Sands of Kidnapping
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Light =&gt; Light: Human Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Sairin on 10-02-2012, 04:01:51</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sairin</strong> on <strong>10-02-2012, 04:01:51</strong>
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				Sabina Mikkelsen shoved the book down onto the table while twisting her neck to gaze out to the deserts of Mijua. Study? Why should she study when her brother was out doing only God knew what this time. He wasn't required to study like she was. History? What for? Sabina lived in the present and that is all she cared for. <br>A frown traced Sabina's lips at the thought of missing her brother, Alexander, leave. She never missed him leaving and wondered how he escaped her watchful gaze. Slumping onto the table, Sabina extended her pointer finger to push the book over the edge. Pausing for a moment, Sabina stood suddenly.<br>"I'm so bored!" She exclaimed, startling one of her maids, causing the maid to fall onto her side from a kneeling position at which she was dusting a jeweled pot. Sabina stepped over the maid, used to her extremely startle-ish ways as the maid would even fall from a standing position to just a feral cat meowing in the shadows. The maid wasn't the only one however. Most of her fellow Shakou citizens seemed slightly uneasy, but Sabina hadn't a care in the world. Even if the Krytons did take over, Sabina considered what it would be like in such a world.<br>Pausing to grasp onto the railing of the balcony that looked over the city and past that, the desert, Sabina imagined what it would be like then, if, no, when the Krytons took over, as her father was failing desperately at this war. Being the princess and all, a smile was brought to Sabina's lips as she imagined being tied and brought to a high commanding Krytain. <br><em>'Oh no, please don't touch me there,' Sabina would beg coyly.<br>'I'll do what I want, wahahaha,' the Krytain would laugh evily before taking advantage of her, thrusting his big hard-</em><br>"Mmm?" Sabina's eyes gazed the guard's posts as they began to move about, cutting off her train of thought. An attack on the royal Shakou city? No, that would be foolish of the Krytons. Besides, the movements of the guards was slight, the movements they made when recognizing the escaping prince (or herself is she had left the city) was arriving some distance off. Sabina knew that it may be a scout that had spotted her brother far off into the distance and had brought word back of the prince's arrival, but either way she would meet up with him- outside the city gates. <br>Smirking, Sabina stepped over her maid once more and began to walk down the steps as she wrapped a headdress over her head, disusing her as a servant of the palace, but she did not go undetected.<br>"I'm sorry, princess," A Shakou guard extended a hand to block her path, "but you're not allowed to leave the study at this time under your father's orders. Your brother has run off once more and you are not to-" Sabina pressed a finger to the guard's lips. <br>"Mmm, I don't think I've seen you before," she whispered gently, tilting her head to the side slightly as her eyes grazed across his lips in a noticeable fashion. Biting her own lip, her eyes snapped to his eyes as she pressed her fingers to his chest gently and ran them down to his belt line. Leaning forward, her lips touched the guard's ears. "Please? Just this once?"<br>"Alright," gasped the guard, bringing a smile to Sabina's lips.<br>"Give me a ten minute head start, love," Sabina stepped past the guard and tossed him a wink as she hid the dagger she snuck off of his person. Pushing the dagger securely into her panties, Sabina walked hastily to the stables where she mounted a black stallion bareback. <br>Squeezing her knees around the stallion's ribs, Sabina put the horse into a full sprint knowing that the guards would now be on her trail. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jecht</strong> on <strong>10-02-2012, 05:28:25</strong>
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				"Mande, I am absolutely certain that this plan will work," Alexander said pushing his horse further along in the hot, dry desert. This was more of an assurance for him than his guard. He was starting to re-think this plan. Maybe the princess wasn't that dumb and he would show up with the wrong girl and his sister would mock him. Damn her. He never cared for her anyway.<br><br>The servant girl had finally stopped struggling so he un-gagged her. "If I take this out of your mouth, will you promise not to tell my sister?" he asked looking at her. "I can't untie you because I know you will try to run away." His sister was still in his head, mocking him and he had to silence that voice. He could finally start to see the castle and he knew it was only time before he could be inside its cool walls. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>eiselmann</strong> on <strong>10-02-2012, 06:21:01</strong>
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				Mande shook his head at the words of the Prince, "Of course it will work " he agreed lightly before adding "Its not like one of your plans has ever failed before" his face part smile part smirk he continued "Oh look he's a shortcut lets take it whats a week wading thur a swamp between friends, six months later I swear you still have a bit of odor Du foulest place on the planet about you" Mande smiled broadened <br><br>Home, home was just ahead and Sabrina, if his best friend was constantly dealing with his sister who enjoyed pointing out his continual faults , the Royal Princess simply set Petrous on edge for other reasons, "Let me face a legion of pissed of Kryton's anyday" he said quietly to himself as he looked back once again ...the feeling that they were being followed just wouldn't go away not even this close to home.<br><br>Despite the Princes various plans constantly having to be modified as they encountered obstacles to there goals there was also no denying that there had been some stunning successes...in a war going so badly he and the Prince often had the Krytons' chasing shadows...it was just never quite enough.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aoife</strong> on <strong>10-02-2012, 06:28:38</strong>
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				It had taken a week, and a full pursuit of the bumbling idiot of a Shakou prince and his evidently far more capable bodyguard, but they were close now.&nbsp; Forgoing camping, it was easy enough to get ahead of the whoreson that had taken Daphne.&nbsp; The only difficulty was in retrieving her without putting her in danger.&nbsp; Sadly, as they'd crossed the border between Shakou and Krytoni territory, it was going to force her hand. There'd been no opportunity, and they'd already glimpsed at least one outrider who had gotten too close for comfort.<br><br>The sand was coarse, and at this point in the day, scorching.&nbsp; Her palms and a good bit of her backside was burned raw from exposure, but it had been necessary to lay in wait.&nbsp; Knowing that the milk-fed whelp would simply take the direct route back to his palace, Edgar had devised an ideal site for an ambush, and they'd proceeded to bury themselves midway in the sands. A crude and dishonorable tactic, but so had been the abduction of her confidant in the first place.<br><br>Through a mouth gritty and dry from the desert sands she whispered quietly to her companion who, truth be told, was much closer than any blood sibling could ever have hoped to have been.<br><br>They've stopped to talk. On three, try to spear that worthless pig's horse. I'll go for a shot on the bodyguard's animal. The confusion should be enough to grab Daphne and be clear of the mess. Clear? She turned her opal eye's towards the massive man that lay buried beside her, who lay even more quietly than she herself did.&nbsp; Stealth had never been her strong suit.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sairin</strong> on <strong>10-02-2012, 06:47:23</strong>
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				"Whow, there, whow," Sabina eased the stallion into a trot as she spotted Alexander and Mande not far off. "Well well well, what do we have here?" She called out as even her horse lifted his head in pride and slight arrogance over the dynamic duo's puny horses. Still a bit of a distance off, Sabina checked over her shoulder and was relieved to see there were no following guards- yet. But it didn't mean that there was not a patrolling guard somewhere nearby.<br><br>Unaware of exactly what her brother and his friend was up to, Sabina began to close the gap, her curiosity rising with each horse hoof taking a step further. It had been a few days since Sabina had seen her bother and knowing him they had done something mmm interesting to say the least.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BellaVita</strong> on <strong>10-02-2012, 08:54:46</strong>
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				<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="bbc_font">The day was hot, the sun in the sky and no shade to be found. She was sweating, her linen dress clung to her body and her mouth was dry, especially with this gag in her mouth. She was becoming irritated, listening to these bumbling idiots talk about her as if she weren't here. She wanted to knock their heads together. She shifted her hands that were tied behind her back, wincing as she was only making them rub her skin raw. Glaring at the duo, she noticed they had stopped to talk once more.<br><br>Daphne rolled her eyes as the prince and his friend, Mande,&nbsp; chatted casually about how their oh-so-brilliant plan would work. When the prince took her gag out she spit on his boots. "Oh please! Untie me, I won't run. Swear!," she said in a mockingly sarcastic tone. She blew the hair out of her face, looking from the prince to Mande. "So what do you 'masterminds' plan on doing with me once we get to your evil lair?," she asked with a chuckle.</span>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>10-02-2012, 19:24:31</strong>
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				It was a simple plan she suggested, but the glorious thing about a simple plan is that it's less prone to errors. However, their was something wrong, and he made a silent hand gesture to the princess, telling her to wait for a moment.<br><br>It was a good thing, too. If they had gotten up when they did, the other princess would be at their flank, and being pincered was not a good idea. Instead, he waited for her to pass them by. <em>Is that not the Shakou princess? Perhaps we should seize her.</em> <br><br>Of course, their's the question of whether or not they would feel obligated to fulfill their part of the bargain. Who knows, maybe they could even abscond with the enemy princess, and force the Shakou to capitulate and fully surrender, lest the king risk the death of his daughter.<br><br>Regardless, after his suggestion was made, he awaited the command of his princess; for her to tell him what they were going to do. His hand rested upon the hot leather grip of his half-buried-in-loose-sand halberd, watching the Shakou like a hawk, half expecting their cover to be blown, regardless of how quietly they communicated. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aoife</strong> on <strong>10-02-2012, 19:45:44</strong>
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				A boon indeed.&nbsp; Aim for the bodyguard, I'll deal with the prince.&nbsp; The Princess herself will make a fine bargaining tool for the end of this ridiculous conflict, especially with the Shakou heir dead in the sand. Go!<br><br>A curtain of sand billowing off of her, she stood from her submerged position in the wastes, a solid broad-head finding it's way onto the string of a wickedly curved shortbow, a gift from her father when she emerged from the Blood Sands as a Krytoni warrior.&nbsp; Brutally drilled in it's use, a moment was all it took to sight the range for her target, the center of mass of the impudent wretch who'd stolen Daphne.<br><br>A soft twang and a rush of air loosed their killing intent on the Prince, while another arrow found it's way to the string.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">I'll only narrate things right up until the point they leave my hands. The way I write in freeform is entirely a trade off between the relvant parties.&nbsp; If and how you get hit, etc. I try to use reason, so if I manage to get out-thought or outmaneuvered, I tend to go with what would be an 'in character' response or action.</div></div>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>10-02-2012, 19:49:41</strong>
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				<div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body"> I know it's generally bad form to do back to back posting, but it just makes sense for me to post immediately, too, since their ambush is a synchronized attack. </div></div><br>Their was only a nod of his head to make any sort of acknowledgement that he heard his Princess' command. As she rose, so did he, in a manner that, some might say, appeared to be choreographed; in truth, they were simply that in sync, due to how long they've spent drilling together. <br><br>As an arrow makes it way towards the prince of the Shakou, his bodyguard will find the deadly tip of Edgar's halberd going straight past his mount, and towards the mans chest. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sairin</strong> on <strong>10-02-2012, 21:09:45</strong>
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				Sabina's horse reared up in the commotion. Not equipping a saddle to the stallion previously, Sabina lost her grip on the beast's ribs and slid off its back and into the sand. Crawling into a fetal position, making sure to cover her head, Sabina waited for the horse to return to four legs before it ran off in fear towards the city gates. Lifting her gaze after the horse, Sabina frowned knowing that the guards would be coming now that the princess' horse would return without a master. <br><br>Turning to look over her shoulder at what had startled the horse, Sabina's sadness turned to relief as her mouth whispered, "oh shit."<br><br>Nuzzling deeper into the sand a bit, Sabina reached into her panties to grasp the guard's dagger she stole earlier as she helplessly watched the arrow and Kryton man directing for her brother. Within the second, Sabina knew she could not save her brother and hoped that Maude could do something but the choice of saving herself by running appeared. That or confronting the archer.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jecht</strong> on <strong>10-02-2012, 22:53:12</strong>
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				Alexander shook his head. "I swear it was a short cut and I still think it would have been quicker if you had picked up your feet," he said looking at him.&nbsp; When the servant spoke he gave her a weird look. "You think we are going to tell you what we will do?" he said with a laugh. Alexander gave her a long look before returning his gaze to Mande. <br><br>Something snapped his attention to the two objects a bit away and instantly he knew to dunk. He pushed the servant off the horse but was hit by part of an arrow. He cringed in pain as he leaned to the side and fell off landing next to the servant. Fortunately, the arrow only ricocheted making his arm bleed from a deep cut. <br><br>"Damnit!" he yelled. "Mande, we are under attack." he said pushing himself over the servant girl. It was dumb not to protect himself from the arrows but he couldn't help from protecting the girl. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BellaVita</strong> on <strong>11-02-2012, 00:14:43</strong>
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				<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="bbc_font">Daphne glared as he spoke to her. She was about to respond to his comment with a witty retort about him talking all the time, but before she could open her mouth, she was shoved off the back of his horse. "What the hell!" She fell on her side, wincing as her should hit the sand. Looking up, she noticed that the prince was falling off his horse. <br><br>"Under attack?," she repeated, and then a smile came across her face. <em>Victoria has come to get me, oh thank the gods,</em> she thought to herself. When the prince covered Daphne with his body, she was taken aback. <em>Why is he protecting me? Why isn't he using me as a human shield?</em> She eyed him curiously. Maybe it was just a natural response, it had nothing to do with her. <br><br>She looked him over to see if Victoria had gotten him, and sure enough, there was a deep cut on his arm from Victoria's arrow. "You're hurt...," she said softly, part of her wanted to help him, clean his wound and bandage it. The other part was screaming at her for such feelings. "You should get that checked out," she said trying to seem indifferent, but that part of her was still worried for him.</span>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jecht</strong> on <strong>11-02-2012, 00:33:40</strong>
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				(I'm just going to respond. Sorry to double post)<br><br>Alexander looked at then sat up. He gave a smirk. His eyes met hers and he felt a weird feeling come over him until he heard the whistle of another arrow. "I appreciate that you are worried but I am fine. No amount of arrows can hurt me." he said. Alexander looked at Mande. "Any ideas?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sairin</strong> on <strong>11-02-2012, 00:39:50</strong>
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				(Double posts are completely fine if the story calls for it~)
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				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aoife</strong> on <strong>11-02-2012, 00:42:20</strong>
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				She hissed at the shot going wide.&nbsp; It would be her luck that the whelp had chosen that moment to avoid her missile. All told, it called for different tactics. She swung the bow around to her back, drawing forth the two wickedly sharp implements that composed her personal armaments, where she truly was at her finest.&nbsp; Whirling around, she used the momentum to hurl herself forward, longsword ending neatly pressed toward's the Princess's throat.<br><br>I am Victoria Kryton. My maid goes free, or I end this particular half of the Shakou lineage. And before you decide to be clever, I suggest losing the knife, <em>girl.</em><br><br>Her eyes were furious, and the thin line of her mouth was pursed with all the concentration of the truly driven. To any onlookers, there would be little doubt as to the truth and willingness of action in the words.<br><br>You have till the count of five, before I lend credence to my threat. She inched the blade closer, just enough make any movement a dangerous exercise on the part of the Shakou princess.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">How do we all want this fight to turn out?&nbsp; Probably not in the city, else team Kryton is basically out of it.&nbsp; Reverse chase scene?</div></div>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sairin</strong> on <strong>11-02-2012, 01:23:15</strong>
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				"Maid?" Sabina's eyes furrowed in confusion before she glanced quickly to Alexander and the woman beneath him. What had he done this time... <br><br>Glancing back up to Victoria, Sabina now recognized the other princess. For a moment, Sabina entered a world of wonder, forgetting the long sword as her eyes lit up. <br><br>"You're so beautiful," Sabina mumbled out loud before shaking her head and dropping the dagger, "I mean. I submit!" <br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">I can see the fight going either which way. Going into the city, yes, the Krytons would lose but that's not necessarily bad. All Krytons would be prisoners then within the Shakou city. Or we could change it and go back into the desert, traveling.</div></div>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aoife</strong> on <strong>11-02-2012, 01:31:51</strong>
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				Her brow furrowed slightly.&nbsp; <br><br><em>Strange girl, no wonder these Shakou dogs fall so easily, if this is the quality of their rulers.</em><br><br>One...<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">No problems with 'losing', given the whole plot relies around these six anyway ;)&nbsp; Only caveat is that the city basically snuffs it for any real ability to improvise, and I'm not the biggest fan of getting captured - makes the whole tale go into a kind of predictable spiral of power dynamics and territory I'm not the biggest fan of.</div></div>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BellaVita</strong> on <strong>11-02-2012, 01:57:57</strong>
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				<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="bbc_font">Daphne glared at him, his arrogance was amusing. She scoffed and rolled her eyes. "She means it, I hope you know. She will cut your sister's throat if she doesn't get me back," she said matter-of-factly. She looked at Victoria, her eyes sad and pleading. She wanted to go home, but she didn't want anyone to get hurt, even the prince. </span><br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Perhaps something happens and they have to all travel together to complete a common goal? Sort of Scorpion King or Prince of Persia style?</div></div>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sairin</strong> on <strong>11-02-2012, 02:03:33</strong>
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				"What?!" Sabina exclaimed, "I submitted! Alexander! Mande, do something!" Sabina turned away from the foul girl. She was nothing more then an animal. Uneducated, untamed beast. Ugh, now Sabina wished she payed attention to some of her studies. At least the ones in self defense. Something about nerves. Or were they pressure points? <br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Alright&nbsp; ;) then to the desert someway.</div></div>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jecht</strong> on <strong>11-02-2012, 02:20:06</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander listened to Victoria's bargain. "How about you kill her and I keep the servant!" he said smirking. He gave a snort and then watched them closely. "At least the servant is somewhat nice!" he said giving another laugh. <br>After he knew Sabrina had a terrified look on her face he sighed. Alexander turned to the servant girl. "I hope you don't hold this against me," he said standing up with her. He slide a knife from his armor and held it to her throat. <br>"I know you can just get another servant but obviously she means something to you," he shouted towards Victoria. "You hand Sabrina over first and she will not be hurt."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aoife</strong> on <strong>11-02-2012, 02:40:44</strong>
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				She lashed out to connect a vicious looking blow to the Princess, just enough in the way of theatrics to look serious.&nbsp; For a Krytoni recruit it would be a light tap, but she very much so doubted that the Shakou were so hardened.<br><br>I don't bargain with those who've already proven a lack of honor. Two.<br><br>Her knuckles whitened on the hilt.&nbsp; It would be a shame to lose such a valuable bargaining chip, but it could possibly prove necessary. Her hand with the Krytoni swordbreaker fidgeted idly over the coarse leather, a plan already taking form. Leave it to the Prince to lack the proper knowledge to restrain a hostage.<br><br>A brief nod at the Prince's feet was all the signal she could spare to her maid.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">In some fashion, I approve heartily.&nbsp; Perhaps a third party invasion?</div></div>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>11-02-2012, 02:42:06</strong>
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				<div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body"> Shouldn't we give eiselmann a chance to post? I mean, I can't really do anything, either, until he responds. </div></div>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sairin</strong> on <strong>11-02-2012, 02:46:04</strong>
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				<div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Yeah haha. Also the idea is fine with me.</div></div>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>eiselmann</strong> on <strong>11-02-2012, 20:59:35</strong>
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				<br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">I like the idea of a third party ...maybe a squad of 'evil' Krytons' have really been tracking their princess in order to ensure she dies thus inspiring their army to fanaticism in their desire for revenge...could be the brother of the Kryton King making a power play</div></div><br>Maude was sure they were being followed as Sabrina got closer it got easier to look away.<br><br>Movement caught his eye, but not from behind Maude moved his body off his month and landed on the side lightly, his sword already in hand , keeping his mount between him and danger Maude moved with practise ease in the heavy sand, 'light steps, short and sharp dig in with your fight' that had been the mantra of one of his sword masters.<br><br>Things had moved quickly as he came in to view his sword grip changing slightly as he took into account the sword at Sabrina's throat, Maude tried to keep anger at bay but couldn't mask it from his face.<br><br>He would follow the Princess lead in this as always but in his mind he'd killed these Kryton barbarians if they did manage to kill Sabrina, his sword pointed at the Kryton male as his eyes continued to move ...he was still sure they were being followed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>11-02-2012, 22:58:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body"> I like Eiselmann's idea. I'm sure the princess' attitude has left at least a few people not-happy. </div></div><br>His initial attack missed; and really, he did not expect it to hit.&nbsp; These two were competent enough to get so far as to break into the castle, that meant they were highly skilled. <br><br>He would use the side of his all-metal halberd to push against Maude's sword, pushing it off to the side; but as he did this, he was also backing up, changing his grip on the weapon as needed.&nbsp; It was not an act of further aggression, but more one of defense.<br><br>"Do not think the princess will hesitate." As he said this, he was moving around them, away from Maude, and towards the prince; and the captive he now held at knife point. "You can kill her if you want, but it'll be your death that follows. <em>Blood for blood</em>, Shakou. Bread for bread."&nbsp; It was an old saying. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BellaVita</strong> on <strong>12-02-2012, 00:51:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="bbc_font">Daphne grunted as she was pulled to her feet by the prince. She most certainly <em>would</em> hold this against him! Was he mad? He was the one holding a knife to her throat, and he was the one who kidnapped her. She tried not to think about his body so close to her, the hardness of his chest and his hands on her. She mentally smacked herself and instead focused on the exchange between her captor and her friend, growing upset. As Victoria spoke, she noticed that at the end, she gave a slight nod to the ground. They were close, and Daphne could usually tell what her friend was thinking. <em>I can do this..</em>, she thought to herself as she took a deep breath.<br><br>She waited until he shifted ever so slightly, and grabbed her opportunity. She stomped on his foot and then immediately elbowed his hard stomach. She managed to get free, but his knife sliced her just above the clavicle. Wincing in pain, she looked at him and glared. "I hope you don't hold that against me." She turned and made her way to Victoria, going next to Edgar, hiding behind him. </span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>eiselmann</strong> on <strong>12-02-2012, 03:16:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Maude watched in horror as his friend managed to lose control of the woman, his eyes flicked to Sabrina and his stomach knotted and not for the normal reason it need when she was around.<br><br>Fear that defined his relationship with the Princess, now it was the fear of losing her, Maude shifted his legs wider and moved his sword into a two handed grip, his eyes now focused yet as he spoke he couldn't help himself but have a dig at his friend " Ah my prince I hope that was part of the grand plan because plan B seems to be these Kryton's doing something really stupid like harm the Princess and then decide to join her in the afterlive"<br><br>Maude addressed the Krytons "I hope you don't hold that against me" he said sarcastically.<br><br>&nbsp;"But if you want to die another day you'll let the Princess go unharmed" his voice without a hint of sarcasm his voice confident he knew what he could do and what his prince was capable of more than a few Krytons had fallen to their swords, normally he wouldn't have spoken such threats as it was not his place ...but this was different, this was about her.<br><br>...and the nagging feeling that someone else was out there, not too far away and closing in. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aoife</strong> on <strong>12-02-2012, 04:23:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Check out the OOC (original thread).&nbsp; Suffice to say, the splinter faction idea has some real merit to me.</div></div><br>Victoria smiled.&nbsp; Daphne had managed to remain handily undefeated when it came to brawling, despite her more gentile appearance.<br><br>It's a rather simple trade off.&nbsp; You two drop your weapons and walk towards the city. Daphne, my guard and I mount your animals and ride off, leaving the Princess here. The fact that you live any longer is pure mercy, and the knowledge that in a few months I'll kick down your palace's doors and see to it anyway.&nbsp; Thank whatever gods you worship for this chance. Her grin broadened a bit wider, turning truly vicious as she eyed down the Prince's attack dog.<br><br>If you think you're any match in combat for Edgar and I, I heartily recommend you try. I've murdered legions of your 'elite', she spat the word with a degree of contempt, troops claiming the same thing, and they were barely competent enough to be termed Krytoni recruits. A Shakou swordmaster might just be even to our line infantry. My bodyguard and I are the true elite.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>12-02-2012, 06:32:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I am not one to boast of my accomplishments. But I can assure you, neither I, nor my ward, will be dying here today." He maintained his defensive stance, even as the servant girl fled to safety behind him. His eyes remained firmly fixated on the two male Shakou, fully prepared for either one to make a move on him.<br><br>"We'll take the princess with us a distance, then leave her.&nbsp; far enough to give us a head start so you won't be able to rally cavalry and send them after us. She'll be fine, for the time being." He spoke as dispassionately as ever; it's not just that he's hiding his emotions, it's like there's nothing there to even hide. It is as if their was just some part of him that never developed.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jecht</strong> on <strong>13-02-2012, 01:34:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander yelped in pain and attempted to grab her before she skirted off. "If I didn't want to kick you right now I would laugh at your attempt of a joke," he said watching her go behind them. "Problem with that situation is I don't trust you guys farther than I can throw you," he said. He lowered his head and whispered to Maude. "Ready to fight, my friend?" he asked looking at him. He unsheathed his sword and aimed at them.<br><br>"If you have any have the courage of one my men then you will stand down and let Sabrina go," he said calmly. "My men may have died but they didn't run away like you guys are wanting to do!" he said raising his voice. His eyes moved to Sabrina and he nodded. "Well, bring it on you slimey Krytons!!
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BellaVita</strong> on <strong>13-02-2012, 01:46:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="bbc_font">Daphne stood between Victoria and Edgar, and then at Sabina. She knew that there would be bloodshed and that the prince and his bodyguard would be no match for her friends. She held her hand to the cut at her chest, it was already getting sandy and dirty, and it made her wince. Looking at Alexander she pleaded with her eyes. She should hate him, she really should, but she couldn't help but feel something for him, too. <em>Please, just walk away Prince.. Please..</em><br><br>Why did everyone have to be so stubborn? She looked up at Edgar, then Victoria, knowing they would never back down. She saw some dust rustling on the horizon and squinted. A chill went through her and she looked at the group staring each other down. Something was coming, and it was coming for them. </span><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aoife</strong> on <strong>13-02-2012, 02:17:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The notion of honor in battle is what gets men killed when they should have lived.&nbsp; Remember this moment as the time you signed your sister's death warrant.<br><br>It's be a shame to lose the hostage but, then again, enraged opponents were much easier to dispatch than those thinking clearly.&nbsp; Lopping the head off of the Shakou royalty wouldn't be the worst turnout possible.<br><br>She spread her feet in a practiced fashion, and with the speed borne of long practice swept back and around again in what was unarguably a lethal swing. Only an act of divine intervention would stay the blow.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">I can has deus ex machina now?&nbsp; Kinda would prefer people not being dead!</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>13-02-2012, 02:40:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<tt class="bbc_tt"><strong>CLANK!</strong></tt> The sound of metal hitting metal reverberates, as his charge would find her sword had met with the tail end of his halberd, effectively blocking the blow; however, the shock of the two pieces of metal hitting each other would likely be felt by the Shakou princess. <br><br>"I can't let you do that, princess. Her life is too valuable to let it end here and now." He hoped she would see what he was talking about, if given a moment to think about it. He intervened, not out of any love or care for the woman who was nearly slain, but because he felt her continued existence would ensure their own.&nbsp; After all, his job, first and foremost, is keeping Victoria alive.<br><br>"Daphne, keep your distance." He'd caution her, before he turned his attention to the brother of their captive.&nbsp; "I will fight you, man to man. However, if you lose, you will forfeit your life, and your sister shall become mine, to do with as I will. These are my terms. Do you accept?" Again, their is no emotion to his voice, nothing but a coldness and a calmness that was nearly inhuman. His <em>voice</em> was like a cold, winter-chilled knife, pressed to soft flesh. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sairin</strong> on <strong>13-02-2012, 04:24:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sabina closed her eyes, expecting death to follow, but opened them quickly to the sound of metal against metal. With partially open lips, Sabina gazed up to her savior, her chest rising and falling quickly as she breathed hard. Relieved that this man found her life valuable, Sabina relaxed quietly and listened to what he said.<br><br>"Wait, what?!" Sabina's brows furrowed. She had to entrust her brother to save her now from this brute who wished to make her his slave of sorts? <br><br>Pushing herself up on her elbows, Sabina gazed over the man's chiseled body, obviously a man filled with knowledge on the battle field, a knowing of the blade and the halberd he carried now. For a moment she did admire the strength at which he might be able to pin her down and take her in any way he pleased, but the thought was dismissed. He was just that, all muscle. And the coldness and calmness of his voice really rubbed her the wrong way.<br><br>Turning to her brother, however, Sabina knew her fate was sealed. Her brother wouldn't be able to help, that is, if he even tried to. Alexander had already said to just let her die, jokingly of course, but this was not death. This was just a way to get rid of her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aoife</strong> on <strong>13-02-2012, 08:55:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fury ran like fire across her mind. Victoria's sense of racial superiority and vast belief in manifest destiny had led her to believe that this truly had been ordained. When her bodyguard stepped in, she was deeply shocked, but tried to let as little of the emotion as possible travel to her face - even as the metallic reverberation went through her arm with the sense of old familiarity.<br><br>Biting back the initial retort, she shrugged, lowering her sword. She'd been possessed of faulty logic before, it was why she kept the large man around. As you wish, but we have no time for a duel. Not this close to the Shakou walls. Come, we must go. Shoving the Princess towards the Shakou, she motioned to Daphne to follow and cut her bonds.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jecht</strong> on <strong>13-02-2012, 09:09:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander waited until they had stepped away before running to Sabrina's side. "Sorry sis. I almost got you killed again," he said helping her up. He nodded to Maude before looking into the distance.<br><br>"What in Hades is that?" he said taking a step back. "I'm pretty sure that is a small army charging towards us," he said pulling readying his sword. "Hey you Kryton people, is that your army coming?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BellaVita</strong> on <strong>13-02-2012, 09:30:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="bbc_font">Daphne gasped as Edgar saved Sabina's life. He was never one for compassion, so that meant there was something to gain from keeping her alive. But when Edgar suggested a duel to death between him and Alexander, she wanted to scream. <em>They can't, they just can't.. The prince, he'll be killed for sure.</em> She gave a hardened look to Edgar and was about to retort when Victoria suggested they make their way home, away from the walls of Shakou. Relief flooded through her, but she gave a look to Alexander, not wanting to go. She frowned for a moment, and then turned away from him, trying not to show her emotions.<br><br>Victoria cut Daphne's bonds and she rubbed her wrists, which were bruised, and burned from contact with the rope. She wiped at the cut on her neck and gritted her teeth. "Thanks." She looked at Victoria for a moment and smiled, wanting to hug her tight, but there would be time for catching up later, right now she had to talk these idiots out of a duel.<br><br>She was about to open her mouth, tell these meat-heads that what they were doing was stupid, but then the prince spoke up. At his words, she looked into the direction he was mentioning and saw a cloud of dust, and men riding on horses. They were wearing Kryton colors, but the uniform was different. "Victoria, those are not guards.." Daphne looked at the prince and then Victoria and Edgar, her heart was racing, she knew that something was wrong.</span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aoife</strong> on <strong>13-02-2012, 10:17:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				No... it isn't. There aren't supposed to be any troop movement in this area. I can't imagine father sent a column this far after me, even presuming he did know where I was going. She squinted into the distance, some vague sense of unease coming on that she couldn't explain.<br><br>They're wearing the colors, at least, and flying under banner.&nbsp; Looks to be Adders.&nbsp; Makes our egress a little easier now, doesn't it Edgar? She smiled, a genuine one this time, as relief at being within sighting range of friendly troops. Turning back to the group of Shakou royalty, she waived a hand at them.<br><br>I'd recommend running, unless you particularly like the idea of escaping one death only to embrace another.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>13-02-2012, 11:22:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"The Adders should not be out here." He commented in that same old fashion of his. His attention had not left the prince,&nbsp; his bodyguard, and his sister, as he trusted what Victoria&nbsp; and Daphne saw and said, and&nbsp; did not wish to have his back turned on the Shakou. That was a tactically bad idea.<br><br>"They're a domestic security force. I could understand a light cavalry division from the main army, but... your father would not have sent Adder's out here lightly. Your brother, perhaps?" Even though he was talking to Victoria, at all points, his gaze remains fixated on the three Shakou.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sairin</strong> on <strong>13-02-2012, 18:48:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sabina took Alexander's hand, but quickly turned away from him.<br><br>"Sorry doesn't really cut it, brother. That foul bitch cut me and the other one wanted to make me his slave! Beast, Krytons! They're nothing but animals!" Sabina raged, and turned her attention to the small army. "Oh great, now there's more of them."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jecht</strong> on <strong>13-02-2012, 19:07:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander stood his ground as the army approached. He gripped his sword tightly as he watched the cloud of move towards him like locust. He suddenly had a bad feeling in his stomach. "I hate to give them the satisfaction but I think we should retreat back to town. We can get you cleaned up." He started to back up towards the horses with Maude at his side until he realize the men were attempting to surround them. Without warning he felt the breeze of an arrow blow past his shoulder. Looking around he could see other arrows fall towards everyone else. <br><br>"Are you sure they are your men? They seem hostile to everyone," he said helping Sabrina to his horse. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BellaVita</strong> on <strong>18-02-2012, 10:05:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="bbc_font">Daphne nodded to Edgar. "It could only be him. He's never liked Victoria much, and he could've found out that she left to search for me.." Looking at army that was headed for them, bit her lip. "We should go." She looked at Alexander, her face full of worry and determination. "Hurry, before they catch you, too." She watched as an arrow breezed by him, and she saw more coming. Hopping on Victoria's horse, she held out her hand to help her friend up. "Let's go."</span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>eiselmann</strong> on <strong>18-02-2012, 11:16:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Maude moved to his horse and unclipped a small shield , it was made from a tree that grew a foot every hundred years and as such the wood was incredibly dense and also heavy, no arrow could peirce the wood but the shield itself had a radius of less than one foot.<br><br>His eyes turned to the sky and he caught sight of the next flight of arrows, two arrows in particular caught his attention and with that he was already moving to the point of most danger ..Sabrina. <br><br>His arm outstretched the arrow hit his shield and clattered to the side otherwise it would have pierced the Princess's lower back, Maude spun his body in a low quick rotation his feet taking a wide step and once again his shield arm blocked an arrow, one that would have hit the Kryton Princess in the face and already he was moving away from the Kryton bodyguard...just in case. <br><br>Maude's eyes smiled as he said "Kryton elites always impress me until I get bored with their attempts to hold a sword" .<br><br>"We should go my prince " Maude said as he gained his mount, these adders were indeed surrounding their small group , he left unvoiced his protective and deep concerns for Alexanders sister it was not his place to be that forward.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Sands of Kidnapping</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>19-02-2012, 01:35:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edgar wasn't the only one to move to his mount when the arrows come flying, the Adders showing no discrimination between them and the Shakou.&nbsp; It made sense, in a twisted way. <br><br>He got to his mount, and was quick to get on the camel. They weren't quite as fast as a horse would be, but a camel was also much better suited to the desert, and would require far less maintenance.<br><br>His attention turned to the Shakou, for only the briefest of moments, before darting to his ward, and then, to the Adders. To hell with them. His halberd comes to rest carefully on his lap, as he takes out a javelin from a quiver that was attached to his saddle, and he hurls one (followed by several more) in their vicinity.<br><br>Not being the greatest of shots, and javelins traveling slower than an arrow, the Adders could actually dodge it without too much difficulty; it's just that it disrupts their aiming, which is really the whole point. Some times a half-knocked arrow is lost, or the shot goes off in the completely wrong direction. <br><br>Still, though, this is a minor disruption of the large force. He just hoped to bring their attention towards him, while the princess and her friend got mounted up, and could flee. 
			</dd>
		</dl>
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