When RP takes control IC thread

[NyghtRayne]

Skyler

A feeling of unease seemed to envelop her the deeper into the woods they traveled. After some time they stopped in a small clearing by a stream, as Jasleth and Kryss got a drink from the stream, she took the time to pull her hair up and braid it. Once done with that she looked around at the darkness that surrounded them.

She noted the lack of natural sounds; the animals seemed to have grown quiet. She tucked her braided hair down inside the back of her cloak. She spoke quietly in response to Jasleth’s query. “It’s not you… the woods are quiet as well, something is not right. We should only sit still long enough for you two to catch your breath and then we can move on once more.”

It was times like these when she was thankful to her vampire abilities, having fed earlier was keeping her from tiring. She knew she would be fine for a day or two, and she hoped it would get her to the castle at least.

 

[Armphid]

Jasleth

Jasleth strained his senses, trying to pierce the gloom that surrounded them. "Yeah...I think you're right, Skyler." He hopped down from the rock he had been perched on, to land next to Kryss. He took one of her hands in his, giving it a squeeze. "Ready to go on, Kryss?" At her nod, he smiled, then stood and reluctently moved to the statue of Dominic, hefting the petrified Oracle into his arms again.

"Right...let's go then." He tooka moment to check the few stars he could see through the trees. "That way." The trio took off again, moving a bit faster, seemngly spurred on by teh sense of dread that permeated the forest. Though his eyes were not as developed as the women who ran beside him, they had adjusted to the darkness. Every once in a while, he thought he saw something move in the shadows, but the only sound was the creaking of tree limbs inthe wind, and the sound of their feet as they ran. Twice he thought he glimpsed a serpentine form distantly in the woods, keeping pace with the little group.

They were getting to the heart of the forest now, with another two hours of running ahead of them to clear it. The trees were bigger and far older, and the underbrush more of thick thorn bushes and saplings than ferns and green plants. Jas felt like he had intruded into something much more important than human affairs, and sense of affronted dignity and menace was almost palpable. His eyes flicked ceaselessly to and fro, expecting any minute to see danger silently stalking in upon them. Yet nothing came. An hour passed, and another, and while the sense of grim anticipation mounted...there came no threat. Jas had to focus to keep his breathing rhythm up, remembering the tranquil fear that always comes before a storm, and feeling desperately certain that the storm they all felt building would come soon.

 

[NyghtRayne]

Skyler

She continued to keep an eye on the trees surrounding them. She was growing more concerned as they ran, there were glimpses her and there of something. She never actually saw what it was that seemed to be trailing them, she had the strange feeling as if they were being herded.

“Jasleth, are you doing ok with Dominic? Do you need to stop again? I feel like something is out there, but for some reason it is not showing itself, and maybe that’s a good thing. How much further do you think it is to the castle?”

She didn’t want to stop, but she knew they would all have to and soon, the others to catch their breath and rest, and she herself to keep from using so much energy. She knew she was ok for now having fed earlier that evening, but she didn’t know how long she could push herself before the hunger would return and she would have no choice but to feed.

”Slip? Are you all right? We are taking Dominic for help. We’ll be there soon.” She was concerned when no return comment was made by the lizard. She knew as long as the lizard lived, Dominic had a good chance of being ok, but still she was concerned for the Lizard as well.

 

[katalynn]

Kryss ~

I began to cast a spell as we ran, enhancing our stamina and creating a lighter step for us. It was an easy low lvl spell, it did help in times like this. Also helped to blend in with the darkness. Whatever was out there already knew we were there, least I could do was try to block any unwanted added attention. Mostly I just wanted to keep us going.

More deeply into the spell, we started to float off the ground. Making dominic lighter and easier to carry. Wasn't much off the ground, just enough to relieve heavy pressure of solid ground and hills and such. Enhancing our limited time for we ran faster and easier.

 

[NyghtRayne]

Skyler

She smiled hearing Kryss cast her spell, she wasn't sure what she had cast, but then things started to feel different, she felt like her energy was boosted. The packs she carried felt abit lighter.

She glanced over to Kryss, "Whatever spell that was, it's a good one." She smiled then her spirits lifting somewhat, pushing the fear of sunrise away as they seemed to be moving a little faster, she felt as if they would make it to the castle sooner than they expected which would be a good thing.

The sooner they had Dominic back the better. Then they could be off again on the quest to find out how to fix the game.

 

[Armphid]

Jasleth

His step lightened, Jas felt a surge of relief. This would help. He then noticed that as the trio moved, they seemed to take on the colors of what was around them. "Wow...float and a camo effect." "Very nice, Kryss." They were moving faster now...and a good thing it was too. Jas had been following the serpentine thing that had been tracking them as best he could. He hadn't seen it in some time...which was either very good or very bad.

He kept scanning as they ran, minutes and hours running together, only occasional glimpses of the sky through the trees giving him any idea of time or their progress. He still felt as though they were being watched...but that could just be the owl that had spoken to them earlier. Yeah, sure. They could be so lucky.

Suddenly he heard a crash up ahead and to the right. Damn! It looked like they had found trouble...not that he'd expected any less. "Skyler!" He pushed the petrified Oracle into her arms. "Looks like our luck ran out!" He sprinted ahead of the other two, snarling. "We don't have much time before dawn!" "Keep going!" He cleared the forest, "I'll handle the old man and his mule!" He pulled himself up short in front of a elderly merchant, whose cart had just hit a tree due to a stubborn mule. He blinked, looking back at the forest and back at the old man, who was looking at him with a similar expression.

"What are you carrying on about, boy?"

Jas blushed brightly hearing the women's muffled laughter behind him. "Ah...nothing, sir." Looking beyond the old man, Jas saw the tip of a banner snapping inthe breeze beyond the next hill. "Sorry to have bothered you but...is that Beoulve Castle over the rise?"

The old man's chest puffed out with pride, he was obviously a local. "That it is, boy." "Strongest castle in all the nations, and home of the noble Beoulve family, the Pillars of Knighthood."

 

[NyghtRayne]

Skyler

She shifted the weight of the packs as Jasleth handed Dominic to her. It was a different wieght, but she was sure if she tried she could carry him, even if it drained her strength faster.

She continued on and within a few moments, she and Kryss had left the forest for empty grasslands and there in front of them lay the castle. It was only a short distance ahead, she was relieved thay would make it before sunrise.

As they moved closer to the castle she could feel the change in the air as the moon slowly set to be replaced by the rising sun, the sky was very slowly lightening in the eastern sky.

She glanced back to where they had left Jasleth, she couldn't hear sounds of fighting and took that as a good sign.

 

[Xenocide_613]

Thalryn

A lone elf, two long swords drawn, ran full out through the woods. Cloak drawn tight and cowl covering his face, with a ferret head poking out every so often from the pack he carried, the elf ran hard for the safety of Beoulve Castle. On the edge of exhaustion, he skidded to a halt under a tall tree.

Thal, you really ought to keep running for the castle. I can't promise those orcs won't be back

Don't...worry....dear...ferret...His thoughts slower to mark his heavy breathing.Damn...me...for...a dwarf...for not...saving...my invisibility...spell

Even so, m'lord, you must continue. Rest will come all too soon if you tarry overmuch.

I know, Straee. Better off exhausted and alive than rested and dead, or some such. Damn game.

With that the elf warrior sheathed his twin blades and set off again, and almost as soon as he did heard a crash up to his left.

Elistraee,..what...in the...nine...hells...was that?

Just a merchant, Thal. Your getting awful jumpy in your old age.

Thalryn veered off toward the sound and entered the clearing to catch just the response to an unknown question.

"That it is, boy." "Strongest castle in all the nations, and home of the noble Beoulve family, the Pillars of Knighthood."

Suddenly he was face to face with an elderly human and what appeared to be a monk.

Thalryn spoke quickly. "Thousand pardons,.. friends. I mean..you no...ill will." He panted. "I was...beset by...orcs...and have been...running...since..."

 

[Armphid]

Jasleth

Jas took in the elf's ragged condition, noting the style of his weapons and armor. This had to be another PC. "Hey, don't worry, it's all right." He offered the panting swordsman a waterskin. "Take a drink and sit down, friend." "If you don't stop, it looks like you'll fall over." The elf nodded but looked back at the forest nervously. "The way you were running, those orcs are probably way behind." "Even if they're not, you've got back-up." "The Prodigous Youth can lick any orcs, anywhere, and anytime."

The tall human held out his hand, "My name is Jasleth, though Jas will do fine." "I know it can be a mouthful." "I am a Monk of the Red Principle." "If you'd like, I have a few techniques that might help you...The Chakra can pull your body's power into line and revitalize you." He paused, and cocked his head sideways. "So...have you fled from Garnet Town too?" "Has the army reached it yet?"

 

[Xenocide_613]

Thalryn

The elf pulled back his cowl as he grasped the arm of the monk.

"One orc is never a problem. Nor a dozen. But two?" The elf smirked as the confidant monk's resolve seemed to waver a bit.

The elf took the offered waterskin and took a deep draught, then poured some in his hand. As if on cue, a black ferret with silver eyes scurried out of the elf's pack and lapped at the water.

Thalryn grinned at the ferret. "I am Thalryn Amastacia, this is Elistraee, My lady and mistress."

Now you admit it to yourself. The ferret turned and bowed to the two other men, then went back to the water.

Chuckling, Thalryn turned again to the monk. "I am not fleeing, per say. I set out to adventure. I don't know about the army." He shrugged.

"If you're willing to use your skills, I am quite tired. I slew six before the rest began to close in. Haste really is quite handy."

 

[NyghtRayne]

Skyler

She continued to move towards the castle, and as she and Kryss drew near they could tell the gates were guarded. As they drew close one of the guards stepped forward. “State your business within Beoulve Castle, ladies.”

Skyler looked to the guard, as she stopped and set Dominic down. “We come in search of refuge and someone to help our friend. He was attacked by a band of rogue mages.”

The guard looked over the two women. His brow raised some as his eyes wandered over Skyler, in her dark fairly unrevealing outfit, and then settled on Kryss. “Well we could always use a few more women here.” He said with a sleazy smile on his face.

She tried to pull his attention from the dancer, “We have another friend coming behind us, he had stopped in the woods at the sound of trouble so we could get here safely. If you could direct us to someone who can help the friend we have with us.” She reached to her belt and pulled a few silver coins from the pouch there, handing them to the guard.

He smiled at her as he pocketed the coins. “Sure thing missy…” He called to a few of the others who came out of the shadows, picked up Dominic and as they did, they glanced to Skyler wondering how she had managed to carry him on her own. He wasn’t all that heavy, but heavier than a woman should have been able to handle on her own. “Come with us ladies.” With that they led the two women into the castle.

Skyler looked to Kryss, “I’m sure Jasleth is alright, I didn’t hear any sounds of fighting as we passed the area where he had headed off to. If you are worried about him and he doesn’t show up soon, we’ll get Dominic settled and taken care of and then head back out to find Jasleth.” She had seen how the two of them were developing strong feelings for each other and she was as worried for Dominic as Kryss was probably worried about Jasleth.

 

[Armphid]

Jasleth

The monk shrugged, "I bet it is." "Well met then, Thalryn, Elistraee." "Now just hold still..." Jasleth closed his eyes, bringing his right hand in front of his face, index and middle fingers extended, the rest of his fingers curled back. Focusing his senses, he reached out to feel the flow of ki in the fatigued elf. Then his hands blurred as he lightly struck and touched the spots where the ki pooled, restoring it to a more proper flow. Before the Game changed, this technique would restore a small amount of hit points, mana, and stamina to anyone it was used on...he wasn't sure what it would do now that things had become real, but it wouldn't hurt anything. Finally, he felt the flow begin anew, energy refreshing aching muscles and easing labored breathing. Jas stepped back, his hands falling to his sides. "There you go, feel better?"

He jerked his thumb back toward he Castle. "If you feel up to it, we should get to the Castle." "The road is going to be crawling with refugees in a few hours, and we'll want to get there before thye do." "Plus, I have a few friends who went on ahead that I need to find, including one who needs a powerful White Mage to look at him, so I'd rather not wait."

 

[Xenocide_613]

Thalryn

Green eyes opened wide as the energy poured through. It felt like reverie in the span of mere seconds!

Thalryn stretched and grinned at Jas. "Castle it is. I'm good for whatever, thanks to you."

Straee, back in the pack with you, we're going to town

The black ferret bounded from the ground up Thalryn's leg, dissappearing into the folds of his cloak and poking a head out from the dip in the hood.

I'll ride here, if it pleases

The elf rolled his eyes as the ferret settled down in his thrown back hood.

"Well Jas, lets be off."

Suddenly the elf was in motion, running toward the castle as Elistraee decided Thal's pack was safer than being tossed about in his hood and made her way cautiously as the elf warrior bounded past the end of the wood.

 

[Tantrikenetic]

Seth

The knight took a bite of an apple and tossed it over the edge of the castle balcony. It landed on a young squire's head. The boy leapt about in surprise. Seth burst out laughing. The squire glared back, but kept his mouth shut.

That's right. No little prick messes with Seth Falcon. The knight thought to himself. He walked back inside, cloak flowing behind him. He was getting bored with his current lack of assignments. He just wanted to knock up a few castle wenches and go out to fight somewhere else. This was beyond boring.

He approached the mass of young squires who had gathered near the entrance. They were whispering excitedly.

"Do you see that! Is he really stone? Is he really frozen that way?"

"Couldn't be! Could it?"

"What the hell is going on here?" Seth growled, pushing through the young boys, knocking them to the ground. The men carrying the stone figure froze.

"Sir Falcon!" They said in unison.

"What is going on, you little dirt merchants?" Falcon yelled at the two workers.

"These two ladies arrived bringing this man. He appears to have turned to sto-"

"I can see that." Seth growled. He turned his attention to Skyler and Kryss. His smile creeped back onto his face as he strode over to them. "Hello, ladies." His voice oozed with fake charm. He cupped Kryss's chin with his gloved hand. "What are two innocent maidens such as yourselves doing here by yourself carrying this stoned moron?"

 

[NyghtRayne]

Skyler

She looked to the knight as he approached and the others seemed to scatter. Her eyes flashed in anger as he pushed the children out of his way.

She held her tongue until he spoke directly to them. She shuddered as he laid on the charm, she couldn't stand men like him.

As he reached out to touch Kryss' face, she reacted quickly grabbing his wrist and holding it away. "First of all, we are not here for your entertainment and second he is no moron. Even in his condition he is more man than you are."

She didn't let go of his wrist as she spoke and let her eyes meet his as a slight smirk caught her lips. "Take your boredom elsewhere."

 

[Tantrikenetic]

Seth

Seth smiled to himself. Fiesty...this could be fun.

"Of course. A lady always has the right to refuse a man's company. Even those who are obviously in the ill repute business." He smiled as their expressions became indignant. He glanced toward Kryss. "Although you should let this tasty one answer for herself."

He moved toward Dominic and ran his hand along the frozen face. "However, you may not want to push me away so quickly. I've seen this kind of thing happening a lot lately. A very serious stage of petrification. No minor magic will cure this. We'll need some Supersoft. It's a rare item, but I know where it is. Being the best knight in the land and all."

"So here's the deal ladies. I can help you get there and you can use the Supersoft to cure your sexually ambiguous friend here. All I ask in return is your company. Both day and night." He winked at the girls suggestively. "Do we have a deal?"

 

[NyghtRayne]

Skyler

She glared at him as he moved over and dared touch Dominic. She didn't like his attitude and liked it less and less the more he opened his mouth.

"Well it is true that I should let her speak for herself. What proof do you have that this would work and that you do know how to find it?"

She looked him over briefly as the people stood around watching to see how this would turn out. "Our company hmmm? Well again I can't speak for my friend, but" she smiled briefly, "I just don't think you could handle it."

 

[Tantrikenetic]

Seth

Seth's grin faded slightly. What a stuck-up bitch! She was not going to make him look like a fool in front of all these squires.

"A knight's word is gold, m'lady." He said. "But if you don't believe me, that is fine." He strode up to Skyler and stuck his chest out defiantly. "I can see you prefer your pride over your friend's safety. I guess there is no honor among whores." He turned away. "If you change your mind, I'll be in the knight's quarters." He turned his head back around and whispered, "And from what I can see, you don't have too much for me to try and handle anyway."

He turned back and marched out through the squires. "Out of the way, you tenacious little fucks." He growled storming from the room. The squires turned back to the girls, looking somewhat ashamed.

One boy walked over to Skyler, looking at the floor. "You shouldn't have done that. Sir Falcon is one of the most respected knights in the court. He has sway over even the decisions of King Beoulve. If he wants something bad enough...he'll get it." He smiled a little bit. "Although it was nice to see someone finally stand up to him."

 

[Xenocide_613]

Thalryn

The elf activated the magik in his boots, and he was off. They weren't called "Boots of the Cheetah" for nothing.

Yeeeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaa! Thalryn whooped mentally.

Master, can't.....you slow....down.....a bit? Elistraee clung to the walls of the pack frantically.

You know you like it, stop complaining

The gold elf reached the gates way before the monk even cleared the forest. He nodded to the gaurds as he passed and his eyes very quickly found the spectacle of a knight harassing two maidens. And one looked to be an elf!

The Bladesinger stalked up to the trio just as the "chivilrous" knight stormed off. "He is respected here? One who dismisses every maid for a harlot without a second glance?"

Sad, really Elistraee poked a head out of the pack.

 

[NyghtRayne]

Skyler

She let him walk away thinking he had won this one. His ego was probably the biggest thing he had to offer anyway. She looked to the squire and smiled briefly, "Maybe I shouldn't have. I don't really care who he is, he may be respected, but respect isn't something you should get through fear. Which it seems it the only way he can get it."

She didn't care if he overheard her words. She winked then to the squire, "I have been known to get what I want as well if I set my mind to it." She hadn't really noticed the new arrival as she spoke.

She had doubts that the knight wanted nothing more than to get the two women into his bed, she wanted Dominic returned to his former self, but she wasn't going to sleep with some cocky little ass to do it.

She heard the elf speak and turned to face him. "Maybe he uses it as an excuse when faced with a challenge? And I aim to find out once I get my friends to a safe place."

Anger seethed through her as Falcon's words ran through her head once more, she looked to the squires, "If there is anyone who can help us get our friend here to a White mage.. " she would offer payment, but knew better than to do so up front.

She would let the Knight's comment pass for the moment as she had other things of more importance to deal with. One of the bystanders stepped forward, "I can take you there, but M'Lady, Sir Falcon is sure to know what he's talking about."

"He may and I may end up finding out in time or I may not if his ego is bruised too badly. I want to get my friend here somewhere safe first then I will go see if this Sir Falcon does indeed know of what he speaks…” and maybe teach the ass some manners.

She let the man who had spoke lead her and Kryss to an inn where she paid for a room and left Dominic and Kryss there. “I’ll return soon. I’ll also leave word downstairs, for Jasleth.” Then she looked to Kryss, “I’m sorry.. I shouldn’t assume you’d stay here.” She smiled slightly.. “I plan on having a talk with the snooty one maybe teach him not to throw the word Whore around so freely.”

She headed out to find this Sir Falcon, if he had information that would help Dominic, she would get it one way or another…. Well more than likely her way and not his, if she had anything to say about it. She stepped from the inn and pulled her hood up, wanting to settle things before the sun rose and she would have to find her way back tot he inn...

 

[Tantrikenetic]

Seth

Seth stared at the wall, tapping his foot. Maybe he shouldn't have stormed out and called them whores. They weren't going to refuse his offer, would they? Of course not!

He turned his head to see the door to the knight's quarters open and Skyler walked in. He smiled.

"Ah, you've come to your senses. I knew you wouldn't turn down the only chance to help your friend." He folded his arms. "So do I get an apology for your snooty behavior?"

 

[NyghtRayne]

Skyler

She lowered her hood, her icy gaze met his. "I came to get help for my friend. You behavior out there warrants no apology on my part."

She really had all she could do to control her anger, she could feel her fangs extending and fought the urge to rip him apart. "I do not take kindly to being called a whore, or treated like one for that matter."

"If you are as honorable and knowledgable as the townsfolk seem to think, then yes I come to seek help for my friend. But as long as your attitude stays the same..." She began to pull the cloak back over her head in preparation to leave, she would not give into this creep, Knight or not.

 

[Xenocide_613]

Thalryn

The elf watched as the trio entered the inn. He wondered briefly where Jasleth had gone. Maybe he'd missed him, but the elf was sure Jas would want a piece of the knight.

He does seem the type to hold honor in high regard, doesn't he? Elistraee thought as she tried to make a bed in a coil of rope.

Yes. I almost want to find him before I seek out this...knight and give him a lesson in how to talk with ladies

Just then one of the women from earlier came out of the inn. Thalryn tracked her to the knight's quarters.

Stopping into an alley next to the barracks, Thalryn let his thoughts turn inward. His focus narrowed to just the runes of a spell he'd memorized. Within his mind the runes seemed to expand and glow as he mentally read over them, hands taking the motions that felt most natural and right.

Slowly, with each chant, the elf became less and less visible. Emerging from the alley, he tracked the woman to the knight's room and listened to the exchange.

 

[Tantrikenetic]

Seth

He glared at her. Damn her defiance...but he could not let her go. Not yet.

"Very well...I must apologize for the way I acted. However, my offer still stands. I will lead you to the location of the Supersoft. But someone will accompany me for one night. That is all I ask." He looked right into her eyes. "The life of your stone friend depends on your decision here."

 

[NyghtRayne]

Skyler

She looked to him her eyes locked on his. "Accompany you? Well that could mean alot of different things? I guess my answer would depend on your definition."

She really didn't have time to stand here and play his word games, the sun would be rising soon and she didn't feel like being caught off-guard.