The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Beatrice Black on 24-01-2011, 04:32:53</h2>
		<dl id="posts">
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>24-01-2011, 04:32:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Greg Roberts scratched at his short brown hair as he looked through the newest arrivals at the museum. A collection from a rich old eccentric's house, after he presumably died... although one of the removal men said he'd disappeared. Be that as it may, he had acquired a lot of pieces over the years from all across the world, chosen seemingly at random. But this box was from his safe, so it should be the most interesting...<br><br>In fact, the only really interesting thing in it was a small gold amulet with a ruby inset. Possibly a necklace, possibly something else like part of a headdress. He shrugged to himself, knowing that this would be a long night alone in the laboratory.<br><br>It had been looked over in its box, but he had to be sure and wear cotton gloves as he unwrapped it and lifted it out to examine and photograph it thoroughly, then try and figure out a way to verify its age. Perhaps the backing of the ruby would be something he could carbon date. Still, best not to pull the thing open, he thought as he wiped a gloved finger&nbsp; over the surface of the ruby...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>nightender</strong> on <strong>24-01-2011, 08:02:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The ruby began to shine.&nbsp; The light wasn't a true glow, just a change in hue, but enough where it might catch the eye.&nbsp; The change in color was only brief, only changing when Greg's hand moved close.&nbsp; With the barriers in the way, the cloth, the glove, there was only a little change in the ruby's color.<br><br>There were markings in the gold, close to where the ruby was inset.&nbsp; Only in the glow of the ruby's light did the markings appear and even then, they said nothing about the truth the amulet held.<br><br>Behind the amulet, there was a will, something separated by time, space, and the whole of reality.&nbsp; All it could do was wait and speak when the time came and the ruby began to give off light once more.&nbsp; As Greg moved his hand close, the will spoke to Greg's subconscious.<br><br><em>Come.&nbsp; Touch and come.&nbsp; Touch and come and feel.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>25-01-2011, 04:30:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Greg noticed the way that the ruby caught the light, there must have been a backing to it that caused the effect. And the markings... He started to look away, to find his magnifying glass, but his eyes returned to the piece, too intrigued. He held it up closer, to the light, gazing at it. <br><br>Finally he set it down, took off his right glove, picked up the glass with it and looked at the markings more closely. Shifting the glass to his left hand, he started sketching what he found... then despite years of experience, he moved the piece with his ungloved hand to get a better look.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>nightender</strong> on <strong>26-01-2011, 04:05:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The markings began to shift further once Greg made direct contact with the amulet.&nbsp; The ruby became clearer and more revealing of subtle details within.&nbsp; There was an image underneath, a desert vista with stone formations wrapping around each other.&nbsp; It was a sight hidden in a small design, hidden for some unknown reason.<br><br>The more Greg gazed at the amulet, the stronger it became.&nbsp; The engravings started to come to life and the view within started to warm and change.&nbsp; Under the amulet, a trio of small pins started to extend out, sucking in whatever might touch their tips.&nbsp; It wanted only a sample, the amulet had to be sure.&nbsp; It had a mission to complete and a taste to take it.&nbsp; If it was right, the amulet would be called home, filling the final part of its duties.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>26-01-2011, 04:36:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Greg stared in rapt fascination as the pendant seemed to move, its marking changing under the light, a scene visible in the setting of the ruby seeming to change... Who would make clockwork like this? He could not even hear a mechanism... Then he winced as he felt something prick his thumb. He turned the piece over, and saw a spot of blood on it. Had something come out of it?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>nightender</strong> on <strong>26-01-2011, 05:11:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A single drop of blood went into the amulet.&nbsp; The ruby began to change, shifting to a blood red.&nbsp; It was correct, everything that was needed.<br><br>Power flowed into the amulet and it began to jump.&nbsp; It bounced off Greg's arms and came to rest under his neck, fusing to his skin.&nbsp; A decorative loop began to stretch out, wrapping a single loop around Greg's neck.<br><br>Quietly, the amulet knew what to do next.&nbsp; <em>Return.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>26-01-2011, 05:33:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Greg yelped as the amulet leapt from his hand, bit his neck and a golden loop spun out and attached it, then clutched his chest as it slid off, now hanging by the chain. He tried to pull it off, but... something was happening...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>nightender</strong> on <strong>26-01-2011, 05:53:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Heat spilled out of the amulet, spilling over Greg's body.&nbsp; There was no escape from the sensation and as the temperature grew, so did the dark illumination of the ruby.&nbsp; Everything became dark where the ruby did not show light, taking the world away from Greg.<br><br>Then everything opened up again.&nbsp; Instead of an enclosed lab, there was an open desert.&nbsp; Rocks stretched out of the landscape making ancient, intricate designs.&nbsp; Behind Greg, there was a tall fortress made out of carved stone as much as it was formed from the desert earth.&nbsp; From the fortress, a quartet of riders set out, distantly visible.&nbsp; They were only small dots in the distance, throwing dust in the air behind them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>26-01-2011, 19:23:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Greg's eyes widened in disbelief. He pulled off the necklace... and nothing happened, except that the silver chain whipped back around his neck.<br><br>Looking in his pockets, he found his cellular phone and took a photograph, then another... then lowered it as he saw the riders approaching from the tower. In a panic, he looked for somewhere to run to, somewhere to hide.<br><br>Somethign impossible had happened, was happening, and he had to get away!
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>nightender</strong> on <strong>27-01-2011, 22:10:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The riders approached, chasing after Greg at full speed.&nbsp; Their dark cloaks flowed behind them, showing off their worn armor.&nbsp; They rode hard, seeing Greg.&nbsp; They had been sent to find him, arranging themselves in pairs, so they could extend nets between them.<br><br>The quartet spread out, giving themselves two easy shots at catching Greg.&nbsp; He was their purpose, they could see the amulet around his neck.&nbsp; They had little time to spare as the transition left Greg's cells in a state of flux their Overlord needed.&nbsp; Without any call, they rode Greg down and tossed the thick heavy nets over him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>28-01-2011, 05:24:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Greg saw he had been spotted, and moved to run, heading for the rocks, anything to try and get away from the riders - but they were too fast for him. <br><br>He gasped in shock as rough, heavy rope nets weighted with stones knocked him to the sandy ground, feeling it rub on his skin and clothes, spitting it out of his mouth.<br><br>"What is this?" he asked frantically, staring up at the riders in terror, desperately trying to sound angrier than he was frightened. "Where am I?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>nightender</strong> on <strong>28-01-2011, 05:35:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				One of the riders heard Greg's questioning and shouted out his response.&nbsp; "You are in the Sovereign realm of Telos, on the continent of Ispe.&nbsp; The Overlord commands the bearer of the amulet be brought into his presence."<br><br>And they rode, lifting the nets so Greg wouldn't be wounded.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>28-01-2011, 06:59:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Wh-what?" Greg spluttered, wide-eyed with disbelief. "I didn't... it just grabbed me! I don't want it! Let me go!" He continued shouting, growing hoarse, as the riders wheeled around and started to carry him back to the castle. "There's been a mistake!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>nightender</strong> on <strong>28-01-2011, 07:18:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The riders did not listen.&nbsp; They had a job to do and they meant to do it.&nbsp; So they rode, quickly returning to the fortress.<br><br>Once there, they pulled the entire netting inside, depositing it in front of a tall dais.&nbsp; They pulled the net open and tossed Greg at the foot of the dais.&nbsp; Then, they all stood behind Greg and each fell to one knee.&nbsp; "Overlord," one of the riders said.&nbsp; "This one bears the amulet, as you foresaw."<br><br>On the dais, a tall man sat.&nbsp; He had a thick mass of a robe covering his arms and legs.&nbsp; His chest remained half exposed even though a dark cowl kept his head and face hidden in shadow.&nbsp; "Amulet bearer.&nbsp; Step closer."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>28-01-2011, 08:56:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Greg stared wild-eyed at the castle he was being hauled towards, and into, at the glowering riders in exotic armour and blood red cloaks... And as he tumbled out of the nets and landed with a painful thump on a stone floor covered with what looked like Persian rugs, he found himself staring, terrified, at a robed man seated on a golden throne. <br><br>A thousand questions - where was he? how had he come here? were they speaking English? why couldn't he take off the damn amulet? - were drowned out by <em>how do I get away from this?</em><br><br>He pushed himself up and took a step towards the throne, trying to take the amulet off, desperate to get rid of it and maybe escape.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>nightender</strong> on <strong>29-01-2011, 11:05:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You are almost the perfect vessel," the Overlord said.&nbsp; "The amulet was sent to find you, someone of your constitution and biology."&nbsp; The Overlord tapped his chin for a moment, watching Greg from hooded shadows.<br><br>"This must be corrected, but I can be fair."&nbsp; He reached down, pinching Greg's chin with a pair of long fingers, both bearing yellow nails.&nbsp; "I believe I shall correct you and, in return, give you a proper place in my court.&nbsp; Would this not please you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>29-01-2011, 23:25:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Greg winced as the man caught his chin between sharp nails. "Please... sir... there m-must be an error here. I would... rather return the... amulet, if I could, let it find someone more... perfect?" He glanced up into the darkness under the hood,hoping to see understanding eyes... "I... I do not wish to be... any trouble to you," he continued weakly, trying to keep himself from trembling with fear.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>nightender</strong> on <strong>30-01-2011, 09:21:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"How can one build on perfection?&nbsp; You have all the makings you need.&nbsp; All that is required is to redefine your physical structure--and perhaps free you from the limits of your mind.&nbsp; You have no idea what is waiting underneath the surface of your own skin."<br><br>The Overlord stood up, making a sweeping gesture with his left arm.&nbsp; "Take the amulet bearer to a secure room and give him a bottle of Sapphite's Blood."&nbsp; The Overlord looked down and said, "Don't worry.&nbsp; You have no reason to fear and you shall not be harmed."<br><br>A pair of guards grabbed Greg by the arms and led him into a long hallway.&nbsp; At the end of their path, they opened a door for him and pulled him to a thick bed with layers of furs and covers.&nbsp; Torches lit the walls and gave the room a relaxed glow, even as the guards retreated and left Greg in solitude.<br><br>A while later, a servant girl entered, bearing a plate with an engraved metal bottle and a matching glass.&nbsp; The liquid in the bottle had a vibrant green luster, catching all the light in the room.&nbsp; "Drink this," the servant girl said.&nbsp; "It'll help you relax."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>30-01-2011, 23:53:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=96002.msg4198535#msg4198535">Quote from: nightender on 30-01-2011, 09:21:44</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"How can one build on perfection?&nbsp; You have all the makings you need.&nbsp; All that is required is to redefine your physical structure--and perhaps free you from the limits of your mind.&nbsp; You have no idea what is waiting underneath the surface of your own skin."<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>"What?" Greg gasped, frantic, terrified of what the man has just said so casually. "But... my body? My mind? You can't - "<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=96002.msg4198535#msg4198535">Quote from: nightender on 30-01-2011, 09:21:44</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">The Overlord stood up, making a sweeping gesture with his left arm.&nbsp; "Take the amulet bearer to a secure room and give him a bottle of Sapphite's Blood."&nbsp; The Overlord looked down and said, "Don't worry.&nbsp; You have no reason to fear and you shall not be harmed."<br><br>A pair of guards grabbed Greg by the arms and led him into a long hallway.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>"No! Please!" He was still begging as he was dragged out of the throneroom.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=96002.msg4198535#msg4198535">Quote from: nightender on 30-01-2011, 09:21:44</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">At the end of their path, they opened a door for him and pulled him to a thick bed with layers of furs and covers.&nbsp; Torches lit the walls and gave the room a relaxed glow, even as the guards retreated and left Greg in solitude.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>After being shoved onto the bed, he rose and tried the door. Locked. He went to the windows... barely wide enough to put his head through, and twenty feet down to a stone courtyard even if he could squeeze through. He looked for something to arm himself with - a candlestick, maybe...?<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=96002.msg4198535#msg4198535">Quote from: nightender on 30-01-2011, 09:21:44</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">A while later, a servant girl entered, bearing a plate with an engraved metal bottle and a matching glass.&nbsp; The liquid in the bottle had a vibrant green luster, catching all the light in the room.&nbsp; "Drink this," the servant girl said.&nbsp; "It'll help you relax."<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>He paused, gazing at the girl, doe-eyed and beautiful, dressed in soft silks like something out a harem. <br><br>"No. I don't want to relax. I want to get out of here! I shouldn't be here! Can you help me?"<br><br>He wasn't ready to hurt a girl, but he was close to frightened enough to knock her aside and run for the door if he had to.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>nightender</strong> on <strong>31-01-2011, 07:27:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The servant girl was just as scared as Greg was.&nbsp; She wanted to cower away from him, but knew she would be punished if she did not perform her duties.&nbsp; There were guards waiting outside the room and they were ready to fill the Overlord's orders to the letter.&nbsp; "Please, amulet bearer," the girl said.&nbsp; "I know you are upset, but the Sapphite's Blood will help."&nbsp; She stepped closer to Greg and whispered.&nbsp; "If you do not drink it willingly, the guards will come in and force you to drink it.&nbsp; It means that much to the Overlord."<br><br>The servant girl stepped back and held out the tray once more, smiling with the hope that Greg would drink the luminous liquid.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>31-01-2011, 07:48:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"C-can't <em>you</em> drink it?" Greg asked desperately, rejecting the idea as horrible even as he voiced it, "Or - or I can pour it out the window!" He stared at the slightly glowing, swirling liquid in terror. "I'm sorry, I don't want to put you in any danger, but - but I have to get out of here!"<br><br>Then the door opened, and one of the guards stood blocking it, hand resting on the hilt of his sword. <br><br>Greg picked up the full goblet with trembling fingers...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>nightender</strong> on <strong>31-01-2011, 07:59:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It will kill anyone from this world," the servant girl said.&nbsp; "If you pour this out, you will be punished, hurt, then forced to drink more of the Sapphite's Blood."<br><br>"Amalla," a deep voice said from the hallway.&nbsp; "Has the amulet bearer drank yet?"<br><br>"He's drinking now," Amalla said.&nbsp; "You're out of time.&nbsp; Hurry up and drink it--before it's too late."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>31-01-2011, 08:02:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He had let her help him raise the goblet to his lips when she said that last part. "Too late for what?" he asked, and for answer received a moutful of the liquid...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>nightender</strong> on <strong>31-01-2011, 08:30:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The liquid was sweeter than anything Greg had ever tasted before.&nbsp; It was intoxicating, almost begging him to drink more.&nbsp; Amalla did not force the liquid any further than she had to, only enough to get Greg to start drinking it.&nbsp; "Drink it all.&nbsp; It was mixed just for you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>31-01-2011, 09:20:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He tried to stop, sure this was dangerous, poison or worse, but his parched throat would not let him stop until he had drained the goblet.<br><br>"What now?" he asked weakly, expecting bad news indeed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>nightender</strong> on <strong>31-01-2011, 09:44:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Rest," Amalla said.&nbsp; "Let your self lie down, rest, and sleep, if you like.&nbsp; You should also disrobe.&nbsp; I'll bring fresh clothes for you, which you'll want.&nbsp; Once you become a citizen of this world, you won't feel comfortable unless you're wearing our native threads."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>31-01-2011, 20:41:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No. I can't... I can't <em>stay</em> here. I have a life to get back to. A... real world..." He shook his head weakly, feeling warm and dizzy. "This... this can't be happening... Please... tell me this isn't happening... I just want to wake up..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>nightender</strong> on <strong>01-02-2011, 09:51:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Sleep now.&nbsp; Everything will be better later."&nbsp; Amalla fell to her knees and waited for Greg to fall asleep.&nbsp; Once she was sure he was out, she knew she had to take his clothes and destroy them.&nbsp; She had to leave Greg with no other chance, aside from what the Overlord offered.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>02-02-2011, 02:41:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Greg slumped onto the fur-blanketed bed, trying to rise from it, trying to keep his eyes open, trying to protest as the girl... the beautiful girl he hoped was just a dream... pulled off his boots, pulled down his trousers, stripped off his shirt and threw a silk sheet over his naked body... <br><br>"Wh... you don't... want to do this..." he slurred, taking deep, shddering breaths. "Please... Help me... don't... take... mmm-my... don't... don't..." He fell back, eyes closed, unable to struggle any more. He did not even hear her pick up his clothes and leave.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>nightender</strong> on <strong>02-02-2011, 07:44:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When the next morning came, Greg woke up.&nbsp; There was a little light coming into his room and, while he slept a long mass of black cloth had been left out for him.&nbsp; It was clear that the guards, Amalla, or the Overlord had intended him to wear it.&nbsp; The truth was that the cloth was a long robe, one that billowed out from the waist down, slightly similar to a dress.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>02-02-2011, 08:06:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Greg realised that it had not all been a dream, he felt his heart quicken with fear again. <br><br>Looking over the room in the daylight filtering through the shutters over the narrow windows, he saw rich furnishings in what he guessed were style intended for men, with carvings of lions and animal furs on the ground, and a few softer, more colourful things such as lounging chairs and the silk sheets he had slept under... and the black robe in place of his own clothes. <br><br>"Oh God." He tried to stop his thundering heartbeat as he assessed his options. Cooperate or die. Or find a way to escape. And not die into the process. <br><br>For now... that meant cooperate. <br><br>He did what he could do fiure out how to put the thing on. He suspected he had it wrong as sleeves hung loose over his arms while a skirt formed the bottom. No trousers? "Shit..."<br><br>He dragged this weight of cloth to the door and tried the handle. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>nightender</strong> on <strong>02-02-2011, 08:21:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Amalla came in, smiling as she carried in a tray of fruit surrounding a pitcher of florescent blue liquid.&nbsp; "I'm sure you slept well."&nbsp; It wasn't a question.&nbsp; She poured a glass of the liquid and held it out for Greg.&nbsp; "Have something for breakfast, then you can meet with the Overlord again.&nbsp; To start your training."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>02-02-2011, 10:14:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"My <em>what?</em>" <br><br>Greg echoed, feeling the knot in his gut tighten. "What for?" he asked her warily as she offered him the stuff that looked like antifreeze. He picked up an orange instead. "What <em>as?</em>"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>nightender</strong> on <strong>04-02-2011, 06:29:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Amalla licked her lips and allowed herself to frown.&nbsp; "I am sorry, since you have the amulet, I thought you knew."&nbsp; She swallowed and watched Greg take an orange from the tray.&nbsp; It took her a minute to put her words together, but she eventually said, "It is the amulet bearer who has the power to open the door between worlds.&nbsp; The Overlord seeks to regain his freedom and return to the world of his birth--but I must not say too much.&nbsp; The Overlord is strong and capable of many things."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>04-02-2011, 07:20:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I... I just found the thing..." Greg moaned. "I didn't even put it on - it grabbed me! I can't take it off! And now I have to help this Overlord guy?" He scowled angrily. "I won't do it. Never."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>nightender</strong> on <strong>04-02-2011, 07:42:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It is the only way.&nbsp; To return to your world, you must open the door that the Overlord desires."&nbsp; Amalla pushed back her hair and lowered the collar of her dress.&nbsp; Hanging on a long bronze chain, there was an incredible sapphire cut to fit in an amulet much like the one Greg wore.&nbsp; "There is nothing to be ashamed of or frightened to do.&nbsp; As I said, you must open the door that the Overlord desires, or stay here in his service."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>04-02-2011, 07:56:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"What world does he want to go to? Mine?" Greg grimaced as he saw Amalla's talisman.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>nightender</strong> on <strong>04-02-2011, 19:30:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Possibly.&nbsp; We don't know what world he seeks and the only way to create a stable portal..."&nbsp; Amalla became quiet, looking away from Greg.&nbsp; "I think I have said too much.&nbsp; The Overlord will tell you everything.&nbsp; It is how we are all trained."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>05-02-2011, 02:55:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No, I'm sorry. Thank you. I know you're only doing what you have to. I just... don't think I want that man loose on my world. If that means I can't go back either, I guess it's worth it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>nightender</strong> on <strong>07-02-2011, 03:40:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Enough talk!"&nbsp; The guard outside held the door open.&nbsp; "Make haste, Amalla.&nbsp; The Overlord has needs and will not be pleased if you fill the amulet bearer's mind with doubt and distrust.&nbsp; Break the fast quickly for there is work to be done."<br><br>The guard stepped back in the hall and waited.&nbsp; He remained quiet, but continued to watch and wait for Greg to finish his morning meal.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>07-02-2011, 05:02:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The set of Greg's jaw hardened as he took a mouthful of the blue liquid. He would never help the Overlord or his soldiers. These people were monsters - kidnappers, killers, with superhuman power. He could never let that men set foot on Earth.<br><br>"Enough. Let's go."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>nightender</strong> on <strong>14-02-2011, 19:30:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The guard led Greg back into the Overlord's throne room.&nbsp; Amalla lingered behind the entourage, but the guards kept looking back at her, glaring at her curiosity.&nbsp; They walked for a few minutes before closing a door in Amalla's face.<br><br>On his throne, the Overlord sat, wearing close to the same outfit as he had the day before.&nbsp; His robe was closed around his chest and he sat on the edge of his massive chair like a coach might sit on the edge of a bench during a tense basketball game.&nbsp; He raised a single finger and drew a glowing shape in the air.&nbsp; As the shape disappeared, the Overlord said, "Gentlemen, please leave us."&nbsp; Once the room was emptied, leaving Greg alone with the Overlord, the dark ruler stepped down from his great seat.&nbsp; "I apologize for the abruptness of your arrival.&nbsp; It was the only way you could be brought here."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Talisman Trap (Beatrice Black and nightender)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Beatrice Black</strong> on <strong>14-02-2011, 19:57:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Greg held his robe dress thing close, gripping the soft slick fabric to stop his hands from shaking, not wanting the guards to know how scared he really was. He glanced back at Amalla, not quite managing to hide his hurt at her curiosity, but said nothing. Maybe it was caring... maybe...<br><br>He blanched at the Overlord creating, what, a holographic image... an illusion in the air. He squinted at it, not wanting to look too closely... not wanting to see it at all... but unable to look away. <br><br>He was even more surprised when the Overlord approached him and apologised. "You..." He paused, unable to think what to say, then suddenly snapped "Why did you bring me here?" Fear, anger and the desperate need to know combined.<br><br>And then, as he realised what he had just said and to who - what - he had said it, he found he couldn't stop trembling any more.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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