Pleasure Kingdoms: Second Attempt

[Armphid]

Taren

The sun had shifted slightly. The tall half-elf was sitting cross legged on the ground, legs crossed as the trio waited. He could feel the difference in temperature on his face. He let out a minute sigh before cracking his leaf green orbs open again. Still no sign of the others. Logan stood to the right, looking thoughtful, while Hotaru was playing with the little rat...okay, he was a ferret not a rat, Julian.

Taren was about to speak when there came a cry of alarm fromnearby, and the thudding of hooves. He sprang to his feet just as a drab gray farm horse came pounding into the square. White froth dripped from its mouth, and it screamed in terror. The nag reared high, the rider sliding limply from its back.

"Logan, the horse!" Taren leaped to his feet and began to run in one fluid motion. He dove under the churning hooves to grab the still figure that now lay ont he ground, rolling away as Logan took the reians and started to try and calmthe panicked equine.

Taren rolled the person he held over, pulling down the hood of a traveling cloak. The face of an old woman, worn and wrinkled by age greeted him, her eyes closed and her breathing faint. "Hang on, ma'am," Taren said. "I might be able to help you." Yet he could not heal...and without that, there wasn't much to do for the old woman. Something had terrifeid her enough that it had strained her aged heart, and the strain of the ride had obviously taken its toll.

Suddenly, bright blue eyes snapped open, and she begant o struggel weakly in hsi arms. "Help!" "Please!" "They'll be kidded and worse!" "Oh, my poor, ducklings!"

Taren shifted his grip, grabbing the hands that flailed wildly, making the woman focus on him. "Stop!" "Just stop and breath, elder." "Please, what has happened?"

The old woman took a long, rattling breath. Her eyes closed, and wehn they opened again they were far more rational. "Monsters came to out farm, in the hours before dawn." "They tore our barn and home apart, slaughtered the animals, k-killed my husband and my sons...but that's not the worst of it." "M-my daughter's in law and their children, boy and girl, they stole." "Stole away to feed their dark hungers." Tears streamed down her face now, her hands clutching at Taren's shoulders. "S-someone's got to save them before...before..."

Taren put a hand to her lips. "Don't even think it." "We won't let it happen." "I swear it." Villagers had gathered round now, a few of them who knew the distraught woman appraoching to take her from Taren. The warrior rose back to his feet, looking over to Hotaru then to Logan. Hotaru's purple eyes were shocked, scared, horrified, yet burned with anger underneath. Logan wore a look of determination akin to what Taren felt within. "We can't wait anymore." "The others will just have to catch up." He grabbed one of the men taking the old woman away, "Where is her farm?"

After getting directions, Taren began to stride purposefully down the hill. "Let's go, if you're with me." "It's dangerous...but I can't just do nothing about this." "Lucky for us, the way to the farm is also the way that Zarl and Lavastine went." "We'll need their help...and anything else we can get."

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan

As they waited, he sat on the grass just relaxing and running through how to work his shape shifting in his head. He heard the sound of thundering hooves before they saw the horse; he turned his head just as the old farm horse raced into the town square. He leapt to his feet and grabbed the horse as it reared and Taren pulled the old lady out from under the hooves that would certainly have crushed her.

He got the horse to settle down as Taren spoke to the old woman. The town’s folk soon took the woman and horse away. “Well first things first, we won’t get there fast enough by walking and I can easily carry you, Hotaru and Julian. I’ll change and then we’ll go. If Zarl and Levastine and Eeve are on the way then we’ll find them. I'm sure the others will get the news and follow.”

He stepped away from Hotaru and Taren, he concentrated on his change and within moments the large brown unicorn stood next to them with in the square, torn cloth at it’s feet. He shook his head slightly; there would be time later to worry about his clothes.

“Ok I am ready… get on we should get going.”

 

[vbabe2001]

- Ontop of her shoulder, Julian had snarled.... the old woman, the children stolen away from her to the darkness.. he knew who they were.

They were his family. He knew what was happening, but tried to hide it in his black beady eyes. He knew if he untransformed now, the old woman would recognize him....

Instead, he had to prevent Hotaru from trying to heal the woman, and from trying to go with the others to take back the villiage and rescue the others... -

Julian: "You shouldn't go Hotaru, its too dangerous. Lets go stay in the town, you are far too weak to help the others"

Hotaru: ".... weak? ... I can't just stay here Julian, are you mad? The others need my help... "

- Seemingly ignoring Julian's request, Hotaru walked towards the old woman.... but Julian jumped off her shoulder and blocked her way by running amongst her feet like a mad man, weaving in and out of her legs... -

Hotaru: "Julian Stop It! I have to help the old woman..."

- Trying to step forward, she actually ended up tripping over the ferret and landed face first towards the ground below -

@.@

Hotaru: "BAKA!"

- She jumped up, brushed herself off, and jumped over Julian as she went to the old woman and croched down low infront of her -

Hotaru: "Your family will be ok... we will take care of it"

- Placing her hand on the woman's head, a soft glow surronded the both of them.... As Hotaru closed her eyes she began to heal the woman, when suddenly Hotaru screamed in pain...

The reason being, was that Julian had bit her in the arm... and Hotaru stumbled back before she could fully heal the woman.. -

Hotaru: "Julian! Stop it!"

Julian: "No! You'll lose your powers saving her!"

Hotaru: "Its my job! Its what I do, Julian! Now are you going to let me finish my job, or do I have too... um.... slap you?!"

Julian: "Your a healer, you couldn't do any pain for me. Now just give this whole healing thing up, and let the others take care of it!"

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan

He watched as Hotaru moved towards the old woman and then noticed as Julian seemed adamant at keeping Hotaru away fromt he woman.

When the ferret bit Hotaru's arm, he stepped forward and lowered his horn using the tip to push the ferret back. He then stepped between the ferret and Hotaru. "Let her do her work Julian." He kept his head lowered and his watchful amber eyes on Julian.

 

[Armphid]

Taren

The ferret was lucky Logan got to him first. He had turned at Hotaru's cry, and seen the nasty little beast biting her. He never recalled drawing Overture and Finale, but they were in his hands as he walked back up the hill, a low growl rumbling from him. If he had reached the weasel-thing first, it would have been nothing but twitching parts on the grassy field.

However, the bulk of Logan interposed itself. Taren forced himself to sheathe his blades, casting a glare at Julian that would have cracked pottery. Then he knelt down next to Hotaru, reaching out a hand to touch her shoulder. "Are you all right, Hotaru?" "If you want, I can field dress that bite while you heal the ladly." "Whenever you're finished, we'll go." "I hate to say it, but others will need your power before this is all over."

 

[vbabe2001]

"Arigatou..... "

- She looked at Taren and nodded, wanting him to bandage her. Julian growled lowly, being forced to stay back at Hotaru healed the woman...

The woman, grateful, nodded reassuringly as Hotaru rose to her feet and let Taren bandage her up. She still didn't understand why Julian was so hesitent on letting her help the others. -

"Next time Julian, do not interfere."

Julian: "... but milady... "

"You may be my guardian Julian, but you are not my father. I am going with Taren and Logan because they need my healing magick"

Julian: ".... your making a mistake but.... "

- He jumped onto her shoulder -

Julian: "As you wish..."

- Hotaru nodded, and looked at Logan and at Taren -

"So, where do we go now?"

 

[Armphid]

Taren

Taren finished the dressing on her arm, the small white of the bandage seeming to gleam, so different was it from the darker hue of her dress. He had managed to keep his fingers from shaking as he had wrapped the room, uneasy at how rattled touchingher made him. He took her hand, helping her to her feet.

"Thank you, Hotaru." Taren gave the hand he still held a squeeze. "I know that we wouldn't be able to do this without you." The tall half-elf looked for a long moment into those perilously deep and absorbing violet eyes before pulling himself back to the present.

A faint blush stained his cheeks as he released her hand. "Now...now we need to get moving." "Logan will carry us to the farmstead, from there we'll track the monsters and save the captives." He made it sound so easy, but he well knew that this would be a hard won victory. "We're heading the way Zarl and LAvastine went, as well as the direction the Holy One...er, Eeve was flying." "I think they'll want in on this, if not for the same reasons we do."

He made a stirrup with his hands, and Hotaru blinked, then noded. She used his hands as a step to vault across the broad back of the unicorn. Once she got settled, Taren himself jumped up, a bit clumsily, causing Logan to shy to prevent the warrior from falling. "Whoa!" "Ah..sorry about that guys, I've never really done any riding." AS the unicorn whickered in what he was sure was a laugh, Taren reminded himself that speed was necessary. "All right, let's go Logan!"

The powerful unicorn stallion leaped into a gallop, throwing the startled Taren forward against Hotaru. On impulse, he looped his arms around her waist, hanging on for dear life against the unfamiliar surge under him as the powerful shapeshifter pounded down the road faster than any horse. "Aaah!" "Oh!" "Hotaru, I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean-!" He could feel his face burning hot yet he had not realeased his hold yet, partly because he thought he might fall if he did, and partly because he liked the feeling of having his arms around her.

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan

He managed to be able to move under Taren to keep him from slipping off his back. He snickered slightly, he couldn't help it. "It's ok Taren.. just hold on."

With that he turned and galloped off down the road towards, Zarl, Levastine and Eeve and the village where the trolls had attacked.

Even at this speed he was able to make sure of his footing making it easier for Taren and Hotaru to hold on as he raced down the road.

"Zarl and the others are close. I can smell them and a horse, just off the road up ahead. You want me to find them?"

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

He shrugged, looking at the two ladies, and finding nothing. He sighed. It was the curse of being a monster. Constantly horny. Oh well. He spread his wings wide, and gave a small yawn, turning towards town and walking a few feet.

He wondered if they'd be shocked when they saw him. After all, those people from earlier hadn't know he was a monster. Now, what were their names? Taren and,...Hu-, Hotaru?

He reached up, scratching the back of his head, looking towards the town, wondering where everyone else was.

 

[vbabe2001]

- Hotaru smiled reassuringly -

"Its no problem Taren.... "

- She would never admit that she actually enjoyed the feeling of his arms around her... but Julian could sense it... -

Julian: "Oh grow up you big baby, you should of sat infront so that you could of held onto Logan's mane the way Hotaru is doing"

- Hotaru was gripping Logan's mane snuggly, but she cleared her throat as Julian spoke... -

"Actually Julian, I really don't mind. I prefer it this way because I like Taren behind me"

Julian: "Because you like his arms around you!"

- Hotaru blushed deeply... -

"Hai... "

- Julian was silent for a moment. -

Julian: "You probabulary like any mans arm's around you Hotaru, if you want a real man I will just untransform right here."

"Are you holding on well, Julian?"

- Julian paused for a moment, not really considering the fact that he was just hanging on by her shoulder... -

Julian: "Actually quite well -- "

X.X

- Either Logan hit a bump, or jumped or something, but Julian ended up falling off of Hotaru's shoulder and onto the ground below.

It seemed that ...

A. Hotaru didn't notice...


or

B. Hotaru didn't care -

- Either way, Julian coughed against the dust that blinded him for a moment, looking up at the passing figures of Logan, Taren, and Hotaru... -

Julian: "... grr.... this will not do at all... "

- In a moment Julian had untransformed back into his human form, watching them leave with cold steely eyes... -

Julian: "I will get you my pretty... and your little soul too... "

 

[katalynn]

Lavastine ~

Watched how Zarl spread his wings, stretching them. Felt the arousal spread through even more, slowly standing up, walking towards the horse to put my cloak up along with a few other things.

Thought for a moment before taking a drink of cool water from the canteen, with a devilish grin tossed the cateen in Zarls direction splashing water down his back between his wings. Couldn't help but laugh for starting trouble, but what is one to do when she is bored? And waiting for the others *who are taking their sweet time*.

Just as Zarl turned around, splashed more water on him, this time down his chest.

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan

He ran on as he heard the conversation coming from those on his back. He smiled inwardly as Hotaru asked Julian was holding on tight. He couldn't resist and just after that made a perdect misstep, just enough to set him off balance to possibly make Julian scramble to grab hold.

He didn't expect the ferret to take a tumble, but that was even better. He quickly regained his balance and left the ferret behind. Logan remembered that he had said he was a shifter, and he knew where they were going, he would be able to catch up.

It was a few yards down the road he slowed as he caught the scent of Lavastine, Zarl and Eeve. "They're this way, hold on." He slowed to a jog and turned to enter the woods, headed in the direction he could pick up their scents from.

It only took a few minutes before coming to the clearing and finding them there.

 

[Armphid]

Taren

It was at this point tht several things happened. The first was that Taren saw Eeve sitting with her robes rumpled and looking a little worse for wear on the forest floor. He also saw the figure that could only be Lavastine, though without the cloak he could see her plainly...she looked elven but unlike any other he had seen. And as lovely as any of the women he had encoutnered int his town. He also noticed the winged figure bearing down upon her, the strange skin, and all of his training leapt to the fore.

"Monster!" "Hotaru, duck!" The slender girl scrunched herself down seconds before Taren sis a simple push up with his arms, got his feet under him and leaped from the horse. His flying tackle caught the winged humanoid around the waist and sent them both tumbling through the clearing. Lavastine screamed, though Taren couldn't make out what she said. He was on his feet in a flash, Overture and Finale slicing the air as he pulled them free. "All right monster!" "You're outnumbered now, so I'll give you a chance to die quickly." "Tell us what the others int his area are doing." Taren's leaf-green eyes darted around the clearing...no Zarl. "And where's Zarl?" "What did you do to him?" "If he's been harmed, you'll much regret it!"

The figure picked itself up with a growl and a sigh, and turned to face Taren. The half-elf blinked, lowering his blades. "Zarl?" "He looked to the furious looking Lavastine and the faintly annoyed expression that mixed with concern of Eeve's face. "Ah...just...what the heck is going on here?"

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

Zarl spread his wings, glaring at the half-elf, his fingers curling around the hilt of his sword. He licked at his lips. "Well, judging from the fact that you just tried to fucking kill me, I'd say a lifetime of prejudice against monsters just had you attacking one of your travelling companions. I'm just thankful you decided to waste time and energy threatening me instead of killing me."

He turned his glare to the unicorn, and put his hands on his hips. "Logan, for crying out loud, couldn't you have told them!? I mean, why do you think I left the stupid town, so I could stay in disguise?"

He brushed dirt from where it clung to him, mostly were the water Lavastine had flung had hit him. It wasn't that much of a bother, though, so he didn't turn his anger on her. In stead, he muttered curses in his own tongue before looking up at the half-elf.

"Well, you gonna stand there, holding weapons and looking surprised all day, or do you actually plan to apologize?"

 

[Sky Jade]

Evee giggled softly when Zarl had mentioned about pleasuring each other.

"Well, though it is a nice idea, I think it would be best iof we waited till later to do that. I am sure the others are going to come and find us soon."

She laid her hands on her staff as she watched Lavastine and Zarl with a smile on her face. She was having fun watching Lavastine throw water on Zarl. She started humming softly when she heard the sound of hoofsteps from the direction of the road.

She was about get up and see who it was when the unicorn she had seen the other day come into the clearing. She saw a strange man and another young woman on the horse when the strange man suddenly leaped at Zarl. She jumped up quick and was about to rush over when Zarl got back up.

"Um, well we were waiting for the rest of the party..."

 

[Armphid]

Taren

Taren fought back a snarl. "Listen Zarl, I thought you and the ladies were in danger, all right?" Damn him! Was it too much to have some appreciation for the fact that he had acted out of fear for his companions lives? Including Zarl himself! "I am sorry that I attacked you, and I offer my apologies." He sheathed his weapons, and bowed low, palms held up and his neck exposed in an ancient elven sigh of apology and asking for forgiveness. "As for my "prejudice," well, we can have that conversation later."

He turned to Eeve and Lavastine, bowing to them as well. "I also beg your pardon, Holy One, Lady Mage." He straightened. "I'm sorry Holy One, but we can't wait." "The monsters have struck the outlying farms, killing the older folk and abducting the youths and children." He gestured to the unicorn and the wide-eyed Hotaru. "We are going to try and get them back, and we wanted to find you three to get your help."

His eyes fell on the now winged swordsman. "If you'd rather not assist now, I understand." "Decide quickly, for every moment counts." "I want you all fighting with us, but not if it would make you uncomfortable or you would rather turn away."

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan

He turned his amber gaze upon Zarl, "I would have told him if I had had the chance. I didn't expect it or for him to act so quickly."

He looked to Lavastine and Eeve as well before returning his gaze to Zarl and Taren. "We need to go."

He twitched and ear and looked behind, he couldn't see the shapeshifter, but could hear his approach. "Taren, Julian is lurking behind. I don't know if he plans to help or interrupt or what. I can carry two people and there is another horse here so maybe it can carry two. We really do need to go."

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

He watched as the man made a formal apology, and then nodded. He watched Taren for a moment, judging the man silently, and folded his wings in to his body. He held his hand out toward the half-elf, palm up. He slowly closed it into a fist, and brought the fist to his heart before giving a small bow.

"Apology accepted. I do hope that in the future, you decide to look before you leap, though. Because, in addition to noticing details like we weren't fighting, you might notice if you're about to rush headlong into a trap. After all, a warrior is not made by strength alone."

He gave a small smile, and stretched, spreading his wings as he yawned. He looked at the man, and then curled his fingers around the hilt of his sword. "And I'll not let a misunderstanding or a moment's rage keep me from helping those in need. Besides, if I turn away, how we have our discussion about the biased nature of the fae's outlook on other sentient creatures?"

 

[Sky Jade]

Evee smiled as the two were on good terms once more. She looked at logan and nodded softly.

"Yes, I would agree that we need to get moving. I can fly if I need to, unless that would draw too much attention, then I'll walk. What do you guys think?"

 

[Armphid]

Taren

Taren smiled ast Zarl's words, pleased that the monster had let the incident pass. Not that he wouldn't be keeping an eye on him from now on...monsters often couldn't help their actions, but he'd be damned if he would let one harm an innocent.

"You are right Zarl, strength alone is not enough." "I'll remember it." He then turned to Logan. "All right...we need to move quickly but without attracting too much attention." "We're a small group, though a well-armed one, up against a force of superior but unknown numbers." "We'll need to have surprise on our side." "Which means, Holy Eeve, that you shouldn't change until it's, ah, "go time" as my mentor would say." He looked at Zarl, "Do you agree with that assesment?"

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan

He nodded his head as Taren mentioned they needed to travel fast. "Taren, Eeve can ride with Hotaru, if you don't mind walking. Well and if you'd ask her if she would like to ride rather than walk."

 

[katalynn]

Lavastine ~

Once again MY fun was spoiled by these creatures. Watched the little spat with Zarl and ....... whats his name?!?! .. ehh doesn't matter now, they keep killing the fun and no reason to member their names right now. Got onto Luthas, noticed how the unicorn looked at my horse and had a feeling he would want another riding with me;

"Umm aye, we may have another horse, but umm. He' can be a bit wild at times, not real sure how he would be with another on his back. If extremely needed I'm sure we will find out."

Hell I didn't want any of these crazy people riding on the back of my horse. The way they keep killing the mood and my fun, who knows what they would if one was on the back of a horse with me. For all I cared, it would be perfect for backstabbing.
Only two I may let ride with me would be Zarl, possibly the dragon princess. Others were iffy.

"We shall see...."

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

He scanned the situation, calculating things in his mind. He glanced over at the other warrior, once again looking him over. He closed his eyes, and took a deep breath before looking out at them.

"Logan carried two here, so if he's not to adverse to the idea, he could probably carry two more. If you could get the horse under control, Lavastine, it would be a great help to have Eeve ride with you, however, if you think that he's too wild for that, Logan could carry the womenfolk, and Taren and I could m ake do on our own."

"He seems to have enough fight in him, and I'd prefer if the three of you were well rested, as they'll likely go for you three first, being women and all. And we all know how monsters think, eh?"

He grinned, and checked to make sure his sword was clear in it's scabbard. Wouldn't be good for it to have a slow draw once the battle began. "Of course, if anyone has a better plan of action, I'm all for it, but I think we should get movin' soon."

 

[Armphid]

Taren "All right then." "Holy One, if you wouldn't mind riding Logan..." he stopped for a moment as the double meaning of the sentance hit him. His eyes widened, and his face paled, then flushed. Somehow however, he was able to keep speaking without even a waver in his voice. "Then Zarl and I will make do." "I hope you can fly without being seen Zarl, though I don't doubt that you can."

Taren reached into the pouch at his waist, his hand rummaging around for a few minutes. "Where ddi I put that thing....ah!" Finally he pulled out a long whip of tightly woven brown leather. "Good, with this, I shouldn't have a problem keeping up." He swung it once through the air, testing to make sure it hadn't been damaged by its long period of non-use. "Ready when you all are."

He stepped over to Logan's side, smiling up at Hotaru. "As embarrassing as it was for me, I kind of regret not riding with you again." ""I think we're going to do well Hotaru, and I know you will be a huge help." "Thanks again for coming." He didn't kow if she needed it, but this was probably the first such situation she had come up against. He had to let her know how, well, comforting it was to know she would be backing him up.

He reached up to give her hand a squeeze before walking to the edge of the clearing. "I'm going to start ahead, scout a little bit." "You shouldn't have trouble catching up to me though." "Let's get moving." With that he sprang up into the low branches of a tree, then higher, and higher still. Finally at the apex, he leapt free of that tree altogether, somersaulting through the air. THe whip lashed out, wrapping around a thick branch. Taren pulled on it and swung himself forward to grasp another limb with his free hand,a nd launching himself through the air once again. By Gaia! It had been too long since he had travelled like this! Bounding and swinging through the verdant woods, the dark garbed warrior moved with surprising speed toward the ruined farstead that was their goal.

 

[Sky Jade]

Evee giggled softly as Taren blushed about what he suggested.

"I understand and don't mind riding on Logan's back. I haven't ridden a unicorn before."

She walked over to Logan and ran her fingers through his mane for a moment as she smiled to Hotaru.

"My name is Evee. It's a pleasure to meet you. I am sure it will be fun traveling together."

She continued to stroke Logan's soft mane as she waited on Hotaru to decide if she wanted to ride in the front or back.