the instinctively turned back to back. The were used to fighting this way. The were like a well oiled machine.

The fighting went on for only a few more seconds before a huge dragon swooped out of the sky. When it was done there were bloody messes on the floor and then they suddenly evaporated into nauseous gases.

"What was that and how did they get inside?" Lady Dorynan was angry.

Lilly explained what they were but had no explanation for how they'd gotten so close. Everyone stood around in contemplation of the situation.

Lady Dorynan was very angry now. "Lord Dralk I would speak with you. Please wait for me in the Winter Solstice Chamber. I shall be back."

 

[unclebigbad]

Hearing the commotion...

Directly upon hearing the commotion, I draw my battleaxe, and shift to my werwolf form...running to where the shouts came from, I see the Naga...Leaping full onto the nearest one, using the claws on my feet to rip the torso of the beast in front of me...I swing my axe in a hissing arc to catch another full in the face...I feel liquid fire on my right side, as one of the other Naga rips at my flank with its' claws...I pull my axe free and swing it again...narrowly missing the one that struck me...taking hold of my axe with both hands, I bring it down upon the skull of the Naga under my feet, splitting it open like an overripe melon...My blood flowing down my right side...the Nagas' venom coursing through my veins, I barely make it to the doorway before I lose control of my facultys...The last thing I see, before I pass out is the Lady safely upon the neck of the dragonlord...A slow smile spreads over my wolven face as I slowly drift away on clouds of Naga venom...

 

[Moonlight_33]

Moonlight (Lilly)

As Lord Stark swept Lady Moonlight off her feet, she felt the exhilaration of flight. Holding tight to his neck she urged him to land, and quickly. He circled, and landed close to a side entrance close to the kitchen. Leaping from her perch upon his neck, she took of at a run, heading right back to the battle.

Finding Nightwolf wounded, and the venom cursing thick through his veins, she knew time was short for her new friend. Reaching her arms wide, she drew upon the energies that surrounded her, filling her entire being with immense power, then placing one hand over the wound, the over his heart, she send a surge of healing energy flowing through him. The power and the pain ripped through her body. Not only could she feel the pain of his wounds, but the pain of being what he was as well. She resisted the urge to throw back her head and howl. Tears streamed down her face but she would not let go, not until the healing was complete.

At last it was done and Nightwolf slept, weakened, but alive. Lady Moonlight’s head spun. Bringing the Wolfman back from the very brink of death had taken all she had, and as darkness overtook her, she collapsed on top of the huge man, her energies spent.

 

[unclebigbad]

Waking to find Lady Moonlight asleep on my chest...

I woke up, to find Lady Moonlight asleep across my chest...She must have healed me of my wounds and the venom...My werewolf healing powers doing the rest...I slowly slide my body from under hers...I take her sleeping form into my now human arms...carry her to what I hope are her chambers and lay her gently upon the bed...I step back and gaze upon her gorgeous form...my human mind reeling...if this woman did indeed heal me, as I suspect she did...She knows how long it has been, since I have known the touch of a woman...I sit quietly in a chair near the fire...a single silver tear slides slowly down my cheek...burning my skin...as I try in vain to not let myself feel for her...

 

[Flurtayshus]

Lady Dorynan asked that Lord Dralk hold for a moment. She went to her chambers to change. When she came back down the stairs her favorite elderly servant Doltram chuckled heartily.

"Milady, you are at it again. It's been such a long time since i've seen you ready for battle." he said.

She passed the crowd that had begun to gather and no one could say anything. Most had never seen her dressed as such. They stared out of curiosity and wonder. Her sister however thought it was about time.

"Good show Dory." she exclaimed.

She was head to toe in black. Black leggings covered by black leather chausses especially made for a womans body but to look like a man. Black overshirt and black vest. Knee high highly polished black leather boots. To top it off her hair was gone...it was chopped off up to her ears. A boys cut.

"You cut it all off." Lord Remy stated matter of factly. "You like quite like a boy."

"I trust from the other night you are quite certain i am a girl." she replied throwing back one side of her floor length cloak revealing her double edged sword and dagger on her left hip.

"Correction milady, you are in every way a woman." Lord Drakkar Remy's smile was more than a friendly smile. There was definitely heat in it.

It was then that Lady Moonlight decided that she would like to discuss her sister with Lord Remy before they left on their journeys.

As Lady Dorynan retired to the Solstice Chamber with Lord Dralk, Lillian pulled Drakkar to one side.

She began her conversation by saying. "My lord. I must be completely honest. I would know your intentions toward my sister."

"However do you mean?" Lord Remy teased her smiling slyly. He knew where this was going.

"I want a few things made clear. As you know my sister is not familiar with the ways of men. She has never been in love and has not known a man. Nor has she considered that there might ever be a man who was not out to harm her." Lady Moonlight looked him in the eyes and began to search his soul.

"Known a man?" Lord Remy was sure she hadn't just said that.

"Yes, Drakkar."

"No man has ever made love to her?" he was confused. he didnt understand it. She was so beautiful.

"No." simply answered.

"I don't believe you. She's so elegant and graceful and when she was lying by that fire..." his voice drifted off

Lillian placed her hand over his heart and the feelings flowed through her hand up into her mind. She watched his eyes.

"I will not hurt her Lillian." he whispered his promise. The sudden feelings of protectiveness he felt overwhelmed him. He wanted to be with her and protect her no matter the circumstances.

It was time for him to pledge himself.

Meanwhile, In the Winter Solstice chamber......

 

[Flurtayshus]

"Lord Dralk, I appreciate you summoning your armies. It is going to be imperative that we have enough protection. Lord Remy has a home to the North of here. Strategically, I think it would be good to have your men from here to the Northern Borders. Two parallel camps from here to there. That way should they need to be dispatched in either direction, there will be men readily available." Lady Dorynan played with her weapon. She was used to slicing her candles to bits when she was like this.

"Because Nightwolf has the majority of his men here in the Southern elipses, I would have you closer to the Northern Borders and then 'T' out towards the East and West."

"A close acquaintance of mine lives in the Far East. I would send a missive to him. Asking for his aid.

"The reason I bring this us, is Lord Remy's Northern home may end up being a safe haven. I don't know where this might take us. Do you have any strategy regarding how this plan may be changed to provide us with any minor edge, as we will need any advantage we can get?"

 

[Neale]

Stark Wyrmsbane

[This occurs before everyone gathers downstairs]

Once Stark had flown around the area nearby the castle, ensuring with his preternatural senses that no more Naga lurked near, he flew back to the others.

Resuming his human shape, Stark went to the main hall, looking for Lady Moonlight. Not seeing her, he questioned a servant, who stammered out, shaking with fear at being addressed by the dragon lord, that she had been taken to her room, having fainted after healing the Were-lord.

No sooner had the servant finished than Stark bolted headlong for the stairs, taking them three at time, running for the Lady's chambers.

Without pausing, he entered her room. Nightwolf was standing guard, and turned toward Stark as he entered. Barely sparing the were-lord a glance, Stark went to Lady Moonlight's bedside, and examined her aura. Thankfully, it was clean and strong. He could see that she was merely exhausted from her healing efforts.

In a soft voice, Stark addressed Nightwolf, "She is unharmed. This is good, as I would not be foresworn so soon through failure in my oath to protect her and her house. My wards are set now, and no creature short of a god may pass them without my knowing. The Lady is safe now."

Together, the Lords kept vigil over the Lady, each possessed of keen senses and amazing power. This Lady's slumber would not be disturbed.

One thought kept running through Stark's mind as he waited, Sweet Lady, you have put me in a pretty predicament, indeed. I swore to protect you from all threats, but how may I defend you from yourself?

 

[Moonlight_33]

OOC: Since of fairy friend “Seven-up” seems to have vanished, I will take on the roll. Please feel free to let me know if you feel I am portraying the character incorrectly.

Seven-Up

Flying to Lady Moonlight’s chambers, He is taken aback at how drained of energy she is. He can see the concern on Nightwolf and Lord Stark’s faces and rested on the dragon Lords shoulder. Whispering into his ear, he seeks to give him comfort.

“Worry not friend dragon. I shall see her restored.”

He flies to the Ladies sleeping form, and begins to glow brightly, covering her body in brilliant light. Almost at once she begins to stir, and Nightwolf gets to his feet. As the light fades, she opens her eyes, holding out her hand the Fairy Lord. He lands in her open palm, his glow hardly affected by the measure of energy her body had absorbed. It was a very small measure really, her own power of rejuvenation have done most of the work. She smiles softly at Seven-up,
“Thank you my friend. “ With that he glowed a little brighter and shot out the door, keen to see that all was well with Lady Dorynan.

 

[Moonlight_33]

Moonlight

With a soft humm, Seven-up vanished from the chamber, and moonlight lifted herself up to see the worried faces of Nightwolf, and Lord Stark. She gave them both a warm smile. The both looked relieved, but Lord Stark did not look at all happy.

“To whom to I owe thanks for bringing me to my chambers?”

Nightwolf tipped his head a little, not letting her see his eyes.

“‘Twas the least I could do M’Lady.”

He seemed a little embarrassed. She held a hand to him but he declined to take it saying,
“I must be checking on things below, if you will excuse me M’Lady, M’Lord.” And with that, he turned and left.

Taking Lord Starks hand she rose from the bed.
“Are you sure you should be getting up yet?” The touch of his hand sent a warm surge through her.

“M’Lord, thank you, but I am not in need of your energy, and I am fine to be getting up, we need to be down stairs ourselves.” She didn’t have to read his mind to know what he was thinking.

Downstairs everyone seemed to be in motion, Dory had just returned in her black attire, and moonlight new the time to move was at hand.

 

[Morgoth]

"Yes, Mi'Lady", said Lord Dralk," I suggest that we could go into the wild. The mountains would be good. I can create a hidden castle there. It would be possible to find it, but quite hard. Also, if waht I hear of this agressor is correct, he enjoys using mounted men and archers. The mountains would make archers pitiful and cavalry useless. Not only this, but it would be easier to impale them upon pikes", he said, playing with the massive sword. He sliced through the air in different, but all very lethal, sweeps. The sword made slight whistles as it swung here and there. He had finally dropped the cape, and now stood in his balck armor. He had adopted a few spears and axes, though. And unlike before, he now had Plate Mail under his armor. And under that, was Splint mail, and under that was Chain mail, and under that, was Hardened leather, and finally, under that, was quilted armor, followed by himself. He had enchanted all of the armors, though, so it only felt like there was quilted leather on, and looked like the Black Ornate Plate was being worn.

 

[Moonlight_33]

Moonlight

After chatting with Lord Remmy, Lilly felt a little better about the safety of her sister, but why did he find it so hard to believe that Dory had never been with a man? Lilly had never been with a man either. Not only had neither of them ever really found the need for sexual fulfillment, but also neither wanted to risk the possibility of getting with child. Moonlight had slept in a mans bed, and enjoyed the closeness of his company, but he knew it would never lead to anything, and she would never allow it to amount to anything. She had moved to a small castle concealed in the mountains upper reaches of the mountain in the Southern most corner of Dorynan’s lands. There she lived with the people and creatures of the mountains in relative safe harmony. Only when she left the protection of her home did she put her self at risk.

With Dory busy discussing things with Lord Dralk, Lilly headed off the kitchen to see if cook had consented to her chocolate treats. She could feel eyes watching her go, and was aware of Lord Stark following her at a discreet distance. She had heard his thoughts. How was he going to protect her from herself when he knew full well she would do, as she must. She wished she could make it easy for him, but she knew that would be making promises she could never keep.

Cook presented her with a basket filled with the cakes she had requested. Lilly hugged her tight. This woman was the closest thing to a mother she and Dory had even known. Taking the basket, and a pitcher of fresh lemonade, she headed back into the dining hall. She smiled inwardly when she felt Stark approaching.

 

[Neale]

Stark Wyrmsbane

The dragonlord, seeing the glow of health permeating the Lady's aura, allowed himself to chuckle softly at her choice of treats. "Ah, humans and their chocolates. Shall I include diet amongst the threats I must protect you from, then?" The smile hinted at in his eyes let her know she was being teased.

"To more serious matters, though... When do we begin the search, and where? Preparations and plans must be laid, before more attacks come here. Unlike most of my brethren, I've never believed in being on the defensive. A strong offense is much more to my liking."

 

[unclebigbad]

An army approaches...

Walking down the main staircase, I sense a large number of beings outside...I draw my axe...Throwing open the main door...I am greeted by the faerie scouts of my own army...A large, for her kind, hamdryad flits to my right shoulder...landing there and whispering in my ear...

Silky, you should divide your numbers in twain, and be ready to move in the morning. Please tell the rest of them it is ok to approach.

With that, Silky flits away, her golden light fading rapidly as she flew to where my army lay hidden along the edge of the forest...A loud howl arose...It was the call of my leigons...I answered them...A grin upon my countenance...

My answering howl told them to station themselves all around the keep...at a distance of a bow shot...my troops were as deadly as they were stealthy...no mundane could hear their approach...unless they were lucky...but something tells me that there will be few mundanes in the armies we will face...