text: I don't remember much about that day, hell I don't even remember what year it was. I just remember her infectious laugh and beautiful face. I was so envious of her, and her long blond hair and perfectly freckled face and her pink cheeks and toothy grin. She was a very feminine girl, the total opposite of myself. She wore her hair in pigtails with a pink bow to match. I, on the other hand, had dark brown short fluffy hair that curled and waved in all different directions, constantly looking as though I've been sitting in front of a high speed fan. I always watched her in class, chatting with everyone else. I was a shy girl who always kept to myself. She was a social butterfly who was everyone's best friend. "
  
  Even mine.
  
  I felt oddly guilty and wrong that she was my best friend too. I felt undeserving that everyday sometime afterschool she would always meet me on the swing sets by my house that nobody ever went to, for exactly an hour. She was my best friend for exactly an hour everyday, and I was happy and grateful for exactly an hour everyday.
  
  But I wasn't always happy about it. The first time I saw her on those swings she was crying, and I was furious. "Why is someone like her on MY swings?" I thought. They were suppose to be MY getaway, and only I could cry on them while slowly swinging back and forth with my feet.. I marched up to her, about to yell, when she looked at me with those teary eyes and asked me a simple question.
  
  "What's your favorite season?"
  
  > Fall
  I froze. Alls I could think of was what the hell kind of question is that. But I felt like I needed to give her an answer... So I thought about it for a moment. And she looked at me, waiting.
  
  "I suppose, if I had to pick one it would be fall."
  
  She looked at me and smiled "Really?" She giggled. "I would have never guessed!"
  
  I blinked, before sitting down on the swing next to hers. "How?"
  
  She shrugged while still smiling, except this time at the sky. "You just seem like a winter person instead. My favorite season is spring. Do I seem like a spring person?"
  
  Now that I think about it, she does seem as though she is a 'spring person', whatever that means. We both silently swayed on the swing after that. It wasn't awkward, it was actually rather... peaceful. For a moment I turned to her to see what kind of expression she was making. She starred pensively at the sky. Everyday after that she would always be there. On my swings, no...our swings.
  
  My head hurts. I can't remember anymore...wait,no, I think I remember something...
  
  > It was a day in Winter
  It was a day in Winter, except years later. We always met each other even in high school. She had a boyfriend at the time, he was a stereotypical jock like all the main character popular girls in movies dated, except he wasn't a douchebag. He was nice, even to me who was a complete and utter wallflower loser outcast, you name it. Even though she was dating him and was even more popular than before, she was always at those swings...and never brought anyone with her.
  
  We silently swung, even though it was freezing and the chains were getting rusty... now that I think about it...we rarely talked... did I ever even know her at all? Was she really my best friend?
  
  No, I remember now. The day I saw the bruises. The dark purplish blue stood out on her pale skin.[Themes: fan fiction, serious]
  
  Wind blows across blades of grass in an open field. Leaves fall from trees with the color of Autumn. Red, yellow, and orange. The Sun is setting in the West as darkness approaches. You finally spot your destination below the cliffs. Raven Rock.
  
  "Time for a drink..." you say after an arduous journey.
  
  You push the heavy wooden doors of the tavern. Lamp light flickers in the room filled with the smell of smoke, wine, and ale. You approach the bar and sit on an old-worn stool. It creaks beneath the weight of your sword and armor. The owner of the Tavern seems to size you up with his glance.
  
  "A cup of wine, sir."
  
  The man fills the cup without saying a word and pushes it towards you.
  
  You reach into your coin purse and put some silver on the counter. A look of worry comes over the keepers face as he says,
  
  "That won't be necessary..."
  
  "What do you mean? Take it" you insist
  
  The heavy wooden doors behind you swing open carrying the chill of the night with it. Three men approach the counter, pushing other patrons out of the way as they sit down.
  
  "Alright! Bring me wine, old man!" his loud boisterous voice breaks the calm of the tavern. You spot a dagger tucked into his belt.
  
  "Ri...Right away, Sir." The Tavern owner pulls out three cups and begins to pour. His hands are shaking as the wine spills onto the counter.
  
  "Give me that!" The man snatches the bottle from his grasp, finishing it in seconds.
  
  His attention shifts to you.
  
  "Hey, you. You a warrior or something?" Stumbling over his words. This isn't the first drink he's had tonight.
  
  "The names, Dorian. You are going to pay for that, right?" You say.
  
  "What? This?!" He breaks the bottle on the table. "No this is mine for the taking. You didn't answer my question, boy!!"
  
  His two companions crowd around you, each carrying a short sword in hand. You can feel their hot, stinky breath upon your neck.
  
  [Author's Note: Dorian is back for another epic adventure. The story draws inspiration from the great Akira Kurosawa film, Seven Samurai. Three different endings here. Enjoy!]
  
  > take it Outside
  "Alright, fellas. I see you're itching for some trouble." You step off the stool and head for the door.
  
  "Let's take this fight outside so when I'm done slaughtering you I can go back to my drink."
  
  They rush after you as you step out into the street. Your hands grip the massive sword strapped on your back. One draws a knife and the other two pull short swords from their belts.
  
  "Who's first?"
  
  The one with the knife makes a mad dash with blade raised in hand. A swing of your sword sends his arm flying. In shock, the man finds his arm still gripping the knife bleeding on the street. The other two try to use number to their advantage and rush you at the same time. You swing again as the one on the right crashes into the cobblestone. You grab the other with your left hand and begin choking him in the air.
  
  "I think that's enough bloodshed for tonight." You say as you release him. He coughs, gasping for air as he grabs his armless friend and runs off into the night. His other friend wasn't so lucky. You head back into the Tavern.
  
  "Got any rooms available tonight?"
  
  "Sir, do you know what you've done? Those men work for the bandit leader Grif! I'm sure they are heading back now to bring the whole force back with them!!!" Ignoring your question.
  
  "Really, now? Get me that room and we'll worry about that in the morning, alright?"
  
  He hands you a key, "Up the stairs, first room on the right."
  
  > The next day
  You wake up as sunlight pours in through the window. You rub your shoulder remembering the fight last night.
  
  "So. I wonder what I can find out about this Grif guy."
  
  You lift your titanium armor off the floor and fasten it across your chest and back. Sitting down, you squeeze your feet into heavy steel boots. Your great sword rest on your back as you buckle the strap across your front.
  
  > talk to the Tavern Owner
  You decide to talk to the Tavern Owner. Maybe he can give you more information on this Grif guy.
  
  You approach the the counter and sit down.
  
  "So, what can you tell me?"
  
  The Tavern keeper looks left and right as if anyone would up this early for a drink.
  
  "Grif is a mad man. He's been the leader of a group of bandits for years. No one knows how many, 50? 100? The stories go on and on of the horrors he's brought to neighboring villages. He has long black hair and wears a red mask on his face with horns. Like a demon!!"
  
  "I got it, calm down old man. Looks like I might need to recruit some men to help."
  
  > Raven Rock
  With the daylight you can now see the town and explore. You spot a map on the post of the tavern and decide to take a look. Where should you head to first?...
  
  > The Marketplace
  You figure the Marketplace is as good as any to recruit new muscle. The street is busy with merchants selling all kinds of things. Weapons, Food, horses, you name it. As your eyes scan the teaming street, you see a woman with a staff looking at potions. A Mage could be useful in the coming days. You approach her.
  
  > Out with it
  You walk up to her and place your arm on her right shoulder.
  
  "Excuse me, Miss. Could I ask your assistance...."
  
  Whack! You find yourself flat on your back rubbing your head from a fresh bruise. 'Did she just hit me?!' you say to yourself.
  
  "Hey! What was that for?!" You say with your hand pressed against your forehead.
  
  "Don't touch me.... I...I don't know you." She says, fear etched in her voice.
  
  You stand up and dust yourself off. Looking up, you see her now. Wow, she's gorgeous. Brown hair and hazel eyes. Her long hair goes down her back in a braid against a dark green robe and brown belt. Her staff coils up to a blue-glowing sphere.
  
  "Hey, It's alright." You say reassuringly.
  
  "I thought you were just a mage, but with that swing you could do some damage!"
  
  "What do you want from me?" she asks, her voice more stern now.
  
  "Listen, I got into it with some guys last night. You might know who I'm talking about, the bandits lead by a man named Grif."
  
  "I know of who you speak. What do you want me to do?" She presses.
  
  "I could really use your help taking them on. They left last night to get their leader and I'm thinking it's not going to turn out well for these villagers. Hey. If not for me, do it for them, huh?"
  
  She takes a moment to think about the prospect.
  
  "I'll join you then." She replies. Everyone looks at you, astonished that such a petite woman brought this battle hardened man down with one swing.
  
  "Hey, it was a cheap shot!!!" you snarl. The towns people quickly go back to their work.
  
  > Then to the Guardhouse
  You decide the Guardhouse would be a good place to recruit some men of experience. Keeping the town safe day in and day out has to keep you battle hardened, right?
  
  You open the doors to see the guards grabbing their weapons to head out for their daily patrols. Seasoned fighters in their prime. Now this is the kind of muscle that could take on Grif. You decide to just come out with it.
  
  "Grif will be here by tomorrow with his bandits! Now who here wants to draw swords with me and face him head on?!" You say in your brave speech voice.
  
  The guards rush out the door, pushing past you.
  
  "Oh, come on?! You guys are that scared of him?" you watch in dismay as they all run out like cowards.
  
  "I'm not scared of him!!" an Old worn voice calls out from the back of the room.
  
  A man in his 60's approaches you. He's a big, burly guy. His arms are solid muscle and his gut sticks out over her belt. His hair is white with a little bit of red left over from younger years. A great beard flows down to his waist. A big axe rests on his shoulder as his sticks his hand out to you.
  
  "The name's Rowe. I've been with the guard since I was boy. Born and raised in this very Guardhouse." He says proudly.
  
  Gwyn doesn't seem convinced and her face shows it.
  
  "Alright, Listen old man. I'm sure you were tough back in the day, I have no doubt. But I don't think this is something you can handle. Don't you think it's time to lay down that axe and retire at the Tavern? Come on, I'll get you a drink on me. How's that sound?"
  
  With a loud Yelp, he throws the axe off his should in a wide sweep cutting a thick support beam in two. The Guardhouse tilts to the side with a crash as saw dust rises in the air.
  
  "Whoa, whoa! I think I've found a warrior here. My name is Dorian. Pleased to meet you, Rowe. This here is Gwyn. Now about that drink...."
  
  > Back to the Tavern
  With Gwyn and Rowe on your side, you feel pretty confident about taking on Grif and his men. You sit at the Tavern and have a few drinks with your new recruits.
  
  "So, you guys nervous about tomorrow?" you ask.
  
  "Nervous? I've lived through enough battles. If I die tomorrow, it's just my time!" Rowe exclaims as he downs another ale.
  
  "Grif will fall tomorrow and pay for what he did." Gwyn says as tears begin to well in her eyes.
  
  You and Rowe look at each other to see who should handle this. Rowe gives you a look, pressing you to comfort her.
  
  "So... What happened between you and Grif?" you ask.
  
  "Him and his bandits came here 7 years ago when I was just a little girl." She says, tears running down her face.
  
  "He took my mother and slaughtered her right in front of me. The guards just watched, didn't do a thing!!" She screams looking over at Rowe.
  
  "Hey! Now hold on there. Don't go blaming me for what happened! We were all scared!" Rowe slams his ale into the counter breaking it into shards. His shoulders begin to shake up and down as he sobs into the counter.
  
  Looks like I got a tough crowd to work with here, you think to yourself. The Tavern Owner comes over with more drinks.
  
  "I believe in you, Dorian. You and your men can take them on!" He says, putting a fresh cup in your hands.
  
  Just then you see some of the Tavern's patrons running down into the basement.
  
  > go down into the Basement.
  "Wait here, I'll be back." You say to Gwyn and Rowe as they drink.
  
  You head down the basement to the sounds of cheering. Big barrels of wine are pushed against the wall as people crowd around the center. You push through the crowd to see what's going on. Two men stand in the circle. One short stocky guy with brown hair shadow boxes in the torchlight. Directly across from him is a slender, chiseled man with short blonde hair and blue eyes. He wears blue pants and has white wraps across his hands.
  
  The crowd cheers as the men touch fists and begin to pummel each other. The short man comes fast with an uppercut. Easily dodged. He then throws a swift kick to the ribs but the other man grabs his legs and punches him right in the face. The short stocky man falls on his back like a rag doll as the other man goes back to his side of the circle and drains a pint of ale.
  
  "Alright, Alright, that's it for tonight. Come back tomorrow for the next fight!" you hear an announcer say as he counts coin in his hand.
  
  "Wait a minute!" You approach the circle taking your plate armor and tunic off.
  
  The winner of the previous fight stares at you with cold blue eyes.
  
  "Up for another round?" You ask.
  
  He puts his drink down and are readies his fists.
  
  "Fight!" calls the announcer
  
  The two of you dance around in the circle. You throw a punch as he slaps it away. Another punch and he drops left as you hit air. 'None of my punches are landing! He's quick!' you think to yourself. As if he could sense your doubt, he lunges forward with a hard right hook, his left leg shooting behind him. The force of the punch sends you crashing through the crowd as you smash open a barrel of wine. The room goes silent for a moment, thinking the worst. But you get up to the cheers of the crowd.
  
  > leave now
  Not risking any further embarrassment, you push yourself off the floor and head back up stairs to the bar. Rowe is fast asleep with his head resting on the counter. Gywn must have headed back home for the night to rest for tomorrow's battle. Now you must rest for the coming day. Lying awake you think about the conversations you had with Gwyn and Rowe.
  
  Gwyn is twenty years old. She grew up in this village, the daughter of a soldier and a an apothecary. Her father died while she was still just a sappling, fighting a war in some distant land. Her mother taught her everything about potions and incantations and that's what lead Gwyn to be a healer. She's had the chance to leave the village plenty of times before, but could not bring herself to abandon the place she grew up.
  
  Rowe never knew any family. He was an orphan living in the streets when he stumbled upon the guardhouse. The Captain of the Guard took him in one day when he was sitting outside the guardhouse in the rain. Rowe became fascinated with justice and soon trained for patrols. He spent many years dealing with the townsfolk. Breaking up fights, putting a stop to thieves, and just being a great friend to the community.
  
  It wasn't until the last 10 years that things began to change. Grif arrived one day on his white horse and spear raised high. His bandits ran through the town taking whatever they wanted. Some say he was a valiant soldier not too long ago. Now he uses his power to suppress the weak and take whatever he desires. The towns people fear him, the guards cower before his might, but your team seeks to put an end to it once and for all.
  
  > Sunrise
  You get up, groggy from last night's affairs. You brush your short black hair back and grab your sword. Heading down to the tavern lobby, the owner hands you cup. Almost like he can sense it's your last.
  
  "Thank, you." you reply. "You know, I never got your name?"
  
  "Jayce. Be safe out there today, Dorian. I better see you back here tonight to pay for that room you've been staying in!" He jokes.
  
  "Fair enough."
  
  You down the drink and head out into the street before the gates. Off in the distance, on the cliffs, you see a white horse and a man with a red mask. That must be him.
  
  Rowe stumbles out of the Tavern. His Axe poised upon his shoulder. Gywn makes here way down the street with staff in hand.
  
  "Fancy seeing you here" You say to Gwyn.
  
  "Oh, let's get on with it already!" She says.
  
  Grif raises his spear high and then sets its point upon the village. Bandits come swarming from the hill tops towards the gate.
  
  You only have moments till the whole force arrives at the gates. How do you proceed?
  
  > make your stand oustide the town
  No use fighting off the Bandits if they take the whole town down with them. You exit the gate and run out to meet them head on. Rowe and Gwyn follow close behind. You make quick work of the twenty or so bandits with ease.
  
  "Is that all you got?!?!" You cry out to Grif off into the cliffs.
  
  The earth begins to shake as Grif and all his bandits come crashing down the mountain.
  
  "That was just a recon force, they are too many!!" Cries Rowe.
  
  "Take Gwyn back to the village and close the gate. Let none pass!" You yell at Rowe.
  
  "No way! We're staying with you, Dorian!" Gwyn exclaims.
  
  "NOW DAMNIT!" You yell at Rowe.
  
  Rowe nods his head and sweeps her in his arm. She bangs on his back with her fists as the rush back toward the gate.
  
  "It's just me now, Grif. Hope you brought enough bandits!!" you say as you rush up the mountain to meet them.
  
  > deliver Hope
  Countless bandits fall at your sword. Rain begins to fall and lightning strikes. You swing your sword knocking the bandits into each other. The bodies begin to pile up and your breathing gets heavy, tiring from nonstop fighting.
  
  You dodge the blows as best you can, but the bandits surround you on all sides. A mace crashes into the back of your skull as you land hard on the ground. You stay down for only a moment, and get back up to face them once more. How long can you keep this up?
  
  The sound of hooves comes as the bandits clear a way for Grif. He challenges you with his spear.
  
  "In what world could you have ever beaten me?" He asks.
  
  His spear swings at your side, breaking your left arm. You cry out in pain. He swings again as your sword flies from your right hand, crushing your fingers. Falling to your knees, he rests the spear on your shoulder, the blade close to your neck.
  
  "I'll teach you to mess with the bandits!" he yells.
  
  He cuts a deep gash into your neck as you begin to fall. Your blood mixes with the rain as your vision grows dark.
  
  You stare up into the sky and see the clouds blowing to the East. Your hand reaches for your sword, your mangled fingers can't grip it. Another hand reaches over and clutches it fast in their grip. You blink for an instant and see a man with blonde hair staring down at you with pale blue eyes.
  
  He looks down at you and says, "Rest now. I'll finish this." As he turns his back to face Grif, you see a ship on rough waves, inked on his back.
  
  The End