The Last Kingdom

[Guest]

King Kelwyn

Morsyth.

Kelwyn paled.

For the last remaining evil one to come out of hiding... things were moving further along than he had imagined possible.

He walked over to a chair and sat down heavily.

He motioned for two of his guards to approach and whispered to each of them before sending them out.

"I must confide in you all... my father... and his father before him had been warned that this day was coming. I was unwilling to believe that this forwarned time is now approaching... but now that Morsyth has shown himself... the final prediction has come true."

The doors opened and the two guards returned with two others. An old woman, hunched over with age and clearly short sighted hobbled in as did a small almost dwarfish man with delicate specticals perched on his rather large nose.

"Librarian... Lady Merridith... thank you for coming..." Kelwyn stood and helped the old woman to a seat.

"Merridith... Jonas..." He addressed the old woman and the small man.

"These are the one's I believe the Scripts spoke of." He swept his arm around to encompass the room.

The old woman looked around peering at the individals gathered.

She looked over at lady Avallyn,

"Ah... The Silver Light..." she nodded.

Then at Karrack,

"The Moving Mountain..." she smiled.

To Lothander,

"The Dark Mist..."

To Vixen,

"The Sly Fox..."

Finally to Morsyth.

"The Black Void..."

The Librarian Jonas stood up startled.

"Two are missed!" He pulls out a large tomb of a book which looks ridiculous in proportion to his own self... he opened the dusty cover and peeled the pages back to find the part he sought.

"It says specifically... 'THERE WILL BE SEVEN ARROWS OF TRUTH 'AFOR ALL BE REVIELD...'" He closed the book with a thump.

"Yes..." the old woman responded... "where is the Child of Choice? Of the other, Jonas and myself have yet to determine... the Scripts become most incomprehensible when we tried to dicypher the seventh..."

Kelwyn looked around at the strange group of people, all brought there seemingly for reasons of their own... and yet a part of something so much greater.

"I don't know..." Kelwyn said... "Still... so far all the predictions have proven themselves true. It is also true that these same predictions made no logical sense until I saw these people surrounding me. If all we lack is a child... and one other then I am sure that child will be made known to us soon..."

 

[Darklord]

Randall

When the mysterious stranger had stepped before the King his hand went for his sword, but then all of a sudden, he couldn't move! But he could hear, and that was scary enough for any mortal to hear. One the black mages! The last of them! His heart raced, then it was all over! He was able to move again, and his King was demanding from him an answer! Bowing to Lord Kelwyn, he spoke, "My King, our scouts have not returned, yet, and I fear they never will. I feel we should contact the were-kind, those who take the form of man and animal to scout out our oppenents. They have best chance and skills to accomplish this task." and having spoken he stepped back to hear the King's decision.

The King's decision to ask for the Librarian and the King's Prophetess surprised him, but not much. He had derved under and with the King for too many years to be fazed by much anymore. When they revealed the information they had he felt a surge of hope, but when they revelaed the missing pieces he despaired. But looking at those around him, especially Vixen and Karrack he felt a pang of rememberance, and an understanding of duty never before felt... Striding before the King he spoke again. "My Lord, time is sadly short and it seems to me we need to find the last two members of this prophesy if we are to survive. Let me and the others band together to sek them so we may survive..."

 

[Darklord]

Karrack

ooc: Fine by me Moneytalks if you play the King. As long as no one opposes me playing Randall.....

ic:He was proud of Vixen, and there was no denying that in his mind. When put into an awkward situation she responded as not others could. Then things began to happen rapidly... The strangers offer of aid, Kelwyns summoning of Librarian and Prophetess, and Randall's reccomendations stunned him. His head reeling he tried to sort it out...

Shaking his head he squeezed Vixen's shoulders in a very friendly way and spoke. "My King, I can only make a suggestion and that is that Lord Randall is correct. If there is a prophecy, and we need all seven people together to bring it about then, we should work together as a group to bring it about. That is my opinion and I hope the others share it...." he said and waited to see what would happen...

 

[Moneytalks]

King Kelwyn

Kelwyn frowned. He looked at the people gathered as he considered Lord Randall's words. It was true... all seemed hopeless if they did not find the missing two. Yet he was loath to let them all go on a fools journey should harm come to any of them that had arrived.

"Lord Randall... as always... I heed your suggestion and that of your friend Karrack... but I don't believe rushing out without any set course of action would be wise. It is true, that according to the Scripts we still need to find two others. One we have a vague description of... the other? I would wait until Lady Merridith can at least come up with a vague description... it would please me if you would all stay within the castle until tomorrow... perhaps the new day will reveal something usefull..."

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen...

Vixen lifted her own hand to rest it on the larger one belonging to Karrack on her shoulder. She was glad of his support.

She tensed obviously when Lord Randall spoke of contacting the were-kind. Did he know?

She held her breath. Unsure of what to do or say... to reveal herself... but the were-kind...

The King spoke, asking them all to stay at least for the night. Vixen felt unsettled. Bad enough having to arrive in court and present herself to a King... but now to have to spend the night within the confines of stone walls?

She looked up at Karrack hoping to gage his reaction to all this but he seemed to be agreeing with Lord Randall in this instance.

She sniffed the air with her nose delicately... scenting food. Without warning her stomach gurgled rather loudly. She seemed as startled as anyone at this, having eaten earlier with Karrack. She looked outside at the darkening sky and realised they had been within the castle for the better part of the day already.

 

[Jazzi]

The night sky was red from the fires that raged through the village. The ground was slick with the blood of the dead. Inhuman screams and laughter ripped through the air as creatures made from the essence of nightmares destroyed anything and everything. Though the band of trolls were less than a dozen, their ferocity and cruelty more than made up for their lack in numbers.

She pulled her ragged clock tighter around her small frame as she watched the carnage while remaining safely hidden beneath a crop of bushes. She remained hidden even when the butchers had finally left and the fires were only glowing ashes and embers. The hours went by and soon the pale light of morning could be seen pushing aside the night sky.

She crawled out and walked slowly into the ruins of the village. Everything was destroyed but not everyone was dead. She was born with a gift and because of that gift she could sense that someone was still alive…barely. Suddenly, she heard a low moan from beneath a pile of charred timber. Without hesitation, she stumbled over towards it. She pushed and tugged frantically until she found an elderly man covered with burns and blood but still alive.

She knelt next to him and placed her hands on him. A blue glow began to form around her hands as wisps of indigo curled like tendrils around the man’s wounded body. A morning breeze blew through the ruined village and playfully pushed at her hood.

She ignored the playful wind and concentrated on the man. The colors intensified until the man was encased in a solid cocoon of golden light which only began to fade when she removed her hands. The man blinked in confusion and looked at himself in wonder. His wounds were gone, his body healed.

However, when his eyes finally fell on the one who saved him, they turned cold and darkened with hatred, “Get away from me!” he spat.

She recoiled at the venom in his words and fell backwards. The hood that covered her head fell open revealing long white hair that tumbled past her waist. Her skin was deathly pale. She was human yet also an aberration. An albino shunned by her own kind. Her large silver colored eyes looked at him sadly before she stood up.

She pulled the tattered hood and covered her head, hiding her face. Without a word and without looking behind her, she disappeared into the forest.


(ooc) Salutations. Forgive me for joining your story uninvited. I have been reading many of the wonderful stories here and I would like to join this story if possible. If not, please ignore this post.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*When he heard himself referred to as the dark mist, he said somthing for only the king himself to hear*

Much more than any of you realize...I need to speak with you in private.

*he then swept away, his eyes staring out into the darkness of the night*

Tell me scribe...What does this....Prophecy say of the Child? and if it Becomes incomprehensable it ought to be obvious, the seventh lies among the six, Hidden in their folds until such time as he or she becomes nessicary, then the seventh will show themselves in the time of greatest need...

*This was all said rather cryptically, and mistily, making him sound much more prophetic*

In any case, I will set out immediately with.....Vixen was it?? Your reputation as a Theif Precedes you....among other things. *his eyes glittering mischivously* I believe you will be best able to keep up with me....We should go as soon as all affairs are set in order.

*he licked his dry lips quietly and awaited the kings words*

You may read and sign this treaty at your leasure. though I will assist in any case, I now have a personal Intrest in this.....

 

[Lady_Siren]

Avallyn stayed silent throughout this whole thing. Even when the librarians spoke of a prophecy. The religious figures in her kingdom had spoke of one such prophecy. It was one reason she had come here. She motioned her gaurds over. Melinda one of her most trusted reached her first "I want you two to head back home, Melinda get the Silver sisters ready as well as our other soldiers. Double the gaurds on our walls as well. When this dark force learns of the alliance they will surely want to get at us. Melinda you will be in charge until I return" Both women shook their heads "M'lady with all due respect we wish to be by your side and make sure no harm comes to you" Avallyn smiled "I know but I will be fine and I need this done. Please don't question me or I will make it an order" they hesitated a moment longer then both of them nodded "Ok, we will do as you ask but please take care of yourself" with that said they both turned and left leaving Avallyn to contemplate what she would do next.

OOC: I don't mind a bit Jazzi but it's up to Darklord not me

 

[poohlive]

Garret peered through the underbrush. It was an ogre. Shaking his head, he went back to his own encampment. It was an ogre, he didn't care what kind of destiny was around him, he couldn't defeat an ogre. That was just impossible thinking.
The moaning stopped him dead in his tracks. He looked back at the scene. There, was a man. He could see it plainly now, a man, hanging from the biggest branch of a tree, blood drpping down slowly. Garret watched it in horror. The ogre was preparing a fire, a big fire.
Shit.
He couldn't leave now, he just couldn't. How can it be possible? 10 or so Orc's, no problem. Orcs are stupid dogs that happen to be twice the size. Dwarves aren't that hard, cause their small little things that hate magic. Ogres on the other hand.
Well, hell, ogres are like onions. They were big and smart. He could take on big, and he could take on smart, but not a combination. The sheer size was just too hard.
If he did nothing, then that poor man would be dead. If he did something, he could possibly die.
"All right," he whispered, grabbing his knapsack. He took of his longbow, aiming carefully. With any luck he might hit something important, and then would have to deal with an injured ogre.
The creature's arm was bigger than his waist.
Aiming carefully, right in the middle. Most vital organs and things, he could just bleed to death. Garret let it fly.
The ogre fell back, letting out a huge scream of pain. Wasting no time, Garret took out a sword running up to the beast. The ogre, blood spilling from his midsection, head him, and got up.
"You stupid human," a gravelly voice called to him. Garret watched in dismay as he picked up a huge club. The club was about the size of him, and it had a spike going right through it. Garret saw all of this as he kept running at him. If he didn't get hit, he could lodge this thing right next to the arrow. It was his only hope.
Jumping, and dodging at the same time, he plunged the sword in deep. Something seemed to explode in his leg, but it wasn't enough. The ogre fell back down, his sword and arrow standing out from his flaccid belly. Coughing up some blood, Garret knew it was dead.
"Hell yeah."
The man looked at him. Garret took out the sword, and cut the man down. In a few minutes the man was cleaned up. With some interest Garret looked at the man.
"Who are you? You are not from this forest?"
"No, I am one of the King's scouts. I was caught up here, by a band of ogres."
Garret looked around rather nervously now, "Band?"
"The rest of the group went ahead. This one stayed behind for a "feast." I'm so glad you came along."
Garret looked at the meadow staying before them.
"If you ran, how fast could you get to the king?"
"Half a day, maybe less."
Garret handed him some food, "Then go, and tell the king all about this. I can't stop them by myself."
The man, still bleeding in several spots, ran off into the forest. Garret took a long look around the place, finally calm and serene. The body looked up at him with it's dead eyes. He thought about burying it, but it would take too long, and he was plum out of energy.
He looked down at his leg. The ogre had got him pretty good, it was already starting to bruise. Luckily, nothing was broken. He would just have a limp for a few days. Walking back to his gray mare. Garret mounted, and began a slow trot. Barely a man, and he already felt too old for this shit.

 

[Darklord]

Karrack

ooc: Fine by me if you join us Jazzi. Note to all people reading this who want to join: GO AHEAD AND JOIN US! I have not closed this thread yet, I probably will never close the thread, but if I do, I will tell the whole thread group that. And so if you want in, just let us know your coming in and type away! That said, back to the story.....

Ic: It was turning into one hell of a day wasn't it? Or at least that was the thought running through Karrack's mind as he and Vixen walked down the corridor towards the kitchens to find something to eat. They had left while the King, the Amazon, and the Druid all discussed possible terms for the varying alliances. These were important things, yes, but it was also something he had no control over, afterall, he was only the Giant King's third son, had no real power, and on top of all that was considered by many of his kind as either a maverick or an outcast. And this all began when had gone out to meet Vixen for breakfast so they could plan their next trip into the moutains to look for treasure in the abandoned ruins of Giltherast, Telerast's sister kingdom destroyed many years ago.

Arriving in the kitchens they both grabbed several plates of food and a couple mugs of ale apiece and sitting at a table began to eat hungrily. After a while Karrack looked up at her and spoke. "Vix, you don't seem none to thrilled about staying the night in the castle. Or is it more likely the fact you were named a part of a prophecy, which if completed will save mankind as we now it? To be honest between the two, option two scares the living shit out of me. " he finished with a grin and refilled their mugs from a pitcher the cook had given them.

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen...

Vixen wolfed down her food with voracious efficiency, if not with lady-like finess. She swallowed her mouthful before responding to Karrack.

"In truth... nothing that has occured today has bode well with me... prophecies? treaties? What do I know or care for these? Still... to hear the words... 'weight of the world'... what am I to scoff this? Without this world there would be no treasures to search for... no happy retirement... no adventure." At this last part she grinned. Wiping her chin with the back of her hand.

"Adventure... I guess... when I think of it that way it doesn't scare me as much..." Her eyes were troubled... "do you believe that we are part of the prophecy... is it possible there has been a mistake?"

Her left hand reached up and she scratched at the back of her ear with irritation.

"Damn fleas..." she paused... glancing up at Karrack... "you don't think the King suspects my... you know..."

She blushed. She was very particular about her privacy... she was a were-woman. Part fox/part human. Not many knew this and she preferred it that way. It was hard enough being a woman let alone a half breed in this world.

"As for the castle... you know I don't like being enclosed... never have... part of the reason I decided the vagrant life was for me..." She grinned at him cheekily... "and glad of that decision I be, after all... wouldn't have met you had I not taken on this life!" She held up her mug of ale in half-mock salute to him.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

ooc: Whos playing the king? Otherwise Im going to have Lothander show up in the inn/bar whatever to get a bite to eat and we can just say the treaty was signed..

 

[Darklord]

Karrack

Oc: Currently MoneyTalks has been running the role of King Kelwyn on top of her main charecter Vixen. If someone wants that part, it can become a much more active role in this thread. Afterall, he is the last King of the toughtest human Kingdom so he's got to be capable of fighting. Also, Lord Randall of the King's Army (the Hawks) is up for grabs, he'll play a major role in all of this if someone would take him on as their charecter. But if you want Roland, you can meet up with me and Vixen in the Castle Kitchens where we are currently trying to eat out the King's larder.

Ic: Karrack leaned back as he listened to Vixen mull over the situation. He grinned as she scratched at her fleas and then sobered up as she questioned him about the King's knowledge of her, or lack there of. "I don't know to be honest Vix, if he did he would have already said something or at least hinted at it. But either way you know you've always got me at your back. But on the topic of the prophecy, there is alot of them out there, and to be honest it could be us, or others. Either way we have an obligation to give it our all, if for no other reason to ensure we have a place to sell our goods at after a couple weeks prowling around the ruins. Its just plain good business sense."

Then he raised his own mug in salute to her and said "Well, to be honest I'm glad I ran into you, because just wandering around the various places of the world trying not get killed and that being top on your list is a little boring. So running into you and joining up has added a bit of spice to this fairly, long, boring, and TALL life." at this he grinned and drained his mug. Looking serious for a moment he spoke again "If your worried about being inside the keep walls so much, we can probably arrange it so we can share a pair of connected rooms or something if your worried. You know nothing can sneak up on me without commenting on how noisy I am when I snore. Afterall, they've got to shout to hear one another and that usually wakes one of us up." he finished with a grin as his partner flipped her middle finger at him in mock salute...

 

[Citizen X]

Morsyth

While the others went of to discuss the treaties and Karrack as well as Vixen went for some meal, Morsyth went off out of the town. There, he awaited his crow and when it finally came, he seemed to be discussing with it. He noded and his crow flew of again. Morsyth murmured some strange words and a couple of wolfes appeared right before him. He told them something and sent them off. All his animals seemed to search for something they up to this moment didn't find. Morsyth looked sadly and walked back into the town.

As always, the townspeople watch him bewildered as he walked around. Finally, he got into the pub and ordered a glas of wine and a steak. He sat to a table and watched Vixen and Karrack. He fell in thoughts and didn't took care of his environment. Suddenly, Morsyth looked his head up and directly at Vixen. There was something very strange about that woman. He was not sure what it was, but she felt rather like an animal but than a human. Morsyth tried to have a closer look, but all he tried to read her thoughts, nothing worked. She seemed to be strange to him and he was facsinated by this. He stopped observing her and looked directly in her eyes. She noticed it and shyly glanced back. Morsyth grinned knowing and went back to his meal and his wine.

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen...

"You always were SUCH a smart ass Karrack..." Vixen responded saluting him with her middle finger.

"Still..." she was distracted by that dark stranger watching her again. She figited... he was creepy... too intense... suddenly he seemed to smile as if recognising something and turned away.

Vixen frowned... she felt edgy. She shook herself as if to shake off the feeling.

"Still..." she continued... "maybe sharing a room wouldn't be such a bad idea..." She smiled at him... knowing full well this wasn't what Karrack had suggested.

"Hey... CONNECTING room I said!" He laughed.

"I know Karraaaack..." She said wheedling him with the feminine charms she rarely resorted to... "but... I don't know... the idea of being in a room all alone is creepy... and I don't creep out easily as you well know... also... " she frowned... "it's that time of month again... if I don't do it soon I won't be able to stop it happening and that could be bad for business... I need someone to make sure no one walks in on me and you're the only one I can trust."

She grabbed at a leg of fowl that Karrack had on his plate and bit into it before he could stop her. She winked at him over the leg and poured him some more ale with her free hand.

 

[Moneytalks]

The King...

Kelwyn sighed, rubbing his temple with his left hand. He had finally signed the treaty with the Druid. Now he awaited Lady Avallyn to look over the treaty his scribes had written for his kingdom and hers.

He was more tired than he could ever recall being. It had been several weeks since he'd managed a proper nights sleep. Indeed, he still looked back in wonder... how had his father managed it all?

He turned and watched the fire light play across Avallyn's features. The warmth of the light caught the glimmer of her hair... she was indeed a stunning woman. He did not doubt she could fight well too... he admired the strength he saw in her arms as she held the paper the scribes had written for her.

He wondered suddenly if she had someone... a mate... a lover... a husband? He blushed, thinking for the first time, how little practise he had with women... he was a king... and kings usually already had wives appointed to them... even before they were born... his siutation was different... there were no other kingdoms to deal with... at least not human kingdoms... and for the first time he realised... if he wanted a Queen... he would have to find her himself.

He stepped forward covering the paper with his hand... interrupting her reading.

She looked up in surprise.

"I know... I know the scribes spent some time writing this... but... but I was wondering... would you like to see my late mother's rose garden... I'm told it is quite magnificent..." He smiled down at her... hoping she wouldn't see right through him.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*The druid stood upon a rooftop, silent....almost noble in his stature, he moved every so often, his ear to the wind for any tales carryed by the Earth mother...Or her inhabitents, he licked his dry lips, as an owl flew down to him and landed on his arm, a moment later he was gone, leaving a small message scroll in his palm, he opened it, scribbled a message home "It's been done" And gave it back to the owl......After doing so he lept back to the ground, landing with a quiet thump and heading through the back door towards the kitchen.....where he caught the last part of Vixens Speach to garrick...About it being "that time of the month" And he stopped, cold an dead in his tracks.....so the rumours were true eh? and this wouldnt be good for him, if someone was around in that sort of State of Magik.....it could disrupt his illusion, somthing he didnt want done....Crud crud CRUD!!! But there was no way around it, he simply hoped no one would find out his secret...he shivvered in fear....So was his people hated and reviled....They wouldnt even bother to understand....they would burn him or somthing like that...They always did so....*

Stupid rivvil..

*he muttered beneath his breath but knew right away he had been caught, he made a dash for the open pantry room which had a great deal more space, and slid into a crouching stance....he had some shapeshifting Powers of his own if nessicary...*

 

[poohlive]

"LET ME GO!"
Two ogres clasped him tightly, as he tried to struggle free. Although, the entire time all he could think about was how he wasn't dead yet. The ogres, hadn't said a word, just carrying him back to their camp.
It was a big camp. Not as big as the one that took his village, but far from small. It was a combination of elves, dwavrs, ogres, and orcs.
They dumped him inside one of the bigger tents. Garret didn't see what they were doing, he didn't have time. As soon as possible he was tied up. He glanced over at the far side of the tent. Some sort of experiment table was set up, complete with vial's. In the far back, cloaked was a being. Garret couldn't even see what species it was, but he could just imagine.
"That is all," a low cool voice wafted from the back. The ogres walked out.
The cloaked being rose, walking silently up to him. Garret could only watch, the ropes were tight... very tight, almost painful tight. Long waspy finger rose, to reveal the cloak.
"You have been a terrible nusiance, you know."
A sullen white face met him. It looked like an elf, but Garret wasn't quite sure. No elf he knew looked like this. Unless...
"A drowl."
"You are quite right, good for you. For someone so young you do have brains after all."
Garret shook his head, "I don't get it, the other creatures didn't want you to join in their fight. Even the humans know about that, what are you doing here?"
The drowl put his finger to his lips. He glanced around.
"We are not without our fun. You see, my people thought this little war wouldn't be a real challenge for either side. So, we decided to even the odds a little bit."
Garret remembered back at his village. Everyone was under a spell. He knew it, under no ordinary circumstances, even war, would these creatures hang around each other.
"So, you are all hypnotizing different creatures to join your small bands."
"Clever little boy, aren't you," he moved over to the table, and withdrew a long carving knife, "You see. The prejudices of the different types would only be set to harm the war. I've seen it myself, nearly hundreds of dwarves were fighting with orcs on what to do with a village. Only a couple dozen humans killed off both clans with minimal damage."
Carefully, he cut a long slit down the front of Garret's shirt. The cold air rushed in, causing goosebumps.
"So, you took the liberty to win the war for them."
"No, no, of course not. We're just giving both teams a fair advantage."
Garret rolled his eyes, "Then what the hell do you want with me."
"In all my reading I've come across some amazing humans, but you do indeed take the cake. There have been several prophecies, all foretelling a child of great power. I haven't seen a human with as great a power as you, so if I kill you it will..."
"Even the odds some more?" Garret finished the sentene.
"Bingo," the drowl raised the knife high in the air. It glinted, slightly, from the evening sun.
On the other hand, Garret had been working away at the ropes for some time now. In one smooth motion, he rove the tiny dagger deep into the drowl's chest. The thing looked, in almost surprise as it slowly fell to the ground, already dead. Untying himself quickly Garret glanced outside.
Two, maybe three dozen creatures, all under a spell. He wondered if maybe, because the drowl was dead the were free. Such wasn't the case. Whatever was controlling them was more powerful than a single drowl.
covering the flaps up, Garret turned around. His horse and tings were outside, how was he going to get everything out of here?
He didn't know, he honestly didn't know.
Smiling he quickly uncovered the pink ball from his knapsack. He held it with great care, looking inside it.
"How do I get out of here?"
It showed a brilliant flash, and then...
a book. On the shelf was a book. Inside were many spells, most of them requiring years of service, but a lot were easy simple cantations. On page 78 was a spell called alter self. Nothing very hard, just a simple little incantation.
The ball slowly began to glow out, turning from it's brilliant pink to a dull pink, showing from somewhere deep inside the ball. Garret carefully put it away and grabbed the book.
Alter Self. What should he look like? He glanced around the room. Of course, the drowl. In an instant the spell was cast. He felt his skin growing, his whole self changing. It wasn't just like a magical mask, he was actually becoming this person.
Garret grabbed the cloak, wrapping it around him. He stepped outside, going straight for his horse and things.
"How did it go?" One of the ogres asked. Garret turned around, nearly shocked. He tried to copy the man's voice.... but the spell also worked in there too. It came out just as crisp and cool as the drowl's did.
"Fine, he told me of something he's hidden over in the hillside yonder. I am going to go retrieve it."
He mounted his gray mare, who seemed a bit spooked about a drowl riding him. Garret patted the young horse lovingly.
As an after thought he glanced back to the tent.
"Make sure no one goes inside there until I get back. I shan't be long."
"Aye sir."
Riding off, Garret finally relaxed. His heart, before thumping a mile a minute finally came down. He raced off into the forest, trying to get as much room between him and the camp as possible. He rode off, into the night.
Finally, as the moon came up high he met a small little pool. A showering waterfall fed it. In the moonlight it almost seemed... romantic.
Getting off the horse, his would flared up in full force. He limped over to the edge of the pool. Taking off most of his clothes he jumped in. It was cool, refreshing. Something he needed after these long couple of days. His wound didn't feel so bad as he swam in the pool. His body, completely naked, seemed to take in the water, and cleanse him thoroughly.

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen...

Vixen scratched at her ear again and scowled.

"Goddess but I need a bath..." She sniffed at herself. "Ewwww..."

"Do you think the King has some heated bathing pools within the castle?" She asked Karrack... then she added with a sly smirk as was her wont... "and would you care to join me if he does?" This was a double tease... one at his own possible smell... and second... she just loved to try and get him interested in her as more than a friend. She didn't know why... maybe because they were such good friends... but she just loved riling him this way.

"Come on you great oaf..." she stood up and tugged him along... as they left the kitchens she shuddered. "Did you notice that dark one looking at me?"

Karrack laughed out loud... "girl... you DO have a high opinion of yourself..." he chuckled.

"I'm SERIOUS Karrack... it was like he was trying to see right inside of me..." She shivered again.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*He knew in that moment he had gotten seriously lucky, but when she began about dark ones he stopped.....and shook his head. no, that was the one who COULD be seen in public....he made his move and walked out of the darkness of the pantry, and into the hall where he spotted them and turned around fully*

Oh...Hello....I Didnt think anyone else was down here...

*his eyes glittered curiously, he was dead hoping they hadnt caught him listening in a little to their conversation.....*

 

[Lady_Siren]

Avallyn read through the treaty skimming over it, she was very aware of the king's eyes on her. She jumped slightly when he put his hand over the treaty stopping her from reading it. She looking up at him in surprise and curiosity. "I know... I know the scribes spent some time writing this... but... but I was wondering... would you like to see my late mother's rose garden... I'm told it is quite magnificent..." He smiled down at her. Hesitating she thought for a moment. It couldn't hurt to take a walk would it. And she did love Roses. Finally after another moments hesitation she nodded a smile curving her lips "I would love to see your Mothers rose garden. Please lead the way "

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen

Vixen turned around in surprise at Lothander's entrance to the hallway. She scowled at him suspiciously.

She thought of what she had been saying most recently and whether any of it could have given her away. She stared hard at Lothander and then...

She sniffed the air cautiously... he smelt... strange... she looked at him a bit more carefully. What had the prophetress called him? The dark mist? Mist... as in... shield?

She rested her hand on Karracks arm almost without thinking. Her natural way of showing him her sense of something amiss.

"Lothander..." she spoke finally... her eyes still watching him carefully. There was something decidedly wrong. She allowed her fox eyes to focus. Keeping tight reign on herself as she did. The air about him wavered rapidly but just as she was about to see his true self she was distracted by something.

She glanced away... returning once more to her entire self... although she always had the heightened senses the curse allowed her.

She decided... that it was better to have the potential enemy close than elsewhere.

"Lothander..." she said again... "we search the castle for bathing pools... would you like to join us?" Her eyes glittered with mistrust but her voice seemed warm enough.

 

[Guest]

King Kelwyn...

Kelwyn was taken aback by his feeling of happiness at her acceptance of his idea. He felt suddenly giddy with the idea of spending this time with her and suddenly he felt a little flustered. Quickly shaking himself out of it gallantly held out his hand and taking hers helped her to her feet.

Her hand was warm and vibrant in his and he tucked it carefully into the crook of his arm as he led her out to the corridor. Immediately two guards started to follow them and Kelwyn sighed in irritation. He suddenly realised how hard it was going to be to have an intimate walk with her.

He turned and addressed the guards...

"Look... would you mind... falling back a little..." They stepped back once. Kelwyn sighed. "A little more..." The guards looked at each other and stepped back once more.

"More..." Kelwyn waved them away.
"Majesty..."
"This is a command gentlemen..."
They looked pained... as if he were asking them to cut off their private parts.
They stepped back several more spaces until Kelwyn was satisfied they were too far away to over hear any conversation.

"Sorry about that..." he smiled at Avallyn as he showed her through the large double wooden doors that led to a small outdoor walkway. The walkway meandered along until it came to large wrought-iron gates which Kelwyn pushed open to reveal a riot of rich colour. The roses were in brilliant form... blooming with health. The rose garden itself had been left to fend for itself since his mother's passing and Kelwyn regreted this oversight now... however the abandon with which the flowers bloomed unattended was a perfumed delight to behold. Nature at it's finest.

He looked at Avallyn wondering what she thought of it...

 

[Jazzi]

She had been sitting in the shadows on a boulder combing her long white hair with a pale ivory comb. She was fortunate to have found such a tranquil lake in the middle of nowhere. The water was clear and clean and reflected the moon like a mirror. Even now, without a home and dressed in rags, she still took great pains to keep herself clean.

Her solitude was shattered when a stranger on horseback rode through the trees. Instinctively she dove into the shadows, however in her haste the ivory comb slipped from her fingers to fall lightly into the shallows on the other side of the rock.

She remained motionless as the stranger slipped into the water and swam towards the waterfall. The stranger was too far away for her to see clearly but the shape revealed a human. Her heart sank; it would be prudent for her to leave but she would not leave the comb behind. The tiny mundane object was her only precious possession.

Pale violet eyes watched the figure intently until he disappeared into the spray. She waited a moment before sliding around the boulder. She pressed her thin body against the rock as she edge herself cautiously into the open. In the bright moonlight, she could see where the comb now lay.

Keeping her body low in the shallows and ignoring that her clothing was now soaked to her skin, she reached a slender white arm toward her goal. Her hand closed tightly around the comb. She slowly backed away without making any sound.

 

[poohlive]

"You know," Garret said, through the waterfall, "You can be as quiet as you like, I still would have smelled you a mile away."
He peered through the waterfall. He couldn't quite make out who it was, but it appeared to be human. He couldn't tell though. His eyes had been playing tricks on him for the past few days. Just another sign that his body needed some sleep.
"Listen, I'm not going to hurt you."
He began swimming back to where his clothes were. Being naked in the middle of a lake wasn't exactly how we wanted to meet someone.
Especially a female.
"Hold it," he raised his arms as soon as he could touch bottom. She was very tense, even he could see that, "I don't intend to hurt you. There's plenty of lake for everyone."
He enveloped the scene, looking back at her. Honestly, she was too far away to tell anything specific... all he got was a female humanoid.
He walked to shore. He just closed his eyes, know she was seeing him fully nude now. His limp wasn't as profound as before, but everything seemed accented as he saw her eyes on him.
As quickly as he could he put pants on.
"My name is Garret," he turned around to her. Offering a hand. She was nearly 60 feet away from him, but still he thought she knew what he meant.
"Listen, I'm going to make a fire. I have some extra food if your interested. You haven't tried to kill me yet, so I don't plan on killing you."
He paused, looking at her. Then, suddenly, he set out to work, making a rather large fire. He began making a simple dinner. She would come if she wanted too, if not... no loss either.
Secretly he hoped she did though. He hadn't talked to anyone since that scout from the king's army. Speaking of that scout, he should be back to the castle by now. With any luck, the king's armies will be out here tomorrow. His quest could very will be over. Smiling he took in a deep breath.
He loved the country.