The Demon's Armpit (open)

[Alerdene]

I live in regret of many things... this... you... will not be one of them.

Her smile was almost sad for a moment, though she brightened up when he took her blade from behind his waist. She watched him feel it, test its balance, and her mind once again noticed his actions were not one that matched his own rusty weapons. She grinned with delight as he spun the dagger and it slid home in it's sheath without her moving a muscle. His hand found her rear again and she couldn't resist a smirk as he mentioned something about slipping.

She chuckled at him as he took her hand and they walked a bit, until the closed the distance between Terrence and themselves. She frowned with surprise as he took a rather colorful hat and seated it on his head. He felt the need for frippery now? Facing a troll? She watched him walk forward, his hand slipping from hers, just as the memory of something slipped from her grasp once again. What was it... a rumor.. a myth... something was tickling her brain but refusing to be grasped and she was growing agitated with her own inability to catch it. Sighing, she knew she'd get it sooner or later.

Walking forward, she stopped as she was even with Terrence and shrugged at the unasked question in his eyes. They watched as Terry spoke to the troll and then there seemed to be almost a contest of wills. The two merely stared at each other for a long moment, Terry once again not looking like himself.. or at least what she knew to be his usual self. Once again something tickled her thinking but she didn't even reach for it this time, just watched as he threw the troll a fortune in gems. She watched, still unsure what was happening as he came back and took her hand, pulling her across the bridge with him, her eyes going once to the troll who seemed to be glaring at Terry, but not making any move towards them. When they were well on the other side of the bridge, she called out,

Terrence, let's go. Let it be.

Her eyes sought out the mystery woman's as well,

You too, unless you just like the company of trolls...

Turning back to the man who held her hand and seemed to be full of many surprises, she looked up at him a quizzical look in her eyes, though the only thing she said was...

Nice hat.

They walked a bit further, she didn't look back again, confident in Terrence's ability to watch out for the magic-powerful woman, and her attention turned back to him, a playful light coming to her eyes again.

A massage... well if I am the first to turn you away, perhaps you will find more willing subjects to try your charms on once we arrive...

Before he could answer, she turned and scanned the wooded area beyond the bridge for a moment, her fingers finally going to her lips and a clear, long whistle hovered in the air before dying out as if it were never there. Her eyes stayed fixed on the wooded area a moment longer before she finally turned, satisfied and focused her attention on him again.

Remembering something he'd said earlier she returned to it,

You know I wouldn't really cut anything off... *smiles* Unless it were self-defense. And besides, do you really think a member of the King's own guard would be out here? Alone?

 

[amon_darknight]

Terry

He was a bit surprised at her statements.

“My Maiden, I am sorry. I didn’t mean I was going to be chasing women, for I have never felt passion through a kiss such I felt through yours, I know you want me for me.”

He than saw the clearing and all the trees, he looked to Ryssa and saw her make a whistle appear and he than realized something, he might have given himself away with the hat.

“Damn… what are you doing Ryssa, I didn’t think you would have company following you.”

He made a fist with his bracer hand and knew he had a invisibility spell ready, but if they brought wizards, his gauntlet could only absorb one spell and hold it, he had to use that invisibility spell or get rid of it, he had no idea on what she was doing. He brought his bracer hand behind him and was ready to show her what it did. Little did most people know it rained death and he would fight for her life if she really found out who he was. But he saw the whistle vanish, but he didn’t let his guard down and he walked on the defensive.

“So Ryssa what the hell was that… are you planning something, like the murder of a bard, cause that is cold hearted if that is what this is, look if it is jewels you want, I have more, but I don’t think you want them.”

He felt an ambush coming, but didn’t know if she would really do something like that, he didn’t feel hate coming from her, but he had to be careful. There was no way she knew who he was, not by just his hat. He knew of a town where they all wore hats like this, he looked back and took it off, placing it in his bag. He knew she could do mind tricks and powers, so he didn’t have to worry, at least he hoped not.

“Was that another one of your tricks?”

 

[Alerdene]

She smiled at his words about not chasing women, pleased with his answer, though she'd never admit it to anyone, least of all him. Her smile slipped somewhat though when she saw his reaction to her whistle... his free hand clenching into a fist... she tensed at first, thinking he meant to hit her for some reason, but relaxed as she saw the hand disappear behind his back.

So Ryssa what the hell was that… are you planning something, like the murder of a bard, cause that is cold hearted if that is what this is, look if it is jewels you want, I have more, but I don’t think you want them.

His words startled her and her eyes flew to his as she realized how tense he was suddenly, his eyes flying to the wooded area she'd been looking at. Trying to put him at ease, she brought their hands that were still clasped together and kissed the top of his.

Murder you? Do you think me so cold as that?

She turned then, her eyes full of hurt that he would actually think such a thing. Not looking back, but addressing his other comment she continued,

I've no need of your jewels. You can rest assured I've no interest in them. Or of murdering you.

She shrugged as she heard his question and stated simply, though offering no further explanation,

It wasn't a trick, nor an ambush. Was merely a whistle. What reason would I have for tricking you? Killing you? For stealing a kiss or a feel? Had I truly wished those stopped.. you would have stopped. What reason could there be for killing a wandering, harmless bard such as yourself?

 

[amon_darknight]

Terry

He saw the pain in her and felt it as well. He didn’t mean to say that.

“I am sorry my dear Maiden, I am a wanderer with many enemies, I … just thought that you were a bounty hunter and there was a bounty on my head.”

He took her into his arms and he held her close, her back to his chest and he kissed her neck.

“I am sorry, I just get a little jumpy at things of that nature, this a perfect spot for an ambush and you were talking of not traveling alone and all, I live on the road and watch my back where ever I go. But I don’t think you could murder me, I don’t think you have the heart, it was a statement that I wish I never said. Forgive me.”

But again he was feeling playful as he again took her blade from her and placed it at the small of his back, he kissed over your neck as he played with your breasts again, you felt his manhood getting harder as it pressed into the small of your back.

“ooo someone’s nipples is getting very hard here, are you turned on or what.”

He than started to kiss over her ear lobes, flicking his tongue here and there.

“I trust you my love…”

He than stopped as he let you go and he backed away from you, with a stunned look on his face.

“I am sorry for calling you that… forgive me…”

He mentally slapped himself for calling you that, he told himself he would never call a woman that. And here he was calling her that.

“My Maiden.. a lowly bard would never be good enough for a High Elven Guard. Or would I be?”

He bowed low to her again.

"I dont think you were trying to kill a wandering, innocent bard such as myself."

He smiled as he looked to you.

 

[Alerdene]

She allowed him to pull her close again as he apologized, though what he had to apologize for she wasn't really sure. He had hurt her with his words, but she supposed she could understand his caution. She had the same caution in regards to him and she suddenly felt bad for upsetting him. Shaking her head as she listened to him she said softly,

There is nothing to forgive, I am sorry if I came across as...

Her words stopped as his hands reached for her breasts again, his words teasing her as her body responded quickly again. She could feel him in her back and she pressed back against him, letting him play for the moment as she leaned her head back against him, though she realized her blade was missing again, a smile lit her lips as she realized it. His mouth was against her ear and his tongue toying with her as she heard him softly, her ears perking, not sure she heard him right,

I trust you my love…

He was apparently as surprised as she was because he backed away from her instantly, a surprised look coming to his face as she turned to look at him. He immediately began apologizing and she felt foolish for the fluttering his words had caused in her belly. Smiling and trying to put him at ease as he continued, her smile reassuring as she spoke in elven,

Do not apologize, a mere slip of the tongue in the heat of passion yes? I will not hold it against you.

She sighed as he bowed in front of her again, and spoke,

My Maiden.. a lowly bard would never be good enough for a High Elven Guard. Or would I be?

Her eyes held his for a long moment before she smiled as he mentioned he didn't think she was trying to kill him. Nodding at him, she didn't answer his first question, not trusting herself to, but instead held her finger up at him, wanting him to stay put.

To set your mind at ease... 'tis not an ambush I was whistling to... merely a friend.

Her fingers went to her mouth and she whistled again, the tone a bit lower this time and the whistle much shorter than before. Nodding to the wooded area on the other side of the river, she smiled as his eyes went that way just in time to see. A magnificently muscled, large snow white cat stepped forward, black spots dotting it here and there. The cat stopped just out of the woods and it's golden eyes looked at her, it's tail flicking side to side slowly as it sat down and waited. She smiled as she saw it and gave another short whistle. The leopard stood and stared at them, almost as if it were annoyed to be called for such a brief amount of time, before bounding off and disappearing into the brush again.

 

[amon_darknight]

Terry

He took another step back and he tripped as he saw the cat approach and appear before her. He did not fall because of the cat, but he still couldn’t believe he said that. Love was a serious thing to him, he used to look for it, but when he was utterly destroyed, he gave up on it, swearing to himself he would never fall in love again, just jump from woman to woman, but this one was different, she was a real elf, he had been with elves, but not with a real one such as herself. Only city ones that were corrupted.

“My Maiden, I apologize for that word again, I had no right. For I am sure that you could… uhh never mind.”

He looked and knew they were getting closer to the “Demon’s Armpit” he knew he should stay away from her. Things were getting to heated up and she could figure it out to fast. He didn’t know if he was ready to love, he was a bad guy and she was a goddess of light. He looked to her and he smiled at her.

“I think we are almost there…”

He walked away from you and didn’t even look at you, he was looking to his surroundings.

“Shit, I was careless…”

He looked to Ryssa and he had a face that told you he was in trouble.

“I am sorry.. I must part from you right now, don’t ask any questions, don’t try and follow me. I will find you.. or maybe I wont. Thank you for your company and your time.”

He than lifted his left arm up and said something as he vanished into thin air, you saw no sign of him. He ran invisible up the hill side to look back and see his hunters blinking in and out of time, displacer beasts controlled by that fucking mind flayer.

“How many times do I have to kill you!”

He was on the other side of the mountain and he put his hat on quickly and drew forth his sword and his gauntlet was still invisible but he knew it was there, his Katana turned from its rusty color to a red bladed black shimmering Katana. He held it ready and he patted his trusty and deadly assassin blade and was ready to unleash it. He than sheathed his sword and held his right hand in the air as he cocked it back as if he was ready to throw something at and he did throw something a red glowing dagger with amazing speed hit the earth as a displacer beast appeaered and vanished as Terry let loose an endless stream of daggers it seemed, he had to have thrown over 100 daggers and you saw something moving around with daggers sticking from it.

“Bitch made them stronger.”

He than threw one more and knew that had to put it down as all the daggers sticking out of thin air slumped down and soon vanished as Terry walked up and took his evil looking dagger from his hip to impale the beast and he sheathed it once he saw it was dead. He than saw his enemy the mind flayer tried to invade his mind, but failed with his protection on.

“Nice try, but once again you fail. How many times do I have to kill you.”

He drew his sword and held up his gauntlet to look at you, it came into view again, the black metal glowed with a light.

“Thanks I needed that in there for later use. Let me guess domination.”

He charged at the mind flayer and soon skittered to a stop as he flew through the air as a large fireball exploded.

“AUGHHH…”

He hit the ground hard and he was smoking.

“What the fuck… that fucking hurt… oh no.. tell me you didn’t do that…”

He saw a large demon step out of the large crater, it had a guerrilla like face and large horns, huge chest along with huge muscled arms, his wings were bat like and monstrous, his legs were huge as well.

“A fucking Tanari Balor demon… you summoned this bitch to kill me.. I cant believe you.”

The mind flayer laughed and spoke in its guttural language as the demon laughed as well. Terry didn’t think he could fight them both off, he didn’t know if he had the strength to fight off this demon, well not yet of course. He would need some supplies and his men behind him.

“I will kill your bitch and when I am done with him, I am coming for you.”

Again another fireball went off and sent Terry flying through the air and he hit the ground. His gauntlet still invisible, but his sword was out, he wished Ryssa could get him out of this, but he didn’t want her to get hurt.

“Damn that hurt again.”

 

[Alerdene]

She smiled as the big cat turned and left, watching with amusement as he tripped again. She frowned however when he began apologizing again for his words, shaking her head at him in exasperation. She smiled as he began walking with her again saying something about almost being there.

She watched him oddly as he walked away from her suddenly, looking around, a low exclamation coming from him,

Shit, I was careless…

Her frown returned as he looked up at her, his face reflecting his uneasiness and it was evident there was a problem of some sort. Her face turned into a stunned expression as he suddenly looked to her and told her,

I am sorry.. I must part from you right now, don’t ask any questions, don’t try and follow me. I will find you.. or maybe I wont. Thank you for your company and your time.

She started to protest but her words fell on empty air as he had disappeared again,

Terry wait.. I can help..

She stood there stunned for a moment, unsure if she were hurt or angry. Finally she sprung into action, her fingers going to her mouth and whistling again, the cat bounding into sight this time and sprinting over the bridge to come to a skid at her side. She leaned over and whispered in the cat's ear, patting his flank as she stood and uttered a single word in elven,

Go!

The cat would find him, and help if it could. If not, she would at least be able to see what it did, with the help of a simple spell. She heard a muffled blast and her eyes scanned the horizon, but saw nothing. She knew if he had hopped too far away the cat wouldn't be able to find him, but she couldn't sit and do nothing, not with the look that had been on his face as he disappeared. She knew he wasn't what he appeared, but she didn't think he would leave like that without good reason, and if he ever showed up again she was determined to find it out.

Her anger grew and she stomped towards Demon's Armpit, unable to think of anything to do, knowing that she had no way of discovering where he had 'hopped' to. Her anger intensified as her hand reached for her blade for comfort and realized it wasn't there. He'd taken it again and had it with him wherever he'd run off to. The semi-unprotected feeling left her uneasy as she realized she had arrived. It loomed up in front of her before she knew it. Demon's Armpit.

Walking to the door, she threw it open and walked confidently in, knowing this wasn't the sort of place to show uneasiness in. She was confident however, knowing her skill with the smaller dagger would suffice if she needed it... or hoped it would anyway. Besides, Terrence would be along anytime with the mystery woman. She ignored the looks and catcalls she received and walked to the bar, ordering a drink and slamming it down before ordering another. This one she carried to a table near the back corner, sitting with her back to the wall, looking out over the room, her bow propped up against the wall behind her. She tried not to let her mind drift to whatever was happening out there.. she didn't try her spell, knowing the cat had likely never even found him, and she sighed, hoping that whatever trouble plagued him hadn't caught up with him for good.

 

[amon_darknight]

Terry

Metal rang through the air as the large demon had a large weapon of his own, it almost looked like a lance, but it had two maul heads, he kept parrying his blows away, Terry was fighting with his Katana and his assassin blade, trying desperately to score a hit on this demon, another fireball went off as Terry dove to the side and barely dodge the explosion. He was losing and he felt the mind flayer trying to use his psionics on him, but it wouldn’t work as long as his hat stayed on.

“Fuck you Flayer… if I get out of this, fuck this shit…”

He let out a loud roar as he charged at the mind flayer, it looked a bit surprised as he did this, but the Demon intercepted him, by teleporting in front swinging his large maul headed weapon and connecting with his chest. Terry went flying away and landed beside a white snow cat, he looked to it and coughed up blood.

“Ughh you are my only hope, go and find Ryssa and tell her that…OH NOO!”

The demon picked him up and slammed him into the ground, his blood spilling from his head and from internal injuries now. Terry crawled or at least attempted to crawl away, he said something in elven.

“Go please and find Ryssa and tell her I need her… hurry or I am done for, I don’t know how much longer I can last… tell her its life or death… GO NOW..”

He rolled out of the way as he dodged the maul blow into the ground, and fire erupted and burned him. He got to his feet and held his sword, but he stood dazed, he didn’t even see the demon’s hand grab him and he knocked his assassin blade out of his hand and he dropped his Katana, it reverted back to his old rusted form and he was slammed into the tree again, the Demon dropped Terry and looked back to the mind flayer.

Demon: “Once I have killed this one, our deal is done and I am set free right?”
Mind Flayer: “Yes that is the deal, now kill him and be done with it.”
Demon: “Since you hate him so much, he has no fight left in him, come and kill him yourself, you told me he was stronger than this, I am disappointed. I thought I was to get a fight.
Terry: “I..c..eee.. Ry..sssa.. c..at…”

Terry spoke in elven and hoped the cat heard him.

ELSE WHERE AT THE DEMONS ARMPIT

The cat ran on and found Ryssa at the bar, he did not enter though, he peered through the window, he used his animal bond with her and sent a message to her.

“Need of help, your friend is in life danger.. come quick”
The cat waited outside and wondered if she heard.

 

[Vibro repairman]

Terrence had followed Ryssa and the mysterious Terry quielty, well as quietly as one could crunching thick snow underfoot and with a chattery magical broadsword whose comments were often a little too frank. Shirley wasn't one to mince words, and the barbarian wondered at times what the sorcerer who had enchanted her realised what he was doing. Her personality could be grating at times, yet she often provided a useful sounding board to his own less worldly views.

The Demon's Armpit was at first glance a typical inn and tavern, with a racous crowd. The current centrepiece of the ongoing scenery inside was apparently a drinking contest between a stout, loud dwarf with a black braided beard and one of the tavern wenches.

The crowd gathered about them were shouting and cheering them on and waging bets, and from the large number of mugs on the table and scattered nearby over the floor the drinking contest had been going some time already, and the dwarf was looking the worst for wear. Terrence wrinkled his brow, as he looked over the slight woman who seemed to be drinking one of a mountain clan dwarf under the table, quite a feat.

Moving up beside Ryssa, Terrence laid a hand on one of her slender shoulders, brushing a few locks of her beautiful hair. "That Terry paid the troll in gems, and disappears suddenly on some errand before we arrive at the 'Armpit. He becomes more of a mystery the longer we know him, and I suspect we know little to nothing," he said, "I trust you are being careful with him."

"I'm sure Ryssa knows some elven herbal recipe to protect her if they-" Shirley began, but stopped as Terrence cast a glance back at her pommel over his shoulder.

"Thats, uh, not quite what I meant Shirley," he glowered, before looking back to Ryssa. "I may have known you only a short while from your elven lifetimes perspective Ryssa, but I care for you, and would not like to see you get hurt. I hope you know that."

 

[Alerdene]

Long Post

She sat there, finishing her drink and nodding for another, smiling gratefully at the woman who dropped it off in front of her. Her attention then turned to a rather amusing drinking contest in the middle of the room, where a sturdy little dwarf was stumbling about whilst his opponent, a reed of a girl stood firm, guzzling her next drink. Ryssa grinned as she had been watching awhile, and the girl was good.. she was quick... no one even noticing the sleight of hand that allowed her to dump a colorless powder into her own drink, not bold enough to try something with the dwarfs. Ryssa had no idea what the powder was, but obviously it was something that held off intoxication rather well... perhaps she would speak to the girl later and see if she couldn't procure a bit of that mystery powder. It might prove handy sooner or later.

She glanced up with relief as she saw Terrence making his way to her and she nodded at the girl delivering drinks pointing to him. She looked behind him but saw no trace of the woman near the bridge and she shrugged slightly, figuring the woman had gone her own way. She smiled up at him as his hand touched her shoulder reassuringly and he reached up to brush the hair out of her face. She sighed slightly and leaned her head to rest against his arm for a moment, listening as he spoke, his last sentence causing another sigh to escape her full lips.

I trust you are being careful with him.

She looked up at him, her eyes open and trusting as they searched his. Finally she shrugged slightly, her eyebrow arching as she heard Shirley's muffled comment, her lips parting in astonishment as a laugh escaped her. She'd never grow used to the sword's sense of humor.

I may have known you only a short while from your elven lifetimes perspective Ryssa, but I care for you, and would not like to see you get hurt. I hope you know that.

She stared at him silently for a moment, before pulling him down to sit next to her, her legs coming up to stretch out across his lap. She didn't say anything for awhile, her mind merely thinking back to the many times she'd travelled with him. She knew that he was bothered by her being elven, not that he had a problem with elves, just the fact that their age equivalents were so different. She hadn't changed much at all since he'd met her, but he'd been merely a boy at the time. He'd tried to keep her at arms length, quipping about how he'd be dead before she could blink. Through her constant teasing and friendliness though, she'd managed to wriggle into the small crack in the wall he kept up, widening it until she was happy... or happy enough. They'd had their share of.. well, she didn't want to think about it now, but she was comfortable enough with his hands stroking her legs as they rested on him. She wished him only the best and had often tried to set him up with human girls she met, but usually they had been worth only a quick tumble with him moving on soon after. She was content to keep him company when he wished, though the times were rare. She also knew his words were sincere, he only wanted the best for her. She wasn't sure how her occasional dalliances that he saw sat with him, but he never berated or belittled her for them... at times he was like a protective brother and she loved him dearly for it, his seriousness grounding her sometimes when her whimsical nature threatened to get her into trouble. The thought cheered her and she smiled up at him suddenly,

I know.. and I thank you for it. I don't know what game the elf plays, nor what he is after, but I am keeping an eye on him.

She heard Shirley say something she couldn't quite make out, though from the grimace on his face, she knew it had to be a sarcastic remark. She smiled again as the serving girl deposited a large beer in front of him and another drink for Ryssa and she watched as the girls gaze lingered on Terrence before she finally departed. Sipping her drink, she quipped,

I think she's fond of you Terrence, better watch out, the girls in here have funny tricks.

The smile fading somewhat she continued,

I've no idea where he went in such a hurry, but I sent Niah after him. To help or merely to watch, depending on his activities.

It was just after she uttered this statement that a tingling feeling spread through her entire body, one she'd felt before, though not often. Her head jerked to the window and she saw a familiar shadow pacing not far outside. She bit her lip, knowing the cat's quick return meant one of two things... she was to follow him... or that Terry was dead. She finished her drink off and set it down, her eyes meeting Terrence's who was watching her with a growing look of unhappiness on his face. Her legs sliding off his, she stood and grabbed her bow, leaning down to kiss his cheek. She didn't speak, he knew her well enough to know what she was doing, though his hand caught her arm and his voice was low,

Ryssa, don't...

She smiled at him, her eyes sparkling with the effects of the drink and the fact that it had been far too long since she'd loosed an arrow with the actual intent of hitting something. Catching his hand with her own, she kissed it lightly before setting it on the table and shrugging, her only words of explanation, knowing they would suffice as he knew how she felt about her father,

He has my father's blade.

With that, she strode off towards the door, skirting the hands of inebriated men who sought to stop her, stopping at the door and turning, feeling his eyes still on her. She loosened a small money pouch at her waist and tossed it to him, smiling as he caught it easily.

Get me a room will you?

She spun, the elf's cloak swirling around her and disappeared out the door.

 

[Alerdene]

Long Post Part Two

As soon as she exited the tavern, she ran to where the cat was sitting back on it's haunches grooming itself while he waited for her. Leaning down next to him, she spoke quietly in his ear, a growl or look telling her all she needed to know. Standing and looking back the way they had travelled she sighed, knowing she was walking unprepared into something she was clueless about and not liking it at all. Her hand still on the cat, she closed her eyes and began to chant for a moment, smiling when her eyes opened. The spell was a simple one, but would allow her to travel much faster then was normally possible. Her endurance was high and she knew she could go miles before she became winded, as long as nothing hit her. The downside of the spell, if something were to actually land a hit on her, the spell fell off rather quickly, dazing her for a few moments. Not the best of choices for walking into an unknown situation, but she could tell from Niah's movements that she needed to hurry. The bow slung across her shoulder, she sprinted off, knowing that dusk was near. A drunk who had just exited the tavern, rubbed his eyes as he watched her fly across the snow, hair and cloak trailing behind her, the cat close on her heels, thinking he had definately drunk too much, before he stumbled back inside for another.

It took her only moments to reach the bridge, though the troll and the woman were nowhere to be seen and she ran across her feet barely touching the wooden surface. She stopped a moment later and motioned Niah to lead the way and they were soon off again, up a side trail that led straight up through the trees. She ran swiftly, making nearly no noise as not once did she crunch through the layer of snow, moving too quickly and lightly as she nearly flew up the trail. She knew she was nearly the top as the trees thinned out and Niah had slowed down some, her ears picking up noises now as well as an acrid burning smell that reached her nose. They reached a small plateau and she ran across quickly, skidding to a stop at the far edge as her eyes tried to take in the sight before her not far down the trail.

Dusk had fallen, though it was still light enough to see easily and the first thing she noticed was Terry, lying on the ground not far from her at all, but barely moving. The second and more worrisome sight for the moment was the huge demon that stood there, almost arguing it seemed with a... her eyes did a double take as she stared at the creature the demon was with. She knew what it was, though she'd never seen one in person. But she'd heard enough stories of the horror they could inflict and she well believed it as her eyes skimmed it's gruesome visage.

Before she could stop herself, she uttered a low curse in elven, realizing her mistake the moment it crossed her lips as both sets of hideous eyes immediately turned to her. Things happened so quickly at that moment she couldn't even tell you which was first. She uttered a word that released the movement spell, realizing that to be dazed with those creatures would be the end of her. She pointed at Terry and barked Niah's name, satisfied as the cat bounded to him and stood over him protectively. At the same time as the demon let out a blood curdling screech, her bow was up and arrows beginning to fly, none missing their mark, but none having any visible effect either... other then perhaps to enrage it even more. It charged at her, it's huge weapon beginning to swing, and she reached for her blade, panic setting in when she realized once again it wasn't there.

Her eyes went to Terry once and she prayed the blade was behind his waist again, if it wasn't, the precious seconds it took to reach him might be the end. She waited, dropping the bow as the demon laughed and swung at her. At the last moment possible, she dropped low and dove sideways, the maul missing her by inches as it slammed into the ground, the force throwing her even farther sideways as she scrambled to regain her feet. The near miss didn't seem to bother the demon, it just laughed again and began another swing, which she watched carefully as she backed up a few steps, intending this dive to take her to Terry's side. The creature surprised her though and while her eyes were on it's weapon it's other hand was busy conjuring a small surprise for her, which exploded from it's hand, the brightness of the fireball catching her attention from the corner of her eye. There was no time to counter very well, the best she could do was dive and come up rolling to her feet, a phrase she uttered quickly offering her only protection as a shield of ice was suddenly formed in front of and around her body. The fireball struck the edge of the shield, shattering it, but glancing off it's mark and landing next to her rather then in the middle of her. The explosion into the ground rocked her however as she went flying, the arm closest to it going numb with pain. Scrambling to her feet again, she wasted no time looking for it's next attack, merely ran all out at Terry, sliding to a stop and reaching underneath him, all but screaming with relief as she felt the comfortable weight slide into her hand. She realized in that instant he was conscious, though barely, and he was trying to tell her something, the words not making any sense to her though... something of the nature of ice and hat. Having no time to think about it, she flashed him a smile, hiding the pain her arm was sending coursing through her and lept away from him, watching as the demon grinned at her as it advanced once again.

She backed up slowly, having no idea how the blade in her hand would help her against the huge creature, but at least feeling comforted by it. The creature began to swing that huge maul again but this time she was ready for it and murmured another spell just as he swung, a huge gust of air similar to the one Terry had witnessed with the snowball but much more powerful sprung up in front of her. She wasn't prepared for the force of the swing however and the air did it's job partially, pushing the maul off target, and it merely crashed into the arm that was already screaming with pain, sending her stumbling backwards again, tears filling her eyes as a howl of pain escaped her lips. She tossed the dagger to her other hand as she regained her footing yet again, her body aching from the repeated falls she was taking.

The mind flayer however had seen enough and it spoke something she didn't understand, but it caused the demon to stop advancing. She looked between the two, confused for a moment, though her confusion was short lived as she felt something push at her. Nothing was near, but she felt it as clearly as that, a push... but at her mind, not her body. She nearly dropped the weapon in surprise as her gaze went to the mind flayer and saw it staring unwaveringly at her. She resisted as best she could, but didn't stand a chance as the push intensified and soon she felt tendrils of intrusion slipping into her head, her hand dropping the blade this time as her hands went to either side of her head as the pain started. She vaguely heard Terry again behind her, his voice seeming louder this time, ice and hat again, but once again she was clueless and had no time to dwell on it as she realized she was about to lose control completely, the flayer now moving towards her steadily. Another cry of pain left her lips and she noticed a flash of white next to her as Niah came up beside her, something in the big cat's mouth. She managed to look down and realize the cat was pushing Terry's hat in her hand, and though she had no idea why he would have given the cat his hat, she didn't argue, merely took it and managed to shove it hard down onto her head. The moment the hat covered her head, she felt a cry of dismay as the pain stopped and the tendrils whipped out of her head at an alarming rate. Panting she sat there a moment, staring at the mind flayer as it retreated a bit again, speaking harshly to the demon this time. Her eyes flew to Terry, even more confused now by the nature of the hat, but not arguing, knowing she never again wanted to feel what she had just felt. She stood, rather shakily as she still felt rather lightheaded from the intrusion, her good hand scooping up the blade from the snow as she did so. She heard him again behind her, his voice weaker again... ice. She looked back at him and saw his eyes not on her but on the demon as he repeated the word. Ice and hat. Figuring what the hell, she backed far away from Terry, not wanting a stray hit or fireball to hit him, she began readying spells as the demon advanced once again.

She crouched low, realizing blood was trickling from a gash on her shoulder, but ignoring it as her eyes never left the demon's form as it came towards her. It's weapon was going up, she could see another ball of fire forming in it's other hands as it toyed with her, almost a game of cat and mouse. Before it could move however she unleashed one of her spells, merely to see if it was going to have any effect on him at all. Caught by surprise the demon screamed in frustration and perhaps a small bit of pain as jagged bits of ice appeared from nowhere above his head and rained down on his form, slicing at him over and over again. Pleased as she saw gashes appearing on him where the ice struck, she swore to give Terry a huge kiss if they were both alive at the end of this. The gashes didn't stop the demon however, merely served to enrage it and he loosed the fire ball as it came flying straight towards her head. Her second spell she had readied was loosed then and the fireball slammed harmless against a rocksolid curved shield of ice this time, causing it to deflect up and behind her, though the explosion still sent her reeling as debris rained down around her, a sharp piece of stone slashing her across the collarbone, leaving a nasty gash that caused her to cry out again. She had no time to examine it however as the maul began to swing towards her again, and she knew she was tiring much quicker then the beast. She'd not last much longer. She was slow this time, the blow almost catching her as she dove again, the force knocking her down again, but she lept up, a scream of frustration this time escaping her lips, as she twisted the blade in her hand, uttering the enchantment that turned it's steel into a weapon of pure and deadly ice. Knowing she had one shot and only one, she leapt straight at the demon, it's form hunched slightly over as it pulled it's weapon free of the snow and earth it had slammed into. It looked up just in time as she grabbed one of it's horns with her injured arm, knowing she had only a second before her arm would give out, and she thrust her good arm forward as it straightened up, swinging her body off the ground as she held on for dear life, her hand with the blade punching forward and plunging deep into the demon's right eye.

She'd never heard such a roar of outrage, as it swung it's head, the blade coming loose from it's eye with a pop as she refused to let go, and her other arm losing it's grip as the demon knocked her lose with his other hand, sending her flying to land hard, her head slamming into the ground. Dazed, she managed to scramble backwards, and ran into Terry as she watched the demon thrash and scream and finally sink down to it's knees, outraged, blinded, hurt, she wasn't sure. But as soon as it was on it's knees, it disappeared. She didn't know where it went, whether it was dead, dismissed by the flayer, merely invisible. She didn't care. Her head was swimming, her vision was blurry as she looked to the flayer, knowing she wasn't up for another battle. She felt a push at her mind again, but it was weak and lasted only a moment before disappearing. The flayer itself saying something once again that she didn't understand before it too disappeared from her sight. She waited a moment, but it didn't reappear, nor did the demon, and she finally collapsed, her head resting for a moment on his chest. Realizing though that his breathing was uneven, she took a deep breath and readied another spell, realizing her energy was coming to an end quickly though. She took assessment of her own injuries and bad as they were, some still bleeding, they were nothing compared to his. Having enough strength for the moment for one more spell, she chanted softly and a blue light sprung up from her hand as it touched his chest and soon encompassed his entire body. The light flickered as it moved over him, a few of his more serious wounds closing under the light and his breathing became a bit easier. The light sputtered and died sooner then she would have liked, but she smiled as she realized he was merely sleeping now, rather then unconscious. She'd find him a cleric when they got back to the tavern. She'd just rest for a moment, just one moment until the stars cleared from her head. She slumped down against him, her head on his chest, the dagger still clutched in her hand as darkness overtook her.

Niah moved closer, dropping the forgotten bow on the ground near them and sat watching... and waiting.

 

[amon_darknight]

Terry

He saw everything that took place and pleaded with the Mind Flayer known as Grotes, an enemy he made while he traveled through Underdark, he cursed his chaotic side, he loved to see things in ruin and madness happening and that is what he left a mind flayer city in. He still could no believe that Grotes found him, it had been almost 2 years after that incident, he only took one thing from the mind flayer, he took a few rings from his chambers and a spell book. That is how Terry knew how to make those magic jewels. But his rings, he didn’t wear, he had it in his cloak on a chain, they possessed some magical powers, he rarely wore them. But to chase him to the ends of the earth for 2 years, wow and to summon a Demon like that, wow.

He watched the battle and admired Ryssa and her battle abilities, she was graceful, yet merciless against that demon, she took the hits and dished it back out, he wished he could help, all he could do was to say ice and hat, hoped she would take the hints. He saw the cat and he managed a weak smile as he reached out to pet the cat.

“… cat… tha..nk the god..sss ff..orr yo..uu.”

He felt the sharp pain running up and down his chest, he knew his armor held up, it was eleven made, but he had a hard time breathing, he knew he had broken ribs and internal injuries, damn it he thought. He had a few vials of healing potions in his cloak, but she was wearing it. He didn’t know why she actually came, he was quite surprised by her showing up, never did he thought she cared for him like that and to come by herself was another amazing thing, he knew she was not weak, but he never knew she was this powerful, he again thought of how he should be very careful of her, she was one of the top ranking High Eleven Guard, highly magical and very powerful with swords and mainly bows, but he needed to find out more about her, so he knew what he would be dealing with. He again saw her fighting the demon, his fire ball getting deflected off her ice shield, now that was a powerful feat to pull off. She was hands down one of the most talented people he knew, he even felt that she could kick his ass. He tried to get up, but the pain intensified 10 fold as he coughed up blood and he heard the cat growl at him.

“Auhh, ok..o. (cough) shi..tt that ..hurts.. I hear you cat…”

He watched in awe again as she went on fighting, this time he saw the cat was gone and his hat was gone as well, Terry needed to get away from Grotes, he was barely able to move, but he did so slowly on his back, he moves with his legs so he could push himself away from the battle, but that didn’t work out to well, he was just to weak, to move. He than saw Ryssa jump and grab hold of the demon’s horn and than stab him in the eye and his jaw dropped as he saw the Demon roar out in pain and the Mind Flayer screamed as well. He than saw Ryssa run to lay on top of him, he looked to her and smiled. But he soon passed out.

“He… will .. get.. hiss.”

A word escaped his lips before he passed out.

“Goddess”

He than blacked out as he dropped a blue gem from his hand, and it looked familiar to you, like something you have seen in the past.

A few hours later he popped his eyes open and he threw his hands up into the air.

“RYSSA! IM COMING”

His eyes were open wide and he fell back to the ground as he felt someone on top him and he looked to see Ryssa laying there, he smiled and saw she was badly beaten up. He didn’t know how he was breathing easier, but he was glad for it, he than saw that blue gem on the ground and he scooped it up and held onto it. It was his good luck charm, held the magic of elves in it, he had no idea on what it did, but he always had it on him. He slipped it in his pocket and he saw that she needed some healing herself.

“Ryssa my dear, I owe you my life. Never did I think you would come to save me, your fighting capabilities are out of this world, one to be compared to Selune herself. Now I will show you some healing.”

He reached in his cloak for a small belt with two vials of red liquid and he looked to them, not enough to fully heal her, but enough to have her walk back. He gently moved her off him and made sure she rested easily, he looked her over and saw her arm was badly injured and cuts and gashes along her collarbone, he would have to remove her shirt and armor to pour the potion onto her wounds, he leaned down and coughed some more blood up, he almost fell back as he knew he was still messed up, but he removed her armor first, gently and skillfully, he looked her shirt over and saw it buttoned up, and he quickly unbuttoned it and saw her naked breasts and he looked in awe as they were magnificent, he almost forgot to pour the healing salve onto her, he uncorked the bottle and let the liquid flow out onto her chest, he saw the cuts and gashes closing fast and he than poured the rest over her arm, he knew that would take more to heal, but it would help for the pain, he than took the last bottle and uncorked it and opened her mouth as he poured the liquid down her throat and he massaged her throat to help her swallow the healing liquid, he smiled as he buttoned her shirt up and laid her armor over her as he closed his cloak over her and he saw his sword on the ground and blade next to it, he walked slowly over to them and sheathed them both.

“I wont let this happen again, I was weak, I let my guard down, I … oh damn it…”

He than fell to his knees as he started to cough again, this time blood spilling out of his mouth and he fell to his face and passed out. He hoped nothing would come along and attack them or rob them, he would likely die here, and just as he started to have feelings for this woman, a goddess in avatar form, one that if she found out who he was, would want to kill him to, or torture him to get the jewel back, or capture him and bring him back. He didn’t know what to do, he just knew that it was bad, he felt his life force slipping away.

 

[Alerdene]

She awoke with a start, sitting up suddenly, her hands flying to her aching head. She looked around, startled and realized she'd either passed our or fell asleep. Glancing up she realized several hours had gone by as the moon was high overhead. Her eyes flew around the small area they were in and she saw him still there, sleeping or passed out again. Niah still sat close, watching, his golden eyes keeping watch over her. She stood then, slowly, fully aware of every ache in her body, including the massive throb in her arm. Everything came back to her in a flash, and she was actually surprised she was able to stand as easily as she had... until she saw the empty vials on the ground. She picked one up and smelled it, tossing it aside after she did. Her eyes wandered around his still form, looking... searching... though they didn't find what they sought. She vaguely remembered another of his gems, a blue one this time, a blue gem that had almost called out to her when she'd seen it. Shrugging she thought perhaps it was merely a figment of her dreams as she slept.

She walked to him, sheathing her blade as she did so, once she managed to unwrap her fingers from it, noticing at the same time her vest was buttoned crookedly. This drew a smile from her as she noticed the nasty gash along her collarbone was gone, merely a faint line left and an achiness which would quickly depart as well. Holding her hand over his heart, she murmured a spell and listened, knowing he wasn't doing well. Looking at the height of the moon, she decided it was close enough to morning, that her Goddess wouldn't mind if she was early in this particular case.

Leaving him there, she walked off into the distance, knowing the cat would alert her if there was any change in his condition. Stopping in a clear place, she drew her blade again and used it to draw a few symbols in the snow around her. Tossing the blade and the dagger in her boot away from the symbols, she sank to her knees, her eyes closed, face upturned to the moon and she began speaking. Her speech was the ancient elven once again, her words came smoothly and lyrical, flowing together to make a beautiful musical sound. She stayed in that position an impossibly long time, praying and meditating, her voice growing stronger and stronger the longer she was there. Finally she stopped, her voice stopping abruptly, the remnants of her speech echoing around her. When the last echo had died out, she sat there a moment longer, her face still tilted up, speaking one last word. The moment it was out her mouth, a brilliant blue light sprang up around her, nearly humming with it's power as it surrounded her completely. When the light died out, she stood quickly, the spring back in her step as she rubbed out the symbols she had marked, and bent to retrieve her blade and dagger

Walking back to him, one would be hardpressed to tell she'd been injured at all, if they didn't know her well. Her arm was still used very carefully, but the majority of the cuts and scratches were healed, leaving aches and bruises, but nothing else. Her pride was injured more then anything, knowing it was mere luck that the demon had gone. She'd done a stupid thing and it had nearly cost her life, not to mention Terry's and possibly Niah's. Having prayed for forgiveness already, she pushed the thought away and knelt at his side again, knowing there was no way she could carry him to the tavern, and not having any sort of magic to whisk him there... and so she had prayed, mostly for healing abilities on this day, she sorely hoped she didn't need much offensive power until tomorrow.

She smiled as she looked down at him, kneeling down by his side as she rearranged the buttons on her vest, leaning over and pressing a soft kiss against his lips, remembering her promise to kiss him if they both made it out alive. Leaning back up, she placed one hand on his forehead, the other on his chest and began chanting again. Not even once did it occur to her that she could use his weakened opportunity to search him, her mind just didn't work that way. Her chanting stopped but her hands remained barely touching him and she was soon satisfied as another blue light sprung up around him, surrounding his body much more completely then it had a few hours ago, even seeming to enter his mouth and flow inside of him. The light wasn't nearly so brilliant as what had encompassed her a few moments ago... but that hadn't been her doing, it had been a gift from her Goddess. Her healing ability would never rival a priest or true healer, but it wasn't bad, especially if she focused on it, as she had today. It would take the worst of his wounds away, though he'd still be in worse shape then she, but hopefully able to walk. Finally satisfied, she took her hands away and sat back on her heels, the blue light lingering around him. There was nothing else she could do, but wait now.

 

[amon_darknight]

Terry

He wakes suddenly to see that it was night time and he screams out.

“RYSSA!!”

He looks around and feels he can barely feel the pain, he sat up slowly and he felt the pain again in his ribs, he clutched his side and winced.

“Ohh shit that hurts still… fucking Balor, I swear I am going to hunt that demon and claim his head as a trophy…”

He than fell back and started to cough, less blood rose up and he again sat up and breathed deep, he looked to see Ryssa sitting next to him.

“Ryssa, thank the Gods you are alright, I would have never been able to walk another day if something were to happen to you. I am so relieved.”

He started to stand up, but his head went dizzy and he stopped.

“That was amazing the way you handled the demon, better than I could have, and by the way, you look even more stunning with my hat on.”

He smiled as he started to cough again. He laid back down and stared to the night sky, he thanked what ever god was looking down at him right now for allowing him to meet this Elven Goddess, but he still kept thinking of how once if she found out who he was, she would turn care into hatred.

“Ryssa… thank you..”

He saw a shooting star and wished she would not find out who he was. He now just gazed into her eyes and he smiled.

“So what else can you do, I have already seen that you can fight off large ugly demons with a weapon 5 times the size of you, fend off the psionc powers of a powerful Mind Flayer, all while looking ever so beautiful. What other talents can I ask you have. I don’t know if I would have lived through this if you didn’t show up, so I owe you my life. You can count on me for anything you wish.”

He continued to smile as he coughed some more, he turned his head and spit out more blood, he could feel he was still internally injured and probably still had broken ribs, but he felt a lot better.

“And I apologize for taking your blade, I meant to give it back, had to leave in such a hurry, that I forgot, it is a powerful blade as well. I would hate to be on the receiving end of that blade.”
He sighed and he coughed again.

 

[Alerdene]

Her eyes were closed, meditating once again, gathering more strength about her when she was jolted out of her semi-trance by his scream.

RYSSA!!

Her eyes immediately swept the area before coming to him, shaking her head, reaching for him, but thinking better of it and just sitting back waiting for him to awaken fully. She watched as he tested himself, tried to stand, but wasn't quite ready. She tilted her head, waiting, listening as he spoke, a smile tugging at her lips as he managed to joke about her wearing his hat. She took the hat off and held it in her lap as he continued speaking, watching as he gazed for a moment at a falling star. She wondered if he made a wish or if he thought such things a waste of time.

So what else can you do, I have already seen that you can fight off large ugly demons with a weapon 5 times the size of you, fend off the psionc powers of a powerful Mind Flayer, all while looking ever so beautiful. What other talents can I ask you have. I don’t know if I would have lived through this if you didn’t show up, so I owe you my life. You can count on me for anything you wish.

She shook her head at his words, smiling at him as she did so.

I did not fight the demon off, I merely dodged its blows well enough to survive until he chose to leave. Nor did I fend off the attack of the flayer... you know as well as I did that it's your impressive hat that managed that feat. And beauty is in the eye of the beholder I would assume.

She shrugged before continuing,

Other talents remain to be seen I suppose.

She listened to his apology about her blade... taking it out and turning it over and over in her hands as he did. Giving him a half-smile she shrugged again.

It was my father's. It has... special meaning to me, I would hate to lose it. It's been in our family for longer then I can remember.

Sheathing it before she says something she shouldn't, her fingers lightly running over the two small gems embedded in the handle before she stands looking down at him.

Can you walk? I don't relish the thought of staying here all night, especially if your two friends show up again. My talents as you call them do not include a way to carry you unfortunately, and my healing powers leave something to be desired.

 

[amon_darknight]

Terry

He looked to her and he smiled.

“Well the Mind Flayer is known as Grotes, and he is a rather nasty individual, that once he got in your head, he would only destroy it and you, or use you to his wills. The demon I have no idea on who that was, I only know he made a contract to have me killed, and that demon wont stop until its done, cause that will mean that he will be set free in this world to do what he wills. But now you have become part of that equation, you have hurt him pretty good, so he will seek not only my blood, but yours as well, but don’t worry about that gorgeous, I will destroy that one. I have spent time in the abyss and dealt with his kind, he is the most powerful breed of demon though, so I will need to get some supplies.”

He again smiled at you.

“I will be able to walk, just need to collect my thoughts. And there is no need to be modest about your abilities, I am not intimidated like most males would be, I am an elf after all. I admire your prowness to fight and you have more power in you than you think, or than you show. You don’t have to hide anything from me, and if you think I do that to you, all you got to do is ask, but I have told you a lot of what and who I am.”

He smiled and was not really lying, for he only created the name Terry and made him everything he was, that was his road name when he wanted to get out for a bit. He smiled at you and took your hand in his.

“I want to thank you again for everything, I have never experienced feeling like this before, I have always jumped from woman to woman, cause I never found anything I liked in them, but you, I have found a lot that I can even say that I have fallen in lo…”

He again had a shocked look.

“I am sorry, I am sure Terrance and you have something special, I am sorry for saying such things to you.”

You knew that he was afraid to love, to even say it, you saw him trying to stand up, but he was still weak. Maybe he was afraid to say it cause he didn’t want to get rejected, but he certainly did show it. The more he pushed himself, the more he coughed up blood, this time it was covering his face, it seemed his internal injuries did not heal.

“We have to get moving.”

 

[Alerdene]

She was content to sit and listen as he spoke, explaining some things, creating more questions with others. But now was neither the time nor the place and she didn't interupt him. He took her hand and she held his, looking at it as he continued to speak.

but you, I have found a lot that I can even say that I have fallen in lo…

Her eyes came up slowly from his hand as he stopped speaking, the shocked look back on his face, but she merely sat there calmly, watching, though she did not release his hand. She smiled, almost to herself as he continued,

I am sorry, I am sure Terrance and you have something special, I am sorry for saying such things to you.

She studied the look on his face and merely smiled a soft smile as she replied,

Terrence and I do have something special. Something most people would not understand. But please do not presume to know things about me such as that.

She frowned again as he stood and watched him cough again. Standing with him, she tugged on his hand,

You're right, we need to move. Can you make it alright?

She walked with him, at times slipping her arm around his waist and letting him lean on her as they went, trying to make it easier for him. She stopped to rest a time or two, making him sit and rest, though he insisted he was fine. Scolding him once, she shook her head,

I didn't risk my life, and piss off a demon merely to watch you die from fatigue. Now rest. There will be a cleric at the tavern and you will sleep easy once we get there.

A playful smile crossed her lips as she couldn't resist, remembering the healing potion vials and her crookedly buttoned vest.

Besides, if you die now, you'll never get another look at my bare chest..

She grinned at the look on his face and shushed him again. As they walked, she kept a running dialogue going, merely to keep him distracted from his injuries. She told him stories of when she was little, trouble she'd gotten into, the time her father had taken her hunting, little things to make him smile. She spoke only of when she was very young, the time between then and now was not something she wished to share.

She sighed with relief as she saw the bridge come into sight, the troll still annoyed with whatever had passed between them earlier gave her no trouble and they crossed without words. She smiled happily as they came around a corner and the lights of the tavern glowed in the night air. She'd never been so happy to see such a desolate hole in the ground.

 

[amon_darknight]

Terry

He still couldn’t believe what he had said, he was becoming weak around this woman, or shall he say Goddess in avatar form. He smiled at that thought, maybe this trip here would bring more than revenge, it would set things right with the gods and pay him some favor. He shook his head than, what would his men say if he turned to the good side and strayed away from the nature of chaos.

“Wrong, wrong…”

He looked up at her and smiled. It felt good to have her hold him, almost like a warm fire around him, protecting him from cold, making sure everything was alright. He listened to her stories and it was amusing that she was finally opening up to him, but that only meant that he would have to open to her, he had troubled thoughts at that notion, but shook it away as he would tell her of Terry’s life, not “D’s” he smiled at her.

“I can survive much worse, you don’t have to worry…”

He coughed again, with more blood coming out, he fell to his knees and was holding himself up with his hands. He was messed up, and it was taking a toll on him. When she spoke of her bare chest, he looked flustered and he blushed.

“I..umm..uhh. I don’t know what you are talking about, in my condition I couldn’t even stand up. Must have been some other creature, maybe that magic woman. I don’t know.”

He hoped that would work, but he knew it wouldn’t. He walked until he could see the Troll, it did something weird though, it flashed familiar hand signs and Terry quickly picked up on it. As they walked by he stumbled a bit and pushed Ryssa gently off him and he bumped into the Troll, he took a small magical parchment and quickly folded it and stuffed it into his pants. He looked to the troll again and nodded as he tossed him another red gem.

“For the toll…”

He flashed him a hidden code that read to not cross him, and if he did, he would already be dead. The Troll, looked scared and went back to standing guard. Terry fell to his knees again and Ryssa was there to help him get up.

“Thank you… Guess I need more help…”

He made his way to the inn with her.

“Well we made it… Ryssa, we have to get something for your mind… something to protect you…*cough, cough* ughh… other wise Grotes can get to you faster than the Demon, possibly use you against me… and you are one I do not wish to fight, my blade would crumble to dust before yours.”

He looked to you and smiled, but it quickly turned to pain as he thought of a fight against you. But he than quickly thought of something…

The Mind Flayer known as Grotes, knows of my true identity.

“Shit…”

Now he had to kill that mind flayer before it was too late, and that meant going through the Demon. He had to get strong and get strong fast.

“Healer… Quick…”

 

[Vibro repairman]

Rooms were acquired easily enough at the Demon's Armpit, and Terrence waited somewhat worriedly for Alyssa's return. As patrons left to return to their own homes as the night drew in fully and the inn keeper himself barred the door, he found himself waiting alone in the common room with the dying fire in the hearth and a mug of beer which was rapidly dwindling. He felt certain Alyssa could take care of herself, yet their recent new travel companion was an addition to the equation he still had yet to work out.

He was ready to go searching himself, Shirley's own voice turning more serious through concern, when there was a thump against the door. Pushing himself up from the not particularly comfortable chair he had sat himself in by the fireplace he quickly lifted the bar and pulled the door open to see Alyssa and Terry.

"Gods you're late,"grinned Terrence. "You missed supper," Shirley quipped.

It didn't take much of a look at the pair to see there had been some kind of trouble. Terry looked pale even for an elf, and the blood spatters on his clothes told half a story. "What happened out there? I guess somehow it wasn't the troll."

 

[Alerdene]

She had watched him brush against the troll and toss it another gem, but once again remained conspiciously silent. She also listened as he spoke about something to protect her mind, but she shrugged, knowing she was rarely in one place long enough to have real concerns about the flayer looking for her. She had no reason to think it would come seeking her.

Pounding on the door, she was relieved to see it was Terrence who opened it for them, and she was ready to throw him a look if he started in on her. But he did not, he only grinned and mentioned how late it was, though she did try to ignore the rumbling in her stomach at Shirley's remark.

She helped Terry into a chair as he called for a healer. Watching as the innkeeper came, she spoke quietly for a moment with him and handed him another smaller pouch that she pulled loose from her belt, nodding and smiling as he replied something in return. Turning to Terry, she leaned to him and placed her hand on his cheek to be sure she had his attention,

He's getting someone for you. You have a room and you need to rest.

She was going to say more, but a woman walked into the room then, her hair disheveled, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, but perking up when she saw the condition he was in. The woman leaned close, looking him over carefully and then looked up to Ryssa.

You can help him?

The woman nodded and Ryssa smiled at her before looking back to Terry. Placing her hand under his arm, she helped him up and nodded to the woman.

Go with her. They have a room for you and she's going to fix you up again so that I can hurt you when I question you.

She grinned to let him know she was teasing, but her tone of voice left no room for arguing. She was used to getting her own way, and was not about to be refused. She watched, satisfied, as he finally allowed the woman to lead him down a hallway, secure in the knowledge that she could fix anything that was wrong with him.

Turning back to the innkeeper who had brought her a small loaf of bread and a block of cheese, she thanked him gratefully before sinking into a chair and looking up at Terrence, realizing he had asked her what was going on. Cutting a slice of cheese and bread and layering them together she took a bite, savoring the sharp taste of the cheese before she looked back to him, her smile wide.

You are remarkably patient when you choose to be, though I'll wager Shirley's been over there with a few choice words here and there.

The look on his face confirmed her words and she laughed outloud before taking another bite, trying to think of what sort of explanation he would accept. Finally she shrugged and began speaking, she didn't keep secrets from him usually, so why start now.

She assured him that she was alright, that her arm was still a bit numb, but nothing was serious any longer. She watched as his eyes looked her over carefully, seeing bruises but nothing else that required attention.

She talked as she ate, thanking the innkeeper again gratefully as he brought her a drink. She saw Terrence's eyes look at her disbelieving as she told the tale, though he didn't actually say anything. She kicked his knee lightly once however when Shirley made a particularly loud snort. Finally finishing, she sat back and looked at him, running her hand through her tangled hair.

I swear it's true. It happened exactly like that.

 

[Vibro repairman]

"A powerful demon... and we haven't even begun going exploring under the inn yet," Terrence said as Alyssa finished her tale. "If this is the kind of thing that happens around Terry we will need to be extra vigilant - though we won't need to look far for excitement."

He drained the last of the beer from his mug, which had been kindly refilled by the innkeeper. "Oh, you still owe me a round you know," he remarked with a wink, getting to his feet. "Sleep well, Alyssa. We can start our exploration tommorrow, refreshed."

He tossed Alyssa back the small coinpurse she had given him to procure her room. "See you in the morning."

 

[amon_darknight]

Terry

He looked to the healer and smiled, as he was in such a weak condition, that she could easily do whatever she wanted, like take advantage of him. He grinned to himself, but than images of Ryssa popped into his mind as a ringing warning.

“Damn it… I would be hurting her… Damn my old ways…”

He than looked to the healer that was staring at him with question in her eyes.

“Sorry, thinking out loud. I tend to do that sometimes.”

He laughed and he saw a smile come to the lips of the healer, Terry had to stay good, for if he started to chase women away, he would never get Ryssa in his heart. Wait, wait, what the hell was he thinking. As all this was playing through his mind, he was laid down on the bed and she took his armor off and his shirt, he didn’t notice that her eyes lingered over his chest, but was full of worry as she saw all his scars over his chest, slash marks and bolt and arrow scars, all kind of scars covered his chest. Terry was a bit embarresed as he looked to her.

“I am not a very likable person. People outright hate me.”

Just than he saw his gauntlet blink into view, as his eyes widened. It was in plain sight and the Healer looked and saw the black metal with red arcane runes etched into it, the healer looked to him and had a worried look on her face.

Terry: “Please don’t say anything, it is not what you think… I am not who you think I am… I just need some healing.”
Healer: “I have heard stories of a half Drow, half Moon Elf named “D”, and he was a very bad man, an Assassin by name, but fierce warrior, one that showed no mercy. Leader of a large mercenary army that strikes in the night and takes the lives of those that get in the way, bought by who ever has the attention and has something to give to the Leader of the pack, a group called the “Fallen Daggers”
Terry: “Look you have the wrong guy, I am Terry, that is all. This is just a regular Gauntlet.”
Healer: “Than let us test it, I have some arcane powers as well, if I were to cast a lightning bolt, you do not have the strength to dodge it, so it is strike you down and you lose your life, or it is use that Gauntlet and save your life.
Terry: “Or if I do what you want me to do, I will quickly end your life and destroy this inn, for I can summon my army here in mere seconds.”

Terry grinned at her as she was taken a bit by surprise.

Terry: “Nah, I am only kidding, like I said before, I am but a wandering fool. Please do not start telling everyone that you saw this man “D” here cause I have heard stories about him and know that will start the commotion and you don’t want that here. I beg of you.”
Healer: “If you are not him, than why do you fear the mention of his name?”
Terry: “I came here to relax, not to run around looking for a guy like that.”
Healer: “True, I will not say anything, for he is not here, but you may want to conceal that Gauntlet, so no one thinks of that of you.”
Terry: “Thank you.”

Terry took the white gem out and waved it over the Gauntlet and he made it vanish, he remember to time it again. He slipped the gem out of sight again and laid back at ease.

Healer: “Lets start on the healing now.”

She looks to him and begins the process.

Terry: “Besides if I was “D”, I would have already seduced you and fucked you already.”

The healer looked surprised at that statement and thought that to be true, she healed him right up and looked to him.

Healer: “I wish you were “D”, for I would have loved to fuck his brains out, does your lady friend need healing?”
Terry: “Yes she does, I will walk you down there.”

They both left the room and they walked to Ryssa’s room and he waited outside.

 

[Alerdene]

She nodded at Terrence's statement about keeping an eye on Terry, and smiled at his mention of buying him a round. Catching the coin purse, she watched him fondly as he left the room. She sat there a long time, watching the fire go low, her thoughts going many places at once as she stared at the dying flames. Finishing her drink, she sighed as she set the plate and goblet neatly on the end of the bar before leaving the deserted room and heading up the stairs to the room he'd procured for her.

Reaching the room, she looked around and shrugged. It wasn't fancy by any means, but it would do, and the bed looked comfortable enough. She sat on the edge and pulled off her boots, wiggling her toes and grinning. Removing Terry's cloak, she folded it in half and hung it over the back of a chair, resisting the urge to look at it more closely. She was about to collapse back on the bed when a soft knock made her frown. Paranoid now, she readied a small stunning spell and went and opened the door cautiously, releasing the spell without using it as she saw it was the healer.

She turned her back as the woman came in the room shutting the door, not even noticing her glance back into the hall. Sitting on the bed, she looked back up at the girl,

I'm fine, really. You should rest if you're done with Terry. I'll see to it that you're well compensated for your time.

The woman ignored her, and walked up, looking closely in Ryssa's eyes before turning her attention to her arm. Sighing, she knew better then to argue, though all she wanted to do for now was fall into an exhaused sleep. The healer was a talker though and soon began a chatter that seemed as if it would never end, most of it about Terry. At one point she mentioned the multiple scars the elf had, and Ryssa's eyebrows arched slightly.

Interesting that a wandering... bard... would have so many enemies.

The healer looked at her almost as if she wanted to say something, but then went back to looking at Ryssa's arm, shrugging as she did so... though her remarks about Terry stopped suddenly. Finally proclaiming she was finished, she smiled at Ryssa and stepped back. Flexing her arm, she did have to admit it was much better, only a little stiffness remained. Walking with the woman to the door, she opened it and thanked her again as she left. About to swing the door shut, she nearly jumped as she saw Terry there, leaning against the wall across from her room.

Aware that her vest was half unbuttoned from the healer's probing, the side swells of her breasts clearly visible... she crossed her arms over her chest and cocked her head as she regarded him.

You're looking much better, but shouldn't you be resting?

 

[amon_darknight]

Terry

He listened outside the door and he grew a bit angry as he heard the healer talk about him so much. He drew his assassin blade out once as she spoke of his scars all over his chest, but he quickly sheathed it as he knew she would not betray him. He than saw her leave and heard Ryssa’s voice.

“I wasn’t very tired, seems her healing has given me energy. Thought I would come over here to make sure she healed you. But thanks for the vote of confidence, I would love to think that someone thinks that I look good.”

He smiled at her and looked her up and down, saw her breasts and felt aroused.

“Now you show off your beautiful breasts to her and not me, I am jealous.”

He grinned as he saw you cross your arms over your chest.

“So you wanted to make love to her, or do you just walk around and tease everyone? Heh, I came here to talk about getting you some mind protection, for since you have make it clear that you are companions with me, Grote’s will come after you with that Demon. We have to protect your mind, Goddess.”

He was lying when he spoke of protection of her mind and that being the reason, he really just wanted your company. He looked to you and he slicked his hair back from his face, and he grinned at you.

“So are you just going to stand there, or you going to invite me in. And I wanted to thank you again, if I did not before for saving my life. I owe you my life. Ask for anything and you shall receive it.”

He bowed to you and took you in for a hug, as you felt his hands on your ass, gently fondling it.

 

[Alerdene]

She listened to him, a tired grin on her face as he went on, shrugging at his comment about protection for her mind.

The flayer does not concern me, I cannot imagine it will waste it's time with me...

So are you just going to stand there, or you going to invite me in. And I wanted to thank you again, if I did not before for saving my life. I owe you my life. Ask for anything and you shall receive it.

She bit her lip for a moment in indecision, but then swung the door open and swept her hand inside as if waiting for him to enter. He stepped in and hugged her, his hands going to her ass again and she chuckled, pressing against him however until finally she pulled back enough to kick the door shut.

Her voice was soft as she leaned against it regarding him for a long moment as he looked around her room, noting where her weapons lay. She arched an eyebrow as he turned back to her and smiled that cocky smile of his.

Anything? I may ask for anything and I will receive it? You should be careful of such statements... what if I were to ask the truth about who you are and what you're doing here?

She hid her smile as he began his innocent wandering bard speech again, stepping forward away from the door and raising a single finger to his lips.

Shhhhhh, I know.. a wandering bard. With mind flayers and demons for enemies. Just like any bard. Have no fear, I have no wish to make you lie to me, so I will not ask that, instead I will ask something far simpler.

Her hands dropped to her side and she regarded him for a long moment as he watched her, almost warily. Her logical and reasoning side told her to kick him out of the room and sleep, Terrence would want to start early. But the other side of her... the side who liked the way it felt when his arms were around her... it somehow managed to shut the other side up, and her request came out very soft as she spoke in elven.

Kiss me.