Seeking RP Writing Partner

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Ganelon bade good night to Ash as well and entered his room. Seeing a steaming hot tub of water he thought little, undressed as quickly as he could, almost falling twice and wrapping his braid around his neck he entered the water, sighing contentedly. The hot water relaxed him and served to loosen him up as he sighed at the delayed pleasure. He washed himself slowly and carefully, not knowing when the next occasion might come his way. He was taking his time in water, singing a naughty song about a comely young lass who chanced upon a shepherd. Having finished he poured a bucket of cool water over him to was the soap down and uttered an involuntary gasp as coldness ran over his hot skin.

Wrapping himself in a sheet he called for attendants to remove the tub and pulled the bed closer to the door in case he had to jump to the corridor quickly. Then he opened the window and looked outside at the starry night and in the next window saw Ash also looking out.

"Beautiful night," he called. "I hope it will be as calm as it is pretty."

 

[Guest]

Ash had enjoyed her own bath. It had been hot and steamy, as she loved. The serving wench who had delivered the water before hand, had the good graces to leave her a small bar of vanilla scented soap, which left her feeling refreshed and clean. Her hair hung loose and damp against her skin. Now she stood by her window, leaning out slightly and enjoying the night air. Not wanting to bother with her clothes, she had wrapped herself in a towel for the time being.

Lost in thought, she was mildly startled when he spoke. She looked over and smiled, "Yes, I hope so too. Did you enjoy your bath? I think I feel a little lighter without all that dirt clinging to my skin."

She rubbed her arm and pretended to admire her clean skin. "Tomorrow I think I'm going to find another outfit to wear so that I can wash one and not worry about running around naked."

She laughed at the thought and gazed up at the sky. For a moment, she was silent, but that nagging twinge of guilt from earlier didn't seem to want to go away. Finally she spoke softly, "Ganelon...I know that this isn't really any of my business, but..." She began awkwardly, "I don't expect you to give up things for me...such as, you know, that woman downstairs. You're a man...you have your needs. I guess what I'm trying to say is...just because we travel together doesn't make you bound to me." She blushed a little and cleared her throat, "I don't want this long journey to be any more difficult than it has to be, so be yourself...you don't have to protect me from everything, you know?"

Ash hoped that she wasn't offending him and stood in silence, still gazing into the night, not willing to look at his face just yet.

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Ganelon sat on the sill and looked at Ash, now seing yet another facet of her. Her nakedness covered only by a towel she had wrapped around her body did little to hamper his running imagination. No longer a vagabond or a vagrant sorceress, now he saw a beautiful lady looking out into the night, her hair falling free on her smooth, clean skin. Ganelon wished he could smell her right now. It was a thought that aroused him a bit and he smiled to himself. He really enjoyed this moment. He stretched and yawned.

"I wouldn't mind, you know, seeing you travel naked" he grinned and chukled. After the bath her felt good and relaxed, in a great mood. "Oh, and don't worry about that... I'd rather stay close to you just in case. I'm not my grandfather to jump at the sight of a nice looking bust, well, actually that would depend on the owner, and I've no regrets about refusing her... But thanks for caring, I appreciate it." He smiled warmly and rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.

It would have been all different if Ash had made such a proposal. He blushed at realisation of what he just thought about. He shouldn't be thinking in this way... However, she was an attractive woman, and he was a man and could not deny her charms. This was getting harder.

"But you are right, I need some travelling wear myself. Those fancy court clothes are just no good. Maybe once we're in Tylen we'll buy ourselves some high quality gear... At least I will. For you it will probably be the end of the road..." he suddenly realised that Tylen and the witch would be the point where their paths would separate and no longer travel together. "Good night, Ash. Sleep well. If you need anything, just knock on the wall. Sweet dreams."

Ganelon went inside and naked lay on the bed. He was asleep the next second.

 

[Guest]

She smiled at his naked comment and closed the window when he vanished into his room. With a soft sight, she let her towel drop and slipped on her shirt and pants, not wanting to chance laying around naked if something were to happen.

In bed, she drew up a blanket and cuddled against a soft pillow. Sleepy, but her mind still running. Ganelon's last words had brought on a little sadness...would it really be the end of the road in Tylen? She hated to think that it would end that soon and had truly enjoyed his company. Even in this short time, he had grown on her and made a special place in her heart...even as just a friend and road companion, he still had wiggled his way inside.

She sighed again and yawned, closing her eyes and letting herself drift off to sleep...

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Luckily, this time Ganelon did not dream and his sleep was deep and regenerating. The softness of the bed reminded him of home and this way he was even more relaxed. He woke up around mid-day when the sun was already high and shining strongly and birds were singing, adding to the homely atmosphere of the inn. Scratching his breast he approached the window and stretching his arms, yawned furiously, taking a deep breath afterwards. The window to Ash's room was closed: she was either out and about or still sleeping. For a while he observed the village with peasants going around their business, chatting or working in their yards. The foreboding aura had somehow dissipated but still he marvelled at how this village was actually two villages in one. And moreover he still did not know the name of this place.

Slowly he washed his face and dressed himself and prepared to go down for late brunch.

 

[Guest]

Used to waking early, Ash was up as the first rays of sunlight filtered into the room. She stretched and yawned, then set about washing herself before slipping on her boots and going downstairs. She ordered herself breakfast and sat at a quiet little table in the corner of the inn. No one disturbed her there. She got a sour look from the wench that had served them the night before, but ignored her. It wasn't particularly her fault that Ganelon had chosen not to take her up on her offer to service him.

She was eager to face the day and venture out, but decided to stick around and wait for Ganelon just in case this place did actually spell out trouble. She was starting to get rather bored and ready to leave without him, when he finally showed. She smiled his way and waved, watching walk towards her looking more refreshed and confident as ever.

"Good morning, lazy...did you enjoy your night of sleep? I was about to give up on you and leave." She joked lightly.

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Ganelon smiled widely, seeing Ash so chirpy and in high spirits. He sat at her table and rubbed his eyes.

"Good morning, Ash. I slept great, thank you. This was a marvellous idea... I can't remember the last time I was so rested and not hurting all over from sleeping on stones and roots. And how was your night? Did you sleep well?" he asked and motioned for the inkeep to bring him some quick meal.

 

[Guest]

"I slept like a log." She said and sipped on her drink, "I think that was one of the best night of sleep I ever had. Which is saying quite a bit. When you're done eating though, I'm dying to get out there and have a look around. Then I was going to ask you if you wanted to stay here another night or head on out. I'm hoping for one more night with a bed and a bath, but I'm game to leave also if needed."

She watched as the barkeep braught Ganelon a light meal and relaxed back into her chair. The same wench passed by and gave Ganelon a wink and a wave and then glared Ash down. Ash only chuckled and grinned at Ganelon. "I think someone is a little peeved. The sooner we get you looking like common folk, I think the better." She teased and watched him eat.

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

"Hahaha, I think you are right," Ganelon laughed, munching on a piece of cheese and completely ignoring the girl who tried to get his attention. "Oh Ash, I would love to stay here for another day. Get some rest, find some peace of mind and perhaps do some thinking. I am a bit confused about this all and... I really wish we could carry on like this after Tylen and when you rid yourself of... you know what. I must admit that I've come to like you very much and appreciate your company..." Somehow suddenly speaking so sincerely came to him quite easily and he wasn't in the least embarrassed. "But probably you'll want to settle down once this all is over and get some well-deserved respite from all your toil."

 

[Guest]

She found herself blushing again and smiled shyly at him, "Well thank you Ganelon...I feel the same. I honestly don't know though, about staying in one spot for any long period of time. I've so used to traveling...I traveled before this and after..." She sighed heavily and looked a bit sad, "I'm not sure I have it in me to settle down and perhaps start a family like most females. I don't know...I've never had that kind of stability." She thought of what he had said and smiled again though...happy to hear that perhaps his feelings perhaps matched hers to a degree. "In any case...lets stay another night and see what tomorrow brings. Hmmm? For now, lets just enjoy the day."

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

"Deal!" he exclaimed, slamming the empty cup on the table and getting up from the table. He opened the door, letting Ash go out first and followed her into the clear countryside midday. The air smelled heavily of forest and and smoke. This surely was a blissful place, silent, yet definitely strange.

Ash and Ganelon walked around the village at a leisurely pace, taking in the peaceful place, watching people go after their business, answering curious glances with their own. Slowly they were reaching the place where the village they were in was joined to the other and from a distance they could see people walking about, busying themselves with their chored and daily affairs. From round the bend they noticed a pair of people walk in their direction and at that moment Ganelon felt tension building up. His hand involuntarily moved to his sword and he saw the man coming towards him do the same.

After a few dozen paces he recognised what was wrong and almost went crazy. From a few yards in front of him his of reflection was eyeing him suspiciously, hand on the sword. And next to that doppelganger another Ash stood, looking astounded at her twin...

The second village was a mirror image!

 

[Guest]

Ash gasped and stopped, "That is incredible...Ganelon, a mirror image."

They stood still a moment, regarding one another. Yet as they stood a little longer, Ash began to really feel uneasy. She slid one hand again a newly pruchased dagger strapped to one thigh and the other gripped Ganelon's arm. Not only was this place a mirror image, but the longer she stood there and took notice, the longer she realized that this was a sort of evil mirror image. Even their own duplicates held a dangerous menacing glint in their eyes. "Lets god, Ganelon. I think we better just go back or leave...we're not going to the other side."

She tugged on his arm as if to punctuate her words and took some steps back.

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

"Right, let's better go back to the inn and ask the owner what in Nine Hells is the deal with this place. I don't like the way the bastard my twin is looking at me, as if he wanted to skewer me with that sword... Come on." He let go of his sword and the Evil Ganelon did the same, as they turned he also noticed their reflections turn away and go back into the village.

They hurried back to the inn, the sun somehow paler now, colours bleak and people moving slowly and sleepily. Something was definitely wrong with this place. Somehow his good humour disappeared. He wanted out as soon as possible but at the same time was curious as to why things were as they were here.

As they shut the door to the inn behing themselves the inkeeper eyed them curiously and grunted something, shaking his head.

"So you saw?" he muttered.

 

[Guest]

They approached the barkeep and sat at the bar. Ash ordered them a drink and then asked, "What is this place? Is the other side real?"

The barkeep grunted again, cleaning up a goblet with a rag as he eyed them. "Yes and no...the images are real until you leave, then they leave. Your twins will no longer be when you leave. Long ago, a powerful man by the name of Garlock came and cast an ugly place over this place. Word is that he demanded payment from another man in the town and when the man did not pay up - he cursed this town instead."

Ash paled and knocked over her goblet with a trembling hand. "Oh lord...I'm sorry." She quickly picked up the goblet and let the man soak up the mess she had made.

"So it has been this way for years now. Our reflection are our opposites. If you are a kind soul - your twin will be evil. If you are evil - your twin will be kind and so on and so forth. I suggest you leave soon before you catch yourselves some trouble." He grunted and grumbled, "There is word going around that Garlock is about and searching for what is his."

Ash slanted Ganelon a worried look, "It's getting close to nightfall, should we leave?"

The barkeep butted in this time, "No...stay until the morn. You'll be safer here than traveling right now in the darkness."

She cast him a greatful look and rubbed her forehead, trying to ease the beginning of a headache...

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

"Hum, I don't understand a single thing of this! If they're our reflections it means that at this moment they are in the other inn talking with the other innkeeper... So how can there be trouble if they're doing what we're doing? It's not like the reflecitons have life of their own and can cross the border between the mirror village and the real village... This is too much for my poor head!"

 

[Guest]

The innkeeper smirked, "There is more to magic than meets the eye, boy. I suggest you stay inside...most of us do."

"Come, Ganelon, lets grab some dinner and then get an early night's sleep. Tomorrow we'll want to leave and get a head start on things." Ash said softly and went to pick out a table to sit at.

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

"But what if this Badluck guy comes here? Someone might get hurt! And if he makes the twins cross the border and come here into the real village..." he stopped and leaned to Ash's ear so that no oone else would hear him "And how do we know that we are in the real village and not the mirror one?"

Ganelon guessed there was no real way of knowing that. No one would tell him defeinitely... They either had to wait for this Garlock guy and see how it all goes or indeed wait till morning and then hightail it from here.

 

[Guest]

Ash shivered at the thought of seeing Garlock again...she wasn't ready for him. Didn't know if she would ever be...she just wanted him to go away. Mark or no mark, she had a feeling he wouldn't stop his hunt for her until he died.

With a heavy sigh, she watched another servant girl place the food on their table. She wasn't hungry, but she forced herself to take a few bites of cheese and bread, trying to settle her nerves. "I don't think Garlock will be here tonight...when he's near, I um...I feel his presence in the mark. It burns about as badly as they day he branded me." She rubbed her hip and met Ganelon's eyes with a small smile, "we've made it this far...I think we can handle things. But for now, I suddenly feel exhausted. I think I'm going to go off to bed. How about you?"

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

"Eeeeeeeeh!? This Badluck who cursed this village is the same guy who did THAT to you?!" Ganelon cried in utter disbelief. "Why didn't you tell me!? This makes it all the harder..."

Ganelon looked at Ash, very unsure of what to do now. If the mark on her skin was some sort of magical seal he might even do something to her without touching her or being nearby... It would be enough for him to know her general location, use scrying magic or whatever means he had at his disposal.

"Ash, I don't think we're ready to face him just yet. I mean... Mebbeth sent us to Tylen for a reason, that mark may be more than just a brand. I can handle a few of his goons but I don't think I can face a warlock. I don't mean to belittle your abilities but I just don't think we're ready. Once we rest, we should get on the road again."

 

[Guest]

Her eyes widened slightly. In speaking, she hadn't intended to tell Ganelon that Garlock with the man who had branded her. Damn! Now he was worried. With a soft sigh, she nodded, "I know Ganelon...what I meant was that I don't think he's near enough to cause problems tonight or I would feel his presence. So I think we'll be alright for the night, but I agree that in the morning we should move and fast."

She reached over on impulse and squeezed his hand with her softer, smaller one. "We'll make it to Tylen. I don't expect you to fight Garlock...once the brand is removed, he'll have a harder time finding me. Which in turn will give me more time to get ready and if you wanted to battle with me, then it would give US more time to get ready...but I don't expect you to stick for that Ganelon. Like I said, Garlock is very powerful..."

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

"Well, that he might very well be, I don't doubt your words. But I bet he's never faced a Swordbearer before, we may be magically challenged but we have the strength of the long line of our ancestors' blood running in our veins. Each and every one of us is always a tad more powerful than his sire. And the namequests' purpose is to wake that awareness up in us. I guess you and I still have to grow up a bit before we can take Badluck on."

Hmmm, Ganelon thought, seems Tylen will only be the beginning of this. If Badluck was close on her tail, there was no way Ganelon could abandon her in Tylen or afterwards. He had to stick up with her and see this till the end.

He put his own hand on hers, completely covering it and with a smile gave it a reassurring squeeze, marvelling at how soft and smooth her warm skin was. "No worries. I told you any trouble would have to get over my dead body... I intend to stick to that promise."

 

[Guest]

Ash smiled, although it felt a bit forced. The thought of him dead wasn't quite what she wanted to imagine. He had become far too important to her as a friend and if she let her heart open up a tad more, he woudl be even more than that to her. The warmth of his hand made her skin tingle, goosebumps spreading up her arm.

She pulled away gently and stood. "I believe you Ganelon and I know that you'll be a wonderful partner to have in this fight. I'm going to bed..." Truth be known, she just wanted a moment to herself to get her emotions under control. Fear was eating at her and she wanted to squash it like a bug. "I'll see you in the morning. Sweet dreams." She said and again on impulse, she bent down and kisses his cheek before turning and briskly making her escape to her room.

Alone, she leaned heavily against her door and rubbed her forehead. Damn headache wasn't going away. Moving ot her bed, she crawled up onto it and snuggled up to her pillows with a yawn. Exhausted, sleep began to take hold of her senses, but she still dimly thought of Ganelon in the back of her mind. Brave, sweet, handsome Ganelon who seemed to want to protect her against everything. A small smile played over her lips as she drifted off to sleep.

The images began to form...A woman with striking red hair and green eyes was leaning close to her, her voice a hushed whisper. "You must open yourself up to receive the full potential of your gift. Trust and Love, Ash and you will be stronger than ever."

Confused, she frowned at the woman who only laughed softly, "It is your destiny...It is his destiny...you will be one."

In a flash, Ganelon stood before her, his face mere inches from hers, his breath warm against her skin. Their eyes locked and held as he moved closer and closer, his lips so near...so close...

She gasped, unable to breath and struggled to wake up. Dazed, she cracked her eyes open and felt a weight pressing against her belly, pinning her arms down. She struggled a moment and then realized that Ganelon was sitting on her. Confused, she stared up at him. "Ganelon?"

He smiled, but everything was wrong. This wasn't Ganelon...not the real one. "No!" She struggled against him, but he only laughed, the weight of his body pinning her securely. Leaning down, the evil twin caressed her face. She flinched away, but it only seemed to further his amusement. "Rare beauty...how lucky I must be..." he murmured thickly and skimmed his lips against the side of her jaw. Ash clenched her teeth and turned her face away, but he clamped a hand around her jaw and forced her to look.

"You are mine..." his eyes lit...his face distorted as Garlock seemed to speak through him, "mine forever."

"NO!!!" Bolting upright, Ash was ready for a fight, but no one was there. Panting softly, she looked around, a little dazed and confused. "A dream..." she murmured, "Just a dream within a dream..."

Still, she was shaken. Ganelon! Her mind raced...was he alright!? Fearing that leaving her room might not be a good idea, she slipped out of bed and knocked on his wall several times for him to come to her and then sat and waited, dagger drawn.

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

"Sleep well," Ganelon called after Ash as she trotted up the stairs to the guest room floor and he touched his cheek where she kissed him a moment ago. The feeling of her soft lips on his skin made him shiver and he smiled to himself, yes, he would protect her as long as his lungs would draw breath. He felt good, a little bit of that gloomy mood was raised from him with that kiss. Ganelon chuckled to himself wondering how Ash's lips tasted and got up.

Taking a jug of wine with him he went to his room and opening the window sat on the sill, drinking the sweet beverage and swinging his legs. He inhaled deeply and stared at the evening sky with only single stars appearing to blink at him. Ganelon blinked back at them and laughed to himself, the danger of Garlock momentarily forgotten. He was happy that he and Ash were becoming used to each other's company and felt more and more at ease as companions. A few days more and sharing the road will be as natural as breathing, he thought. How fast they teamed up and accepted the new situation... This world sure is strange.

Having finished his wine he hopped to the floor and udressed, his gait a bit unstable, white noise of wine buzzing in his head. Naked he lay on the bed and fell asleep quite quickly, not caring to even cover himself.

In his dream he was visited by his grandfather, who sat on the bed and slapped his cheek. "Attention, grandson! I've things to tell you."

Even though Ganelon has not yet awakened to his legacy he was a Swordbearer nonetheless and as such his ancestors were able to talk to him in his deepest dreams, making contact, leading and supporting him if they only cared enough to meddle in earthly matters. Only through such means could he tap into that endless power of knowledge and skills hidden in the crimson streams of his blood.

"What is it, grandfather?" Ganelon mumbled aloud in his sleep, oblivious to the door of his room opening.

"Are you sure you are of my blood, grandson?"

"What do you mean?"

"You travel with such a pretty bird and you haven't even as much as laid a hand on that luscious tush of hers. And I've felt you stare at her a lot! They like it, to be felt up I mean. I remember once..."

"Grandfather, have you come to speak to me or brag about your beddings?"

"Oh hush, you listen to your elders, grandson! Anyway, do not underestimate Badl... Garlock. He's much more powerful for even the two of you to face right now. You listen to the midwife's advice and go to Tylen as fast as possible. There is no time to waist... waste I mean. And watch out tomorrow for you will meet the three that stalk you for Garlock. And tonight... you must fight your own nature or perish..."

"What do you mean, grandfather? Must you always be so damn cryptic?"

"Oh, sorry, this comes with being a dead person. Anyway, wake up, Ganelon, and do the Swordbearer job!"

Ganelon felt some unseen weight press into him and he opened his eyes only to see the serving wench who had tried to seduce him the previous evening. Her hands were all over his body, touching and caressing, her lips sucking his skin. "I like them shy types..." she whispered huskily, "You just relax, I'll make you feel good, boy. Hmrrr" she purred kissing his chest.

Just then he heard a tapping on the wall. Ash! There was trouble! He got up quickly, throwing the girl to the floor and wrapping his body in a sheet. He grabbed his sword and jumped for the door. "You'd better not be here when I come back!" he growled over his shoulder and disappeared in the corridor.

Ganelon knocked on the door and calling, "Ash, it's me, I'm coming in," opened it wide and stepped inside, taking in the room in one wide glance. He noticed her huddled on her bed, drawn dagger in her hand. "What's happened? Are you okay?"

 

[Guest]

She was surprised to see him only wrapped in a sheet, but said nothing. "Close the door and lock it." She said and waited for him to do so. Her grip loosened on the dagger and she drew her knees up under the blanket and dropped her head down against them. "I was dreaming..." her voice was slightly muffled, but still clear enough for him to hear.

She heard him approach and then felt the weight of his body as he sank onto the side of her bed. She took a deep breath, "I was dreaming about Tylen I think...the witch and then I had a dream within a dream of Garlock. Or at first...it was you, the evil you. You had me pinned down to the bed and you were..." she trailed off, "Then Garlock appeared in your face and swore that I was his forever." She shuddered, the dagger slipping from her grasp and plopping down softly on the bed. She glanced up at him, her eyes bright with unshed tears, "I didn't want to bother you, but I was afraid that you might be in trouble. I don't feel him near, but he is close enough." Her eyes shifted from his face and scanned his exposed body, "You look OK though..."

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

"Hey, I won't let him have you, Ash! And yes, I'm fine. I had a dream as well, my grandfather visited me and warned me about this Badluck fellow. I think we should be moving, it's not safe here anymore. Prepare yourself and let's meet in the main room downstairs."

Seeing Ash nod, Ganelon got up and returned to his room, empty... the girl must have listened to his order. He dressed himself quickly, ran down and invaded the kitchen, helping himself to whatever provisions he thought necessary and leaving a generous number of silver coins on the table.

Carefully he glanced outside and saw only a silent night in a quaint village. But it was too silent. The night smelled of trouble.