Seeking RP Writing Partner

[Guest]

She blushed and looked down at the ground to conceal her shock at his words. Stunning? She couldn't believe that he thought so - but he had said...Clearing her throat, she traces little patterns in the sand, "Well, I had not given it much thought...but I have a feeling she'll be beautiful. I could be wrong of course...she could be toothless, wrinkled and smell like horse dung." She joked, trying to chase off her slight embarrassment.

Looking up, her eyes slid to his mouth as he took another bite of jerky and chewed. He had nice lips...she thought to herself and then shook her head, grinning and blushing all over again. "I don't suppose it really matters what she looks like as long as she can help me."

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Ganelon had no idea he was as embarassed about speaking his mind as Ash was hearing it. Nevertheless he hoped she didn't get him the wrong way, he wasn't hitting on her or anything... he simply perceived her to be very pretty, attractive and nice. His exhaustion suddenly forgotten he thought for a moment how stupid his question was. But it was simply his masculine curiosity that spoke through him. Ash was right, it didn't matter what the witch looked like and who she was; as long as she could help her to get rid of that mark it didn't really matter.

Getting up he stretched and looked around, the day was still bright and they still could walk a league or two before it became dark. Ganelon decided he would be able to make it but then he would be sleeping like a bear.

"Ok, boss, ready when you are. I guess I'm fine to go! Oh, by the way... please remind me that I should visit a blacksmith... that bastard with a two-handed sword notched my blade... need to have it repaired..." He felt really bad about lying to Ash... well, not really lying but withholding the whole truth from her; it wasn't fair after she had healed his face and his knee but he didn't want to scare her unnecessarily and make her doubt her own powers.

 

[Guest]

She smiled at him and they were off again. They traveled long hours, without much talk. He still seemed to be thoughtful and she wanted to concentrate on the travel. The sun began to set too soon in her opinion. She felt frustrated...wanting to get to the next village. She glanced back at Ganelon who was keeping up, but looked tired to the bone.

"Would you like to stop or keep going? It'll be pitch black soon...we can still travel, but it'll be much harder. I don't know how far the next village will be..."

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

"I think we'd better stop now and have some rest..." he yawned. "Until morning preferably. You said it yourself: we don't know where is the nearest village and even if it is beyond the next bend we've no idea what reception we might get. Night guests are rarely welcome. It'd be better to pay a visit in full daylight." Ganelon yawned again and leaned on a tree for support. "Let's look for a place to set up camp... And sleeeeep." And a yawn again.

 

[Guest]

Ash smiled at him, but agreed. Together they searched for a spot and weren't as lucky as the night before. Still, they were able to locate water enough to drink and a fairly comfortable spot to set up camp. Ganelon seemed to busy himself with a fire once again, which seemed to be a regular routine for him, while Ash moved over to the water. Kneeling down, she drank some out the cupped palms of her hand and then rinsed off her face, hands and arms. It would have to do until they could buy themselves a bath or find another area to bathe in.

Tired herself, she yawned and stretched. Taking her small traveling back, she took out a blanket and began setting up her palet. "I hope you plan on sleeping tonight and not day dreaming." she teased Ganelon and slanted him a tired smile. "I don't think I could carry you if you collapse on me."

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Having lit a small fire Ganelon took out his blanket and wrapping himself in it lay on the ground. For some time he watched Ash as she washed herself a bit and prepared her own sleeping place. His eyes were closing by themselves but he fought sleepiness for a while to look around their camp, noting the trees and parts of uneven terrain in case they were surprised in the night. Burning the image of their surroundings into his mind he fell asleep, the scabbard in his hand, sword ready to be drawn in an instant there was danger.

Ganelon slept, his slumber deep and peaceful, he dreamt. In his dream he was in the Swordbearer library, furiously browsing the diaries of his ancestors, desperately looking for any clue as to his past, to the past of his family, the tie between them and Mebbeth's family. But he could find none. Frantically he opened book after book, looking for hints, searching, reading, throwing them away and reaching for next. There was nothing. And as he closed the last diary, disillusioned at his failure, with a start he noticed that the cover of the book he was holding had been made of human skin and from the first page the eyeless face of Mebbeth was looking at him. Scared he looked at all others, they were the same, all of them covered with human skin, and always a face of Mebbeth on the front. Finally at the bottom he found his own and frowned... his namequest was not yet finished... his journal should not exist!

He woke up with a piercing cry escaping his throat. His journal was covered in skin too, only the face was not of Mebbeth. From the first page of the cover the face of Ash stared at him accusingly!

 

[Guest]

Ash had watched Ganelon fall asleep rather quickly and smiled to herself. He looked exhausted and she wasn't about to stay up herself. Getting comfortable, she let herself drift off to sleep only to be woken up by Ganelon's sudden cry. She jerked up, searching their suroundings with her eyes only to find nothing. Ganelon was wide awake and looking distraught. Must have been a dream she thought. Pushing stray hair from her face, she moved to him. Kneeling beside him, she gave him a concerned look. "It was only a dream, Ganelon. Are you alright?"

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Still half-asleep Ganelon heard Ash's voice next to him and cried in horror as he saw her face close to him and her lips move. Books shouldn't speak, he thought. But then he noticed that she had eyes in the right place, not two dark holes staring in mute accusation. Instinctively he grasped her arm above the elbow and stared deep into her eyes.

"Thank goodness," he whispered, his throat parched. "By gods, thank goodness, it was only a dream. Sorry I woke you..."

Ganelon lay back again, looking at the trees towering above... What was the meaning of this dream?

"Ash, do you think dreams carry a deeper meaning?" he asked in a muttered murmur and fell asleep again.

 

[Guest]

She gently brushed some hair from his face and covered him up with his blanket, tucking in the sides. He was obviously exhausted...but his question made her think. She wondered what on earth he had been pondering. Something was sitting right and he wasn't talking. Ironic that they both were keeping something from each other. She sighed softly and went back to her palet after one last lingering glance at his sleeping form.

Crawling back to her palet, she got comfortable and fell asleep, still thinking of his question in her mind. The answer was clear to her...yes. Most times dreams did hold some sort of deeper meaning. Hers always did...they were like ghosts of the past, present or even future. To her, they were warnings and signals not to be ignored. She wondered what Ganelon had dreamt about. Thoughts slipped from her mind as sleep took over.

Light woke her the next morning. A stream of sunshine hitting her face and warming her body. She yawned and stretched, sitting up. "Another day..." she murmured to herself and groaned as her back popped, followed by her neck. "I need a bed."

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

"So do I," Ganelon called from his place, sitting near the fire, where a pair of rabbits sizzled on a hastily arranged spit. He had woken up at dawn and deciding he'd had it with beef jerky gone hunting. Lady Luck smiled on him and he found two rabbits near their hole. Throwing two stones simultaneously he provided for breakfast. The meat was juicy as the animals were young, it would do for breakfast and maybe some would remain for lunch. "Come on, have some, there's enough for both of us. I hope you like it... here's some salt I stole from our kitchen when leaving. When stomach's full, mood improves -- my grandpa would always say."

He hoped it was a good idea to have such extravagant breakfast once in a while, he sure needed something to remind him of home and rich meals served there. His nightmare forgotten and after quite a good night's sleep, Ganelon felt revitalised and rested, ready for the new day and whatever adventures awaited.

 

[Guest]

Ash's stomach grumbled, reminding her that she hadn't eaten much yesterday and now was more than ready for a good meal. It smelled wonderful! She got up and moved to sit by Ganelon who handed her some meat with a grin. She had never had the heart to kill small animals that didn't harm her, but welcomed anyone else who could do it and cook the meat. This was a nice treat. Taking a bite, she sighed and closed her eyes, savoring the taste. "I don't know if I should kiss you or cry." She stated after swallowing and laughed, "This is wonderful. Thank you."

Taking another bite, she enjoyed her breakfast, noticing that Ganelon looked a lot better. He looked refreshed and ready for another day out in the forest. She wanted to ask him about his dream, but decided against it. For now, she would rather see him act his old self and not worrying over things they probably had no control over.

Having wolfed down her breakfast, she went and drank some water and rinsed her face. Her hair again had begun to unravel and she helped it along, combing it out with her fingers and then pulling it back in a simple pony tale.

"When you're ready, we'll set off. I hope we can get to a village today. I'm really beginning to dislike sleeping on the ground."

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Ganelon's heart grew as he saw a big smile bloom on Ash's lips when she tasted the meat, she looked so warm, happy and cute. He was glad she liked it and enjoyed a different meal as much as he did. "I'm always game for a kiss from a pretty lady," he thought to himself and smiled in return. Perhaps he should act on this offer in the future, when all this is past and they have some time for themselves maybe.

Gathering her hair in a ponytail was a nice change, this way she displayed her neck more and following her through the forest or even moving next to her, Ganelon would have new points of interest to look at.

He wrapped some of the remaining meat in a cloth for later and covered the trails of their presence as much as possible.

"Alright, I think I'm ready," he said after washing his face. "I sure hope for a nice inn with fluffy beds as well, and some wine perhaps?"

 

[Guest]

She laughed as they set off again, "That does sound wonderful! I also vote for a hot steamy bath with scented soap." She let out a little moan of delight at the mere thought of it. "I could probably kill for that." Then she laughed again, poking him playfully in the side. She didn't know why she was feeling so good...perhaps the breakfast...or perhaps she was just warming up to having a companion to travel with. Someone who wasn't out to harm her and had protected her and taken care of her more than anyone in her past.

Another piece of her defenses were crumbling. In the back of her mind, warning bells rang. This could be dangerous, but she refused to let it get her spirits down. "I hope we can rest a little in this next village. Refresh ourselves more and buy a few supplies before we leave again."

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

"Oh yes, supplies first of all. I'm fed up with this blasted jerky. Perhaps I'll be able to buy a sling from some shepherd -- this would make hunting much easier. Imagine hunting rabbits with a sword!" he joked and laughed as they walked.

Both were in high spirits and good mood, it seemed as if that different breakfast had introduced a much needed change and one that really cheered them up after those fatal events. Even the roots and vines seemed to move out of their way, making their journey easier and more pleasant. Besides, having a companion, somone to talk to and share the hardships of the road with was calming and reassuring. It was a good feeling, and even though Ash preferred to travel alone for fear of bringing doom on any companions, Ganelon would bet his sword that deep inside she also yearned for company... and stabilisation perhaps. Company he could provide easily for as long as she would have him by her side... but stabilisation? This was a different matter altogether.

"You know what me might also enjoy? A big dinner! Not necessarily something fancy but lots of it. A huge omelette? Three roasted chickens? A bowl of sour milk? Or simply bread with strawberry jam! Mmmmmmmm, yes... that would certainly do..." Ganelon patted hid belly and smiled dreamily. "And what would you have, Ash?"

 

[Guest]

"Mmmm...chocolate. That's all I want is chocolate. Always been a weakness of mine." She laughed, "Besides...sour milk? Ick!" She made a face and laughed.

They tossed back ideas and dreams for a good while before coming up for a rest. Ash looked around, trying to make out something up ahead. "Wait here a minute." She said and chose a treet. Nimbly she began scalling the branches like a cat to gain height and see what she could find...

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Seeing Ash climb the tree Ganelon was left speechless, so nimble she was in doing it. But moreover he was treated to a rare sight: as she climbed and moved her legs the leather of her trousers stuck tightly to her hips, making the shape of her bottom even more clear. Ganelon sighed, enchanted.

Lifting his gaze he joked, "I doubt you'll find any chocolate there! Squirrels maybe but I doubt they're edible! Anyway, what do you see?" And hearing no answer he moved a little closer to the tree, "Ash?"

 

[Guest]

The view was breathless. Beautiful rolling hills just over the way...with not one other forest in sight. Which made her a little nervous...it was after all, keeping them fairly safe and hidden out of sight. She wondered how the terain could change so quickly...had never seen such a thing before in all her travels.

Ganelon's voice snapped her back to reality as she perched carefully on a branch, holding onto the tree trunk for safety. Smiling down at him, she made her way back down. A few moments later, she dropped to the ground and grinned. "The village is just up ahead and it's wide open. It's a beautiful sight from up above. I think we'll be sleeping in an inn tonight. You were right though, no chocolate up there" Then she paused and looked thoughtful as began to walk, "There was one strange thing though...not only does the forest just stop, but there are not one, but two small village side by side...I've never seen such a thing before. Have you?"

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

"Huh? Two villages side by side?" Ganelon tried to chase away the sight of Ash's shapely bottom from his mind and concentrate on what was impotrant. "Nope, I can't remember ever hearing of a place or sight like that. Curious... I hope this place doesn't smell of trouble. I could really use that inn you saw." He grinned. "I wonder what's the house specialty!"

He tried to laugh it away but the idea of two villages bordering on each other was somehow disturbing. Best be on his guard for unexpected trouble. Oh, how Ganelon wished his clothes were less fancy and more preactical, that way they would attract less attention. As such, they were almost sure to be remembered. And also gossips tend to reach the most unwanted ears. Moreover, Ganelon worried about the trio that killed the woman on the road. Could they also be after Ash? Time would tell but he preferred to be ready when it came.

"Shall we go? Or maybe we should take a short break to enter fresh?"

 

[Guest]

Ash laughs and looks down at herself. "I'm afraid this is as good as it gets until I can get a hot bath and clean clothes. Which reminds me, I should probably buy a few garments while we're in town. But...perhaps I think we should wait until it darkens a little. Maybe..." Quickly looking him over, she adds, "We won't attrack as much attention." She suggested. "Until then, we could rest up and be ready to tackle whatever awaits us...good or bad."

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Ganelon nodded and sat on the ground, with a tree as support for his back. His thoughts wandered around Ash, Mebbeth, his family and the meal he would stuff into his belly as soon as they found the inn. How much time passed since he had slept in a real bed? Weeks probably. Oh yes... soft bed with down pillows and perhaps one of the serving girls to... no no no... he had Ash to protect, he shouldn't be giving in to such thoughts.

Time passed, Ash seemed to have dozed off or she simple was dealing with her own thoughts with her eyes closed. They waited, time passing, for the nightfall, looking for an inn at that time would be more plausible. Additionally, in the evening more people visit inns to drink and chat. Maybe they could grab a gossip ir two, get to know what's going on.

 

[Guest]

Ash took the time to relax and think of what they could do while in the village or villages. They had supplies to stock up on, times to eat, sleep and bathe, which was on the top of her priority list. She day dreamed about the warm bath the most and rest, but wondered also what lay ahead.

Mebbeth's words still rang throug her head. A part of her wished that Ganelon had not involved himself with her, but now, even after such a short time, she was happy to have him by her side.

Cracking her eyes opened, she peaked at him, studying his handsome face lost in thought and grazed her gaze over his body. Deciding that doing this would serve nothing but get her in trouble, she sat up and yawned, "Well, shall we go?"

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Ganelon nodded and stood up, stretching and loosening his muscles. He also checked if his sword would leave the scabbard easily in case of trouble. Noticing Ash's careful glance he smiled.

"Don't worry, just checking, it's no like I smell trouble. I just want to be prepared... just in case," he explained but couldn't shake the feeling of uneasiness about those twin villages.

They left the forest and approachd the settlement by the road. The main green and alleys were empty, only some ruckus could be heard from the big two storey building that must have been the inn Ash mentioned seeing from the vantage point of the tree. No dog barked, no cat meowed, no animals could be heard -- it was a strange feeling.

"Sure is silent," he muttered and saw Ash nod.

As they neard the inn they noticed a sign, informing all that its name was "The Queen's Crown." A weird name, since there had been no queen in the country for 400 years.

Ganelon smiled at Ash reassuringly and pushed the door open, letting her in first and following on her heels. All the talks stopped and many pairs of eyes shot in their direction, giving an uneasy feeling.

 

[Guest]

She flattered in her step when everyone seemed to fall quiet and turn to stare, but recovered. Slowly, trying to shake the unease, she moved towards the bar area where the barkeep stood. Big all around, she met his dark eyes and stern face, "We're looking for two rooms for the night and hot baths."

For a moment the man only glared and then gave a grunt and turned to order a few serving wenches. They nod as he speaks and then turn and flounce away. When the big man turns again, she tosses the coins onto the bar. "We'd also like a hot meal and a jug of wine." He gave them another grunt, not gave a short nod. Ash turned and looked at Ganelon, "Why don't we sit and have something to eat...nothing fancy today, but you know..." Her voice drops a notch, "Lets just see what happens."

Cautiously and as casually as possible, she leads him to a table and then sit together. Ash feels a little tense, but feels better once the inn starts to buzz again with chit chat.

Another serving wench comes to their table with a jug of wine and goblets. She ignores Ash all together, but smiles at Ganelon and leans more towards him, giving him an eyefull of cleavage as she poors his wine. One hand touches his shoulder as she moves back and gives him a wink..."Any services you might be needing, I can provide. Just ask for Nadine..."

Ash tried to ignore the comment, looking down at her goblet, concealing a blush.

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

"Uh, sure, I'll remember that if I need my socks washed. Off with you!" Ganelon muttered and slapped the girl's butt hard, angered at her direct invitation when Ash was sitting opposite and surely must have heard the wench's offer. If he were alone he would probably consider having the girl for the night to warm his bed but he had more important things to do than shagging on squeaking beds with girls who smelled of dirt and week-old sweat.

When the girl left, giggling, with fires of anger in her eyes though, he looked at Ash, who tried to cover her embarrassment by drinking some wine, it couldn't hide her blush though.

"It must be this shirt," he muttered the only excuse that came to his mind.

The innkeeper brought them their meals and eyed Ganelon for a moment. He raised his eyes and met the man's dark gaze.

"You wish something of me, good man?" He asked.

"Ye'd best not insult me girls in here, stranger." Was the answer.

"Then ye'd better keep yer pet animals on a shorter leash, no?" Ganelon retorted, mocking the man's accent. "I'm with a lady here and I won't have her suffer such burly indiscretions!" He added, steel in his voice, blades in his gaze and his face suddenly terrible, twisted by anger.

Something in Ganelon's attitude must have convinced the innkeep that he's not a man to be toyed with, and one that wouldn't give in to intimidation and bowing slightly and muttering apology he left them.

"Bastard..." Ganelon mumbled looking after the man's big shape and then turned to Ash. "I'm sorry you had to listen to it. Let's eat and then retire for the night, ok?"

Ganelon turned to his bowl and tasted the food... it was incredibly good for such a hole and he ate heartilly. Happy for a real, hot meal.

 

[Guest]

Ash was amazed that Ganelon had not only told the wench to leave him alone, but also told the barkeep to keep them away. She was flattered that he took her feelings into consideration...most men would have taken up her offer with a sly grin and boosted her onto his lap, but not Ganelon. Still, she felt a twinge of guilt...he was after all a man. Handsome, strong and probably verile. Thinking of him in a sexual manner only made her blush a little more and she tried to shake the imagine out of her mind. It clung like glue and for a moment made her wonder what it would be like to be with a man. Especially one such as Ganelon who was fierce one minute and gentle the next. Her insides quivered slightly and she coughed, hoping he hadn't noticed her reaction to such a thought.

The food was good and hot and settled her hunger. She sipped at wine, but was careful not to consume too much. Finished, she pushed her bowl away and sighed, "Well that's about enough of that. I think I'm ready for my bath and sleep. How about you?"
Again, the thought of him naked and in his tub clouded her mind.

He nodded and they stood togethre and walked to the Inn's stairway, making their way upstairs. It didn't take but a moment to locate their rooms...lucky for them they were side by side. Ash paused outside her door and smiled. "It'll be strange not sleeping with you by my side, but I suppose I'll survive." She teased "Good night Ganelon."