A kingdom that was once filled with great promise was taken within the grasp of one's dark ambition and led to ruin. Now reborn, it is set to once again flourish as it was meant to be.
A land of strength and valor
Touched by the mystery of spellbinding magic . Let . your . legend . begin . here .
. CREATOR . Kyra || sn: Seen In Her Eyes
. INFO . KoS Founded || Dec. 2004 KoV Founded || July 2006
Forum put together by Kyra.
These are ongoing stories that other members are welcomed to join in on. If you want your story posted here, just send me a PM.
Ring of Redemption [log -- closed thread] « Thread Started on Apr 14, 2008, 11:32pm »
TheRingofRedemption
[ This was a story that Kirk and I started months ago, intended just to be played on the side if given the chance to RP. Only recently did we decide to introduce these characters back into the story line they were created for. It's pretty long, and not close to being finished, but I posted it here in case anyone was interested in some reading. =) Even though it's on the "Outskirts" board, some of it is actually in Vangard. ]
Re: Ring of Redemption [log -- closed thread] « Reply #1 on Apr 14, 2008, 11:54pm »
That alien language of the Arabians sounded like a cacophony of sounds around him. The markets were teeming with merchants and those who would purchase their wares. All of the people wore the strange and exotic garments of silks and color while the women wore their veils and masks so as to protect their divine virtues. Wagons built with bars of iron clattered along, drawn by sturdy, short-haired mules and horses. Within each, men, women, and children were carted to the center of that busy economic center. Bound helpless, they stared with wide and dejected eyes at the scene around them. Men with visible wealth eyed the flesh as it passed, glancing at muscle that would work well in their business, at soft curves that would bring good coin, and tender youth for...other needs. Only one did not seem to share the same fear and foreboding. Resting in a corner of his wagon, back against it and hands bound between his legs, the man looked at nothing. That dark mane was longer and unkempt. It had not seen a knife or scissors in some time. Those green eyes stared at nothing. That face, seemingly handsome in a rugged way, was marred slightly by a scar that started near his left eye and swung up his temple to become lost in his hair. Finally, those eyes looked up, seeing the raised platform where slaves would be tied up for show and bidding. At least, he thought, I can get out of this bloody cage.
The sun. The horrid thing was blinding, irritated her. At times, especially out in these lands, it stung without mercy...it only reminded her of the debt that needed to be paid, and the reason why she was here in the first place. Through the lands she had traveled, not one could she find to help her with her 'treasure hunt'. One mention of Kilvania and they would all shudder. So, as a last resort, Alessia came to Arabia...to purchase a slave. Even after being pampered for awhile in Sendaria, she could not hold back the pain of seeing this display...especially with the children. Naturally though, no such emotion played upon her features, otherwise it'd be pointless to even go about this. Dressed in the finest of garments, she played the part of a wealthy noblewoman from a distant land, simply wishing to buy a slave or two for her estate. Alessia made sure to pay a few men to act as guards to finish off the act...as well as use for her own protection. Eyes scanned through the bars of the cage as it passed by, peering in to only see the fear stricken and saddened faces of those held within...Except for one. A furrow of brows, she tried to catch a better glimpse before it passed her and left her with having to wait for the slaves to be filed out and displayed one or a few at a time. Aless wasn't very sure on this plan of hers...seeing as though none of these people so far were fit for the journey she planned to take. She needed someone strong, sturdy, and with more than half a brain. And frankly, that was hard to find these days.
The cages came to a halt in front of the platform. One by one they were opened up and unloaded by the burly guards. Those who seemed reticent were "enticed" by the sting of a club or a not-so-tender jab with the tip of a sword. As the people were moved out, they were separated by genders and age. The older men, those too old for heavy labor but perhaps skilled in other pursuits, were the first group. Then the younger men, those who looked strong, or at least stronger. Then the older women, to be cooks and matrons...then those whose flesh was young enough and their features fair enough for more specialized needs. Here they would separate them further...after all, those who were chaste would fetch a much higher price than those who were not. Finally, the children were split up. It did not matter if they were siblings. Finally, it became his wagon's turn. Having seen the treatment of the others, those crammed in with him were quick to comply. He stayed there. Angry words were shouted at him in that tongue while the guards threatened him with their weapons. One finally reached in and grasped his ankle to drag the man out. He waited...waited until he was just about out, and that other foot came up, slamming the man's jaw up sharply. The man's teeth severed his tongue cleanly and he screamed bloodily. The dark-haired man rolled forward quickly, coming to his feet and catching greasy hair in his bound hands. The man was silenced with a knee to the face and he picked up the dropped blade. It seemed like an average short sword, but the blade was curved, more for slicing than stabbing. The commotion soon had several of the other guards running towards him. Green eyes flared angrily as he turned to meet them.
Chin held high, those eyes remained downcast to the sandy ground, unable to watch the display and listen as the bids began. Sure, she was one who easily bossed around the servants of her former estate, but Alessia was slowly learning from her past mistakes...such as now. She bit the inside of her cheek, keeping her from protesting against the scene...And that was when she heard the commotion of the guards by the other cart, followed by that scream of agony and pain. Attention instantly shifted in that direction as everyone else's was, and Alessia pushed her way through the gathering crowd to notice the dark-haired male just about ready to take on the surrounding guards. Briefly she looked to the one with blood spilling from his mouth, canting her head slightly to gaze upon the slave once more. Slowly a single brow would rise, intrigued...That is what she was looking for. She stepped forward a few steps, followed by those three men she hired. "How much for him?" she questioned in the native tongue of these lands, eyeing the guards and slave traders around. She heard the whispers behind her, mostly from the women around, but she paid them no mind. Now Alessia only hoped she had enough to purchase the slave...if they'd allow her to after his display.
He bared his teeth angrily, flipping that blade around so it was pointed toward the ground in his hands. He shifted sideways, bringing the blade around to deflect a stab from the closest and divert him into the path of the next. A boot caught the guard in the back to add to the momentum and send them in a sprawl. Turning, he barely had time to arch forward and suck in his belly to avoid another stab. He brought his elbow up and shattered the man's nose while he was recovering. The man would stagger back and held the ruins of his face. Turning, the slave slammed that blade down into the wooden floor of the wagon and began to cut his bindings. They snapped free after a few slices and he would turn...just in time for the slave master to unleash his spell. The shock slammed into him and sent him sprawling to the earth, limbs trembling spastically. Teeth chattered in his head and his eyes rolled back...but the man was not dead.
The slave master turned, having heard her words. Delicate fingertips slid over that smooth scalp before sliding down to trace against his goatee. Eyeing this woman for a long moment, he shook his head. "That one is a troublemaker. He will be killed and fed to the dogs. Unfortunately, I pity the dogs."
Jaw tightened, watching the slave upon the ground before shifting those eyes to the master. Drawing in a slow and deep breath, Alessia took steps further, continuing to hold her head high and look the man in the eyes. "How...much?" she asked slowly, as if he didn't hear her the first time. Slender digits lifted to dangle a pouch before him. "100 gold? More? Name your price. I haven't all day." Briefly she would glance back to the slave as if to double check that he wasn't dead.
"The man attacked my men. Such a paltry sum will not even begin to pay for what this incident will cost me. You insult me with such an offer, woman." He crossed his arms over his chest. Those fingernails were long and tapered to points...the man held an almost effeminate air, but there was a dangerous level of confidence in him as well. Given the simple manner with which he'd lain the slave low, one might think he had good reason. The man did not move at her glance, other than the twitching from the remnants of that spell, but he did still seem to be breathing. The master would eye her once more, walking closer...clearly intending to intimidate this member of the inferior sex.
Intimidate? He was beginning to aggravate her. A sigh was held back and she kept that defiance about her, but not overly so. Eyes drifted back to him, face forced to remain calm. Alessia was half minded to simply attempt to stab the man and run...but with all the guards that would prove to be quite difficult. "He will be mine to purchase, sir. This man will serve me well in the arena. If he is to die, wouldn't you think such a death would be far worse than mere dogs? Come now, name your price. A ship to Evangelia leaves in a few hours." News of it being a different name had yet to travel to these lands, but she was hoping the vicious gladiator games of Evangelia would gain this man's interest. At least somewhat.
"Ah…but I would not have the pleasure of personally cutting off his genitals and feeding them to my pit hound, Outlander." At the mention of Evangelia, he had grown a bit more conscious and careful. Cyprian's demise was not known...but his exploits and his expansionary plans were. The woman was dressed nobly...she could prove difficult. If word was brought back to Cyprian and the masses of his army were brought to bear on this land? He swallowed, the only indication of his discomfort. Ever the sharp mind, however, he knew interest when he saw it. This woman wanted the man, badly...so he would make her pay for it. "Fazul is feeling generous today...I shall give up the personal pleasure of hearing his screams for a pittance." He gave her the smile of a crocodile. "Five thousand of your golden coins."
As much as she despised the man who made her overjoyed to hear of his death, Cyprian was at least good for something. Alessia watched the man before her cautiously, waiting for anything, hoping for him to just give in...And so he did. However, she was a bit angry at the price he wished for; Alessia wasn't sure she even had that much in her possession. "Four thousand," she replied with, attempting, daring to make a bargain.
"Four thousand seven hundred and fifty." He would reply in turn. The fact that she had replied at all only further concreted her desire in his mind. He wondered what the woman wished with this man. Certainly...he would be considered handsome enough and strong of arm...he had heard tails of the debauchery that noblewomen of the heathen lands would engage in. "A cheap price, I think, for a heathen harlot to warm her sheets, no?"
The guards, meanwhile, picked up the slave and bound his arms tightly behind his back. His legs were similarly corded before he was drug closer. A bucket of water rancid, dirty slop water was dumped upon his head to 'help' him awaken and recover his sense. He would come to, coughing and gagging mightily while two men kept him down, kneeling in the dirt. A third was behind him, ready to clock him in the head with a sap if he tried to be ornery again.
Well...Alessia surely wanted to kill the man now, and she would, even if that meant she'd have to travel back to these lands in a year or so. Does she hold grudges? But of course. Swallowing, biting back the urge to snap at him, Alessia allowed a grin to form upon her lips- sincere to 'show' in a way that he was right in his assumptions, yet devious to hint to something else. A few more steps brought her closer, but she dared not brush up against him...having not the guts to do so without gagging. Again, she cared not for the whispers or laughs from those who had heard him, and she simply leaned in to whisper. "Four thousand, and an hour with me. But, if you prefer your dirty whores over something more...suitable to your needs, then perhaps we can come to some sort of boring agreement to satisfy this greediness of yours." She looked him in the eyes...My how much she wanted to remove them, over such small a thing.
Those dark, insidious eyes would look upon her warily as she approached, then widened at her words. Everything he had heard about the far lands were correct, it seemed. He pondered the thought for a moment. She may be an outlander, but that striking form and beguiling countenance was not unnoticed. If she was on the block to be sold, he would have paid a goodly sum to wrap his collar around her throat. After a long moment, he reached up, curling a finger into the front of her garment and drawing it open a bit for a leer. He would then nod. His sexist feeling of superiority made him feel completely without worry about this woman. She was a godless wench...what threat could she pose to one such as Fazul? He spoke in the language of the heathens. "Very well. We can even bring your new plaything and chain him to the wall. Perhaps he'll learn something from his betters."
Those green eyes, meanwhile, widened as he watched the pair. Perhaps he couldn't understand the words she spoke to the man...but the language of the body could be read if one was attentive. Besides, that answer, spoken spitefully in words he could understand, cemented the truth of the exchange in his mind. "No, don't! I'm not w--uugh...." He tried to rise up, to get her to rescind her proposal.. That sap whistled through the air, making his vision flash white and then red in agony as he slumped...not unconscious, but not able to put up another fight just yet either. Fazul laughed.
Heh, as if she was truly going to go through with it. She was very glad the bastard agreed to it however, and planned to make it enjoyable...for her, that is. Keeping herself from rolling her eyes as he took that little peek, attention instantly drifted towards the slave as he began to, as it appeared, protest against this all. For a moment- a quick second- he seemed awfully familiar, but she couldn't quite place why. A barely audible sigh, she threw that grin back as she looked back to Fazul. "Yes...perhaps." With a gesture of her hand, she waved those three 'bodyguards' over, waiting for the slave master to lead the way.
Fazul gestured over to his own men and the troupe would begin moving towards his tent here in the square. It was not his permanent residence, of course...simply a place for him to conduct business and, occasionally, sample the wares of his chosen profession. There were more of his men there, guarding his interests. The three men would lead the slave in as the others moved closer at the beckoning of the bald man. "You may have your men wait outside, Outlander. They will not be required for the next hour. You are under my protection for as long as our agreement lasts."
Lead to the tent, she held back a frown at the more men stationed there. Guess this would have to be done more quietly than intended. She gave a nod of okay to her followers to wait outside before turning to Fazul, "This is to be for your enjoyment and the slave to learn...No more eyes need to be watching. Unless I am to pay a lot less than four thousand," she would remark. "We clear?"
"I understood the implications of our agreement very well. Please, let us enter. You may find that the pleasures of my land are such that you do not wish to return to your own." His hand slid down to the small of her back and then a bit lower as he would guide the way within. The guards within parted, allowing the pair passage before leaving. What would not be seen is the men that slipped up behind her own, blades slipping up beneath ribs or across throats while hands cut off the sounds of pain and death. Fazul never meant to sell the slave in the first place. In fact...he intended to add another.
Those green eyes looked up as she came in and he pulled away from the chains binding him in place. That tent was butted against a wall and those links were slid through a loop set within it. Gritting his teeth, he called out to her. "I heard the men, it is a trap!"
Fazul's hand found her hair then and he used a bit of that magic to give her some extra oompf as he threw her away from him and towards the bed found there.
She remained calm for the most part, hiding her disgust and yes...perhaps that little bit of fear she held in case this whole thing should go wrong. Eyes instantly fell upon the slave chained against the wall, hearing his words...and it was too late to react. Her hair was grabbed and she was forcefully thrown to the bed. Upon her stomach, Alessia quickly rose up onto her hands and knees, locks of hair veiling her face and shoulders...hiding her hand that reached up, slipping into the folds of that bodice to retrieve a small knife, which she would expertly hide within her hand. She fell into the role of being shocked and frightened, turning around slowly to find him.
Fazul reached up, his motions almost delicate as he slid back the sleeves from his wrists to better allow them to move as needed. He was an arrogant, chauvinistic pig, but he was not completely foolish. Those hands began to weave intricately, a litany of words beginning to spill forth from his lips in a low, measured cadence as he granted her a most unpleasant grin.
Yes, well, his words and that grin didn't do well to settle her nerves. Whatever he was doing, she could not allow to continue further. As he spoke, Alessia frighteningly began to turn around, beginning to back up...into an easier position to bring that hand up. Almost too quickly for her liking, the knife was slipped into the grasp of her fingertips and chucked towards him, aimed for his throat.
His eyes widened, but the distance was too great...it gave him enough time to react and the focused target of that spell was shifted...a slight emphasis on one word was all it took. That knife stopped, a scant few inches from his throat. Carefully, deliberately, he smiled indulgently. Fingers curled around it and he tossed it to the side dismissively. It clattered to the ground near the slave before Fazul began to pace towards her once more. "Well, it seems the whores of the unclean have tricks up their sleeves after all. You will pay for that attempt, my pretty. You will pay dearly."
Eyes widened as the blade stopped...stopped so close to its target. The fear on her face, well that was mostly real now. As the man paced towards her, she began to climb off the bed, reaching behind her to retrieve the second knife hidden within the dress. After that, she only had two more left. She said nothing, watching him carefully. She felt that...vampiric instinct begin to kick in. Though it was false that she was such a creature, she possessed only small amounts of what they did. Alessia was ready to send the other knife flying through the air if he started talking again or moved faster towards her. Meanwhile, she made her way over to the slave where her other knife lied upon the ground.
From his belt, he pulled out a small ball of cobwebs and held it, palm up. This was a prepared spell, it only took a trigger word and then those tendrils of sticky rope shot out towards her, to bind her once more as she made her way toward the slave...as though he could do anything to assist her anyway. "Perhaps your people have some learning, Outlander...and have heard the expression, 'Welcome to my parlor, said the spider to the fly'?"
This was why she hated magic...with a passion. She avoided any dealings with such because it always got her into trouble. For example: her situation with the count. But, much to her luck, that minute amount of vampiric instinct helped her out a little. Her speed picked up, allowing her to sprint towards the slave and that knife faster than expected. Yet it wasn't fast enough, and Aless still found herself pinned from the waist down by the web, along with the arm that held the second knife. Looking, she was inches away from the other blade...but a few inches too far away. Quickly she looked back to Fazul, trying to maneuver the blade in her hand to cut at the webbing, but it was proving difficult. Her mind raced with the same thought, I hate magic! It was as if wielders of it were too afraid to hold a weapon. "You only say such because of the magic you possess...Without it, you're as pathetic as the rest of them."
"Of course the lesser folk would be jealous of those who are their betters, little fly. Primitive brains can only solve problems with muscle and metal...not even using the most powerful muscle of them all." He crouched near her, his knee coming to bear weight upon her hand until it would be unable to hold that blade anymore. "I am going to enjoy branding and breaking you, pet. Perhaps I shall bring in my guards and allow them to show you the superiority of our men, hmm?" He looked up, searching for that blade that she had been running for...but it was not to be found. Foolish girl had been running for nothing. He grinned, looming down upon her once more.
Meanwhile, the slave slid his foot, the small blade hidden beneath, until it butted against the fingertips of her free hand, letting her feel the hilt.
She cringed as he leaned on her hand, she had no choice but to give the knife up. "I'm sure you will, pig. But be assured this pet will be the one draining you of that life you cherish so..." Alessia just kept talking to keep him talking, to try and find an opportunity to try something, or at least piss him off enough to get him to kill her in his anger and keep her from...other things. And then the opportunity came as she felt something against her fingertips- it was the other knife. If it had been right there, Fazul would have taken it. The slave must have helped. Slowly, quietly, and carefully she pulled it into her grasp, never once removing her eyes from the bastard as he moved closer. She waited, only a few more seconds...And with that flash of aided speed, Alessia swung the blade out to the side just enough to stab it into side of his neck, jamming it as far as it would go.
Since she had been bound from the waist down by that webbing, he had begun work upon her top, proceeding to rip it open in an attempt to better "assess" the newest assets in his collection. Like the lecher he was, he was no longer paying attention to the words she was saying or her actions, he felt completely secure in his dominance and control. Those eyes bugged from his head when she sunk that blade into his throat...a choking gurgle coming from his mouth. He rose up, fingers grasping at that hilt in disbelief. He tried to speak, to say anything, but that blade had severed that voice box cleanly, along with his windpipe. The artery was hit as well...though that was not evidenced until his fingers managed to free that blade...and then the crimson spray began in earnest. He would tumble back then, into his bed with that precious life's blood fountaining around him.
Narrowed hues glared into his, removing her hand from the hilt once she was satisfied his life would end, allowing, actually almost welcoming that blood as it splattered down upon her face and chest. Dark lashes fluttered then, the scent of the crimson liquid beginning to cause her to crave it. For a moment though, she was free of the hunger as he collapsed back onto his bed and she just lied there with a heavy sigh. "Never again..." she muttered to herself. Other hand reached for the blade, and it took her a moment of struggling to do so before she could start at cutting the web. Finally her legs were freed and she struggled briefly to get to her feet...And turned to face the slave, studying, questioning, before making the attempt to free him of his own binds. "Thank you," she said, after hesitating for a minute.
He watched the death throes of that man with as much dispassion as she had. When she finally made to cut herself free, he regarded her with those vibrant green eyes. At her studying glance, he arched a dark brow. Certainly he would not look much like the man that had once held the heart of a princess. His hair, lank and unkempt from a lack of washing, curled around his face. He had a beard now...given that they were not offered blades with which to shave. He was dirty and tired...but those eyes still burned. He nodded his head at her thanks before watching her try to figure out his bonds. "He probably has a key on him, somewhere."
Again, he seemed familiar. Perhaps he had been from Sendaria? The beard and unkempt hair were what kept her from figuring it out. Giving a glance towards the entrance of the tent to make sure the men lingering outside weren't alerted, Alessia made her way back to the hopefully now dead man after concealing the other blade back in its hiding spot. Leaning over him, she smirked lightly to herself, searching his clothes for the keys to the slave's chains. She wanted to make some sort of remark but refrained from doing so, taking the keys from the man's belt to head back over to the former gladiator. Unlocking the chains, she would speak again, "Have you a name? 'Slave' doesn't flow well off my lips."
Once she had released the chains, he let his arms drop, hands rubbing at his wrists, which had been chafed by the metal. At her words and that query, however, he slid his gaze away. He looked at his form...at the distasteful state of those threadbare garments of his. Well, he would find something from the dead man's garments to wear. He began to search around, finding a trunk that contained what he sought. "...I don't know."
An arch of a brow from the response, she watched him in his search before attention cautiously went back to the entrance, speaking once more. "You...don't know..." It wasn't really a question, but merely a statement, repeating his words to herself to make sure she heard them right. Gaze went back to him, "Hurry it up, we haven't much time." Alessia didn't mean to be bossy- Well, not too much, but they did sort of need to get out without causing anymore...problems.
"My first memory is riding in one of those wagons...I do not know how I got there...what happened before...or even how I received this." Reaching up, his fingertips brushed against his temple, where that scar was. He had a set of clothes...black, loose-fitting breeches and a billowing crimson tunic. It was, unfortunately, the least gaudy items he could find. He heard her tone...and since she seemed to want to move quickly, he would oblige, stripping down where he was so that he might pull on the newer, fresher garments. After that, he drew his boots back on and then nodded to her. If he had any insecurities about himself or being in the presence of a woman naked, it certainly hadn't shown in that moment. "How do you plan on us leaving?" He moved back towards her.
Okay, so...he didn't have his memory. He wasn't brain dead, so he'd work fine. A light furrow of brows as he showed the scar and she was even more curious as to whom he was. A little peek given while he changed, Alessia turned to step closer to the entrance of the tent, which in their case was their exit at the moment. She watched the busy market outside, trying to detect where Fazul's men stationed themselves. "No idea," she answered flatly. Well, she was honest, and would add in a half joking way, "Could always run...might prove interesting." It was what she did all the time, usually. Aless eyed the few horse's nearby, along with the one or so camels that walked by every so often.
"Do you mind?" He had heard her words and that idea to run and he shook his head. If she looked at him after his question, he would nod towards her bust...or, more correctly, to the blade that he'd seen her stash away there. "Give me two of the blades. I saw their positions as we entered. There is one stationed a few feet from either side of the door." He was whispering softly so as not to give the men any alert…though the heavy cloth did do well at muffling sound. "You kill the one on the left, I'll finish the one on the right. You can throw the blades, so that would be best. They are the closest. If we can dispatch them without losing more than a moment, we should be able to make it to where those horses are."
A glance over to him after he spoke, she saw that gesture towards her bust, and lips parted to say something harsh in return...until he explained further. She grinned lightly. It was nice to not have to think up plans for she hardly did anyway...It was always a spur of the moment type thing. This one was definitely not brain dead, despite his lack of memory. Handing him over that one he knew she stashed away, hands hiked up her skirt to unsheathe another from her thigh, slightly bigger than the first blade, and handed that one over as well. Other knife upon opposite thigh was taken in hand for her own use.
He accepted that knife, waiting for the other. His brows quirked a bit as she hiked up that skirt, revealing more than a little bit of lithe, shapely, bare leg. Clearing his throat softly, he looked away until she'd pressed the second weapon into his hand. Turning back, he caught her eyes and nodded. Seeing she was ready, he spoke. "One, two...three!" He moved quickly, despite his size. That flap flashed open as he was through, his body already turning to pivot, that smaller blade held between his fingertips. The men began to turn as the commotion caught their eye, but he'd already had that blade in the air. It caught the man in the eye, timed perfectly as he turned into it. He hoped that she kept her half of the deal as well, for he used that longer stride to pull ahead. A strong shoulder found a man holding the reins of a strong young stallion. The man had no chance as he was knocked flat. It already had a saddle and he managed to keep control of the skittish creature. The slave bounded up into the saddle before the creature bucked. Knuckles were white as he held on until it settled. Knees moved naturally to guide that horse around to face where she should be coming from. If she was, he would have a hand out and ready to help her up into a seat behind him.
Alessia allowed him to go first, bounding out of the tent to claim the attention of the two guards. She was close on his heels, taking the man on the left as instructed. Ha, she was taking instruction! On her way out the blade had already been positioned in her fingers, ready to throw as the guards turned around to face them. Only a matter of a second before her blade embedded itself into the other's neck- seeming to be her favorite place to kill- and she was off running after the ex-slave, taking his hand and climbing into the saddle behind him with ease.
He practically helped her to vault up behind him as she took his wrist. That arm swung her up and back behind him, remaining there until she had a grip. "Hold on!" Well, it seemed she wasn't the only one who could order people around. That voice slipped into a tone that just naturally sounded as though it should be obeyed...the sound of a man who had commanded troops once. He maneuvered that horse effortlessly with his knees and a touch upon the rein. Spurring it into a gallop, it wasn't long before they opened distance between themselves and the guards...leaving a wake of confused people behind them.
And so she held on. The getaway was a bit easier than she imagined, but the whole episode of trying to get the slave was a hassle. Now, here was hoping this man would agree to help her out. If not...well, she might just throw a huge tantrum. "Head for the port. There's a ship bound to leave within the next hour," she instructed, having to raise her voice only a little bit. Sure, trying to get on the ship might prove to be troublesome...but it was either that or travel through the terrain known as the Wastelands.
He'd been a bit more attentive than one might have thought. Having been brought to this land by the port, he remembered the path that had been taken to bring them from there to the market. He would spur the horse on more...knowing they had only a short window of time to reach there before it would leave. The specter of the guards coming to alert was a very real threat behind them as well.
Alessia would every now and then glance behind them to make sure they weren't followed...However, she could make out the faint figures of the guards on horseback following them. They weren't close, but they were close enough to make her panic. Only slightly, and she didn't bother to show it. Up ahead the ships would come into view- Not many, but a few ships were docked, yet she was quite aware that one was bound for the realm of Sendaria, to Vangard. "Perhaps they won't give us too much trouble..." she spoke, mainly to herself.
He caught that slight whisper on her part...looking back to her with an expression that was part alarm and part consternation. "You mean, you do not even know if we will be able to receive passage on this ship? What sort of half-assed plan is that?" Those green eyes flashed dangerously in angered disbelief. He'd just finally gotten free, he wasn't about to be shackled once again. That single time was almost beyond bearing...he'd thought he'd go mad.
She flashed him an angry expression back, though he probably wasn't able to see it. "Listen, half of this wasn't even planned. I'm just hoping I haven't wasted my time with you," came her snapping remark to him. They were going to board a ship...Sailors took money most of the time, no matter the price. Not to mention they tended to not care much about those who lived their whole life on land. The slave didn't look much like it, so there would be no questions. "Now can you speed this blasted beast up? We're still being followed."
"Any faster and we might trample someone. I want my freedom, but not at the cost of innocent life." Why? He couldn't really say. It just seemed...wrong...to him. There were nearly at the docks though. He thought of another problem. "Which ship is it?"
She let it go, really not in the mood to argue something that was pointless. Almost a year or so ago, Alessia would have argued with him...for she had actually thought differently then. She wasn't entirely changed now, but a lot better than she had been. She didn't answer him right away, watching as the ships came more into view... Then she pointed, speaking once more, "The fourth one from the left." Or she hoped anyway. The ship was a merchant ship from Vangard...It looked familiar, and she was pretty sure that it was the Vangardian flag. When the name Evangelia was dropped, everything about the kingdom seemed to have changed. Too bad it was in complete chaos right now.
Re: Ring of Redemption [log -- closed thread] « Reply #2 on Apr 15, 2008, 12:15am »
Another glance behind her, Alessia would notice that the guards still didn't give up. They were still a distance away, but the two would have to dismount the horse to get on the ship...so that distance could shorten very quickly. As the former slave slowed the horse, Aless quickly hopped down from the saddle, casually and without a plan began to head towards the ship that was ready to leave for Vangard. She called out to the nearest man as he carried a small barrel on board, "You, sailor!" From underneath the brim of his hat, the man looked towards the voice only to notice that he was this so-called 'sailor' the female called to, and he was non-too-happy about it, "If you don't mind, I-" his sentence was cut short upon seeing that familiar face. "Alessia?" Wait, she heard her name. Dark eyes had been busy wandering around, watching for the guards before her gaze fell back to the man. A cant of her head, she got a good look at him...and a gentle smile finally washed over her features, "Marreck...A sailor now, hm? What were you after this time?" Her voice suddenly possessed an accent, one that matched the sailor's, and perhaps proved that she was from his land. Which was true, but being what she had used to be, Alessia learned to drop that Vangard accent to something less detectable. Now it only came out when she spoke with those from her homeland, sometimes by accident. "Nothing you'd find very interesting," he replied, shifting the barrel onto one shoulder as free hand padded the pouch on his belt twice. Jewelry of some sort, no doubt, and knowing Marreck, probably straight from the Sultan's very own collection. He always was the thrill seeker and not one to care too much about the money, believe it or not. Thick brows would furrow as he finally noticed the blood stains upon her skin and dress, "What happened?" "Oh, it's not mine," came her instant reply, using her sleeve to try and wipe some of it from her face, though it had dried too much by now. Marreck gave her a look as though he already figured that, "What have you gotten yourself into this time, little fox?" It was then his gaze traveled to the one Alessia arrived with; a cant of his head in gesture, "And who's that?" he asked, voice lowered, his easy-going demeanor quickly changing. She gave a brief glance to the slave before looking back behind them to see the guards...still pursuing. Damn-it. Attention back on Marreck, it was clear now that she was in a hurry, "He's help," came her simply reply...her expression turning grave made her friend know just what she spoke of. "Aless, you need to give up on that...Just run away from it." He had followed her gaze to notice the riders headed their way. She better not have brought trouble with her...This had been a very easy journey for him and he'd like to keep it that way. "If I could, I would have by now." Enough of this...they had to go. "Can you get us on the ship?" He looked at her, then to the slave, to the guards getting closer...and then finally back to her, sighing in disappointment, hoping this won't come back to haunt him. "Wait here." And with that, he ran off quickly onto the ship, coming back with two large robes and some other old, clothing accessories a few minutes later. He tossed the items to them. "Throw these on and make like you're helping to load the ship." Another glance behind them. "And I would do it quickly."
The man was soon to dismount behind her. Giving a swat to the creature's flanks, he sent it on farther down. With any luck, they'd follow the horse, not realizing right away that there weren't any riders anymore. He followed the woman. Certainly, she seemed to be quite well-versed at ordering others around. She also seemed to be quite expectant for people to follow those orders. That grated on his nerves, but, he wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth. She had helped him escape. Honor demanded that he at least help insure her getaway, as well as his own. He followed behind her as they weaved their way towards the ship and she called out to the sailor. His level of caution heightened when the man seemed to recognize her. Certainly, she was not expecting it, given her reaction as she peered at the man more closely. The slave slipped that blade from his belt back into his hand, palming it so the flat of the blade rested against his forearm. This hid it from view well enough so that he could employ it swiftly and without warning if this run-in became disadvantageous. That caution, however, seemed to have been unnecessary. The woman visibly relaxed and actually smiled. It was the first true one he'd seen all day, he reckoned. Having seen those crocodile smiles of hers and now this one, the differences were sharply contrasted. Before, those eyes seemed cool, hard...the warmth of the expression failing to be mirrored there. Now, however, there was a softness to those brown eyes, if only slightly. At that moment, he dared think her beautiful. When she spoke, he would quite readily pick up that accent of hers. Well, well, well....the woman was full of surprises. She seemed to be quite the chameleon with silken curls. The pair of them seemed to banter almost playfully. It was clear that they were intimately aware of each other. Nervously, he turned back, seeing the look of those guards coming closer. It didn't seem as though they'd spotted them yet, but that could change any moment. Growing impatient, he moved closer to try and garner her attention. As beautiful as this reunion was...they really DID NOT have the time. His level of alertness rose, however, when the man acknowledged him with that less-than-friendly tone. Green eyes flashed over the man, reassessing him as a potential threat once more. She diffused the situation and...thankfully...seemed to get the matter at hand, i.e.: safe passage away from here. Curiosity tickled his brain as he heard the next exchange between them. What exactly did he want her to give up...and why couldn't she? He now knew that she had not just released him out of kindness. She wanted his help...but with what? He'd store those questions away for the moment. More pressing matters, like their continued freedom, would take precedence at the moment. He could interrogate her later. He almost breathed a sigh of relief when the man left and returned with new garments, something for them to make themselves inconspicuous. He would be quick to comply, slipping his blade into his belt once more for quick and easy retrieval. He did not argue with the man. Instead, he drew that cowl up and moved to work loading those boxes, assisting her as he went. Idly...he thought of praying to the gods for some sort of intervention. Unfortunately, he could not remember the names to any of them...so he would simply hope they'd get the message....
And so it was as simple as that. Well, not all of it was simple, but...yea. Dressing quickly into the garments, she helped the slave carry a few things on board that he could probably have carried by himself with no problem. But, pretending was what she did, so therefore she helped him bring a few things on board before Marreck met up with them briefly to let them know they could hide in the storage compartment and grab something to eat from there. From what she could see, there were no females on the ship, so Alessia would make sure to keep hidden, which was more than alright with her. No work equaled an easy sail back to Vangard. Slipping down to the storage area, with a wet cloth she would wash the blood from her skin and give herself a quick 'bath', before rummaging through the many crates to find a suitable attire. She wound up with a large, navy poet's shirt and a pair of black breeches; wearing the same boots she had arrived in. The many goods and jewels from Arabia were casually glanced over, and she slipped a few coins here and there as she went.
He partook of some clothes as well. Something as garish as what he'd pulled from the slaver's tent simply did not suit him. The tunic was simple, homespun cotton. Without dye or bleach, it looked a slightly off-colored white, but it suited him fine. Leather pants were found that would fit, but, alas, he made due with the same boots he'd been wearing. Nothing else that he found fit. He'd also taken some water and one of those cloths as well. That bath was much needed. The knife she had given him proved useful in ridding himself of that beard. It was quite sharp, giving him the chance for a nearly smooth face. He chose not to do anything with his hair just yet, instead he found a leather thong and bound it back against his nape so it draped in a loose flow down his spine. Finally returning to the other portion of that storage area to return her blade, he saw her pilfering to her heart's content. His pace closed the distance quickly, closing over her hand. His touch would not hurt her, but it was firm and she wasn't likely to get away from it easily. He spun her to face him. "What are you doing? Your friend snuck us on board and gave us safe passage and this is how you thank him?"
A flinch as his hand stopped hers from going to pick up a rather large, ruby ring that had struck her interest because it was close to what she sought for...desperately. Going to pull her arm free, she was too late, finding herself facing the slave and his words of...warning, perhaps? A look of dislike fell on those now cleaned features, and she was quite displeased with his questioning of her acts...However, after a long moment, Alessia came to realize he had shaved, and thought he was someone else for that split second. Huh, rather handsome and with a brain...That was truly a first. But he still had stopped her from her little gander. Lips parted, ready to spat back with some comeback, until the realization finally struck her. She did know him...not personally, but she had watched and studied him, just like everyone else in Sendaria. He's the lover of that spirited, young princess. Or was, whatever. Theron was his name. Alessia had watched the two, trying to find some opening to make their lives even more miserable...That is, until that horrid feeling called guilt began to consume her. Dark gaze lowered and she once more went to pull her arm free, and the words she was about to speak before were finally said, "What do you think he's here for?"
"That's his pursuit and I don't have to deal with him afterwards....though, it does give me a better idea of your character, given the type of people you claim as friends." He shook his head, turning her hand over and forcing it open with his thumb to see what else she had in her grubby little mitt. "Just because someone else does it, doesn't make it right. I can't prove he stole anything...but I just watched you try it." He finally released her hand, crossing his arms over his chest as he looked down upon her. "If you want my help, there are things that will have to be different. You saved my life and I am grateful, but I will not deal with a petty thief and pickpocket." He stepped away, moving towards one of the area he had found that was secluded enough to not be easily seen, but large enough for them to make a place comfortable enough for sleeping.
Alessia gritted her teeth, already hating the man. She was going to be nice and perhaps inform him of whom she thought he was...but so much for that. She didn't do nice too often, and he didn't deserve it now. "Watch your tongue, slave. You know nothing of who I am," came that hissed reply. Hmm, that name seemed to fall easily from her mouth after all, eh? Fist remained closed for a few seconds longer until he finally pried it open...to find nothing. That's right, the simple cross pendant of silver had already been slipped down the sleeve of her blouse. It took awhile to get the hang of that trick. "Do not preach to me. I take what I need to live off of. Stop me from doing that and we'll have some problems, got it?" As he walked away, arm lowered for the cross to fall back into her palm, and she quickly slipped the chain over her head. "Just so I know what I'm dealing with...What might you be?" she snapped back, canting her head as she looked to him. Alessia didn't expect an answer since, well...there really wasn't one if he had memory of who he was, except for the whole slave situation.
He stilled abruptly when she spat out that name at him. Shoulders tensed and those hands balled into fists. He turned around slowly, that emerald gaze sharp and piercing as a shadow loomed over his features. Whoever he had been, he could not remember, but he was no slave. Bindings on his wrist had not made him a slave before...and he did not tolerate anyone calling him it now. Those five letters churned something dark and loathsome in him...the word itself left a bitter, horrid taste in his mouth. She would be surprised to find out how fast he really could move when he wished to. That lean, powerful form crossed the distance in two powerful strides and that calloused hand found her throat. His momentum pushed her back against the inner hull and his other hand had that blade pressed against the soft tissue beneath her chin. When he spoke, the words were growled so low, with such a dangerous undercurrent, that they seemed to bubble forth from the darkest pits of his soul. "I am NO slave!"
Surprise, surprise indeed. Alessia found herself cornered with his hand grasping her slender throat, blade pressed against her skin. That shocked expression only remained upon her face for a short moment before it melted away, an almost sly grin finding its way to her lips soon after. And she chuckled, "Please, do me the honor. It'll make this journey easier for us both." Her answer was truthful, though he wouldn't be able to detect it. "You watch how you refer to me, man...Since you've proven accusations aren't very nice." A hand slowly lifted up to run along his arm softly, casually, before a thumb nail, unusually sharp, pressed against his inner wrist of the hand which held the blade. She did not wish to make it hurt, but it seemed as though she could cause him to bleed if she wanted to.
He watched as she drew that hand along his arm...he was human and male enough to not have it be completely unaffecting, but his anger was more powerful than anything. The corner of his mouth quirked up a bit in discomfort as he saw that blood begin to well up around her fingernail. He turned back to level that gaze at her...and it was then that he saw the glint of silver from the neckline of her garment. Turning that blade, he drew the tip down ever so lightly, just enough to make the passage of its razored tip felt as he drew it down along the side of her throat. It dipped down a bit, traversing over her collarbone. Stopping, it hooked around that trinket she'd just put about her neck and lifted it so she could see it, dangling from the flat of that blade. "I don't accuse. I state fact."
This was amusing, yet it was getting old all at the same time. That grin seemed to widened, however, taking on a more devious nature as the tip of that blade trailed across her skin in search of the pendant. But it was everything but sincere, especially when her anger began to rise once more from his words. Other hand rose quickly to slip the necklace from the knife right before she dug her nail deeper into his wrist- having not lessened her hold- wanting to draw more blood if he didn't pull away fast enough. Feline eyes narrowed, and she pushed against him, fighting against the hold on her neck...And she hissed. "Then state when you know everything!" her voice growled; it sounded abnormal for a human...was almost feral. She moved to free her neck from his grasp, her strength seeming to have increased, though only by a slight bit.
He let her go, spitting at the floorboards. The blood trickled down his arm in a crimson rope, trailing down his palm to his fingertip, dripping slowly. For the moment, he ignored it as he turned and moved away. He had felt that strength, but he had no desire for this confrontation at any rate. She was still a woman, after all. "You are a fool then and know no better. I don't know what has happened, what your friend told you to give up....but apparently you've learned nothing from it. I don't doubt that whatever is going on, it is deserved." He would move, taking that knife to cut some of that cloth from that crimson tunic he had worn before. "When we find harbor again, I shall look forward to parting ways with you."
Alessia remained where she was, hard gaze traveling from his face to the blood dripping across his hand...and she simply stared until he moved away. From his words, she found herself almost lunging at him, but grasping the wood behind her she kept that anger down as much as she could, letting him walk away in silence. He knew nothing, so why bother trying to argue? For once in her life, she let the man believe what he wanted, blaming herself for wasting the time she did with freeing him. Perhaps she would have been better off with one of the weaker and dumber slaves...Now she was left with nothing. His last statement fell on deaf ears, and if he were to bother looking over he would find her gone. Aless had slipped away into the farthest corner she could find and huddled herself behind a few random crates and barrels. One would think these small amounts of...power, shall we say, would make her stronger. But at times it only made her weaker because she didn’t know how to deal with it. Knees drawn to her chest, that cross pendant was clutched in a palm; eyes closed to hold back the tears that were about ready to slide down those cheeks. What Marreck and Theron didn't understand...that if she gave up, she'd be giving into what she almost was...she'd be made in this 'thing' she had grown so quickly to despise. Impatiently she waited to arrive in Vangard, growing more agitated as each minute passed.
He would leave her to whatever she wished. She was no concern of his anymore. He wrapped up that wound she had inflicted and moved to get some rest. Indeed, he would also be glad when they arrived in...well, wherever they were going. He did not know what he would do once he got there, but he felt he was a resourceful man. He didn't really know, since his memory precluded any time before waking in that godforsaken cage...but he felt that he was. Of course, after a while he would find that the...absence of her...of sound or any such thing, would drive him to no end of worry. Why in the devil was he worrying about this woman? He did not know. Whoever he was, he must have been a fool in his past life. Apparently, he was going to be a fool in this one too. No wonder his memories were locked behind some hazy wall. Rising once more to his feet, he would go looking for her.
Leaning against the wall, Alessia found herself drifting off to sleep, hand hardly loosening its grasp upon that pendant. Visibly it was the only piece of jewelry she had upon her...If she indeed had more, she had tucked it away to use for food or a room in the local inn until she arrived to the little cottage in the woods she called home now. Hair fell off to the side, exposing the left side of her neck...along with two similar markings next to each other. She dreamt about them now, body softly flinching every so often, jaws tightening. Her quiet slumber ended with a sudden gasp, and her hand dropped the cross to slap against the side of her neck as eyes shot open. The bastard didn't even let her sleep anymore now...She was running out of time.
He had found her a short while ago. Kneeling, he moved to wake her from that slumber...to tell her to at least come and find some comfort in the place he'd prepared...but then he saw those marks. He had never crossed paths with a creature of the night...but he knew of them. Those markings on her throat...vampire? Obviously she wasn't one; lore clearly stated that the sun was the bane of such a creature. He waited then...seeing her in those disturbed dreams. It grew bad enough that he moved to wake her, but that was when she gasped and flung her hand to her neck. That hand, after a pause, reached out and came to rest over her hand. Those eyes looked at her with a deep, unfathomable expression. His other hand came out to take hers as he urged her to her feet. "Come on, M'lady...I think you and I have much to discuss frankly and honestly." He would lead her back to that more comfortable area, if she allowed it.
If those eyes could widen anymore, they did when he reached out to help her up and she nearly shoved him away in...well, it was fright. Quickened breathing began to slow as she calmed, letting him help her up...but she would stop halfway as he lead her from the corner, finally gathering back her wits, "No, there is nothing to speak of," she said flatly, her voice lacking any emotion at the moment. She was still a bit tired and was not in the mood to argue.
"Yes, Alessia, there is." He dared to speak that name that he had heard from the other man's lips. Reaching out, he cupped her chin in his hand, lightly urging it to tilt to the side to bare those marks once more. "I am not a fool, Alessia...and I am not oblivious to the world around me. You did not free me out of the kindness of your heart. You wanted me for some reason...for whatever this is that your friend told you to forget. Whatever that is, whatever you cannot drop, it has to do with a vampire...or some such monstrosity." He would let her go, knowing that touch was most likely unwelcome and unwanted. "If you want my help, you need to speak plainly and honestly with me."
Yes, his touch was unwelcome, and the light snarl on her lips showed his assumption to be correct. Surprisingly though, she had allowed him to tilt her head and have a look at those bite marks...and even after these months, they didn't seem to go away. "I freed you because you were the only one with guts. I have a debt to pay in exchange for my..." she paused to find the right word, "...mortality." A sigh and she looked back to him. "Marreck believes I can just walk away...but he'll find me. I have no choice," she spoke her last words mainly to herself as she would move to find something suitable to sit on. The 'he' she mentioned, it was evident that she did not speak of Marreck and purposely did not say a name. "You will be wise to take your freedom and walk away. I have done my good deed for the week."
This man...the man she recognized as Theron, did not have his memory. He did not have some of the defining things, the experiences and memories that had shaped him into what he had become...what Alyandra had loved. That base, core soul, however, was an honorable man. He was a man that fought to help others, even at the expense of himself. He had shown it that first day in Sendaria...he would show it now. She needed help and, for better or worse, he could not abandon her. Yes...whoever he was in the past life, he must have been a fool. The man smirked a bit...a rueful expression as she finished telling him all this and then warned him to leave when he could. "Perhaps...but doing the smart thing does not always mean you are doing the right thing, Alessia. What you speak of…that is an existence I would not wish for my worst foe...not even that slaver that we escaped from today. If I left you to that fate...I would be no better than him." He moved closer, settling down as well and looking at her. "I will help you."
Another gentle sigh, her nerves seemed to be calming down to normal, letting him speak. Her gaze had fallen to that silver cross as she rested it within her palm once more...until she heard his words about the slave trader and she gave him an odd look, as if double questioning him. She'd wish such a fate on that man, and a few others that could easily be named...but that was who she was and what made she and the one beside her so different. At times, Aless wondered if her heart truly was turning black like the creature she might become. When she heard he would help, it was hard not to show that faint smile...and she gave a light nod, lips muttering her thankful and sincere words, "Thank you." Well, alright...He wasn't so bad now. At the moment anyway. She let a moment linger before she dared to ask..."How much do you know about the lands of Kilvania?"
He gave a smile in return. Well, it was a start...and sometimes one could sway a person better through kindness than force. Perhaps she could be diverted from her current lifestyle? At her question however, that emerald gaze would stare as he tried to rack his brain for that name...but he came up with nothing. Finally, he shook his head. "I don't believe I've ever heard of it before."
She hesitated for a moment, wondering if she should even explain about the land or just let him find out for himself. However, that would be cruel, and being that Kilvania wasn't the nicest of places, she opposed that thought. Shifting in her seat, dark gaze fixated momentarily on the ground, "The dark lands. The sun hardly shows. People who dwell there are forever living their lives in fear, knowing that at any time they could be fed upon." A pause, hand traveled back to her neck in thought. "Home of the vampire counts...and I fell into the hands of one of them."
Dark brows furrowed as he listened. Gazing at her questioningly, he would shake his head once she finished. "If this land is like this...shrouded in such evil...why did you ever go there? You knew the dangers...what could possibly compel you on such a fool's errand?"
She frowned then, having to go back and remember just how she got herself into such a situation...The traitor she had been, what she had done. "I...have never been to Kilvania. I was in Sendaria when it was at war with Evangelia...or known now as Vangard. The Black Forest is home to many damned creatures, and I happened across the wrong one." Alessia sighed gently, seeming almost bored with this tale already...since she has had to say it quite a few times now. "Count Revan, a vampire obviously...In exchange for my life, I promised to find him this ring..." And for the moment, she paused there.
"How did you...end up in the Black Forest? It is...a part of this Sendaria? What happened?" Well, if it wasn't clear before, it should have been now. The man remembered nothing. He was not playing games or pretending...there had not even been a reaction in his features when she spoke of Sendaria, the home of his beloved. He didn't even ask if they had won their war or not. He laced his fingers together, those eyes falling once more to her throat and eyeing the marks there...the brands of that inhuman creature that had apparently put her into indentured servitude.
In a way, Aless was glad this man did not remember who he was...for he most likely would have remembered who she was. Not that they ever met before, but word of her betrayal had leaked out over the lands, so mostly everyone was bound to have heard about it. Just like his affair with the princess. "Yes, the forest is a part of Sendaria. I was fleeing for my life and was waiting for someone there...the one who had helped me escape the war," she replied, making it seem like she had been a simple citizen running for her life. Being saved was true, however...She spoke of Chloe Lawrence, a vampire who helped her escape the dungeons, but Alessia didn't feel she needed to share what Chloe was. The vampiress had been the first one she thought of asking to help, but had been unable to find her. "Revan wants this ring, which will basically allow him to walk in the sun...and perhaps be able to do many other things vampires are restricted from doing. I do not yet know all about it. This is why I need to get to Kilvania, but-" she paused, shifting once more in her seat uncomfortably, "...I fear him." It wasn't hard to see that admitting to that wasn't easy for her. She mostly didn't trust his word either.
"You made a pact with a Vampire. If you get him this ring, who is to say that he simply won't finish what he started anyway? Or kill you outright?" He shook his head, combing fingers through that hair a bit before he brought that gaze upon her once more. "What sort of land must this place Sendaria be like, to harbor such a den? Certainly...they must have been foul folk. How did you wind up there and get wrapped up in this war of theirs?"
All these questions were giving her a headache, but he had the right to know...She just had to make sure she didn't spill out the wrong information. "Believe me, I already know I will not be spared...This would be why I wish to learn more about this ring and what it is capable of." Finger idly toyed with the cross around her neck once more before shifting her eyes back to him. You know of these lands...especially that forest...She hesitated a moment before speaking, "The Black Forest is the only evil in the kingdom. The Empress does well to keep what lurks in there out of her lands. It was the only place the enemy wouldn't go...so naturally I went there. Many citizens did it, rather risking their lives among the dark trees than to fall to enemy blade...or something for worse for us women." Another pause as she tried to come up with a lie for his last question. "I was visiting a friend...and it proved to be the wrong time."
He was attentive...hearing that she spoke of the leader of Sendaria in the present tense, not the past. "She does well? Then this Sendaria was successful in their war and repelled their enemy..." His brow furrowed a bit more, trying to put the pieces into some sort of understandable order...but they didn't seem to logically fit. "Why would you flee from those defending Sendaria and go to such a place if the people were good?"
Alessia sighed, that frown not seeming to melt away from her lips. "Because I did," came her reply, looking him squarely in the eye to prove she was not lying. Of course, she was with some of her story, but she had to. Then she shrugged, shifting her gaze around the place casually, "People make mistakes, make the wrong choices...I tend to do so more than is necessary, despite how much I try not to."
She would see his eyes slip down to the cross about her throat. Clearly, he had his own ideas of just why she was making those wrong choices, but he chose to say nothing. "I can help you find this ring, Alessia...but there will be some differences. If you want my help, we need to approach this differently. You are in this situation because of the way you have been living your life. If you continue to do so to try and get yourself out of this situation...it is pointless." Oh lordy...maybe not...here comes the preaching.
And she hated those that preached. Jaw tensed, and the corner of her upper lip twitched very slightly, as if she was ready to snarl again. But she did well to keep herself calm like she has been, "That so?" she started, shifting yet again to rest forearms on her thighs as she leaned forward. Dark eyes narrowed a little bit. "And how do you think I should...change? How will changing my ways help this situation? Please, enlighten me, stranger." Her words weren't tinted with anger, but there were hints to it.
"I am no fool, Alessia. By your own words you wouldn't have freed me if I was." He regarded her for a long moment after leading in with those words. "You've been speaking to me...but I do not feel as though the whole of your story is being told. I will not press you for answers, but whatever you are not telling me has to do with the same thing as your pilfering fingers and your disregard for others. Look where that has gotten you. It put you straight into the hands of something like you...but much worse. If you manage to find this ring, manage to get your life back...and simply continue doing the same mistakes, mistakes that led you into this predicament in the first place...how long will it be until you find yourself in a situation you cannot get out of?" Even as he spoke, he knew she was simply going to dismiss his words....but he would say them anyway.
Dismiss? No, not entirely...just not be too thrilled with them. Well, he knew she wasn't telling her whole story, but the part she neglected to mention would most likely get him to completely change his mind about helping her. She rose to her full height quickly, glaring down at him, "I am nothing like him!" Perhaps...she used to be. But not now...no, she didn't want to be...Why else would she stop her old ways? All this thievery, well, she had no choice right now. She no longer pretended to be of noble birth, no longer pampered by servants...Now, she was the servant, and it wasn't very easy getting used to. She had no other words to say to him, whether she didn't know what to say, or decided to remain silent, and she simply stalked away to...well, she couldn't go very far. She was restricted to the storage area.
His hand reached out, grasping her wrist. Oh, but he could be a pain when he felt he was right. He drew her back, halting her motion as he looked upon her. "And I am no slave, Alessia. I have no intentions of becoming one...I also do not want to see you become like...him..." He would release her then, coming to his feet as well. Pushing himself up to sit on one of the crates, he quirked a brow. "What exactly is your plan for finding this ring, anyway?"
That snarl finally appeared when she was halted and forced to look back at him. Slowly she would calm when he released her, her face softening until there was no expression upon it. "All tales of this ring come from the lands of Kilvania...There, as I hope, is where I can find out about it, and from there figure out where it originates from." Alessia could do nothing until she knew where to look, correct?
"We will need equipment then. Mounts, supplies. Weaponry and armor of some sort....anything that might be of use against the...creatures...that you say live there. Is there any place in Vangard that might know more of this place? Perhaps a place where we can learn more about this ring? I would like to see these tales myself. A map as well. How far of a ride is it to Kilvania from Vangard?" Well, there went the barrage of questions once again. That mind, trained to think in a military manner, was beginning to break this all down and begin to come up with a plan...a method to the madness they were no doubt going to get into.
She blinked several times, waving her hand in slight annoyance with the sudden bombardment of questions, silently asking him to just slow down. "We can get all we need, I'm sure. As well as the information you desire...But we can't do much stuck on this ship, now can we?" This sailing to Vangard was going to take forever, wasn't it? It felt like it at least.
Nodding, he would simply shrug. He chose then to move back into that nook of an area and make himself comfortable. She was right. There wasn't much that they could do right now...not much at all. That certainly did not sit all that well with him. He never was one to sit idly, if possible...but patience threw its mantle about him. All in due time. He was free, that was the important part. At that, perhaps, he could finally fall into the first truly restful sleep that he had had in a long time.
Sleep was very much needed, and Alessia allowed the swaying boat to make that sleep come faster. It was perhaps an hour or so later when the rhythm of the ship became more unsteady, constantly changing, starting to sway harder than normal...a lot more than normal. Slowly eyes drifted open as her body was shifted off to the side with the movement, waking her up almost abruptly to hear the screaming and yelling from the deck above. They were faint, however, nearly masked by the howling of heavy wind and rain, and the thumping on the wooden floorboards above her head. Alessia instantly turned pale, sitting up in fear for the worst...Did I ever mention she doesn't like sailing all too much? She'd struggle to gain her footing, but toppled over onto one of the crates as the ship tilted far to the left.
Her toppling would send some of the smaller items on the crate skittering off to shower onto him. Having been forced to sleep in rickety carts and cages for most of his time since he had awakened without his memories, the movement hadn't immediately roused him. Grunting, he pushed himself to his feet, bracing himself against the wall for support as the ship lurched violently. Green eyes cast about, seeing the shadows swaying and warping wildly while the lamp above them was swung about. "A storm!" It had moved in quickly...another lurch sent him towards the crate she was at, the force overcoming the friction of it against the deck that kept it from moving, sending the pair of them and the crate sliding.
Slide. A scream. Then crash. Alessia was clearly unable to catch her footing, easily thrown about like some rag doll. She heard what he yelled out before the two of them got smothered with crates and the items they contained. She was frantic, trying to free herself, wanting to get up, wanting to...do what exactly? She wasn't a sailor and there was no bloody way she was going to even attempt to go out there. Such a lithe thing as her might blow away, you know? Alright, so she was scared, and she wasn't trying to hide it. "Wha...what do we do?" Stupid question, in her mind at least.
He managed to get himself up onto his feet. He'd spent a little time on ships before...not that he remembered, but that body began to try and sway a bit to counter the actions of the ship itself. Seeing her having less luck, he reached out, grabbing her wrist and pulling her closer. It was just in time too, as one of the restraining ropes broke, sending one of the stacked crates falling down where she had just been, shattering. He pushed her towards the exit of the hold. "Find someplace small and solid. If we stay here, we're likely to get crushed!" He heared creaking to their left and looked up to see another crate about to go. He pushed her abruptly out as it snapped and came down, glancing across his shoulder as he tried to bring his arm up. That pain flared white hot and he dropped down.
Yes, like a rag doll. He grabbed a hold of her wrist and pulled her up with little effort...Dark eyes widened when she saw she could've been beneath those crates if he hadn't stepped in. She wasn't able to thank him or anything since she was sent towards the exit only seconds after. "And what about y-" her words cut short as she was pushed once more out of the way to avoid another crate. Alessia was close to losing her footing, but managed to at least remain on one knee. It was then she was about to do as she was told, but paused when she saw him down. Up on her feet, she tried to remain so, trying to go with the harsh rocking of the ship to make it back over to him. Pushing things aside, going to assist him, to her horror water began to seep into the ship.
The wood had cut down his shoulder, not deep but long...and blood matted the tunic to him...He pushed himself up to a knee as she neared, but it was obvious that he was favoring his shoulder. He felt that water begin to seep in, dampening his pant legs and knees. That helped to cut through the pain as she helped get things off of him. "Get up top, now! If we get trapped down here, we'll drown!"
She already knew that, but to hear him say it made this situation all the more worse for her. She saw the blood, knew he was injured, and she panicked more. Making sure he was on his feet, Alessia would begin to make her way to the top deck, leaning on crates and other such things to keep herself steady, trudging through the water as it was almost knee-high at that point. The door was already swung open and she could see parts of the sails and mast around the deck...and she didn't see anyone. Perhaps they risked the sea than risking their lives on the ship. "Marreck..." his name fell from her lips in a whisper that would not be heard over the weather outside. It was time to brave the storm; She clung to everything and anything that was sturdy enough to keep her up against the wind.
He followed behind her, the warm presence of his hand remaining on the small of her back to offer some modicum of comfort and support, as well as stabilization, as they made their way as swiftly as possible to the stairs leading up. He would not hear her softly spoken word, but his mind had drifted upon seeing the same sight she did. Where was everyone? Another lurch sent that shoulder up hard against the wall, making him see stars. He slumped for a moment before clearing his head. Survival outweighed pain at this point. Pushing himself back to his feet, he felt a coil of rope. Looking down, he had an idea. That blade she had given him was still upon his person and he cut a length of the rope, tying it about his waist. It was awkward with the fire in his shoulder, but he made due. The water was to their waists at this point. Wrapping the other end about her trim hips, he made it so that they could not get separated..."Go!"
He pulled her from that slight trance when he started to tie the rope around her. She looked at him in question, but didn't need an answer. Alessia felt a bit safer, knowing she couldn't be blown away or thrown out of reach...unless he was, that is. Heart thumping madly against her chest, she emerged from the cabin and out into the storm upon his command. The rain pelted down heavily against them, the wind ravaging her hair and partially blocking her view every now and then as she ran towards the nearest railing. Where else were they to go but into the sea? The sky was filled with dark clouds, hiding any light that would help them...or let them know that in the distance there was land. But to make it there might be considered suicide in such a storm.
Inwardly, his emotions ran the gamut of her own, but years of discipline schooled that down, forcing him to remain level-headed. If he didn't, they'd both die. He followed her, since they were now tethered...and he was looking for anything that could be used to keep them afloat. They would have to leave the boat soon...when it sunk, it would drag anything nearby down with it. A crack of thunder had him looking up....just in time to see a wall of dark, ominous water rolling towards them. He felt the side of the ship tipping up...it was just about upon them. "Hold on!" As loud as he screamed, the wind whipped that voice away as he reached out, grabbing onto that railing, arms wrapping about it in a death vice.
Yes, good thing he was at least keeping his head about him...When Alessia panicked, she panicked. The sea frightened her, and this was why. She avoiding sailing any chance she got. Maneuvering her way towards the railing the best she could, gaze would follow his own when she heard the thunder booming overhead. And upon seeing what was coming towards them, Alessia became more horrified than she ever possibly could be. She screamed as the ship began to tip, and did not hesitate to take hold of the railing, gripping onto it for dear life.
It slammed into them like a thousand hammers...while their grip might not have lost strength...the railing did. It groaned for a moment before shattering with a loud 'snap' and sending them sliding across the deck to the other end...which was already dipping beneath that cold, unkind surface of the waves.
Alessia actually lost her grip just moments before the railing snapped since she was unable to withstand the pressure of the water. A series of screams and cries escaped her as they were sent sliding down the incline towards the dark water below. She would, naturally, be easily sucked in and was unsure of how strong the pull of the water was...but it was strong enough to be bringing that ship down. Hands reached out, trying to find something to grip onto, but the rain made that quite difficult.
He drew in a hard breath before plunging into that darkness as well...with the storm overhead and the swirling waters all around, it was impossible to tell which way was up. It wouldn't be long before that breath began to wear out on him and he released it on accident...feeling the bubbles flowing up past his face and away. Desperation made him try and swim after them. It felt as though he was swimming through sludge...as though he would never get there soon enough...but, finally, he broke free to the surface with a gasp. A wide piece of the ship bumped into him and he grasped it desperately, pulling himself up and out partially....that was when he felt the pull of the rope about his waist. Remembering his companion, he would grip that wood with one hand and use the other to desperately try and draw her up as well.
Desperate. That truly was the word to use right now. Her body was tossed this way and that, spinning her around until, like him, she could hardly figure out which way the surface was anymore. She felt the pull of the water, and surprisingly she held well onto her breath, only let out a little air every few seconds until she felt she could not last any longer. It was then she felt the tug of that rope, pulling her upwards and she knew Theron had, or was headed, towards the surface. Adrenaline pumped through her, him pulling the rope making it a little easier...And with a heavy gasp she broke through the surface, overwhelmed and still scared as she would finally make her way over to the piece of floating wood, flailing about like a cat in that cold water.
He saw her burst forth from below...his arm reaching about that slender waist and bodily hauling her little form onto it to give her a chance to rest. All they could do was hold on and wait...hope for the storm to clear and for whatever gods might be watching to have some compassion towards them in this dark and dreadful hour.
The gods didn't seem to like her very much...They made it oh-so very clear many times in the past. So basically...they were most likely screwed and it was her fault. Alessia took a hold of the wood when she felt it against her palms, lying there upon her stomach with the water washing up over her legs still. Once she had somewhat of a control on her breathing, those darks would open to search for him and mutter two words, probably very faint over the storm that was actually slowly begin to die down, "Thank you." Aless didn't much say such words often...But she almost died! Though, she actually has been saying them a lot lately.
He would simply nod...tired as well....feeling as though he had just fought through a drawn out siege. Of course, it made it even worse as that salted water washed over that wound and bit into it. His arm kept its weight over her form though, to keep her there and secure as the wrath of that storm slowly bled out and away. Soon, he would succumb to the injury and the exhaustion.
Well, what do you know...The sun began to peek out through the now light clouds an hour or so later, however long it took, and luckily for them, the land that they had been sailing towards was in their view at a reasonable swimming distance. Yet with the exhaustion and the ex-gladiator's injury, it looked like a thousand miles. She would stir, eyes slowly fluttering open and squinting with the light beaming down upon them. Alessia was clearly happy to see the land, reaching over to Theron to wake him up.
He groaned, finally waking...the water, at least, had managed to clean that wound...and they were fortunate enough that the blood had not drawn any seafaring predators in their wake. He looked up...seeing the sun, seeing her, and then seeing land. "Gods...that's an unbelievable sight."
She grinned lightly, sending her attention back to land before slipping back into the water. She didn’t much wish to be in the water again, shivering from the cold of it, but to get to land she did not bother to hesitate. Still gripping the wood in the front, she began to swim forward, freely doing the work herself since she wasn't sure how bad his wound was.
Despite the wound and the fatigue, he would slip down and help as well. After all, the two of them together would bring them to land faster than her by herself. If he had known her longer, he probably would have made a comment about the unusual sight of her willingly stepping up to do the physical labor without being asked...but he did not know her yet...who she was or what she was truly like.
No one actually knew who she really was...She tended to ask that same question herself sometimes. She was many things, and she didn't know which was her true self anymore. Giving a brief glance to him as he began to help, she wouldn't protest...And they made it to land after a few, what seemed like extremely long minutes. Alessia let go of the wood, swimming than walking through the water from about chest deep...until she collapsed onto her knees in the sand. It was good to be home.
Re: Ring of Redemption [log -- closed thread] « Reply #3 on Apr 15, 2008, 12:24am »
He followed suit...they were still tied together, after all. His larger frame made all the more of an impact as he dropped down next to her. He'd been pushing himself too hard and it was finally catching up to him. He'd slept, but it wasn't restful. Out of the water now...that gash in his shoulder could be seen, the tunic matted tight to it as he simply enjoyed the warmth of that sand beneath him.
It took her a moment to register that he was there, actually forgetting they were still tied together. Head turned and she looked down at him, instantly to that wound. Hands reached out to gently examine it. "How you holding up?" she finally asked, wondering how far they were from a village or town.
He grimaced at her touch, turning on his side to pull away from those questing fingers. Green eyes turned to her. "I'll live...." That gaze moved over her...she certainly did cut a rather alluring image, with her garments now form-fitting thanks to the sea. He turned his eyes away, coughing a bit as he tried to push himself up to his feet. He tore that tunic off of himself...wincing as it pulled off the scab that had begun to form and allowing fresh trickles of blood to flow.
She pulled her hands back when he turned, figuring he didn't want her accidentally bringing anymore pain. But she assisted him with getting up before she began to untie the rope from around her waist, shooting eyes over to him when he reopened that wound. Ow. She hesitated before bothering to speak, "There should be a village or town nearby within the next few miles, maybe closer..."
He grimaced, but nodded at her words. He would lead her away from the water, into the sparse woodland that grew nearby. Thankfully, it didn't take long to find what he was looking for....aloe, some other herbs to help draw out any would-be infection, enough to make a poultice. "Let's dry out a bit first..." Despite the injury, she would find him quite industrious now that they were on land. He was still pushing himself far too hard, moving to get a fire started, wood collected, and make up something for them to dry their clothes on.
A small frown fell upon her lips as he busied himself with tasks. She was no healer, but she knew he probably shouldn't be working himself as hard as he was. They did, after all, survive a sinking ship. Jaws tensed though when he wanted to remain for a little while. Alessia wanted to travel a bit further, not necessarily with him, but at least see if she could find a village. She sometimes had trouble staying still. A nod given, she would help him to start a fire.
Given the fact that they had survived a sinking ship, he felt it prudent that they get some real rest before continuing on...and traveling in sodden clothing would do no one any good. When everything was set, he would put his boots and tunic over the draped stand to allow them to dry by the fire. He found some berries and edible plants as well. It wasn't much...but at least it was something. His jaw continued to twitch every time he moved his arm in the wrong manner. She was unusually silent and cooperative, at least given what he had learned from her...that made him wonder.
Things were rarely what they seemed with her. Her old profession made that quite clear. She was seen as a horrible person, and Alessia would instantly agree with such assumptions no matter how hard she would try and change them. She helped because she did and that he was injured. She was silent because, well...she was still slightly overwhelmed with what had happened at sea. The large, poet's shirt was kept on since it was drying fairly quickly as she sat at the fire, but boots and breeches were removed, causing her to huddle closer to the flames. She ate little, and was surprisingly silent until she looked to him and something pained her: She knew his identity and he did not. "You ever wonder who you are?" she finally asked the random question.
He was very careful and mindful of her while she let her clothes dry. Given that all she wore was the shirt, it would not be hard to take advantage of the view...or, if he was less scrupulous, to take advantage of her. He kept his eyes upon her own when he was giving her some of the fare and when she finally spoke. Mulling over her question, he shrugged and then nodded. "Yes, but I have no way to learn, no idea where to begin looking. All I can do is wait until a memory surfaces or I run into someone that recognizes me."
Eyes fixated upon the dancing fire in front of her as he spoke. She thought of Sendaria, the reason why she and Mordred were there, what she had done. She cringed lightly at the thought. A slender brow would arch then, slowly looking back over to him. "What if I said I could find out who you are?" Perhaps she was trying to seal the deal with him, to make sure he was truly willing to go on this 'death quest' with her.
"How?" Well, there certainly was a hunger in there now...those green eyes flashing to her from across the fire after she'd spoken those words. He was good at hiding how unsettled his predicament made him....but still, not knowing a part of yourself would bother anyone. So, she had him dangling at the end of her hook now....just like she always seemed to do....all she had to do was set it in.
Yes...what she always seemed to do. It's what some say she did best. She fell into that professional mode, all ready to dab in the lies...Well, she wasn't lying about him not finding out, but she couldn't very well let him know that she knew, now could she? She grinned faintly, almost embarrassed as attention shifted back to the fire, "I know many types of people. Mages, prophets...One of them is bound to figure it out. It's a simple trick in their book."
"Of course I would like to know who I am...to understand where I come from. Do you know what it is like to not even know if there is anyone that cares about you somewhere? Someone that misses you? Someone that needs you? It...it is frustrating." He slouched back...that intense scrutiny of her slacking off as those eyes lowered to the ground near the fire and he spoke. That low tone grew softer with each sentence and he shook his head finally with a great sigh. It was a frustration that knew no bounds. He dreamed sometimes and in those dreams he seemed to have someone...someone that knew him...and the name seemed on the tip of his tongue, but he could never say it. Their face was always a mask of shadow...unknown and indeterminate...whenever he awoke from such a dream, he could not shake a deep and lancing sense of loss. The pain of that reflected in those emerald eyes then...
Someone does need you...Someone does miss you...Her mind kept saying as he spoke. Despite how hard she tried to hide it, Alessia's expression softened to something of sadness...and guilt. Damn that freaking conscience! Sometimes she thought being a heartless bitch was better than what she was now. "I'm...sorry. I promise I will help you as soon as I can. It's the least I can do." Ugh, she felt sick...so sick that she wasn't sure she'd be able to keep this act up for too much longer....No, she'll be fine. She hasn't lost those skills yet.
Looking up, he misunderstood her expressions. Standing, he moved towards her, settling down next to her and placing a hand on her shoulder to try and comfort her. "You shouldn't worry about it right now, little one. We do not even know where to begin searching for the answer to my problem....yours is far more definitive. I have waited this long to learn my memories, I can wait longer. It will not kill me...unlike yours." He gave her a reassuring smile. Damnable man...even without his memories he was too chivalrous for his own good.
She thought she had sparked up some sort of suspicion in him as he rose to move next to her. She found out that he was simply clueless...and that was a good thing. Having to hide it more meant more guilt...And she hated guilt. What a horrible emotion to feel. A frown painted itself upon her lips at the mention of her own problem...Yea, she almost forgot about that with the whole Arabia situation, sinking ship...Alessia simply gave him a look that wasn't all too happy about being reminded of such, because it only brought on fear and worry...and she didn't work well under such emotions. It was how she got caught in Sendaria.
“Don't worry. We shall find this thing and end your servitude. You have my word on that. After that, we can see about picking up the pieces of my broken memories." Well, he certainly seemed upbeat and positive about their chances...nevermind the fact that they were going to be entering a land where the dead walked again. Overly optimistic or simply not willing to give up? It might be a bit of both. He gave that shoulder one more squeeze before reaching out and checking upon their garments. "Not too much longer and we can be dressed once more. I hope we can find a place to spend the night without having to travel too far."
Alessia wished she could be so positive. But...she never could be, because nothing good ever came out of it. She just wasn't a happy person half the time. Okay, most of the time. She remained silent, just watching him check the clothes before giving a look around. Aless wasn't completely sure as to where they were, but there was bound to be at least a village nearby. "I'm sure there's a small village a mile or so away. They're all over the place in Vangard." Here was hoping that it was a nice and friendly village. After all, the kingdom wasn't doing so good with Cyprian gone, but some believed it was for the better.
"Good. I regret to say that I now hope you still have some of what you pilfered from the ship. A hot bath and food, along with a real bed, would be exquisite right now." He stood up to move away from their little camp. "If you will excuse me, I shall return." With that, he stepped away, going to seek relief. That would be the time that the brigands chose to strike. Splitting up, the two larger men would circle around in the direction Theron had gone while the other two stepped out, one behind and one in front of Alessia. "Well, well, well," the one in front of her said. "Wha' a pretty lil sight we have here, mate. Oh yes we do…"
"See? Sometimes bad things can do good!" she remarked while he walked away. She didn't have anything, only that silver cross around her neck. Alessia tried to make it a point that she didn't steal just for the Hell of it...but she sort of wished she could have taken more. A bath, food, and a bed sounded really good right now. The sound of footsteps came to her attention, and at first she thought it was Theron...but he had just walked away. As the man came into her view, she climbed to her feet quickly... only to give a glance behind her to notice another. Just lovely. Was almost being collared and then drowning not good enough for the gods? Damn, there was no way of pleasing them, was there? What was worse, she didn't have a single weapon on her. Lips parted to make some sort of snappy remark...but stopped herself when she realized that would only make matters worse.
The man took his time looking her over...apparently quite appreciative of the long expanse of leg she allowed him to see, given that she had only that long shirt on. "Foolish man tae leave 'is lass like this. She looks ready fer some fun." "Oh yeah..definitely!" Piped up the man behind her. They began to close in on her. The gods, apparently, disliked her quite a bit at the moment. Theron, meanwhile, would turn at the sound of something behind him and barely duck the blow that was aimed at taking off his head with a meaty man twice his weight. The sound of the scuffle would soon reach her ears through the woods, though it sounded distant.
"Yes, well...he'll be back any moment now," she replied...and then she heard the distant noises in the trees. Son-of-a-bitch. So much for that. A frown, and she would move her way closer to the fire, kneeling down innocently. "But there's still enough time..." Aless felt sick again, hating all these acts she had to put on. "However..." she began, fingers gently running over her collarbone, head tilting as she watched them. "I prefer the strongest first...So which one will it be?" She felt the heated fire at her back, and she knew she was close enough to grab one of the burning logs...The flames made her wince though, those vampiric tendencies making her nervous. Her other arm had been positioned behind her, acting as her balance, but in case these two still wished to make their advances faster than she wanted, fingers curled around the end of one of the logs. Suddenly, she wanted to see them burn, mouth opening as she drew in a quick breath, that...need for blood, for violence was starting to take its hold once more.
"Now, now, lass...put yer hands up where we can see them..." “Yea! Really up!" The man in front of her glared at her, fingering a dagger at his belt as he looked at her. "No tricks, darlin'...why dun ye just show us ye dun have anything up yer sleeve by taking off that shirt nice and slow..." Meanwhile, Theron ducked and weaved around the punches of the man. They weren't fast, but he knew they would take him out quickly if they connected. The sound of a snapping twig behind him was his only warning of the other assailant and he reacted with those gladiatorial instincts. Ducking, he turned and launched forward. The bigger man swiped wide arms and missed him while he caught the other in the shoulder and took him down with a whoosh of expelled air from the brigand. Theron was on him suddenly then, seeking to take him out quickly so he could focus on the other. An elbow struck into the dazed man's throat, shattering the man's windpipe and causing him to begin choking as air failed to properly reach those lungs.
That other one was such a horny bastard, and she rolled her eyes simply because it was that pathetic. Has he ever seen a woman naked before? Well, she got them talking, which meant it was buying her time, so now she would be Miss Smart Ass. Moving to extend those arms out to her side, she stayed where she was, grinning almost madly. She wanted one of them to walk over, to come close so she could stop these urges that nearly shook her form. Her breathing began to get heavier, nerves twitching...that hunger began to grow. "You take it off..." she remarked, she...dared him. "Being afraid of me isn't proving that you'll be worth my time, sweetheart." Moving forward, she began to stand up, taking a few slow strides towards the one fingering a dagger. Alessia wasn't waiting anymore. The men weren't showing any guts...and she wanted to see them. Most literally.
"Let me!" The one behind her pipped up...moving all too eagerly towards her. The one with the dagger seemed intelligent enough to understand why that was a potentially bad situation. He took a few steps back before drawing out that dagger. "Take another step and I'll cut it off...I warn ye, lass." The one behind her, however, had gotten close enough to pull up the back of that shirt, liberally taking advantage of grabbing firm flesh at the same time. Theron had just started his battle with the larger man now...trying to wear him down. He heard the ordered commands from the direction of the camp. Great, he was attacked, alone and able to do little to help his charge other than NOT DIE. He'd finally found an opening, making the man sing soprano and away, closer to the sound of the voices now.
Yes, naturally the dumb one decided to be her first target. Even though she could die from an attack from that dagger, Alessia didn't seem to be all that worried about it. All she wanted and craved was death. She reacted quicker than she had wanted when the idiot took too much advantage of the situation...And with an almost godly speed, elbow lifted to slam fiercely into the man's face, only to spin and grab his hair from behind...neck so easily exposed. He was to be her shield, and she held him firmly in front of her with her other hand reaching around to grasp him harshly by the neck, nails digging into his skin, squeezing with an unimaginable strength for such a small person. Those dark hues, which seemed to have lightened quite a lot in color, watched the other man carefully...And she forced the other one to move forward with her still behind him. If he decided to try anything, she was well prepared to snap that thick neck of his.
The nameless man was knocked down...rolling across the ground hard and finding his head spinning even faster than his body. That blow had hurt...and he'd actually managed to put his arms up in defense. A rock dug into his shoulder as he came to a stop, stitching pain along it. That gave him an idea though and he rolled himself up to his feet, clutching that rock in his fist. He remained crouched a bit...as though cowering from the man as he lumbered forward. Theron waiting until those two hands came up to finish him off with an axe-handle smash. He twisted and swung his hand up, catching the man under the chin with the stone in his fist. The big man staggered, rocked (pun intended) and the green-eyed man struck again and again...until he finally toppled over unconscious. Feet took off through the woods to find that camp while the man with the dagger was cursing. "Ye always were a fool, Belial..." From his belt, the brigand drew a small hand-crossbow from behind, aiming it at her and her captive. "Go ahead an' kill 'im...tha' just means there's more fer me, lassy."
She still moved forward, shielding her small frame behind the idiot whose stench did nothing to help this situation, but she'd have to deal with it for a moment longer. Body almost shook violently once more as the other pulled out his new weapon, her instincts heightening to where it felt like they would be uncontrollable...but it drove her further than she would have gone. And that frightened her, though such was not expressed. Currently she was too blinded by the need to see this man killed, she hadn't time to let the fear take its hold. Lips lifted to Belial's ear, whispering softly in that almost haunting lilt, "Don't be afraid..." Both hands moved and a grip upon his head tightened...and she simply twisted to snap, the gruesome sound sickeningly thrilling her. But the instant he died, she was already letting his lifeless form drop to charge the other like a madwoman, that supernatural speed helping her along the way. She wanted blood, she wanted to see death...only later would she feel the guilt. But not now...She cared not for his weapon, relying on her speed and agility to reach for his arm and twist it in a very uncomfortable position.
The man fired as she grabbed at his wrist...the edge of that wicked tip marking the soft skin of her arm as it cut through the fabric of her shirt. It was only a bit more than a flesh wound, but it would still begin to paint crimson down her arm. He cried out as she twisted that arm, the weapon dropping to the ground. Frantically, the man reached for that dagger, to try and raise it up and stab it into her. Theron, meanwhile, burst through from the trees and into the camp, green eyes wide at the sight before him.
A gasp and a light cry as the tip grazed her arm, and she only paused momentarily before she worked on breaking that arm of his. Normally it wouldn't have been such an easy task for her, but she was aided now and liked the satisfying sound of bones cracking. Luckily she had been quick enough to catch his other wrist before he got too far...however, the blade did find a mark, almost too close to her heart as it did, in fact, pierce the flesh near her left shoulder. The wound slowed her down again, and she cried out once more, yet still she fought against him with that unnatural strength...lifting to turn the blade in his direction, forcing it down towards his throat.
The man's eyes were wide in desperation, clearly not having expected this...this was no woman. "Devil!" He struggled with all he had...seeing her ignoring those wounds and bringing that blade up towards his own throat. Her guardian moved swiftly...that arm cocking back and he let that projectile fly. That stone flew through the air, the sound of its passing whispering by her ear so dangerously close before connecting with the man's temple, caving in his head and turning that body into dead weight before she herself could finish the job.
The sight of him, to see his fear for her being some demonic thing (which wasn't too far off), only made that smile broaden; the dark brown of her eyes turning into a lighter blue, possessing some feral look from the sudden contrast. She came so close to tearing out this man's throat...until she heard the soft 'whizzing' sound in the air, and a rock smashed his head in after coming so close to hers. She let the body drop to whirl around and see Theron...and to put it bluntly, she looked pissed. He could almost expect a growl to emerge from that slender throat.
He saw the look in her eyes...the almost feral expression that took over those delicately exotic and beautiful features. He saw the blood staining her arm and that opposite shoulder, eyes taking her in in a quick appraisal before greens caught hers levelly. "Calm down, little one. Get control of yourself."
What he had done was for the better, but right now she didn't think so. It appeared as though she was ready to stalk in his direction as her body stiffened and prepared to take a step...But his words and the fact the struggle was over slowly made those yearnings die down. And so, because of it, she felt the pain of those wounds more than she had before. Swallowing hard, she felt dizzy, one hand going to the knife wound as she tried to lower herself to the ground without toppling over.
He moved quickly, his arms encircling her and drawing her close, keeping her from collapsing there as the wounds began to register within her. Whatever she was cursed with, she was not naturally a killer. He knew and recognized such a nature and it was not within her, not naturally. Thus, he had done as he had....to keep her from any more guilt than was necessary. Fire stitched its way up his shoulder, but he ignored it with a growl, scooping her up into his arms. One was about her shoulders, the other about the smooth, soft flesh of the back of her thighs as he held her, bringing her back to the fire and settling her down carefully. He drew off that tunic...it would leave her bare before him, but he had to tend to her wounds and that was the only shirt she had. He would have to keep it intact for now. He began to tend to those wounds.
It took her a second to realize it was him. Suddenly stopping those new instincts made everything a blur, mixed in with the pain she had a hard time registering anything. This wasn't the first time this has happened, but each time it only got worse. She didn't know how to gain control over herself, over this curse which was so new yet felt as if she possessed it all her life. Alessia wasn't a killer; she never once had to kill in her profession because she just ran...But after running for so many years, she couldn't now and was left to face whatever came her way. Muttered, inaudible curses seemed to spill forth from quivering lips, and she shuddered when from what little warmth that tunic gave was taken away. And what was her first thought? Pervert. Yes, she was turning back to her normal self. Jaws clenched, she spoke to him, "They'll heal on their own." Which was true, but being tended to would make them heal even faster...not that she even cared right now.
"As will most things that don't kill you. But it would be a pity to have ugly scars on such a pretty lass. Let me fix you up and keep you from bleeding out all over everything. I know how you get a bit testy around blood." He kept looking into her face...he was an honorable man, after all, tempting as it might be. He did what he could and bound those wounds with aid items from their fallen attackers. Afterward, he gave her back that shirt before moving to inspect the rest of their assailants, including the ones he'd left back in the trees. He would take a leaf out of her book, taking anything of value, including the weaponry, from the men. He would return with their booty.
Alessia just rolled her eyes which were returning back to their normal brown color, before she closed them. It was an attempt to forget the pain, but it wasn't working...at all. She said nothing, letting him tend to those wounds until her shirt was handed back to her and she put it on without trying to strain her shoulders too much. A brow rose as she watched him...hmm, steal. Was that the right word? She grinned to herself, and when he returned from the trees with the loot in hand, she canted her head, "That’s called stealing, you know…" Her voice wasn't as witty sounding as usual, but there was a hint to it.
Re: Ring of Redemption [log -- closed thread] « Reply #4 on Apr 15, 2008, 12:41am »
Theron had bartered with the innkeeper over the price of the room once they'd gotten there. A small, simple silver ring from one of their attackers bought them food, drink, and shelter for a fairly reasonable price, given that he'd asked for their finer accommodations. Perhaps he was subtly attempting to make some amends for the scrapes they'd had with each other, who knew? He would leave her there, in her room. His was adjacent, but he left to pick them up more clothing, some beginning supplies, and medical items to help tend to their wounds. It would be a good while before he came back, rapping smartly at her door.
Needless to say, she didn't speak much to him the whole time they traveled to the town. She'd speak a few times here and there, only if it was absolutely necessary. Alessia wasn't trying to be mean by not talking...she was trying to just stop the, what seemed to be, constant arguments between them. She took this time to sit on her bed in silence, thinking over all that's happened, what they might have to endure...But her thoughts were interrupted by the knock on her door. "It's open," was all she said, her tone a bit tired.
He shouldered his way in, carrying an armful of items. He'd bought a pack for them to carry supplies in...he now dumped it onto the table in the room. He'd gotten her some clothes...having approximated her size and asked for much help from the tailors he had met. After describing her, her personality, and her looks, he let them work on picking the clothes. He nodded to it. "I have some clothes for you."
She watched him enter with the armful of items, and she almost...almost got up to help assist him, but remained there as he rested them onto the table. Aless only sat up more to give a quick glance over to what he had brought, "Thanks," came the hesitated reply. She'd take a look at the clothes in a little bit. A gentle sigh, she appeared to be troubled...but that wasn't very new, now was it? Course, it could just be that she was tired. "...for everything," she added, having hesitated once more. He did go out and get everything, even got the rooms. The least she could do was be somewhat civil and thank him.
He smiled to her, a small but genuine expression before shrugging his shoulders a bit. He would next draw out the medical items, setting them next to the pack. He'd picked up some better quality daggers for her to use too. "Here is some salve and fresh bandages for your wounds. You may heal faster, but this should help it be less painful. I'll have dinner sent up soon." He moved back to the door to head out and back to his own room.
"I think I'm numb from pain," she replied, rather sarcastically but it oddly held some truth behind it. Brows furrowed and she sighed once more after he left- He was easily taking it upon himself to do all of this...and honestly, it made her feel a bit sick, as if she was back in the manor in Sendaria. She'd be the first to say that she was lazy...but not this lazy. Rising from the bed, she undressed until she was only in that tunic once more, ripping a bit at the shoulder, in order to draw it over that shoulder to get a look at the wound. Was she being modest? No, but she didn't trust these sorts of places, especially with all the chaos going on in Vangard. Alessia no longer felt much pain, perhaps that healing effect doing more than she realized, but would apply the salve and a fresh bandage to the wound nonetheless. After such a task, she'd examine the clothing she had been given to find a pair of leather pants, boots that were in much better shape than the other ones, and a shin-length tunic of a dark red with slits up the sides to her hips. She gave a cant of her head, arching a brow. Huh, fashionable.
It would not be long before a knock was once again pressed upon her door. This time, however, it would be one of the serving maids with a platter of food and a bottle both of wine and water. A similar arrival would come to his own quarters...and he'd also ordered up filling of the bath that took up a small, corner nook of the room. A hot, relaxing shower would be wonderful...after he had his shoulder sutured up a bit.
This time she opened the door herself, since she was well, already standing up. Opening it just a crack to peer out, she noticed the woman with the food, and gladly opened the door further to allow the maid to enter and place the food down. She asked if Aless wanted a bath, but she declined, mentioning she would later. Right now, she didn't fancy getting into hot water with that shoulder. She wanted it to at least heal a little more, which it seemed to be doing rather quickly. Asking the woman to come back in about an hour to draw up the bath, the maid would nod and leave...leaving Alessia to practically down that food as if she hadn't eaten in weeks. Any 'lady-like' mannerisms were discarded without an issue.
Well, it was a good thing, he'd gotten them separate rooms then. It allowed her the privacy to be as "unlady-like" as she wished. A man came, summoned to assist in the suturing of that wound. He gritted his teeth as it was cleansed and then finally sewn up...not everyone had the advantage of vampiric healing. Finally done, he would eat to recover some strength and then slip into that bath...leaning back to rest, but ginger about that wound. Idly, he wondered about the woman next door. She held herself so tightly...there were secrets there aplenty. He wondered about what he had gotten into. Had he been freed just to go to a different death?
She didn't even know what they were getting themselves into. Alright, so she had a faint idea, but they weren't very comforting thoughts so she wouldn't be sharing them with Theron since it might just drive him away. Actually, it was odd how he was even still here. Alessia was sure she pissed him off more than necessary...Guess that promise of finding out who he was is strong enough to make him deal with her. Ugh, guilt again. Damn-it. Soon enough her own bath was ready and she removed the bandage...to find already that it was practically healed. Well, this will surely be one thing she'd miss. The warm water still stung, but she dealt with it by blurting out a rather loud curse. Once more, she thought about the deal made with the former slave, and a part of her actually just wanted to tell him who he was so he could go back to Sendaria, be with his princess, and live happily ever after. She wanted to tell him because perhaps she wanted such a life...Maybe not the rich kind, but a normal one nonetheless. Yet if she told him, she was out of luck, and back to the beginning. A heavy sigh, she slid down to dunk her head underwater, knees bare to the now cool air of the room. Oh, all the damn choices and she sucked at choosing.
Finally finished, he dressed in some new clothes. A fresh set of leather pants, a clean brown tunic, and boots. He drew that long hair back and secured it with a bit of leather before shaving once more. It felt good to be able to do that...he hated a beard, though he did not know why. Finally, he would move back and knock upon her door once more. They were going to be together for a while...it would do well to make amends. Perhaps he could learn more about her in the process.
While pretending to drown herself, she let her mind drift to the storm, how the ship tossed and turned...how she did not see Marreck. Her heart ached, she did not know if he was alive or dead. Apparently she knew little these days. She would have wept for him, but didn't want to be questioned by Theron on what was wrong. "You're running out of time, Alessia...it will consume you soon..." the voice echoed in her mind, so clear as if he was standing right beside her. It was Revan- she remembered his voice, his face...How did he manage to get into her mind? Was she dreaming, drowning? Dark eyes shot open, noticing she still lied under water, the light ripples blurring and manipulating the image of the room's ceiling. It was then she saw his face...No, not Revan's, but Alsander's...her brother. He tried speaking to her, but she heard nothing; she tried to sit up but his arm shot into the water, holding her down forcefully. She writhed violently, trying to free herself...And this was when Alessia finally shot up out of the water, gasping heavily for breath as she flailed almost madly. It was a trick of her mind, nothing more. Dark locks plastered to her face, she searched for breath, looking around to find no one within the room...And she yelped at the knocks upon her door. Alessia was suddenly questioning her sanity. Shuddering lightly, she climbed out of that small tub, careful not to slip and fall on the water she splashed all over the floor, and covered herself up quickly in the blanket from the bed, being the biggest thing she could find. A moment of hesitation before she spoke to the one outside her door, "...come in." She hoped it wasn't the maid, because that'd make her feel bad...and guilty again. She really did hate that feeling.
He opened the door, not immediately looking up as he turned back to let it close securely. Turning about, those green eyes widened, seeing her disheveled state...still dripping water from those damp locks, wrapped up in that blanket and looking as pale as a ghost. He blinked, then moved towards her. "Alessia? What happened? What is the matter? You look awful.” Despite the harsh words they'd spoken to each other, she was a good woman, he believed, at heart. She just had some guidance issues. Right now, of course, it looked more like she had just woken up from a nightmare. However, her state, and the puddle by the bath and across the floor made it all too clear that she hadn't been sleeping. His hands came out and cupped her upper arms.
Just guidance issues? Pretty sure she had more issues than that. Seeing that it was Theron, figuring he wasn't another figment of her imagination- though her brother had been- her eyes continuously wandered about as if double checking for something. Those brown hues were wide, though more in shock than fear, and finally settled upon him before her. A furrow of her brows, she didn't say anything until after a minute of silence, the color coming back to her face, "I think I'm losing my mind," she answered flatly. Heh, wouldn't be the first time.
Hours later...
Up ahead, a gnarled tree cast its one prominent branch partially over the road. From the grasses around them, the sounds of movement whispered. Theron wheeled his mount around a bit...making it canter sideways as he checked their perimeter and the back. The hackles on his neck rose, but he could see nothing in the gloom forest. It made him uneasy...his gut instincts were what kept him alive...he tended to listen to them. He turned the mount back around to warn her. At that moment, a pair of long, gnarled hands curled around the trunk of that tree. They were long, almost bony with pale, sickly flesh pulled taut over them. Nails were black and chipped, but no less dangerous looking for it. Soon the owner's head appeared, seeming to come straight out of the side of the tree. Greasy tendrils of hair hung down from that gaunt face...eyes wide and feral, looking at her with an animalistic cunning. It unfurled itself slowly, like a spider coming from its web. It was humanish...but barely skin and flesh...tattered clothes. It crouched low, like a cat, on all fours, chittering in a low, gutteral sound that may have been a language...but not one known to the living. It looked back at her...grinning a wide, wicked grin. Theron went to call out, but that's when another shape peeled from the side...a matching thing that moved with surprising speed...nails showing their danger as they sank into that mount's throat. Crimson blood sprayed like a fountain and the equine, though already dying, reared up and tried to scream...the sound dying in a gurgle of blood even as Theron was sent flying to the ground, catching himself on his shoulder and recovering quickly, rolling to his feet.
Alessia seemed to freeze, all hunger and blood thirsty thoughts thrown aside at the mere sight of those abnormal looking hands. A heavy gasp fled from her lips just as her steed began to panic when the creature showed its face, and soon its entire, decrepit body. It was an ugly, frightening thing...but her attention was soon drawn towards the sounds of hoof beats and death, coming to realize another such creature took out Theron's horse. Confusion overcame her; danger lingered near but the scent of freshly spilled blood, though animal and not human, was pulling at her. The grip on that knife constantly tightened and loosened with her silent struggle before dark eyes were drawn towards the other creature. Lips quivered lightly to speak to Theron, but it seemed to be too much of a task to try to do.
Theron drew both blade and axe, brandishing them down and low to his sides, at the ready to defend against the forthcoming attack from the dark and loathsome creature. The one before her slunk down, crouching on all fours like some obscene frog, head tilted again as it regarded her. Finally, it came at her in a rush....the other heading for the ex-gladiator at the same time. Her assailant too would be making a beeline for her mount, seeking to rip out its throat and take the creature out of the fight before it had a chance to cause mischief or harm. Behind her, Theron and the ghast went down in a tumble of armor and flesh, both living and necrotic.
Snap out of it...Snap out of it! The blood pulled at her senses, silently calling for her to ignore everything else...and if she succumbed to it, well, she'd find yet another dead horse. But she indeed gathered enough strength to ignore her hunger and focus on the very quick attack that was coming her way. If it weren't for the changes in her body, there would have been no way for Alessia to have avoided it...However, as quick as the creature sprang at her, she just as quickly met it half way, pushing off from the saddle and sending the horse off into a run. Both creature and woman collided, her force luckily having been greater to allow gravity to pull and slam the creature onto its back with her on top, brandishing that knife. It stunk of blood and something rather close to decay, making the overwhelming stench nearly cause her to gag while she struggled to keep the sickly thing down and avoid its sharp claws.
Claws scrabbled and rent against that mail that he'd purchased. It was something that Theron was very pleased to have gotten all of a sudden. Those scabrous claws would have left infection, if not worse. He had slipped that axe handle between him and the thing's mouth, narrowly keeping those blackened teeth from reaching his face as they snapped and snarled like some rabid hound. His other hand inverted that blade stabbing into the thing's side. It squealed and cursed at him in its strange tongue, but kept at him even as he twisted. Those green eyes widened in surprise and he finally brought a leg up, using the leverage to roll it over, using the momentum to try and tumble away and get some distance.
In her struggle to keep the creature down, she hadn't given much thought to those claws thrashing about, reaching out to tear skin from her body. Shoulder scathed, she hissed from the burning pain and foolishly gave it an opening to knock her off, sending her rolling until she could rise to one knee. It had too much energy, too much thirst for the kill that it was already upon her before she could react. It was Alessia who found herself skidding back and slammed into a tree from the impact of the charge, leaving her momentarily breathless and in wonderment on how such a gangly thing could pack so much momentum. And she'd feel it again if she didn't move. Inaudible gasp from parted lips, she swiftly moved off to the side as it charged her once more, its mark now the tree and giving her the time to turn and grab a hold on the back of its neck.
Theron managed to get to his feet. His momentum forced him into a half-sidestep half-backpedal, but even that was barely enough as his assailing somehow managed to get back to its feet with that gaping hole in its side and come at him again. The wound was leeching some sort of black, viscous ichor, but it was clear that it wasn't even remotely fatal to the creature as it launch itself bodily at him. Theron swung his arm on instinct straight across his body. His whole arm rocked with the jarring as it struck solidly with the creature's skull, biting deep, but his own elbow was nearly snapped as the body kepy flying forward from inertia. He found himself slammed back to the ground again, creature jerking and writhing above him. Gods, what could kill this thing? He hacked at it with the sword several times before he realized that the thrashings were nerve impulses, firing with that last bit of necromantic fire before shutting down. Grunting, he pushed itself off, looking up to see her with her struggle still ensuing.
It appeared momentarily dazed, but hardly fazed enough as she would have been if she practically ran head first into a tree. It was like this thing was so smart, understood her movements even before she did...yet was dumb all the same. Tightening her grip on its neck and managing to grab one of its flailing arms to keep it from cutting her face, Aless pulled it away from the tree...only to push her body against it and slam it back against the bark. Even still it thrashed, viciously attempting to get at her even if its vision seemed to blur. A deep growl emitted from her throat before it grew into a loud, frustrated cry as she'd attempt to slam it back into the tree once more. Its blood...that vile black stuff made its appearance, more and more as the creature started to give in, and she only grew stronger to continuously slam it against the tree until its skull caved in. Until it'd stop thrashing. Dead or not, she'd stop it and step away quickly, almost stumbling as hands were brought up in front of her. This blood-which to her it was not- actually made her sick...and the real feminine part of her began to panic and become grossed out.
Theron had pushed himself to his feet and came toward her to assist, but it was soon enough apparent that she had things handled...seeing her slam that thing into the tree again and again. He heard when the skull finally snapped, crushing like an egg...saw the ichor splatter out over the bark and her hand. It was dead...it had to be…and she let it drop. Danger averted for the moment, he took a step back to retrieve the axe he'd left in his initial rush to help her. He found himself having to place a boot on its neck, trying to brace it so that the head would release its intruder. It only served to have the whole head tear from that spindly neck. He made a face, sighing tiredly and shaking his head. Wiping his sword clean on the creature's rags, he sheathed it and then took the axe in both hands. He slammed it down hard, forcing the blade straight through the rest of the skull and into the loam beneath, splitting it like a watermelon. Satisfied, he cleaned that off too and then went toward her. It was then that the former gladiator saw that she was beginning to freak out. Slipping the axe into the loop at his belt, he called to her as he neared. "Alessia?"
It wreaked, it was gross, and it was on her hands and most likely had splattered a bit on her clothing. It was disgusting, and she honestly didn't want to smell of it. Perhaps a part of her thought that it would make her all...'grr' again, but it wasn't having any effect on her like the horse's. Hands held out, not completely covered but enough to make her want to wash her hands...and she'd rush over to him with that look on her face that she had done some horrible thing. She just wanted this all to end. It seemed bad things kept on happening, one right after the other. But the guilt slowly disappeared and now she simply looked grossed out...and about to wipe her hands clean on his clothing.
She looked...pathetic really...hands held out like that, her face a mask of perplexion and disgust. She came at him quickly...eating up the distance...but he saw her face change...the gross taking over...and he had a feeling that her hands were now out there for more than just to put as much distance as possible between them and her. They were there ot more quickly reach him. He was right, of course...as she met up with him he would sigh. He shook his head, but wouldn't say anything. He already had that rancid stuff on parts of his clothing and on his boots. His hand came up, cupping the side of her neck, more worried with checking out and ensuring that she was all right. "Did it wound you?"
Look at that, he's such a good sport! Hands mostly freed and dried of that rancid liquid, she cringed in that disgust once more before she was over it. She couldn't help it...sometimes, she still was that baroness of Sendaria, needing her servants to help her. Not that she was suddenly claiming him to be one, but he was be awfully helpful. She refrained from grinning at her own idiocy when she realized it. When he questioned her, she'd lift up her arm to see the few scrapes on her shoulder. "Just a few scratches. Nothing to worry yourself over. You?" She glanced briefly to the dead creature close by before wandering her gaze about in search of the only horse that survived...or so she hoped it had.
"My armor prevented it from marking me... Whatever that thing was...it wasn't normal. We should clean that regardless, and quickly. I don't know what your new...nature..." He danced around calling what she had a curse quite well, didn't he? "will do, but I'd rather it not get infected or have transmitted something vile to you. We need to disinfect it...." Once he was quite finished, he arched a brow at her. "Feeling better, Princess? Shall I have the help launder those immediately?" He let a half-smile curl up the corner of one lip, jesting lightly. The attack was vicious and unexpected. He was happy they'd come out of it with relatively little loss. Thankfully, the other horse was alive...it could be seen...its reins caught in a branch farther down the way.
As he mentioned her...nature...she had given a glance down to her arm, noticing that it already began to heal. That usually would have been something she'd be happy about and perhaps the only thing she'd like about this curse...but it only meant that dark disease was spreading further. Luckily his little quirky remark kept her from panicking once more. Brows furrowed, eyes narrowing dangerously before she shoved forward and into him on her way to over towards the horse. Alessia wanted to get moving again...who knows what the gods had in store for them next.
He paused at the remains of his mount, already cooling along the side of the road. Stripping the saddlebags, he threw them over his shoulder and followed her. This was going to make the journey far more interesting...Reaching and passing her, he came up to the animal. It was pawing and whinnying...obviously still in fright as it jerked its head, trying to get free so it could continue to run from a danger that might not be passed. He set the bags down slowly. holding up his hands and speaking in a low, gentle tone. "Hush now, darling. It's all right. No more monsters. No...all the monsters are gone. Only the evil witch woman...but she won't eat you. I don't think. It's okay, lovely. Shhh....that's it. Calm down." Approaching slowly, he kept himself well in its view, letting it see him come and see that he was no threat. His calming tone and actions eventually granted him the ability to grip the creature's reigns, a hand lightly stroking over the animals quivering jowls as he tried to calm it further. That big head pushed forward, seeking the solace he offered. He clucked at it gently, knickering lightly as he kept patting and stroking it while his other hand untangled the reins. Soon enough it was free...and much less likely to send them flying if they tried to ride her.
Alessia would pause when he passed her to try and calm the horse down, knowing he was probably more able to make it less...frightened. She'd scoff, however, when she heard that comment of his and she would have normally done something if he wasn't busy trying to make sure the horse didn't panic more than it already was. "Keep up with those comments, sweetheart...and sleep with one eye open." She somehow managed to make such simple words like such a death threat but in a joking manner at the same time. When he had calmed the animal, she'd approach and begin to dig into the saddle bags in search of supplies to quickly clean the scrapes she had. She wasn't bothered by them, but he'd probably argue about it anyway, and she felt like avoiding that right now. "We should make it to the main city hopefully within the next day...if we're not stopped again." If she was correct on where they were.
Theron smirked at her, shaking his head. "You need me, Alessia. I wouldn't be here...I would have been on some slave block, if you didn't. You aren't going to harm me." He patted the neck of the horse as it seemed to finally calm down and relax a bit. He smiled a bit more genuinely and then turned back to her, seeing the scrapes that she was currently working on. Taking the medical supplies from her, he proceeded to patch her up, using that warrior's field craft that he still had little idea how he'd learned. He leaned in close to her, inspecting them, frowning slightly...the expression furrowing his dark brows a bit as he concentrated. He looked up into her eyes then, those green hues of his own particularly vibrant. "You need to be more careful. This....ensorcellment or whatever it is that has you in its sway makes you faster and more powerful...but you are not invincible." "You need to be more careful...." He rested his hand lightly upon her forearm, neatly bandaged now and ready for the rigors ahead.
She settled herself down with the supplies to begin that oh-so familiar routine that would hopefully come to an end once this whole situation of hers was solved...either with her death or the count's. A roll of her eyes, she held back a sigh as she'd speak in response to his smart remark, "Don't be so sure...that neck of yours is looking more edible by the day." Again there was that eerie tone behind what might have been a joke. She felt the hunger more now and it would eventually blind her until she could no longer stop herself and prey upon the first one she saw...in which would most likely be Theron. That sigh was finally let out softly when he took the supplies from her and she just sat there in a slump, trying to ignore the throbbing headache that even made her eyes ache and sting severely in the light. It was hard not to flinch. There was nothing she would say, remaining there in silence until he wished to talk again. She watched in admiration...in guilt, knowing everything he wished to know, wished to remember, but she feared she'd be left alone if she let this information slip. And as much as it was probably a better idea that she traveled alone, she was afraid to. Using people was what she did, was what she was apparently good at...Why did this bother her so? Was it the golden-haired princess he was taken from? Her pretty blue eyes and radiant smile was beginning to haunt Alessia and all she wanted to do was claw the woman's face up. Alyandra was everything she knew she would never be, and was only making her feel worse about lying to him about who he was. A gentle cant of her head, she met his eyes when he looked up and didn't bother to shift her attention elsewhere and pretend she hadn't been watching while the guilt twisted her gut. But soon after she'd look down to the new wound on her body. She was surprised she was still intact at this point. "It's hard to care at this point. I push harder and I risk dying...yet if I don't, death has me anyway." Something worse than death actually, as far as she saw it. A light shrug of her shoulders, she'd look away.
"Alessia, you can't think like that. A mindset like that is only going to wind up getting you killed. We have many trials ahead...of that I do not doubt. However, only by remaining firm in the face of this adversity will we overcome it and get what you seek to make you free again." He'd reached up, the roughened pads of those swordsman's fingertips cupping her nape, his thumb pressing beneath the line of her jaw and making her tilt those eyes back up again to look into his own. "We'll get through this. You took me on to help you see it through and I intend for us to do just that." In this moment, the warrior, the soldier that he'd once been was able to show through. That "never quit" attitude and his drive to complete his duty was unmistakable. Regardless of the reasons and manipulations that had gotten him here (those known and those not), he'd pledged himself to her side until this task was complete and it was apparent that he would not waver from seeing it through. He'd caught her when he'd looked up before...seen her staring at him while he worked upon her. The shadow of his beard gave him an almost roguish cast as he gave her a gentler, more playful half-quirk of his lips. His hands just finished the last of her bandages while he looked back into those eyes. "You are stuck with me, Alessia. You'll just have to deal with that."
There was a hardly there grin on her lips, a forced one as she shook her head to his words, mouthing a few things to herself before she eventually said them to him. "Not everyone has the hope you do..." Voice trailed a bit, stopping herself from saying his name. She had to stop worrying about it because it'd eventually cause her to slip...and then it would probably make situations more complicated and he'd know she was lying this entire time. If they survived this ordeal, he'd come to realize that...but she didn't want to lose his trust now. Actually, not never, but it wasn't going to stay this way. She was pulled back from moving away, her attention being forced back upon him. Aless had flinched with his light grasp of her, body stiffening as those dark eyes looked hard at him as though she was ready to snap again. But she'd just force the guilt away and look him straight in the eye. Her features began to soften however, and by the gods...she actually believed him. Perhaps, though in a very small amount, Alessia believed she'd succeed in this crazy journey she found herself on. And she knew she probably wouldn't have gotten this far without him or would have simply given up by now. The light grin that formed was sincere now though her eyes still held that last bit of doubt and fear, the things she clearly hated showing. She purposely shifted her eyes from him to gaze around the area, "Well...good luck to you then. I tend to push people away." Wasn't that the truth. They either died or she screwed them over somehow.
"With your sterling and magnetic personality, M'lady? Perish the thought..." He let the sarcasm drip lightly, though his expression softened its edge into a bemused jest as he looked at her. This woman was frustrating, infuriating at times. He knew she was very secretive and that she knew far more than she was letting on about her situation, his situation, and who knew what else...but she was still his companion...the only one he'd had since he woke up without a name or anything else with which to remember his past. He couldn't well leave her now. Seeing that smile on her face...even if it was faint, was a warming sight. She rarely ever seemed to use that expression honestly. He packed up the rest of the medical supplies and replaced them in the saddle bag. With a foot slipped into the saddle loops, he drew himself effortlessly up and over, onto its back. He patted its neck again to keep it calm before taking up the reins in his free hand. After he was done patting, he held the hand down to her, urging her to join him, prepared to lift her up and in front of him.
He was beginning to become wittier with each passing day it seemed, and to be honest, it didn't bother her like it probably would most people. Maybe because she was full of sarcasm herself and why a lot of people tended to not like her all too much. That and she always lied. It was a bad habit she was having trouble getting out of. Eyes widened in that mocking surprise with a lift of both brows to help add to it, "Indeed, a huge surprise to me." Alessia never had much need to be honest with her words or actions. It was a wonder of the world when it happened and she found reason. Theron was just genuinely a good guy...which in a sense made him very stupid, more so for listening to her and not leaving her to fend for herself. Of course, she wasn't going to complain about that. He was probably the only reason why she kept going and didn't give up like the wimp she wanted to be. A slow approach to the animal, she looked at it as though she was waiting for it to get jittery again before taking a hold of Theron's hand and jumping up into the saddle. They'd reach the main city of Vangard soon, hopefully without anymore interruptions...and then from there, after gathering whatever information they could, would proceed to the dark lands of Kilvania. Her face actually turned pale thinking about it and she couldn't stop herself from wandering her gaze around once more.
Theron slipped his strong arm about Alessia's waist, pulling that slighter, slender frame back into the warmth and solid comfort of his larger frame. Given their size difference, she was practically wrapped up in him as they road. His hand on the reins was more an afterthought than anything else.... She would feel the slight flexing of his thighs along either side of hers as he guided the horse with pressure from his legs. It was yet another one of those talents he'd learned long ago, back before he'd been a slave....when the military life had been all he knew and lived for. He gazed over her shoulder, watching the road continue to pass by with each step of their mount. This close, the throb of blood in the pulse at his throat would be unmistakable...the tang of it scented through his flesh...adding to the masculine scent he already gave, mixed with leather and steel.
Unafraid of him dumping her off on the side of the road, Alessia let herself fall in and out of sleep, having hardly been able to rest ever since this dreaded curse was put on her. Yet even now it haunted her as the sky above darkened with night's approach, whispers of voices ringing softly in her head though she would have sworn it came from around them. It jolted her lightly from her slumber, brown eyes opening to swiftly scan the area as they traveled. Nothing. She saw nothing yet the voices did not cease to call out to her, looking for her...asking her to give in. "No..." The word was faintly muttered from her lips as she straightened her spine to push away from him, as far as the saddle would allow. Her stomach churned, head began to throb again while hands shook violently as she dug her nails into her thighs to control them. Ghostly forms filtered in and out of the trees, empty pools for eyes glaring right at her as they passed. It was all in her head, but to her it was quite real. They were only in Vangard, but the dark land of Kilvania bordered it; Her symptoms were getting worse. A cold sweat, she shivered, grinding her teeth as she fought to stay calm and ignore it all. "Take him...give in...join him..." were the words the emotionless phantoms spoke over and over.
He was a light sleeper normally...but since they'd been moving through these dead lands, they'd been taking turns on watch and the restlessness she felt was even more apparent. He moved his hand from around her waist as she moved away. He didn't know just how this was affecting her…but he could make some assumptions. The roughened pads of his fingertips slipped beneath her hair and pressed to her nape, massaging gently, trying to get her to calm down as she shivered and sweated and acted so strangely. "Alessia?"
Eyelids began to flutter as browns rolled into whites, her vision blurring and she was unable to keep herself upright. But the touch of his hand at the back of her neck brought her to attention, snapping her from that sickly trance...to respond with a fierce elbow to his face. It wasn't enough to knock him off the horse, but the sudden adrenaline screaming in her veins made her turn and shove him off the horse with her, ensuring he landed straight on his back where that small but strong form of hers held him there. Jaws tightened again, those dark eyes now brighter, almost a golden orange hue in their feral nature.
His head snapped back with the force of her blow...dizzying him. That curse gave her a strength that shouldn't be possible in someone her size...then the push came and the ground rushed up fast to knock the wind out of him. He coughed and gasped...wheezing for a breath as she pinned him down...gasping, he looked up at her..."Alessia...?"
Right there. So close. That vein pulsed visibly for her now, calling to that hunger to take it. He went down easy, he wasn't fighting, wasn't trying...too easy...There was a struggle within those eyes as though the mention of her name caused her to remember who she was and the thing she was about to do. But there was extreme pain in her stomach, his scent drawing her in closer to his neck until her staggered breath was felt upon his skin. She was right there, so very close...but she didn't. If he didn't already shove her off, Aless would quickly pull away, scrambling backwards in fright, wanting to get far from him. She began to shiver again, muttering random words in some foreign tongue before curling herself upon the ground, wanting the pain to go away. He smelled so good, would probably taste just as appealing, and she could take him if she wanted...No. "No...no...no..."
He'd still...watching the struggle in her as she seemed to fight against herself. He couldn't imagine what that was like...what she must be going through when it was something within her that was trying to make her give in so. Suddenly he felt her grip slacken as she pulled away...but he reacted instinctively. This didn't seem like something she could get through alone. That hand found the back of her neck, dragging her back toward him as she sought to cower away and suffer by herself. He lifted and held her in his lap as she rocked and muttered, stroking her hair, whispering quietly against her ear...little more than reassuring sounds to help her center herself. Much as he had with the horse, he gently attempted to take her mind off things, to settle and calm her, bringing her back to the present. He let his strength, his size act as a bastion of comfort...a rock she could hide behind and weather this storm. Yes...she had attacked him just moments before...but it wasn't her...he knew it and did not hold it against her. She wasn't used to someone taking the time to look out for her...he was going to give her some. Gently, he tilted her chin up to look into her eyes. "Alessia...look at me...focus on me, little one...take deep breaths and calm down..."
It had never been written, never been described as so painful in stories and books. She simply thought she'd crave blood like she did food; never the severe pain and the delusions that she was suffering from. The more she fought against it, the worse it got, but to not fight it would cause the ultimate suffering. But she wanted to give into it, just let it consume and free her from this nightmare. Then she could runaway and hide herself in a cave to never come out again. Alessia fought against him as he dragged her back, pulling her up onto his lap where she curled against him in that sudden change of mood. Breaths came in soft, hissed puffs of air through clenched teeth in her desperation to calm down, shutting her eyes as they slowly started to change back to their darker brown color. Her shaking would begin to stop, his warmth seeping into her cold flesh and easing the pain that burned in her stomach. Tears stung at her eyes but even in this state, this conwoman refused to allow them to fall. She was showing her weakness enough; to cry would only make it worse. Slender fingers curled and twisted into his shirt, burying her face into his shoulder before he forced her to look at him. That golden hue seemed to still be laced in with the chocolate color of her eyes, but her expression was clearly far from that blood thirsty being she had been for those brief few seconds. "It's going to become impossible...the closer we get, the more control he has." Revan could almost easily get into her mind, slipping into her dreams when she was able to find rest. He was hell bent on making her suffer, reminding her of the deal she made and that slacking was not a good idea. Dark depths seemed to silently plead with him then, a promise lingering on her tongue that she wished to ask of him. No, not yet. To ask such would make her less willing to finish this task and truly strive for her freedom.
"No, you are stronger than that...and I'll be with you..." He looked distantly for a moment...a part of his past hovering up past the depths of his mind and appearing before him...a conversation...an oath made between himself and another on the eve of a seemingly impossible battle. "If you run, I will run with you. If you cannot, then crawl and I will crawl with you. When you cannot do that, do not fear, simply find someone to carry you." He licked his lips...whispering the words. His fingers curled into her hair. He saw the gold in her eyes...but he leaned close, staring into those mostly chocolate depths. "You are strong, Alessia. If you were not...I would not be drawing breath now. If you falter though...if you think you cannot press on, do not fear...for I will carry you and help see this through."
After all this man has been through, whether he remembered most of it or not, he was still very optimistic...or a better liar than she was. Alessia couldn't figure out how, but a part of her actually believed him and clung to that hope, a rarity in itself. He was most definitely making things harder also. How was he so willing to trek across the lands with her, knowing what he was getting into? It was clear she wasn't the best of people though better than she had been since almost sending a kingdom to its doom...And she was lying to him. Alessia had done nothing for him except remove his shackles. Good guys never lasted long. Frankly, they hardly existed. She'd look up into those bright eyes of his, her own changing back to their normal, darker hue while the hunger began to subside and she didn't want to bite down on that neck...too much anyway. Him leaning in close like that left her an opening for many things. Good to know she was still human. She didn't know what to say to his words, only lifted a hand in order to turn his head slowly from side to side to inspect his face for any bruising or cuts. The man could take a hit, that was for sure, even from a little woman like herself. "Thank you...but I am not your burden to bear." There was no giving in. Her mind was set on what she thought of herself...she had the scarred memories to back her up. "Just stay in one piece for me, hmm?"
"You took me on to help you...and I accepted. Therefore, Alessia, you are. And I intend on keeping the both of us in one piece. I wouldn't be much of a sell-sword if I didn't live to cash in the price for my services..." He chuckled lightly. His jaw was going to be stiff and sore for a few days, but nothing he couldn't handle. She hadn't broken anything. His other hand lifted up, lightly closing over her own and drawing it down, giving it a squeeze. "I'm fine. Ye are still a small lass, even with your new strengths. I've taken worse...though you did catch me by surprise."
Alessia almost took offense to that last statement, a slight furrow of her brows indicating so, until she realized...she didn't want to possess the strength to so easily break his jaw. Of course, it might come in handy every now and then, but there was nothing good about this curse. A constant reminder she kept running through her head. "I have many skills...beating a man to a pulp would not be one of them." She tried to smile and prove she was alright, but the pain of her hunger still softly burned, and his closeness was not helping. There was even a chance she might attack their poor horse eventually. She'd try to draw away again and get back up to her feet, clenching her teeth to fight the last bit of that thirst and study where they were. Seemed familiar but she couldn't be quite sure, yet she had a good feeling that the city was close by...Alessia thought she could almost smell the stench of workshops, ale, and everything else.
He let her get up, moving to stand alongside her. His hand moved up, slipping beneath her hair and resting on her nape, fingers pressing into the tense muscles there. They didn't generally show this much familiarity...and he knew that in some ways, his proximity made things harder for her to control. Yet, at the same time, he had the sense that here was a woman who was not used to someone being concerned about her well-being...someone that might need such reassurance now more than ever. "Once we overnight in town and resupply, where will we head next?"
There had been one man, besides her twin, who claimed to be by her side...but it turned out, the conwoman was conned and luckily survived the ordeal. Unlike poor Mordred. His mind was as twisted as his uncle's and she was surprised the prophet and her sister didn't murder him when he first arrived in Sendaria. Aless tensed more upon his touch, preparing to turn from him when he spoke. She knew where they had to go to look for information about this ring...but she had a feeling it would not help too much. "There's a small library in Dreylan...but I don't think it will provide much help for what we're looking for. The mage academy might..." she trailed off, eyes narrowing in concentration. No one but the mages of Vangard and the students attending could enter that building. Not to mention, a few might recognize her, but it would be there that information on a 'magical ring' would be found.
"Then we go to the mage academy." He said it with such finality that one would swear that it was simply an everyday statement, like "It will rain today," or "the sky is blue." He gave her another smile and then headed off to catch up to their wayward horse, who had decided he liked the feel of not having people on his back again.
Yes, because it was going to be as simple as that for them to just waltz right on in. Mouth opened to speak but he was already off in search of that poor animal that seemed desperate to get away. She didn't blame it. Catching up to them, she began to explain, "You're aware that we can't just...walk right on in there, right? And if one recognizes me..."
"You are highly recognizable...we'll just have to coerce some people that they needn't go to the Academy one day and are willing to loan us some clothing to get in." He pondered this as he swung himself back into the saddle and again offered her an arm to help climb up with.
She didn't look too convinced, pondering about it herself as he pulled himself up into the saddle once more. If he was able to convince one or two of those stubborn mages to help them, or anyone associated with them, she'd give him a lot more points to what he's already earned. "Well then...I hope you have the ability to do that. I really do not wish to be behind bars again...and I figure you don't either," she replied, taking his hand to help her up onto the horse's back.
"Something tells me that you would find yourself in far less trouble, Lady Alessia Huntington, if you were to stay behind some bars for a while." He let the bemused jab slip through his lips as he spurred their mount into a canter to take them toward that town at a good pace. He kept one arm around her waist and used the other to "guide" again as they followed that road towards, hopefully, answers.
This time she was actually offended, and she'd lean forward and straighten her back like last time to move from him, though this time without all the crazy whispers from dead people. She even removed his arm from about her waist. Naturally she deserved such a sentence before, but it appeared that while she was actually trying to turn her life around, trouble still found her. "Thanks for pointing out what I've been told a million times before." That city better show up pretty soon.
She found his hands about her waist then...lifting her fairly easily to settle her in a side-saddle position before his hand came up to cup her cheek and make her look at him. "For a woman whose tongue can have more barbs than a demon's pike, you certainly cannot seem to take such very well...even when it was only a jest. Brooding is only going to make the time worse, little one."
She thought she was falling when he shifted her, a hand grasping his shoulder to steady herself before she was once more forced to look at him. Without hesitation that hand of his was swatted away, the infamous glare shot at him, and her reply was quick to be returned, "Do not joke about what is true." He had shared his thoughts on her thieving and everything else, along with so many people before him, but no matter how hard she tried, she went right back to that life...Both from choice and not. A few words were mumbled under her breath as she attempted to steady herself more without his help, turning her attention before them to notice the peek of houses and other buildings beginning to show up in the distance. She sucked in a breath.
He'd found them a room to stay...close enough to the mage's guild for them to make easy surveillance of the place. He would not let her come with him. Indeed, he was quite adamant on this point, making it clear that her known visage made it far too dangerous for her to be gallivanting about in public unnecessarily. Several days had passed, several hours of each spent with him gone doing lord knows what. Today was the longest yet...but just now, the key was heard, sounding in the lock as the bar scraped open. Shouldering his way within, he closed the door behind him, green eyes glinting slightly as he smiled. He'd affected a shadow of a beard across his cheeks, giving the expression an unexpectedly roguish cast as he drew off a sack he carried over his shoulder and set it down on the small table.
Re: Ring of Redemption [log -- closed thread] « Reply #5 on Apr 15, 2008, 12:56am »
She had tried arguing with him about it, even a little every day when he came back...But it wasn't that she disagreed with the point about her being noticeable, more so for the fact that she was getting restless just lingering around that room for about a week. It was almost a cage and she felt like she was becoming claustrophobic and clearly bored. Alessia was lying on the bed, back propped up on the pillows as brown eyes fixated on nothing at all. It was when she heard the noise at the door did she sit up straight and slip off the edge when he entered with something in tow. His grin meant something was accomplished. "Well?" she asked, perhaps a bit too quickly and too excitedly. She wanted to get out of that room already. She knew every nook, every corner, every spot on the wall by now.
From the pack, he pulled out two sets of robes, complete with slippers and other affectations that were common to members of the mage's guild. There were a couple strange leather apparati that one wouldn't immediately begin to make heads or tails of as well...and a bottle with an odd, milky liquid inside that was vaguely the color of a robin's egg. There were also the pendants...the sign, sigil and pass that allowed people into the inner workings of the academy. "I think, Lady Huntington, that I might have our way into the academy."
Heading her way over, she briefly looked through the items he had stolen, bought, however he did it, but fingers instantly picked up one of those pendants to have a closer look. There was a grin of approval for his work. "If I didn't know any better, soldier, you were a thief or conman in your past life." Now this should all go smoothly, yes? Yet when did something ever go smoothly for her...Only so far so good.
"You'd be surprised what a kind word and some good coin will fetch you." He shrugged, taking up the vial in his hand and holding it out to her. "This is to make our trip to the academy easier on you...a potion of polygraph. With it, you can alter your features long enough for us to get in, find what we need, and get out without anyone recognizing you."
Eyes shifted back over to him as he held out the small bottle for her…and she looked at it in disgust. She never did trust these magical concoctions or the mages themselves...She despised magic all together even though this might come in handy. Hand reached out to take the vial as though she were some upper-class woman forced to touch something unclean, and examined the contents. "Just know...if this kills me, you're the first one my ghost comes after." Attention went to the window to judge the time, wondering if they should wait awhile. Regardless, Aless quickly put the vial back down on the table.
"Last I checked, Alessia...death would be a preferable alternative to your current options. The mage is reputable. I prefer blades and steel, that which I can feel and touch too...which is why I bought these...." He picks up the leather items. Upon closer inspection, they prove to be a harness of sorts..something to be worn beneath the robes, allowing quick and simple access to a weapon like a long dagger. "Besides...you are far too striking a woman, Alessia. Even if you were not wanted so, you naturally attract attention. Best to be a bit more...unremarkable."
"It still is...just not by one of them," she stated, her tone serious. She still wondered why Mordred's cousin never killed her. The prophet hadn't seemed all too happy with their last encounter...and now Alessia was standing in the kingdom ruled by that very woman. A cant of her head, she tried to figure out the harness as he held it up before gaze was back on him from his comment, or compliment...she didn't know. She blinked a few times; Alessia didn't know she 'naturally' attracted attention. She knew she did when she was looking for it. She never cared to notice otherwise. "Well then...lets hope this potion makes me blonde, fat, and ugly." There was a small hint of an amused smile that showed then.
"It would certainly make things less complicated." He returned that amused smile. "However, I wouldn't recommend fat...we may need to move swiftly." He moved toward the bedroll he'd spread out along the floor. He'd given her the bed and opted to stay there, on the floor. Taking off his boots, he spread out across it. "Tomorrow there is to be a public function on the east side of the academy. Most of them will be there. If we come in through the West...we should be able to pass through without difficulty."
She turned to follow her gaze on him as he went to lay down, a mock look of shock on her face. "This doesn't make you sound shallow at all," she joked lightly. She wouldn't blame him if he were or not...She probably was, and not to mention every man in the world usually was. Over to the window, she leaned against the sill, nodding to his plan. Seemed he had it all figured out, less work on her part. She always liked it that way. "So...I need to stay put for the rest of today..." Fingers drummed against the wood somewhat obnoxiously, becoming restless already once again...Yet, even though the scene of the small town of Anur wasn't the most beautiful, she could catch a glimpse of the lake and academy nearby. Alessia remembered how much she missed her home, and the sad part was...she wasn't very welcomed in many parts of it because of her brief alliance with Cyprien. The alliance that had been all for nothing because her brother was dead anyway.
"The more weight you carry, the slower you shall be...those are my only considerations. How else you make yourself look is up to you...I just recommend you make it so you do not stand out or draw the stares of would-be admirers quite so much." The fact that he was speaking of this deadpan, much like he would when talking about battle tactics, made it apparent that he truly hadn't been considering where her mind was going. When no response came from her forthright, he looked up and back, seeing her staring out that window. Frowning, he rolled onto his hands and knees and pushed himself to a stand, moving closer. "What is on your mind, Alessia?"
She was silent still, even with his last question, but it was more because she was lost in her own little world, dwelling in the very few, good memories she had. Dark eyes blinked once more, attention swiftly averting to him when she spotted him from the corner of her eye. If the grin had fully shown on her lips, it might've looked embarrassed for a moment. "Sorry...just remembering how much I've missed this place." Anur was the major mining town of jewels and other such lovely items of Vangard, such gems the villagers were never to keep...perhaps this was why Aless grew to be so fond of them. "Right over there," she spoke, pointing out towards the lake, "my family had a little house near the water." It had been lost to a fire, one that she wished not to remember. And with the academy nearby, well...she used to have a couple of run ins with the apprentice mages, creating her dislike for their kind. They were always so full of themselves when they were younger, and some never grew out of that.
He walked up behind her, reaching around to press his palm on the window sill as he looked over her shoulder to the direction she was pointing at. He smiled lightly, rather interested in this sudden divulsion of private memories from this normally very private woman. "I am trying to imagine the breath-taking woman of high society and anger and fit her into a picture of a little, innocent, impressionable girl." He teased her lightly, chuckling a bit to ensure that his tone was taken in its amused intent.
"The high class was all a lie...maybe the innocence too," she spoke lightly, a soft smirk itching at the corners of her lips. Even then she was a trouble maker, but that was all her brother's fault, or so she had often told herself. He had always been the adventurous one, and then as they got older the roles seemed to have reversed. Aless would shift to the side to rest her head against the windowpane. Everything she had was gone; no wonder she was such a screw up now. She had done everything she could to hold onto the last bit of hope she had, but not enough money in the world could save him. Not even her biggest con. Eyes closed briefly and she swallowed hard. Even if she managed to survive this curse placed upon her...would she change her ways? There wasn't anything else she could imagine herself doing, and because of that, she didn't picture herself growing much older either.
He reached out, his hand coming to rest on her shoulder after she'd pressed her temple to that window pane. He had seen the reflection there in the glass...the pain and despair there...the heavy, choking swallow. There was much she was not telling him. In fact, he was certain there were certain parts to their agreement that he was not aware of...but when it came down to it, He had always been weak when it had come to the ailing of a woman in distress. He pulled her back against his chest, bringing his arms around her. There was much he didn't know, didn't understand about this all...but it would all come to pass in time. "I told you, remember our pact. Do not fear or despair... We have our agreement and I will honor it."
There would always be something she wasn't telling him. Frankly, it wasn't his business nor would it ever have to be. The pain that was seen was probably from her own doing, from everything she regretted so deeply, yet it was so difficult despite all of that for her to just stay in one place for more than a month and live normally. It was as if she was afraid to. He wouldn't, couldn't understand. Remember their pact...Yes, and she was lying straight to his face every time she looked at him. At times, all she wanted to do was blurt out that she knew who he was, let any positive ideas he might have had about her quickly diminish. A little uneasy, she allowed him to hold her against him for the time being. "I just want it to end," came the practically whispered reply. She wanted to be freed, wanted to forget all these memories, wanted Theron to know who he was so he could go on with that perfect life he deserved. Aless wasn't sure how long she'd be able to stand this. Another brief moment, she began to weasel her way out of his arms.
"That is not going to happen, Alessia." When she began to squirm out, he turned her around, pushing her back to the window sill, looking directly into her eyes. His tone dipped lower, very serious now. "Listen to me, Alessia. I know you have done bad things, regrettable things. I know you have not been truthful with me on everything, even if I do not know what those lies are. I am no fool, however...and what I am doing now, with and for you...I do it because I want to. Everyone deserves a second chance to be someone else...something better than they were. Even you. I'm going to help get you that chance." His fingers came up, roughened pads cupping her chin. "I need you to stop feeling sorry for yourself...stop thinking you don't deserve the chance. If you let yourself strive for it....who knows who you might meet when you look into that mirror.”
Alessia was just going to clearly ignore his first words, bury herself under the covers and sleep until tomorrow...but she was pulled and forced back against the window where she seemed to shrivel up but glared back at him. She came close to snapping her teeth at his fingers when he ceased her chin. "I wish I was as lucky as you to have forgotten everything." Those words she shot back at him, she suddenly wished she could take back. It would have been fortunate to her, yes, but not for him. Her jaw tensed again and she became uneasy once more, turning her gaze away. "Tell me how I should think I deserve anything better when all I see is what I've done, the faces I've hurt whenever I shut my eyes. Please tell me how!" Her voice had risen, laced with her anger yet disgust at herself before swiping his hand from her face.
His wrist twisted, gripping her own and pulling it back and down, pinning it to her side. He let her rant and waited until she had finished to speak his peace. "Because you CARE about what you did....because it hurts and shames you. Whoever you were then...whatever you've done in the past...it doesn't have to be who you are now or what you will do. Change...be better...learn from the mistakes you made so you don't repeat them. Stop being a coward and victimizing yourself.. THAT'S how." His voice only rose two times, carefully and harshly punctuating his words as he parried and counter-struck her words.
Oh, she didn't like how harsh his voice got, and it almost made her not pay attention to them. But she lingered on the one thing he used to call her- Coward. All she thought about were the faces at Storms Keep, those that had been unfortunate and unable to get away. She had done everything and anything she could think of to avoid what occurred, and it did nothing. She had set up the slaughter and now it was coming back to haunt her. Revan made sure of it. Anger rose, body shaking from the images she remembered, the sound of the count's laughter echoing in her head, and she lashed out at Theron. No nails, no fist, just the normal way any woman would react in this situation- a nice smack across his face with her palm. For once, she had no words to go with it, maybe because she knew he was right but naturally wasn't going to express that. Her reaction was more defensive than anything. She would not deal with anyone raising their voice at her. She never could.
His head snapped to the side as she slapped him, his free hand coming up to grasp that wrist too and drag it down behind her along with the other one. He looked back at her...but of all things, he smiled, the corner of his lip drawing up as he regarded her. He worked his jaw a bit, loosening it up after her strike. The green eyes were vivid, staring into her. "That's much better, Alessia. Keep that, use that when you want to give up." His eyes dipped and the sensei lost some of that teacher's fire, looking down at those lips. She really was striking...clearing his throat.
Alessia hated herself for liking that smile that curled his lips...then again, she hated that he somehow found humor in this all, or whatever he was smiling about. If he hadn't restricted her arm movement, she might've tried to slap it off again. Maybe even knock those pretty eyes from his head. She noticed the slight lower of his gaze, and a snarl would greet them. "Don't even..." she muttered, trailing off as she shoved against him to try and break herself free for probably the third time. The bloody nerve of this man!
"I wouldn't, Alessia. You've traveled enough with me that you should know that by now. You are pleasant to look upon, but I do not think I make a habit of forcing women with no interest in me." He let her go, though his palms cupped her cheeks as he looked into those eyes. "If we are going to accomplish this, you need to stop hindering yourself. You need to fight, regardless, or this entire journey is for naught." He pulled himself away, reaching up to comb his fingers through his hair as his back now faced her.
"Then stop looking at me..." she instantly replied after his first statement, words hissing through clenched teeth. She couldn't have any interest in this man, knowing all about him and the former princess of Sendaria. If she didn't have enough guilt on her shoulders, all she needed was to be a fool and have more weight added on. She was a fool last time with Mordred- she believed she learned her lesson. Given her freedom for but a second, he cupped her cheeks and she was looking back up into those bright eyes...calming in that moment. Yet when he pulled away, she decided to assist him with a light shove, turning herself away as he had. Silence befell them and it would seem like that was the end of it...but then came her voice, an almost vulnerable whisper that would not remain for long, "I'm trying...I am."
He moved forward a step at her shove, shaking his head. There was still fire and spirit in this woman, even if she didn't think so in herself. He just had to keep her that way...keep her fighting so that she wouldn't give into despair. If she did...whatever had a grip on her would take control and consume her. He would not let that happen. The woman could be frustrating to no end, but she deserved a chance at something better, something more. "Good. There should be some food being brought up soon. I've already eaten, but I hope you'll find it to your liking. We should get some good rest tonight...tomorrow will be a very busy day." He padded back towards that sleeping spot that he'd set up, laying out upon it once again.
Alessia said nothing for minutes after, keeping her gaze away while she let the many, random thoughts just run around in her head. Nothing was said in response to the food, but a knock at the door startled her and brought her from that light trance. Hesitation, Aless would finally walk over to open the door just an inch, peering out to see a servant with a tray of food. "Just leave it there, please..." The girl nodded, placed the tray on the floor, then left...Only after a few seconds would she open the door enough to pull the tray inside. Alessia would spend the next half hour trying to eat something, even if it was a small amount...but she wasn't very hungry though she hadn't eaten much lately. To her fright, the food was beginning to lose its flavor. A tight control on her actions, she kept herself from flinging it across the room in her frustration, now needing more than a single glass of wine. A heavy sigh, one that seemed to have a bit of a growl, she sat herself at the edge of the bed, opposite to where he lied on the floor. Tomorrow could not come any sooner.
A restless night for her...but restful for him. That old soldier's trick stayed with him...allowing him to fall asleep almost anywhere at any time. It was light, but restful...and no doubt an envy to the woman that shared the room with him. He was up early, going through their equipment, sorting out things they might need. He would keep his regular garments on...at least the tunic and breeches, underneath the robes. It would make it a bit hotter, but in the event they were chased, it would make things much easier and allow them to possibly elude the pursuit with a sudden change in attire. Draped in those robes, he cinched the belt around his waist and drew the hood up, shadowing his features.
Oh, she had been quite envious. When she woke up for the third time, she crawled over to the other side of the bed to look down at him, glaring at him in his peaceful sleep as though that was going to make her feel better. Eventually she crashed there, arm dangling over the side and she was so out of it that she hadn't heard him when he woke. It was when the sunlight finally crept in through the window and onto her face did she begin to stir, moaning in annoyance as she rolled away from the brightness before opening her eyes. Squinted, they searched the room before they found him, already prepared to go. Well...nice of him to wake her up.
"I'm glad you finally found some sleep, Alessia, even if it was in a rather...amusing position." He chuckled a bit...though his words belied the fact that he had been awake for at least some of the night while she tossed and turned. It was a light, wary sleep, after all. Moving closer, he knelt in front of her, tilting his head to the side slightly. "You looked as though you needed it, however...so I felt it best to let you wake naturally."
She must have been tossing and turning a lot because she found herself somewhat wrapped up in the blanket. Eyes blinked to try and rid herself of the sleepiness that still remained as she sat up fully, frowning down at him when he knelt there. She felt like crap, probably looked so sleep deprived...Hey, maybe she didn't need to drink that disgusting potion now. Though having slept her body seemed to ache. Guess she could never win. "I probably still look like it," she commented lightly before taking her time to crawl out of the bed, slowly making her way to the robe left for her and other items. Like him, she kept her clothing underneath, though only the long tunic in case the robe needed to be discarded at some point if they were in a hurry...which she truly hoped they would not be.
"Hmm...perhaps you are right and you should use the potion to improve your looks instead of downgrade them." He seemed entirely too chipper and amused with himself...which was probably going to annoy her to no end. Moving to the window, he looked outside to see the flow of people in the street below. Even from here he could see some of the preparations that had been made on the far side of the academy for this gathering today. It wouldn't be long before the time was upon them.
That wasn't very nice. Dark eyes went wide and she grabbed the nearest thing near her, being an apple, and chucked it in his general direction. Curses and other not very nice things were muttered under her breath as she finished getting ready...then looked down at that vial for a long minute. A few minutes actually. With a sigh, she'd finally pick it up and uncork it...and down the liquid as fast as she could. She was right, it was revolting and she nearly gagged on it before supporting herself at the edge of the table. Those alluring looks of hers began to change, slowly at first before it went swiftly. Dark tresses, inch by inch began to turn to gold, features sharpening and aging her by ten years or so...even brown eyes turned to green, much like his own, and yet they still seemed to carry the emotions within them that were always there. The only thing that remained the same was her voice, which oddly enough seemed to fit this new appearance. She gritted her teeth until the awful taste in her mouth went away.
He ducked her projectile, chuckling a bit. "You should be more careful what you say if you cannot handle people agreeing with you." He moved back towards her as she pondered the vial and, after those long moments, took a drink. His arms crossed over his chest as he regarded her critically, watching the way her features changed and molded before him. He quirked a brow at her when she was finished, still wearing that gritting mask of distaste over its flavor. Looking her over critically, he nodded. "I would never expect it to be you. I wouldn't call it an improvement...but for this task, it will be much better."
Those now bright eyes lifted to look at him, narrowing on him as they always seemed to now. Holding back from spitting, she swallowed with a cringe before throwing her words back at him, giving an almost look of surprise that it didn't seem like an improvement, "But I'm blonde!" A childish cringe she spoke again, placing the pendant around her neck. "We better get moving...it'll take a few minutes to get there and I don't know how long this spell will last."
"It doesn't suit you..." Came his reply before he tilted his head and looked at her funny. He nodded at her words, moving with her to the door and even opening it for her. He didn't say anything for a long moment, waiting until they were in the street to ask his question. "Why would it matter that you were blonde. You make it sound as though I would have a preference for such..."
"That's the point, isn't it?" she asked in confusion before moving to the door. Into the most graceful and somewhat snobby stance she could put on, she'd leave the room and out the inn where her gaze would move to him with his question. She felt herself turn pale. Had she accidentally make it sound that way? Ever the actress, she turned her eyes before her then responded, "I haven't a care what your preference is...I just think blondes tend to have no sense at all and aren't as..." She paused to find a word but instead made a simple gesture of her hand to get her point across. "Yet, somehow in fairytales, the princesses always have light hair. I never understood that." Now she was beginning to ramble.
He quirked his brow at her as she "explained" herself. It was clear that he did not believe her words, despite her talents...and one would certainly expect him to say something. Yet he did not. He simply nodded his head, made a noncommittal sound, and turned back towards their direction of travel. "Perhaps it is because princesses are seen as wealthy...with much gold...and it is simply an allusion to their status." He'd crossed his arms in front of him, sliding his hands over his forearms, the whole hidden by those large sleeves. "I do not know if I would have a preference..."
Alessia technically wasn't lying to him...just not saying everything, which was always the case with her. He'd probably always not believe her, or at least not fully anyway. A scoff at his idea with the hair nonsense, she'd look back to him. "I don't very much think men choose women by hair color..." And she could name a few other things that might help such a choice, things she wasn't going to list right now because she was supposed to be a proper and sophisticated lady. As they got closer and closer to the academy, her steps slowed but a little though nothing noticeable except perhaps to him, having been walking beside her the whole time. If she believed the gods cared for her, she might've prayed and asked for their help.
And she would find his hand moving to the small of her back, resting there and providing her with a gentle push to keep her on the path toward her objective. The change in pace was subtle, but noticeable to him and he let that hand be a gentle bit of reassurance. Even if the gods weren't there for her at the moment, she would at least know that he was. This side of the academy was almost deserted as the goings on began around the other side. There were a pair of robed guards flanking the entrance on this side. He set his jaw and continued forward. If one looked like they had a purpose and were wearing the proper attire...more often than not they slipped through unmolested. Let us see how well it worked this time.
It was a small bit of reassurance, but it was enough...Enough to keep her walking and right on through the guarded doorway, not even paying the two men any mind. So far, so good but her breathing wasn't getting any calmer. A brief pause in step after moving out of the doorway and from view of anyone outside or the guards stationed, she tried to remember which way the library was, having not been in the place in years. The third level was all she remembered, but that shouldn't make things too difficult, right? A turn, she continued unless he knew a faster way...After all, he had been conversing with someone from this place.
He did not...after all, he had not been let in very far and only for a short time. His "dealings" had occurred outside the academy's walls. Therefore, he was still when she paused to get her bearings...his eyes moving around, taking in the place, noting possible avenues of approach and exit...just generally keeping watch around them so she could focus on concentrating and getting them where they needed to go. He was fairly bemused that they had gotten even this far so smoothly. He hoped that their luck held out. After a moment, however, he did verbally prod her, albeit gently. "Whenever you are ready, little one." Loitering about and being seen would certainly arouse suspicion.
Sighing heavily, she didn't look to him as he spoke to her, busying herself in trying to remember if they were on the right track, as well as try to not look like she was in a hurry...which they were. "I'm working on it..." she whispered back. A few curious glances were sent their way, perhaps being noted as unfamiliar, but the other mages didn't seem to make an attempt to question them just yet. Finding the flight of stairs, she'd begin the climb to the third floor...which they would come to find had a few more people lingering about. Not too many, but enough to bother her. A right was made down the hall before a turn to the left. Alessia was pretty sure the library was just down at the end of the hall...at least she hoped.
Theron followed alongside...or nearly so. He was half a step behind, affecting the look of a student following their mentor. He'd been quick to pick up on that trend while watching the people here in his brief interlude yesterday. As they walked down the hall, they happened into the very mage he'd been speaking with yesterday. She was young...past the stage of being an acolyte, but not quite yet a full-fledged magus. She looked surprised for a moment, then walked over...which was fortunate. A far more wizened man had taken note of the pair and had begun to walk forward with grave purpose. The younger mage's approach and familiar greeting, however, brought him pause. Long, dark brown hair hung down past the woman's shoulders, framing a pale and exquisite face. She had clear blue eyes, almost reaching a grey that she fixed upon Theron excitedly. A hand came to rest upon his arm as she spoke with soft earnestness. "You did not say that you would be coming so soon..." She looked over to Alessia from foot to crown. "You are right...she does look as though she is aging right before our eyes. The library is to your left, however. You will find the section on curses and dark arts in the back...do hurry, however...the senior Magi are agitated about today for some reason ..." Theron smiled at her thankfully and nodded, about to say something before she spoke again. "Will we still meet, Malinder?" Nodding, he gave her a wink and a smile, which made her laugh before she turned away and left. Silently, he guided Alessia in the indicated direction.
She felt eyes upon them, obviously beginning to make her more uneasy and she worried if maybe the spell was wearing off...But the approach of the young female made it clear that was not so, yet she felt somewhat...ugly now. A quick side glance to Theron in anything but amusement, her new green eyes widened with a parting of her lips, about to say something smart in response to the girl's words but figured it best to shut up for once. She just huffed instead, soon lead away from the lingering eyes and further down the hall. When they were far enough out of reach and about to enter the library, Aless repeated the mage's last words in an annoying, mocking mumble, "Will we still meet, Malinder?" Another glance to him. "What is she...ten?!" she said in a raised whisper. Alright, perhaps not that young, but it got her point across.
"Twenty-two, actually...and a rather accomplished evocationist and illusionist. She can paint the world around you and make it seem as though it was real, so much that your senses cannot tell the difference. It's almost like art. You needed a way in...I found one. I hate lying to her, but I am hoping we'll be out of the city by tonight." He found himself justifying himself as though he was trying to explain things to a lover. Frowning suddenly at THAT thought, he paused, taking her hand in his and turning her back around to face him. "I figured that you might be proud, Alessia...I used a page out of your bag of tricks and was successful. But you sound like a jealous lover."
As he began to say such lovely words about the charming, young woman as she appeared to be, Alessia pretended to be very uninterested. It bothered her for whatever reason but still at the same time she was intent on finding what they needed and getting out as fast as possible. She'd just roll her eyes as she headed towards the back of the library in a swift yet casual sort of way...until he stopped her and did what he often did- turned her to face him. There seriously was no time for this so she had to dismiss it quickly. She let a sly smirk find those unusual thin lips of this fake visage, "Hardly, Malinder." She used his fake name. "I am proud...just didn't think you would stoop so low as to prostitute yourself." Proud of her response, hand twisted to take a hold of his and pull him along towards the back of this large room. They were in search for anything about this...ring Revan had spoken of. He hadn't given much information except for the name of it and the place where it was hidden.
"You would be surprised what lengths one is willing to go to for a friend." Was his reply as he allowed himself to be led along, finally disappearing into shelves upon shelves of books speaking of dark magick and the occult. Idly, he toyed with a ring of black, shining metal about his finger, looking around them nervously. The very air at this part of the library seemed heavy and oppressive. He finally drew his touch from hers as he began to search. During their travels, he'd managed to get a little information out from her, including the name...so he began by searching through the name in an area that seemed to specialize in supernatural creatures.
"Don't I know it..." she said to herself before they departed in search of anything helpful. She never actually conned to help anybody but herself...Since it hadn't worked to save her brother, she's been taking the rather selfish route. Even now. Fingertips brushed against book spine after book spine, some taken out to be leafed through, only to be placed back. The dark aura of this area hardly bothered her at all, perhaps because she was so used to such...feelings by now. Minutes passed with no luck, and her heart would not stop pounding in her chest, making her more nervous by the second. However, she happened upon luck and found a leather bound tome sitting there in its dusty spot on the shelf. Green eyes gave it a look through, coming to find the exact thing they needed and she nearly called out for Theron. Yet she would keep her calm, of course. Turning to go find him, her path was blocked by a youth of no more than six years old, dressed in his little brown robe and looking up at her with those large, curious eyes. Brows furrowed together, not knowing what to do or what to say because frankly children annoyed her...but when the child's head canted to the side and he pointed to her, Alessia knew something was wrong. Grabbing at her hair to examine it, she noticed the slow disappearance of that blonde hair back into dark brown. Not good. Desperate, she moved passed the kid in search of her companion. "Mal...?"
Theron had crouched down, examining some promising books about vampires when he heard the questioning voice. He'd forgotten the name he'd given himself, but he recognized her voice well enough and the certain hint of desperation in the tone put him on edge. He stood from that crouch, looking around just as she came around the corner. It was all too apparent what the problem was as he watched her green eyes begin turning darker. What had the girl said? "Polymorphing is more transfiguration than illusion..." He muttered to himself. Apparently she knew what she was talking about more than she knew about brewing the potion. He closed the distance between them. "Keep your hood up...did you have any luck?"
Drawing her hood up, she seemed a little calmer...though she'd probably receive more curious glances now that she was hiding her face. "Yes I did...let's go," she replied in a hurry. Alessia held the book to her chest, not sure the mages were allowed to take the books from the library...but she'd have to break that rule. A turn, she began to head out, feeling wobbly in her steps as her body began to shape back to her normal curves...and that child was standing there again but this time company, what looked to be his father or teacher, was slowly coming up behind him to inspect what this was all about. The brat appeared to know something...or smelled her fear. Yes, he smelled her worry, that tiny empathetic spawn of trouble! That little gremlin from the underworld. She nearly hissed at the child while he pointed again. "Look pa," he said in that innocent voice, "she's doing magick!" It was then Alessia noticed her hair was sticking clearly out of her hood, the last bit of her change taking place right in front of the very people she was to deceive. She cursed.
Well, thankfully, Theron had managed to get the woman to procure one last item for him. He reached out and took her hand in his as he concentrated upon that ring he was wearing. A pulse was released suddenly, radiating out from them both. The man and the boy crumpled to the ground...seemingly dead until the little child let out a small, light snore. The academy would have wards however, alerting others when magick was used in unsanctioned areas. Everyone in a good radius around them on this floor was unconscious now from the spell...but that was hardly anyone...or everyone. More would be coming...and soon. "We have to move...now."
Those now odd hazel eyes, almost finished turning to brown, widened at what Theron was able to accomplish since she was unaware of the ring he was wearing. She thought they were dead, he thought he had killed them...killed a child. Granted, she wanted to kick the poor thing for ratting her out, but this...? Alessia let out a breath of relief when she heard the snore- They were sleeping. Nice trick, but how'd he do it? She turned to ask him but realized that it wasn't the best of times. "Don't have to ask me twice, sweetheart," she muttered before sprinting towards the exit of the room, the last bit of changes coming over her and that hood just wouldn't stay on from her run. Didn't matter...so far, those around them were dead in their sleep, yet that would only remain like that for a moment. They could hear the voices of others and their steps coming from both ends of the hall.
He was right on her heels as she sprinted...his longer strides making it easy to keep up. Reaching under his robes, he drew out his dagger, holding it with the blade resting against his forearm. It was more for intimidation than anything...he didn't want to hurt anyone here...but that ring was a one-trick pony and was useless to them now. One was closer than expected...as evidenced by Theron running into him as he came out of the door ahead of Alessia to help her protect the precious book she had. The man was smaller and lighter than Theron, however, so he got the worst end of the deal...almost bowled over...yet another reason he'd chosen to carry the blade so...he might have wound up stabbing the man otherwise.
The somewhat heavy robe kept her from running at her full speed, clutching that book to her body as though it was a matter of life or death...Actually, in a sense, that was true, yes? Skidding to a halt as the mage came forth from the door, he was nearly knocked off by Theron's weight and pushed back a few steps. A growl, Alessia ran forward again, shoving her shoulder into the man to once more throw him off balance and give them a few seconds lead...yet coming down that hall was a small group of alarmed guards and a mages, and Alessia quickly turned on back around to attempt an escape elsewhere, all the while muttering curses to herself as she managed to keep a hold on the book and remove that robe...there was no use for it now, and it was only slowing her down. How on earth did they even move in those things?
As Theron passed by the man he swept his feet out from under him and gave him a "push" to assist him down to the ground. The man hit hard, the wind knocked from him. He wouldn't be getting up soon. Shrugging out of his robes as well, he was able to turn back around as she went past him in the other direction. They rounded the corner and then another...the sound of pursuit on their heels. "I hope you remember this place better than you think you do, Alessia. We need to get out of here...now."
The word 'damn-it' filtered from her lips several times as she stopped again, looking back and forth between both ends of the hall before approaching the window in front of them. Below was a drop to the lake and you can bet she's jumped into it before...just not from the third floor. That wasn't very high but she wasn't fond of heights...at all. Aless wasn't afraid of ruining the book, the reason they risked this all in the first place, because she knew magick seals were put on the tomes in order to protect them from flood and fire or any other damage since they were so valuable. Perhaps it was time to test that. "Then we swim." Her voice made it seem like she wasn't so sure, but it was a quick way out and they wouldn't be able to dodge and run into people for too much longer. However, Alessia wasn't going to jump until he did...kind of like a reassurance that she wasn't going to be the only fool.
He'd fallen a few steps behind her, automatically shifting into a warding position to better protect her from anything that might come from behind them. When she stopped in indecision and moved towards the window, he pivoted around to watch behind them. He heard her words just as that group of guards and the magi turned the corner. He could see light building up in the man's hands...it didn't look inviting. Turning on his heel, he sprinted to her, scooping her slight frame up with barely a pause before he leapt. His body turned and he threw his arm around her head to protect her eyes and face from the debris as his shoulder turned into the windowpane and shattered it before they both careened out into open space and dropped toward the waters below. It wasn't a moment too soon either, as a flash of lightning arced through the space their bodies had just been in...the stink of ozone ripe in the noses before they plunged down into the depths.
Despite it being her idea, Alessia wasn't at all ready for it. Concentrating too much on getting the courage to jump, she wasn't paying too much attention to what was going on behind her...but that's what Theron was there for and she knew he was always on alert. More alert than she figured and soon she was swept up and watching the brightness of outside come closer as they crashed through the window and into the water below. She held that book in between them, not daring to let it go no matter what, even as she screamed in her childish fright before it was muffled and stopped by the cold lake. For a moment she was still before legs and free arm kicked and pulled her towards the surface of the water where she'd take in a heavy gasp of air.
He was lucky...that thick tunic managed to deflect most of the impact...though there was a shard that embedded itself in his shoulder. The pain from that was quickly numbed by the chill of the water, however. He found himself kicking to the surface as well, shaking his face to clear it as he looked for her...seeing her splashing about and gasping for air. Swimming towards her, he looped an arm about her waist. "Come on...we don't have time to waste!" A look up he saw the astonished expressions of those guards as they looked through the ruined window, but two already disappeared to find a stairway to take them to the ground floor.
She frantically tried to push away the wet strands of hair that plastered to her face, clearing her view just in time to see him approach her and begin tugging her through the water. A glance back, she spotted the guards peering out in their astonishment and that made a proud grin flash across her face. There was no more time for celebration, however, because more than likely the entire academy had been alerted and were on their way to greet them when they made it to shore. Still holding that book, Alessia struggled a bit, but managed to swim still at a decent pace and with Theron's help. She heard the guards' voices in the distance, knowing they had been spotted and were on their way. Even through this and as they reached shallow enough water where she was able to walk, Aless managed to spat out a few words, "So much for your darling mage's potion. Hardly lasted ten minutes!"
"It's the gods taking penance for my falsehood to her...and she said she was not the best at transfiguration." He shrugged. "I don't think we'll be able to stick around for dinner at any rate, so I suppose we both lost out. At least you got the book." He smiled back to her...taking her ribbing good-naturedly as he gripped her hand and led her on into the alleys. Right now they were far too noticeable...being sodden and all. They needed to get out of immediate sight so they could get back to the room.
"So much to learn..." came her reply, laced with a grin so it wasn't a jab at his 'mistake'. You dealt with what you were given...She definitely knew that. Wasn't his fault the girl wasn't very good yet. Running alongside him, she'd stop and rest against the wall when they got into the alley, trying to catch her breath as she stifled her laughter, holding the book up in triumph. Despite it all, it had been rather amusing. Yet she'd come to a slow pause, lifting her eyes to him and instantly to his injured shoulder; the scent of blood becoming a little clearer with the passing seconds. "You're bleeding..." Normally she would have gone to him, but she held herself back for right now.
With the adrenalin and the rush to get away, he'd forgotten about the shoulder. Now, as he stood there, panting, he put his hand against the wall near her and that was when the pain was felt again. Reaching with his other arm, he winced, feeling the piece of glass there. Gritting his teeth, he pulled it out, hissing softly. "Just a piece of glass, nothing to fret over needlessly.” Despite himself and the quest that they'd just accomplished...he was a bit slow in remembering just what the presence of that blood would mean for her.
It may not have affected her too much normally, but with her current struggles and the exciting wave of adrenaline rushing in her, it was hard to keep her heart from thumping. It echoed in her ears, loud enough that she thought he'd even be able to hear it as well as anyone nearby. Aless almost inched closer, but kept herself where she was, drawing her bottom lip between teeth to pull her thoughts away. She heard the guards again, but they didn't appear to know where they had gone. The alley would only stay their safe hideaway for so long unless the men completely passed by them. As if she expected him to know her thoughts, she asked in a whisper, "What do you think?" Her gaze lingering on the entrance of the alley, listening intently.
"We'll stay here for a minute, let them pass, and then cross the street to the next alley...repeating until we get back to the inn." His eyes watched her, seeing the struggle in her features as she bit her lip and willed herself to stay strong. He smiled slightly. She did have strength. He brushed a lock of her sodden hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ear. "You did well...that was some very quick thinking...with the window."
Alessia nodded in agreement before she held her breath. He always seemed to touch her every single time she attempted to ignore his presence, as though he was begging to have his throat ripped out. She closed her eyes briefly, turning her head towards him before they opened. Her soft expression turned into looking like he said something weird. "Any cornered fox goes straight for the closest exit, no matter what it is." She almost shuddered from the thought, the fact that she jumped from that height...Well, actually, he kind of made her. It wasn't quite spring yet, so the air was still chilly and made the remembrance of it suddenly worse. "Wasn't my first time though," she commented, a faint itch of a grin on her lips.
"For some reason, I find myself less than surprised." He quirked a smile slightly, his hand slipping down and into her own, pacing toward the other exit and peering out. The street was fairly empty. Nodding to himself, he walked with her. He didn't walk too fast...forcing them to keep a regular pace. From a distance, it would be hard to tell they were soaked to the bone...but it would be easy to raise suspicions if they ran.
All she wanted to do was run. Not from fear but just because of the energy she suddenly had, the relief that overcame her with their achievement...But she'd keep in pace with him, acting normal even if they were walking along the road soaken wet in the cold weather. People might just think they were crazy and nothing else. The guards drew closer, just about to cross over the road they walked on before Alessia fisted fingers into Theron's shirt to spin him around. Shoving him back, he was pressed against the closest building as she rested against him, shielding them in the small alcove by the door, just in time to be missed by the guards as they moved on to the next small street adjacent. Arching her back a little, she would peer around the side to make sure they were gone. Seems that her hearing was improving.
Well, that was certainly an unexpected action...but he was quick on the uptake, his arm sliding low about her waist, pulling her hips tight to his while his hand slid up, curling in her hair and cupping the back of her neck as though they were two lovers that just couldn't quite make it back to their room. With the book there, between them...it provided a small modicum of space at least. His head dipped down, mouth brushing against her ear as he looked around them through half-veiled eyes, spotting the guards they'd almost ran into. This close, she would realize her face was so very near that injured shoulder.
Alessia didn't quite expect him to react so...expertly, in a sense. Again, it was like he was used to this sort of thing...Stealing from dangerous mages, killing dark creatures, handling an almost-vampire-fledgling. It was becoming to be all in a day’s work. She couldn't hold back the sly smirk that crept its way onto her lips, though knowing he could not see it made it easier to give into, and she had been damn near ready to believe he was going to kiss her. She had shut her eyes and stopped breathing once again, listening and waiting for the guards to be a distance away before she lifted her chin, cheek brushing against his as she took in the scent of him and the bleeding cut on his shoulder. Very bad mixture, very bad position to be in. A shudder of her body, breathing staggered softly when lips moved to his ear. "Please let go..." she whispered, her tone desperate and holding a bit of fear as her hand spoke otherwise...traveling up the side of his body and would very gently brush against his wounded shoulder.
He had always been able to adapt quickly...it was part of what had made him so successful as a military man. It had helped him survive the captivity and danger of fighting in the gladiatorial games. It had been pivotal in so much of his life...yet he knew none of it. Even now, he was reacting to this whole situation out of instinct. He felt the brush of her cheek against the rough shadow on his own...was aware of the shudder that wracked her tender frame. He heard the rasp in her voice as she pleaded so gently against his ear and he hissed gently when her touch stroked over that hurt flesh. The hand in her hair stroked its thumb along the underside of her jaw, tilting those tender features up to look at him. He found himself looking at those lips again. What was he thinking? He'd spent far too long alone on the road with her. It was his turn to swallow and then....his touch loosened upon her....giving her the option she was asking for.
It was impossible to breath anymore. She'd hold it then let it out in jagged breaths, only making it more difficult...It only worsened when he turned her face up to look at him. It was as though he was looking down at a completely different woman, or rather one that didn't make an appearance too often- Fragile, worried...vulnerable. She could feel the warmth of his blood on her fingertips but it was his gaze that made this all hard to deal with. Lucky for her, he was willing to give her that freedom before she did anything stupid...or horrible. With him, she'd do both at the same time. Quickly stepping back and away from him when his hold on her loosened, she watched him in that soft confusion, clutching that book to her so tightly her knuckles were turning white...and then she briskly began to walk off, lost, but in desperate search for the inn they had been staying in.
He blinked as well as she moved away. Shaking his head, he ran his fingertips through that dark mane again, sighing. This trip was getting more complicated...and while he was certain that letting her go was the right choice, much like her, there was turmoil of what made sense and what felt right. He followed her, reaching out and looping an arm about her waist when she tried to go farther down the street instead of through the alley that would lead them to their inn. He kept his eyes ahead as they reached the other end...their inn finally in sight. Giving her a smile, he chuckled. "I claim first rights to a hot bath..."
She must be feeling very, very vulnerable to be losing her mind over that idiot. That's what happened when you spend too much time with just one person...And it wasn't fair. She claimed she was simply deprived and the thirst was driving her crazy and craving for that neck of his. A light gasp, she was startled lightly when he grabbed her around the waist to lead her in the right direction. Oops. The guilt that was weighing her down finally subsided when he spoke and spotted the inn in the distance. "Nice try." She shoved him to the side before taking off to try and beat him there.
He gave chase as she takes off for the inn...the pair of them not being discrete at all as they tumbled into the main room and bolted for the stairs. This actually worked in their favor for once, however...as them seeming to frolic so made them less suspicious while keeping people from eyeing her too much. She'd almost reached the door when he scooped her up, pinning her back against it, book and all above her head. He laughed, actually laughed as he kept her there prisoner. "Chivalry only gets you so much, Alessia."
It was rather amusing; the two of them running like children into the inn and it made her forget the burning in her stomach from the scent of blood...and other things. And she actually laughed for once, amused with it all before she was pinned to the door. She spoke between catching her breath and light chuckles, "Alright, alright...You win this once." She actually cringed at that but was a bit too tired to even care right now. All day, everything had been such a rush.
Fishing out the key (thankfully they hadn't lost it in their plunge to the water), he unlocked the door and let her inside, then himself. Securing it behind them, he began to peel off that sodden tunic as he made his way toward the screened area of the room, where the tub rested. A miracle of design (and more than a bit of help from the academy, who liked to send important guests there), the inn had a pipe system allowing hot water to be sent into the rooms and into the tubs. In hindsight, Theron thought that he'd been rather fortunate to have picked this place, especially now. Before he slipped past the screen and out of sight, the expanse of his back would be seen...the criss-crossed marks that stood out paler than the rest of his flesh. Permanent reminders of the time he'd spent in captivity. From behind the screen, water could be heard running, along with his voice. "So, what does the book tell us?"
She didn't attempt to make any other move for the tub first...Aless would simply shuffle in and over to the bed where she'd take a seat and remove her boots. She dared a glance over to him secretly, watching him slip behind that screen and noticed the pale streaks along his back. Slender brows inched together in curiousity, wondering if those were from more than just his time as a slave. Turning away quickly, she lifted and placed the stolen tome into her lap to leaf through the pages to where she had seen the ring. Just to give him an answer, eyes swept over the written words quickly, picking up on a few things here and there. "All I see right now is that it was designed to give its bearer what it most desires, what is denied them..." That could mean just about anything, so to sum up what she'd read to make more sense to him, she continued, "In our case...It'd make Revan simply immortal. Sunlight and everything would not affect him." A harder enemy to defeat and he could have all he wanted. Head lifted and she dazed off towards the window, "...nothing would affect me..." she added in a mutter to herself.
"So it isn't just for his kind then. It's like a wish granter...you have what you want as long as you wear it? What happens if you take it off? For example...if the thing I want most is my memories...it would give them back to me...would I lose them again if I took it off? And what of you...if you wanted to be normal, mortal...what happens when you remove it?" He was quite inquisitive as she heard him splashing about behind the screen. He let that heated water soak into him, warming up his very bones and removing that chill.
Alessia tried to continue reading as he rambled on with his questions. It was getting distracting and she huffed in frustration. "I don't know," she replied. "We just got the bloody thing, give me a few minutes." She didn't actually mean to snap at him like she did...but this all was making her uneasy. Yet the whole idea of this seemed...too easy. What was so special about it? It sounded like any other magical ring and object out there. She wasn't reading it correctly. She must be reading it wrong. A turn of the page, she came to find the real inscriptions of the ring they were after, said to be but a myth and this 'wishing ring' had been a mage's replica as a gift to his daughter. "The one he's after is believed to have not existed," she spoke again. "The one I spoke of is a fake, perhaps to throw off the scent." Wasn't something unusual to her. In a place like Kilvania, all the dark lords would be seeking such a treasure...Now, won't that be fun to avoid? "Created by a necromancer for his vampiric wife...wearing it, it gave her all her powers yet not her weaknesses." Aless broke down the elaborate story for him after a few minutes of reading. Her head was beginning to hurt.
Re: Ring of Redemption [log -- closed thread] « Reply #6 on Apr 15, 2008, 12:58am »
He had drained the tub and prepped it for her. Taking a towel, he'd wrapped the thick, fluffy thing about his waist for modesty before coming out, toweling off the rest of his hair and wiping down his face as he moved over to her, kneeling down to read over her shoulder. "Without the weaknesses to keep him in check, he'd be unstoppable. The other lords would be prey for him to attack at will during the day. Perhaps we could use this to our advantage?"
Eyes had lifted from the withered pages, focusing on nothing in particular across the room. She didn't even blink when he came beside her. Not even his half nude form broke her daze, and that was saying something. The book was left open but tossed lightly aside. Revan would kill anything and everything that got in his way, and probably not just in Kilvania. He'd want more. Finally his words sunk in and she looked over to him in question, "How? We're not going to...give it to him..." her last few words were whispered as though she was afraid the count would hear her. She wouldn't be surprised.
"Of course not...but think about it. It would be a severe threat to the other Lords if he managed to get his hands on it. If they were to learn that he had a serious lead on finding it, they would be forced to get involved, to try and thwart him." He grinned slightly. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend...at least...less likely to stab me in the back. If they move against him...it takes some of the pressure from us...and allows us more options."
A silent, somewhat expressionless look remained as she watched him for a few long moments...until a hint of a grin curled the corners of her mouth, though it was a tired one. At least one of them was thinking right now. All she could think about was what would happen if the vampire got his hands on that ring. Chaos was a simple and nice way to put it. "Good point." She rose from the bed to prepare for her own bath now, wondering if they'd have much longer in this place with the guards and mages hunting the village for the book thieves. Moving behind the screen to undress then slipping into the water, she'd make sure to stay awake this time...just in case her crazed dead brother attempted to drown her again. "I just feel very uneasy about setting foot onto that land. They're addicted to fear." So, she admitted dryly that she was afraid...if that hadn't been clear enough before.
"I do not blame you...but do not forget...you are not a simple woman either. You have power now too...and if we can get the different players focusing on each other instead of us...then we have far less to fear." He moved back to his gear, pulling on some fresh breeches and a tunic before slipping his spare boots back on. He took off that ring...now a lusterless circle of granite. He eyed it with an almost wistful expression. Moving, he set it down on the table.
Alessia sunk back into the warmth, a hand running up her arm and to her neck where the non-lethal yet cursed bites still remained, despite how quickly any other injury on her body had healed. "Bribery is what I do..." Sadly enough. There were ways around it, but bribing these creatures might actually be the fastest and easiest way, believe it or not. They always liked pretty things. It was something she and Theron would have to play out and decide on when the time came to make a move. "Just make sure you watch your back, Mal," she began, officially using his fake name now so as to not spill out his real one. "Not even your precious mage's potion will hide the fact that you're mortal...No need to have that back scratched up more." Though there was a very light joking tone to her words, she was being serious. She figured he already knew, but it made her feel better to warn him. You know...the whole 'guilt thing'.
He knew about the marks...some were fairly new, from his recent captivity...but he'd seen the others...it was another part of his past shrouded in mystery. He smirked a bit, shaking his head at her use of his name and the barb about the mage. "Still playing the part of the jealous lover, Alessia? But I appreciate the concern for my well-being, little one. I'm here to look after yours though...and we really need a different name. That one just doesn't work for me."
Though her words made it seem like she kept her wits about her, her mind was really running a mile a minute, clouding her judgment and she didn't respond right away until realizing he had pinned that idea on her again. "I just find it amusing, is all. Just better hope she doesn't find you before we leave here." Even though the whole scenario would entertain her, to see how he'd get out of that mess would prove interesting. "I like that name," Alessia stated matter-of-factly, like her word ruled over his.
He sauntered around the corner, crossing his arms over his chest as he looked at her. "That's all well and good, but you aren't the one that has to live with it now...and as for Keiara, the mage...I think if she finds me before we leave, she's as liable to try and torch me as she is to keep her dinner plans.” He rolled his eyes and shook his head before moving back to begin packing their belongings for their trip.
Re: Ring of Redemption [log -- closed thread] « Reply #7 on Apr 17, 2008, 11:01am »
A light gasp, she drew her knees closer to her chest as arms actually attempted to hide her nude form beneath the water. That was awfully rude of him, not like she was one of the most modest creatures in this world, she for whatever reason decided to be so now.
A hand scooped up a palmful of water to chuck it his way as he turned to leave. "Would serve you right, Mal," she emphasized that name simply because he didn't like it. "...for toying with a young girl's emotions like that." Her words were all in jest, even if he so nonchalantly stepped around the screen like that, as though he were allowed to.
Re: Ring of Redemption [log -- closed thread] « Reply #8 on Apr 20, 2008, 6:04pm »
He managed to dodge most of the water she flung at him, chuckling a bit. "Perhaps...but I felt your need for a cure for this curse outweighed any small pain she might suffer to her pride and emotions for a missed dinner." It would only be a short while later that they were on the road again...a new destination in mind. They had to get some leverage and some breathing room..that meant leaving one lion's den...only to hop into another. They couldn't fight her undead overseer by themselves...they needed someone cut of similar cloth to run the interference they would need to complete this mission in a way that would be beneficial to them...ie: they both make it through alive. The horse had been packed...and they both rode again, him behind her, his presence all but draped around her as they took a manageable pace on the road leading toward Kilvania.
She came close to growling in response, curling herself up more and sinking down deeper into the water in an effort to just completely ignore him. At the moment, she'd aide the mage in torching him to ash if that were her desire. Silly girl though...She foolishly fell for and believed a pretty face. Beautiful faces usually always lied. Alessia obviously wasn't enjoying the ride to the next destination, and she seemed to stare at nothing as they moved along, hardly taking notice of the changes about them. It seemed, as they neared the border of the forsaken country, that everything began to dim and darken, even the trees appeared rather sickly with almost black leaves and oddly twisted branches. Her posture slumped and her head tended to loll off to the side every now and then with the horse's steps on the uneven ground. Stomach felt empty, but at least for the time being she wasn't in pain or ready to snap at him. She simply felt...helpless, and the stormy sky above did little to ease her spirits. Aless was not sure what they'd find in this dark land once they crossed the border, and wasn't positive on how to go about searching for any creatures that might help. Then again, she already knew at the back of her mind that they'd come to them...There was a blood pumping, healthy male that'd attract any leech for miles. She on the other hand, probably not so much...Just hopefully none decided to finish the curse that had been placed upon her. Minutes passed, and she could visibly see the border ahead, such a contrast that it was as if a dark line had been drawn between both Vangard and Kilvania, almost like a warning to travelers. Alessia sat up straight then, a hand moving to his that held the reigns, actually ready to steer the horse around before she gathered herself together.
He'd watched the changes come over her with every mile that brought them close to the border. It was like her very proximity was weighing her down and making her more lethargic. He'd been careful not to do too much...after all, they'd had a few close encounters already within Vangard...between the time on the street and while in the room, it was probably best if they cooled off. She was keeping herself distant and at arm's length. Like many things about her, he didn't know why she did it...but he respected her enough to try and abide by it. When her hand reached out to grasp his own, however, he did finally react, palm twisting as his fingers came to close over hers firmly and reassuringly. He drew her hand back with his, bringing it to rest at her waist and drawing her whole form against the strength and protection he provided. His voice was soft when he whispered the reassurances against her ear. "It's okay, Alessia. We're a team, remember? Stick together...watch each other's back...and we'll get through this."
The dread began to deepen, her breath quickening as she now rested there against him, his whispers almost falling onto deaf ears while her eyes frantically searched the wilderness around them. And she'd feel it then, when the horse finally brought them, somewhat skittishly, into the lands of Kilvania...that evil luring her in, drawing her further into the dark secrets of this unknown place, latching onto the little vampiric power she possessed. Frighteningly enough, she almost felt...at home, though her heart kept her scared, pressing back against him more as though it would stop the advance of the equine's steps. Alessia almost panicked. She felt scared, but a part of her actually felt confident. Perhaps it was the scent of another female that made the hairs at the back of her neck stand on end, that made her dwell in a possible challenge. However, there were actually three, tracking them ever since the border- Vampire fledglings so their knowledge was probably no more than her own on what they've become...which made them more vulnerable to bribes. Yet one among them was male gave a different vibe, hardly there and traceable as he was the one that lagged behind the two females while they inspected these new visitors. "Like moths to a flame..." she whispered, more to herself. Theron would feel a cold air graze along the back of his neck, followed by the sound of trilling laughter as the vampires neared, faintly noticeable in shadows on both sides of them.
He'd completed one other errand while he was out and about, leaving her to stew in the room and keep a low profile. He'd sought out the gods and had a priest bless his sword. He would have preferred to have done both weapons, but they hardly had enough coin. Their earlier run in with those strange and loathsome creatures had impressed upon him the need for some defense. After all, as she'd been quick to point out, he was merely human in a land now where everyone else was anything but. His fingers closed over that grip, ensuring it was loose enough in sheath to be easily drawn. He didn't miss that laughter after all...it made his skin crawl as he straightened, back stiffening as he looked around for the source of their disruption.
Her attention immediately snapped towards the left at the fiery-haired woman who stalked them there; her present grin giving Alessia an all but comfortable feeling. The other was more fair, practically streaked white locks complimenting the other's nicely...but she seemed content in simply walking along, studying them with black eyes while her companion taunted with giggles and hisses. Alessia couldn't explain how she somewhat felt...connected to the two of them. Though a threat, it was as if she was supposed to know them. "He wants her...wants to talk..." one said to the other, voice heavily laced with that Kilvanian accent. Then both sets of vampire eyes fixated on Theron, filled with that lustful hunger as the pulsing vein of his throat was all they really cared about, ignoring the other female there. "Mmm, but he doesn't want him though..." said the other. As if suddenly driven mad by their thirst, the vampires gave little time for the two to react, pouncing at them to shove both off the horse with ease. The lithe blonde fought to keep Alessia at bay while the other would seek to find her amusement with the mortal Theron. Revan said nothing about the male, gave no orders to keep him in one piece...
His eyes shot to either side...seeing their "honor guard" lingering to either side...heard that odd and menacing accent as the two talked and giggled like little school girls succumbing to madness. Those dark, sparkling eyes made him cringe back out of instinct as the inner, primal self recognized a predator and longed to flee.... He had only drawn that sword halfway when they were upon them and he was suddenly upended from the horse. He curled himself into a ball to deflect most of the force and pain, trying to roll to his feet. He was hit again...that sword coming free from his scabbard, but also his hand as the woman took him down. Her strength was just like Alessia's...completely impossible, given the womans small frame. He pressed his forearm up against her neck...the only thing keeping her from sinking those fangs into his throat as he struggled and groped with his other hand, seeking out the hilt of his blade. Finally, like a godsend, he managed to grasp it, bringing it around to stab wildly at the woman zeroing in hon his throat.
They were almost like rapid dogs, caged until their hunger made them wild...then released upon the two who had been through enough thus far, though it seemed like their bad luck would never die out. Pushed back, the vampiress lashed out with sharp nails to Theron's face, neck, chest, arms, anything that dared to be in her deathly reach as her somewhat childish fit caused her to lose all focus...and she drew back very quickly when that sword embedded itself into her abdomen, the steel burning her flesh until she was far from it. Fangs bared, she fell into a stance as though she was going to attack again yet remained back when a dark figure emerged from the shadows near her companion and cursed woman. Meanwhile, the blonde tried to restrain the struggling Alessia who's strength was close to her own, managing to pull her against her with a firm hold on her chin and a sharp claw to her throat, pressing to the skin and ready to pierce. But it would be into the arms of Revan she'd find herself next, in a similar hold as seconds before...but stronger. A lot stronger, possessive, and the very essence of the man made her dizzy...made her sick from the knowledge of what he had done those long months ago. Pale fingers moved up her arm, lacing into her hair to tilt her head aside and bare the visible marks there on her neck. "You waste time, Alessia...My precious time," came the low, hissed voice into her ear, all the while those cold eyes watched Theron to make sure he didn't move. "Get my ring. Finish the job and gain your freedom." A reminder, nothing more. A light threat to keep her guard up. Yet it occurred to her now...why did it feel like he was in a rush? There had been no time limit on this deal, except for the changes taking her over...so what was he needing the priceless trinket for that he couldn't wait? Why didn't he just get it himself? As these questions swarmed her mind, they were pushed away momentarily as he briskly spun her around to face him, grasping a tight hold on that slender neck. "Don't make me ask again." Grip tightened before she was forcefully shoved back and away, her footing lost as she went stumbling to her back. When she'd look up, the three figures would fade back into the darkness they had come from.
Re: Ring of Redemption [log -- closed thread] « Reply #9 on Aug 28, 2008, 4:55pm »
That whelpling monstrosity in the guise of a woman screamed with an even higher pitch as he slammed that sword up through the thing's neck. It tried to wrench away and the blade caught caught between it's vertebrae, almost jerking the weapon from his hands. He gritted his teeth, however, and yanked back. With the stress from both forces...something had to give...the something being the things neck. With a wet, sticky pop, the blade finished cleaving through and that scream was cut short. The head bounced and tumbled free...the body still writhing and clawing in the throes of death. Theron managed to get a boot between himself and the remnants, kicking it away to twitch and finally grow still. He rolled to his feet, searching for the other...but she was howling in rage and agony as she ran out into the night after her Master. Casting those emerald eyes about, he found her there in the dirt, stunned. "Alessia? Alessia! Are you alright, little one?"
She continued to stare into the darkness as though she expected to see the creatures return, for Revan to take back his threat and seal her fate or slit her throat if he carried at least the smallest amount of mercy. Writhing lightly there on the ground, fingers curled into a claw as she drug them across her stomach at the sudden, stinging sensation inside her, that burning to remind her of the curse resting upon her. Alessia would roll over onto her side before palms pressed into the dirt, making an attempt to rise to her knees after swatting a hand in gesture to Theron's question. Right now, she really didn't want his sympathy. Back arched while she breathed heavily, fighting to gain control of herself and to calm down the rage swelling inside her. "We need to hurry...but I don't even know where to LOOK!" she screamed out in her frustration, digging fingers into the ground as her head sunk.
Despite her attempts to wave him off and be strong, he wrapped his arm around her back, under her arms and help her up, first to her knees and then fully to her feet. He would let her use him to stabilize herself and get her bearings back. He ignored her railings and the cry of frustration. "I know, Alessia, I know. We've just managed ourselves across the border. Our time is short, but it is time we still have. He cupped her face in his palm, turning her eyes up to his own. Despite what he'd just seen...the frisson of fear that had gone through him at that confrontation...he still held fast to the faith that they could see this through and garner her the freedom she desired. His was a will and a heart that would not falter...that had weathered far worse horror and oppression, even if his waking memories could not recall them. He stared back into her eyes, showing her that strength...that resolve to walk alongside her to the very end, even if it brought him to his own.
Aless struggled lightly against him but would eventually allow him to help her up to her feet where she appeared somewhat dazed and confused despite the stern tone of her voice. "Yes, I know you know! But we've crossed the damn border without any sort of direction!" Drawing her face away, she fell into a swaggering pace back and forth and running fingers through that matted hair, mumbling to herself. "Why is he rushing...?"
"Perhaps there is something that he fears? You spoke of enemies...perhaps they are closing in on his goal and he fears the failure. There is a reason that he chose you...something you have, something that you are, that he needs in order to get it. Something he can't get otherwise. I do not believe that this creature puts much to chance. You must be able to locate and find it. Perhaps you do not know...but there must be some way for you to find it. Let us travel farther inland. I think, perhaps, that we'll be led to the next clue." He watched her as she tottered back and forth a bit while she muttered and mumbled to herself. While he was thinking on this, he glanced around, searching for the remains of their horse and the saddlebags that they'd need for the rest of the trip.
Re: Ring of Redemption [log -- closed thread] « Reply #10 on Sept 5, 2008, 1:38pm »
As the deranged Alessia and ever hopeful Theron continued their trek through the dark lands of Kilvania, they'd find themselves in the main city, practically deserted as wandering, fearful eyes watched through the cracks of the wooden shutters of their homes. The citizens watched the two carefully, though eyed Alessia more as though there was a huge sign above her letting them know just what she was...or what she was becoming, rather. All but one of this horrified city remained outside; emerald eyes following each step they made.
Footfalls were silent. Movements swift and calculated but unnoticed. Her presence perhaps would have gone unnoticed if she hadn't approached closer, the soft scraping of steel out of a scabbard and the quick glint of metal causing the two to realize that someone else was, indeed, right beside them. And then, before either could fully react, the edge of her blade was lifted and pressed beneath Alessia's chin, stopping the woman in her tracks instantly.
"I would go no further, dear heart," came that accented voice, so soft and lilting that it made an odd contrast to her actions. Evelyn still remained half shrouded in shadow of the alleyway; only portions of that paled visage could be seen. "You are seeking what I want...what he wants...and I will not allow it." One could say her acts were selfish...but at the same time, it was keeping that madman from the ring also.
Re: Ring of Redemption [log -- closed thread] « Reply #11 on Sept 5, 2008, 3:05pm »
She didn't really have an answer for Theron, or maybe she just didn't want to think on it anymore, or talk for that matter. Aless remained silent almost the entire time as they made their way to the city, calming herself down and letting her head clear as much as it could.
Entering the ghost town those dark hues danced around the area to watch as people scampered away, shutting windows and doors as though they feared her. Did they know or was she just paranoid? Could very well be both, but it clearly made her uneasy. A furrow of brows, she was ready to turn towards Theron to say something when her steps were halted by a sharp blade against her throat. Gaze instantly shot over to the dark figure in the alley, narrowing eyes to try and see through the shadows. Something had told her there was another presence near, but she had ignored it...naturally a foolish thing to do.
A slender brow arched in her sudden curiosity of the other woman's words, turning only a little bit to face her, feeling the steel gliding across her skin, ready to draw blood. "You're why Revan is in such a rush..." she replied in a soft whisper, perhaps almost relieved to have figured out some of the puzzle. "Why is it you need the ring?" Of course the blade was doing little to hush her. Frankly, Alessia didn't much care if the vampiric woman slit her throat.
Re: Ring of Redemption [log -- closed thread] « Reply #12 on Sept 9, 2008, 2:41pm »
There was a fourth party that was privy to this conversation as well...though none of the three below would be aware of such as yet. The scholar had been following the pair...the sell-sword and the half-turned Baroness since they'd landed and begun the trek into Kilvania. He'd happened to overhear one of their low, but heated, conversations concerning the ring when they'd stopped at a wayplace and actually gotten an inn. Kin to shadows, it was of little difficulty for him to use their powers and his own arcane talents to understand the jist of their conversation. It took even less for him to actually follow them. A simple enchantment upon the saddlebags of their mounts had allowed him to keep track of their travels through scrying. Travel was a simple matter of stepping through the shadows at one place to arrive near where the pair had been.
Shadows meant nothing to him when it came to concealment, so he'd been keeping an eye upon the one in the alley this entire time. There was something distantly familiar about her and yet...oh so different. He hadn't quite taken he opportunity to figure out why that is yet.
She accosted them and he looked down into the shadows pooling at his feet. Those dark, inky irises were rimmed with silver for a moment and then he seemed to sink down into the darkness of the roof and come out again closer to them...now able to hear what was going on. Another player, vying for control of this ring? He'd heard rumors...found ancient text dealing with such rings...he knew that its power and capabilities were akin with what he required for his graned quest. With that hood shrouding his features, he was content to watch...there wasn't a reason to reveal himself yet, not when there was still much hunting to do.
He'd been searching for the artifacts he'd need to complete his goal for a long time. He'd learned the value of patience. All would occur within due time. It would not hurt to let these one's do the hunting for him. And if they dispatched each other? He'd have to do more work...but he'd have less competition.
Re: Ring of Redemption [log -- closed thread] « Reply #13 on Sept 9, 2008, 2:56pm »
Out of everyone, Theron was just a mere mortal that had to rely on his mortal wits, skills, and strength...but he'd make a decent enough accounting of himself. Instinct had tickled the back of his neck...but poor human senses kept him from being able to see their "guest" before that blade was already moving against Alessia's throat. If the woman had planned on killing the Baroness right there, he wouldn't have been able to stop her...but his own reflex had his blade out only a heartbeat later. The blade, blessed as it was by a priest, was a hair's breadth from the hollow in the strange woman's throat....close enough that it's aura would cause discomfort and slowly mounting pain, given what she was.
The women had their quick conversation...and then he spoke. "You do not know why we want the ring, whatever your beliefs...but if you do not remove that blade from her throat...I assure you that YOUR quest for it will end here and now." Green eyes narrowed, the hard set of his jaw belying his concern and fear, along with the guilt he felt for letting this woman slip by his notice and manage to threaten Alessia. Half-undead or not...she'd hired him to protect her and he hadn't quite been keeping up with his end of their deal.
Re: Ring of Redemption [log -- closed thread] « Reply #14 on Sept 10, 2008, 6:37pm »
There was hardly an emotion on her features at Alessia's questioning, even more so when the male brought the tip of his blade just inches from her throat. At first it did nothing to faze her...until she could feel that blessed power beginning to scorch the soft skin of her neck. There was a light grimace of discomfort, but she managed to ignore it while she replied to Theron's threat. "You seek the ring...for your own benefit or to actually give it to him," she repeated, to clarify as if he didn't hear her the first time. The pain at her throat began to get worse, so much that she finally hissed loudly, bringing that thin blade around to swipe his away...but she made no advance to attack him further nor held her sword at the ready to do so.
"You will die either way. The both of you. Even if you possess the ring, he is far more powerful...with it, well, you get the idea." She wasn't a murderer despite her profession. She didn't kill people for sport...but by the gods, if she had to dispense of these two to keep the ring from Revan's hands, then so be it.
A few steps back, she had this deep feeling in her gut...not of somebody being there, she could sense no presence of another...but she got that feeling of eyes being on them, foreign eyes that perhaps weren't coming from the citizens hiding in their homes. Evelyn couldn't place a finger on it, and for the most part would not let it bother her unless it grew worse. Bright eyes fell to Alessia once more. "Perhaps..I want it for the same reason you do..." she spoke again, her voice holding a hint of that honesty. She knew Alessia's deep intentions- It wasn't hard to see, especially when Evy wanted the same thing...To be normal again.
Re: Ring of Redemption [log -- closed thread] « Reply #15 on Sept 10, 2008, 6:53pm »
Even with the blade at her throat, she oddly felt more at ease when Theron reacted and placed his own towards the vampiress. He may have thought he wasn't quick in response, but it was fairly quick for any mortal man she's seen.
The other woman would swat Theron's sword away and step back, and this brought her closer to the former slave's side, standing a little behind him while he questioned the assassin. Naturally, she had to chime in with a few more words of her own, placing a light smirk on her lips like Miss-Know-It-All, "So you wouldn't ever think of using it in such a way if it were to fall into your possession?" And then, of course, Evelyn would reply with words that caused her to swallow hard. To be normal again...yes, it's what she wanted. She wanted this curse to end. She wanted to die like a normal, human being whenever that time came...hopefully later on than sooner.
Damn this gothic bitch. She was pulling at that...what was it called again? Her conscience? Not like it would bother her so much as to let the vampiress have it instead of herself. She wasn't feel that much pang of guilt.
Re: Ring of Redemption [log -- closed thread] « Reply #16 on Sept 11, 2008, 2:36pm »
Though she knocked his blade aside with her own, he had it trained and ready again...though held defensively now that he had Alessia behind him and protected from imminent danger. His hand reached back, gently taking her own and squeezing it as she let out her own little barbs, trying to calm her and get her to quiet for a moment. He shifted his glance eough so he could look at her while keeping the other trained in his peripheral to watch for any movement signalling an attack. He gave Alessia a reassuring smile to try and further quell her. She'd been through a lot already and this would only be wearing on her more.
Looking back to the vampiress, taking in her words, he let his blade dip slightly, still on guard but angled toward the cobblestones instead of theatening the woman. "This is foolish. Our goals are parallel...We all want to use the ring to right a tragic wrong and none of us wants it to fall ito Revan's hands. What sense does it make to be divided and fail against him when we can work together and pool our strengths and talents?"
Taking a chance, he slid that sword back into its resting place. He had a feeling that even with it drawn, it would only delay the inevitable against this woman by a few heartbeats. Better to take a chance with this gesture of good will.
Re: Ring of Redemption [log -- closed thread] « Reply #17 on Sept 13, 2008, 6:50pm »
Crouching down, those silver-limed irises gazed intently at the altercation below. It seemed the mortal man was trying to play the intermediary and come to some sort of peaceful resolution to this all...a treaty if you will. It made sense, after all. Revan was powerful and dangerous...none of the trio could match him one on one and therefore, the old addage remained true: the enemy of my enemy is a friend. Clearly that is what the man was attempting to do here. A play of an expression curled over those tattooed features, pulling into a bemused smirk. Out of them all...the male was the most level-headed? That would certainly have to be a first, all things considered. This was entertaining in and of itself...he decided to linger a bit and see how things had worked out.
There was a tilt of her head, heeding the man's words and most importantly his actions. Noble, level-headed perhaps...but also could be deemed very foolish. Maybe he knew his mortal limits, limits that she, for whatever, wished she possessed again. Odd how that worked, huh? Gloved digits tightened around her blade's handle as one more, single step was taken back in some sort of noble gesture of her own. It wasn't much Theron that she kept the weapon out for...it was everything and anything else around them. "So then tell me what happens if we do actually obtain the ring...What happens then?" A slight shift of her attention, she regarded them both before a tilt of her chin towards Alessia. "That one's reputation is proof enough she can't keep promises."
She had snapped back at the other female, while at the same time hid herself behind Theron who was grasping her hand like it was actually going to shut her up. She did, however, after Evelyn gave that brief explanation, allowing Theron to give his response. Work together? And he was...serious? Given any other situation such a thing would have been alright and commonly looked upon...The only problem this time was the fact that she didn't trust the vampiric kind...her own kind. Darks narrowed with the insult thrown her way and she flinched, all ready prepared to move forward and do something foolish. Who didn't know her history? She rather be in their company.
Truth be told, she already was in the company of one that didn't know her history. His hand gave hers another squeeze before he released, his palm coming to rest just above her navel. He'd felt her flinch and that touch was meant to be another reassurance, as well as a means to keep her back and away from doing anything foolish. Then he spoke. "Perhaps that was true. I will admit that there is much about Alessia that I do not know myself...but it's clear enough that her past has been...colorful. I am certain mine was as well...and given that you are what you are and following a path much akin to our own...it seems clear that you have your fair share of mistakes in your past as well. Whatever she has done in the past...it is my belief that she is not the same person she was then." He would glance back to the Baroness, "Doesn't everyone deserve a second chance...if they truly wish for one?" He returned his gaze to the stranger before him. "Isn't that really what all of us are in pursuit of? The ring is our chance for that...all of us...and when it is found, we will figure out a way for it to give you both what you seek...and keep it from Revan. That is my word."
Well now...wasn't he the righteous one? If he didn't hold a sword or have the build of a soldier, she might've thought him some lowly preacher, out to 'right the wrongs of this wretched world'. Both brows lifted lightly in that soft, amused expression before, finally after a long pause, her posture eased and the grip on that thin sword loosened. It was hard to detect much of any wrong with this man and she was awfully curious now why he was bothering to help that other one out. A slow nod. "Then it is by your word...or your neck." And so she agreed.
Eyes remained narrowed, turning their attention on Theron as he started spewing words out about her. Colorful? She scoffed lightly, drawing in a slow and deep breath to refrain from interrupting this oh so very pleasant conversation about what she used to be...partially still might be. Honestly, didn't much know who she was anymore. Letting out that sigh, brown eyes nearly rolled up into whites when the vampire agreed and Theron was going to trust she didn't kill them in their sleep.
He had an inkling of what Alessia might be thinking...the woman had trust issues that Theron could not even fathom...but with this deal, he garnered them a better chance for success. If they had defied the woman and continued the hunt, it would be a sure thing that she would fall upon them at some point to kill them and keep them from the ring. The chance for it was still there, but anyone could see the sense in working together and thus maybe, just maybe, they had a powerful new ally. At her word of agreement, he tilted his head in an acquiescent nod as well, green eyes lifting again with a bit of wry humor. "Given the present company...I dare say that my neck is the only thing I currently own that has value..."
Interesting...an agreement struck and bartered. Clearly not what he had expected. Mortal though the man may be, but he had a level-head...even if his ideals seemed a bit generous and borderline naive. Khaldis feared that the man might find a bit too much faith in his fellows...but that would remain to be seen. Given the current state of affairs, Khaldis was reconsidering his previous choice. The vampiress might have more information upon the ring specifically...which he would only be able to discern by questioning her directly. As for the halfling...she knew the one called Revan...one that he'd seen the night they'd been accosted but knew little else of. The undead lord had many items of power and antiquity in his possession. The Baroness might be familiar with some of the other items he sought. As everyone else seemed to be in the mood to take chances in camaraderie, so would he. The shadows billowed up on the roof, swallowing him whole only to allow him to stride out into the alley from seemingly nowhere, directly behind the assassin. Faintly, a scent of desert air and sandalwood would be picked up by those with a more heightened sense...a scent that might be vaguely reminiscent for the vampiress. His tone was low and dulcet in its accent as he spoke up. "Perhaps I should recommend my services for your quest as well..."
The mortal was indeed smarter than most of his gender often proved to be. Was it her intention to dispatch of them later? Frankly it wasn't a solid idea, for Theron might very well pull through in his promise and she wasn't much into killing those that didn't give her reason for death. Even for an assassin she held a sense of honor, though twisted at times it may be. The man's words actually caused a slight upturn of her lips...just as she spun quickly to bring that sword up once more, pointed directly at the new arrival. Suddenly that sense of being watched was gone. Evelyn was prepared to make the usual threat or ask the typical question that you threw at anyone who just appeared out of nowhere...but she stood there in silence, bright eyes studying the foreign figure before her. Then the reality, blurry as it still was, hit her, "I know you..."
Alessia grumbled lowly to herself from Theron's comment, seriously not wanting to be reminded of that temptation to latch onto that lovely, edible neck of his to put an end to this pain. At times, she was afraid she came far too close to the edge of losing it, especially with his constant gestures of comfort. She needed to place a restriction on the space between them. One more gentle sigh, she eased lightly, wanting to ask if there was some place in this forsaken land that they could rest and figure things out...but, oh look at this, another decided to join their party. "What, is this bloody journey being advertised?" she spat, more to herself than either of them.
Theron brought that blade out again as the vampiress swung around towards the figure that just seemed to appear from the darkness behind her. As his new companion, she would fall under that archaic code of his...which meant that he moved quickly up to cover the side she did not hold her blade in. Common defense and support...he was always the knight...even if he had no recollection of the past that had made him so. He incredulous voice and the way she spoke, however, gave him pause and he'd turn to regard her...not so certain now whether this one was a threat or not.
Khaldis kept his hands cloaked in that slowly shifting, writhing robe of shadow that he wore mantled about his figure. He wasn't terribly imposing...standing only slightly taller than the assassin herself and being of lean stature. Of what could be seen, he did not appear to carry weaponry. That was revealed more fully when he slowly relented the cross of his arms, letting them fall to the side and shrugging that cloak back, making it apparent that he carried no steel or any other implement that could be used so. He chose to answer the baroness first, however. "No...but I happened upon the pair of you when you came into port...the reason for your journey has piqued an interest and goal that I require, thus I have been...'shadowing'..." He smirked lightly at his own quip...given the source of his power. "...ever since." Those midnight eyes, ringed with silver, flickered back to the assassin once more and that tattooed visage inclined once, followed with his upper body in a half bow. "Indeed, little one. The borders of what was once known as Sendaria. It seems you've had some...adventure...since then?" He subtly referenced her change in species.
The more she watched him and the more he spoke, the more she remembered. It was he who had shielded her from the eyes of her cousin when she fled Arendia. Though brief their encounter, the power he possessed, the way he could manipulate the shadows about them and make them so alive made it difficult to forget him, even after a few years. Even still, she didn't let her full guard down as the blade was slowly lowered. People did change after all, and his intentions may not be as generous as before. A light frown touched the corners of her mouth with the mention of the creature she had become. "An unfortunate accident..." she responded flatly before a short pause. "What is this goal of yours?"
"The same goal I had been seeking when fate first crossed our paths together. Given the light of this current quest, I would consider it unlikely that our happening to meet again is coincidence." Even though he was perfectly still, the edges of that cloak continued to shift and writhe around his feet. They crawled forward, lapping around the assassin's boots, rubbing against and around them the way one might expect a friendly feline to do when greeting a friend. "As before, I cannot disclose the specifics of my goal....but I can assure you that our goals can work parallel with each other."
Theron watched the pair of them conversing. It was clear that they did indeed know each other...and by the sound of it, they were of a more amiable nature. Green eyes briefly flicked back to Alessia to see what she was feeling about all this. He knew that the situation...her constant struggle to keep that desire to feed at bay...the compulsion put on her by Revan...she was close to a razor's edge of her sanity. Those eyes searched hers.
To agree could risk the problem of more competition in the end...then again, who could be sure that Khaldis was desiring the ring for himself. Though not many came to mind just yet, there were plenty of other reasons that his help would not cause conflicts later on. Evy was reluctant to let those writhing shadows draw closer and she found herself taking a half step back. Briefly she looked from him towards the other two before speaking, "There's an empty cellar that's unoccupied. The sun hardly shines brightly here, but it still does..." Her words brought her to look at Alessia for a quick moment even though the bright orb didn't affect her in the same way yet. Then, if all was fine among them, she'd begin to lead them down the deserted street.
Even if it had bothered her moments ago, this was all starting to get a bit interesting. She wouldn't admit it right away, or actually she probably never would, that help would make things a lot more easier...but she was still worried about the end. She still wondered if she'd succumb to this curse and lose herself completely. Alessia had pulled her attention from the three, letting them handle the situation while dark depths began to unfocus again. Just thinking about it all made her shudder, made her begin to crave, and her lithe form shook as though she were cold; an addict without a fix. Theron was acknowledged, eyes moving to him for a second before she forced a faint, reassuring smirk. A short hesitation, she'd then begin to follow after the vampiress, having purposely ignored the look in her direction and the words that foreshadowed the very thing she fought to stop.
As the women began to move, Theron came as well. He slid his sword back into its home and then slipped over to Alessia's side. He'd caught the unfixed look in her face and the tremor in her body. His hand came up to rest upon her shoulder...he hoped his presence would cause more help than hurt, knowing that being close could either console her or make those cravings worse. It would be evident, at least to the others, that the mortal had a lot of care and concern for the cursed woman. The touch upon her shoulder was almost protective, as though trying to shield her from the rest of the world and especially all the cruelties in this kingdom.
Khaldis fell into step, his movements as noiseless and stealthy as the undead assassin that he was acquainted with. He fell into a vanguard position next to her, that cloak flowing out and back behind them. "You do not need to worry terribly much about the sun. I can ensure that the shadows remain dominant and the sun does not bother you. I am rather pleased to know that my assistance can be of use with such immediacy." He was wryly amused as they moved along, following the lead of the woman.
It was always a toss up, whether him being there would help or make things worse. Aless really was grateful for his help but probably would never cease to stop wondering why he even bothered. If she lost all control and snapped one day and he couldn't stop her...She did not need that guilt weighing her down also. She'd look up to him quickly when she felt the touch to her shoulder, trying her best as always to pretend she wasn't struggling inside. Arm crossed over her chest so that she could place her hand over his in a silent gesture of thank you.
A light look over her shoulder, she caught the mortal's gesture towards the baroness. Evelyn might've questioned why he bothered helping that wench, how he could even tolerate her...but then she'd have to ask herself the very same thing about the company she had kept. After all, she had managed to find love in a scarred man whose affection for her topped his great passion for killing. That is, until recently. Looking back ahead while she lead them to the worn down home, she'd reply to Khaldis as he fell in step beside her, "The sun isn't all we have to worry about." And there it was, the small house that stood on its last legs, charred by the fire that had destroyed it. She moved around the side, lifting the door to the cellar below ground, the section of the wooden home that remained somewhat livable. Evelyn would wait for them to move down the steps before she'd follow and bar the door behind her.
Re: Ring of Redemption [log -- closed thread] « Reply #18 on Sept 14, 2008, 8:12am »
"It never is...but fortunately for you, I am not swayed by the setting or rise of moon or sun, nor do I require slumber. The three of you can rest with the surety that you will be watched and guarded over until you wake again." Came his reply as he spoke to her, stopping as she let the others in, his eyes becoming level with her own. His expression quirked with a bit of wry humor, lips curling up ever so slightly as those black depths looked into her own. "That is assuming, of course, that you trust me..." The look in those eyes made it clear that he did not believe that she trusted him. It also made it clear that he was not terribly bothered by it. If anything, the look would be reminiscent of one much more experienced and wise in the world patiently tolerating a youngling that was naive to the way of things.
He'd always had his secrets and never been terribly garrulous in speaking about himself...but now, given what she was, there were a few more bits ofinformation that she could glean.
Whatever the mage was, he was not mortal. He was not like her, yet familiar and ageless. The weight of the knowledge and power of him rested heavily upon his shoulders, like a mantle, but he did not use it often. The most dramatic display he'd shown her was when they had first met and he'd aided her escape...and by its casual use, hardly a peaking of his potential. The man held many secrets, but none of them felt like a danger to her.
His smile widened slightly as his head inclined in her direction once more. That enigmatic, detached humor played over those tattooed features again as he stared into her eyes. "It is good to see you again, Evelyn."
With that, he slipped down into the cellar and allowed her to bar the door behind them.
Re: Ring of Redemption [log -- closed thread] « Reply #19 on Sept 14, 2008, 8:28am »
Theron pulled the woman in closer when it was evident that his attempt at consolation was met in a positive way. He smiled down into those brown eyes, his green ones crinkling slightly. Of all of them, he seemed the most positive, the least jaded by all that thy were going through and all that they would likely wind up going through. Call it a curse of the mortal disposition...call it an iron will and an unwillingness to accept defeat... Whatever one called it, Theron kept true to the faith that they would make their way through this.
Once they reached their destination, he led Alessia down the stairs. There wasn't much there, but it would work well enough for their needs...and at least they could somewhat slumber with a modicum of security. The walls wouldn't last long against any of the unnatural things that Revan would be likely to send at them...but at least they would have some warning.
He was thankful that he'd taken their saddlebags with him...they still had the blankets then and he would use them to make something relatively comfortable with which to spend the day. The more time he spent with these "unique" people, the more used to a nocturnal lifestyle he became. As he worked on this, he glanced to Alessia, speaking softly. "How does that woman know you, Alessia?"
Re: Ring of Redemption [log -- closed thread] « Reply #20 on Sept 15, 2008, 8:23pm »
This shadowed man was an enigma. Though their first encounter had been brief, his very presence still amazed her because it was...unusual, so to speak. Not necessarily in a negative or dangerous way, but to sense something hidden, those secrets he carried, could make anyone curious about just who he was.
However, that look of patience so easy in his eyes, as though he was almost mocking her for whatever form of naivety she may have possessed, irked her. And she'd sigh lightly when he paused there after Theron and Alessia moved down the steps, speaking honestly, "I don't-" She paused to rephrase. "I can't trust easily." And that was that. Any who knew her past would know of the betrayal that branded this idea into her head, now the need to travel alone. By the sound of her voice and the very slight softness to her eyes, it was clear that it wasn't always a sure thing, she was just more cautious about it than others. Even with him when she couldn't sense any form of ill intent.
Slipping that sword away, she allowed a faint grin to lift one corner of her lips, but nothing more as she nodded towards him and his last words...then followed suit down the stairs to lock the cellar door.
Re: Ring of Redemption [log -- closed thread] « Reply #21 on Sept 15, 2008, 8:44pm »
And then he was close again. Thankfully though, she was too tired to let it affect that burning hunger that had started to slowly go away, that finally gave her a bit of peace in order to maybe find some sleep. They had been traveling most of the night and though it didn't effect her as it did the full-fledged vampiress, she'd sleep while the sun was out anyway. Perhaps it wasn't the best of plans...seeing as how everything they were trying to avoid were nocturnal. Would be smart to trek across the lands during the day. But no, they gained a new hiking buddy that would go up in smoke at the sight of the pretty ball of fire.
Entering the cellar, the dark and dampness of it made her quiver, wondering if this was what she'd have to deal with for the rest of her life...er, correction: eternity. As eyes wandered around, she hugged herself while she nibbled gently on her bottom lip, only stopping to turn and face Theron when he asked that question. Alessia frowned because she didn't really know or even cared to know right now. "I've traveled many places, pissed off a lot of people I'm sure..." She shrugged lightly, speaking honestly but hating the fact that it was the truth. "Maybe I stole her hu-" A pause. "Dog." Husbands willing to mess around behind their wives' backs were dogs. She wasn't exactly lying...too much.
Re: Ring of Redemption [log -- closed thread] « Reply #22 on Sept 16, 2008, 3:42pm »
"I know, Evelyn. I'm not asking you to. Some things must be earned...but do not fret....I have all the time in the world to do so." Once again, he gave her that enigmatic smile as he looked up to her from the bottom of the stairs. He held that aire...as though weighted by so much knowledge...that things seemed pre-ordained. His demeanor was like quicksand...smooth, unfettered, calm...hiding a dangerous and unknown depth within. He would hold to his work...taking up watch through the day and seeming to be untiring...the shadows shifting to his beck and call to seal up the cracks and keep out the wicked light that could prove so deadly to his newly re-met companion.
Theron cocked an eyebrow in her direction at the stutter of her words. That green gaze made it clear that he had an inclining of the pedigree that such dogs would have held, but he said nothing. Instead, he worked to finish their accommodations for the night. There was space enough for them both to be apart...and still room for the other two...but things would be warmer and more comfortable together. Was he trying to push something onto her? No. They'd had close encounters before and the potential was there...he'd very nearly given into it before...but there was still much he didn't know about her...that neither knew about each other. He would offer comfort, should she wish it...support, should she need it. Perhaps one day she'd let him in on the secrets she kept. Perhaps one day she'd tell him why, from time to time, she would look at him with such guilt. THAT secret hung heavy, like the sword of Damocles over her head. He'd settled in, letting her decide on her own how she wished to arrange herself...and would then slumber until the next eve darkened the night sky.
All the time in the world. Yes, such a wonderful and troublesome idea, but for her it wasn't very welcomed as it seemed for him. Perhaps because he wasn't threatened by the idea of needing a living thing's blood to survive. And the sun...he wasn't hurt by the sun unless those shadows did more than she guessed. Evelyn would rest, but only for a short period of time here and there. Though she lied still throughout the day, she was very much aware of everything around them, listening to the soft, slumbering breaths of the former baroness and her companion, listening for any form of movement from Khaldis, letting herself wonder how any being could go on without sleep. Feeling the moon take back the sky, green eyes would finally open and she'd sit up. The night was very young, prime time for hunters to emerge from their dens.
Guilt was a very horrible feeling to have. There was a time in her life where it never seemed to affect her, but now...it was eating at her, causing her more grief than she'd ever want to feel. It was almost becoming a physical pain, just as bad as the hunger she fought so much to hold back. The truth she knew about him was the worst of them all. There had been a few times that she almost told him...and just as she was about to, she'd shrivel up like the coward she really was. Alessia lied herself down with a decent amount of space between herself and the former slave as though she were afraid she'd attack him in his sleep...and in her sleep. Despite the cold of the cellar, she managed to gain some bit of rest, but eventually throughout the day found herself inching closer until she was curled up against his back to seek that warmth.
Khaldis didn't seem to move, barely seemed to breath as he stood there, the shadows silently writhing and seething around his form. If she happened to look at any time, she would have seen his eyelids closed, his face serene and expressionless...but he was not asleep. There was a strange vibrancy to him...an energy felt but unseen that let her know that he was just as alert to the world around him as she was. He'd felt that sun dip and the moon rise in its stead...the last few rays of the day now snuffed beneath the dark weight of night settling in. When she sat, those dark eyes opened calmly and his features shifted to take her in. "You are a woman of infinite surprises...I have had yet to meet a vampire that cannot sleep soundly...until now." That low, smooth tone was gentle in its ribbing.
Somewhere in that...when he'd been distantly aware in a half-sleeping stupor that she was near, he'd turned, drawing her into his warmth, that arm curled about her protectively as he kept her close to share in the bliss of the heat. The stubbled chin rested upon the crown of her dark hair, his breathing even, slow, and deep as he slept as comfortably as though he were in a prince's bed with a down comforter. That throat was stretched and bare, so close to those tender lips of hers...the beat of his heart as lulling and gentle as the breaths he took.
There was no sleep in her eyes, looking as though she had been up for hours...which was almost completely true. She was able to rise without a slowness to her movements and she'd climb up to her full height. Her gaze had lifted towards the ceiling as if she could see the moon above before they fell down upon Khaldis when he spoke, granting that faint grin again. "Old habits die hard, I suppose." Though she was no longer mortal, Evelyn seemed to have been able to keep a hold on some of her humanity as much as possible, but such things were likely to change as more time wore on...and that was something she was not willing to give up so easily.
Blasted man. He couldn't have remained still and unaware? Not that she had been completely aware of her movements, but she was when she began to wake up, surrounded in the warmth and scent of him...opening those dark eyes to see that exposed throat so vulnerable there before her. It was rather natural for slender fingers to move from their cuddled place against her chest, trailing gently down his skin in the brief examination, luring her in closer...And then, her sleep wore off, snapping eyes wide open as she'd gasp and sit up. Her stomach twisted into knots, that pain slowly starting to come back, and Aless was quick to blame him for it.
That, of course, would bring him back to consciousness as well. At first, sleep-addled, he blinked and stared up at her in a completely lack of comprehension, but it passed quickly...something well-learned. The clarity returned to his vision and he regarded her more seriously, gazing up to as he saw the play of emotions running over her face and the glare she was giving him. He noticed what he'd been only half-aware of before...she was, or had been, resting against him. Their hips were touching and legs had been dangerously close to being intertwined....and he could well imagine what she'd woken up to. When he spoke, his voice still held the huskiness of sleep. "Searching for breakfast so soon?" Perhaps a bit of humor would help disarm the situation?
"All the more reason for us to be successful in this quest...when you begin to lose your old habits, little one, you tend to pick up new ones...and not always for the best." There were, perhaps, many things that this man...this being, could teach her about surviving the unending nights. That jaw set, the dark marks upon his features almost seeming to move and shift slightly as he looked her over, assessing her from head to toe. He broke his gaze on her when the other pair woke with such sudden splendor...the two looking very much like lovers caught in the act...save that he'd seen the entire, unconscious ordeal.
Unlike the other female, Aless looked very much a tangled mess, and fingers worked hard at trying to brush those knotted locks of hair through. Darks continued to glare down at him, lips parting in surprise at his sudden humor. Usually she could find amusement in such things, even if it was a stab at her...but not this time. She actually swatted at him viciously though it lacked some strength since she was still trying to wake up. She'd stagger up to her feet, regarding the other two briefly in her half-awake state.
His words were almost...haunting, speaking of what she knew but tried not to ever think too much on. Her kind, regardless of how hard they tried, often lost their true selves. Many parts of their human soul remained, but once the nocturnal life and ideals of the undead leech took a hold, you were never the same. Valorian had let it take a hold of him...Evy had looked to Khaldis in that soft wonder and perhaps understanding before the gasp from Alessia brought her attention over quickly. She nearly smirked at the display, but knew all too well that temptation was eating at her. Of course, she couldn't quite decide which temptation the woman was fighting against, but at the way she cringed...Evelyn understood. Not fully cursed, she was sure it was still painful for her. Jaws clenched while she turned away to be lost in her own thoughts before moving to the door. Once Revan knew of Alessia's extra help, and if he at all knew Evelyn's attentions, the group might very well be into more trouble.
Re: Ring of Redemption [log -- closed thread] « Reply #23 on Oct 18, 2008, 10:54pm »
Lacking horses, their pace would be slowed considerably. Unfortunately, it was due to only one amongst them. Being the only fully mortal being, he did not have the preternatural stamina that the rest of them did. Even with her semi-vampiric status, Alessia could push herself far longer that him. Thankfully, however, the night falls evened things out, as they still had one amongst them that required sanctuary from it. This night found them traveling once more. The dark mage had offered to carry their packs and provisions. While he did not wear any sort of pack and one could never figure out where any of the items he'd been given had been put, he always had anything they requested on hand. Sleight of hand? Perhaps. More than likely, however, the strange desert mystic held tricks and powers beyond their current understanding. This went very far in helping their overall speed, though mounts would still have been preferable. As they got deeper into Kilvania, however, the prospect of finding any seemed to grow less likely with every footfall. Khaldis had a disturbing habit of changing his position unexpectedly. He would be walking slightly behind and to their left for a while...and then suddenly he would be ahead, to the right of their path....and then drop back once more as he passed through the shadows like most walked through doors. Theron, meanwhile, kept Alessia company. "You do realize that this is the sixth day you've wound up curling up with me by nightfall, Alessia. Are you certain you aren't trying to tell me something?" He was teasing her gently...trying to break the tension that had been draping over them more heavily every day. It wasn't hard to tell now that they were nearing something. What it was could not be explained, but its affect was palpable. Dread crawled up one's spine...and yet, this is where Khaldis' divinations had directed them.
It was a wonder how Revan hadn't made himself known, to inform them in his usual way that he knew Alessia was having help...and perhaps from the wrong people. Evelyn had the pleasure of meeting him once, a meeting that hadn't ended all too well, so she was aware that her being there would most likely cause problems for the halfling. But there was no other way. Not right now. Evy would remain at the back of this small group, allowing Khaldis to direct them, watching as he filtered in and out of the darkness while at the same time she'd listen for any unwanted visitors that were sure to be lurking within the shadows; perhaps minions of the vampire count. Then she felt it, maybe faster than any of them, or at least Alessia and her mortal companion...and her pace slowed, but she did not stop. Something felt off.
She might've kept up the pace no problem, but the deeper into this dark land they went, the more she felt this incredible weight pushing down on her, this unseen force that was trying to crush her and make her submit. And Alessia...submit? Not likely. A hand lifted to her chest and she'd draw in a deep breath, letting it stagger out before Theron's words brought her eyes over to him. It actually took her a moment to register what he had said...which was unusual. She had stared at him for a moment like he had said something completely crazy. Then her expression cooled, and she looked ahead with the defiant lift of her chin. "Perhaps I'm trying to say...that I'm deprived and desperate, and you're the only thing available. But then I get over it." There was a faint curl of her mouth, a grin to show she was proud of herself for a quick comeback despite her mind being all over the place.
"Hmm...very true." He couldn't help but laugh at that...given her recent state, he had not expected such a quick and tart reply. He shook his head, looping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her up against his side. Thankfully, Theron was rather quick on his feet, mentally speaking, as well. "I know your pain. I feel the same but, luckily, I'm just a soldier. We're not exactly known for having standards much higher than 'has a pulse'....You've still got one of those, right?" Whatever was radiating out around them was having an effect on him. While he always teased and tried to lighten her mood, this had more of an edge to it. Unconsciously, whatever they were nearing was wearing on the edges of his mortal mind, straining him.
Khaldis looked back to their little conversation before those eyes, half hidden in that shadowy hood, flared with silver light, garnering Evelyn's attention as he looked to her meaningfully. He melted into the shadows once again, coming back out next to the Vampiress. "We have a problem, little one."
She didn't expect to give such a quick reply either. She was surprised at herself, really. His response granted him a quick glare of those doe eyes as she was pulled close to his side. She might've slinked an arm around his waist in that buddy-buddy way, but she wound up elbowing him instead when he finished speaking. She didn't comment...whether she knew what to throw back at him or not, she came to notice the other two had paused, and suddenly she felt that off feeling that they came to notice.
She paid no mind to the other two's conversation, finding no interest in it even if the pulse comment who normally have amused her...mainly for the fact it was a big stab at the former baroness' state. Evelyn didn't look to Khaldis as he moved to her side, but she nodded to acknowledge that she knew..."But what...?" she asked dryly, gloved hand falling to her sword.
"I think that whatever we are coming upon will be hardly threatened by your sword, Evelyn. I do not believe it to be a thing....so much as a place. A very dark and twisted place...quite the accomplishment given where we are. Unfortunately, I have read about such a place. Most consider it twisted faerie tale...The Necropolis of Alzhoun." He spoke simply as though he were giving her a history lecture. He paused then, glancing around them quietly in circumspection.
Theron had finally noticed Alessia's change in expression, having tried to worm away when she gave him that elbow in the ribs. He stopped, turning to face her. "What is it, Alessia?" Glancing back, he noticed that the other two had stopped at well. He didn't know the reason...though a part of him was strangely glad and hoped that they'd decide to simple head back. Shaking his head to try and clear it of the thought, he arced a brow at her. "What's going on?"
Khaldis' words were not at all comforting. Something darker and more vile than the very place they were in? Was that even possible? She, out of all people, should know that anything is possible. Her body tensed slightly as she scanned the area before finding his face. She had only heard a few, small stories about this necropolis, nothing more. Like he said, she thought it was simply a tale. "And I'm going to assume that is where we must head..." It sounded like a question, but she wasn't really expecting an answer. They had been drawn to this place for a reason. Perhaps the ring rested there somewhere, or the next clue to their hunt did. Regardless of this all, she pressed forward, slowly and cautiously. It was too late to turn back now.
Alessia heard the dark mage's words. The name he spoke of wasn't at all familiar to her, but it wasn't difficult to see and notice the uneasiness of the two, to see that this place they were apparently headed towards was somewhere they didn't want to go. "More darkness and danger," was all she could reply to Theron with. Her stomach twisted, and she suddenly wanted to head back or be delayed from the inevitable doom...since everything always went wrong whens he was around.
"Oh...wonderful. I was worried for a moment that we might be beset by sunshine and bunny rabbits." Came Theron's rather sour reply. He drew her back towards the other two. No sense walking into this completely unknowing and unprepared. Better to be slightly less-unknowing and even more terrified. He slid his hand up behind her hair, massaging the back of her neck in an unconscious attempt to relax himself. "So...praytell, will someone please explain to me exactly what we are walking into?"
Khaldis made a nod of his head toward the vampiress' question, but he'd refrain from further comment until the other two had reached them so he only had to tell this tale once. "The Necropolis is older than I...it was a legend even in my youth. Some texts speak of it as a euphoric place...where the undead and the living had managed a sort of symbiotic existence. None dared to attack it, for the forces of the undead were legion...and through the mortal's willing sacrifice, the undead could feed without killing, only taking what was needed. As you know, perfect societies never last. Decadence is said to have destroyed it from within. One of the noble undead wanted more and, through necromancy...achieved it. The specifics are lost to time, but the end result was clear. The people of Alzhoun were destroyed. Living and otherwise. It is not dead, however. Whatever remains...feeds on the undead."
As if things couldn't get worse. While Khaldis explained what this necropolis was she found herself stiffening, her body becoming cold...clearly not wanting to go. She picked up on the fact that it was most likely where they had to go, that the ring might be in there, out of all places. She thought simply coming into Kilvania was going to be difficult. "And we're going there?" she asked the dumb, obvious question.
Evelyn stood with her back turned to them, but she was close and aware of the mage's words. If the ring was in there, no wonder why Revan wasn't foolish enough to go after it himself. Why risk it? Then again, he was foolish to be sending Alessia, at least in her opinion. Evelyn could feel the fear coming off from her.
"It makes perfect sense why Revan made the Baroness the way she is. A mortal would not survive, in most cases..." He inclined his head toward Theron as a way of excluding present company, then continued. "...while an undead would not survive once they reached the Necropolis. She walks on both sides and thus has the best chance to succeed in this." He almost seemed impressed at Revan's forethought in picking his minion to do this particular bit of delicate dirty work.
"But...doesn't that mean that she's the only one likely to survive this?" Theron looked at the man, half-goggle eyed. It did make sense, but that wasn't particularly reassuring, given the fact that the mage basically stated that they were all likely to die in this fool's quest.
This caused Evelyn to turn back around, a brow lifted in that curious way as green eyes moved from Khaldis to Alessia...who seemed almost shaken at the idea. Yes, Revan was smart in what he had done, but Evy was curious as to why he'd pick this woman. There were plenty of things she would have voiced, but part of her still clung to her once human emotions- this suddenly became a very delicate situation.
Alessia wasn't liking this at all...not one bit of it. After all of this time, after the many times she came so close to falling into darkness and giving in were it not for Theron, she was being told that she'd be the only one to likely survive this? She didn't even want to go anymore. So much for having courage. "Wait, what? No. I can't do this...I can't do this alone." She tried to hide the frantic emotions that were coming out, but that was just about impossible now.
Theron drew her in closer as he felt Alessia start to lose it...growing more frantic as her voice rose in pitch. Cupping her cheek with his palm, her turned those wild brown eyes up to his green ones, forcing on a brave face and a reassuring smile. "You aren't going alone, Alessia. I made you the promise that I'd get you here and get you back. Haven't broken that oath yet, have I?"
Khaldis intended to venture into the Necropolis. His state was...special. Whether the stories were true and whether or not his state would prove a help or hindrance are immaterial. Alzhoun held secrets from times ancient to even him. The city could prove to be a well of knowledge...perhaps even helping him reach his goal. "I will be entering as well. The risk does not outweigh the potential reward. And you, Evelyn?" He'd quirked a brow at her, seeing that she was rather quiet.
Her face was expressionless, even as Alessia started to banter on and Theron attempted to console her. This all was interesting news, indeed, and now hopefully the other woman could keep herself together. Evelyn had made it clear that she intended on finding the ring for herself, so she wasn't much here on their behalf...but Aless was apparently the one who could get the special artifact they all seeked. At the mage's question, she'd look to them all before beginning to turn again, "I have nothing else to lose," she answered bluntly, honestly. A glance up to the sky, judging the time, she'd then look over in the direction of their destination.
To hear the others say that they were willing to enter alongside her did little to ease her worry. Khaldis sort of made it clear that they'd likely die...and what then? She was no warrior, no hero, nothing. She'd wind up dying and letting Revan find someone else stronger to get the ring or some such. Aless attempted to fight against Theron while he tried to gain her attention. Finally she'd look back up to him, a frown evident on her face despite his smile. A part of her really wanted to believe him, but now...after knowing what was in store...she was drifting back to the beginning. Regardless, she managed to reply with a hint of humor in the tone, "...you really are a fool." He could break his promise...he could go to Vangard and find that pretty blonde, be happy, live his life. She broke promises all the time and wouldn't hate him if he did.
"We had best find a place to rest for the night then. Daylight is coming too close on our heels to be able to find shelter in the city...and I doubt staying there and resting would truly be a smart decision at any rate. I believe I saw some relic buildings off to our right and ahead. We may be able to use them for the day and reach the city early tomorrow evening." He would gesture in the direction of the potential refuge, quirking a brow at Evelyn to see what she thought.
"Perhaps..." came his response to her words. "But I am an honorable fool. If it is my time to die, at least I'll go with a clear conscience." Courage was not the absence of fear...she could practically taste that in the air at this very moment with her heightened senses. Courage simply meant being able to do what had to be done despite the fear. He curved his fingers against her temple, brushing some of that silken, auburn hair back behind her ear. He'd overheard the other two speaking about shelter and he agreed whole heartedly. It was always better to face your imminent demise after a good night's sleep.
You idiot, she thought. You might have a clear conscience, but I wouldn't! That very second, she was just about to belt out what she knew, tell him the knowledge she had been keeping from him this entire time. She feared and she didn't feel any courage. Alessia tried to smile and make sense of his words, but it just wasn't coming. The truth of who he was lingered at the tip of her tongue, coming so close to be said...until Khaldis suggested they hunker down for the day. Blinking, Aless nodding perhaps too quickly before stepping away from Theron.
There was a soft cant of her head as she watched the halfling and mortal. Maybe the man was a fool, but yes, he surely was noble and honorable. She could respect that...even if he would be risking a lot, along with her, stepping into that place. Emerald hues found the mage once again to nod in response. Not that she would rest much, but once more they would have to stop because of her affliction with the sun...though Theron and Alessia would need their rest, especially her.
Khaldis led them to the place he had found. It turned out to be most auspicious. While it was run down and dilapidated, the walls were thick...bricked together in some ancient manner and still solid. The ceiling in the main room had caved in, but it had two smaller ones down below that still had the sound roofing of the floor, which was stone. Whatever furniture had once been there had long ago crumbled into nothing. With the debris from the main room, Khaldis was able to block off the entrance to the area below, cutting out any potential sunlight and hopefully slowing down anything that happened to find them and desire to come after them. He sat there, having pulled out a small orb that let out soothing, gentle light. One might think he wanted to ask the Vampiress something, but he remained quiet. The two of them had taken this room...the more mortal pair convening in the other.
Theron had gotten the blankets from the mage and set them up...preparing a comfortable little nest for the two of them to hopefully find some rest in. Alessia was on edge...and he couldn't blame her. The mage hadn't exactly given them sunny news...but he wasn't about to worry about it now. They'd made their choice and he wasn't going to back down now. He'd stripped down to his boots, breeches and tunic, leaving the armor to the side. Coming up behind her, he rested his hands upon her shoulders, trying to ease the tension out of them with a slow, studious massage. His low voice spoke into her ear softly once again. "We will be okay, Alessia."
She'd thank Khaldis for his help and making sure they'd be safe down here, especially her from the sun. If she didn't know that the other two needed rest, she might have felt guilty for making them all stop, to have them all dwell on what was to come instead of trying to head straight on in without having to think too much on it. She sat herself atop a pile of debris, hunched over with forearms rested against her thighs. Between slender, pale digits, she twirled a small blade, focusing her gaze upon it as it would reflect the light from that orb. Finally she would sigh lightly, looking over to the mage as she picked up on that feeling he wished to speak. Or maybe he didn't.
Alessia paced the dark, stony room, fingertips in her mouth as she nervously bit down on her fingernails. Too many thoughts roaming around in her mind and she didn't even know where to begin. She'd most likely not get any sleep tonight- how could she even think to? One would think she'd have gotten over it all by now, knowing she was doomed from the beginning. She'd feel his hands on her shoulders then, drawing her from her trance momentarily. Sighing heavily at his words, she brushed his hands away to turn a little in order to look at him with a daring look, "Really...how do you figure that?" She was annoyed, but it wasn't actually directed at him. All this positive crap naturally couldn't last long with her.
"You got me out of that slaver's grasp...you aren't exactly helpless. You also forget that Revan picked you. Though we all hate him...none of us think he is a fool. If he picked you, he must have had a very good reason for believing that you would succeed." Unnerving as it was, it was true. In the quiet shadows, lit only by a second little illuminated orb, he stared into her eyes, cupping her chin with his hand to lightly make her look up at him and not away. "We are here...we have to do this...have to take this chance. It's not an option for any of us, so doubt is useless. If you doubt and second-guess yourself, then you will fulfill your own prophecy. We'll make it because, whatever we face, it can't possible have a will or desire as strong as we do. Just...have...faith." He leaned in close, staring deeply into her eyes as he whispered those last three words, emphasizing each in utter conviction.
"Because I was convenient. As with everything, I was in the wrong place at the wrong time," she replied rather quickly. She didn't truly believe Revan knew what he was fully doing. Aless had a reputation with some things...but she didn't believe something like this was on that list. A lot of times, she wondered how this guy so full of optimism could stand all her negativity. Chin grasped, she stared back up at him with narrowed eyes as he tried to persuade her more. She didn't know why she couldn't be positive, about anything, maybe because every time she looked at him, looked into those vibrant eyes, all she could see was her guilt. At least, if they truly did survive this, he'd understand what a heartless bitch she really was when she told him what she knew...like she promised. Like she should be telling him right now. Her body quivered from both the closeness and the sudden urge to cry, forcing back the pain on her features as much as she could, to avoid anymore questions. Couldn't she at least pretend she believed everything would be alright? Swallowing hard, jaws clenching for but a few seconds, she canted her head off to the side just a little and made that sly grin appear to the corner of her mouth. "I don't do religion," she said, attempting a light joke, trying to hide everything else and lie most literally to his face.
"Neither do I. But I do have faith in people..." His touch made her look back at him, letting her attempt at joking and brushing it off wash over and around him, keeping him unaffected. He pressed his index finger to her lips to keep her from coming out with another smart remark. "Yes, Alessia...even you. It's not hard to tell that you've done things you aren't proud of. The weight of what you don't say seems far heavier than the pack I used to carry...but I don't care about that. When we get through this and make you mortal again, I hope you'll use it like the second chance it is. Let the Alessia Huntington you knew die...and allow a new one to start fresh." His touch slipped from her lips, stroking along her cheek to come and rest at the back of her neck. He leaned in close, his mouth barely brushing against her ear with each low, gravelly word he spoke so intimately to her. "Keep living in the past and you'll miss what your future could hold."
Honestly...why did he do that? Why did he have to linger so close, test her limits...and other things, like this? Even after that time she nearly ripped his throat out when she went mad. If she were to lose her mind and give in, it'd certainly be his neck she'd go after, that neck she found herself eyeing every now and then and probably the rest of him as well. Good to know she was still human, eh? He was beginning to understand her far too well; finger pressing to her lips as she was about ready to give that smart remark he knew would come. His following words made those features soften, body seeming to relax a little bit, and she regarded him with sincerity...perhaps actually willing to give that a try. She'd never forget everything she had done, but maybe she would be more willing to live with herself and not look down all the time. But then...he leaned closer... his breath whispering against her ear...weakening that hard exterior she thought she held, melting it away like it was nothing. Hands clenched into fists, tightening until she could feel her nails pierce the skin of her palms, keeping her body from that involuntary shudder. Yet she'd swiftly reach up unexpectedly, grasping a hold of his neck to only push him back an arm's length away. Her hold was not tight, not threatening, and it would even drift down to rest gently upon his shoulder. Bloody man was beginning to push it. The ability to quench either thirst was off limits. She had to draw in a long and deep breath, keeping her eyes down to calm herself down.
Optimist he might be...but it didn't mean he wasn't prepared for the worst. This situation they were going to walk into on the morrow...it could all too easily go wrong. The smallest mistake or misstep could spell doom for one or more of them. They'd been dancing around each other for a long time now on this winding road and now they found themselves close to their goal...even if it didn't mean they were almost finished. Surviving this still meant that they would have to deal with Revan...and even though they were comrades out of necessity now, Alessia and Theron couldn't be sure that the other two would stick with them through that. When she gripped him so suddenly, he knew that desire spun off in many directions. He didn't care though...he'd stopped them twice before. He'd made the smart choice twice before. Both of them knew tomorrow was not going to bring any smart choices..only risky ones. He decided to start tonight. He was held at arms length, but her touch softened and he watched her cant her eyes down and take that deep breath. He moved in then, one hand coming to rest on her hip while the other remained buried in her hair, pulling it back to lift her face up to his. His larger frame pushed hers back until her shoulders were pressed to the wall, his hand cushioning her head and he didn't think this time. He just dipped his mouth, slanting it hard and needfully against her own, demanding with its own thirst and cutting off a lower growl that had slipped from him.
Alessia knew she should have moved and not remained there, perhaps even pushed him more forcefully, removed his light grip from the back of her neck. Anything. Honestly, she was turning into some pathetic, weak-at-the-knees type of broad. She began to back up, letting him push her against the wall without a fight, without an argument. For that moment she foolishly let whatever doubt, denial and guilt that had prevented such actions before to diminish; reaching out aggressively to grip the collar of his tunic to close the gap between them faster, returning the heated kiss with that swelling passion that was spinning out of control, blinding her from her guilt of just moments before.
He grinned suddenly, wolfishly as she responded in return. He bit down on her lower lip teasingly before soothing it with his tongue and moving to deepen that kiss. She might have given him hell before, teased him and played it off as though she was not in the least drawn to him...but the truth of the matter spilled out now...with her almost managing to choke him with his own collar. He finally had to release his grip just to get a hold on hers and draw them away, pinning them above her head. Somehow, he doubted she'd been in many of these situations and the small, rational part that was left in his mind at the moment didn't want her accidentally getting too frisky and popping his head off. When he finally broke the kiss, he trailed it along her jaw, grazing his teeth against the curve of her ear before drifting down along her throat, tormenting that tender column that he'd found himself eyeing now and again. His hands drew hers down to hold them at her sides while he kept her pinned there with his body. She was getting a whole new side of her wayward protector tonight.
That burning fire outweighed her common sense. Besides the overwhelming pain of hunger, there was another reason why she had refrained from getting a little too close to the former slave. She didn't much try to hide her attraction a lot of the time, keeping it casual glances here and there, but she'd never go further than that. Times had been given to her to claim those lips if she had wanted, but she was aware of a certain something that he had no recollection of. However, right now, the princess wasn't even close to crossing her mind. Dark eyes seemed to brighten to that golden hue, half-hidden behind fluttering lashes, as hands fought against his before he'd finally manage to pin them above her head. The man she thought that held so much chivalry was proving to hold something more, teasing her lip and neck like that and keeping her pinned expertly against the wall. Body lightly writhed, head tilting towards him to try and get his attention back while she attempted to stop this through soft gasps; she didn't sound as convincing as she had wanted to be. "We...probably shouldn't..." There was an attempt at freeing her arms, and it might've been easier with that slight advance to her strength...but it was rather difficult when half of you didn't want to bother.
Re: Ring of Redemption [log -- closed thread] « Reply #24 on Oct 29, 2008, 11:26pm »
"Alessia...just be quiet for once and allow yourself to enjoy something for a change..." He growled the chastisement in her ear, his tone low and gravelly. He wasn't unobservant...and he'd caught enough of those glances and their tip toe treatment around each other to know that whatever she felt or was starting to feel was the same as what he did. With them almost at the apex of this quest, no one knew what the future would hold, if anything. For any of them. He'd given her his oath to see her through this and have her be successful. He planned on seeing it through...but one never knew what the future could hold. She was the one real, true thing in his world now, the rest lost in a gray haze of the unknown. She had her reservations and her misgivings...he knew she wasn't telling him everything. If something did happen, however, he didn't want the last moments to be filled with regret for not being honest himself. He released her hands and gripped the back of her thighs. He lifted her up lightly, carrying her to where he'd set up their sleeping area and draped her upon it, leaning over her to kiss her again to ensure that she stopped using her mouth for foolish things at the moment. Like talking.
Aless couldn't remember the last time she enjoyed anything, even the simplest of things. Ever since she had arrived in Sendaria to do Cyprien's bidding, it had been one chaotic event to another, which ultimately led her here, standing with a man who remembered nothing of any of it...and yet she knew everything. Everything, and it pained her. There he was, promising her they would make it through this; comforting, caressing, telling her to...live, if but for a moment. There was a very small part of her that was fighting this all, screaming the obvious in her ear...but all she could hear was him and those low words, drowning out this inner voice that tried to force her into telling him the truth, to inform him of what a treacherous wench she really was. But she couldn't. Overpowered almost completely, guilt eating at her but unable to do anything about it, she gave in; the faintest glint of tears filled those dark eyes, hidden behind closed lids. She'd press her lips harder against his, muffling out that soft whimper. Let her have her moment, let her pretend that everything would be alright today...Later, she'd wallow in her regret and selfishness. But right now, being selfish felt damn good.
He took his time with her. For all the vehemence and rough dominance with which he'd started this, he was highly attentive. Those hands, his mouth...everything became an instrument to help banish the ghosts of guilt around her and leave her with nothing but the moment...the now, for her to focus on. He took his time, ensuring that he drew out every bit of pleasure that she could feel until there was nothing left and they both were spent. It would come as no surprise when they wound up unconscious as the day was borne, a tangle of naked limbs and sated passions. As the day began to wane and they could begin to stir, he was on her side with his arms cradling her to him, her head tucked under his chin and her cheek resting against his chest as his larger form wrapped around her. One leg had hooked over her hip, ensuring every inch of her that could remain in contact with him was. Sometime in the day, he'd drawn the covers over them, cocooning her in warmth, safety, and security.
Guilt...gone. Regret...never appeared. A rare moment in her life, she felt like the center of attention without the whispers behind her back, evil snickers, and glares that often came with it. She felt adored, wanted, and not so...used; enraptured and lost within the passion play with nothing on her mind but him. Even sleep was comforting, not haunted by this quest or the secret she kept from the man that kept her close, engulfed in the warmth and scent of him, in that safety he had always promised. It was like some story a bard would tell- a lost, deranged woman favored and saved by some gallant knight. Now if only the story ended there with one of those 'happily ever afters'. Alessia would stir, eyes slowly fluttering open to find herself there in his arms, still. A small shock in itself that granted a light grin to those lips...but it was bound to fade, and it did, yet she'd be forced to pretend that everything was fine, everything was perfect like it had been. Pretend...and she could be happy for a little while longer before her lies tore it all apart. A hand would slowly sneak up between them where she could reach up to find his jaw, brushing fingertips along it in gentle whispers in her quiet contemplation.
He murmured lightly at her stirring and that light stroke of her fingertips. His jaw moved a bit...the shadow of his beard an "overnight" growth. His voice was even lower than it had been last night during what they'd shared. It rumbled like an avalanche, weighted down by the pleasant sleep that he was only reluctantly lifting from. Instinctively, his arms drew her closer to him, possessive and protective in equal measure. Eyelids fluttered and only then did he lean his head back far enough that he could catch her gaze as she curled up there against him. He smiled a sleepy, uneven smile, the expression fairly goofy in his half-awake state. It was certainly a far cry from the side of the man she'd gotten so intimate with last night. At last he spoke. "Hey there, darlin'....did you sleep well?"
She withdrew her hand slowly as he began to wake, leaning back a little to look upon him better until she was drawn to him even closer than before. If that were possible. It was hard not to smile like a fool, especially with that somewhat dorky grin of his own when he finally stirred into a conscious state; voice rolling so deeply to bring back a few small memories of his intimate whispers of last night. There was a soft wriggle of her body as she curled up against him, grin softening into something rare and sincere. Those fingers explored his features again, brushing along that bottom lip gently, "Yes...I did." She'd draw her eyes from him to look up at the dark ceiling, coming to realize and sense the time of day and that they'd most likely be headed off to their doom very soon. Alessia fought the guilt back once more, swallowing hard and keeping that light smile on her face. If anything, she could pass off this guilt as worry for what was to come...not like she'd completely be lying.
"Mmm...now that is truly a beautiful smile. It may be the night and we may be surrounded by darkness...but just now you showed true, enchanting light. We'll have to see about getting that smile to come out more often." He saw her look up, the light in her eyes and smile dimming as the reality of their situation and the near future began to dawn on her. His hand moved, cradling the back of her neck, forcing her to look back at him as he kissed her. Though filled with heat, it was slow, languorous, and unhurried. He simply enjoyed the intimacy, the joy, and urged her to do the same. They couldn't get out of what was coming...but that didn't mean they couldn't delay it for a while longer.
There had been a mocking roll of her eyes at his words as she tried to hide the fact that she thought it cute and not lame as she often at times would when she posed as a baroness. She remembered having to listen to the noblemen and their horrible poetry, making poverty seem like heaven. But indeed the soft amusement would filter away. He'd force her attention back on him, trying to melt away all her worry with a kiss, one she'd return with some urgency but not too much; light desperation to make all the problems go away and hide the impending hatred he'd most likely have for her. Out of all the men in the world, she found herself in the arms of the one she shouldn't be, actually afraid of losing this attraction and whatever else when this journey was done. Alessia really did know how to pick them, always wanting what she knew she couldn't have.
He ended the kiss, with another slow, lazy smile, and then brushed one against her brow just for good measure. He lightly combed his fingers through that dark mane, subtly aware that, despite all that had occurred last night, her defenses and barriers were rising again. There was something there that she was hiding, something that scared her...he'd always had an inkling, but now, seeing it like this, he was certain. He wanted to draw it out from her, but he couldn't, not unless she wished it. He looked her over for a long moment, rolling slightly so he was almost leaning over her now and she was pressed onto her back as he looked down at her. "After this is all done and we've gotten you back fully mortal, we shall have to talk, little one."
Perhaps she wasn't hiding it as much as she thought...but how could she when she felt so comfortable, so...vulnerable? It would hurt him when she told him the truth, that she used this secret as leverage to get him to help her, despite everything she felt now and what had happened earlier. She was a mix of emotions that were getting harder and harder to control, more so when he looked at her like that. Pressed onto her back, she looked up to him with those emotion-filled eyes, and tested him with that question, "Talk of what?"
"You...me...and now us. I trust that....as much as you may claim your sentiments run otherwise, that you know that I am not foolish or naive. I may not remember up until shortly before we crossed paths, but that doesn't mean I don't understand things. There are ulterior reasons you freed me, took me on. I know that...I accepted it from the start, especially when you offered information on my past. You know me, or of me... and something about that terrifies you. It's gotten worse as we've gone along. It was just you and I for company....can't help but notice these things after a while." He sighed slightly, letting the grave words and his deductions wash over her. He leaned in close, never taking his eyes off those deep, tormented eyes as he kissed her cheek. "...and I'm pretty sure what ever it is is only going to get worse now, with what we've just shared. I just want you to understand...and not worry about it. I want you to focus on now...and what we have ahead of us...not the past." He lifted himself up on an elbow, gazing down at her as he traced his fingertips along her collarbone, curling them around the hollow of her throat and then dipping down to play over more skin. "I have no doubt that you've done some bad things in your life, Alessia...horrible things, even. That doesn't change how things are now...how things are with us...because I know that whatever you were...doesn't matter compared to what you are now. You are not the Alessia Huntington that haunts your past. No, you are Alessia Huntington, the woman who set me free...who regrets her mistakes from the past, and whom I cherish my time with." With only that blanket covering them, she'd no doubt feel more even more vulnerable now, half pinned as she was.
He was aware that something was up, that she knew more than she let on...but he didn't know the half of it. His closeness and kisses were a comfort, cherished and desired...but his words cut into her deeper than her negative slanderings of herself ever could, if only because he could deny all he wanted that her past had nothing to do with now...but it had to do with everything. Especially now. And she was beginning to break and crack more, knowing she'd be unable to contain this secret for much longer. Suddenly, the thought of her dying on this quest, though a coward's way out, did not frighten her so much anymore. She'd spare herself the harsh replacement of this assured expression on his face. All she had to do was say his name...say it once and it would all spill out. But she didn't want to lose this moment; afraid it would be labeled a lie when the truth was finally said. Turning just a little on her side, a knee raised to hook a leg over his hip to lock their closeness; the palms of her hands pressing to the sides of his face as she'd gaze up to him, tears stinging at those dark hues. She gave a slow nod. "We will talk," came the whispered response before a lift of her head allowed her to plant a gentle kiss to his lips. Perhaps she wanted to belief that when he knew of her lying, a part of him would at least remember that not everything was.
He returned that kiss...eyes closing just after seeing those tears welling up in her eyes. She was afraid for him, or of him...and what would happen once she told him whatever it was she knew. He did not believe that she had any reason to worry...but then again, he didn't know what she knew. His hand slipped beneath her, cradling her head as he held onto that kiss, letting the rest of his frame ease down over hers. The weight was a comfortable, if vivid, reminder of their actions the last evening. He would not press her, having said his part. They could wait until they made it out again...when all was well and they were safe. She deserved that much.
Alessia never felt afraid like this before. Of course, she liked him, was attracted to him, was even starting to care a lot about him, especially with the information Khladis gave them on where they were to go next on this journey, she worried for him. Maybe she was just needy, but then again, her pride wouldn't have allowed him to get this close, not after her all her other flings she's had with a few men. This frightful worry was certainly something new, from a different aspect than her concern and dedication to keep her brother alive; the only other time she truly felt concern for another human being. Alessia now wished she had been able to tell Theron the truth the moment she found out who he was...but how was she to know this noble man would still want to help her sorry self? She respected him, and she wanted to believe she had some of his respect...and though she hadn't cared much before, she didn't want to lose that. Alessia would draw away from the kiss, but she kept her face near his, nuzzling gently as she forced herself to speak even if her voice felt like it was about to crack, "Promise me...you'll remember this." Might've been a fun pun if she wasn't so serious, walking on the borderline of talking in some martyr-like fashion or she was truly afraid of what he would think when he found out. By the gods, she remembered how lovely it was not to care, to not feel these horrid things called guilt and regret. She was lying there like some hopeless fool, wishing she could take back that one, simple mistake.
He drew back his head a bit...slightly concerned and taken aback by her words and the tone with which she said them. He frowned lightly in consternation, staring into those eyes for a long moment before, finally, he nodded slowly. He leaned back in, pressing a few kisses to her throat and ear before he returned that nuzzle of affection. "Of course, Alessia. Of all the things that have happened to us since our trip, I can assure you that this is definitely not something I'll be wont to forget." He chuckled lightly against her ear, trying to lighten the mood she'd fallen into. He held her tight and simply enjoyed the moment once more, letting things play as they would and not worrying about the future just yet.
The way she had spoken seemed almost...foreign, even with those few times she had shown concern. There was some sort of deeper sincerity this time, and even though she didn't show it, it actually surprised her as well. Alessia managed a small smile from his chuckle before nibbling gently on her bottom lip...then proceeded to nip at his own. She'd then kiss him again, drawing away only enough to toy with his ear and question whether he thought the other two would be knocking on the door any time soon for them all to head out. She sank deeper into the warmth, managing to squirm that lithe form completely underneath him with that devious little smirk that was enough to help her try and forget the worry that surrounded her, and to live in the now.
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