The Song of Swords

[Lethe]

Morn

The sound of steel clattering on steel echoed in the thin morning air. Morn pressed harder, testing Bryant's reflexes, each blur of steel a fingernail closer. Bryant frowned without rancour, moving his sword in rhythmic, careful movements, learning from each feint and parry.

Bryant was in tune with his blade. He had shaped it, forged it and tempered it, and he had an unthinking, comprehensive understanding of its grip and balance.

Slash, lunge, parry. Morn had learned the ways of combat at the Court, by the best instructors there were. How to fight in the elegant, elaborate duels of the South (he might some day need to champion Mirshann there). How to kill simply and with speed, for assassins.

Slash, lunge, parry. A bead of sweat had appeared on Bryant's forehead, but he showed no other sign of exertion.

Slash, lunge, parry. The pair, student and teacher, fought in complement, instinctively reading the other's movements and interpreting them.

Ilynya stirred.

'Good morning'

Morn lowered his blade and turned to regard her:

'Did you sleep well?'

 

[SpectralDragoon]

Bryant's arms vibrated with the force of the connecting blades, a feeling he was not accustomed to. He found that it hurt his hands a bit but he was determined to learn.

Bryant's movements were slow and jerky, compared to Morn's fluid attacks and parries that he probably didn't even have to think about any longer

He rested the tip of his blade on the ground and rested his hands on the hilt as he looked to the woman. He was slightly out of breath and flushed from exertion. It felt good though in the cool morning air. He waited to learn how the lady had slept, but kept one eye to Morn as well. He wasn't going to let Morn get the best of him while he was distracted!

 

[Lady_Siren]

Illynya smiled at Morn her eyes alight with the promise of a new day. "Quite well actually" she stood up and her smile grew when she noticed her leg no long pained her. "Much better" she looked at the to men who were looking at her strangely. The younger one Bryant kept an eye on Morn his hand still tense on his sword. Men were so barbaric. "So anyway, we never really had time to talk last night. Where are ya'll from?" her voice now that it was rested held a faint accent characteristic of those who grew up with elves. She had tried to get rid of it but it stayed with her none the less. "oh and does anyone have anything to eat? I'm starved!"

 

[Dark Warrior]

Darios

Darios awoke with a start, his hand shifting to his sword hilt. The light of morning surprised him as he noticed what had awoken him was simply a bird's call. When had he fallen asleep? He quickly leapt off his makeshift bed, turning to make sure that Mirshann was safe. He was reassured when he saw the princess, safely asleep by the charred remains of a fire. He gave a relieved sigh, his gaze casually passing over the sleeping mage and the horses, still tied up and safe. His eyes then shifted to the sky, and he realised by the position of the sun it was probably 9 or so already, and decided that they would need to move early.
"Milady. Milady, wake up." He said, stepping over to the sleeping figure of the princess and shaking her shoulder.

 

[Lethe]

Morn nodded. He tried to smile, but it seemed somehow he had forgotten how. He turned aside and reached into the saddle-bags of Beggar's Wish and pulled out some hard way-bread and soft, runny cheese.

'Here'

He sliced portions for Bryant and Ilynya, then unhooked his leather travelling flask and squirted some of the dark red wine into his mouth. It tasted slightly of tar.

He thought back on the question Ilynya had asked. Her strange lilting accent puzzled him.

'I am of Melor, capital of Aelorn. I was born.. elsewhere'.

Morn frowned at memories that left a sour taste in his mouth.

'Where are you from, Bryant? And you, Ilynya. I do not recognise your accent'

 

[Lady_Siren]

Illynya accepted the bread and cheese graciously smiling at him as she did so. She was determined to get a smile out of him if it was the last thing she did. She froze at his question and cursed herself, damn it why won't it go away. "My accent? oh umm I'm from the northern regions" well that wasn't a complete lie. Her elven family did live in the north. But she couldn't tell them that, the elven village where she grew up was hidden long ago from the eyes of outsiders by magic. It was the sacred city of Terislie. A city of pure magic hence the fact it was kept secret. She had sworn to tell no one of it and so far had kept that secret but her accent stayed with her as evidence of her elven past. "So.." she quickly changed the subject "how about you Bryant?"

 

[SpectralDragoon]

Bryant looked at them in turn as they turned their eyes to him.

"Oh, I'm from Driar," he says matter of factly. "It's not too far from here, you've probably passed through it. My dad is a smith there, but I don't want to stay there my whole life. It's boring!"

He frowns as he thinks of the boring life of a smiths son.

Bryant thought nothing of spilling his truths to this stranger.

"So why'd you leave where you're from Illynya? What do you do, you know, as a trade?"

 

[AriaSilverfyre]

I awoke with a start as I feel Darios gently shaking my shoulder.

"Huh? Wha?" I mumble, barely awake.

Looking around, I realize it's morning already. I sit up and do my best to brush off the debris from my dress. My fire has gone out but a few remains still smoke.

"Is something wrong?" I ask, rubbing my eyes.

 

[Dark Warrior]

Darios

"No, nothing wrong, milady. Just thought it would be good to head out early. I'll saddle up the horses while you wake up."
After saying that, Darios stood and began the job, finishing fairly quickly.
"All's ready, milady." He said, before turning to the mage, still asleep. For a moment he contemplated leaving him there, but Darios felt indebted to the mage, despite his distrust of the man. He stepped up to him and gently nudged him in the ribs with his foot.
"Mage. Mage, are you getting up, or are we leaving you behind?"

 

[AriaSilverfyre]

I sit and watch as Darios prepares the horses, my eyes once again ajusting to the bright sunlight. I stand sleepily and try to brush the rest of the debris away. Picking up the bedroll, I shake it out and walk to Darios, folding it as I go.

I was amazed at how easily he saddled Velkryn. Normally he refused to let anyone even saddle him, let alone ride him. "He sure can be full of surprises." I muse to myself as I watch Velkryn stand calmly.

 

[Lady_Siren]

Illynya shrugged uncomfortable with the subject of her past. "I don't know I left for adventure I suppose and as for a trade I complete quests and such for a living. I get by well enough" she was silent for a moment then changing the subject she asked "So where are we headed?"

 

[Lethe]

Morn

'Eastwards. The largest town of the district; Wargrave, is where we should go. I'm hoping I can gather information from the sources I know there on who took the princess and where she went'.

Morn did not bring up the suggestion that Ilynya leave the group at Wargrave. I can tell her when we get there

 

[SpectralDragoon]

"Well lets get moving then!"

Bryant nods at the womans response and arches a brow. "Wow, so you're like... an adventurer!?

I bet you're a great fighter too! What kind of quests have you gone on?," he asks excitedly.

Bryant retreives the scabbard to his sword and sheathes the blade as he waits for her response. As they make their way toward the trail he listens to what Illynya, or Morn has to say.

 

[Lady_Siren]

Illynya usually felt fine around men, she was quite the flirt but Bryant asked to many questions. "I've been on all types really, visiting here and there. I really wouldn't like to get into at the moment though" she shrugged. "princess?" she asked her curiousity once more stirred up. "Who is this princess?"

 

[SpectralDragoon]

"Morn is the princesses body guard!" Bryant related excitedly to Illynya.

Glancing to Morn his mood was quickly withered by the mans glare. He looked very frightening with that look as he sat upon his warhorse.

"Oops,sorry..." he silently mouthed to him and turned his attention to their travelling again. Hush up now, Bryant! Darn it. Don't make Morn mad, he seems like a good friend.

Bryant chews his lip as he walks, still carrying his sword by the middle of its scabbard.

 

[Dark Warrior]

Darios

OOC: I think Black panther has dissapeared... well, I'll just change a few things (But don't worry, if you're reading this Black Panther, you're still in...)

IC: But the mage had gone!
Darios scratched his head in confusion, casting his glance around the spot of their camp. There was no trace of the mage; his horse had gone, and the stupid golem, and all his belongings.
"Uh... Milady... it would seem that the mage has left us..." He spoke, turning to the confused woman. Our gaze locked for a moment, before I continued.
"Well, we can't afford to wait for him. Let's go." he said, before mounting his horse.
"Come Whitefire, let's go." he whispered to the horse. "Are you coming, milady?" Darios asked, gesturing towards Velkryn.

 

[AriaSilverfyre]

I glance around as Darios mentions the dissappearance of the mage. A puzzled look appears on my face as I wonder where he could have gone to, and why.
My gaze turns to Darios and my eyes lock with his for a brief instant. Shaking it off, I walk to where Velkryn stands impatiently.

"I'm coming. I have no clue how to get back home, so being left alone would be a bad thing." I say smiling as I swing up into Velkryn's saddle and pick up the reins, urging him forward to fall into pace behind Whitefire.

 

[Dark Warrior]

Darios

The two rode in silence for a while, before Darios spoke up.
"It'll take us a little out of the way, but I have an aquaintance in Wargrave. And he owes me a little favour. So, with your permission, milady, I would ask that we make the detour."
The fighter looked back to where the princess rode behind him, awaiting her response. She seemed deep in thought.
"Milady?" He said gently, and she seemed to break from thought.

 

[AriaSilverfyre]

I begin drift into thought, lulled by the rhythms of the horses' hoofbeats on the firm earth. My mind drifts to memories of my homeland.

I snap back to reality as I hear Darios call to me.

"Pardon?" I say, "Oh, a detour? I have no problem with it. I've always wanted to travel to other lands, but, like so many other things it was considered 'un-lady like.' "

I urge Velkryn to pick up the pace a little to fall into step next to Whitefire.

 

[BlkPnthr]

Elik

OOC: I had things that kept me from posting for some time, but I am back.

IC: After careful contemplation of the events that had taken place since meeting the two travellers, Elik decided it was best to stick close and just do as he was told. He enjoyed the travel and that was all that really mattered to him. It did not take him long to catch up to the party, and he waved his hand, calling to them from behind.

 

[Dark Warrior]

Darios

Darios turned in the saddle to see the mage coming up behind, waving to them. He noticed that the princess had stopped next to him.
"Great... him again." Darios muttered to Mirshann, before raising his voice to address the mage.
"You're back again, I see. Where were you this morning?"

 

[BlkPnthr]

Elik

Elik spurred his mount up behind the two, and quickly answered. "Forgive me for not speaking with you first, but I was scouting the area where we encountered the gnolls. It seems they were a rogue band who had lost thier way. I was trying to see if they were the only ones that were this far out." he said to Darios.

Elik reached into his bag once more, and rummaged around for a moment before puling his entire arm out of the small pouch. He extended his arm to Darios and opened his hand, presenting him with a dragons claw. "It seems they were trying to deliver this," Elik said matter of factly.

 

[Dark Warrior]

Darios

Darios took the claw from Elik's hand, turning it over in his palm and gazing at it in awe. It seemed to shimmer - glow, even - in the sunlight, and it was as hard as diamond and sharp as a knife; it was about a foot in length.
"What... what creature has a claw like this? I have heard tale of the Dragons of the ancient times, but I believed them to be fairy-tales, and nothing more. But surely there is nothing else that could grow such a thing?" His eyes searched the mage's, desperately looking for a clue, but no answer came to him.
"Well? Do you know, mage?"

 

[AriaSilverfyre]

"Hello Elik." I say as I turn in the saddle as I hear him call.

My eyes widen in amazment as he withdraws a large claw from the pouch at his side. The claw was nothing like I had ever seen, execpt in my imagination as my nanny told me bedtime fairy-tales.

"I thought dragons only existed in legends. There aren't any alive now... are there?" I say, still in awe.

 

[BlkPnthr]

Elik

Elik smiles softly, and says hi to Mirshann, then turns to regard Darios. "I am not sure where they were taking it as of yet, but I found it amongst thier belongings at thier camp site. I believe we will find answers in the town ahead though. Dragons are no myth, and they do still live, although they remain hidden due to the bounty on thier heads. Not many will venture after them, however there are people strong enough to take them down and sell thier body parts to merchants and mages alike. I do believe though that this is connected to the lady somehow," Elik said softly.