The Knights Charge (Akioth and Airindel)
<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: Akioth on 13-01-2008, 05:04:49</h2>
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				Title: <strong>The Knights Charge (Akioth and Airindel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Akioth</strong> on <strong>13-01-2008, 05:04:49</strong>
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				The picture was dreary...the outcome certain. The King sighed as his advisers told him their fate, the enemy had overwhelmed them. They had breached the outer wall already and would certainly break through the second wall within a matter of hours. The king realized at that moment how tired he was.....this war had been going on for so long....why hadn't he heeded his late wifes words....why did he enter this forsaken war. Along that thought came some of his single remaining child. His lovely daughter...he could only cringe at the thought of what the enemy might do with her. His last remaining heiress, out of 4 children. Two fine sons and two lovely daughters. His sons had died valiantly in battle, as he knew he would soon. And his eldest daughter had come down with a savage cough that had ended her life at a young age. His last daughter was all he had left. No. He could not let this happen to her, he might die. His line would live on. King Michael Aurelien stood from his throne and gave quiet orders. "Captain of the Guard, assemble 10 of your finest knights include your trusted assistant. Send them to my daughter and have her cared for. Get her through the enemy line. I will not have her fall into the enemies hands." he than turned to his generals and prepared for his last stand .<br><br>The Captain nodded and went off to do as ordered. Everyone loved the sweet daughter of the king. They had all watched him suffer as each of his children died...and than his wife. No, they would gladly go and die for her if needed. He grabbed his trusted aid Marcus and told him to go get the Princess. The man obediently went off to do so. The captain knew this was his and possibly his mens last action. But they would get her through. nothing else mattered...and so he went forth and assembled the men...and waited in the courtyard for them to come...and for their run to begin. <br><br><br>Marcus Alexander ran through the shaking halls of the castle with the coppery taste of blood in his mouth. They had lost....after all the valiant fighting of all his men it was over. Now he had one last charge from his King. To save his daughter, take her away from the carnage of what was sure to be a bloody ending to a war in which they were forced to join. Dammit all. He barged into the girls room in a most undignified manner, the girls keep trying to push him away as he was being most rude and brash. He was a guard in his late twenties after all. Even now in this moment he went on his knee before the princess and removed his helmet. "Milady. Your Father has instructed me to take you away from here. You must make haste, grab what you can carry and come with me." He was ignoring the woman, she could not come. <br><br>The knight was a big man, being 6'4 and easily 240 pounds, he had been trained since birth to be a protector of the people. And he took that job very seriously, his cold blue eyes hid a temper that was well known. But never before royalty. He was humble and loyal, a good servant. Behind the dusty and dull armor was a warriors body, and it was one that had its fair share of scars and bruises....for now however his injuries were forgotten. His only goal was the princess.<br>&nbsp;
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Knights Charge (Akioth and Airindel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>14-01-2008, 01:43:20</strong>
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				Elspeth Aurelien stood still in her chambers, her willowy body perfectly rigid yet at ease. The tall girl, one of outstanding beauty and strength, both physical and inner, an epitome of the Aurelien bloodline, watched the outer wall of her father's fortress, her family home be breeched with her amber flecked eyes. Her breathing, that which was almost still, and the thumping, the racing of her heart beating were the only sounds that she heard in the chamber; noise filtered in the background, that of men and a woman: a knight she barely chose to know, and that of her elderly nurse whom had a peckish voice that was a little too frill.&nbsp; <br><br><em>Prince Maleketh, the Blood Prince as he was known as, had ravished the central lands, claimed the lands as his own in his crusade to gain power; kingdoms, large and small, fell to his legions. Easily, the youngest daughter of King Aurelien's could have been given to the Blood Prince, a token of peace to stave off the wars, and yet when denied, denied without any negotiations, Maleketh swore that the Aurelien kingdom would fall</em>.<br><br>&nbsp;“Just one more,” Elspeth murmured, her voice nearly silent as she stared out the loop and traced with her eye a man, one whom belonged to the forces of The Blood Prince, slithered along the stone crenellations that were in half ruins. The arrow remained nocked, the bow drawn with all the girl's might; the well developed muscles in her back, her arm, her neck could be seen through the flimsy white blouse that was wore: a tightly laced bodice of brown leather protected her torso. The enemy's head and shoulders Elspeth could see, and her long slender fingers, those that were calloused released the bow string, and her arrow took flight. It soared from her apartments, soared through the greyness of the day, soared through the billows of smoke to smoothly enter the underside of the arm, an area unprotected by chain on the enemy in which she held sight. He toppled backwards, and the girl spun on her heeled boot to look at the knight kneeling before her, and her hand gestured to her nurse to stop the inane chatter.<br><br>&nbsp;“Nurse, pack our bags as this man has insisted, and prepare a new quiver. I will return shortly and then we will depart.” Elspeth said, her voice quiet; plans for her escape if the castle ever fell had been well planned, well thought out, rehearsed even, but the inevitable death of her father, her alone being the last of her blood, sent a chill throughout her. Tears she blinked back as she departed her chambers to walk in silence to the treasury.<br><br>&nbsp; 
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Knights Charge (Akioth and Airindel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Akioth</strong> on <strong>14-01-2008, 07:40:23</strong>
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				He watched quietly and admired the skill of the princess as she killed the man with her bow, she had been trained well by her father. And the fact she had shown interest in that considering that she was a princess....and more importantly a young teen surprised him. But than he was drawn back into the inane discussion with her nurse. "Ma'am, My orders come from the captain of the Guard. His come from the King. I care not the improper behavior I have shown. my duty comes first. Her safety comes first...." He than listened to the nurse prattle on about the fact he should have come to her and had her take care of things. Great, a moment of a nurse striking her territory at a time like this. He was about to speak something to that effect when the Princess spoke, putting a end to both their discussions. He looked over at her and than was rather surprised as his gaze followed her out to the hallway.....<br><br>"Milady....?" He questioned as he rose from his feet and followed after her...and he saw her direction and didn't have the heart to stop her. In fact as they got closer to her destination he could swear he heard quiet sobs from her. Dignified and reserved. Not open bawling he would have expected from any other girl. There was a reason she was loved by her people. In fact she seemed to get more and more strength in her the farther they went. At the doors of the treasury he stopped, he was a knight. He was not allowed in the company of the king without orders for it. So he stopped and watch her go....<br>&nbsp;<br><br>And the king himself was reorganizing the troops to give his daughter a better chance of escape, making sure the fighting moved to the other side......he wouldn't notice her come in. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Knights Charge (Akioth and Airindel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>15-01-2008, 15:07:46</strong>
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				The corridors were cluttered with people, those of women and children, and warriors, men at arms. Wounded soldiers rested on the cold stone floors, shifting in and out of consciousness, bleeding to death as physicians scurried to tend and mend those who were the worst off; the King's Guard were heavily in view, those whom would valiantly give their life to save that of His Majesty, and no doubt of Princess Elspeth.&nbsp; Although hurried, often the girl would stop, and kneel to stroke the head of a sobbing child, to cradle the wee one or have a quiet word with a soldier: each man she blessed with kiss upon his forehead, or her touch upon his cheek. Her fingers lingered long enough on the soldiers flesh to silently suggest more, a love and concern that normally one would only find a wife bestowing to her husband, yet Elspeth treated each man as her own personal friend, her own to love with adoration and affection. It was unheard of by previous ruling Queens, yet much loss did Elspeth have in her life that she could no longer distant herself from those around her. Commoner and nobleman, she treated them with equal regard: both were capable of loving her as much as betraying her; titles were meaningless in comparison to reputation and personality.<br><br>On reaching the treasury, the knight who had entered her chambers remained outside, and there alone stood the treasurer with a sad drawn expression on his worn and tired face; his smile was faint as he looked at the princess. He nodded his head, and with a graveness, he presented to her a carved oak box that was adorned with elaborate engravings, and locked with iron: the key was given to Elspeth, and the small oak chest was placed in a leather bag with a shoulder sling. &nbsp;“The Crown jewels, my dear girl.” he murmured, and gave her hand a delicate squeeze. Never had he thought he would be giving them to the girl to flee while the fortress fell to the enemy; the enemy would claim false royal jewels, replicas, and be unaware of it for years to follow. &nbsp;“As well as the seal, sealing wax, nibs, pens, ink and paper. You have coin, and a small purses of gems, and of course, a map of your lands and a letter from your dear father. May you fair well, child.” He said, and plucked the courage to kiss her hand.<br><br>Elspeth smiled at the kind treasurer, a man whom had always given her a generous purse for alms, and she cupped his face. &nbsp;“Do not give in to fear or loss of hope. It is the will of God, our fates, and if we do not reunite here then we will in the afterlife. So it is said, and so it will be.” Elspeth whispered, barely finding the courage to speak. Her voice was strained as she choked back the sob in her throat, and stray tears dared to form in her eyes and dart down her cheeks. She breathed in deeply knowing that she would not see her father before she departed, and on leaving the treasury, Elspeth slung the bag over her back and shoulder; it weighed heavily on her, and she smiled at the night.<br><br>&nbsp;“Besides my quiver and bow, and the few clothes my nurse shall pack, I have all that I need. Let us go then, milord, and see to the task at hand.” Elspeth said, trying to remain calm, but to the trained eye, her hands beaded with sweat and trembled.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Knights Charge (Akioth and Airindel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Akioth</strong> on <strong>15-01-2008, 15:56:15</strong>
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				The knight was filled with more and more respect and love for this girl as he watched her, she spent time they really didn't have to give a little love to those who he knew were filled with no hope. He felt his hands tighten behind their armor, and knew he must get this girl out alive. He would make it his purpose, his last goal in life if needed. He was silent as he listened to the treasurer and her speak, and was glad she had the mind to come retrieve this. Now perhaps something of import along with her would escape. When she came back she'd see his sadness, and pity. He knew she didn't wish to leave...and wondered for a brief moment if she would have rather have stayed with her father....but no. The Blood prince would not get their lovely princess. He knew she was fearful....so was he. "Come." He said softly as he turned and took off at a sprint, they had little time. And she would have to get used to running anyway. And it wasn't that hard to keep up with a man wearing over 100 pounds of armor. Even if he was a well trained knight.....<br><br>They reached her room and he let her converse for her nurse and get what she needed, he knew they were late so he hurried her if he had too.&nbsp; Than they ran off to the courtyard. The Captain of the Guard was there with about 10 men. They all bowed low to the Princess. They were commiting themselves to her for what they knew would be the last time. This was a suicide mission. But they wouldn't let their death be in vain. And they would make sure that the enemy knew fear before the end. The horses were all saddled and two were particularly prepared for a long run. The captain called marcus to him and quietly explained away from the others how he had been selected to stay with&nbsp; he princess. This had been done by comparison of skill...Marcus was quite possibly the best swordfighter in the castle....Princess Elspeth would see Marcus get angry and attempt to argue with his mentor, only to be quieted by a loud word. That Marcus wanted to fight with his fellow knights was understandable, but he was reminded of his duty and that seemed to calm him quite a bit. <br><br>The captain came to the Princess and fell to his knee. "Are you ready my lady?" He asked quietly....she was still their leader. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Knights Charge (Akioth and Airindel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>17-01-2008, 23:36:45</strong>
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				Elspeth looked at the Captain of the Guard, a man whom she never envied regarding his precarious position in life, the demands placed upon him by her father, but Elspeth had the utmost respect for him. Languidly, as if the princess had all the time in the world, she placed her one hand on the Captain's shoulder bidding him to rise as she pulled on her kid skin riding gloves. &nbsp;“Captain, I am aware of the rumours within, hearing them from my men, and I must ask if it is true that Maleketh is in the fields with his men.” Her voice was low, yet clear, and as she was about to mount her mare, she noticed the side saddle and her brow furrowed. <br><br>&nbsp;“Maleketh is outside our walls,” The Captain said, but was silenced and perhaps even confused when she started to strip the saddle from her horse. He motioned for a stable boy, ordered for a plain riding saddle to be put on the grey speckled mare, and continued to converse with the princess. &nbsp;“We travel to the east, milady, and then north to the counties that are less refined and rugged, and it will not be a pleasant journey, I fear.”<br><br>&nbsp;“Life is full of unpleasant circumstances and journeys, Captain.” Princess Elspeth said, and offered the Captain and men a reassuring smile. &nbsp;“And we do as we must in life, this being only one unpleasant journey of many in our lives.” Elspeth watched the stable boy buckle up the straps of the saddle, and she mounted her mare. &nbsp;“Gentlemen, let us ride to our new destination, and do so as if Hell breathes down our neck and backs.”<br><br><em> “Maleketh has a menagerie of women, several wives, yet none as fair as thee, Elspeth. He wishes for your hand in marriage, and it leads to a promise of peace and prosperity. Although I do regret to say that I did consider it, only for a moment, I cannot allow my daughter to be a concubine. I have refused his request, and today, my dear, we are at war.” King Aurelien stated, making an announcement to his only child, and leaving her to break her fast from the eve alone. </em> 
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Knights Charge (Akioth and Airindel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Akioth</strong> on <strong>19-01-2008, 18:21:12</strong>
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				Marcus noted right away that only two of the horses were loaded for long running, supplies and light armor adorning them, the others were all adorned for combat. This already confirmed what he had been told. While these valiant men would stage a distraction he and the princess would attempt to sneak out. And he knew the best way too....granted she did too. He watched as all the men loaded themselves upon their steeds, lances at ready. He did the same, and he watched the princess mount hers as well. <br><br>Marcus rode over to be side by side with the princess. "Milady, we must go a different way....." He knew she knew...but still felt obligated to speak. He watched the armored men ride off to what he was sure would be a battle to speak of. Those ten men were among the best...and he was sure they'd punch a hole big enough to cause a break in the enemies line. "..Come..." For the moment he could order her in a ..... occupational way. He turned the horse the opposite direction as the others had left and kicked his heels into the horses flanks, the stallion launching with authority as it headed down the streets, Marcus's loud voice booming as he told people to move out of the way....<br><br>Soon enough they both would be outside the castle ways, being let through a small gate that was unknown into a forest the was thick and grew right into the castle walls. This side had been largely ignored by both sides because of how dense it was. Sadly it also was not a path they could take for long. As the mountains were quite impossible to ride. But they might be able to skirt the enemy......and so he led her to the edge of the forest and stopped. Watching in the distance as town brave men rode out to meet a hundred....and once that started he looked to his charge. "Ride like the wind, and do not look back...." He looked up at the sun...and listened as the heavy siege weapons of their King let loose....the final piece of the distraction. He set his heel into his steed once more....and they rode fast....to try and skirt the enemy lines....
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Knights Charge (Akioth and Airindel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>20-01-2008, 17:51:59</strong>
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				Sir Marcus Alexander, the man whom entered her private suite, the man whom ushered her from her home, now spoke to her rather lowly, and repeating words that she knew yet needed to hear. Hardly did she know Marcus, not truly save for reputation, and watching him train her mare; her father trusted the man to the task, wishing her mare to be trained in the art of war: at first Elspeth had protested, but in being called a 'foolish child' by her father, she gave way for she no choice. Days and days, endlessly Elspeth watched Marcus train her horse, ride her, weigh her with barding, and during those hours, she watched the sweat glisten on the man's skin, and watched Raindrop submit and yield to the man. <br><br>Elspeth furrowed her brow. The fine lines of blonde hair knit together rather in a perplexed look, but she nodded in understanding, and she smiled. &nbsp;“I will follow your lead, Sir Marcus Alexander.” Elspeth reassured him, and steering her mount, she followed the man. There were people she skirted, those that tugged on her breeches, those that pleaded for something...<em>for a surrender</em>. It was with thankfulness that Raindrop had been trained by Marcus, for Elspeth's mind fell deep into thought, and she paid no heed to her surroundings. She had thought that perhaps she should surrender to the Blood Prince, to Maleketh, and yet she sensed that even though it would be a small sacrifice on her part, the freedom and lives of her people, of her father, would still be slaughtered.<br><br>Deeper into the forest, the pair roamed, and in not fully hearing the Knight's warning, Elspeth stopped Raindrop and turned to glance back. Her lips, those pink as a spring rose, fell agape at the horror of war in which she saw, and on pushing a branch aside for a clear look; smoke was seen, as were fires, the destruction of her home, the village within, and all was punctuated by cries of war and screams. Hot tears brimmed in her eyes, and dared to fall down her pale face. &nbsp;“Marcus,” She murmured, forgetting any formality between them now that they were alone. She wiped the stray tears, let the branch go, and as it bounced into place, she trod Raindrop onwards deeper into the dark forest where trails of mankind were not known. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Knights Charge (Akioth and Airindel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Akioth</strong> on <strong>20-01-2008, 23:28:57</strong>
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				Marcus knew the limits of both horses, and he was pushing them. The path in the forest wasn't stellar and he was making them run full bore through it. He looked back to check on the princess and groaned. Two enemy horsemen were on them. He slowed his steed and pulled next to her. He had to almost yell to get over the sound of several thousand pounds of horseflesh moving them forward. "Two enemies behind us. Princess our goal tonight is a cave about 2 miles ahead. DO not argue with me, follow this path until you reach a river. Leave the path and follow the river. You know where the cave is. GO!" He pulled hard on his reigns and she could see him pull on his helmet after yelling "FOR THE KING!" He drew his sword and charged into battle. <br><br>The battle was short and fierce. The two riders were on the princes personal guard sent after to capture his toy. Marcus would die before that happened. It was his duty, his mission and the last request of the King. So be it. In one hand he held his sword, the other a lance. He dodged the lances thrown at him and launched his own. He nailed the farther rider through the stomach, he let him keep riding as both his hands left his horses reigns and went to his stomach. He'd die in the forest. The other rider had the commonsense to stop and get off his horse, Marcus soon followed. He looked around to make sure the princess wasn't around and than proceeded to combat the last man. His two handed broadsword clashed with the smaller mans long sword and he groaned. The enemy had the faster weapon, but Marcus had always been a tank. Lots of muscle...lots of armor. And he knew where his armors weak points were. So he used the sword to keep the man away from them, he only got two shots in. One connected with Marcus's head to leave him dazed. The other hit his leg and pieced the armor enough to leave a ugly gash in his leg. Marcus got in one. As the man sword got stuck in his leg armor Marcus brought the very heavy blade straight down on the others head. Knocking him out.....than it was only a matter of slamming his swords point through his chest. <br><br>After that he cleaned the mess up, pulling the dead man off the road and dropping him in the nearby river, and finding the other man and finishing him off. Than doing the same. After which he grabbed both men's steeds and took them along...heading for the cave that was the entrance to a secret series of caves that went under the mountain...even the princess didn't know this. it was a very close secret of the Kings guard....even the king himself didn't know. <br><br>They were heading for the secret abode of the 2nd king, the place of refuge that only a Guard of the King could find.....
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Knights Charge (Akioth and Airindel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>21-01-2008, 18:26:06</strong>
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				Elspeth eyes narrowed on the knight as he spoke to her, commanded her, and a sliver of dissatisfaction glinted in her eyes. &nbsp;“Tread carefully, Marcus.” the princess finally stated, hoping that indeed he took care of himself in the encounter for she was relying upon him, but too, she meant it as a forewarning of his station in life. She could be a vexing and determined young lady when she wished, needing to prove her worth; it was how she acquired to be the person she was: capable of a man, yet gentle and tender as a woman, and it was a fine balance to acquire and difficult at best. It marked her as her father's blood. In wishing no more words between them, the princess reared Raindrop and headed in the direction of the caves as instructed, or indeed, commanded, and she sniffled at the idea that she was no longer in charge of her fate and destination. <br><br>&nbsp;“Curse Maleketh and his men!” She snarled out to no one in particular as Raindrop and she moved through the thickest of forest, and being swatted in the face by a young pine sapling, Elspeth dismounted and guided Raindrop. Her feet barely made a sound on the decaying leaves and mossy earth, and with a nudge from Raindrop, with the horse nuzzling and pushing her forth, the princess stole over the grounds further and further from her home that was now in ruins; her father, dead as were his men. The though of it were sickening, yet the need for survival was greater. Time, it felt, stood still in the forest as did sound, and as did the breezes, but eventually squirrels were seen, as were birds, and a different life from men and from civilization began, and as Elspeth stepped into the caves, she too would experience a transformation with her life. An ending to tradition, and beginning anew.<br><br>The caves were dark and damp with wetness clinging to the walls, and blindly, gingerly, with trepidation, Princess Elspeth walked further into the opening of the cave. Her grip on the reigns of the horse tightened, and she grew fearful of the horse losing her footing because of the darkness, and so Elspeth stopped venturing. The horse and princess were enveloped in a murky greyness that would obscure them from any enemy, and she awaited Marcus; he might have annoyed her, did in fact, but she still prayed for his safety. She leaned against the horse, stroked Raindrop affectionately, and wondered if her life would worsen before it would better. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Knights Charge (Akioth and Airindel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Akioth</strong> on <strong>22-01-2008, 02:05:27</strong>
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				He stepped into the cave about an hour after she did, having hunted some game and loaded up on water. Than he had run here as fast as he could. "Milady?" He called silently, walking deeper into the cave. Gratified that her horse kept silent. She had been trained very hard by him. And was silent at almost all times. In the dark though it was natural to stay silent.....<br><br>He walked deeper into the cave and was gratified to find the two, he led the three horses and spoke softly. "We walk a while from this point on Milady." The caves were barely tall enough for the horses. He led the way knowing that the faster they ran from home the better...<br><br>And he felt sick at the mere thought of abandoning them all...
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Knights Charge (Akioth and Airindel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>22-01-2008, 16:36:14</strong>
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				It was apparent that Sir Marcus knew the layout of the caves, but the princess did not, and as they ventured further into it, into the mouth, Elspeth fumbled along her belongings feeling the leather satchel. Blindly, then, the girl searched for her lantern, the matches, and soon she lit it before she accidentally backed into the bumped and jagged wall of the cave. She raised the lantern to look at the damp grey rock around her, and into the blackness in front of them as they slowly weaved a path to their future; the light was enough to allow all a steady footing, and they trudged onwards in silence save for the clanking and chinking of mail from Marcus' armour.<br><br>&nbsp;“Do not lie to me Marcus Augustus,” Elspeth finally said as the path narrowed and she stumbled into metal man. She turned to look at him, and setting aside the lantern on the rocky ground, her nimble fingers began to loosen his helm. &nbsp;“There is just the two of us, two of hundreds of men and women lost in that fortress,” She breathed out, her slender hands now holding his helm, and her fingers brushed a droplet of sweat from his cheek. &nbsp;“We have no plan, do we? No place of our own, no safety except for what we are to make on our own, do we?” Her eyes met his as her fingers unlaced the straps that held his chain onto the plate mail. &nbsp;“You really needn't answer for the tightness in the pit of my gut tells me that I am correct, and we will make do because it is who we are, but I prefer not to hear the rattling of your armour or more precisely have our enemy hear it. Please help me in removing it. You can walk either in plain clothes such as myself, or in the under padding, I care not. The decision is yours.” Elspeth informed him, and stole another glance at the man who was a good head and shoulders taller than she even though she was tall for a woman. <br><br>It had occurred to her then that he was the only man, that she was the only woman, that they journeyed alone, and that if she or he ever wished for physical comfort, something in which many men longed for, many women yielded to, that if she wished for an heir to her name, they too only had one another. It was a bizarre thought, and she was grateful that the pair of them were relatively attractive, but she smiled at the passing idea knowing what would eventually become of them in the future as a couple. Had her father known, to be certain he did, and&nbsp; Elspeth wondered at her father's matchmaking: strength to breed with diplomacy. Elspeth grew silent as she loosened Marcus' chest plate.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Knights Charge (Akioth and Airindel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Akioth</strong> on <strong>22-01-2008, 19:53:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He stopped when she spoke to him and the moment she finished her words he spoke. "Never may it be that you find my word a falsehood milady." He stiffened slightly as she worked on his helm, but he let her do as she wished. He was not worried. He'd covered their horses tracks on the way here....and these caves were easy to get lost in. He no longer needed his armor....but....he was used to it. As she took off his helm and continued speaking he sighed. "We are going to a place of safety. A house built of stone in a forest where very few men travel. The nearest town is 2 days away and requires marching through the forest. You have a home to go to milady, and I shall be your safety. Never fear. As far as my armor....as you wish."<br><br>He helped her remove the armor, and even under the padding she could see large muscles moving. He took off the padding and underneath he wore leather pants and a cotton shirt. He used one of the extra horses to tie his armor too and retrieved two cloaks. He gave one to her and donned the second. IT would get colder before it got warmer. "Come.." He said quietly as he took the torch and led the way...careful to use his body to shield the horses eyes from the light...lest he hurt their eyes. <br><br>He on the other hand thought not at all of Elspeth as a bad partner. She was the Kings daughter, his charge, and most of all she was to be pure for any suitor. Her honor was in his hands. Granted he never considered the fact that she was dead to the world...as was he. If anything Marcus was blinded by duty....and he'd learn the hard way that his Duty would be tested sorely in the next few years. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Knights Charge (Akioth and Airindel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>28-01-2008, 19:11:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elspeth smiled at Marcus, at his words which he fully believed in although Elspeth knew that all people had secrets, had lies and would lie for in watching the court of her father much was learned of behaviour and etiquette...and who was lying to hide what...<br><br>The princess refused to break Marcus' belief in humanity, and in himself and so for the longest time she walked in silence contemplating her new situation and circumstances in life. As the pair descended into the greater depths of the cave, the coolness bit at Elspeth and rippled through the cloak that she wore. She tugged it tighter around her slender body and stepped closer to Raindrop for warmth.<br><br>&nbsp;“Marcus, will it not look peculiar that this stone cottage has remained empty for heaven knows how long and now somebody shall be living in it? Won't somebody notice? Or is it that far removed from society?” She finally asked, her brow wrinkling as she pondered how long she would have to live in hiding. Much would depend of Maleketh, that she knew, and the treatment in which he would bestow upon her people.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Knights Charge (Akioth and Airindel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Akioth</strong> on <strong>30-01-2008, 03:36:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The knight quietly led the young girl and the four horses through the caves, she'd note that at every turn and every obstacle he automatically knew the way around. Once obtaining rank in the Kings Guard a Knight was forced to travel this cave twice...and memorize the scrolls in which the secret was kept. When the castle had been besieged that scroll along with many others had met there end. The kingdom could not afford to let those secrets fall into the wrong hands. He heard her question and sighed softly. <br><br>"Milady, I was not kidding when I referred to this place as a hidden sanctuary of one of the first kings of our land. It is a several day walk from the nearest village. And furthermore to get to it one must have special knowledge and a ability to navigate a forest. It is nearly impossible to find. And even those such as myself who have been there could not find it. I will rely on special markers left by those wise knights before me. I will literally be counting my steps as we get out of the cave......10'250 steps or so to the tree of lightning, than east 1'670 steps to the rock of water, 510 steps to the curved brook, and than 200 steps to the West wall of the building." They had been forced to memorize this as well. And they had made the route as direct and easy to follow as they could...and while anyone could listen to those words few would actually know what to look for or what they meant. The Tree of lightning held a engraving hidden in its trunk...not the many trees that had been struck by lightning in this forest,&nbsp; the Rock of water was actually a normal rock that vaguely resembled a tear...not the epic beauty of several of the nearby waterfalls out out of rocks, the curved brook was a joke that still made him smile....as the brook that it spoke of was the straightest one he'd ever seen. And the last was the actual wall....but if the had managed to get to the last two steps it was already too late....but he doubted it...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Knights Charge (Akioth and Airindel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>01-02-2008, 16:06:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Princess Elspeth said little to nothing as she listened to Sir Marcus, but her grave expression on the reliance of 'steps' and path markers gave her thoughts away, and by far, she was not amused. She had to trust that the man could count that high, and even so, she had to trust that he would not lose his place while counting.&nbsp; It was the latter which gave her concern. &nbsp;“All estimates, I am assuming considering your footing, your stride, your step is different compared to that of another individual.” Elspeth said, placing a trickle of doubt in the man's confidence. She breathed in deeply, the cool air calming her, and she nodded her head. &nbsp;“I will allow you this opportunity to prove your knowledge in counting, but if it fails, we will try a different route and hope that the gods bless us either way.” Princess Elspeth said, letting the knight know that she will have say in her future, and take his advice as that: counselling.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Knights Charge (Akioth and Airindel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Akioth</strong> on <strong>04-02-2008, 06:06:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The knight chuckled and looked over to her with no small amount of mirth in his eyes. "Those are just vague instructions milady. You really think I will be counting in my head? Those instructions were merely there to give a idea to it..... And of course something for a man to give away in a moment of weakness under torture. In reality I have been there twice and will merely rely on my memory." He did get a great deal of amusement to have her thinking that he was going to count in his head, but was very careful to hide this. She technically had the power to punish him, if not the ability. Still, not good to patronize his only company. <br><br>"....otherwise thank you for showing such faith in my counting skills milady." He smiled broadly in the semi-darkness of the cave and looked ahead to the lighter darkness of the night. He put out his torch and set it in a holster on the horse. He walked ahead of the little band they had of horses and a Princess and made sure all was clear. Than he waved them ahead. Time to get to safety....
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Knights Charge (Akioth and Airindel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>09-02-2008, 16:20:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp;“Excuse me if I don't find it amusing, Knight,” Elspeth said, her voice cold and distinctly regal, and she stopped walking, halting her horse and another. She stood there surrounded in the cold darkness of the cave blankly looking at the man before her. &nbsp;“My father's kingdom is in ruins with many good men dead, perhaps even he, nay, no doubt he, the women being raped or killed as well as children, and too, the land ravished, and you answer my questions regarding my safety with mockery?” She asked, her fingers drumming on her saddle where her one hand rested, the other was balled into a tight fist which made her knuckles white for the skin was stretched taut. Her anger began to swell within her, and she sniffled with disgust. &nbsp;“I would flog you personally if I could, but I've more important matters to tend to, but I am a woman, Knight, and so do not think that I will forget this incident.” Glaring at the man,&nbsp; Elspeth pushed past him, leading her horse onwards; the wall of the cave scraped against her arm, tearing at her cloak, her clothes, but she paid little heed to it. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Knights Charge (Akioth and Airindel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Akioth</strong> on <strong>10-02-2008, 06:57:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The man that led her from the caves had spent 4 hellish days awake, his mental state was hardly close to normal. Such a thing that had appeared amusing to him moments before now seemed absurdly cruel and sad when put against the backdrop of how hellish the last few days had been. And the fact that it had been shown to him in such a way did not subtract from the pain in the least, and in the darkness she'd miss the crestfallen expression his face took on. However he spoke no longer of it, her word was final. She was royalty. He a knight. To back talk her now in any regard would be considered even worse than what he had already done...and so he bit his tongue and silently trailed the princess, his eyes and ears alert for danger....his mind engaged in self-abuse over his behavior. <br><br>The night was bright and airy compared to the dank and cramped space of the cave, but it was still quite dark. He asked her respectfully to put her torch out and led the way.....he seemed to be a much different man. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Knights Charge (Akioth and Airindel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Airindel</strong> on <strong>10-02-2008, 18:05:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The crisp cool air of the late spring night tingled in Elspeth's lungs, chilled her, chilled her temperamental disposition, and on listening to the request of the Knight, she smothered the flame of her torch into the pebbly ground at the exit of the cave. Only then did she strap the torch to the other equipment that was saddled on Raindrop, and only then did she appear before Sir Marcus. Gently did Elspeth cup his face in her one hand, and she studied the man whom she chided, scolded earlier in the eve; her pale hand, soft and delicate was the skin, seemed small upon him. The rough stubble on his skin scraped against her, and she tilted his head so that she could peer into his glisten blue eyes that were the same lush colour as the sky on a warm summer day. <br><br>&nbsp;“I do not appreciate needing to speak cruelly, Marcus Alexander, and I do have a fickle temper at times, and it is best to remember that for the future. I forgive you for your remarks, and too, I realize that this is not easy for you as it is not for me.” Elspeth stood on tiptoe, and leaned close to him to brush a kiss, one ever so soft, upon his cheek. &nbsp;“You are all that I have of my past life.” She murmured against him, her breath warm against the coolness of his face. &nbsp;“Please be kind to me and lead the way. I know not of this path to the cottage in the woods.” She whispered and stepped away from him, securing her place with Raindrop and looking to the Knight.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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