Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Light =&gt; Light: Human Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: HighLander on 05-10-2008, 06:01:38</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>05-10-2008, 06:01:38</strong>
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				&nbsp;--&gt; Click Here for OOC and discuss this plot! &lt;-- (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=21972.0)<br><br><strong>Characters:</strong><br><br><strong>Duncan &lt;############[oooo]D </strong> -&nbsp; A skilled swordsman and mercenery for hire cursed with the powers of immortality. He appears to be no older than 30 but has walked this land for more than a century. Often a loner, and fiercely loyal the side that pays him the most, Duncan walks a thin line between good and the dammed but has managed to stay on the side of the 'Light" even through the "Silver Wars". A man with few words and many enemies, he roams the lands in search of a reason to explain the curse of never knowing death.<br><br><strong>Lady Gweneth&nbsp; @}--,--'--- </strong> - An attractive and fiercely independent woman born into the high society of the Town of Talahentry, a small yet wealthy town known for it's many exports that are highly sort after. The upper class is dominated by merchants and trade ambassadors of the Lord Kilinos who rules the region with an iron hand. Lady Gwen, as she is known to the very few who dare call her that, lives by herself in a sprawling mansion almost fit for the town mayor. Money and power have always been in her family and now after the death of her father, she runs his many trade interests and other more lucrative businesses. She is 32 and turns heads where ever she goes. Her beauty is second only to her ambition.<br><br><strong>Valerie / "Crimson Shadow"&nbsp; V^^^^V </strong> - A pure blood vampire born into the house "Rament Iramous" also known as the "Sisterhood of the Shadow" -&nbsp; the assassin arm of the Lord Kilinos. No one would dare make that connection in public but every enemy of the Lord has suffered a hideous death and the only thing that remained was a dead corpose with two holes in their neck and a hint of the scented "Red Mist" that so many have come to fear more than death itself. Valerie is 24, skilled in arts of the 'Sisterhood" and have risen in their ranks to become #2 just behind Adelane the White.<br><br><strong>Aurora &lt;========[==o&nbsp; </strong>- A female blacksmith, trained in the arts of the Ore. Often looked down upon by lesser men but the warriors who know her work respect her as an equal for her weapons are said to posses legendary abilities in dealing in and defending against certain death. Owner of the weapons store "Crimson Death" she hides a secret from all but those who are like her - those to whom death means nothing unless dealt by one of their own. Those like the one named Duncan.<br><br><br><strong>The Plot:</strong><br>After the death of her father, Lady Gweneth has almost doubled her family's fortunes and in the process has made many enemies -&nbsp; most of them Men who think that Power and Wealth should be in the hands of a man and not a "foolish lass". Some of those Men have been allies of the Lord Kilinos since the "Silver Wars". <br><br>There is a gruesome ritual in this town that few acknowledge. The 13th night of the new moon is said to be night when fortune will shine on those who made a "Gesture" of blood. Although this ritual has been done behind closed doors, the "higher" the blood the higher the riches to be gotten. And as the 1st day of the new moon arrives, there is no higher blood than the Lady Gweneth's and that makes her the most sort after "gesture" in the eyes of Greed and Power. To spill her blood with a silver dagger and sprinkle the rest on the east wall of ones house would bring all of her wealth and good fortune to the house that made the "gesture" - Or so it is believed and so it has been done every year. To be the richest in Talahentry is certain death. <br><br>Lady Gweneth however does not care about such "rumors". But secretly fears for her life but cannot afford to show it or risk appearing weak in the eyes of her competitors and worse - Men. She has worked hard to build her empire of prosperity and she will fight even harder to hold onto it past the 13 dreaded days of the "Gesture". She has already enlisted the aid of many armed men but she knows all too well that any man or woman in town is just as likely to work for her enemies if they pay them enough to look away. <br><br>3 roads lead into Talahentry. And on one comes a rider with a cloak about her shoulders, 3 daggers about her person and Duty on her mind. Valerie has always known how to find her target and never has she had one be so easy to find. All she needs to do is ride up to the biggest house in town. And this mark will make her equal in Kills to Adelane and the youngest to ever attain the rank of "White" in her house. <br><br>At the end of another road a lone traveller stares at a parchment nailed to the wall of an Inn that tells of 100 gold coins for 13 days of work. He's heard whispers of the "gesture" and of a Lady who is willing to pay good money for just 2 weeks of work. Touching the small pouch makes the 2 silvers in it clank and his fingers trace the hilt of his sword. Sighing, he takes the reigns of his horse and slowly walks towards the House on the Hill. Money is short and 2 silvers will barely get him a room and some food for more than a day, let alone the ale he thirsts for or the company of a warm body next to him at night. <br><br>"How hard can 13 days be?" he mutters as he walks on.<br><br>... if only he knew....<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [ mdazfrench + Xanaphia + HighLander ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>05-10-2008, 06:20:00</strong>
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				Duncan glanced at the quaint houses as he walked trailing his steed behind him. He had been in a saddle for a good 3 days now and it felt good to finally stretch his legs. The cool winds from the north have begun to make their presence felt and he liked this town already. The people seemed like they were content and for good reason - poverty was almost non existant here...or so he has been told. <br><br>Duncan began to wonder who this Lady was who felt the need to surround herself with so many armed men. Perhaps a wife of an unpopular businessman? No... had it been so, the husband would have posted the call for mercenaries not the Lady herself. The more he thought about her, the more he wanted to meet her.<br><br>He crested the tiny hill and stood at the iron gates through which ornate statues of women were visible lining the pathway to the main house. 4 armed guards stood at the gate and Duncan looked at the tallest of the 4 in the eyes and nodded.<br><br>"I come to take up the Lady's offer for 13 days of work.&nbsp; Can you tell her that Duncan wishes an audience?"<br><br>The mercenary looks at him and shrugs.<br><br>"What makes you think we'll let you in Stranger? You might well be an assassin!"<br><br>"If I was...." Duncan's sword hisses through the air and the blunt side touches the neck of the wide eyed ex-soldier.<br>"... would I be standing here talking to you... friend?"<br><br>The soldier barely found 3 words to string together before the sword was sheathed just as fast as it was drawn. With a toothless smile the man backed away and turned towards the now opened gates and beckoned Duncan to follow.<br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [ mdazfrench + Xanaphia + HighLander ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>mdazfrench</strong> on <strong>05-10-2008, 09:57:19</strong>
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				Valerie observed the altercation with guard with marked, if hidden, interest.&nbsp; The heavy cloak,&nbsp; as well as the shadows cast by the inn wall she leaned against, hid her against casual observation.&nbsp; And the carefull wards she had placed on herself concealed her against any but the most determined minds.&nbsp; Men and women, passing within inches of her observation spot, did so unawares of the lethal creature hiding in plain sight.<br><br>Valerie chuckled, a soft and throaty purr, as she watched the newcomer’s sword flash in the fading light, noting the swordman’s almost casual speed.&nbsp; <em>A mercenary . . . and a good one</em>.&nbsp; Most of the guards of her target’s home were little more than hastily drafted militia, barely worth the money to arm them and would offer little trouble to the nightwalker.<br><br><em>But this one, </em>she thought <em>This one could be trouble if permitted.</em><br><br>Valerie carried no blade of her own but maintained a lively respect for the damage they could wreak, a properly placed dagger or sword just as effective at ending life or unlife as any of her methods.&nbsp; The vampire pursed her full lips, her smooth brow creasing in thought as her emerald eyes followed Duncan’s back as he made his way up the hill.<br><br><em>This one, not the first night.&nbsp; Best to have fun with him first, throw him off his game before the kill. </em>After all, thirteen nights is such a LOOOONG time and she liked to play with her food. <br><br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [ mdazfrench + Xanaphia + HighLander ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Xanaphia</strong> on <strong>05-10-2008, 18:35:59</strong>
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				Gweneth sat silently in a large sitting room, with rich red and gold hues filling the area. Her sat calmly in a deep red velvety arm chair. Gweneth's deep blue eyes scanned over a large, leather bound book on her lap, thin pale fingers flipped the yellowed pages with care. The lady had deep red hair which was piled on top of her head, carefully pinned with golden sticks. About her body was a deep blue dress, reaching down to her feet. The dress was tightened around the waist, the collar was a square cut, the soft flesh of her chest glowing slightly in the candle-light. The sleeves reached down to her wrists, where they clinged fittingly to her wrists.<br><br>"Lady Gweneth, one of the front entrance guards has a man with him who wishes to be one of your guards," Stated a young woman with mousy brown hair. She wore a simple black dress with a white apron. The lady's deep blue eyes moved from her book to the young woman before her. Once her eyes rested upon the maid, the maid flinched. "Send him in," Gweneth said fluidly, her eyes returning to the book upon her lap. <br><br>"Do you think that wise, m'lady?" Asked a deep voice from behind her. A tall man stepped out from a darkened corner of the room. The man was wearing all black, a piece of cloth covering his face, a long cloak had it's hood pulled up over his head, only his bright brown eyes could be seen. "Don't question me," She snapped, her eyes sticking to the pages. "I'm only looking out for you, Lady Gweneth." He said calmly, taking a step back towards the book case-covered wall. He blended back into the shadows. <br><br>Lady Gweneth heard a knock at the door before her. Her eyes looked up to see the toothless guard enter the room, bringing with him another man. "This man wishes to speak with you, Lady Gweneth." The toothless man said quickly. Lady Gweneth nodded slowly, her eyes moving from the guard to the strange man. "You may leave," Gweneth said simply, her eyes glancing to the toothless one, who scampered out of the door. <br><br>Her hands closed the book on her lap, which revealed the title: "Imports". The book was filled with various items, the date they came in, the amount, everything. Piercing blue eyes watched the man before her for a moment before speaking. "What is your name?" Her voice was fluid and calm, as if she were to be meeting someone under other circumstances.&nbsp; 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [ mdazfrench + Xanaphia + HighLander ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>05-10-2008, 22:04:39</strong>
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				Duncan walked two paces behind the toothless guard, his right hand instinctively on the hilt of his sword, his fingers tracing the Dragon's Tail shape of it. The guard lead him up a paved pathway flanked by neatly trimmed bushes and the occasional tree. Various statues line the pathway, some holding pots from which water seem to appear as if by Magic and dripped into a basin that never seemed to over flow. <br><br>Money seemed like it flowed into this house just as surely as the water into those pots. Duncan smiled at the thought of money as he began thinking of the fine wine and finner women he would enjoy tonight at the Black Horn Inn.<br><br>His thoughts were cut short by a faint and almost casual sensation at the back of his neck. He kept walking but his stride became more calculated and his right hand wrapped around the hilt as he glanced around the landscape. The feeling was not new to him for it always heralded trouble and usually meant that another Immortal was in the vicinity. But this sensation was different...almost subtle...almost as if someone or <em>thing</em> was trying to mask it's presence. His eyes scanned the statues and the tree line beyond, his sight reaching over the tall walls and towards the silhouette of the Black Horn Inn, framed against the reddish horizon. <br><br>Who ever this was did not want to be seen nor felt, he knew but that didn't stop a smile from reaching his lips. Perhaps these coming nights will bring forth an opponent worthy of his skill...and price, he thought.<br><br>Duncan's eyes fell back onto the Guard as they entered the mansion.<br><br>The hall that he was led through had thick carpets and fine art that were illuminated by ornate torches made from bronze. The high ceiling was adorned with paintings. Wealthy was an understatement if used to describe the Lady of this house. <br><br>Duncan paused as the Guard spoke to a serving maid and they both stood outside a heavy oak door as the maid hurried inside. Duncan's thoughts flew back to the sensation he felt just a few minutes ago and only then did he realise that his knuckles were white from clenching his fist around the hilt. The Guard's fearful eyes should have given him some indication of this but he had dismissed the worthless man and didn't pay him much attention other than to make sure he kept his distance.<br><br>The Maid came out and curtsied the two of them. "The Lady Gweneth will see you" she said before she hurried away.<br><br>They entered the room and the scent of sweet wine and lavender enveloped Duncan. His eyes narrowed as they approached a vision of Beauty far exceeding any he had seen in a good many years. Her eyes almost looked like they were looking into his soul and those same eyes radiated a sense of pride and power, but more interestingly a sense of ... hesitation.<br><br>The warm glow from the candles made the Lady glow herself, or perhaps her skin was that smooth and that soft. Duncan stood 3 paces behind the Guard as he was dismissed. He sneered as he walked past Duncan but Duncan's eyes never left the fullness of the Lady's bosom. <br><br>Swiftly his eyes met hers as she sat there, waiting.<br><br>Duncan bowed deeply, sweeping his left hand in an arc in front of him.<br><br>"My Lady Gweneth, they call me Duncan" he said as he looked at her once again. His breathing began to feel as if he had run 5 miles but he hid it well. His eyes ached to roam over her body as she sat there but he fought to keep them on those large blue eyes that remained unyielding.<br><br>"I come to offer my sword and my life to you for 13 days, My Lady so that you may have the pleasure of parting with 300 gold pieces" he said, smiling widely as he tripled the promised pay. In his mind it was a fair trade for his services for he was three times more effective than all 4 of those "guards" at the gate.<br><br>A faint smell of scented oil reached his nostrils but was soon replaced by the intoxicating smell of lavender as the Lady fanned herself before she spoke. The scent of oil seem to come from the darkest part of the room, close to the bookshelf just beyond the Lady.<br><br>When she spoke, her voice was sweeter than the fine wines from Persionia and Ducan swore to himself that he'd pay 3 times as much to hear her lips utter his name in the heat of passion...
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				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [ mdazfrench + Xanaphia + HighLander ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Xanaphia</strong> on <strong>06-10-2008, 19:59:02</strong>
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				It was easy for her to notice that his eyes lingered slightly south of her face, a common mistake by most men. Lady Gweneth had become accustomed to other merchants doing the same, but for them, they snapped out of it once they realized how easy it would be to crush them. Her ever observant eyes also took in his hand, which rest on the hilt of a blade. <em>Constantly defensive or offensive?</em> The thought came and passed as her eyes continued to wash over him. He spoke charismatically, with respect. "My Lady Gweneth, they call me Duncan," He stated after he took a deep bow. The over all air to this man intrigued Gweneth, never had she met anyone who wasn't at least slightly intimidated when they met her. On the other hand, he did seem to have the same weaknesses as another other man. Gweneth remained silent after he introduced himself, glancing away for a moment to pick up a fan on the table next to her. <br><br>"I come to offer my sword and my life to you for 13 days, My Lady, so that you may have the pleasure of parting with 300 gold pieces." He smiled widely after he finished speaking, Gweneth didn't even twitch. The Lady slipped her fingers underneath the old book and moved it to the table where the fan had been. The woman stood up smoothly and began to fan herself lightly, the scent of lavender wafting from her neck and bosom. Lady Gweneth moved slowly, as if floating, towards Duncan,her eyes latched onto his as she slowly walked around him, she only broke contact with his eyes once she was behind him. "And what makes you, Duncan, think that you're worth 300 of my gold?" She asked simply, she settled in standing in front of him, closing her fan with a sharp snap. Her eyes left him as she turned around, moving back to her chair where she sat softly. "What makes you better than all the other guards I have hired?" Her face was stern, yet still had a softness to it. Her hands settled on her lap holding the fan at either end. The room fell silent, only the sounds of calm breathing and the ticking clock resounded in the room. <br><br>Lady Gweneth had no use to for guards who simply wanted her money, only to stab her in the back. She would need some sort of insurance, as always. Though this man was not familiar. While the town was large, she at least recognized the faces. Her eyes moved to a goblet filled with a deep red liquid, which she reached out for, taking a small sip. "You are not from this area, are you, Duncan?" Gweneth said, setting the goblet back onto the wooden table with a small noise. Her eyes snapped back to his face once the goblet was secured on the surface.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [ mdazfrench + Xanaphia + HighLander ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>06-10-2008, 22:58:01</strong>
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				Duncan stood tall as Gweneth began pacing around him as she spoke. His eyes roamed freely over her sensual body, noticing every curve every shift of fabric, every rustle of clothing as her long legs carried her gracefully. His eyes caresses the slender neck that perched her proud head and how her hair was placed precisely on it. He noticed the firmness of her breasts and the shape of her hips as he turned his head to follow her as she walked behind him. The hairs behind his neck prickled as he fought to turn fully around for he hated having his back to his enemies and worse&nbsp; - women with a point to make. But he stood fast, turning his head to the left to catch her as she walked around to his front again. His eyes lingered south of her fine hips as she made her way back to her perch on the raised platform and sat herself down. <br><br>His eyes narrowed as she reached for the wine, half praying that someone, anyone, had tasted it before to make sure it was not poisoned. Not that he felt sorry if she'd drop dead -- well maybe a little for she'd make a fine night's worth of entertainment. But more importantly if she were to drop dead, it would mean he was short 300 gold and that didn't sit well with him. <br><br>"What makes me better?" he smiled to himself.<br><br>"What makes me better is what non of your other "guards" posses, My Lady."<br><strong>"Skill."</strong> He smiled as he left it to her imagination.<br><br><em>Skill to rival any lover you ever took to your bed Lady...</em> he thought to himself, but didn't say it. Perhaps she heard it anyway in his voice or his smile.<br><br>"A sword stuck in one's breaches does not make one a soldier and being an ex soldier does not make one a Guard, my Lady. Your "Guards" are nothing more than armed distractions for any would be assassin. Perhaps that is what you pay them to be?" He smiled.<br><br>"A REAL Guard is one who can spot the archer in the rafters yonder" - he nodded to his left and above at the almost invisible shadow&nbsp; perched on top of the wooden archway that lead to another room. The Guard had done well to conceal him or herself but not from the tiny spec of light that shun on the arrow tip of his half strung bow. If not for the fact that the arrow was pointing at him and not her, his throwing knife would already have found it's mark in one of the shadow's eye sockets.<br><br>Duncan watched the reaction on Gweneth's face as he pointed out the hidden "ace". Annoyance might have touched her lips but was soon replaced with the emotionless look again.<br><br>"I am worth 300 gold because you know that I am good and that my word is my bond. A deal made with me, is a deal set in stone for you can rest assured that my loyalty cannot be bought by a higher bidder, my Lady.<br><br>He glanced down at her fingers as she sat there. Noticed how well groomed they were and how well they were painted. She had an almost regal aura about her, if not for that hint of arrogance that seem to touch her face as she sat there.<br><br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [ mdazfrench + Xanaphia + HighLander ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Xanaphia</strong> on <strong>06-10-2008, 23:32:04</strong>
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				"Skill." The word seemed to paint a much different image then she was looking for, a much less violent image, and a much more passionate one. Her eyes moved from his quickly, averting to the fan in her hands. "A sword stuck in one's breaches does not make one a soldier and being an ex soldier does not make one a Guard, my Lady. Your "Guards" are nothing more than armed distractions for any would be assassin. Perhaps that is what you pay them to be?" He smiled as he spoke, the words coming from his mouth caused a small crack in her stern expression, a tiny glimmer of a smile which vanished quickly. <br><br>At his mention of the archer, her constant guard, she was sold. She could feel her eyes flutter slightly, surprised that he even noticed the man behind her, her lips pursed slightly, she would have to pay him now, if not to protect her, at least so he wouldn't kill her. Lady Gweneth took a sharp breath before reaching out a hand above her head. The man in the shadows took a step forward, his bow still up and ready. "Leave us," Gweneth said sharply, directing the call to the archer behind her, he jumped the distance to the ground then moved calmly past Duncan and out of the sitting room. Once the door shut behind the shadowed man, Gweneth stood again. "Agreed," She dropped the fan onto the table with a calm 'thwap' sound. "I shall pay you half now, and half once the thirteen days are up." The Lady turned and walked towards the bookshelves, where a desk stood, close to where the archer would have been had he been on the ground. She opened a small chest on the table, removing three small black velvety bags.<br><br>Once the chest was opened, the scent of Lavender erupted from it. Lady Gweneth moved her blue eyes back to Duncan, piercing into his as she watched him from behind the desk. "You will have a separate job from the rest," She stated sharply, closing the chest and moving across the room to Duncan again. "You will be my personal guard, escort of sorts," She held out the bags of money, each had fifty coin. "Think that's a fair trade?" She asked, a smirk crossing her face. <br><br>Lady Gweneth was aware of the risk she was taking, leaving her self alone with this man. It was no riskier than being alone with the archer, he could kill her now, or he could kill her later. It made no difference, once she was dead, that was that. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [ mdazfrench + Xanaphia + HighLander ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>07-10-2008, 04:58:22</strong>
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				Duncan looks the archer square in the eyes as he walks past him. The scent of scented oil getting stronger as he walks within a feet of the HighLander. A slight nod of the head is all that Duncan needed to know that this man had sized him up and approved of his ability, at least his ability to pay attention to his surrounding.<br><br>Duncan's eyes settle back onto the more soothing figure of Gweneth as she glides over to the desk and pulls out 3 pouches. He listens as she speaks and toys with the idea of foregoing the gold for a night of passion with this sweet smelling beauty who walks towards him. But gold always lasted longer than any woman's interest...well perhaps not every woman... His thoughts wander into the past but only for a brief moment.<br><br>Duncan reaches out and takes all three pouches and weighs them in his palm. His finger running over the velvet as they trace a gold piece framed against it and smiles. He eases the pouches onto the loop on his belt and lets his leather cape fall back down to conceal it.<br><br>"I'll take your word that there's 150 gold, my Lady." he smiles as he walks around her, pacing the floor like a lion stalking it's prey...or more precisely it's mate...<br><br>He inhales deeply, not bothering to hide it as he walks behind her his face barely inches away from her hair as he whispers...<br><br>"I am yours for 13 days...and <em>nights</em> my Lady and you will be under my protection and have my undying attention. I will serve as your personal Guard and shield you with my life. But I warn you!"<br><br>He looks her in the eyes as he once against stands in front of her, dark eyes drilling into her blue.<br><br>"Fail to pay my full worth at the end of my service and payment I shall reap in ways you will wish you never knew existed....my Lady." He smiles but there was an almost sinister undertone that assured her he meant business.<br><br>"Where does my lady wish to be escorted today?" He bows as he backs away and stands a few paces behind her. <br><br><em>"My bed chamber.."</em> he hopes are the words that would roll off her lips.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [ mdazfrench + Xanaphia + HighLander ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Xanaphia</strong> on <strong>07-10-2008, 05:56:26</strong>
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				Lady Gweneth's smile faded quickly as he started to circle her, she didn't care to be sized up or checked out, though sometimes the later helped with business deals. She listened as he inhaled the her scent of lavender, she could feel his breath on her neck, it brought a sharp tingle down her spine, a sensation she hadn't felt in years. Her head turned sharply as her moved, his dark, endless eyes digging into her sharp blue ones. <br><br>"Are you implying that I am a cheat?" The Ladies eyes were sharp as daggers at the acquisition. "I have yet to break my word, and I am not planning on starting now." She snapped quickly, her arms crossing in front of her, causing her chest to thrust forward and together, resulting in a marvelous outcome. Gweneth was aware of his word, days and <em>nights</em>, oh how wonderful that could be, and yet, how terrible. She pushed the thought of laying with the stranger to the back of her mind. A lady of her standing should never have such frivolous relations. <br><br>Just a moment after Duncan asked where she was planning to go, the young maid from before knocked and entered. "Dinner is ready, my Lady." She stated meekly. Gweneth's eyes softened as they moved to the young maid. "Thank you, Missy, can you have another setting placed out for Duncan here." The maid nodded to her Ladies request and ducked out of the room. <br><br>"That is where I would like to be escorted, after dinner I am to wash up and get to sleep, I have an important meeting in the morning which must be tended to." Gweneth moved back for her goblet, which she picked up carefully, taking a sip before heading out of the room.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [ mdazfrench + Xanaphia + HighLander ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>mdazfrench</strong> on <strong>07-10-2008, 17:18:48</strong>
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				<br>As night fell fog crept through the town of Talahentry the new moon rose, the lunar globe’s soft light diffused by the heavy mist as men and women hurriedly went about their business on this auspicious of nights.<br><br>The guard stood huddled outside the gates, his militia tunic an uncomfortable fit over his massive bulk, the muscles of his youth having long ago gone to fat; his chin receding beneath his bushy beard. <em>Damn the woman</em> he muttered under his breath, as he shifted nervously in the cold night air <em>Bad enough to be outside in this thrice cursed weather, but to be the </em>only <em>one out here</em>!&nbsp; Neither his armor, nor the sword slung at his waist could diminish that horrible feeling of nakedness as he glanced up and down the cobbled street.<br><br>He wasn’t uncovered, he knew, but the pair of bowmen watching him from the upstairs windows were nice and warm, and <em>inside</em>.&nbsp; Ten years in the militia, his own successful fishing business on the lake to the east, and he was <em>bait</em>.&nbsp; He spent the next several minutes cursing himself, the Lady Gweneth, and the hundred gold pieces that had him out here freezing his tail bone off.<br><br>For that reason, perhaps he could have been excused for not noticing the slim shape creeping up behind him, its shadowy form moving swiftly in the soft moonlight.&nbsp; At least, not until it tapped him on the shoulder.<br><br>He spun, sputtering curses and trying to yank his sheathed sword out before muttering another curse and taking a deep shuddering breath.<br><br>“Thrice curse it lass!&nbsp; You nearly got yourself killed!” he hissed at the serving maid, his dinner held in her outstretched hands.&nbsp; For all her faults, the Lady kept her Guard well fed.<br><br>“Sorry” the timid young girl cast her eyes down as she whispered, trembling slightly to find herself outside on such a night.<br><br>The guard, Wyrth, took a moment to ogle the attractive girl from beneath the shadow of his heavy helm.&nbsp; The modest black and white dress that Lady Gweneth clothed all of her female servants in hugged the young woman’s attractive&nbsp; form, emphasizing the smooth rolling curves of her backside as well as the pleasing swell of her breasts.&nbsp; The modest square front was cut just below her shoulders, but revealed the smooth paleness of the top of her breasts as well as the graceful arc of her neck beneath the top's simple black choker.&nbsp; Her face still was still soft, slight traces of baby fat still gracing her cheeks, dimples also dotting her smooth skin.&nbsp; Dark green eyes glanced around the street nervously from beneath her simply styled black hair as she pushed the tray into Wyrth’s hands.<br><br>“Thanks” he grinned as he devoured the steamed vegetables and slices of cheese.&nbsp; Pigeon food, but it’ll keep his energy up through his half of the long night.<br><br>“I live to serve” the girl replied automatically, ducking her head submissively as she curtsied.<br><br><em>Oh, I bet you do</em> - he thought to himself as he enjoyed both the feast before his eyes and in his hands a moment longer.&nbsp; A large group of soldiers moving into a home of mostly female servants had as predictable and inevitable results as picking a fight in a northern bar.&nbsp; Chaos and more than a few sore bodies in the morning.&nbsp; He'd resigned himself to the fact that none of the lusty wenches would settle for one of his girth, even if he'd been handsome, though this slip of a girl had always been kind to him.<br><br>“Thank you Tabitha.” The guard grinned as he continued to eat.<br><br>Tabitha, for her part, continued to shuffle nervously, fingers unconsciously crossing herself as the shadows seemed to leap out at her.&nbsp; She hated the night, especially during the 13 days.&nbsp; The only daughter of simple trades people Tabitha never had to worry about <em>her </em>blood being splattered on someone’s wall but that did nothing to lessen the sullen menace she felt permeating the air.&nbsp; And it didn’t help that Wyrth and the other guards spent much of their time undressing her with their eyes when they chanced upon her <em>inside </em>the house either. <br><br>&nbsp;Wyrth at least was something of a gentleman about it, never going past looking, but several of his <em>friends </em>had been less polite.&nbsp; When she had turned down their lecherous advances, a trio had caught her in a deserted hallway, dragging her struggling body over to a nearby sofa.&nbsp; If not for the chance appearance of the Lady from an adjoining room she would have been undoubtedly raped.&nbsp; The Lady had always looked out for Tabitha since taking her into her home when her parents had died, and the bottomless contempt with which the Lady Gweneth flayed them with before having them cast from her home had done much to relieve Tabitha’s burning shame.&nbsp; The shame that had disappeared as the Lady had hugged the trembling girl, assuring her it was not her fault, that such beasts would be ‘dealt’ with.&nbsp; Their ‘accidental’ deaths in a bar brawl several days later had both relieved and terrified her.<br><br>But Wyrth’s uncommon gentleness did very little to assuage the nervousness she felt as his eyes traveled over her nubile form. Flustered, she tried to distract herself by looking up and down the deserted street.&nbsp; Which is why Tabitha saw her before Wyrth did.<br><br>The woman moved with a smooth, and to Tabitha’s eyes, almost feline grace as her boots clicked lightly on the cobbled street.&nbsp; But something else was wrong, things were moving too slowly, Tabitha lips moving as she tried to speak a warning to Wyrth, to keep him from panicking as he had with her.&nbsp; Her eyes widened as no sound came out.&nbsp; Her lips moved, she felt the small tremors of speech in her throat, but not a note of her normally dulcet voice emerged.&nbsp; A simple country girl who recognized something completely beyond her ken, a silent scream rose in Tabitha’s throat as terror threatened to engulf her.<br><br>Weither it was her slowly widening eyes or some inkling of his own, Wyrth spun to face the woman even as her relaxed stride carried her past him.&nbsp; A small corner of Tabitha’s mind noted that she didn’t seem at all slowed by whatever malaise had seized them; to the contrary, her pace seemed even faster in its murky grip.<br><br>The woman, a soft smile playing on her red lips, brought the dagger in her right hand up in a smooth, flashing arc that buried itself in Wyrth’s throat.&nbsp; His slow moving paws clawed at the protruding blade, his own sword clattering silently to the ground as his life blood gushed from the wound.&nbsp; With a casual flick of her wrist, the slim assassin threw the portly militia man against the wall with inhuman strength, the poor man’s neck snapping with a sick crunch that was more felt than heard in the unnatural stillness.<br><br>Time resumed its regular forward march as Wyrth’s broken body slumped down the stone wall. With another impossibly fast motion the pale woman grabbed Tabitha’s slim throat, pressing her against the wall with firm but gentle fingers.&nbsp; Sound also returned as those silky if steely fingers cut off Tabitha’s air, her soft choking gasps suddenly loud in the silence.<br><br>“Silence, my pet” Valerie spoke in a soft sultry whisper “You’re going to live this night.” She lightly inhaled the intoxicating scent of the slim girl’s fear as the stench of the guard’s death enveloped both of them.&nbsp; The wall stood between them and the windows the archers looked out, and Tabitha was certain any sound she made would be her last.<br><br>Valerie’s eyes traveled down Tabitha’s nubile form, the combination of lust and something else in those obsidian black eyes chilling the young serving maid’s soul&nbsp; “You shall be my messenger,” Valerie murmured as she lightly trailed kisses down Tabitha’s neck, enjoying the taste of her trembling flesh as her fingers snaked under Tabitha’s voluminous dress.<br><br>Her fingers teased, arousing the slim girl and her breath became short for a very different reason quickly “But first, my sweet, let us play.” She whispered.<br><br>((Sorry that post is so long :).&nbsp; I leave it up to you two as to what time his happens.&nbsp; If either of you are awake, if you're in the midst of your own dinner, or if both of you are sound asleep in your beds.&nbsp; If awake, I can happily write out the rest of Valerie's 'tryst' with Tabitha but if not, then both Wyrth's corpse and the half conscious (and half dressed) Tabitha are found with the rays of first light:) ))<br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [ mdazfrench + Xanaphia + HighLander ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>07-10-2008, 17:38:53</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Ok, i hope i wont get in trouble for this, jumping into it, but, highlander wants me in, and suggested a role that i liked, so here goes.<br><br>Working late as usual on a special order, two supersharp whistler swords for a warrior from a neighboring town willing to pay top dollar for the best, i wipe the sweat from my brow and continue to work,heating and shaping the long blades. Cooling the blades, then lifting them up, i smile as they have a faint blue glow to it, a sure sign that ive done it right.<br><br>Placing them down on a bench, i then work on working them to a razor sharp finish, sharp enough to cut through silk and then some. I dont stop until both blades are just right, then i place the handles on them and place both swords into their shealths, and lock them away safely. As i wash up, i think about what the town would be like if they truly respected and knew what i was capable of.<br><br>As the only daughter of a master swordmaker, i learned from him, but no one else thought that i was capable of making blades of any sort, but my skills, and my fathers word, ensured that warriors and journeymen came to my shop. Called the Crimson Death, i set it up, unsure if it would survive, but survive it did.<br><br>Arming myself with my own custom made longsword and 6 throwing knives that i keep close to me in case of trouble, i close up shop and head outside to get some air. Cold as it is, it invigorates me and makes me feel alive. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [ mdazfrench + Xanaphia + HighLander ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>08-10-2008, 00:50:45</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The dinner was fit for a lord, a King even. And Duncan enjoyed every morsel of it. But the view from across the table was what really made it memorable. 6 feet separated the Lady from him and how he could defend her from an arrow through any of those tall glass windows, from this far from her, was a nagging concern. But the setting had been laid out in this manner and thus he didn't question it. The sight of the two archers cloaks wrapped tightly around their bodies and huddled against the icy cold brick of the half wall that ran around the balcony put Duncan more at ease. Not because he thought they'd stop an attack but because they'd serve as a warning if one did come, which gave Duncan enough time to be by the Lady's side.<br><br>But right now, his eyes were feasting on her as much as his tongue was on the food. And he'd give up half his life if his tongue could feast on her tonight, he thought.<br><br>Duncan stayed away from the wine although he'd kick himself for it later but he wanted to be focused and alert on this first night of the "Gesture". Gweneth seemed almost not interested in her company and went through the motions of a casual conversation, but even in this mood, she seemed as beautiful as when he first set his eyes on her. Every now and then her eyes would meet his and there seemed to be a hint of flirtation but only for a brief moment. She seemed to be used to men like him undressing her with their eyes and perhaps that is what made her this rich. Did men undress her with more than their eyes? He suddenly felt jealous and anger replaced jealousy when he realized what he was feeling. <br><br><em>"Damn her beauty!"</em> he thought. To hell with how much he wanted her. He needed to keep her safe for the next 13 days and perhaps at the end of that time, she'd reward him with more than just 3 more pouches of gold. He licked his lips at the prospect of having her and she, for some reason, seemed to read his mind for her blue eyes flared almost a reddish hue before it was doused in the usual calmness.<br><br>Duncan escorted the Lady to her private chambers high in the mansion. His eyes moving from shadow to shadow and his ears pricking up at every rustle of a curtain or sound of a distant door closing. She walked behind him, just a few paces, but walked with almost an arrogant stride. <br><br><em>"By God I should have demanded 500 gold!"</em> he thought. How was he to protect her when she didn't even seem to care all that much? This will be more work than he thought it would be. <br><br>They arrive at the end of a dimly lit corridor where the Archer stood at attention, holding her private chamber's door open for her. <em>"Who was this man?"</em> he wondered. <em>"Why did she trust him to be this close to her?"</em> he asked himself. She obviously seemed to think that he was trust worthy but at the same time he seemed to Guard her out of some form of duty. <em>"Did she bed him?"</em> He felt anger rise again and stormed in past the bowman and into the large room. <br><br>4 maids were already pouring hot water into a large basing big enough for 2 people to lay in. The scent of lavender was strong. Candles were lit at every nook that could hold one. Satin curtains draped around the bath hiding nothing. <br><br>Gweneth walked in behind Duncan and smiled at him as a mother would at a lad who just walked into a place he was not used to being in.<br><br>"Is it safe to take a bath in my own chambers, Duncan?" she joked. "Am I safe?" she proceeded to walk towards the bath and begin to undress as she did. As much as he wanted to tear every garment from her shapely body himself he felt out of place in this setting. She knew he wasn't used to this and she was making him feel uncomfortable. And he hated her for it.<br><br>"I don't know if you are, My Lady. You might drawn in that there scented water if you're not careful" he smiled as he tore his eyes away from her behind.<br><br>"Many a maiden have drowned in a foot of water clutching the hand that held them under...". he trailed off as he turned around and walked away. She was safe here and the bowman was close at hand. And he was happy that he had made her stop and turn around at his last words. Perhaps it was a promise? Perhaps a threat? She won't know for sure and he liked leaving her with uncertainty.<br><br>His smile was swept away in an instant as he felt a familiar tingle at the base of his skull. He looked at the bowman and pointed at him. "Be at your Guard for evil lurks this night!"<br><br>The bowman looked calm but Duncan saw him move his cloak to reveal a short sword. His Armanian short bow by his side his eyes already looking for anything out of the ordinary. <br><br>Satisfied that the bowman was vigilant Duncan ran downstairs and out the back door. Dragon's Bane gleaming in the moonlight night as he kept the sword half drawn as he slowed to a walk. His steps placed silently as he hurried along the edge of the high walls, barely making any sound. The feeling he felt was stronger now yet seem to ebb and flow as he tried to find it's source. This was no mere immortal, but some <em> thing </em> that was not dead nor alive for the feeling was there one moment and gone the next as if shifting from one form to another.<br><br>Reaching a corner Duncan leapt up and pulled himself up onto the high wall and crouched there listening, his eyes scanning the road below and the rooftops beyond. He looked at the direction of the front Gate and saw two people barely visible in the dark night. He made one out to be a Guard and by the looks of him was one of the guards that manned the Gate when he arrived. The other was a shorter figure that seem to bow as it spoke with the taller one. Duncan dropped down onto the cobble road silently and was about to head towards the Gate when the feeling stopped. <br><br>Just as if a candle was snuffed out. There was nothing. No sense of what he sensed before. He stopped and looked around. A man looked out his window and spat outside. A woman was cursing him from a room inside. A dog ran across the road. An owl hooted in the distance. But there was something missing... Duncan turned around and headed the opposite direction. Perhaps he'd catch the sense if he rounded the corner. <br><br>Little did he know that a few feet away, a shadow watched him from behind an old barrel. Unblinking eyes focused in concentration wielding the dark powers of the undead as it blanketed the wielder making <em>it</em> almost invisible. <br><br><em>"This one might be a problem..."</em> she thought. "...but not tonight." Her eyes shifted to the two standing at the Gate.<br><br>"Tonight I feast," a small arrogant smile curling Valerie's lips as she gazed down at the pretty maid and portly guard " on sweet wine . . . " as with a flutter she disappeared.<br><br><br><br><br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [ mdazfrench + Xanaphia + HighLander ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>mdazfrench</strong> on <strong>08-10-2008, 10:46:29</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				((The second half of the Tabitha/Valerie tryst :) ))<br><br>“Please, don’t” Tabitha whispered in terror as the deadly woman before her kissed the top of her breasts with those crimson lips, trying vainly to close her thighs against those pleasuring fingers as the world spun before her.<br><br>“Sorry, my sweet”&nbsp; Valerie murmured, relaxing her grip on Tabitha’s throat somewhat to allow the girl to breathe unobstructed “But if you run, or try to scream, I’ll take my <em>time </em>killing you.”<br><br>Tabitha continued to tremble against the rough stone, her lips quivering as she stood as still as possible.&nbsp; Tabitha had never felt the slightest interest in women through the course of her short life.&nbsp; She could appreciate beauty;&nbsp; and being in the presence of women like her Lady had always left her feeling plain, even ugly next to their almost ethereal splendor.&nbsp; She’d dreamed of finding love, of a sweet young man that would treat her with tenderness, wrapping her in the safety of his arms to never let her go.<br><br>But now she felt something very different under Valerie’s expert touch, a fire burning in her nethers as a low moan escaped her slightly parted lips.<br><br><em>No, this isn’t how it’s supposed to happen</em> her mind vainly screamed as she bit her lip <em>This isn’t .. . . .ohhhhhhh</em><br><br>The stimulation threatened to overwhelm her inexperienced body.&nbsp; She’d pleasured herself a time or two during those dark nights alone but she’d never imagined anything like the skill, the <em>passion </em>as Valerie inflicted on her slim form.&nbsp; It was barely a handful of breaths later that her shuddering orgasm overtook her, her whole body trembling as she experienced the best climax of her short life.<br><br>She leaned against the rough wall, her eyes glazed as Valerie removed her hand both from her throat and the thick folds of her black shirt.&nbsp; Valeria stepped back a pace, licking the sweet love fluid from her finger tips as she regarded the maid.&nbsp; Stepping forward, she pressed her lips to Tabitha’s, meeting no resistance from the dazed teen.&nbsp; She explored the ravishing girl’s mouth, enjoying her almost&nbsp; . . . <em>strawberry </em>taste as she pinned Tabitha’s arms above her head with one hand as the other slid into the maid’s top.<br><br>Tabitha’s eyes cleared, a whimper of mingled protest and need welling up in her throat as her inept but eager tongue met her attacker’s.&nbsp; Struggling to free her hands she bucked, pressing herself as hard as she could against those caressing, maddeningly erotic fingers.&nbsp; Valerie withdrew, enjoying the frustration in the girl’s eyes before with one quick and powerfull motion she tore open the front of Tabitha’s dress down almost to her waist.&nbsp; Despite herself the maid yelped in terror as her pert breasts bounced violently with the force of the tear.<br><br>Valerie smiled before kissing her softly, almost tenderly and whispering in her ear “I warned you about noises” she hissed as her steely fingers wrapped again around Tabitha’s throat.<br><br>As the slim maid fought again for breath, Valerie lowered her lips to those heaving breasts, enjoying their soft taste as she trailed kisses up and down the girl’s pale skin.&nbsp; She only relented as Tabitha’s eyes rolled into the back of her head, releasing her throat to allow her hand to slowly tease the girl’s erect nipples between her gloved fingers.&nbsp; Releasing Tabitha’s hands, Valerie ran both of her gloved palms over those soft, inviting orbs before wandering over her smooth belly to hook her fingers into the hem of her skirt.&nbsp; With another burst of violence she tore the entire bottom half of Tabitha’s outfit from her, tossing it aside to land on Wyrth’s corpse.&nbsp; <br><br>To the maid’s credit she didn’t make a sound, only trembling in fear and anticipation as Valerie, in uncharacteristic gentleness, slowly pulled her cotton white panties down her slim legs and slid them off her dainty feet.&nbsp; Tabitha felt the cool misty night wind on her sex a moment before Valerie’s soft lips found her.&nbsp; She should have thought of running, of fleeing towards the house, but Tabitha’s sex addled mind’s only thought was to wrap her fingers tightly in the vampire’s wild hair and to drape a leg over the kneeling woman’s shoulder.<br><br>Valerie’s tongue enjoyed the honey sweet taste of the girl’s pussy, lapping it up eagerly as the girl bucked and twisted, biting down hard on the knuckles of her right hand as she came yet again.&nbsp; And again.&nbsp; And again.&nbsp; Valerie continued to work her over until her fifth orgasm, standing to face the sweaty, half unconscious girl.&nbsp; Their lips met again, Tabitha groaning as she tasted herself on Valerie’s pliant tongue.<br><br>“Now, for my message, my sweet.” Valerie whispered in between passionate kisses “ I . . want you . .. to tell your mistress . .. . every single thing I did to you.&nbsp; Every little <em>detail</em>.” She buried her face again against Tabitha’s neck, kissing and lightly nipping the pink flesh “And then I want you to tell her I’m going to do the exact same things to her&nbsp; . . . .and <em>oooohhh </em>so much more.” She kissed the maid’s breasts as she made her way down “And then I’m going to slit her pretty little throat and collect my bounty” over her belly.<br><br>&nbsp;“But first, my sweet, we have almost three hours until daylight.&nbsp; I think we can use that time productively, don’t you think?”<br><br>Tabitha’s only response was a half aware moan as Valerie’s tongue returned to it’s sweet nectar.<br><br>((Now if anyone wants to interfere, you have the three hours before sunrise to do it in.&nbsp; Or you can leave Tabitha to her 'horrible' fate :) ))
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [ mdazfrench + Xanaphia + HighLander ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Xanaphia</strong> on <strong>08-10-2008, 20:31:56</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Is it safe to take a bath in my own chambers, Duncan?" she joked. "Am I safe?" A smirk played across her lips as she spoke, taking a her short steps towards the bath, her fingers working at the back of her neck, unbuttoning the dozens of cloth-covered buttons that ran from the small of her back up to her neck. Two hand maids hurried over and began to unbutton as well, the soft cloth rustling as Lady Gweneth slid it from her shoulders and down the length of her body, pooling to the floor around her ankles. Gweneth stepped out of the pair of matching blue shoes and into the water, turning slightly to smile deviously at Duncan. He appeared stern, but she could almost feel his level of comfort lowering by the moment. "I don't know if you are, My Lady. You might drown in that there scented water if you're not careful." He looked away from her. "Many a maiden have drowned in a foot of water, clutching the hand that held them under..." She turned more fully towards him, her eyes sharper than daggers at his statement. He was there to protect her, and he better damn will! <br><br>The bowman stood steady and calm as The Lady watched Duncan run off. Calmly she slipped into the hot scented water and closed her eyes. Oh, how the next thirteen days would be hell! Lady Gweneth wished for none of this, but she was aware of the real danger, there were those who thought a woman should never have such power and money, then there were those whom wanted her power and money. A sigh escaped her lips as her eyes opened yet again. A maid stood near her with soap and a towel, The Lady began washing herself, her long smooth legs up to her soft long hair. The bath was relaxing, she decided to wait for Duncan's return to leave the room. She stood from the water and took the towel from one of the young maids. After drying herself a soft long night gown was taken out of a old wooden chest in the corner. It was soft and glimmered slightly in the candle light. Gweneth slipped it on carefully, moving across the room to a vanity, where she sat while a maid brushed her hair and braided it loosely. "Thank you, Eliza." The Lady said to the young woman, who bowed her head and took a step back. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench,  Xanaphia, playfullchick76, HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>09-10-2008, 01:07:37</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Duncan approached the corner, hugging close to the wall making sure that he moves from shadow to shadow. His sword partially drawn to prevent the moonlight from glistening on it and compromising his stealth. Peering around the wall he saw nothing out of the ordinary. He started to move along the wall and found himself having to walk into a well lit area of the road where a few shop keepers had hung their lanterns burning outside their shops through out the night. <br><br>Cursing under his breath he wanted to turn back but decided he needed to patrol the entire perimeter and reluctantly walked out of the shadows and into the light. Shadows danced on the wall and on the road as a cat meowed in an alley. Dragon's Bane was now in his right hand as the swordsman walked along the road. A light shun briefly in the alley that the cat had just run out of and he heard a door open and close with the sound of chains being drawn tight. Sounded like a shop keeper was done for the day, he thought.<br><br>He turned his head away and took two steps before he felt the sickening tingle at the base of his neck and fierce sense of being drawn towards the alley. Duncan stopped and pointed his sword at the alley as he prepared for the inevitable to come. There were another immortal close by and from the intensity of the "draw" he knew their paths will cross tonight.<br><br>A hooded figure walked out of the ally, sword drawn and poised in a defensive stance. The figure stepped onto the road with confidence and it almost seemed to move effortlessly.&nbsp; <br><br>Minutes passed as the two immortals stood waiting for the other to pounce, sword cutting through the night. But it never came. And as the cool night wind blew over them, Duncan noticed the other's hood fall off to reveal a flock of hair that was unmistakeably that of a women.<br><br>He eased up on his defensive form and lowered his sword a little and peered into the now clearly visible face. There stood a woman in her mid twenties with sharp features that were striking yet strong at the same time. Eyes of green and skin an almost bronze color, this woman seemed to brandish her sword with little effort. Somehow Duncan knew that she was no stranger to using it and she looked as if she'd have no hesitation using it tonight.<br><br>Tension was high and they both knew that it would end in certain death for someone. But who would make the first move and who would make their last? <br><br>In the distance they both heard an unmistakable sound of a young girl in some form of distress. Duncan blew a sigh of relief as he knew it could not be the Lady Gweneth's voice but he still wanted to know who's it was since it came from the direction of the Gate.<br><br>Duncan was torn between wanting to run to the Gate and defending himself from this new adversary. <br><br>"I am Duncan McLeod from the Clan McLeod!" he hissed. <br><br>"Curse you woman! Make your move!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench,  Xanaphia, playfullchick76, HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>09-10-2008, 19:11:06</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				As i approach a corner, i stop as i sense danger. Whenever i sense it, i know that im close to one of my own. I first felt it right after i was stabbed 70 years ago, and was taught by one who somehow found me and trained me, teaching me what i needed to survive.<br><br>I refused to live on holy ground, and learned to fight, and make weapons, the best ever made. The master swordsmith Jace Sinclair took over my training and taught me howto make the finest weapons, that command the best prices, and speak for themselves, as the bearers live long lives.<br><br>Striding out, i slide my longsword out of its scabbard and approach the lone figure standing on the street. I make no move to cover my face, letting the stranger see my young looking face. My apparent youth hides the fact that im well trained, skilled, and that ive killed many that have sought me out with the intention of taking my head.<br><br>"And im Aurora Deverau, of the deverau family", i cry to him, identifying myself even as i havnt gone by that name in 70 years. i took the last name of Sinclair to honor my teacher 55 years ago, and face him. Holding my sword out, i swish it in front of me, distracting you just enough to get my other hand on one of my throwing knives and throw it at the latest immortal whos come for my head.<br><br>Not waiting to see if it hits, i run at him, swinging high, then low with my longsword, one of my best sellers. Not caring if we are seen or not, we begin to fight, battling as i know we must.<br><br>(i thought i was mortal before, now that i know im immortal, i thought the new changes would better fit my character. If you think i should be older, let me know)<br><br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench,  Xanaphia, playfullchick76, HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>09-10-2008, 20:32:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her left hand was fast, but not fast enough. Duncan was already moving by the time the dagger hissed by his head. His sword parried hers as she came at him. Twice getting close to his body, too close for the young girl she appeared to be but close enough for the well trained fighter she proved to be. Duncan's sword swept up under hers, twising as it came back up, testing the strength of her wrist, his eyes weary of her left hand, dancing ever so close to what could well be more daggers. <br><br>"You fight well for a lass, Aurora" he smiled as he made a lightning fast thrust at her side. She smiled back as she parried it easily and countered with one of her own. Duncan stepped into the thrust while pivoting his body in and his left hand grabbed her right to use her momentum to push her away.&nbsp; Her neck, was open for just the briefest of times but experience brought her sword up behind her in the "eagle's brace" technique. <br><br>Duncan nodded in appreciation as he recognised the move.&nbsp; Taking a step back as he looked her in the eyes as she spun around poised to attack.<br><br>"You obviously aren't trying to take my head and I don't want your pretty one" he said in a cool tone. <br><br>"Perhaps we may dance with death another night, my Lady, but my sword is needed elsewhere tonight and I'd hate to rush my victory here." he smiled, bowing slightly, eyes still trained at hers. He picked up her dagger from across the road and tosses it to her, handle first.<br><br>She caught it expertly and it was tucked into her person in a blink of an eye. A playful smile on her face as she nodded her thanks.<br><br>With that he stepped into the shadow and trotted towards the Gate. He could feel the tainted power of the undead at work and he almost wished he had kept that dagger for himself...<br><br>Rounding the corner his eyes fell on an unusual sight. A maid with her hands clasped over her own mouth, eyes wide and half closed was pinned against the cold stone wall. The remnants of a Guard lay sprawled be the side of the Gate, blood and stench oozing from it. But what caught he eye the most was the figure crouched between the Maid's thighs, looking up at the shuddering lass as the her tongue snaked into her repeatedly. The figure didn't notice Duncan as he approached, sword drawn...<br><br>"I've heard of a tongue lashing but THIS?" he smiled as watched them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench,  Xanaphia, playfullchick76, HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>mdazfrench</strong> on <strong>10-10-2008, 00:28:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“I’ve heard of a tongue lashing, but THIS?” the half amused voice rang out of the shadows of the fog bound night.<br><br>Valerie arched an eyebrow as the swordsman’s&nbsp; voice interrupted her midnight snack, sighing as she withdrew from the panting woman to lay her head lightly on her smooth thigh, her obsidian black eyes meeting the highlander’s.&nbsp; She looked into them for several long moments, lightly licking the last of Tabitha’s juices from her lips before kissing her skin gently.<br><br><em>I really do want to kill him now</em>, she thought mildly as she rose, hands resting on Tabitha’s smooth hips, <em>Only a barbarian would interrupt a lady’s meal, and I do so</em> hate <em>to be disturbed while I work.<br></em><br>She took another moment to kiss Tabitha, the maid’s hungry mouth meeting hers almost desperately as she continued to hold the slim girl against the wall&nbsp; “And what,” she smiled coldly as her voice rose over Tabitha’s sweet moans “do you wish, swordsman? The maid and I” another kiss “were enjoying ourselves quite thoroughly before your interruption.&nbsp; I would ask you to leave, but I think we both know that’s not going to happen.”<br><br>She brought Tabitha around, allowing the slim girl to lean against her as her hands traced circles up and down the maid’s back, placing her squarely between Valerie and the swordsman.<br><br>“Your move, my sweet.”&nbsp; She purred.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench,  Xanaphia, playfullchick76, HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>10-10-2008, 05:06:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Duncan's eyes met Valerie's and his smile faded. He circled around idly, walking with his sword hand facing the duo. His eyes never leaving the undead's for to do so meant certain death. He had met many night walkers in his long life and one in particular had befriended him for almost 50 years before his thirst for blood had brought them face to face one night as enemies. <br><br>Duncan had looked into those un blinking eyes of Arcanos as the Vampire smiled and licked his bloody lips. <br><br>"Five decades, Mon Ami, back to back, fighting those who came to bury us... and now here we stand face to face... one will bury the other." <br><br>Duncan's eyes were glazed in regret but he looked the other square in the eyes.<br><br>"Aye, back to back my friend until you stabbed me in the back. She didn't have to die Arcanos. You could have fought the thirst."<br><br>Arcanos laughed. "To fight the thirst is to fight myself, Mon Ami. Ah but it was worth it, I tell you!"<br><br>Dragon's Bane twisted as Duncan stepped back, pulling the sword out from where the Vampire's heart had been, now only a miserable pile of arteries, oozing out of the gaping wound left behind by the blade.<br><br>Arcanos winced as he felt the blade leave his body, his face twisted in pain but not as piercing as the guilt he felt. Duncan's face became a haze, the light of dawn racing over the hilltops behind the Highlander. The Vampire closed his eyes, arms outstretched as his knees gave way. He knelt defiantly as the first rays of sunlight kissed his body and that was thankfully the last he felt before the rays ignited his skin completely and engulfed him in a fiery death.<br><br>Duncan watched, his mouth tight, his hands restling on the sword's hilt, as the blade lay pointing down at the ground. His fingers traced the Dragon's tail carving that decorated the hilt as he watched his friend die.<br><br>Sighing, he turned around and sheathed his sword. Kneeling down to picked up the pale body of a young girl. He walked back down the long road that lead to the farm house, trying find the right words to tell the old couple that their daughter had been bled to death...<br><br>Duncan snapped back to the present. Arcano's face seem to peer over the Maid's shoulder before it changed to that of Valerie. The resemblance was strong and the regret he felt was stronger. But the sadness he felt was the hardest to bare. He knew that one day she'd come. But he had hoped she would have come for him, rather than for the one he protected. Perhaps she will not remember. Perhaps she would have forgotten her father's friend...<br><br><em>"Arck Tzarkan Mei Min ret Linin!"</em> he greeted her as he stopped pacing and faced her. Her eyes lit up with anger as she heard those words... "May you walk in the light!"<br><br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench,  Xanaphia, playfullchick76, HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>mdazfrench</strong> on <strong>10-10-2008, 06:10:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"May you walk in the light!" <br><br>Valerie's lips curled in distaste at the invocation of banishment, nausea rippling through her belly as the words washed over her.&nbsp; He was no priest, and so the words had no greater effect but Valerie felt the rage burning hotter inside of her at his pronouncement.<br><br>She smiled, a sad regretful one, as she looked into Tabitha's eyes "Listen to me carefully, love.&nbsp; I want you to take that Guard's cloak" nodding to Wyrth's corpse " Wrap yourself up and then get inside.&nbsp; Your Lady will be looking for you. <em>Now</em>" she said over Tabitha's half conscious protest.<br><br>The air around the pair seemed to ripple with power, dark and full of menace, as Valerie spoke the final word; the young maid mechanically following her instructions to the letter as she ran back up to the keep.<br><br>Valerie walked, the slow languid stride of a predator as she circled the Highlander, the first of her daggers spinning lightly in her hands.&nbsp; Her lips moved slowly for several moments, mouthing words of power, before she spoke to him again.<br><br>"You have annoyed me twice this night, swordsman." her words were soft, almost conversational "I dislike killing when I am not compensated for it, but I believe it is time for your wings to be clipped, little fly."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench,  Xanaphia, playfullchick76, HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>10-10-2008, 14:52:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Mighty words for an Ant, a pretty one at that I'll grant you" Duncan's eyes narrowing as he anticipated a sudden strike. The dagger dancing between her fingers told of a skill horned in experience, a skill never thought outside dark circles. So she was the dagger that sort the Lady Gweneth, he thought. What a fine adversary on this otherwise dull night.<br><br>His sword seem to be held idly in his right hand but he was good at deception. The "Crippled Crane" was a technique meant to project indecision on any who were foolish to believe what their eyes told them. He circled Valerie, his eyes flicking to her young body every now and again, noticing the fullness of her breasts, the shape of her hips and the structure of her face. Her dark colored clothes did well to hide her from prying eyes, but his eyes have always been able to pry open many a woman's defenses. And he hoped his sword could better his eyes this night and cut through to this beautiful creature's flesh.<br><br>He stopped and reversed direction, the sword switching from palm to palm in a blink of an eye as he began circling her. Just as fast, his sword closed the distance between them in a flash, the point aimed at her chest.<br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench,  Xanaphia, playfullchick76, HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>10-10-2008, 18:23:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Duncan walked off, with no intention of taking my head or fighting, i follow behind just enough to find out what he;s doing, but close enough to track him by the feeling that we get when we near another of our kind.<br><br>I watch as he dispatches a nightstalker, the name i have for vampires, almost casually, as if it wasnt much of an effort, like dispatching a fly, then as he faces the second one. A beautiful one by the standards of any race, she radiates the aura of a honeypot, a venus flytrap. I resolve to assist Duncan, as even as he's good, she may be a match for him.<br><br>With two swords better than one, i slip out one of my throwing knives, the same one that i threw at Duncan before, and throw it at the only exposed part of her that i can see clearly, her shoulder. My aim is true, but with the skill of all nightstalkers, she hears the knife moving through the air and notices me at the same time.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench,  Xanaphia, playfullchick76, HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>mdazfrench</strong> on <strong>10-10-2008, 19:21:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Valerie watched both the flying dagger and the thrusting sword close on her with an almost lazy smile.&nbsp; They bit deep, the sword plunging into her chest with surgical precision as it sought her heart and the dagger sinking into the soft flesh of her arm.&nbsp; And then suddenly, she dissolved, her form losing it's cohesion as the blades bit into it, breaking down into swirling shadow as a cold chill gripped Duncan's heart.<br><br><em>A shade</em>.&nbsp; One of the most dangerous of the vampire's many illusions, a doppleganger almost as real as the original vampire made of wisps of blackness and fell intent.<br><br><em>Those were the words she was speaking, her own invocation.&nbsp; But,</em> his mind raced <em>if that's the shade, then where . . . </em><br><br>A dagger slipped between the tight links of his chain shirt, plunging between his ribs in a soft spurt of blood as the narrow blade pierced his heart.&nbsp; He could hear her now, her own illusion dispelled as shadows swirled directly behind him.<br><br>"Goodbye, my sweet" Valerie whispered lovingly as she twisted the blade.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench,  Xanaphia, playfullchick76, HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>10-10-2008, 21:09:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The thought didn't hit him as fast as the dagger. <em>"A Shade!"</em><br><br>The pain that erupted from his chest was nothing compared to the shame he felt in underestimating Valerie's powers of darkness. Duncan thrust his body forward, and away from the cursed blade just as the tip was about to enter his heart. Not that it mattered but the loss of blood would have rendered him useless for a good few minutes which could have meant a worse fate.<br><br>Duncan rolled forward as his body cleared the dagger and came up with his sword facing Valerie. He felt Aurora just beyond the street, but his sight was hazy from the pain in his chest. He pretended he didn't feel the blood running down his back but he knew it would be a problem if it ran for too long.<br><br>"A cowards move, lass but then again you were born one!" he smiled, as he walked towards Valerie. He saw the surprise in her eyes as he moved closer, for he should be a pile of stinking flesh on the ground by now and not coming at her. His sword flashed just as a dagger hit her on her right arm. The sword cutting into her flesh as she moved her hands to block dagger. Her flesh oozed a dark blood and a strong scent seem to emanate from her cut. Duncan fell to one knee as Valeries left arm flew at his face, fingernails ready to rake his flesh. Ducking under the claw, he stood up yet again as he dragged his sword along Valerie's hips and turned around to face her.<br><br>The wounds should have killed any other but not her kind. He spat as he watched the stunned but determined face look at him in defiance. <br><br>"Your move, forsaken!" he smiled masking the pain that threatened to overtake his sense. He could see Aurora circling Valerie from behind.<br><br>Time seem to crawl to a halt as the three sort an opening and a respite in one stroke of death. <br><br>The cry of a rooster made Valerie's head snap towards the east. A faint shade of red was beginning to bathe the hillside.<br><br>Duncan smiled as much in relief as in a small victory.<br><br>"It seems you WILL walk in the light after all, my Pretty...."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench,  Xanaphia, playfullchick76, HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>12-10-2008, 06:45:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Desperate to give duncan a chance to completely recover, i cut the nightstalker off from escaping in the other direction, and react with a high and low combo,forcing her back and towards Duncan. As i run one of my knives down my longer blade, causing sparks to fly, i smile back at her. <br><br>I have a good life here, no one knows who or what i truly am, but i feel a need to vanquish this nightstalker, to prevent her from doing the same thing to another town.<br><br>"You will burn in the light, you will burn and die", i add as i again prevent her from escaping, forcing her back between our blades. Down to 4 throwing daggers, i aim at her and throw another one, aiming for her knee, hoping to disable her just long enough, as she'll likely block any that i throw at her upper body.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench,  Xanaphia, playfullchick76, HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>mdazfrench</strong> on <strong>12-10-2008, 08:00:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Valerie looks almost bored as she parries the blacksmith's lunging attacks with the flashing blur of her own dagger, accepting the multitude of small cuts that open up on her arms to inflict answering ones on her opponent.&nbsp; Blood, dark and congealed, oozes from her woulds as she slashes and parries both of her opponents as the first rays of dawn begin to peek out from the skyline.<br><br><em>I really don't have time to kill</em> both <em>of them.</em> - she thought calmly as her death drew closer with each moment's approach of the sunrise <em>And if my guess is right, I don't have the time to even kill one of them.&nbsp; Best to experiment, however.</em><br><br>She stepped towards the blacksmith, her parries suddenly turning to attacks as she pressed forward with ruthless ferocity.&nbsp; Duncan continued to stumble feebly from blood loss, though the thrust should have killed him instantly.&nbsp; Her brows knitted furiously as she considered the nature of her enemy.&nbsp; An Immortal, one that would be quite bothersome to finish before daylight reached them.&nbsp; However, the nature of the woman before her was unclear, and before she left the field of battle she would at least determine whither she faced only one never-dying or two.<br><br>Her slashing lunge at the blacksmith left her open, and she smiled as the woman's long blade slipped into her chest, just above her right breast.&nbsp; The blade lodged between her ribs as she stepped into Aurora's follow up strike, Valerie's own hand slapping away her dagger as she brought her own blade in a short flashing arc that buried itself in her opponent's stomach.&nbsp; She enjoyed the shocked look on the woman's face, feeling an almost sensual thrill as she twisted the blade before withdrawing it.<br><br>The two women braced themselves against each other, each breathing heavily as Valerie continued to hold off Aurora's dagger and Aurora tried to free her blade from the undead monster's chest, her own lifeblood flowing freely from her wound.&nbsp; Looking over her shoulder at Duncan, Valerie smiled, her blood splattered face glowing faintly as the first rays of the sun crested the tall buildings.<br><br>"Till we meet again . .&nbsp; Immortal." she whispered before with a puff of shadow she was gone, Aurora stumbling forward as her support disappeared, leaving the bloodied street and the two Immortals alone with only questions and the corpse of the gate guard.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench,  Xanaphia, playfullchick76, HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>12-10-2008, 14:22:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gasping as i fall to my knees, i can only watch as the nightstalker flees from sight. Even if i could have thrown one of my daggers, it wouldnt have killed her and i couldnt have pursued her. I can only kneel there, a hand pressed over my stomach. The knowledge that it will heal doesnt make me feel better, and&nbsp; i soon stand up again, a bit shakily, and help Duncan to his feet.<br><br>"Just what was that, ive fought nightstalkers before, but that,, ive never seen that before. If she comes back, we'll need to do better", i say to him as he heals just as fast and completely as my wound does. KNowing that i have to get out of sight and dispose of my bloody top, i make the offer to duncan, as if anyone sees us with bloody clothes, they may wonder why we arent dead.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench,  Xanaphia, playfullchick76, HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>13-10-2008, 23:53:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Duncan's vision cleared as his wounds began to heal. He looked at the morning sunlight as it heralded a new day and said a silent prayer of thanks to the Gods. He smiled at Aurora as she fussed over him, her eyes showing obvious concern.<br><br>"I'm well now, Aurora. Thank you for your aid in trying to deal death to that Shade" he looked over at the road and shook his head at the amount of blood, much of it was his own he knew. <br><br>"Shades are unlike any other nightwalker. They are an elevated race hardened by years of practice of the Dark Arts. That one, as pretty as she was, seems to be almost at the peek of her skill. We must be better prepaired for the next time."<br><br>Duncan heard the sounds of a sleepy town awakening. He nodded at Aurora as he wrapped himself with his cloak to cover the signs of blood.<br><br>"The library should have some text on how to combat Shades. It would do you good to find such scrolls Lady."<br><br>With that and a smile of thanks, Duncan walked through the half open Gates towards the mansion. Guards were already running towards him awakened by the sound of steel on steel.<br><br>A young guard with a crooked nose stopped as he passed by, his eyes wide and darting about, half expecting to see the Dark Lord himself.<br><br>"What foul stench do I smell this fine day, Duncan?" he asked looking around to find the source of the acidic stench of forsaken blood.<br><br>"'Tis the smell of victory Lad. A small one at that." smiled Duncan as he kept walking towards the house. "Bury the fallen and prepare for the night. <em>SHE</em> will be back tonight and pray you will be able to smell at all tomorrow!"<br><br>With that Duncan walked into the house. And only then did he let out a long sigh as the pain of his wounds began to swell in his head. He would need a few hours rest and good strong ale to shake that feeling from his mind. He smiled at the thought of Lady Gweneth. Perhaps she might have a better cure for a wounded body and bruised ego he thought. And only then did he think that perhaps there might be more than one Shade that night.<br><br>Duncan ran throught the halls and up the flight of steps that led to the Lady's private chamber. The bowman was nowhere to be seen and Duncan's heart began to race as he pushed the heavy doors to her chambers open and rushed in, sword drawn.<br><br>His eyes widend at the sight that greeted him!<br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench,  Xanaphia, playfullchick76, HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Xanaphia</strong> on <strong>16-10-2008, 10:35:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lady Gweneth didn't spend much time at the vanity after her hair had been brushed. The stern woman sailed out of the room, the bowman following the Lady towards her bedroom. Gweneth's bedroom was large and warm, a fire was already roaring in the large fireplace at the foot of her bed. The bowman stood inside of the door as Gweneth moved across the room to the deep blue velvet fourposter red oak bed. Her body shifted fluidly in the firelight, the off-white gown appeared to have a slight orange hint due to the flames near her.<br><br>The Ladies eyes moved towards the woman, her sharp daggers digging into his soft, almost bored eyes. Her look caused him to stiffen and avert his eyes from her. Gweneth pulled the blankets and sheets and slipped into the bed with one final glance at the man keeping watch over her. <br><br>Sour thoughts migrated to Duncan and his running off. He had better have a brilliant reason for what he did! He was supposed to watch her, what did he think he was going to find, frolicking in the gardens? Perhaps she was wrong, maybe there was more to what she saw. He was going to explain himself to her once she was available in the morning.<br><br>Gweneth slept peacefully for only a few revolutions of the big hand on the grandfather clock in the study. She was awoken to Eliza and Tabitha. Eliza was gently rousing the Lady from her sleep as Tabitha stood behind her, covering herself with a dark-stained cloak. <br><br>Sharp eyes flashed open as the Lady awoke, sitting up slowly to look at her two hand maidens. "Madam, Tabitha... She's.... Well, been attacked, my lady." Eliza said, trying to grasp the right word to use. With a small twitch of the Lady Gweneth's hand Eliza moved and Tabitha took a timid step forward. The lady looked to see her favorite hand maiden stripped and shaking. Compassion and worry flashed across her face if only for a moment. "Eliza, draw up a bath for Tabitha and get her clothes, for Gods sake!" Eliza rushed from the room as quickly as her little legs could carry her.&nbsp; <br><br>Lady Gweneth stood, and reached out for Tabitha's face, touching it softly. "What happened to you, Tabitha?" She asked sharply, her eyes returning to their steel-like state. Gwen's other hand reached out to calmly touch her shoulder. Tabitha looked at the lady with shaky eyes before speaking, half to her feet and half to the Lady. "Gweneth, my Lady, there was this woman... She killed Wyrth, the front gate guard..." Her eyes flicked up to Gweneth's face as the Lady of the house walked her over to the edge of the bed where she was sat down. "And then she... She..." Tabitha's face flushed as she knitted her fingers together on her barely covered lap. "What did she do, Tabitha?" Gweneth asked, with a sting of sternness in her voice. Tabitha looked at Gweneth, the redness on her face darkening. "She... She stripped me, and... And..." Her eyes moved to the red-carpeted floor as she continued. "Then she moved her mouth down.. And..." Gweneth felt a sudden shock course through her. "You may stop there, Tabitha." She said quickly, her eyes leaving Tabitha to look over at the bowman, who had seemed to take a fair amount of interest in their conversation. <br><br>"She told me to tell you everything she did to me..." Tabitha continued to explain what Valerie had done in detail, her chilling feelings rising through her spine, the way the woman felt when she touched her... Tabitha looked back up to her Lady. "Then she told me to tell you that she is going to do all that and much more to you, My Lady... And once she's been done with that, she will slit your throat." Tabitha gulped nervously, her eyes welling up at the last thought that fell from her lips. "No such thing will happen, my sweet... Please, head to the bath to be washed up, I'll be there in a moment." <br><br>Tabitha left willingly, holding the cloak closed in front of her as the bowman watched her with curious eyes. Once the young maiden had left, Gweneth snapped at the bowman. "You shall not look at my hand maidens that way! I am paying you to keep that wretch of a woman, from getting to me, not to imagine my maids naked!" Gweneth said sharply, her eyes almost molten silver as she watched him before storming from her bed room to the bathroom, as she moved past him the bowman moved to the bathroom after her.<br><br>Tabitha was already in the tub and washing calmly, the scent of chamomile filled the ladies nostrils. "Once you are finished washing my dear, please come back to my chamber." Lady Gweneth said without an ounce of kindness in her voice. The bowman didn't move from his post at the bathroom, perhaps out of fear that the Lady could easily rip his head off.<br><br>It took no longer than ten minutes for Tabitha to be dressed and back within the Ladies Chambers. "You asked for me to come, Madam." Tabitha said calmly as she stepped through the doorway, dressed in a cotton sleeping gown. "Yes," Gweneth said calmly, sitting in front of a small vanity in her bedroom, in her hand was a metal goblet filled with a deep red wine. It had been a much to eventful morning, and even though it wasn't even sunrise, The Lady needed a drink. "You are to stay within the house till these thirteen bloody days are up." She said calmly, looking at her reflection in the mirror a moment before beckoning the young woman to sit down next to her. Tabitha's appealing form moved and sat down beside the Lady, looking herself in the mirror. <br><br>Gweneth stood calmly, setting the goblet down on the edge of the vanity as she picked up a brush and began to brush the young maidens hair. "You really have a knack for getting into trouble, my dear." Gweneth said with a truthful smile. Gweneth had become attached to Tabitha, seeing her as almost a daughter or companion. A fury was building within Gweneth, how dare some woman hurt her Tabitha? Gweneth looked Tabitha in the eyes through the mirror. "My dear, I believe we both need rest, please stay here for now, I'd rather not be awoken later to find that you've been taken away." Gweneth lead the woman to the bed and finished the goblet before the both of them slipped into the large bed.<br><br>Sleep came for a short hour before Duncan burst into the room, huffing and bleeding. Lady Gweneth sat up suddenly to see Duncan at the door. "You great buffoon!" She yelled, getting out of bed quickly and moving fluidly to stand before him. "Knock before you enter my chamber, you fool!" She slapped him sharply as Tabitha sat up in bed, looking rather shocked at the commotion. "What became of the woman? The one that was with Tabitha? Did you kill her?" Gweneth asked eagerly before her nose picked up a familiar and unpleasant smell. Her eyes wandered down his torso to see the dark blood dripping from his stomach.<br><br>While the Lady wasn't the sort to see wounded people through out the day, she knew that a wound like that would kill a man. Her eyes flashed sudden confusion before she pulled him inside the room and shut the door. "Explain yourself, Duncan." She said sharply, pointing to the wound and discolored blood. "What the bloody hell is going on?" She snapped, her eyes sharp, though under the facade she felt flickers of fear.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench,  Xanaphia, playfullchick76, HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>16-10-2008, 17:15:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After changing into a new tunic and light jacket, i leave my shop and walk through the centre of town to the library. Its usually half full with scholars and other intelectuals who have heard of the many scrolls and history that is available here, making it easy to find what im looking for.<br><br>Consulting with one of the library assistants, i soon find the scrolls that im looking for and sit down to look through them. I concentrate on looking for anyway to combat a nightstalker that has the ability to shade like the one i just fought can. Any foe can be dispatched, i know this, but she is very old and powerfull. Dispatching her wont be easy, but if theres any way to do so, it will be in here.<br><br>The hours pass as i read scroll after scroll, and ask for fresh candles to read as it starts to get dark again.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench,  Xanaphia, playfullchick76, HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>16-10-2008, 17:54:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Duncan's eyes were wide as he gazed at the two sleeping women. His mind raced as he tried to think of why Gweneth would bed another woman but the pain of his wounds cut in and hi winced. Perhaps she was inclined towards the fairer sex or perhaps she enjoyed the company of both. At this point he didn't care and all he did care was that she was alive.<br><br>Her slap brought his wandering mind to the present and his hand darted out to hold Gweneth's as hers was about to fire a back hand at his other cheek. He calmly held her tender but firm wrist and moved it to her side before letting go.<br><br>"I've had enough encounters with women for one night, my Lady. Perhaps we can take this up another time?" his smiled as his eyes wandered over to the maid on Gweneth's bed and back to the Lady's. <br><br>"SHE is gone..." he looked away as he began to walk away. "...but will return tonight I'm sure." He pressed the side of his torso and looked down at the blood on his palm. The Healing was slower than a wound made by any regular weapon but then again Nightwalkers were known to taint their death daggers with the Dark One's blood. As slow as it would be, it was equally painful. And right now he needed a warm bath.<br><br>He looked over his shoulder as he walked away. "If you are strong enough to greet a man in your service with a slap then he must be doing a good job in keeping you alive..."my" Lady" he said as he walked past the ever present bowman and towards the bathroom beyond. He glanced at the warm water as he begand to undo his shirt and placed his sword by the side of the tub, leaning it against it carefully. He looked at Gweneth as she followed.<br><br>The bowman's eyes were on his blood stained shirt as he dropped it to the floor. He knew the archer knew that no ordinary man could survive the blood loss or a wound of that magnitude and he would find some excuse later for it. Right now all he wanted was to relax in a soothing bath.<br><br>Duncan stripped completely, turning his back to the Lady, offering her a clear view of his body. He slipped into the bath and laid down gingerly as the warm water met his many wounds. He winced but was glad the lady did not see it on his face. He closed his eyes and exhaled as the healing seem to work faster.<br><br>"I will live, My Lady. And so will you" his eyes were closed but his senses knew she wanted an answer to her question. "SHE didn't inflict any wound that this body cannot recover from my lady, unlike certain Ladies who deem it necessary to greet her guardian with the back of her hand"<br><br>He hoped she would not press the matter and would focus on today rather than last night. His mind was already racing to find a way to protect himself from what he knew would be certain pain when he ran into that beautiful creature of the night tonight. He almost wished the night would come sooner. <br><br>Almost.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench,  Xanaphia, playfullchick76, HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>mdazfrench</strong> on <strong>23-10-2008, 07:43:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Valerie stumbled as the shadows coalesced and she found herself back in her ‘safe room’.&nbsp; The most lavish room of one of the town’s inns had been set aside for her use by her client, and she leaned against the low table, blood bubbling past her full lips as she fought against the massive damage the Immortals had managed to inflict on her.<br><br>The room was shrouded in blissfull shadow, the bright morning sun blocked out by the wooden planks nailed over each window as well as the heavy curtains pulled over that.&nbsp; She arose on shaky legs, knocking over a chair as her head spun, her fangs baring themselves&nbsp; as the Hunger tore at her.&nbsp; She snarled, chucking the heavy chair against the wall with a flick of her wrist, the expensive piece of furniture shattering into a splintered mess.<br><br>She felt her flesh knitting itself back together, the pale flesh sealing up the grievous wounds of the night before.&nbsp; It left her even more drained, and her vision swam as she leaned against the table again.&nbsp; After a few moments she began stripping off her armor, grimacing as the blood splattered all over thick leather, though gratifyingly little of it was her own.&nbsp; &nbsp;Or . . .at least the blood she had borrowed from so many others.&nbsp; She truly didn’t know any more if any of the viscous dark fluid pouring through her veins was still hers, and she’d long past the point of caring.<br><br>As she slid the leather leggings down her smooth thighs she looked up to the lavish full length mirror that her hosts had provided.&nbsp; Despite the legends that surrounded creatures such as her she could see her reflection clearly, too clearly for her taste.&nbsp; She saw not the slim warrior assassin that so many of her victims glimpsed in their very last moments as she tasted their lifeblood but instead a slip of a girl, her pale eyes always filled with terror in the rare moments that Valerie glimpsed her from the corner of her eye.<br><br>She stood before the full length mirror now, concentrating on forcing such images from her mind as she admired the form that true immortality had given her.&nbsp; Her flowing, almost crimson hair spilled down her back, caressing her pale shoulders with it’s silky curls.&nbsp; Her full breasts were often the centerpiece of men’s (and the occasional woman) attention, the perfect orbs swaying and bouncing with each slow movement.&nbsp; Still, the rest of her body was not far behind, the trim form of an eternally young and beautiful woman.&nbsp; The dried blood splattered on her nude form only served to enhance her predatory beauty rather than diminish it.<br><br>Her gaze turned to the door as a soft, almost hesitant knock sounded through the thick wood.&nbsp; Before she could speak, the door opened a crack to allow the soft light of the hall to spill in and a hesitant voice broke the silence.<br><br>“Miss?” the young son of the innkeeper asked hesitantly as he stuck his head into the dark room “I heard a crash.&nbsp; Is everything alright?&nbsp; Did you need any food, Milady?” the barely post adolescent young man asked nervously, unable to see her in the thick shadows.<br><br>Valerie gasped softly as her ears picked out his rabbiting heart beat, the pulsing throb of his pulse.&nbsp; As she tasted his fear and apprehension, and the faint stirrings of his arousal.&nbsp; The young man had watched her, lusting after her pale beauty since her arrival several days before.&nbsp; She’d been faintly amused at his blushing stutter on the occasions he’d had to speak to her, his eyes only rarely rising from the swell of her breasts.<br><br>She smiled as she gave the Hunger free reign, her intoxicating musk filling the room, the teen’s eyes glazing over as it washed over him.&nbsp; She walked forward, her hips swaying from side to side as she pulled him into the room.&nbsp; She pressed herself against him, her arms wrapping around his shoulders as she hooked a leg over his waist.&nbsp; She purred, nuzzling his neck as she felt his pulse race beneath her lips before she whispered softly in his ear.<br><br>“Hon, you have perfect timing because I am simply . . . .<em>famished</em>.” she smiled as she pushed the door to the room closed as her fangs pressed against his neck.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench,  Xanaphia, playfullchick76, HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>23-10-2008, 14:48:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hours pass by as i consult scroll after scroll. I find one on Shades, and read it, finding out that they are rare, and stronger than most nightstalkers,and faster, but can be killed like any other nightstalker. <br><br>If theyre stabbed and cut enough times, they can be weakened, or pinned in place and held until the sunlight hits them. Standing up, i walk out of the Library and back towards my shop. Unlocking it, i find one of my regular customers waiting for me.<br><br>Letting him in, i feel his eyes focused on my svelte, sensual figure, and my heaving breasts under my top as i take out his particular order, 6 Pariko daggers and 2 Dusko fighting swords. <br><br>Dusko fighting swords are light, but strong, virtually unbreakable, and Pariko daggers never miss their target, and once theyve been embedded in their targets, tiny barbs prevent it from being pulled out without causing massive blood loss.<br><br>Taking his payment, i wish him good health and long life, then close up and go upstairs to open up a very partiuclar chest, one containing my best fighting armour, then 2 Dusko fighting swords of my own, that i;ll need to fight the shade.<br><br>She will be back once its completely dark, and when she is, i plan to be ready for her. I check&nbsp; my stomach even though i know that there will be no scar, and run my fingers over the smooth skin.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench,  Xanaphia, playfullchick76, HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>24-10-2008, 05:58:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Duncan's eyes flashed open. <br><br>His breathing was steady and his body remained motionless but his senses were heightened as he scanned the bath room. How long had he been asleep in his bath, he wondered. But more importantly, why did he feel as if someone or some THING was watching him.<br><br>Satisfied that there wasn't anyone in the room besides him he stood up, his sword in his right hand. He looked around the room again but there still wasn't anyone to be seen. He stepped out of the cold water and reached for a towel that lay neatly folded on a stool by the tub.<br><br>He was thankful for the hour of sleep he had had and even more so for not having to answer Gweneth's questions. The Lady seemed to have left him be, at least for a while and he was glad.<br><br>Wrapping the towel around his waist Duncan moved onto the balcony and lean forward with his hands on the low wall. The smell of freshly baked bread and cheese made his stomach growl. <br><br>He closed his eyes, trying to shake the feeling of being watched, and focused on a flame in his inner being. His breathing became even and calm and his thoughts more focused on that single flame in his mind. The flickering ceased and the flame burned bright. He was ready.<br><br>His sword flashed in a semi circle as Duncan moved into the first of several Blade Katas. His body moved gracefully from "The Swarn on the Lilly" to "The Wolf's fangs" as his sword slashed, parried and lunged at would be attackers. Duncan's body gracefully moved into the other 13 Katas before he repeated them 3 more times, just as he had done every single morning. The practice helped him keep focus and calmed his mind but it also served as a whet stone for his skills. The complacent dies completely, he believed. He was not about to go that easy. <br><br>His body was glazed in a thin sheen of sweat as he practiced on the balcony. His longish hair tied in a knot at his nape. His muscular body seemed as if it was chiseled out of cold hard stone, his skin bore no scars though his body has known the agony of far too many wounds in his long life. His healing never left a trace except a slight tingling feeling where a scar should have been, even that fading in a day. <br><br>Duncan's sword swept around him as he swung his body suddenly to the right, the blade barely touching the slender neck of a serving maid who almost dropped the tray she had in her hands. Eyes wide, mouth open in a scream that was robbed of any sound, the woman stood there frozen. <br><br>"You almost lost that pretty head of yours lass" he smiled as he moved the sword away from the maid's neck. <br><br>Taking the sliver tray from her hands, he placed it on the balcony wall and leaned back on it, arms crossed over his chest.<br><br>The maid's eyes wandered over his half naked body and he knew any woman would find it hard to resist such a fine sight. She was pretty and her body seemed well proportioned. Her breasts full and heaving as she fought to catch her breath from her near death experience. <br><br>Duncan walked around her, his eyes undressing her as she stood there, hands clasped in front of her.<br><br>"The Lady Gweneth asked me to bring you your breakfast, Lord" she said plainly. His manhood began to get aroused as he walked back to the front of her and looked down into her pale eyes. <br><br>"It's been ages since I've eaten lass. The Lady read my mind" With that he lifted the maid up and placed her on the balcony wall, spreading her legs wide as he delved between them. Placing little kisses on her silky thighs he smiled as his fingers parted her lovingly. <br><br>"A feast fit for a king!" he whispered as his tongue replaced his fingers and thrust into the sweetest&nbsp; nectar he had had for quite some time.<br><br>Only the nameless form watching them through the "Mirror" heard the maid's moans as Duncan's tongue practiced a skill he always loved to practice over and over again.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dashenka</strong> on <strong>04-11-2008, 13:48:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The lady awoke from a restless sleep at the cry of the rooster. Although she ordered her guards to let nobody into her house, Lady Gwen knew there were beings out there that would not use doors. Or worse, to which the guards would be no match. One of her servants came in to wake her. <br>"It's morning milady."<br>"I noticed Eliza. Thank you."<br>The servant placed an elegant red dress on the dressdoll, told her lady she was in the kitchen making breakfast and left the bedroom.<br>Slowly and with a lot of negative feelings, Gwen got out of bed and slid out of her nightgown. She sighed heavily and looked at herself in the mirror. Her long red hair hanging loose over her back. Her pale skin cold and still tired. With one hand she folded her hair so that it would look shorter and suddenly she got an idea. <br>"Gwen you are brilliant, you really deserve to be a noble," she giggled and got dressed. She would talk to her private guard about her idea when she would see him.<br><br>Her mood had increased since she had come up with a plan, but nevertheless she strapped a dagger around her right upper leg and went down the stairs to the dining room. The smell of fresh bread and herbs made her nostrils curl.<br>"Eliza that smells wonderful as always," she said as she sat down on the large wooden table in the dining room. When the servant came into the room with plates full of food she quickly unfolder her napkin and placed it on her lap.<br><br>"Eliza, when you are done serving breakfast, can you ask the headguard to summon the mercenary to me as soon as possible.<br>Eliza left the room a few more times and when the table was filled with more food than anybody could eat she left with a nod and a quick bon apetit.<br><br>Gwen looked around the table and took a small fresh pastry. The more she thought about her idea, the happier the became and grinning she ate her breakfast.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>04-11-2008, 22:09:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The maid stumbled out of Duncan's room, face flushed red and hair in shambles. She hurriedly straightened her dress as she shut the door and smiled to herself as she remembered the pleasure she experienced inside. Her head was still swimming in a sea of ecstasy and he body shuddered in delight even at the thought.<br><br>"Don't you have somewhere to be, woman?" A stern and powerful voice made her jump and turn around. Her eyes widened at she looked into those eyes that looked back at her from beyond the veil and hood. She hurriedly curtsied and ran away as the Archer watched, shaking his head. Dramian Tsy had stool outside the door about to knock when he had heard moans of pleasure coming from beyond the closed door. He pondered whether he should return later but Eliza had been adamant in requesting that he bring the mercenary to meet the Lady. And he was not about to want to answer to the Lady when he went back without him. <br><br>Dramian didn't understand why the Lady had hired this man without first consulting him. Almost all of her guards had been hand picked by him and almost all had been soldiers in the Silver Wars and were known to him. The rest were mainly low paid distractions, cheap targets for any would be assassins. He knew those ones wouldn't stand a single fight with a trained killer but then again if it came to that, they'd be willing porns and make it that much harder to get to the Lady. Why did the Lady insist on hiring this one though? Granted, Duncan had skill. He had seen how he moved and was impressed at how observant he was. But something was different about him that made Dramian not trust him completely. He will have to keep a closer eye on this one.<br><br>He decided to give the moans a few more minutes to die down. Backing away into a corner by the corridor he almost blended into the shadows in the dimly lit area of the mansion. He fingered he Armanian cross bow, reassuring himself that it was still ready when he needed it. He crossed his hands under his cloak in prayer and waited.<br><br>The sight of the maid coming out broke his meditation. He moved silently behind her as she seemed to be lost in a daze. He liked surprising people that way and that was another thing that he didn't like about the newcomer. Duncan wasn't easily surprised and he remembered how Duncan had spotted him in the rafters that first night he came to see the Lady.<br><br>He looked away from the maid as she ran down the corridor and tapped on the door.<br><br>"Come." said a calm voice.<br><br>Dramian walked in wearily.<br><br>"A good morning to you Archer!" said Duncan as he kept his attention on his sword as he sat running a piece of silver colored cloth over the blade lovingly. <br><br>"You may call me Dramian, Duncan." said the Archer as he watched the swordsman as he cleaned his weapon. "The Lady Gweneth requests your presence in the dining hall." <br><br>Duncan looked up smiling as he stood up, sheathing his sword in one motion, making the Archer step back suddenly.<br><br>"I was just about to go see her myself." he said as he grabbed his cloak and threw it over his shoulders. <br><br>"Tell me Dramian, what do you know of Shades?" his eyes met the Archer's and they both said a silent prayer at the mention of the undead but neither man showed any emotion outward. <br><br>They walked down the hall that lead to the kitchens as Dramian said casually "I know that most men die on their first encounter with one let alone be up and about the next day." Duncan knew that he would have to come up with an excuse for his recovery but more importantly, how did the Archer know he had fought a Shade?<br><br>They knocked before they entered the dining hall.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dashenka</strong> on <strong>06-11-2008, 09:33:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her dreams of torture and humiliation of that night seemed to be forgotten as Lady Gwen slowly worked her way through the breakfast. The idea she had was flawless and it would be fun too. Of course her new hired bodyguard had to agree but she payed him well enough no to argue with her.<br><br>Dramian, her head of security, had already let her know he did not agree with the way Gwen hired this bodyguard. In his opinion, this Duncan guy could well be out for her blood. Gwen, however did not feel that way and with all her peoples knowledge she never misjudged anybody.<br><br>Just as she refilled her cup, with a nice aromatising herbal tea, somebody knocked at the door. <br><br>"Enter" She turned her head towards the door to see who would come in, spilling some tea.<br>"Darn it," she muttered.<br><br>"Ah, if that is not my personal overpayed bodyguard." She gave him a warm smile."<br>"Please sit," Gwen motioned to Duncan and a free seat at the table, "I have to discuss something with you concerning your job and my safety."<br><br>She waited for him to sit down and for Dramian to close the door.<br>"Are you hungry?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>06-11-2008, 23:29:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No, my Lady." said Duncan as he thought about the feast he had had in his room just a little while ago. And a smile touched his face. <br><br>"I've eaten quite well this morning, my Lady." he said as he noticed the maid who had "served" him in his room silently passing by on her way to do her chores. She seemed flushed as she heard his words, perhaps remembering the truth in his words and the pleasure of his tongue. <br><br>Duncan glanced at the amount of food that was laid out for just one person and shook his head.<br><br>"But it seems you, my Lady, have quite the appetite this morning." he said as he poured himself some tea and sipped it.<br><br>Dramian stood at Gweneth's side, as usual, silent and ever vigilant. Only his eyes were visible as usual but they told of a hint of annoyance at the way he helped himself to the tea. Looking back down at the Lady Duncan waited for a reply.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dashenka</strong> on <strong>08-11-2008, 23:02:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br>"Indeed I have," she said to Duncan and passed him the sugar. She could feel something had happened between her servant and this bodyguard, but she preferred not to let him know. The lady told the servant to leave the room.<br><br>"I have been thinking last night of a great plan for me to escape this blood thirsty thirteen days," Gwen said and took a drink of her tea.<br>"The best option is to hide far away and change who I am. In order to do so, I will need your help."<br><br>Suddenly, looking at this man sitting next to her, drinking tea as if this was any other day, she was not sure if she could trust him. "There is a small village in the swamps called Tfarc, it consists of only thiefs and outcast. Nobody will expect a noble there. I will dye my hair, cut it, wear ragged clothes and after two weeks I will go back to Talahentry, when the bloodthirst is over."<br><br>Lady Gwen eyed the man down. <br>"I will double your reward. Half of it when we leave, the other half when I make it back here alive."<br><br>Even the most notorious criminal would fall that this amount of money. He should not be any different.<br>"What say you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>10-11-2008, 03:21:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was a good plan. <br><br>Duncan sipped his tea as he watched Lady Gwen as she spoke. This woman was more than just a pretty face, he thought. She didn't become who she is today by mere looks alone and this plan proved it. Under that perfect skin laid a sharp mind, he now knew. He would not underestimate this woman's abilities any more.<br><br>It was a good plan. But it needed to be perfect if she had any hope of surviving these bloody days.<br><br>"There is merit to your plan, my Lady." he said as he set his mug down and looked at her again. He didn't want to give her too much credit for he didn't want to give her reason to feel too confident in herself. That kind of confidence can be turned against one's self and it only takes a little pushing to turn that into stupidity. And he was not about to let her be pushed.<br><br>"But to pull it off it needs more thought and more planning." he said as he stood up to pace the room, his mind working out the merits and pitfalls of the plan. He had heard of Tfarc as he made his way to Talahentry. The name had been whispered in taverns and street corners by few and all of whom had something to hide. He had heard how justice had long left Tfarc and how it beckoned all who wished to out run and out whit the laws of the land. A sinister town. A perfect town for a perfect plan.<br><br>"People will notice you gone, my Lady. Unless we keep up appearances as long as we can. This will require Dramian to stay behind." he didn't like the man but knew he'd come in handy in a tight spot. But any worthy assassin would notice the absence of the Lady's personal guard at her own home and that would put their plan in turmoil. <br><br>"Dramian must stay behind to pretend to guard you. You will pick one of your trusted maids to play the part of yourself, my Lady. Pay her, threaten her, do what ever you want but make her understand that to betray you would mean a far worse fate than to be you for the next 12 days." He knew no one would willingly pretend to stand in for herself in these bloody days but money always had a way of easing one's mind.<br><br>Money. He smiled at the thought of doubling his wages. It was always pleasant to walk away with more than he needed.<br><br>"You and I will make our journey to Tfarc tomorrow, my Lady. But we will need an able sword and a hand maiden in one to travel with us. I need someone I can trust to be by yourside if I am forced to be someplace else. I have just the person who will fit that profile. But she won't come cheap. Good help never does." he smiled. <br><br>He needed someone who can handle more than just a sword. He needed someone who can handle Gwen too. Someone who didn't send the wrong signals to prying eyes. Someone who can pass off as an ordinary woman. He hoped the blacksmith would agree to journey with them. He could use Aurora's skill in a cursed town like Tfarc. And she could more than handle herself as she had proven the night before.<br><br>He stopped pacing and looked at Gwen. "You will have to change more than your appearance, my Lady. You will have to change who you are." She would have to give up being a Lady and blend into the common folk in Tfarc if this plan was to succeed. <br><br>"What say YOU, my Lady?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>10-11-2008, 12:53:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After waiting and looking out for an attack that never came, i locked up my shop tightly and feel asleep a hour past midnight. Rising early as i always do, i perform my morning exercises and keep my fitness level high.<br><br>After my morning bath, i get changed into something more presentable for mingling with the people, a snug fitting light green dress and boots, but with several blades on me in case i need to use them. As im slipping the last one into its shealth, i hear a soft knocking on the front door. Walking across to it, i look through the tiny hole,and smile at the sight of you there.<br><br>Wondering how your night went, i unlock my door and open it up. "Well, good morning Duncan, i trust you slept well, any news on the shade that we fought".
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dashenka</strong> on <strong>11-11-2008, 20:12:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwen belched at the question of Duncan and smiled at him.<br><br>"Taking Dramian with me, never was the plan. He will stay here. As for not being cheap," she looked at Duncan with a serious face, "when did I give you the impression I was cheap?"<br><br>She needed some old rags and some hair dye and of course something to travel on since she couldn't use her own beautifully long haired black mare. <br><br>"Alright Dunc, I need you to get me something to travel on and a sword. Bring your companion and the items I told you to the backgate of the castle. I will be there with Eliza at midnight. Nobody gets to know about this." <br><br>Gwen had just the person in mind to replace her. Not a maid or servant, since they would be missed. Eliza could be ill and be home. An old friend of the lady of Talahentry was going to replace her. She smiled at the idea. A good plan was always nice but especially if it proofed her to be smarter than anybody else in town. <br><br>"I want you to take Eliza with you, update her on the plan and tell her to buy some black hair dye and some old clothes. And some food for the trip. She should be in the kitchen."<br><br>For a second Gwen pondered if she had not forgotten anything.<br><br>"As for your....mm.. friend, I'll pay the same to him as I pay you."<br><br>She looked at Duncan and nodded at him.<br><br>"You're dismissed."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>11-11-2008, 23:00:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Duncan hated the way he was dismissed. The nerve of the woman! But he hadn't time for hurt feelings if he was to keep her safe. He stood up and bowed curtly as walked away to find Eliza.<br><br>"The Lady Gweneth would like you to come with me into town this morning Eliza. We have some errands to run." He didn't wait for and answer and headed to the back of the mansion and out the door towards the stables. He heard Eliza run after him, cursing under her breath. <br><br>Duncan walked into the stall that housed his horse and patted her. He had come to like Alinor, more so now that when he first bought her from an old traveler. She had served him well and had never left him without a fast escape, be it from those who wished to kill him or those who wished to chase him away from their wives. He laughed as he offered his horse some oats. Those were all but the same thing.<br><br>Humming a soothing song of the Wind, he patted her down as he moved along side her and saddled her up. He climbed into the saddle just as Eliza rode up along side him on her sandy haired horse. <br><br>Together they rode out the back road. Duncan stopped as he approached the wall and looked down at Dramian as he stood there talking to a guard.<br><br>"I will be away for a while Archer. Make sure you don't do the same." he looked behind him at the mansion. <br><br>"Some of us earn our keep and work for our wages, highlander!" said Dramian as the other guard chuckled. <br><br>Duncan ignored the chuckle and headed Alinor out the gate as he said over his shoulder "Some of us hope to live long enough to spend those wages..." a smile on his face.<br><br>When they approached the town center Duncan gave Eliza a list of supplies they needed and 2 silver coins. She smiled when he told her she could keep any left over. "I'll meet you by the old market in an hour." he said as he rode away.<br><br>His eyes were ever vigilant as he rode on, watching the peasants and the rich walk on opposite sides of the road. A little boy ran in front of his horse and almost got run over. The boy grinned and ran away, 10 paces ahead of the baker who ran after him. Duncan made sure that his horse got in the way of the angry man, giving the little boy a few more paces to outrun him.<br><br>Duncan came up on the side road he remembered from that night. A shudder still managed to run through him at the sight of the blood stains on the road. How much of that was his, he wondered. How much more will stain the ground before these cursed days are over?<br><br>He caught himself staring at the spot on the road and quickly jumped off his horse and lead her down the side street. He stopped in from of the shop that had the sign of the blacksmith and tied the reigns to on a post before knocking. He felt the sickening sensation of another immortal even before the door opened.<br><br>"Good morning to you too Aurora." he bowed, keeping an eye on her sword hand. "Fortunately I have not had the pleasure of dancing with the Shade since last we felt her sting." he said as he walked in and looked around the shop. It was no mere shop, more an armory!<br><br>He gazed at the array of weapons on display and marveled at the craftsmanship. He picked up a throwing knife and tested the balance on his middle finger. He wasn't surprised it was perfectly balanced.<br><br>He turned to face the unlikely blacksmith and smiled. "You certainly have a way with weapons, don't you? What would you say to 300 silvers for a few days away from here where your weapons could be put to better use?" he looked into her eyes. "I could use someone like you alongside me Aurora. But I'd rather know you will do it for honor and not just for the silver."<br><br>He waited for an answer.<br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>12-11-2008, 12:38:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"300 silvers a day, thats a lot to offer me. I would need to know how many days i would be away, and what i would be doing for that amount. As for honor, im very honorable, but honor wont fill my belly or keep this shop going, nor will it give me the materials i need to make my wares. ". "Where are we going, and what will i be required to do there, thats what i need to know", i tell you as you wander through my shop.<br><br>You know your way around weapons and know quality when you see it, thats clear as you handle my weapons with care and respect.<br><br>"I can do as you ask once i know that. I;ll set traps for anyone that seeks to help themselves to my stock in my absence, thats no problem", i add as i put away my weapon and wait for your reply. You wouldnt ask me if you didnt have to, i can sense that much, and wherever that is, i could put my new weapons to the test.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>12-11-2008, 18:00:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Its 300 silvers for the duration of our... journey, not each day." I admire a long sword with loving hands as I take care not to touch the razor sharp edge as it glistens in the light.<br><br>"I can't tell you much detail until you're in. But this much I CAN tell you." Duncan sets the sword down gently and moves onto the double axe.<br><br>"You will aid me in protecting a Lady in disguise. She is... hunted for the next 12 days" his eyes flick over to hers " ...yes by that very Shade that tried to kill us last night." I say. "300 silvers is a fair trade for your time but the reputation of making weapons capable of slaying a shade..." I smile "now that my dear Aurora is priceless. Imagine the line outside that door when people from all over hear or Aurora the Shade slayer!"<br><br>I put the heavy axe back in it's place and turn to face you.<br><br>"I won't lie to you. It won't be easy and it WILL be dangerous. But in the end you'll be able to come back here and double your prices if you so wish to do so." I cross my arms and watch your reaction. <em>"IF we come back a live."</em> he thinks to himself.<br><br>"If you agree to join me in arms then I need you to find a way to slay a Shade. Perhaps you can fashion a blade that can do that. Or at the very least find a way to slow it down even. I'll take what ever advantage we can get."<br><br>"I'll also need a fine but light blade for the Lady to carry. It should not be too ornate and should appear to be just a regular sword but it should do more damage than a regular sword. She will pay for that of course."<br><br>Duncan knew that he cannot put a price on Aurora's life nor will he expect her to sell hers for a mere 300. But he hoped that she would come with him for he needed her skill and expertise in weapons if he had any chance at all in protecting Gweneth. The shade was just one assassin. How many more were out there waiting for a chance at her throat, he didn't know. But he knew that protecting her in a town of scum would be even harder unless he was well prepaired. He needed her.<br><br>"Are you with me Aurora?" <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>12-11-2008, 23:22:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yes Duncan, im with you. Your right, if its known that my weapons sent a Shade to the next world, then i;ll be all the more famous, and my sales will double, if not triple. 300 silvers will be sufficient."<br><br>Im sure i can find a sword for our lady, i;ll get to work on making one right away. I also did some searching in the library, and i think i know how to kill one. I will use my arts to alter some of my existing weapons, or make some entirely new ones for the purpose", i add as i think about what your offering me.<br><br>I dont shy from danger, in fact, i embrace it. "Im with you, so i should start on fashioning some new weapons right away hadnt I", i tell you as i look around and think about what i;ll need to use to fashion what i;ll need.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>13-11-2008, 04:04:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Duncan smiled his thanks as Aurora agreed. "We will give the bards enough tales to sing for a hundred years when all this is over!" Duncan dug into his cloak and brought out a pouch of 150 silvers and handed it to Aurora.<br><br>"1/2 now and 1/2 when we get back alive." he said. "Not my terms. I am paid the same." He looked once more at the weapons in awe before he began to walk towards the door. <br><br>"You have until sun rise to get the weapons ready. The lady's sword first. Weapons to kill the Shade last. I am bound to my own sword and will not replace it but I can use a second short sword or a few daggers if you can work your mastery into those.&nbsp; Anything to kill that beauty of the night." <br><br>Duncan paused at the door and turned back, running his hand over the wooden door frame with a smile. <br><br>"You've done well for yourself Aurora. Specially at building your shop over what seems to be an old church. " he smiled as her eyes sparkled. "What better place to vend your weapons than on holy ground, eh?" he said as he bowed and walked outside.<br><br>"Meet me before the rooster crows tomorrow at the back road behind Lady Gweneth's mansion. She sends her compliments and the promise of more silver when we return in 12 days." <br><br>With that he swiftly mounted his horse and headed towards the stables he had passed on the way. He needed a steed for the Lady and he thought he saw a worthy one as he passed by.<br><br>He wondered where the Shade would take refuge in daylight as he rode past an Inn with a sign of a bull. He barely noticed the room on the second floor with heavy drapes drawn across the windows as he rode by.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>13-11-2008, 15:19:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Smiling to myself as you notice what so many others havnt, that i live and work on holy ground, the remains of a church, I watch as you ride away, then close and lock the front door and walk back to the foundry that i have in back.<br><br>Selecting a light metal, i work through the day working it into a slightly curved blade. with an almost cheap, wood handle. Only the metal isnt cheap metal,but high quality, very durable and razor sharp. Using my own skills, i work a design into the metal, embuing the sword with special speed and skill that can transfer to its owner.<br><br>Holding it up in the light, i smile as no one that sees it will think that its a work of art. It looks like a cheap sword, made by anyone who can carve wood and shape metal, only i know better.<br><br>Next, i consult my books and take out my highest grade metals. Opening up a special case, i take out a lightly glowing material from it and scatter it onto the short sword that im crafting. Cooling it, then heating it up, i cool it down, then fit it into a carved ivory hilt and handle, then hold it up.<br><br>It glows lightly, a sign that the material i dropped onto the metal when it was hot has given it what it needs to kill or wound a shade properly. I get to work on another one, working through the night to complete it, then i start on several throwing knives for you.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dashenka</strong> on <strong>20-11-2008, 09:49:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The day passed by slowly for Gwen. Hiding between the walls of her mansion while outside a bigger and bigger crowd was forming and the poor Dramian had to deal with them all. When her friend finally arrived at the mansion, she was forced to plough a way through the crowd before she could enter. <br><br>Gwen was already for her in the living room. <br>"Julia, I'm glad you've made it."<br>The two ladies hugged and gossiped a little before Gwen came to the point.<br>"Nobody must know but I am in danger and I will leave the city. I need you to be me for the duration of my absence."<br>She explained more to her friend and they spend the day together. When the sun began to set, the new lady Gwen went to take a bath and Gwen herself walked down to the basement, in the same clothes Julia had been wearing when she came. She searched through some old stuff and found an old lockbox, she opened with an old rusty key. From the box she took some spell scrolls and and a silver stake.<br><br>"Good luck my friend," she muttered, "I hope to see you back alive."<br><br>Gwen knew she had to exit through the frontdoor if she didnt want to draw attention to the fact that her visitor never left her house. With the big crowd in front of her house it would be noticed. With her face covered as well as she could she exited the mansion through the front door. Her heart beating painfully in her throat as she made her way through the crowd. When Gwen was clear of the mob, she made her way towards the rear gate of the mansion to see if her companions were already there.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>21-11-2008, 15:30:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Having arrived at the rear gate of the mansion, i stand just out of sight. with My new sword strapped to my back, several throwing daggers secreted on my person, and two swords wrapped up in common looking cloth, and a non descript grey travelling cloak on, i wait for my patron and Duncan to arrive.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>21-11-2008, 16:03:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Having gotten a good deal on the horse that he had his eye on, Duncan met with Eliza at the promised time and they both rode back towards the mansion. Seeing the beginnings of a crowd gathering near the front gate of the mansion Duncan angled his horse and the one he was trailing along for Lady Gwen towards the back of the property and slid in through the back gates. The guards at the gate sneered but said nothing as he rode past.<br><br>"Take those up to the Lady, Eliza and tell her that all's well." he said as he headed towards the stables. Duncan lead both horses into their own stalls and began rubbing down each horse with care. He made sure that they had enough hay before he walked up towards the mansion.<br><br>He spent the rest of the day sharpening Dragon's Bane and going through some Katas as the night came. He slept 2 hours and awoke well before first light and put on his traveling cloak over his light weight mail shirt which looked like any other shirt. The chain mail shirt had tiny links that were worked into the fabric painstakingly by a Hiyawa tribe-woman who are said to spend a good year weaving just one single mail shirt. The money he spent on it was more than worth it.<br><br>Duncan looked at the mirror and was satisfied that he looked as casual as he wanted to. He slid out the back door and tip toed through the trees towards the back gate and peered at the two guards who stood nodding off every now and then. He needed to slip by them unnoticed if the plan were to succeed as he didn't want them to idly mention that they saw him sneak out. He approached them silently from behind and hit one guard in the back of his head with his hilt and as he fell down silently elbowed the second one in the jaw before he knew what was happening. Both guards slide to the ground with a thud and lay unconscious.<br><br>Duncan slid into the stables and calmed the two horses with soothing whispers before saddling them up and walking them out the gate. He moved silently out and gave a low hoot mimicking an owl as he waited for signs of the others. He felt Aurora even before he saw her move out of the shadows towards him and smiled.<br><br>"A fine night to be out wandring these streets, Aurora." he said as he moved towards her. "I trust your sword arm is well rested?"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>21-11-2008, 16:30:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It is Duncan, it is. Even though i worked hard making new weapons today, I rested. I made your second short sword and some throwing daggers, and made the lady her sword."<br><br>"Like all my weapons, it will keep her alive, and work with her body", i add as i walk forward and offer you one of the wrapped swords, then walk to the shadows and lead out my own mount, who has been my companion for many years, and kept me on the roads on the few occasions that i had to leave town.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>21-11-2008, 19:39:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Duncan carefully unwrapped the short sword and his eyes lit up. Not from the glare of the blade, for it was made to look like a dull rusting old war sword but at how light and how well it felt in his left hand. He smiled as he looked around and put the sword through "Lightening On A Mountain" a move used to parry and thrust with two swords, taking any enemy by surprise. Dragon's bane flashed in his right hand as Duncan danced a silent dance of death with the two swords as he tested the one in his left. <br><br>"Your skill amazes me Aurora!" he grinned as he sheathed Bane and and swung the short sword on his back within easy reach. "The sword feels as if it was fashioned to fit my hand like a glove and it weights less that it looks. Perfect!" He took the 3 throwing knives from Aurora and weighed them in his palm before putting them away in 3 sheaths hidden in his shirt mail. <br><br>"And now we wait for the Lady." he said as they edged their mounts into the shadows by the side of the road and waited for Lady Gwen.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dashenka</strong> on <strong>22-11-2008, 15:13:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She had put her best friend in a dangerous position to gain from it herself. It was possible that she even signed her friend's death sentence. Dramian would do everything he could to protect the mansion but if the entire town went at them, it would be dangerous. Gwen never told Julia why she was leaving and the poor girl was oblivious to her situation. As she waited for Eliza she said a little prayer.<br><br>"Let's go milady. Your bodyguard and his friend are already waiting. I just spotted them," Gwen shook up, startled by the sudden hand on her shoulder and the soft whispering voice of her servant. Eliza was carrying a large bag with all sorts of stuff she thought needed. <br><br>Together they dragged the bag outside and made way to the gate.<br>Gwen could see Duncan and the sillhouette of his friend and then noticed the two guards on the floor. She looked at Duncan and the two man and back to Duncan and raised a brow.<br><br>"Could you not have just lured them away? What if they tell Dramian they got attacked?" She kept her voice down but tried to sound angry."<br><br>She looked at the other figure, a lady, and introduced herself. "Gwen, but call me Dana. Goes for the rest of you too."<br><br>"Which horse is mine?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>22-11-2008, 16:21:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Very well, dana. Im Aurora, i;ll be going with you as your bodyguard,your paying us a lot to keep you alive, so just do as we say, when we say, let us do our jobs", i say to Gwen as i look her over, and at the bag that she's carrying. Glancing at duncan again, i offer her the second wrapped sword.<br><br>"This is for you, milady, made just for you, it looks cheap, but looks can be decieving, this blade is razor sharp, moulds itself to you, and in the hilt, i put in a tiny dagger, just in case", i say as i offer it to her.<br><br>It looks common, like a cheap, barely sharp sword, but is sharp enough to cleave a man in half, and moves as fast through the air as my newly made sword, that if my notes are correct, just might slay the shade that we fought days ago.<br><br>She's out of her elements,a lady turned temporary fugitive, but she;s in our care, and in our hands, and the sooner the shade is dead, and the lady is back in her mansion, the happier i;ll be. I dont like leaving my shop, and cant wait to be back there.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>24-11-2008, 19:56:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Duncan looked at the bag that Gwen and Eliza had dragged behind them and shook his head smiling. Trust women to pack 3 times as many things than they needed, he thought as he fastened the bag onto Eliza's horse and brought Gwen's horse over to her.<br><br>"It's time we made our way <em>Dana</em> and mind your tongue. Try not to use words that would give you away and try to act... normal." he said as he climbed onto his mount. <br><br>"We have a few day's ride ahead of us and it's best that we put as many miles between us and this town as we can before night fall." he angled his horse east towards the merchant roads. He had studied an old map that he had stashed in his saddle bags and had plotted the route they'd take to get to Tfarc. He planned on staying on the merchant roads as much as they could as to not attract attention to the somewhat large party that rode together. At least they could pass off as travelers if there were other caravans heading their way. It would also help to camp near other camp fires to increase their chances of defending against theives or worse. <br><br>Duncan rode silently but kept a vigilant eye on Dana as she rode alongside him. <br><br>"I hope you can use that sword if ever the need arises, Dana." he said as he eyed the sword by her side. He smiled as she glared at him but he said nothing more as they rode. He turned back every so often and made sure that the others kept close and that no one was following them intentionally. Every time he noticed a rider or a group of riders behind them he would pretend to inspect his horse's shoes and give the riders enough time to past them by. He was content when the riders passed by without a second glance and kept ahead of them.<br><br>Duncan slowed his horse down until Auroa rode up along side of him and looked at her.<br><br>"Tell me Aurora. What have you learnt about the dark one? And how can we kill it?" he asked wanting to know more about her findings.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>24-11-2008, 22:49:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I did extensive searching in the library. Light can kill them, obviously, they can be weakened, pinned in place and overpowered. They arent invulnerable to blades or crossbow bolts. The sword i made yesterday is imbued with certain qualities, luminescent crystals are embedded into it, it should inflict damage on her with each cut."<br><br>"I packed light for just this reason, and they bring enough for a month away", i softly comment to you as we ride along the merchant road, moving along as if we were any other group of travellers.<br><br>"Do you really think this will work. The shade isnt&nbsp; berefit of senses, she will realise her prey is gone and will come after her, I figure within two days at most. I just hope we can get far away enough, and that the Shade finds trouble&nbsp; that keeps her out, but im confident that my new blade will claim her life if she comes after.. Dana", i add as i feel a bit nervous being away from my shop, but do my best not to show it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>25-11-2008, 15:04:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Duncan listened. Any advantage he could get was worth listening to and the research Aurora had done was priceless. He knew that light would kill a vampire instantly. A Shade wouldn't be as easy though but will succumb to light if exposed long enough. His mind raced back to his friend on his knees and a shudder went through him. Duncan needed to think of a way to slow down the Shade long enough to let the light do it's fiery deeds on the undead. <br><br>"I know that we won't fool the Shade for more than a day, maybe longer. But the mod outside the mansion was making it hard to protect Dana. The less knives aimed at her heart the better. At least in Tfarc the only danger would be from sources we can cope with until the Shade decides to make it's presence felt. We should be able to protect her from the common thief and cut throats at Tfarc well enough, IF she plays her part well enough."<br><br>He looked over his shoulder to make sure no one was following.<br><br>He wondered why Gwen had picked Eliza to come with them. Perhaps she needed to have her hand maiden close to feel as if she was still a Lady? Duncan looked at Eliza and nodded. He'd keep an eye on her until she proved otherwise.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>25-11-2008, 15:35:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ladies and people of nobility dont always mix well with common folk, which is anyone below them. Ive always known that, but they make the big decisions, and pay well for services, I tell myself that as i stay alert.<br><br>My eyes dart from side to side, seeking out a glint from a sword or dagger, the sound of hidden brigands or horses, anything that might hurt the lady and her handmaiden. With luck, any brigands we come across will be after money only, and will think me just a handmaiden until its too late, when my blades make themselves known and cut&nbsp; a few throats.<br><br>A prolonged fight isnt in our best interests though, and to end one, i;ll have to capture the leader to get his men to disperse.That of course depends on the skills of any enemies that we encounter. I have been to the town that we're going to before, and my skills will be more than enough to keep her alive there.<br><br>Against a shade, i know more than i did before our first fight. I uinderestimated the shade that time, but not a second time. This time, i;ll be ready. I dont need watch out for you as your just as alert and watchfull as i am, but if trouble comes, we will watch each others backs.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dashenka</strong> on <strong>26-11-2008, 22:20:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When Aurora introduced herself and gave her the sword, Gwen got suspicious. The rode silently and in the light of the moon on paths used my merchants. During the trip Gwen updated Eliza on what was going on. The journey to Tfarc, the decoy at the mansion, the whole lot. <br><br>However, during the journey Gwen got more and more curious and eventually she could no longer wait. <br><br>"Aurora, can you tell Eliza a little bit about how to handle a blade and a little information about Tfarc." She stopped her horse and waited for Aurora to ride next to Eliza. When Duncan past she slowed him down and when she thought the two girl up front could not hear her anymore she moved the horse again and looked at Duncan. <br><br>"I plan to escape and you agree. Julia is out there in the mansion and we are out here. The people do not know I am gone." With her hand she uncovered Duncan's swords. <br>"What do you expect to be following us? Obviously not the mobs. They are not smart enough to comprehense what is happening. Secondly, Aurora and you both carry enchanted blades."<br><br>She looked at Eliza and then back to Duncan. "I left my best friend at the mansion to be me. If, whatever is after me, needs enchanted blades to kill, we might need to change plans. Do not try to fool me Duncan, I am not some simpleton. What is after me?" <br><br>Suddenly she just wanted to turn around and gallop home and barricade her inside her house. Gwen suddenly felt she had sent her friend into a death trap.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>27-11-2008, 10:43:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A slight smile appears on my face as she gives out orders even though she's out of her mansion. The formation that we chose allows&nbsp; one to lead,and one to trail, but with her handmaiden next to me and the lady next to Duncan, that throws it off.<br><br>"Very well my lady, Eliza, handling a blade isnt as easy as you think it is, but i;ll try to teach you what i can. Ive been doing it for more years than youve... well, ive been for a while. As to the town that we're going to, its a rough, lawless place, trust no one that you meet, only trust the people that we trust.", i tell her as shes nervous about being out here with us, but does so for her lady's sake.<br><br>I continue to talk about tfarc while staying alert for any trouble ahead of us. Eliza seems likeable and easily approachable, and i relax around her,getting her to open up while telling her about myself as well.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>28-11-2008, 06:00:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Duncan kept his eyes on the road as he chose his words carefully. He didn't want to alarm Gwen by telling her the complete truth but he didn't want to make her feel too at easy for she might make some foolish mistake that might cost her her life.<br><br>He looked her in the eye and looked away.<br><br>"You are no fool Dana and I never took you to be one. You are hunted by a Vampire. A creature of the night." He looked at her, letting his words sink in. He covered his swords while she looked straight ahead and went on. It was the truth after all but not the whole truth. She didn't need to know that the Vampire was also a Shade.<br><br>"She is a hardended assassin. And she will come for you when you least expect it. But always when it's dark." He looked over his shoulder making sure they weren't followed.<br><br>He nodded at Aurora's back as he went on.<br><br>She and I have faced this Vampire that hunts you before. And we are still here today. And we plan to be there at the end of these bloody days to receive the silver you promised. The Vampire isn't immortal." He almost laughed at the last word. "We will kill her WHEN she comes. All you have to do is let us do our job. Don't make it difficult for us. I may have patients with you but SHE..." he nodded at Aurora "...might slit your throat herself if you crossed her more than once." <br><br>He looked at Dana and smiled.<br><br>"I might even let her." he chuckled.<br><br>"Tfarc is a dangerous place Dana. But not as dangerous as facing the Sh... Vampire by yourself. So stay close."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>28-11-2008, 14:16:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After many hours, sunrise comes over the horizon, sweet sunshine that lights up the world, and protects us from the shade that may see through her deception, but must wait until darkness to follow us.<br><br>When we stop at last to eat and rest our horses, i plan to give her handmaiden lessons on handling a blade. Theres no way i can teach her enough to hold off against a trained warrior,but she might get lucky, or hold them back long enough.<br><br>My thoughts are always of the mission and destination. Im being paid to do a job, but if im doublecrossed, or she tries to take over, i will leave her to the shade. Im dedicated to my job, but i dont suffer fools. I never have, and i never will.<br><br>Hoping that it doesnt come to that, i glance back at Duncan and the lady, then turn back to check the road ahead of us.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dashenka</strong> on <strong>09-12-2008, 19:00:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Back in the mansion, Julia had installed herself on the luxury bed of her best friend. The maiden brought her some warm honeymilk. At first the maiden had looked a little odd. It wasn't a drink Gwen had. Any smart person already noticed Julia wasn't Gwen, by the way she walked and talked. She kept bringing the excuse that she was very tired and stressed and all the personel around the mansion seemed to accept it.<br><br>Gwen had told her very little about why she had to leave. Only that some stupid legend was endangering her life. So this evening when the sun had set, Julia walked to the library of the mansion and took some books she could find about the legend. <br><br>The 13th night of the new moon is the night when fortune will shine on those who made a "Gesture" of blood. The richer the person of the blood the higher the riches to be gotten. To spill the blood with a silver dagger and sprinkle the rest on the east wall of ones house would bring all of the victims wealth and good fortune to the house that made the "gesture".<br><br>"The richer the person..." Suddenly it hit her. "Wow," she muttered. It made sense why Gwen had left but it was still a big blur why she had installed Julia to play her. Was Gwen deliberatly putting her in danger to get away safe herself? The guards around the house surely was enough to keep the mob at bay. She had nothing to fear. With that thought she fell asleep only to be awakened halfway during the night by breaking glass and a large uproar. <br><br>Quickly she jumped out of the bed and tried to think what Gwen would do. She saw the large nightgown, she had taken off earlier, on the chair and walked to it to get it on. When she nearly had it on something broke through the door. <br>"Don't move Lady Gweneth. We come to protect you." Two humans stood in the door. They were dressed in all red with a horned helmet. <br>"Who are you?"<br>"Who we are is of no importance. We are here to keep you safe from the bloodthirsty mobs outside," one of them said and walked towards her. <br>"The guards can do that just fine," Julia said with a trembling voice. She was terrified and didnt believe a word of what they were saying and she stepped back.<br>"Your guards have no idea what they are up against, Lady Gweneth."<br><br>Julia took another step back and tripped over something. She fell on the ground and immediately the two man were at her. <br>"What is this? The powerful Lady Gweneth of Talahentry, afraid?" <br>"I sense a trick. Check the birthmark," the man who said this was clearly an elderly man. Julia couldn't see him but his voice gave it away.<br>The other man took a dagger and slit through the nightgown and removed it, leaving Julia in her underwear on the floor. Both men gasped as her belly got revealed.<br>"Lady Gweneth has a birthmark left of her bellybutton. You have not. Where is Lady Gweneth!?" The old man spoke again but Julia was too terrified to speak.<br>He slapped her in the face and took her by the throat.<br>"Where is Lady Gweneth? I will not ask again polite so you had better answer me now missy. We have no intentions to kill Lady Gweneth but you, I would not have problems killing you."<br><br>All Julia could bring out was some squeeking as the man held her by the throat. When he finally let her go she regained herself.<br>"If I tell you where she is, you will kill me and go for her. I will not tell you anythingyou freaks."<br>This time one man punched her in the stomach and the other man lifted her in the air by her throat.<br>"The Cult of the Ruby Dawn is not to be trifled with, wretch. You Lady Gweneth owes us something and we thought this would be a good time for her to repay."<br><br>Julia was choking and she wouldn't last much longer. <br><em>Gwen betrayed you Julia, she left you here when she knew the dangers. She was sacrificing your life to safe her own. This is not worth dying for.</em><br>Thoughts were running through her mind and finally as she was on the edge of crossing over, with the last power she had she cackled something.<br><br>The man let go of her and she fell to the floor hard, gasping for air. <br>"She.. she told me she had to leave.. for 13 days," she said, still having difficulties breathing. "I don't know where she is going but she took her maid with her."<br>"See now. That was not hard was it," the old man said calm, "where did she go to?"<br>Julia tried to remember and just as the man wanted to hit her again she yelled out. "Tfarc! She went to Tfarc."<br>in stead of a hit, the old man gently patted her on the cheeks. <br>"Good girl. You will stay here and pretend to be Lady Gweneth. It will fool the simpletons. Do not try to betray us missy. Next time we WILL kill you and we promise it will not be a nice dead." <br><br>The two men walked off through what seemed to be a magic portal, leaving Julia on the floor, crying. Minutes later the guards came, closely followed by a handful of servants who immediately took care of her.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>09-12-2008, 20:27:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kilroy sat at his usual table nursing his usual pint of ale watching the bar maids as they pretended to flirt with the customers. Business was slow these days and brawls were almost rare but he stood watch over the inn non the less in case any of the girls needed help. The club by his side hadn't been needed in a good many moons and he was beginning to worry about his job. He wondered if Yolander would continue to need his services if business was this slow for long. He had enjoyed working for the old woman but the coin wasn't as rich as it used to be and he had to resort to other means to fill his purse. But the free food and board was still a luxury in this run down old town. And that he hoped to keep.<br><br>A sudden loss of breath and a tightening of his throat made his eyes wide with horror. His body was numb and his voice failed him. He watched in horror as every person in the room slowed down and even the flames of the candles on the tables began to slow down. Just as soon as it started it ended. And he gulped in life giving air. The room though was motionless. Kilroy looked around for what he knew would come. And it came at him as it threaded it's away between frozen statues. <br><br>The hooded figure sat down opposite Kilroy.<br><br>"Greetings, oh Gray one!" whispered Kilroy as he bowed reverently. "What does the Dark Lord command of me?"<br><br>The figure hissed before human words formed in it's throat.<br><br>"Your Lord...and mine...commandsssss you to find a woman....." it hissed. "A woman of high born and rich blood in the guisessss of a ssssservant..." The figure didn't move as it spoke. "Our Lord wishesssss you to let ussss know when you have her in ssssight but act not on his behalf!" The figure extended a gloved hand. "Sssswear on our Lord'sss blood sssstone!" it commanded.<br><br>Kilroy fell to his knees and bent to kiss the ring with a red ruby on it. <br><br>The figure stood up and turned swiftly and was gone out the door in a blink. Kilroy blinked twice more as the room came back to life. <br><br>He would obey. For he knew better than to deny the Dark Lord's wishes and specially knew better than to lie to the Dark Lord's personal guards who dressed in Gray.<br><br>He would obey and he would be rich, he thought. The Lord always rewarded those who obeyed. He fingered his bunging pouch and smiled. He had in the past.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dashenka</strong> on <strong>13-12-2008, 14:20:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After days of walking through forests and swamp, just when Gwen thought the swamp couldn't be any intenser, they reached Tfarc. Everything was green from the sunlight filtered through the leaves. The water, the sky even the people had a green teint. She was happy she had changed clothes but compared to this town, even Eliza looked upper class in her servant clothing.<br><br>Without saying a word they rode to the centre of the village in search for a tavern or some other place to stay. By the time the group reached the inn, Gwen had already seen enough of this town to hate it by heart. Drunkards, rogues, whores, everything you didn't find in Talahentry was here. The innkeeper had only two rooms free and warned them not to expect too much from the rooms. He also gave them the stupid advice not to go outside when the sun had set. Like she or Eliza was planning to go out much at all. She took the room furthest one down the hall on the first floor, hoping Aurora wouldn't mind sharing the room next to them with Duncan.<br><br>She sighed and sat on the bed. The room was clean but old, the sheets of the bed looked as if they had withstood the grip of time for centuries as did the matrass. Eliza immediately changed the sheets with the ones they had brought from the mansion. With Eliza working hard and Gwen only sighing in disbelief, the room was changed into something that could look like a room from the mansion. Clean sheets on the bed, some drawings on the walls.<br><br>This were going to be the longest days in the young life of the Lady of Talahentry.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>13-12-2008, 16:11:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Instantly on my guard, i keep one hand near a weapon as i lead our group into Tfarc. I can tell from the dress and looks on the people that we pass, especially the rogues, that they would abduct or kill our guests for a few coin, happily.<br><br>I can only hope that their common clothes make them look unimportant as i go into the inn and take care of the&nbsp; discussions of the rooms and payment. Once thats done, Duncan leads them through and we get warned not to expect too much from the rooms.<br><br>With the towns reputation proved beyond a doubt, i dont doubt that the rooms will be barely clean and spartan. This town doesnt get many highranking visitors, nor do they encourage them.<br><br>Taking them up to the rooms, i let the lady and her servant into their room after ive checked it through, then close the door behind them and tell them not to open to anyone but myself or duncan, and not to leave unless its with one of us at least.<br><br>As an extra precaution, i subtly drop several gas filled clear balls in front of the door. If anyone stands in front of it, they will step on them and release the gas, letting Duncan or myself know that someones trying to get in.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>16-12-2008, 15:59:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Duncan cautiously looked out and down at the gloomy and dusty street outside from the window of the room he was forced to share with Aurora. He didn't mind sharing it with her for he felt at ease with her and didn't mind running his eyes over her body every time she had her back turned to him. Strong as she was she was equally good looking and her curves under her light armour were a delight to watch when ever he caught a glimpse.<br><br>Duncan didn't like this town.<br><br>He felt a dozen eyes on them as they rode in and a dozen more followed them closely as they rode into the center of town. Duncan looked over his back and caught a glimpse of shadowy figures as they duck out of sight. He was more worried about the unseen threat. The eyes that watched them from shadows, the dagger in the dark, the arrow in the night. Those were harder to defend than a few drunkard thieves.<br><br>He felt close enough to Gwen to be able to run to her aid if Aurora's gas balls alerted them. Those had surprised him at first but he had come to expect nothing but professionalism from Aurora and that spoke volumes. He needed to get a feel for this town and what went on in it before he felt any safer. He turned to Aurora as she sat on her bed.<br><br>"I'm going down to the tavern to see if we have anything to worry about." he said strapping his sword to his side. "Can you make sure those two don't go out until I return?" he nodded towards the room next to theirs.<br><br>Slipping out of their room he made sure he didn't step on the silent glass sentries by the door to Gwen's room. He walked down and into the half filled tavern to the left of the rickety stair way and sat himself down at a table, with his back to the wall. He smiled at a plump bar maid as she came over and ordered some ale to keep appearances up. It was getting dark outside and more people seemed to fill into the tavern. The huge man by the door kept a vigilant eye on the patrons and Duncan kept a vigilant eye out for any sign of interest from anyone in the room. <br><br>A slim and tall man approached him and grinned showing 3 missing teeth. <br><br>"Stranger in town, aye?" he sat himself down almost falling over from his chair. He had obviously had more to drink that he could handle but it seemed that he was used to it. <br><br>"What say you to buying and old soldier a mug of ale, stranger?" he grinned stopping a bar maid and looking at Duncan.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>16-12-2008, 16:23:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Knowing full well that your sneaking glances at me, appreciative ones, i smile and act as if i dont know. I do like to be admired, though i dont show it.For too long, ive been without a life partner.<br><br>Being what i am, i cant be with a regular human, I would stay eternally young while he grew old and died, but duncan is like me.If i could be with anyone, i would choose him, i tell myself as i sat on the bed.<br><br>Knowing you well enough to knwo that you will come back, i stay alert for your voice in case you call for me, if you encounter a threat thats too much for you to handle, but here, I doubt it.<br><br>Staying close to the door, i listen for anyone walking by, and counting their footsteps, to see if they stop or slow down outside my door, or the lady's door for any reason.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>17-12-2008, 22:32:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br>Kilroy noticed the strangers in town. His "eyes and ears" had sent word even before they appeared at the inn. The 4 newcomers seemed harmless enough but for 2 of them. The tall warrior looked like he could handle himself in a tight spot and the slim but powerful woman that kept a vigilant eye around seemed like she knew her way around a sword or two. The other two seemed like they were bored. The pretty one at least seemed like she didn't want to be there. And she, fit the description.<br><br>Kilroy made sure he didn't seem too interested in them. Specially when his caught the sight of the tall warrior make his way down and into the tavern area. The way he moved and the coolness about himself made Kilroy think twice about his plan. But the wheels were set in motion already and he just had to let it play out. <br><br>The fool Lamos hadn't been part of the plan though. Kilroy felt like pulling him by his neck and tossing him out like all the other nights. The fool had gone over to try to get the warrior to buy him a drink. He hoped Lamos would not make too much trouble and render his plans useless.<br><br>Kilroy wondered if the 2 thugs had found the rooms. He prayed they'd keep the abduction as quiet as possible.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>18-12-2008, 15:47:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				I always hope for the best, but plan for the worst.All my worst case scenarios have our charges being kidnapped or killed.<br><br>I sit by the window, looking out at the people passing by. I note the movements of drunks, trained fighters and untrained ones, a swordfight between 2 drunk fighters on the street. My mind works to draw patterns, and to spot those that are staying here, and those that arent.<br><br>Ive watched several enter and leave the inn, and note the presence of two thugs walking purposefully towards the front doors of the inn that we're staying in. I can tell from their walk that theyre of low fighting skill, but built big enough to win by intimidation and standover tactics if their fighting skill fails them.<br><br>I think for a second, are they meeting someone here in the inn, or are they here for another reason. I sit by the door and open it just a crack. I look out of the tiny crack and listen for the sound of gas escaping from the balls i put in front of the room with our charges. As theyre transparent, anyone entering wont see them, but will hear them, but by then, it will be too late.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>19-12-2008, 04:58:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The bald thug grinned as he saw Kilroy but the man ignored them both. Feeling the elbow of his brother he looked up at the direction he was nodding. Nodding in return they both made their way through the patrons and casually climbed the stairs. The taller of the two pulled out a club and patted his left palm with it they walked to the end of the hall. The other pulled out two gags and wrapped it around his right hand in anticipation. This would be an easy abduction they knew. The two women were said to be alone and they were easy victims. 15 minutes later they'd be drinking ale with the money they'd earned.<br><br>At least they thought they'd be.<br><br>The crushing of glass under their boots didn't bother them. The inn was always a dirty place. The man in the lead placed his hand on the door knob and grinned at his brother.<br><br>"Like stealing kiss from a lass, aye?" The other nodded and licked his lips. The man in front pushed the door open.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>19-12-2008, 16:00:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hearing the voices and footsteps stop near the other door, i ready my weapons, then open up my door as i hear the sound of gas escaping from the blass balls.<br><br>With one of the thugs that i saw downstairs already in the room, and the second one right behind him, i slip out one of my throwing daggers and throw it at him.It goes through his neck, with the hilt right against the skin.<br><br>He falls to his knees, in shock for a second, then dead before he hits the floor. My next dagger is thrown at the best, most visible part of the second thug remaining, his right leg.it goes through his thigh. It was thrown to divert his attention away from my charges, not to kill him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dashenka</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 20:22:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Eliza was a beautifull young woman, around 5 years younger than Gweneth herself was and everytime Eliza had hugged her, Gwen wanted more from her servant. Now she laid on the bed, aching for her servant again, who was running up and down the room to make it look like a little palace room.<br><br>"Sit down Eliza, this place is not the mansion, nor will it ever be. It's as good as it gets already. <em>Well at least almost it was. Eliza was still not on her arms but Gwen felt that this place might change her luck as her servant sat down.<br>"I'm sorry milady for not having brought a carpet or nicer curtains. I did not know the place would be this shabby," Eliza said sitting down on the edge of the bed. <br><br>The servant was naive, but Gwen couldn't blame her. Even the shabbiest of shacks in and around Talahentry were more luxurious than any of the buildings in Tfarc, and with Eliza only leaving the mansion to go to the market, the poor girl didn't know any better.<br><br>"It's okay El. You already made it much nicer than I had expected it to be." Gwen pulled Eliza towards her and for a moment they hugged, Gwen gathering enough strenght to finally do it.<br>Slowly she started to pull Eliza's ragged shirt off, exposing her light flesh and slim body. <br>"Milady, don't you like what I'm wearing?" It was all the poor girl could think off. At least this is what Gwen thought.<br>"I rather see you not wearing anything at all El." <br>Gwen's hands went to Eliza's back to unclip the bra when the door shot open. <br><br>Eliza shouted and blood spattered all over the door. A shout, this time from a man who had gotten a dagger in his thigh, as he falls to the floor, over his already dead friend. Shocked at what happened at first, Gwen frantically thought where she had left her sword. As soon as she realised she got to her feet, grabbed the light sword Aurora made for her and confidentally pointed it at the man on the floor. Killing it would mean a waste of terrible information, although the real reason not to kill this invader was fear.<br><br>Gwen called down the hall to Duncan and Aurora, still keeping the sword pointed towards the man's throat, telling him to stay still. </em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>24-12-2008, 14:14:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				No authorities exist here, and those that resemble them are paid off by whoever has the most gold. I know that full well, and quickly run for their door before the second thug can seal the door behind him, or lunge at them. Ive wounded him, but he;s not dead.<br><br>The second one is, his lifesblood covers the floor underneath him.His attire and look tell me everything i need to know, a low level thug, all muscle and no brains, fit for one task.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>24-12-2008, 15:27:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Duncan's eyes caught the two thugs as they stopped by the door and looked around. But his attention was diverted by the drunkard who spilt his ale on the table which made Duncan stand up hurriedly so that the ale would not drip onto his lap. Cursing under his breath he looked at the direction of the front door but couldn't see the two men anymore. <br><br>Sitting down at the empty table next to him and moving his mug and the bowl of chicken soup which tasted horrid he wondered if he'd ever get to eat something palatable at all. The scream and the strong smell of gas brought him to his feet. Duncan raced up the stairs with Bane in his hand and reached the open door to Gwen's room. Aurora was already inside as he ran in.<br><br>"Looks like you had some fun in here." he said as he looked at Aurora as she pulled the dagger out of the man who was under Gwen's sword point. <br><br>"These two look like hired swords but not worth a copper by the looks of it." he kicked the dead man to make sure he was dead.<br><br>Pulling the injured man to his feet Duncan held him by his throat. <br><br>"Who do you work for? Why did you come here?"<br><br>The man shook free and screamed "Crimson!" as he ran towards the opened window and leaped out head first. The thud that followed left little to the imagination. Duncan walked over to the window and looked down at the twisted body of the man. People looked at the body but didn't pay it much attention as if it was a common occurrence.<br><br>"Crimson?" Duncan sheathed his sword as he turned around. "I wonder what that means. Perhaps a movement here in town? Is anyone hurt? He looked around.<br><br>Satisfied that they were not he walked out taking Aurora by the hand. <br><br>"You did well Aurora. I knew I'd made a good choice in you. I'm glad you are with us." His smile and the look in his eyes said more.<br><br>"I don't think they'll try anything more tonight but stay on your guard anyway. I need to find you what this Crimson business is all about." He didn't realize that he held her hand all that time and let it go suddenly. <br><br>With that he went downstairs and into the night.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dashenka</strong> on <strong>24-12-2008, 18:50:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Eliza hadn't moved and sat like statue. Her skin exposed and with the door open, the draft gave her goosebumps. She had never seen dead persons and she was never robbed. Fighting not to faint from all the tension, all she could was mutter a few incomprehensible words, which nobody heard.<br><br>Gwen felt a certain pride in holding down the living thug. The pride quickly rose to anger as Duncan did not even look at her or Eliza when he asked them if they were okay and that he did not help getting the body out of the doorway. Surely they didn't expect her to do it. She had a lot of questions for Duncan but he already left them. <br><br>"The nerve.." she muttered and turned around to Eliza seeing her get pale. <br>"Eliza! Eliza are you okay! Aurora!"<br><br>Gwen needed somebody to calm Eliza down but with the dead body lying around bleeding all over the place, that didn't really happened. <br>"Come on Eliza, take a nice bath," she said while guiding her already half undressed servant to a little room with a tub, trying to keep her eyes off the scene. She closed the door and turned to Aurora.<br><br>"Can you help me get this body out of here. Eliza isn't handling it very well," she asked her female bodyguard.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>26-12-2008, 09:05:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Dealing with thugs and brigands is easy for me, and the two that i took down were very low on the ladder, so to speak. As i clean both daggers and put them back, i nod to Duncan as he tells me to find out about these 'Crimsons', whoever they are.<br><br>"No, but im sure theres somoene downstairs with pigs to feed, or a need for a body, I'll be back here with one or two people. Stay in the bath room for now, i dont want you being seen by too many people here. <br><br>"You held yourself well against him, well done my lady, and Duncan feels the same, though he was in too much of a rush to show it", i tell you as you help Eliza to her feet. She says nothing even as you take her in.<br><br>The deaths of not one, but two people here isnt cause for much concern.Death is a commodity here, and life is cheap. After taking Elizas and Gwens bags into the bath room as well, i tell them to stay inside, then head into the tavern area and look for the right person, one who works on a farm, or perhaps just needs a body.<br><br>It doesnt take long, barely 5 minutes, to find someone from nearby, with pigs to feed.Pigs arent too picky about what they eat, and they will eat a dead body happily enough.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>28-12-2008, 20:58:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Duncan's hasty exit had a purpose. The two who tried to break into the room were simpletons. And rarely were such low lives let lose without someone to keep an eye on them. And chance were that that someone would still be close by, watching.<br><br>Duncan staggered out of the inn pretending to be drunk. Taking a sip of his mug filled with water he threw it aside as he almost fell down the 4 stairs that led down to the street from the inn. He steadied himself by leaning against a horse that was tied outside the inn. His eyes were sharp. They scanned the street both up and down looking for a sign. The body of the thug who threw himself out of the window was still there and people seemed to simply ignore the body. Death was too common for people to care anymore. <br><br>Duncan staggered over to the store opposite the inn and fell to the ground as he pretended to lean against the side of the wooden store. People gave him even less attention that the dead body. Duncan's eyes swept over the street once more before they met what he hoped they would. A figure in a brown cloak crept out of the side of the inn and hurried towards the body. Looking over his shoulder he made sure he wasn't being followed. He stopped casually next to the body and bent down sending his hands under the dead man's cloak to retrieve his money pouch. This could be any common thief in Tfarc. A target of opportunity such as dead body was hard to resist. But Duncan smiled as he saw the man reach for the dead man's left hand and pull something off of his middle finger. A glitter of red flashed in the moon light as the ring was quickly put put away. <br><br>"You always leap head long into trouble Johan. You fool! Who'd have thought you'd leap out of a window too!" said the man as he stood back up and hurried down the dimly lit street.<br><br>Duncan waited until the man was just out of ear shot before he scrambled to his feet and followed him, making sure he stuck to the shadows. He hoped this man would lead him to some answers.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>29-12-2008, 00:54:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The men that i bring up to the ladys room dont ask too many questions.Perhaps this isnt the first time theyve carried a body out of the town.Under my watchfull eye, they pick him up by his shoulders and legs, then carry him out.<br><br>All thats left is to get the blood cleaned up.All that requires is a small bribe to the innkeeper. While the blood is being cleaned off, i go into the bathroom to check on my charges. Is Eliza still in shock even as Lady Gwen kept her head and was ready to hold her own against the thugs that broke in.<br><br>I dont have to worry about Duncan, he can handle himself. From the upstairs room, i sutbly watch as a figure kneels over the body of the wounded thug that threw himself out, and see you nearby.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>07-01-2009, 17:00:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shadowing the man was relatively easy. The man paid no attention to his surroundings as he walked down the dusty roads towards a relatively well to do part of town. The houses seemed newly painted and the streets seems like they had been swept recently. This part of town seemed like it housed a more wealthy class of people. The shadows were long and dark enough to give Duncan cover as he kept pace with the man. <br><br>The man stopped and knocked on a heavy door and waited. A small slit was slid open and a few words exchanged through it before the door was opened. The man walked in.<br><br>Duncan waited a little before he circled the house and crept into the garden behind it. He inched his way to a half open window and peered in. 4 men a woman were talking inside but their words were spoken in a whisper. The man Duncan had followed threw the red ring on the table and another picked it up and shook his head. More words followed and finally the woman thrust a dagger onto table top and pointed a finger at the man who had brought them the ring. He seemed afraid and moved back. He bowed reverently as he moved back and the woman pulled the dagger out and waved it at him before she put it away.<br><br>The breaking of a twig made Duncan turn around in time to parry a knife thrust at his neck. Twisting the arm that held the knife he broke the elbow and covered the assailant's mouth before he could scream. The knife fell to the ground and Duncan's own dagger swept across his attacker's neck, spraying blood onto the bushes near the window. The man died silently.<br><br>Duncan tiptoed away and headed back towards the Inn. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>08-01-2009, 15:42:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As our charges have bravery, but not skill, i decide to train them right here in their room.Eliza cant be made to even hold the sword, as she;s still in shock, but Gwen is only too happy to learn. With her sword being light, she holds it easily and follows my example.<br><br>I know that there will be more attempts.That was just the first of many, and they will become more skilled and determined to kill the women under our protection again.<br><br>While i train lady gwen, i wait for Duncan to come back, to tell me what he;s learned, and who wants both eliza and lady gwen dead.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLan</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dashenka</strong> on <strong>09-01-2009, 23:07:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwen enjoys the training. Not in the last case because she is trained by a beautiful woman. She longed for Julia, but she was far away, in Gwen's mansion in Talahentry. Playing Lady Gwen. Then she almost had Eliza where she wanted before they were so violently interrupted. <br><br>She eagerly followed Aurora's moves but was more interested in what her teacher's body did than what the actual blades did. In her mind she was making love to the blacksmith deep down in the moist and damp swamp. Their bodies glistering in the green light, filtered through the thick leaves of the trees. <br><br>Lady Gwen got disturbed from her daydreaming from a soft hit with the blade of the blacksmith. Obviously she missed a strike from her. Gwen lowered the blade and smiled warmly at Aurora.<br><br>"How come you are such a fine woman and such a fine blacksmith in Talahentry and I never heard of you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>09-01-2009, 23:35:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Impressed at the Lady gwens promising skill with a sword, i place my own one down and sit on the bed.<br><br>"Well, i only serve a select clientelle, not many trust a woman to make quality weapons, and they wouldnt recomend me to you, but even with that in place, i have my regulars, and a good repuation outside Talahentry, I make a good living", i reply as she seems to be thinking of something other than home or training, but what, i ask myself as she continues to smile at me.<br><br>I have been with a few women before, not often, but i have done i.Being what i am makes it better for me to be single, but i enjoy the companionship, even intimate companionship of women. Ive never been with a noblewoman before, but theres a first time for everything.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>12-01-2009, 17:03:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Duncan walked back to the inn in deep thought. Obviously there was a more elaborate plot to abduct and perhaps kill Gwen but he didn't know who these people were. But the fact that they were organized was enough for him to be on his guard. He needed to make sure that Gwen kept out of sight while in Tfarc as much as possible. But Duncan hated to wait and preferred to make the Hunters come at him rather than be stalked like petty prey.<br><br>Duncan walked into the inn and headed upstairs. He opened the door and saw Gwen and Aurora sitting on the same bed chatting.<br><br>"Well if this isn't a lovely time for a chat." he said smiling as he closed the door and propped a chair against the door knob.<br><br>He began narrating the night's events to the women. <br><br>"I think Gwen should keep out of sight as much as possible and let Aurora and myself do the leg work. We'll take turns guarding you while the others out and about" he said looking at Aurora. She sweat on her skin and the way her hair was tied back made her look increasingly pleasing to the eye and he wished he could do some "practicing" with her that night...<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>13-01-2009, 14:01:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Thats a good idea Duncan,but they know she;s here, how else could they have found her.I dont beleive in coincidences. I think that Lady Gwen needs more practise with her blade. If they get better assassins, a partly trained sword would come in handy, if she wants", i ask her as i notice the way that lady gwen is glancing at me.<br><br>"Perhaps they will hesitate before sending in another assassin, giving us time to find them and eliminate them. I wonder why they want her dead so badly", i add as i loosen my leather top, which is similar to a corset, but provides protection over the shoulders as well. My sensually designed armor has allowed me to come out on top in several battles in the past, as not all men that ive fought could concentrate.<br><br>They slipped up, their eyes darted, allowing me to make a fatal thrust, or to injure them and ride away.<br><br>"Where do you want me to ask around. I think i could find some loose tongues around here.Perhaps the pig farmers, or the barkeep, what do you think".
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>13-01-2009, 15:38:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Duncan licked his lips as his eyes wandered over Aurora's body as she took her armor off. "I'm sure you can loosen far more than tongues Aurora" he said as he tore his eyes away from her body. He lad let his guard down a fraction and if he was in battle that fraction of would have ended his life.<br><br>"Why don't you make yourself seen in the inn and see if anyone feels talkative tonight. Perhaps a few mugs of ale might help loosen them up. Meanwhile I will stay here and show Gwen some...moves of my own." said Duncan as he smiled at the woman. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>13-01-2009, 16:09:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Smiling at that, i get to my feet and leave lady gwens room.Reaching my own one, i put on a light jacket, warm ,but still showing off my bodies charms. With seveal hidden weapons on me, i head downstairs and put some extra wiggle in my hips, turning mens heads as they see me, a real woman here.<br><br>Taking a seat at the bar, i order a drink, and its not long until the first man is at my side, admirig me and leering at the same time.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>14-01-2009, 16:14:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Tiyan was bored. He had been sent to keep an eye on the two idiots and now one laid on the road dead and the other wasn't to be seen either. Picking at some stale bread he sat by the window watching the dead body outside. Moments later a beautiful young woman walks over to the bar and begins to order some ale. Tiyan's imagination gets the better of him and he feels even more aroused that usual. Standing up he walked over to where this young woman sat and smiled at her.<br><br>"New in town aye lass?" he smiled showing 2 missing teeth. "Mind if I sit myself down here?" he said sitting down before she answered.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLan</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dashenka</strong> on <strong>15-01-2009, 09:20:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Aurora left the room and Eliza still shaking and unable to speak Gwen sighs. She was used to always get what she wanted and now two of the things she wanted slipped her finger. Not that Duncan was unpleasant to look at but a woman would have been nicer. <br><br>She got up from the bed and took her blade. Maybe tomorrow she would try again with Eliza. <br>"I agree with Aurora. The seem to know the legend as well here in Tfarc and to be quite honest, this town gives me the creeps more than my own mansion. At least I could move around there. I'm locked up in this stinking swamp room. Show me some of you moves and maybe I can get get a breather outside."<br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>15-01-2009, 14:56:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh no, not at all, i was hoping that someone like you would sit next to me, a real man.What do you want to drink, i ask him as i had noticed him when i walked in. As im nearly 100 years old, ive perfected the art of walking into a room and memorising as much as i can in those first few seconds. This man was siting in the corner, eating stale bread.<br><br>Sipping my ale, I order him one as well, then some fresh bread.Several silvers are enough to pay for them and for a second round of drinks once&nbsp; the first one is finished.<br><br>By the look of him,he;s a fighter, but not in my category, or Duncans. If he knows anything, i;ll have to wait until the second or third round of drinks.By then he;lll be drunk, boasting and talkative.<br><br>My sexy smile and pleasing figure never fails to get tongues to loosen.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>15-01-2009, 14:59:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Duncan's sword flashes as he moves faster. The sword snakes under Gwen's then twists as it raises in an arch. Duncan dances under the arch and moves behind Gwen, pinning her between his body and his sword now resting on her throat. He pushed onto Gwen letting her feel him as his sword presses a little harder against her skin making her push back onto him.<br><br>"Lesson one. Always be prepared! The enemy won't announce that they are going to attack" He smiled and kissed her on her nape and pushed her away trying to make her angry. His sword waved easily in front of him as he moved around the room like a silent killer poised to strike. He saw the anger in Gwen's eyes as she felt the little blood that had oozed out from the minor cut on her neck where Duncan's sword had been.<br><br>"Are you going to defend yourself or are you going to stand there drooling?" he asked as his sword moved towards her chest.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLan</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dashenka</strong> on <strong>17-01-2009, 10:01:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Not many people had the nerve to talk to her like that but strangely from Duncan she could have it. What she could not take lightly was the fact that he actually cut her. She planted her foot in his crotch, feeling proud that she actually managed to hit him from her awkward position and danced free from him, raising her blade at him defensively. <br><br>"I wasn't quite finished drooling lord Duncan," she grinned. "I very much doubt my enemies are as attractive as yourself and your apprentice. Should it come to a battle, I will not hesitate." <br><br>She took a napkin from the table and held it to her neck. "You did land your point though," she said as she looked at the red stain on the napkin, not letting her guard down.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>17-01-2009, 14:18:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				This Tiyan was very talkative, and lusting after me. I didnt have to use my extensive experience and years of life to know that. He didnt even try to hide his admiration of my body. Even in light armor and less flattering clothing, my figure still keeps his attention. He sees me as a woman that he may not see again, and continues to talk to me.<br><br>I let him tell me abut himself, let him boast a bit about his prowess and deeds that he;s done, hoping that he'll say too much, then i can find out who here wants Lady gwen dead
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>19-01-2009, 15:33:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Tiyan was having a good time. This woman had coin and she didn't' mind spending it on him. He drank every mug she bought him and his eyes became filled with lust with every mug he emptied. He remembered the last woman who had spent on him this way. He remembered her scream as he thrust himself into her against her will at the back of the inn when he promised to take her to her home and protect her from the "rapists" out there. He smiled to himself as he relished the thrill of raping this woman too. They all smiled and showed their skin to him in here but every one of them ignored him once they were outside. And he hated that about pretty women.<br><br>So he drank their ale and ate their food and smiled at their jokes until he could get them away from prying eyes. He couldn't wait to get this pretty one into a dark alley.<br><br>His thoughts were interupted by her words. "So are you someone important in this town?"<br><br>"Important?!" he got offended and his eye became dark. He wanted to slap this woman right then and there but he held his hand for she was too pretty to disfigure in public. He'd have plenty of time for that later.<br><br>"I will have you know, lass, that I am QUITE important here in Tfarc!" he sat up proudly. He looked around and dropped his voice just in case.<br><br>"You ever hear of the House of Crimson?" he looked around making sure no one was listening. "Well they are pretty...powerful in this here part of the land and I.." he pat his chest "...am a pretty important person in their...well...employment...shall we say?" He took a sip of his ale and bit into his bread.<br><br>"You see we are trying to find this wretch of a witch who ran away from her town and is said to be here in this very Inn. When we find her we'll drag her by her hair and make her pay for her crimes against our Master!" He thumped his fist on the counter.<br><br>"I don't' know what those crimes are exactly but I'm told they are horrific." He looked over his shoulder.<br><br>"And of course the one who brings her to my Master will be rewarded handsomely with gold and first to plunder her skinny ass before we hand her over to my Master's master!" He snickered at the thought of the anal abuse he would do to the witch.<br><br>He drank another sip of his ale and smiled. "My master has many establishments around town you know. You can know it's his by the red signage and the sign of the ring on the door. If you ever want a job you let me know lass. We can use someone like you in our...ranks." His hand cupped her left breast as he said it. <br><br>Tiyan was getting excited at what he had planned for this unfortunate woman. "Come let me help you get home safely lass. I'll make sure no one harms you." he stood up and almost fell before he lead Aurora out the front door and between the Inn and the barn next to it.<br><br>"My...carriage is this way...lass" he said smiling to himself. Tonight he'll make another one scream.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>20-01-2009, 12:20:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				On the outside, i show little emotion, only what any other woman would feel, while on the inside, im between cheering and longing to slit this cretins throat. He's killed before, i can tell that much, men, but also women.Women that he chatted up in here and violated later on.<br><br>Before the night is over, he will be either dead, or unable to ever force himself on a woman again. So i ply him with mug after mug, as well as fresh food, anything to keep him talking.<br><br>As he finally opens up to my question, one that i hoped would get him to boast about his importance here, as most men like to, i hide my smile and order him another full mug.<br><br>The House of Crimson is news to me. I had only heard of them in passing, and the one who told me what little he knew was killed&nbsp; the next day. I debated what to do, let him try to violate me,or take him down before he got the chance.<br><br>It might be fun to let him think that he has the upper hand, then when he tries to rape me, i;ll fight back and relieve him of something, his balls, or maybe his looks.An idea will come to me, im sure of it, i tell myself as i act ilke an eager woman and let him guide me out of the tavern.<br><br>He's so drunk, i doubt that he;ll remember my face&nbsp; come morning, just that a woman fed and bought him drinks, and nothing after that.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>20-01-2009, 16:38:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Duncan's sword came to within a hair's breath of Gwen's chest but she managed to parry in time. Duncan smiled as he countered the parry and stepped in, turning his blade and tapping her right breast with the flat of his sword. With a quick flick of the wrist he cut the strap that held her dress up on her right. Gwen's breast almost fell out but her hand covered it in time.<br><br>"Looks like you've got what it takes, Gwen." he kidded as he circled her in the tiny room. "Lesson number two. Don't let anger cloud your actions. Let the sword seek it's target and set your mind free." <br><br>The lesson's went on for 30 minutes and he felt more confident about her abilities with each passing minute.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>20-01-2009, 16:44:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Tiyan waited till they were away from any prying eyes and turned around towards the woman. He backed her onto the Inn's wall and turned her around, thrusting his manhood onto her from behind as he frantically tried to gather her skirt up so he could force himself into her. His left hand cupped the ample breasts of the woman as his mouth opened in lust in anticipation of a good rump. <br><br>"Consider this your interview lass. If you're good enough I'll let you do this every day and even pay you!" he laughed. This was going to be a fine night indeed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>21-01-2009, 11:49:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His style and finesse almost makes me laugh. Its all i can do not to laugh as he pins me against the inns wall and cups my firm breasts over my top. Instead, i let him cup my breasts and hike my skirt up, showing off my long, smooth legs and perfect ass.<br><br>Going all meek and quiet, i let him think that he has the upper hand.Then when i hear his pants fall around his feet, i strike.<br><br>Bringing my head back suddenly, i hit his nose. My boot goes down on his foot,&nbsp; then my hand finds his cum filled balls and squeeze them painfully. He goes from controlling and dominant to quiet and meek as i turn around to face him,not letting go of his balls for a second. He tries to talk, but nothing comes out.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HighLander</strong> on <strong>26-01-2009, 03:29:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The pain was unbearable. Tiyan fell to his knees and wanted to howl but couldn't find the strength to do so. He rolled into a ball and held his groin as he felt as if that area was set on fire.<br><br>"You...little...!" he knelt on one knee and fiddled inside his cloak to pull out a sharp dagger. <br><br>"I'll show you what...we...do to...little whores like...." he thrust his dagger at the woman.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>playfullchick76</strong> on <strong>26-01-2009, 14:59:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His clumsy thrust is easy to counter, and i twist his wrist painfully, then take his dagger from him, then&nbsp; pin him against the wall and plunge it into his shoulder.<br><br>As he's still recovering from the hit to his groin, he cant cry out as loud as he normally could, but he manages to make some noise.<br><br>Pinning him there, i lean in close and whisper into his ear."Youve forced yourself on women before, i can tell that much, this is payback, for all the women that youve forced yourself on. I dont have to worry about you fingering me tomorrow.Your so drunk that you wont remember my face. You wont even remember how you woke up this sore, just that&nbsp; you will wake up sore". I tell him as i keep him pinned there.<br><br>'Now, i need to know when the next attack on,, her, you know who im talking about, is set for.Tell me, and i wont hurt you anymore than i already have.Refuse to answer me, and, you will wake up even more sore tomorrow morning,if at all', i whisper to him as i slip out one of my hidden daggers and rest it between his legs.<br><br>Even as he;s had a lot to drink, he knows who im talking about, and the consequences of lying or saying nothing.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of Talahentry [mdazfrench, Xanaphia, playfullchick76, Dashenka,HighLan</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dashenka</strong> on <strong>30-01-2009, 15:05:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				In the thirty minutes Duncan and Gwen were practicing the sword, Eliza had found her senses back and sat down on the bed watching the two practice. <br><br>The finished the practice and Gwen put her blade away. <br>"Duncan listen, I can't stay inside here for two weeks. So unless we find a better town with a better inn, I want to go out and walk around the wilderness. I'm going bonkers if I stay indoors."<br><br>Gwen asked it friendly but she never meant it as a question. Although she didn't want to sound like a brat and a spoiled rich woman she did pay them two good enough to protect her even if she was outdoors. <br><br>Lady Gwen was a fanatic herbalist and alchemist and down here in the swamp the plant life was very different. She really wanted to gather some of it.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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