Vengeance of the Heart

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Fri Feb 28, 2003 1:45 pm

Acolytus shook his head in disbelief, while he gathered his composure. “She is a disturbance to the balance, if she is what I fear.” Acolytus stopped. “I fear we have breached a point where we are far beyond the point of return.”

Gurney shook his head and sighted… “Who new such a pretty face could have that many scars. I feel for her.”

Mursalin left the table, quickly followed by Gurdio and Magus leaving Acolytus and him alone at the table. Something interesting must be going on outside, he didn’t feel like following them though.
He directed his attention at Acolytus again. “So, you mentioned some things about your past, nasty thingsby the sound of it. Lost loved ones for one, I have a similar experience. Don’t let it control you, cherish the memory but get on with your life. It’s the only thing you can do to keep yourself from going out of your mind. Find something to live for… I think I just did.”

He stirred the last drop of ale around in it’s glass and looked at it like it was something very important. Then Gurney looked up at Acolytus with a tear in his eye. “But no one could ever replace my Clarissa. Don’t ever think that.”

Gurney finished his glass and slammed it on the table. “What’s your story?” He asked direct and straightforward like he always did.

Tybaltus · Post by **Tybaltus** » Sat Mar 01, 2003 1:31 am

Gurney stirred the last drop of ale around in it’s glass and looked at it like it was something very important. Then Gurney looked up at Acolytus with a tear in his eye. “But no one could ever replace my Clarissa. Don’t ever think that.”

Gurney finished his glass and slammed it on the table. “What’s your story?” He asked direct and straightforward like he always did.

Acolytus looked straight at Gurney, “I see the torment inside you, and I am familiar to that feeling myself.” Acolytus took a large swig of ale. “Yes. I have pain within me, and I have lost loved ones. My father was the first to pass away in battle fending off the grove. This in itself was heartbreaking, but he stood no chance to raiders.” Acolytus paused. “This spear I hold, with magical abilities, is the very weapon he carried throughout his life.”

“Then there was my brother, Saenen. We had trained together, side by side in the grove. We promised we would protect each other,” Acolytus hung his head in sadness. “I did not have a chance to fulfill my side of the bargain. You see, since there were raiders and city dwellers that felt we were an opposition to them, we often were under siege. There was a city dweller that made his way to the grove, and appeared to be honest. He promised us sanctuary, and allegiance to the city and army of Trademeet. We did not have much choice. We could not oppose him, but it did not mean we had to trust him. Well, Saenen did trust him.” Acolytus scratched his head nervously. “This city dweller knew Saenen trusted him. So, he told him to be our ambassador and go to Trademeet so that they could negotiate defenses. I had not heard from Saenen for a few long days. I decided to make my way towards Trademeet, but near the outskirts of the city, I found what looked to be a place where a struggle had occurred, and nearby, I found Saenen’s armor and his mutilated body sitting at the side of the tree. The images I saw….It has partially controlled me, how could it not? But I still let nature be my guide. I try not to let emotion fog me from this. But trust is not something I invest too much in anymore.”

Acolytus then looked up. “You show much trust to at least share some parts of your history, Gurney. And I suppose, by letting you know my story, there is trust within me. It feels odd. I feel badly for your loss of Clarissa. I have a love as well. Well, partially. She is the reason I am here. She currently resides here, temporarily, but she has been too busy trying to keep herself on her feet and carry on the way of the druid to really get into a close relationship. I truly feel for her, but availability for both of us is lacking. And of course there is Greppun…how could I forget my four legged companion?” Acolytus smiled.

Acolytus finishes off another mug of ale and smiles gently. “I hope I have not bored you to death with my story.”

CM · Post by CM » Sat Mar 01, 2003 1:44 pm

"Very well" said Mursalin looking to the elf sceptically. Mursalin not being one of a great deal of intellect and not known for a tatical mind, takes his sword and just lops the head off the worg. The animal dies without a sound. Mursalin then runs to the left of the inn with as much noise as possible to draw away the other worgs.

Magus · Post by **Magus** » Sat Mar 01, 2003 9:58 pm

Magus waited as Mursalin led the worgs away, nipping at his heels. He shook his head disapprovingly. Luckily the paladin had managed to dispatch the first worg with a single blow, or they’d have had quite the mess on their hands. The area safe for the moment, he hurried over to the barbarian, still wedged between the two pillars, wearing a look of utter terror.

“Come on!” Magus whispered loudly. “Get down, while it’s still safe.” The big man shook his head, completely frozen with fear. “Then you leave me no choice,” Magus muttered, sighing. He whispered a few words of magic, then pointed a finger at the barbarian. A dazed stupor fell over the barbarian’s features. His legs buckled, and he plummeted to the ground, bracing himself reflexively at the last moment. Magus made a gesture, and suddenly the bewildered barbarian regained his senses. Magus grabbed his arm. “Come on!” This time the fellow didn’t resist, and Magus pushed him into the Inn. In the distance, he heard the approach of loud metallic footfalls, the growls of pursuing worgs not far behind. He looked over. His eyes widened as he saw Mursalin turn the corner, running just ahead of a pack of no less than seven worgs. Suppressing a curse, he hurriedly chanted in the language of magic, his hands darting about wildly. With Mursalin only 8 meters away he extended his arm, palm upright, and a ball of fiery plasma shot forth…straight at the incoming paladin. “Get down!” Magus yelled.

The paladin promptly made a running dive, a wave of intense heat passing just over him. Hitting the ground roughly, he heard a blast, followed by a tide of searing heat that singed the hair from his legs.

When he looked up, he found himself scarcely a meter from the wizard’s feet. Breathing heavily, he stood and drew his sword, turning to face the remnants of the pack. He could only gape at the scene that greeted him. Charred corpses were all that remained of his beastly pursuers, lying at the near edge of a huge blackened circle that must have been 20 meters in diameter…and ended less than half a meter away. Against all logic, there wasn’t even a flicker of flame amongst the buildings caught in its radius.

“A close one,” Magus remarked, relieved. Celestia landed on his shoulder, a look of rapturous wonder on her face. Seeing the paladin’s incredulous expression, Magus smiled good-naturedly. “Nothing more for us here. Come on inside. I’ll buy you a drink.” He made towards the door.

Aegis · Post by **Aegis** » Sat Mar 01, 2003 11:32 pm

Lilth twisted her head towards the door at the sound of the thunderous fireball that had been cast outside. As she eyed the door to the small inn, she watched as the well dressed Half-Elf walked back into the commons, followed by a ragged, but sturdy looking plainsman, and finally a well kempt man, appearing as a man of the noble orders. A wry smirk twisted onto her thin, crimson lips, and she fluttered her playful gaze towards Ae'siir. The larger, more stoic elf, nodded, understanding her intentions completely. He nodded his head, and motioned his hand towards the three men.

"If you wish." Ae'siir glanced down towards the pouch at his waist, as if motioning that it was becoming too light.

Lilth flashed Ae'siir a quikck wink, before sliding her slender frame out of the wooden chair. Making her way over to the counter, in a manner that would cross her path with the three men returning inside the commons, swayying her hips in a suggestive manner. As she walked closer, she began flashing an enticing smile towards the Half-elf in the lead. Magus glanced towards Lilth, paying little heed, and continued walking. As he continued to lead the group to back to their table, Lilth stepped into his path, making it appear as if an accident. From behind Magus, the plainsman, and the noble stopped, glancing to either side of the lead figure, to see what happend.

As Lilth made contact with Magus, the half-elf raised his free hand, bracing Lilth from making too much contact, and steadying both. Lilth, having played the act many times, pretended to stumble, slidding down somewhat. Magus adjusted his hand, and grabbed hold of her upper arm, steadying her body. As he small body stopped in it's descent, she glanced up, playfully flicking her head back, so that strands of her raven black hair would fall across her face. She looked up, flitting her eyes at the half-elf, as Magus helped her back to her feet. As he did so, Lilth casually dropped her hand, running her slender fingers down, across his hand. Magus forced a warm smile, before letting her go. Lilth smiled once more, and bit her upper lip in a playful manner, before taking a step back. Then, taking one last look at the half-elf, she turned back to the counter, and continued her original route.

Back at their table, Ae'siir watched the entire thing, a small, hidden grin barely breaking the stone facade he left up at all times. He waited patiently for Lilth to return. She was good at what she did, taking sometime at the counter to appear inconspicious, before rejoining Ae'siir. As she slid her slender form back into the chair across from Ae'siir, she smiled, and slid her hand, palm down, across the table, and into Ae'siir's waiting hands. She smiled again, never taking her eyes off her counter-part, then slid her hands back, leaving a tiny, ornate ring in Ae'siir's palm. The larger elf grinned, and turned the ring in his finger, before glancing to Lilth, and rolling the ring onto his own finger.

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Sun Mar 02, 2003 2:13 pm

Acolytus finishes off another mug of ale and smiles gently. “I hope I have not bored you to death with my story.”

“Not at all.” Gurney replied while he ordered drinks for the both of them. “Sounds like we both are carrying some emotional luggage. Hah, drinking sometimes helps for me.”
From the corner of his eye Gurney saw Magus, Mursalin and surprisingly the barbarian enter the Inn; shortly later followed by Gurio who re-joined them at the table. He seemed absent though, sunken in his thoughts.

“So…” Gurney started “Have you ever been to Athkatla? It’s a pretty nice city, only too bad about the thugs roaming the streets. There are many pretty girls there… willing girls if you know how to handle ‘em.” Gurney smiled at Acolytus and winked.

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Wed Mar 05, 2003 2:56 pm

“Alright everybody!” Harnan stood behind his bar, arms raised up high. “I’ll be closing the bar; so finish your drink. Locals have to leave, but I’ve got plenty of rooms for out of towners to spend the night in.” His eyes glowed at the thought of the money he would earn.

Tybaltus · Post by **Tybaltus** » Wed Mar 05, 2003 8:29 pm

“Alright everybody!” Harnan stood behind his bar, arms raised up high. “I’ll be closing the bar; so finish your drink. Locals have to leave, but I’ve got plenty of rooms for out of towners to spend the night in.” His eyes glowed at the thought of the money he would earn.

Upon hearing those words, Acolytus looked up from the daze he had on the knots riddled over the wooden tavern table. Acolytus looked up and noticed he had been drinking quite a bit since night fell. In fear that he has turned into a drunkard, Acolytus made sure he had all of his senses in top shape. Acolytus raised his hand and followed his finger with his eyes.
“Good,” Acolytus whipered. “I’m not drunk.”

Acolytus rose up from his seat, but as soon as he got up, he fell backwards right into the bar seat. Acolytus shook his head and grimaced. “Let me try that again…” Acolytus got up. “Ahh. Good.” Acolytus muttered to himself.

Acolytus then started to walk towards Harnan for the room fee. Acolytus made a few short steps before he got his robe tangled up with his right foot. Acolytus flailed his hands in the air, trying to keep his balance. Acolytus, still throwing his arms in the air, fell helplessly to the ground.

Acolytus mumbled as he struggled to pick himself up from the tavern floor. Agonizingly slowly, Acolytus managed to pick himself up, one centimeter at a time. He dusted himself, and tried to maintain what dignity was left. Acolytus made one slow step and then stumbled a few steps until he reached the bar table where Harnan accepted room fares. Greppun looked down at the floor in shame of his master’s current state, and slowly followed with his tail dragging behind him.

“One room, Harnan….and I hope animals are OK for rooms.” Acolytus lazily threw his hand up from his side and dropped the coins on the table.

Acolytus then slowly and carefully walked towards his room, hoping for a better situation to strike come morning.

Magus · Post by **Magus** » Thu Mar 06, 2003 1:07 am

As the flirtatious elf passed by, Magus felt for his money pouch, and more importantly, his magic bag. Locating them safe and sound, he gave a small sigh of relief. Though she may well have been merely looking for a good time, he strongly suspected otherwise. Behind the innocent eyes and seductive façade lied the craftiness of a fox, and the mischief of an imp: two hallmarks of a skilled cutpurse. Regardless, one couldn’t be too careful even indoors nowadays, especially in taverns, where pickpockets often lied in wait until an easy target such as a drunken merchant or noble presented himself.

Assured that his belongings were still in order, he walked over to the table and sat down. He considered ordering another wine, but decided against it. He still needed to study his newly-recovered spellbook tonight, and that would require his full concentration. Thank Mystra he’d prepared that fireball spell before he’d gone to sleep that night two days ago. If he hadn’t, that situation with the worgs might’ve gotten ugly…

Magus sat quietly in thought as the night grew darker, the sounds of gentle laughter and soft conversation rolling over him like a soothing breeze.

* * * * *

Celestia watched silently from a pocket as the bad lady passed by, her hand clenched around her master’s favorite ring. Strange emotions tumbled through her as she saw the lady in her mind, staring at her master with those creepy slanty eyes, touching him with her long slippery hands. She felt angry, sad, alone, all at the same time. More than anything she wanted the bad lady to go away, to never come back. But now she had his ring, her master’s sparkly ring. It was important to him, and she knew it helped him, protected him. And she had stood there and watched the bad lady take it, confused by the awful feelings, not sure what to do.

She looked at her master. She’d seen the look before; his eyes were filmy, like he was awake but not really. He called it thinking. When he was thinking, she’d learned it was best to leave him alone. She looked over at the bad lady again, watching as she walked to a table and sat down by a big guy with creepy eyes, like hers. He was scary-looking. She put something in his hand. The ring! The scary guy smiled evilly and put it on his finger.

Anger boiled up in Celestia. That was Magus’s ring! She couldn’t just…just take it and give it to another bad guy! As Celestia watched, she became more and more determined to get it back. She would get it back herself. She would show her master how helpful she was by getting his ring back, all by herself. He would be so happy…just thinking about it made her cheeks get all hot. Maybe he would do a spell for her…or maybe he would show her how to do one!

But she was smart. First she had to get the ring back, and to do that she needed a plan. A good plan. Just like Magus. She needed to be sneaky. If she did it right now, she might get caught, and that would ruin everything, and Magus would be mad, and sad too. And she didn’t want that. No, she would wait til later. When everybody was asleep. That was the best time. That was the best time to sneak in and get it back.

She watched the two bad guys for a little bit more before she fell asleep, dreaming of how proud Magus would be when she got his ring back…

* * * * *

“Alright everybody!” Harnan stood behind his bar, arms raised up high. “I’ll be closing the bar; so finish your drink. Locals have to leave, but I’ve got plenty of rooms for out of towners to spend the night in.”

Magus looked up. Time to study for a while before he got his rest. He glanced down at his pocket. Celestia was lying there, sleeping peacefully. He smiled, shaking his head. For all the headaches she sometimes caused, he really was glad to have her. Since that day he’d never had a lonely moment, even during his occasional stretches of solitary study.

Magus rose, and with a nod to Harnan to add the night’s expenses to his tab, as well as a farewell to the others at the table, he went to his room.

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Sat Mar 08, 2003 12:21 pm

With much amusement Gurney saw Acolytus leave, or at least try to leave, and get a room for the night. When Acolytus fell to the ground, flapping his arms like he was trying to fly, it all became too much for Gurney to bear and he laughed out so loud that he almost squirted ale from his nose.

“Silly youngster, he’s not used to drinking so much, heh; let’s hope he can keep it inside for tonight.” He liked him though, but couldn’t help but feeling that Acolytus could lighten up a bit and stop taking everything so serious.

He just sat there for a few minutes, looking at the people making their way up to a room or leaving the inn to go home.
As Magus passed by to rest for the night, Gurney nodded at him as a way to wish him good night. There was nothing for him to do except to get some shut eyes as well; he could have a long day ahead of him anyway.

He wished everyone who was still in the inn a good night, smiled at a nice lady for the last time and went upstairs.

CM · Post by CM » Sun Mar 09, 2003 8:04 am

Having been in the Umar Hills for some time, Harnan was used to the Paladins schedule. Placing some bread and cheese on a table, with a flask of water, Harnan nodded to Mursalin and retired to his chamber. On such a night with such events, Mursalin was not going to sleep at all. Harnan knew, the youth would make patrols that night to make sure every inhabitant of Umar hills was safe and sound and that there were no signs of worgs or wolves.

Ignoring the rest, and without commenting at all to the elven mage; Mursalin, grabbed some wood, threw it into the fire, grabbed a seat and prepared for a long night of vigiliance. The events of the night were strange and his thoughts flew back to his indecision and his in ability to act through out the whole situation. He had not understood what had happened until it was too late and he had done nothing at all.

During Harnan's story of the young female, he had sat their silently trying to comprehend what was going on. At points he hated his lack of insight into situations... But such was life. Grabbing his purse of medicine, Mursalin swallows the bitter medicine. Stroking the fire to make sure it keeps burning, Mursalin grabs his weapons and heads out for his first of many patrols of the night.

Rudar Dimble · Post by **Rudar Dimble** » Wed Mar 12, 2003 9:34 am

After this unusual day Gurdio went to bed as usual...off course after paying the fee for his room to Harnan. Some 'non-usual' money as the innkeeper might find out later....in a day or two.

Aegis · Post by **Aegis** » Thu Mar 13, 2003 7:42 pm

Shortly after Lilth's aquisition of the ring, the two elves stood, and proceded towards the stairs leading up to the rooms. Just as Lilth placed her foot on the first step, she felt a slight tug on her shoulder, forcing her slender frame back from the stairs, a bit of a startled gasp escaping her lips. She stuttered backwards, catching her balance quickly, and nimbly, and then glared upwards. Harnan stood behind the bar, a calm look on his face, the corner of his eye cracked open towards Ae'siir and Lilth. He casually cleaned the inside of one of the many mugs that usually hung on the back wall, or was being drowned in the cheap ale of the Hills. Directly in front of the elves stood man, who dwarfed the large Ae'siir by a foot and half, his arms crossed over his chest, muscles bulging, as if trying to intimidate the smaller patrons.

"You seem to be forgetting something, folks..." Harnan said casually, barely taking his attention away from the mug. "For the two of you," He stopped a moment from his duties, and glanced up. "ten pieces each for the night."

The larger man leered towards Lilth, his eyes already undressing the slender elf, and his imagination running wild with thoughts. Lilth caught the look, and knowing all to well what it ment, she scowled and seemed to cover her form up by crossing her arms over her chest, and hugging her shoulders tightly. The look didn't go unnoticed by Ae'siir either, whose hand had swiftly dropped to the hilt of one of his kukri's, drawing it up somewhat, baring a hint of the fine metal. He cast his own glare towards the big man.

"Aeor," Harnan said, his voice becoming a bit more stern, as if telling him to back off. "Leave them alone. They've caused no trouble..." Aeor grunted a response, and backed away. It had become obvious he was Harnan's local enforcer of the tavern, when things couldn't be resolved through discussion. "Now, for the matter of the nightly fee."

Lilth seemed to relax a bit, being used to the looks men would often cast her way. Her face lacked much of the emotion she felt, revealing the same childish, naive look she always carried, but her body motions became a bit more dodgy. She lowered her hands, placing one on Ae'siir's hand, which still held the hilt. He visibly relaxed at her touch, and cast a knowing glance her way, and then pushed the blade back into it's sheathe. Then, with a nod, the larger elf made his move, digging into the pouch at his side, he pulled out the nightly fare, and walked over to where Harnan stood, waiting. He held up in front of the bartender, and then placed it on the table.

"Many thanks, my forest friends." Harnan said warmly. "And enjoy your stay here in Umar Hills." He took the coins, placing them somewhere out of sight, and then returned to his duties of cleaning the bar. Ae'siir walked back to Lilth, and the two made their way up the stairs and towards an empty room.

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Fri Mar 14, 2003 9:37 am

Carefully a small figure made his way deeper into the village, moving from one dark shadow into another; he made sure his presence was to go unnoticed. The figure leaned over and looked around a corner of a wooden cottage. “Hehe good,... the townsfolk won’t cause us any problems. They are but sheep following whoever proves strong enough to steer them. Tonight will be easy.”

Startled by a sound behind him, the character dropped to the ground and hid from sight. It was Mursalin who was on his guard, he looked a bit tired but persistent to keep up his duties. Out of the dark, two shady eyes followed the paladins every move until he got out of sight. “Hmm, he and the others in the inn won’t be so easy. They’ll need to go first, the villagers can wait.”

He crawled backwards for a meter or two, stood up and pressed against the wall of the cottage. “I’d best let the boss know about my findings.” Staying in the shadows all the way, he moved back from house to house until he had made his way to the edge of town. There he had to make a decision; he could go around the lamppost or take his chance and run past the source of light. As he looked around, he didn’t see anyone and he figured he could take the chance. Going around would take longer anyway.

As he stepped into the light he became easily visible. It was a short gnome wearing dirty old clothes which could barely be called anything more then some rags sown together. His face was covered with wrinkles and his eyes were hard to be seen. The little guy limped somewhat and it was surprising to see how fast he could be when he wanted to be.

Then he jumped a fence, dodged a few chickens and disappeared into the bushes. He ran as fast as his short legs could carry him. “Boss, Boss!” He shouted and a big guy came out of the bushes and snared at him. “Quiet fool, or do you want everyone to know we are here? Now tell me, what have you found worthless worm?”

“Yes, boss, sorry boss. There are adventurers there boss, and I think they know about her. In due time, everyone will know. They are all in the Umar Inn boss.”

“Fine… then we need to take care of them all. We’ll take the Inn out first. Move out everyone, but be silent we don’t want to give the element of surprise away just yet.” In the bushes where the leader came from, sounds of people moving could be heard.

“Wait boss, wait. There is this big guy too; he looks like a strong fighter perhaps even a paladin! He’s not in the inn, but keeping guard in the village.” Angry the boss kicked the small gnome as hard as he could. “Why didn’t you tell me this sooner you weasel?” Then he turned around. "Anrin and Valen, you lure him here carefully. Then we’ll take care of him. Just don’t get caught or you are on your own.”

CM · Post by CM » Sat Mar 15, 2003 4:28 am

Mursalin had been patrolling for nearly an hour, when he decided to break for a rest. Leaning against a large oak tree, Mursalin placed his shield on the ground and grabbed the sandwich he had made earlier. Eating quietly, Mursalin kept his eyes and ears open for any movement or sound.

Aegis · Post by **Aegis** » Sat Mar 15, 2003 9:18 pm

The two elves entered the darkend room. It was modestly furnished, as to be exected of a local inn, but was more then they had been using the past weeks out in the wilderness. There was a single dresser, with a desk next to it. Across the room, was a single bed, barely large enough to fit two average sized human people on. A single candle was all that was available for light within the quint room.

Ae'siir slowly made his way to the candle, and used the flint that sat idly by its side. Sparking it casually, he placed it back on the desk, and turned towards Lilth, who had already sat herself upon the bed, and was working at unclasping the first set of buckles that kept her leather cuiress on. Any other man, at the sight of the elven woman undressing before them, would've swooned at the notion, but Ae'siir only took a couple of steps, stopping in the middle of the floor, and then lowered himself to the floor, sitting cross legged. He took the latch on his belt, and unstrung the leather bindings keeping the twin kukri's by his waist. He wouldn't need them tonight, for the first time in many nights. He sat quitly, folding his hands together, and placing them in front of his face, and closed his eyes. A low, deep mumrering could be heard from the larger elf, but nothing distinguishable.

Lilth had finsihed removing the leather bondings from her body, and had placed them aside. Aside from the modest silk shirt and short leggings, both of which clung tightly to her body, she was completly bared out to all. She watched her comrade quietly, a nightly custom she had enjoyed since the two first began travelling together, as usual, a playful, childish expression on her face. While having gained the maturity and wisdom of the elves, she appeared no more then twenty years of age, the fingers of time seeming slipping past her. As Ae'siir continued he low chanting, Lilth crept off the bed, dragging some of the linens along with her, and crawled up behind her larger counterpart. She crawled as if a cat would, slowly making her way towards him, as if stalking him, yet playfully. As she came up behind him, she made her move, running her hands up along his back, and over his shoulders, before grasping each other in front of his chest. She then leaned her head upon his shoulder, and looked towards Ae'siirs undistrubed face. She gave a silent giggle, before giving his ear a playful bite, and then pulled back, and leaned against the side of the bed, drawing the linen's up, wrapping them around her body.

Lilth watched casually until Ae'siir finished his nightly ritual, upon which he turned his body around to face his playful companion. As he moved, he dropped his hand to the pouch where he had placed the stolen ring, and took it out to examine it.

"This one looks af it is worth something more then it would seem.." He said casually, spinning the ring around in his fingers. "I wouldn't be surprised to find some magical properties on it, considering the previous bearer of it..." He glanced towards Lilth, and smirked. "It is amazing how skilled you are."

Lilth smiled childishly, and lowered her head a bit, letting his jet black hair drape over her shoulders.

"Well, in the morning, then, we'll have it looked at. See if this is more then what it seems..." With that, he lowered the ring, and returned to his pouch. "But for now, let us rest. It has been sometime since we have had accomadations such as these. Let us enjoy them while we can."

Lilth nodded, and crawlled back atop the bed, and rolled over onto her side, and looked to Ae'siir. The elf only shook his head. "I do not fully trust the men here... I would not want something to happen to you in your sleep. I shall watch the door, until I feel comfortable." Lilth let her head drop, dissapointed, but understanding. Within moments, she closed her eyes, and was asleep, leaving Ae'siir watching the door, and listening to quiet, rythmatic sound of the woman's breath...

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Sun Mar 16, 2003 5:01 am

Meanwhile, the bait made its way towards the village. The bigger of the two, Anrin, leading the way; both men had their swords ready and moved around as quietly as possible.
“Keep your distance hog boy; you almost poked me with that sword of yours!”

“What’s your problem Anrin? Are you still mad at me for drinking that last wine last night?”

While not verbally responding, Anrin pushed aside a branch on his way and let it slip again. The branch swung back and hit Valen in the face who had some trouble not yelling on compulsion. When he calmed down a bit he angrily muttered in anger.
“You did that on purpose didn’t you?” Quickly Anrin turned his back on Valen to hide the grin on his face.

”Quiet, there is the village… That must be him there, leaning against that tree there.” Anrin pointed towards Mursalin.
“This is what we do. You wait here and I make my way over there.” His hands made a circle towards a few feat from Mursalin. “I’ll make some noise of some kind like throwing a pebble or something. When he looks, you make sure he sees you and when he’s coming for you, you make your way towards the rest. I’ll be your back up.”

When the two men chose their positions, Valen had second thoughts. “Why do I always get the dangerous jobs? Next time, I make the plan.” In the meantime, Anrin had started the trap. Reluctantly, Valen made himself clearly visible.

“I sure hope he doesn’t have any long ranged weapons…”

Rudar Dimble · Post by **Rudar Dimble** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 5:16 am

The lady fair and beautiful walked towards him. “I give you mercy…accept it”. Gurdio wanted to accept it, and he reached out his hand, almost touching hers. A light, cold sharp and blue as it could be, build up a wall between the two.

“You fool! Do you really think we would give you mercy? Do you really think I still recognize you as my son? Fool! Never, never, never, never, never….” The words faded in the distance, leaving a man alone in the emptiness. Would that be his fate? His destiny? Tortured by loneliness, unable to be deteced by others?
A clear picture of his father emerged where the lady, his mother, just stood.

“No one will ever feel sorry for you. People will only laugh at your jokes. None will believe you when you tell them a sad story. Didn’t you notice back in the inn today? You told them why you were attacked, and none, none felt sorry for you! Your lips will be sealed whenever one asks about your origins.And you know it….you know it.”
His father disappeared into the back again…leaving Gurdio alone, as usual.

Pictures of his childhood, pictures of better times, of times without hatred or sorrow passed his view. He didn’t want to see them, but he was unable to walk away or turn his head. Torture, pain, it hurted his heart, his soul every night, year after year….when would this nightmare end?

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Tue Mar 18, 2003 5:06 am

The trap was set and the mouse took the bait.
Mursalin dropped his sandwich and quickly grabbed his weapons. “Halt, be you friend or foe?” But the figure in the bushes did not respond, instead he backed away slowly turned around and started running. Mursalin sprinted after him, determined to find out what the man was doing there.

He chased him for some minutes and right when he was about to jump the runaway, an arrow missed him by an inch. Startled, he turned around and saw several men blocking his was back to the village. “Damn… there are more.” He cursed to himself as he looked around assessing the situation; only to find himself to be completely surrounded. “There must be at least 15 of em…”

The men surrounding him were mostly dressed in chainmail shirts and were armed with the same swords; some of them also had a bow and arrows.

CM · Post by CM » Tue Mar 18, 2003 5:29 am

As Mursalin was surrounded, he had little choice. Closing his eyes for a second, he said a silent prayer to Tyr for his protection and that he would uphold the honor of the family in this suicidal effort. Opening his eyes and without a word, Mursalin attacked the closest man to him.