The Last Kingdom II

[Moneytalks]

Vixen

Vixen grabbed up a huge piece of bread and tore into it with gusto. Fresh bread was a rare treat after weeks in the saddle. Her other hand was not idle. She gnawed on the cheese and tore at the beef with her teeth chewing with relish as she considered Karrack's question.

She swallowed and grinned.

"The trip was fine... you know how I enjoy the ride... the travel. Had a few insidences... but nothing unmanageable and besides... I got me a nice horse as you saw!" She laughed taking a large slug of the ale.

"MMMMMmmmm... damn Karrack, that is fine, your own brew?" She took another long drink before putting the tankard down and tearing into the food again. Between swallows she told him news of the business. It had been their business and to Vixen it still was despite Karrack having stayed back here at the mountains to build himself a home.

Their's was a business of trade so to speak. It had allowed Vixen to travel as she so enjoyed doing and for her to use her talents to sniff out bargains and interesting things that people would spend a fortune to acquire. It was an import/export thing. She moved stuff across the land that seemed exotic and intriguing at their final destination.

The books looked good. With the fall of the evil trade had opened up more and people were becoming prosperous again and very eager to purchase exotic items to show off their wealth. Still, of late she had been restless, so much so in fact that the invitation from Karrack had been a blessing.

She'd had flings with men in the city where she based herself loosely. Some had become rather too attached and enarmoured with her, other's had hurt her with their disregard for her feelings. Not that she showed them at all often.

The thing she didn't mention until last was the information the old man had told her.

"Karrack... I'm worried... I have a suspicion that... that my pack is moving. Moving through here in fact. You know that I ran with them when I first turned? I almost stayed fox I ran with them that long. When they found out what I was they almost killed me... but not before I wounded some of them. Remember I was afraid there would be side affects? What if... what if they turned human Karrack??" She had pretty much demolished the meal and now sat with the tankard half empty in her hands.

"He said there were ten... just like me Karrack... wise men speak around the truth... I'm worried... it's like they're always a couple of steps ahead of me, it's uncanny."

 

[Guest]

Kelwyn

"You know, it's been so damn long since I travelled last I completely forgot about gifts!" He laughed.

"I'll talk to the Cleric, and organise a couple of barrels of wine and some crates of those apples, maybe a few pigs. Karrack always did have a good appetite... so did his friend Vixen now that I recall." He grinned at the memory.

"As for who to take with us, I'd prefer not to have a overly large group... maybe just Ajax, and three of the Royal Guard, you and he can choose. I'll be busy explaining to Gaunt why I won't be needing a dozen chamber maids and a tailor to come with us." He shook his head at the undesirable thought of it.

"We leave at midday... I have to sign a few declarations before we leave... but we WILL leave at midday." There was a steely determination in his words as he knew that given half a chance the courtiers would distract him until dark fell.

"Randal, get a sturdy wagon for the gifts and have Swift saddled and supplied up for me.

 

[Darklord]

Karrack

Listening to his friend talk about how well the business was doing made him happy. When she complemented the Ale, he smiled and nodded that it was indeed his own brew. But then she started talking about the pack. That worried him, alot, even though he kept his face perfectly neutral.

Sitting back after she was done, he thought for a few moments and then spoke. "Well, if they have become human, after so long, then they may indeed be looking for you, or even me. Afterall, I was the one who found you just after your break up with the pack, and they were still very upset about you being what you are. That was a fight if there ever was one, and they have no love of me either." Shrugging his shoulders he poured some more of the ale into their mugs and the raising it said. "Regardless of what may come, I'm still your friend and business partner, and we look out for each other. I'll check in with some of my contacts up here in the moutains and see if they have heard anything recently."

Draining the mug, he got up and cleared the table fairly quickly. After he had put various things away or in the sink, he turned and with a grin said. "You've gotta be tired and dirty, come on, I'll show you your room upstairs and then where the baths are."

 

[Darklord]

Randel

Nodding agreement at Kelwyn's proposals, Randel wished him good luck, and turning down the corridor made his way to where Ajax's room was. Ajax was, how to put it, the King's enforcer maybe, or perhaps, protector at odd times. He really didn't have a true title or position, it changed with the King's needs. Knocking on the door, Randel came in when he heard a muffled "Yeah?" from inside.

Walking in, he sat and looking at the man, couldn't help but marvel at his sheer physical presence. Shaking his head he spoke: "Ajax, Kelwyn and I will be going to the moutains today at midday, we'll be taking 3 guards with us, whom do you think would do the best this trip. I personally feel Gunther, Falco, and Yount. I also have to arrange some gifts to be brought. Let me know when your ready, and which people you reccomend, when your up and about." all of this to the recumbent form of Ajax sprawled on the bed. Getting up, Randel headed for the stables.

 

[Lady_Siren]

Avallyn wish fervently that Kelwyn was here so she could tell him of the Drow encounter. He would hug her and help her figure out why they were here. He would know what to do. Realizing what she was thinking she frowned 'when the hell did I become so weak as to depend on a man' she shook her head. She already knew the answer, since she had met kelwyn and had learned what it's like to be loved and not have to carry all the weight alone. Illynya was looking at her strange "Are you feeling alright" Avallyn nodded staring strait ahead. She hated to admit it but she missed Kelwyn extremely and she could feel her heart calling out to him. Silly it's not like he would hear her but it did nonetheless. They were almost to Karracks. If they were already there it wouldn't be soon enough.

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen

"Baths?" She perked up considerably, never one to dwell on any one thing for overly long.

"I should have known you'd ensure there would be baths, you're like... and ANGEL Karrack!" She laughed with delight hugging his arm easily as he led the way.

"It'll be strange seeing the others again, we all started out such an odd group, but after everything, it changed us all, I guess that forms a kind of bond amongst people doesn't it?" She spoke as if not really asking for an answer.

"I've stopped in to visit Avallyn now and then on my routes that took me through her way, she seemed, somewhat melancholy. Did you hear much from the King?"

She listened only half to Karrack's reply, as she recalled Avallyn's expression when she'd asked the Amazon the exact same question. Was that what love did to a woman, made her look all sad and lonely? She looked down at the large arm she was holding and wondered about it. She'd missed Karrack a great deal herself. Too much she sometimes thought. She wondered when the great oaf had suddenly become such a big part of her life that when he wasn't in it she felt somewhat listless and empty.

They passed several rooms.

"How many rooms does this place have and... what's in there?" She asked sniffing the air as if trying ti determine the strange scent that came to her from the room. "Smells like... like... pigments?" She looked up at him curiously.

 

[Moneytalks]

King Kelwyn

"Your MAJESTY, I MUST protest, your people need you here, they need to know your authority, how COULD you presume to leave during this time of turmoil?" Duchess Sophie glared at him as if he'd just suggested an abdication.

"M'Lady Sophie, I do believe you're... exagerating somewhat. I'll only be gone a day or two at most and will be well within errand distance."

"A lot of good that does this court if you're not about to tell us where you're going. HONESTLY Your Majesty it is the very HEIGHT of inconsideration disappearing like this."

Kelwyn bit back a snort of derision at this, "what you're trying to say Lady Sophie is that you're completely put out that not even your gossip lines have picked up my destination and it's driving you insane."

"Your MAJESTY!" The woman at once irrated Kelwyn and intrigued him. She was the sort of woman who managed to use his title and yet still seem as if she were scolding him with his first name. He suppossed that if he wasn't constantly thinking of Avallyn he'd even consider courting her himself. She was stunningly beautiful. Something she clearly knew already. A striking brunette with the whitest alabaster skin he'd ever seen on a woman. She was tough, and extremely intelligent. Something he couldn't help but admire. She'd managed to become quite a powerful force in the court.

"Yes yes, do forgive me M'Lady, I forgot myself momentarily. I really cannot continue our conversation much as it pains me to admit, I have urgent business with the Cleric." He took her hand and with perfect refinement lowered his lips to her fingers. While he was thus not privy to her expression she let her guard drop momentarily looking down on his head. She smiled with admiration at his splendid charm and good breeding. He was intelligent too... sometimes too much so. Oh yes, the Lady Sophie had some serious plans with this one. He rose again and her face shuttered to it's usual bland expression.

"I beg your leave M'Lady, I'm sure I will be seeing you in the court apon my return."

"Indeed Your Majesty, I'm sure you will." She smiled at him and allowed him to pass.

After the verbal duel with Lady Sophie, it was almost easy convincing his valet that he had no need for him on this particular journey. The Cleric too resigned himself to the Kings wishes and strict instructions not to be sent word to unless the Kingdom was at war.

Finally the King strode out into the courtyard and saw Ajax standing by the horses amongst which was his own horse Swift.

"Ajax, good man, the others are ready?"
"Should be here shortly Sir." Kelwyn smiled at this rather informal address but it was always refreshing and Ajax had a way of doing things how it pleased him. One of the reasons why Kelwyn had hired him in the first place.

 

[Moneytalks]

King Kelwyn

"Your MAJESTY, I MUST protest, your people need you here, they need to know your authority, how COULD you presume to leave during this time of turmoil?" Duchess Sophie glared at him as if he'd just suggested an abdication.

"M'Lady Sophie, I do believe you're... exagerating somewhat. I'll only be gone a day or two at most and will be well within errand distance."

"A lot of good that does this court if you're not about to tell us where you're going. HONESTLY Your Majesty it is the very HEIGHT of inconsideration disappearing like this."

Kelwyn bit back a snort of derision at this, "what you're trying to say Lady Sophie is that you're completely put out that not even your gossip lines have picked up my destination and it's driving you insane."

"Your MAJESTY!" The woman at once irrated Kelwyn and intrigued him. She was the sort of woman who managed to use his title and yet still seem as if she were scolding him with his first name. He suppossed that if he wasn't constantly thinking of Avallyn he'd even consider courting her himself. She was stunningly beautiful. Something she clearly knew already. A striking brunette with the whitest alabaster skin he'd ever seen on a woman. She was tough, and extremely intelligent. Something he couldn't help but admire. She'd managed to become quite a powerful force in the court.

"Yes yes, do forgive me M'Lady, I forgot myself momentarily. I really cannot continue our conversation much as it pains me to admit, I have urgent business with the Cleric." He took her hand and with perfect refinement lowered his lips to her fingers. While he was thus not privy to her expression she let her guard drop momentarily looking down on his head. She smiled with admiration at his splendid charm and good breeding. He was intelligent too... sometimes too much so. Oh yes, the Lady Sophie had some serious plans with this one. He rose again and her face shuttered to it's usual bland expression.

"I beg your leave M'Lady, I'm sure I will be seeing you in the court apon my return."

"Indeed Your Majesty, I'm sure you will." She smiled at him and allowed him to pass.

After the verbal duel with Lady Sophie, it was almost easy convincing his valet that he had no need for him on this particular journey. The Cleric too resigned himself to the Kings wishes and strict instructions not to be sent word to unless the Kingdom was at war.

Finally the King strode out into the courtyard and saw Ajax standing by the horses amongst which was his own horse Swift.

"Ajax, good man, the others are ready?"
"Should be here shortly Sir." Kelwyn smiled at this rather informal address but it was always refreshing and Ajax had a way of doing things how it pleased him. One of the reasons why Kelwyn had hired him in the first place.
"Feel free to call me Kelwyn on this particular journy Ajax, the friends I'll be meeting will most likely give me no end of grief at being called Sir."
Ajax's expression didn't flicker, he just nodded in agreement. Ajax didn't speak much. Luckily for him he didn't need to. His mere presence seemed to speak volumes. He was, considered quite striking, even handsome, and despite his thrift way with words he seemed to have no trouble finding an eager chambermaid to warm his bed if he desired it. He kept to himself, strictly so. As far as Kelwyn could see he had no family. No friends. No particular woman in his life. An enigma, but at trusted one. Again his thoughts turned to Avallyn. He smiled at the thought. Finally he'd see her again. He felt a child-like pleasure at the thought.

 

[Darklord]

Karrack

He laughed at her questions and statements surprised at how much he really had missed having her around. If nothing else, things were never dull with her around, whereas the past few months now that the house had been finished it was quiet and boring.

At her question regarding hearing from the King he spoke: "I talked with him a couple of times by messanger. He seems to be very very busy. Lord Randel has visited me a few times himself. He's doing well, and is right now somewhat intrigued by a woman of the court by the name of Lady Sophie. But he said it seems she has designs on the King, so he's staying out of it right as of now. Kelwyn though was the last time I heard from him pretty down since he hadn't heard from Avallyn in a long time, so thats one of the reasons I had this party, that and to show off my new house."

They passed several of the rooms in his home on their way to the back. When she asked how many he laughed out loud and said "I put in about 20 rooms for various things other than the dining room and other essentials. Most of which seem to be filled already, but I put in 10 guest rooms. Theres the Baths room, and actually a small..." was as far as he got when Vixen stopped and sniffed and asked him.. "Smells like... like... pigments?"

Looking at her with a somewhat sheepish grin he said... "I took up... um.. painting. (and in a rush) Would you like to see one of them.." at that he turned beet red. Clearing his throat he led her into the painting room which was only a doorway away from his bedroom suites. Leading her over he placed himself so as to block her view of the painting of the woman on horse back, or so he thought...

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen

Vixen looked in wonder at her best friend suddenly going beet red. She tried to recall if she'd ever seen him embarrassed before and decided this had to be a first. She grinned playfully and willingly followed him into the room.

Painting. Who would have thought? Her big oaf of a friend, doing something so genteel.

Then she saw one of the paintings. A landscape. It was. Wonderful. Her eyes widened and her usual quip remarks were silenced.

"It's... it's so beautiful Karrack I never would have imagined." She turned to face him only to see him hovering around the doorway. She realised then that he was standing before one painting in particular. Without preamble she strode towards him and ducked around him to inspect that which he didn't want seen.

She gasped in surprise. Her heart thudded in her chest painfully as she looked at it. At... at herself. At herself through Karrack's eyes. For surely only Karrack could have done this. She swallowed. She suddenly felt an irrational urge to cry. She felt vulnerable of a sudden. Seeing herself like that on a canvas. So free.

She felt the painful constriction about her chest as she tried to make sense of her feelings. She looked back at Karrack who seemed nervous about her reaction. She looked down at those large hands of his and imagined them holding a brush and paints. Applying the paint so delicately. Suddenly, unbidden she had an image of those same hands on her body.

Heat rose to her cheeks before she could stop herself thinking about it. It was insane. He was her best friend, her business partner. They had bathed together naked and never once... even... considered. He was a GIANT for goodness sake, not that she was racist that way but he'd only get bigger and then it would be just impossible to... to... to. She blushed hotter if that was possible.

"So, um... the... um... baths... um... I think." The usually glib Vixen suddenly heard herself stutter and mortified she strode out of the room hoping that Karrack would follow and also, perversely, hoping he wouldn't.

 

[Guest]

It had been a hard ride but finally Dailin had made it to the mountains. He had had to fight through a small band of bandits and ride away from their friends but he had made it here in one piece. He was tired and sore and he needed a rest but first he had to find a place to rest. He stopped and looked around and smiled when he saw a large pond. He jumped down from Wind and led him towards the pond.

As soon as the two of them were there he took Wind's saddle off and led him to take a drink then took off his clothes and jumped into the water with a splash. He laughed as soon as he surfaced and began to swim around..... at least something has turned better, he thought.

 

[Angelus]

Me

 

[Darklord]

Karrack

When Vixen had looked at the landscape and looked at it in awe, he was surprised and very, very pleased. He never figured someone like her would be somewhat speechless at his atttempt at art. He mumbled to her "Avallyn taught me before we all broke up.." just as Vixen turned around..

Then things went to hell right quick, she saw that he had been trying to hide the painting of her, and got around, she was still to damn quick for him. Then she stopped, gasped, and then just stared. His heart gave a lurch at the thought of what she must be thinking, "Oh gods, shes gonna be pissed about this one." he thought worridely as she continued looking at the painting. Then she looked at him, and he tried to put on a face of polite inquery, it must have failed, because SHE blushed, which never happened, then mumbled..

"So, um... the... um... baths... um... I think."

Somewhat bashful, and worried, he followed her out the door, and mumbled "The baths are down that way... um.. I... I'll be in the main hall... uh, checking up on the boar... uhhh.." was all he got out before he turned, and clenching his one hand strode down the hall, angry that he hadn't moved the painting for the duration of the party.

 

[Darklord]

Randel

Soon enough Randel joined Ajax and Kelwyn, leading his horse Trotter. Looking at them both simply said "I'm ready to go, and for this trip we all go by first names, correct Kelwyn?" he finished with a question. At Kelwyn's nod he smiled, and mouting his horse waited for the others to join him upon horseback and simply said. "Gods it feels great to be riding again."

 

[Darklord]

Note:

OOC: Moneytalks gonna be gone for a bit, so we'll just post around her for the next couple of days. Thanx.

 

[Lady_Siren]

Avallyn finally arrived at Karracks house tired and forlorn. She dismounted and motioned for Illynya to follow her. She looked with awe at Karacks impressive house. "Quite nice" She murmured. glancing around she noted Kelwyn wasn't here yet. Hiding her disapointment she knocked loudly on the door...

 

[DarkTalon]

Correk

the troll Korek And his Raiding party Raod Har till they Nerred the AMizon kingdom They dismounted and watched The amizonz go A Bout thier busness. One of the men under correk's comand i Mad Coment " I wonder what one of them amizons are like to bed .'

"Shut up you swine."

 

[JohnnyWryder]

Armis

SHe Smiled as he went on adout the horse Ok You Go Get who ever you need to Wile I Pay the bill." As Jornan Left To Get the man he would Buye His horse from Armis Got ready to do What She had ben Planing Scince the Walked in to the resturont. A few minets later She Came runing out of the restront With 5 more satchiels tide to her belt and one in her hand She run to the Stable figuring that thats where her new friend and the man he was going to buye the horse from. She run Uop To The Guy "Here This Should Be Enough For The horse Now Jornan We Need to Go Time Is Runing short ." She Juped On A nother horse that was in tyhe Stable " Lets Go"

 

[Ravenloft]

Jornan:

Grinning widely as he walked to the stables to liderate Blackmane, and make him his steed. An overwhelming feeling of happiness consumed Jornan's soul in a warm glow. He'd happilly ride with anyone who had given him something, that to him was better than all the gold in all the world.

He'd gathered Albert Blackmane's gear and brought him up to his old, grizzly faced boss. "Sir, um, I wish to purchase Blackmane... Um... Please?" The older man reguarded Jornan with a sharp look then started to laugh. "Oh, this is good! How many times have you said that te me boy?"

Jornan thought for a moment. "Only a hand full sir..." Jornan said in a small, beaten down voice. "Oh? Only a hand full? Hah! And have you YET gotten enough to pay for the beast?" Jornan shrunk back slightly as his boss glowered at him. Just then, as the older man opened his mouth, Armis came running between them, shoving a satchel into the mans arms as she took a horse for herself.

Jornan followed Armis's instructions and mounted Blackmane with one swift toss of his leg. And without so much as a look back the both rode out of the stables... Jornan kept Blackmane in pace with Amis and her mount.

 

[JohnnyWryder]

Armis

Soon the Main kingdom Was But A shadow be hind themm Armis Stoped At A Small Lake Out side of The Town Of Karraka Not Knowing that it as been over runn with Dunncan And His Army.

" Well Camp here for the night Theres A TSrime Right over there where the horses can drink " She Pointed to The STreem on the other side of the Clerring . She than turnd To The lake And Quikly striped Out of here cloths. And Went in to the Lake to clen up.
" So What do You Think So Far My New Friend"

 

[Ravenloft]

Jornan:

He'd been dismounting from Blackmane when Armis just started to slip out of her cloths. He was half off his saddle when His mouth went agape as he saw her bare bum. He fell with a heavy thud to the ground, slowly rolling over. "Ow..." He groaned as he stood, blushing a beat red as he dusted himself off. "Uhm, uh..." He stammered, was she asking him what he thought of her? Or the horse, or the entire situation? He couldn't tell... He was suddenly extremely nervous, his palms were sweaty, his mouth was dry...

He kept his eyes turned away, trying to look at anything but her as she strode through the stream. He focused on Blackmane then, taking the wonderful beast of a horse to the streams edge, keeping Alberts ebon form between him and the naked, grey skinned girl.

He cleared his throat, if she were asking about her nakedness, he didn't want to be rude, if it was the horse he wanted to thank her, and if it was just the whole thing... Well he just wanted to shout triumphantly at having this shot to make his own way in the world. "Its, um, its amasing!" He hoped that would work, for whichever way she ment the question. He didn't want to look dumb after all...

 

[Darklord]

Karrack

As he entered the main hall, he walked over to the fire place where he rotated the boar on the spit a bit to keep it evenly cooking. As he did so his thoughts whirled about trying to make sense over Vixen's reaction, his reaction, and the painting, it all was giving him a headache.

Just then he heard two horses stop in the yard and their harnesses jingling. Smiling at the thought of more people already arriving, he strode over to the door and seizing it with his one remaining hand opened it to see his friend Avallyn, and someone new with her. Smiling he bowed to the two ladies at the foot of the stairs leading to his front door and portico and said "Lady Avallyn, I am pleased to welcome you to my home on such a fine day." and with that he walked down the stairs and gave her a fierce hug, getting a sharp glance from the other amazon.

 

[Lady_Siren]

Avallyn smiled and hugged Karrack back feircly. "It's good to see you old friend" She looked to Illynya who was looking at the giant with a wary protective glint in her eyes. Avallyn laughed softly "This is Illynya she is my most trusted general and friend, Illynya this is Karrack" Illynya nodded still wary of the giant but she seemed more at ease. "So what have you been up to you big lug?"

 

[DarkTalon]

Correk

Correk and his Raiding party Attaked Quikly the Seruched The Amizon kingdom They Had Noe of the artifacts Correks Men Ended up killing 12 Amizons And They kid Naped The Amizon that Had ben left In Charge Correk and his men road Of Back To karraka..

 

[Darklord]

Karrack

Karrack nodded ambiably to Illynya and said "Welcome to the Hammersmith moutains general." then turning back to his friend he grinned at her question about what he had been doing. "Well," he said "I've been making this big old home for myself, and a little woodworking, and painting. Thank you by the way for teaching me that skill my friend." as he picked up her gear and putting it across his shoulder lead them into his home and sweeping his handless arm around said "Welcome, and make yourselves at home for my home is yours too."