Seeking RP Writing Partner

[Guest]

Ash quickly got dressed, not bothering with her hair or any particulars...she just rushed to get ready and grabbed her bag. Ganelon was waiting for her. The inn was silent...very silent. She gave him a worried look, "The quicker, the better, lets go."

Together they slipped into the night and made for the gate. Not one soul walked the streets. Not one light lit a home...she was really beginning to feel uneasy. "This place is making me nervous....worse than the first day!"

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

"Me too," he nodded. "Eh? Who's that?" Ganelon asked no one in particular about a figure who stood with face hidden in shadows, leaning on the eastern gate. "Oh crap!"

The exclamation was more than justified as from the shadows two figures emerged, those of Ganelon's and Ash's evil conterparts from the mirror image of the village. With a crazy shriek the Evil Ash run at them her fingers like claws ready to rend flesh. She tried to pass Ganelon to get at shocked Ash and he stopped her with a powerful roundhouse kick to her stomach. Air escaped from the monster's breast and she flew backwards several yards, falling sprawled on the dusty ground. The Evil Ganelon was closing in slower, drawing his sword with left hand.

"Ash, run! I'll hold them here as long as I can!" he cried, clashing his sword with this twin, sparks flying and steel ringing true in the dark of night.

 

[Guest]

Shock turned to anger, especially at the Ganelon that had invaded her dreams earlier that evening. She wasn't about to leave Ganelon alone with these...creatures. "I'm not leaving you here!" She shouted back and braced herself for another attack coming from her own twin. Eyes slitted, she unsheathed her daggers and watched her twin do the same. Then it dawned on her before the first dagger flew past her, a near miss. They new each other's moves and so there was no way of winning. Not unless they switched.

She heard the Ganelon's grunt and spar next to her. Leading her twin with her, she hit Ganelon's back with her own. "Switch with me!" She yelled over the clash of swords and eyeing her twin who seemed to be conjuring up some sort of plan.

"What?!" he yelled back.

"Switch or you'll never win...they know our moves. They'll mimic us until one of us dies. So switch...I don't know your tactics and you don't know mine."

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

This was as crazy an idea as Ganelon had ever heard but he knew better than to argue. One of his first lessons in fighting was: you fight to win, so it does not matter how you fight. He knew that knife-wielding Evil Ash had no chance against his longer reach of a sword and years of heavy training against all kinds of enemies and weapons. On the other hand Ash would have similar problems with his twin. But there was no other choice and besides he had to trust Ash's judgement on this, she was more versed in magical lore than he was and those creatures clearly were not natural.

He made a feint, blocked his twins sword and kicked him in the groin, buying a few seconds for the switch.

"Now!" he cried and pivoted to the right making a half pirouette, facing Evil Ash who jumped at him, knives aiming for his vital points.

 

[Guest]

His twin was doubled over when she turned, only to straighten and sneer at her. His sword came up and she reflexively threw a dagger that hit him square in the shoulder. He cried out and faltered, but didn't let go of the sword. Instead, he gripped the dagger and pulled it out and grinned at her. "For a girl, you really don't play nice."

She laughed without humor and prepared herself again. When he made a small lung towards her with sword aimed for her gut, she raised her hands and blasted him with a rush of power. Unprepared, he was kicked back by the blast and landed on his ass in the dirt. Both dagger and sword were discarded. She rushed him then, wanting to make sure she had the advantage. She was smaller, but with the right speed and connection, she shoved him to the ground as she had done with the thief days back. He cursed and made a grab for her, coming up with a hand full of hair.

They struggled a moment as he pulled her hair back and rolled over to tower over her. "Lets have a little fun before you die, bitch." Sitting up on her, he laughed as she pummeled him with her fists, barely making a mark. Roughly he pulled her hair until she cried out and was forced into an unnatural angel. One large hand ripped the front of her shirt, exposing a full, pale breast and soft rose nipple to the cool night air. He grinned and palmed it, squeezing painfully. Her arms still free, she grit her teeth and stopped struggling against him, instead frantically searching for her weapon. The tips of her fingers came in contact with cool metal. She strained and finally concentrated over his groping to attract the weapon to her hand.

"You like that, hmmm?" She whispered, hatred dripping like venom through her voice, "Well, enjoy it because it's the last time you'll ever touch a woman!" With that, she gripped the dagger and shoved it into his side once, twice and then a third. His eyes widened in shock as he reared back and focused accusing eyes on her.

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Bending his wrist impossibly Ganelon managed to repel both attacks and even wrest one of the daggers from the Evil Ash's hand. Not that it did him any good when she rammed into him, her shoulder catching him in the solar plexus and her knee on a collision course with his privates. Luckily he turned his thigh to protect his jewels and she hit his leg instead, causing a massive cramp. If Ash was finghting like this crazy bitch was, Ganelon hoped he won't have to ever face her.

Catching his breath he stumbled backwards and Evil Ash pressed on him, two daggers in her hands which she swung in wide arcs and feinted thrusts. "Come to me, pretty boy, and I'll make you mine forever," she croaked in a mock parody of Ash's gentle voice.

"Like hell I will, you twisted monster," he whispered switching to seventh stance, crouching low, like a sprinter before a run, sword to the right and behing him, parallel to his outstretched leg.

Evil Ash lunged forward, aiming for his face, but he only dove forward under her arms, smashing the end of his sword's hilt into her stomach, following with a wide slash to the chest from right to left. She was so stunned by his agile attack she couldn't even react properly and the blade cut her vest open, scratching her belly. Continuing the combination Ganelon grabbed the sword with his left hand and cut upward but missed as she flipped backwards.

"You're good, boy. I'll enjoy ripping your heart out! Fire-blast!"

He couldn't react, it was too sudden and the fiery projectile caught him straight in the right shoulder, setting his clothes and braid on fire. Quickly he slashed backwards, cutting his hair off and frantically trying to take his shirt off and fighting the monster. Ignoring the searing pain in his right side he sidestepped her swiping attack and kicked her in the stomach again, throwing her backwards. Gritting his teeth he followed, applying the Nexus slash, practically opening Evil Ash's chest and belly by cutting her first in + and then x signs. She fell back with a wicked shriek, clawing at her spilling innards. Ganelon stumbled forward and kneeling supported himself on his sword. The right side of his body was a mess of burned flesh, and there were two deep cuts on his left shoulder he didn't even feel.

"So much for impostors," he spat and fainted.

 

[Guest]

With a swift buck of her hips, she shoved Ganelon's twin off her body and stood, holding the ripped part of her shirt and vest to her breast. Her twin was dead, but the sight of Ganelon lying face down in the dirt 'cause her heart to stall. Without even thinking, she rushed to him. "Ganelon!"

She dropped to hear knees next to him and was horrified at what she saw. The scent of burned flesh assaulted her nostrils and she almost gagged. His beautiful hair was chopped in half, and blooded seeped from his shoulder. "No...no no no!" Worry and anger took over...healing him would leave her wide open and exhausted all over again, but did she have a choice? She couldn't let him bleed to death. Turning him over gently she checked for a pulse and was relieved that it still beat strong. Carefully she slipped her hands under his arm pits and haled him partly up, then began to drag him towards the Inn. There was no way they were leaving tonight. Even after healing him, she would be too tired to go on.

Struggling to move him, Ash was relieved when the Innkeeper stepped out of the Inn. Panting, she waved him over. "Please...help me get him to my room."

He eyed her suspiciously, earning him a glare. "Damn you, help me! I'll pay you for your services. All I need is for you to help me get him to my room. I'll pay you double for the room until tomorrow when we'll gladly leave."

With a grunt, the big man moved to Ganelon and picked him up without effort. Ash followed behind him to her room and paid the man after he set Ganelon down on her bed. Happy with the arrangement, he left them and she locked the door. Quickly she cleaned off her blood soaked hands and went to work on removing Ganelon's shirt. She cringed as burned flesh came off with the shirt, but contained her churning stomach. "Dear God, this is all my fault." She murmured, tears stinging her eyes.

Gently she smoothed a hand over his brow and closed her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she began the healing process. Slowly blood stopped leaking and the wounds to his shoulders closed. The burns took longer, but when she was finished, a soft yellow glow closed over him to rejuvenate. Exhausted, she draped a sheet over his body and then lay face down next to him, throwing a protective arm over his middle before promptly falling to sleep.

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Ganelon woke up with a sneeze as something tickled his nose. He opened his heavy eyelids which must have weighed a ton or more, above him he saw the ceiling of one of the inn's rooms and he was assaulted by many different scents: blood, burned flesh, sweat, dirt, Ash, dust, sand, burned hair... ASH!? He turned his head, gasping at the pain in his body and saw Ash laying next to him in bed, her head resting on his shoulder, her arm across his chest.

Gods, it was just a bad dream, thank goodness... but wait! Why is Ash dressed if we... Oh... -- He recalled everything, the strange silence in the village, the fight in the darkness with their evil clones, the spell that set him on fire. He could see no wounds on his body, only felt pain all over. It could only mean one thing: Ash hauled him back to the inn and used her magic to heal his body. So selflessly she exerted herself for his sake... Ganelon felt a sudden surge of tenderness as his sight blurred with tears. He raised his head a bit and kissed Ash's forehead.

"Thank you," he whispered and losing his strength he let his head fall back on the pillow. Winding his arm around her, he hugged her closer and fell asleep again.

 

[Guest]

She felt like death warmed over all over again. With a loud groan, she tried to move, but found herself securely held against Ganelon's body. Her head now rested on his chest and her leg was flung over his hip, one arm wrapped around his waist as they slept. She blinked against the sunlight that streamed into the inn's room and just lay there a second. His steady breathing told her he was still sleeping...his skin was warm against her cheek. She rubbed her face slightly against it and sighed. Thank goodness he was safe and alive. She had been terrified of loosing him.

Carefully as not to hurt him or herself, she wiggled, trying to prop herself up. His arm slipped a little and rested on hip and she watched him murmur something in his sleep. She smiled and then noticed his shortened braid. He wasn't going to be happy about that.

She didn't want to wake him, but it was time to leave. Gently she traced the line of his nose and then patted his cheek. "Ganelon...it's time to wake up."

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Ganelon woke up to Ash voice calling him back to reality and he opened his eyes to look into hers, watching him from slightly above. He blinked and tried to smile. He was so relieved to see her unhurt, that she had fared better against his clone than he had against hers. He was a bit embarrased that a woman brought him into such state, magical or not. If anyone heard about this he would be the laughing stock of all his teachers

"Thank you for saving my life, Ash," he whispered, blinking tears away again. "I owe you so much." His voice broke and he could only force his hand to draw her to his chest and hug her, as sobs shook his body.

 

[Guest]

Ash was surprised to see Ganelon break down like that...especially for a man. She wasn't used to that sort of thing and yet it warmed her. He was by no means weak and knew how to show his feelings.

She hugged him back as best she could, not being able to wrap her arms around him, she just held his sides and let him cry. "I think we're about even now," she said lightly against his chest. "You saved mine not long ago and took care of me, it's only natural that I would want to do the same."

Being pressed to him felt good, but she was suddenly embarrassed to realize that the rip in her shirt was letting her bare breast brush up against him. Moving slightly, she pushed some material between them and then looked up at him, "You don't have to thank me, Ganelon...I could never have just let you die out there."

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

"That's why I'm thanking you... I could never ask for a better companion to travel with... You're... special... one of a kind..." he said, looking Ash in the eyes, trying to stop his tears. "You knew using your powers would exhaust you, leave you open and vulnerable for some time and yet you healed me. Some bodyguard I am... you have to take care of me," he chukled and stroked Ash's cheek tenderly. "Thank you again."

 

[Guest]

She smiled at him and blushed at his compliments. "Well, I guess part of me also felt bad that I kicked your butt." She tried to joke, "I guess I can be a real bitch when I want to be."

That earned her a small smile, but his tears still flowed some. She gave him a tender look, "But you are very welcome." She continued, enjoying his touch, gentle and warm on her cheek.

For a moment she could only stare into his eyes. He had such soulfull eyes and they tugged at her heart strings every time she found herself loosing herself in their depths. He continued to touch her face ever so gently, making her shiver slightly. He had been so close to loosing his life. So close to leaving her all alone again in this world. Emotion suddenly tightened her throat the more she thought about it and before she knew what exactly she was doing, her lips moved down and pressed against his.

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Ganelon was shocked by Ash's sudden kiss, but only a little. Her lips were soft and sweet on his and he hugged her reassuringly as he kissed her delicately back, barely moving his lips. He felt good in this embrace, he felt everything was right, just as it should be. Somehow it fit that they were together right now, hugging each other and softly kissing.

Ganelon broke their kiss and sighed, looked her in the eyes and smiled, "That was very nice." He kissed her cheek and smiling, looked at Ash in completely new light now. She shocked him again but he was satisfied by this shock as a new thread of trust was woven between them. Silently he promised himself to be more careful from now on, not make Ash worry about him. He was a man in this party, he should be strong and supportive instead of falling down after a few wounds. Ganelon brushed some stray hair away from her face.

"We should be going I think. Do you think you can march today? Maybe we should buy a horse?"

 

[Guest]

She blushed down at him, but had no regrets by her bold little move. "I think you're right...horses would be nice. I think I still have money to spare." Clutching at her shirt, she moved off of him and stood. With her back turned to him, she rumaged through her things and found an extra shirt. Pealing off the ripped material, she replaced after a quick examination of her breast. It was going to bruise in the shape of a man's hand. She winced after giving it a little poke. Shaking her head, she tucked in her shirt and fetched Ganelon a new one also. His old one beyond repair and covered with old burned skin.

"I already paid in the Innkeeper," she told him, collecting their things before washing her hands and face quickly in the small wash basin. Turning, she sat on the edge of the bed, "Do you need any help? You might be a little weak still and...your hair. Would you like me to um...fix it a little?"

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

"M-my hair? What about it?" Ganelon sat p and reached behind to check his braid only to grasp air. Then the retrospection hit him and his eyes went wide: the fire starting on his clothes and embracing his braid... he had to cut his hair off so his head would not burn. His long braid, his pride and one of his biggest problems -- now solved. The pathetic excuse for a braid now untangled, his hair now flowing freely just below his shoulders in a diagonal line. "Yes, please... Do you think you can make me look natural... uh, casual?"

 

[Guest]

His shocked look made her feel a pang of guilt and sadness. His hair had been beautiful and it still was, there just wasn't so much of it. Gently she ran a hand over what remained of it. "Well...as I see you have two choices. We can cut it so it lays evenly and let you just tie it back or...we can go shorter and you wouldn't have to bother with any ties."

Dropping her hand, she splayed her fingers and gave him a weak smile, "I wish I could have regrown in, but that's not really something I can do. I'm sorry Ganelon...I know it was a tradition in your family. You just tell me what you want to do with it and I'll do it."

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Ganelon thought for a moment... if he left it as long as possible he would have to spend two years fewer regrowing it to the former length but it would make arranging it problematic. On the other hand, cutting it even shorter would solve all this problems in this field but he felt really bad about parting with his mane completely. Both options were satisfactory and he had to make himself look at least as any commoner did. He just couldn't make his mind about this at all.

Smiling apologetically at Ash he said, "I've no idea. What do you think would suit me better? Tell you the truth I never gave much thought to my hair, being used to growing and braiding it... Which haircut would make me more dashing and make ladies swoon left and right?" he joked and winked.

 

[Guest]

She chuckled, "The women would swoon either way." Sitting back, she looked him over thinking of what she should do. He would look good either way, she thought to herself, but decided on the shorter cut. It was just more practical. "I think we'll go for short...just don't faint on me from the shock of it all." She joked back and stood.

Taking her bag, she rummaged through it and located a small pair of sheers and the sharpest of her daggers. She would have to make the best of things with what she had and let them leave as soon as possible. Crawling up on the bed behind him, she began to cut and shape his hair. He held his back as stiff as a board and shoulders stiff.

As the hair began to fall away, she held onto some of it and wrapped it up, shoving it into her things. Hair clung to his neck and ears and she gently blew it away. It seemed to take forever, but when she was done, she ran her hands over her work and moved away to take a look at him. What she saw made her eyes widen and jaw go slack. Taking a hold of herself, she urged him to a mirror, "Well...what do you think?"

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Sitting patiently with his back straight Ganelon let Ash work his hair and from time to time her gentle breath tickled his skin, making him squirm and giggle. It took longer than he expected and a few times he started praying for patince instead of simply talking to Ash, he didn't want to distract her so that she didn't mess his hair completely. When she finished, Ash moved to front again and gaped at him, judging his work.

"What? What? Something wrong?!" he asked, anxious about the result of the whole operation.

She pulled his hand, helping him get up and putting hands on his shoulders pushed him towards the mirror.

"Well...what do you think?" she asked, curious about his reaction.

Ganelon looked at himself and for a moment blinked, trying to recognise the unfamiliar person looking at him from the mirror. Then he smiled and moved his head around, trying to take a look from different angles. Last time he had such haircut was more than 10 years ago and he felt cold in the head, also without the braid he noticed he had more freedom of movement. But honestly, it was a nice change and it made him feel better. He grinned, "It's perfect, now all serving wenches will want a piece of me." He winked to Ash in the mirror and poked her in the ribs. "Thanks!"

 

[Guest]

She winced, but giggled, "Hey, watch it. Some of us didn't get to heal up as nicely as you." She rubbed the spot where he had poked, not having realized how tender she actually was. "I guess I'll have to beat those women off with a stick from now on. Maybe I should cast an ugly spell on you..." She pondered the thought for a minute, still grinning, "you might just be too pretty for your own good."

Ash laughed and picked up her bag, securing it around her body carefully as to not brush up against her tender breast and ribs. "So are you ready? I think we've wasted enough time in this hell hole, don't you?"

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

"Yes, I agree," he replied tying his ever-thinning sack around his back and exiting to the corridor. "But are you sure you can travel? If you're hurting..." Shoot! He knew they should hurry but on the other hand if they weren't rested they would only make mistakes. He would make sure Ash got some proper rest on the first stop.

Following Ash he went downstair, the inkeeper glared at them in his usual unfriendly manner. "Farewell, inkeep. Many thanks for your doubtful hospitality!" he growled and left. Only when he got outside did he notice what shirt was he wearing. Another silk one, white, with the Swordbearer coat of arms embroidered on the left side. Ganelon chuckled. "Oh this is just precious! Look, Ash, it's just as if I had flung a banner over my head. Anyway, let me buy us a pair of horses, we should get at least some decent mounts here. We ought to make as much road as possible today..."

 

[Guest]

She nodded at his question, "I'll be fine." Unlike Ganelon, she cast the Innkeeper a smile and waved before they excited.

"Oh this is just precious! Look, Ash, it's just as if I had flung a banner over my head. Anyway, let me buy us a pair of horses, we should get at least some decent mounts here. We ought to make as much road as possible today..."

Ash grinned, "Well, I sort of like your flare for fashion, but yes...lets find some mounts. Although I haven't seen many horses around this place. I suppose we could take a look and see what we find. Either way - I just want to put some distance between us and this place and hurry to Tylen."

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Yes, Ash was right. They should be moving, his wounds only slowed them down on their way and possible shortened the distance between them and Garlock. It took them half an hour to find a peasant who agreed to part with two mares for 20 pieces of gold Ganelon produced from his purse. He had no saddles though so they had to make to with blankets. Quickly they mounted and hurriedly left the nameless village, riding to the east on their way to Tylen.

"Ash, we should be extremely careful today," Ganelon began. "Grandfather warned me that today we will meet the three that murdered that woman with Badluck's brand. I don't think we're in full strength to fight them, so if it comes to drawing blades and I tell you to run, you run. If we get separated, we'll meet in the town of Coliander in two days' time. If I don't come by then, carry on to Tylen and wait for me there... the witch should put you up for a few days I hope..."

 

[Guest]

Ash didn't argue with him this time. If it came to a fight, she didn't want to leave Ganelon behind, but she knew that she had to get to Tylen before it was too late. Silently they traveled, pushing their mares to a steady gallop. She enjoyed the rush of the wind against her face, her hair flying back as she leaned forward. She gripped the horse with her thighs, feeling the play of muscles beneath her.

They traveled for what seemed like hours...when the sun was high and hot and the mares were sweating and tired, but not exhausted. She signalled to Ganelon to slow down and rode up beside him. "I think we should break for a little bit. We gained good ground...I think it's safe to stop for a moment or two."