Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)
<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: MadPanda on 23-01-2010, 17:04:49</h2>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>23-01-2010, 17:04:49</strong>
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				As towns went, this one was barely a wide spot in the well-tramped path between the central duchies and the border march, up along the Dragontooth Mountains.&nbsp; Still, for a lone traveler with sore feet and dry mouth, whose last meal had been the day before at a hostel run by a pair of monks so ancient that even their thoughts creaked, it was a welcome vision of temporary rest.<br><br>As usual, the tiny village lay off to one side of the main route rather than directly athwart it.&nbsp; Well in the center, buildings around it in a vaguely circular pattern with more buildings around those...blacksmith, tavern and stable, a small merchant's shop.&nbsp; Wherever this was, it wasn't likely to be important, not to the Dukes in the central valleys, nor even to the barbarian warlords in the hinterlands.<br><br>Coming closer, she found it even more quiet than expected--no smoke rose from the blacksmith's forge, no cooking fire in the tavern.&nbsp; Perhaps there would be no refuge here after all, and that was enough to make anyone curse the gods themselves.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>23-01-2010, 17:24:23</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The sun hung low and crimson in the sky, as the dry winds blew hot dust through the quiet streets; You could call this town a dump in the middle of absolutely *nowhere*, and you wouldn't be too far from the truth- It was one of the many nameless settlements that'd sprung up like weeds in the wake of passage from <em>here</em> to <em>there</em>, tenaciously clinging on to life from the slow trickle of thirsty drovers and merchants along the blistering trade routes...<br><br>Smothered in the shapeless swathe of a grey dust-cloak, a lone figure picking it's way down the road, a tumbleweed rolling past, through the eerie silence of the town. The blistering heat of the day was fading, the shadows of the rickety buildings providing pools of blessed coolness, as the traveller stepped into the shade. Gloved hands rose to pull the hood back, then tugged the rough fabric away with a deep sigh of relief, an emergence comparable to a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis. <br><br>Shaylia Fleise, shook her hair free, the fiery red tresses cascading down her back; The glossy black leather of her bodice creaked as she strode forward, her feet arched high on her heeled boots, slim fingers dropping, ever-so-casually, to the coiled lash on one curvy hip...Her brief skirt, flaring out like the petals of a flower, wafted about her sleek thighs, her long, long legs sheathed in dark stockings- In retrospect, maybe not the *best* idea in the heat. Her emerald gaze swept the empty streets, a slim eyebrow arching as she wondered where, *exactly*, was everyone...<br><br>She shook her head, with a throaty chuckle, crimson hair falling from a central part to dust her hips; Time enough for *that*, later. If there *was* something lurking in this eerily quiet town...It'd just have to come to get her. Her full lips curved in a smile as she strode towards the tavern, her throat dry with the dust on travel- Boldly pushing apart the batwings of the swaying doors, and stepping into the room beyond. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>23-01-2010, 17:39:25</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Once her eyes adjusted to the gloom, she found the tavern intact...deserted save for a single soul.&nbsp; At a table in the corner, she beheld a blind beggar, coarse cloth banded across his eyes, a ragged cloak over his nakedness, a staff by his side.&nbsp; He tilted his head, lifting an ear toward her before turning to face her.&nbsp; He lifted the tankard in his other hand.<br><br>"If you'd be so kind, might I have a refill?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>24-01-2010, 01:45:48</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				In the cold gloom, she found a wooden bar with a dresser behind it, laden with glassware and spouted bottles. No sign of the bartender, which was a first- No sign of *anyone* else, either, except for the blind beggar proffering an empty tankard...Shaylia's bare shoulders lifting in a shrug, her heels clicking on the wooden floor as she crossed to the bar, taking down one of the glass containers- Three-quarters full of ale. She thumped it onto the table, then put a tankard of her own beside it.<br><br>There was a <em>creak</em> as the lovely redhead settled into the chair opposite the beggar, the bottle gurgling as she poured him a measure of ale- Then one of her own. Shaylia lifted the mug in a whimsical salute, then took a long, cooling draught, letting it clear the dust, the dryness of the road from her parched throat...<br><br>"What happened here, old man?" she inquired mildly, crossing her legs with a dry <em>rasp</em> of leather; Her gaze swept the empty room meaningfully, before she realized the gesture was wasted on him. "-Surely you're not the only one left in town?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>24-01-2010, 05:21:16</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"It sounds as though now there are two people here," he chuckled grimly.&nbsp; "Although I've been mostly by myself since this morning.&nbsp; I don't rightly know what happened, to be honest.&nbsp; I certainly didn't <em>see</em> anything."<br><br>He sipped at the ale, testing it.<br><br>"By the gods, the scurvy-ridden sons of a whoring camel were holding out on me!&nbsp; This is good!"<br><br>Draining the tankard at one swift draught, he holds it out again.<br><br>"If you would?&nbsp; Now, what I heard was a number of loud and loutish souls on horseback come here and announce that all able-bodied persons were to assemble out in the central yard for a meeting.&nbsp; I, being of clearly unsound body, was left to my own devices.&nbsp; And then they all marched off toward the mountains."<br><br>He shrugged helplessly.<br><br>"Not willingly, I think, but I didn't hear any sign of a fight."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>24-01-2010, 05:48:07</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"The mountains, hmmmm~?" Shaylia pondered aloud, resting the tip of her pointed chin on her arms; It sounded like raiders, perhaps even slavers- The kind that made a living preying on the small, poorly-guarded settlements of the plains! She chuckled, a resigned sound, leaning back into her creaking chair. Now, what *was* there in the mountains? She'd heard of trouble with the humanoid tribes, the refuge of killers, criminals, outlaws...All the various scum that did their level best to hide from civilization. <br><br>She knocked back her ale, the tankard settling back to the table as the witch breathed out, in a long, wavering sigh, her gloved fingers drumming an absent tattoo on the wood; "Curious..." the lovely redhead murmured, her voice low, lilting, almost a purr. She'd been *bored* for the last few weeks, ever since the purported map to the Treasure of Dal'Avin had turned out to be scam; Caravan duty, while a safe, slow way to travel, was *not* for Shaylia Fleise, renegade from the ancient, cursed city of Harrowfell~ She'd left years ago, and never looked back, letting adventure take her where it would...<br><br>-And today, it seemed that fortune had something in store for her...<br><br>Shaylia swished the bottle, hearing the liquid slosh against the insides- Another small mystery, that. Why hadn't the loutish raiders torched the town? She'd seen bandit raids before, and they'd always seemed like locusts, sweeping out from their hideouts to ravage and burn, despoiling what they couldn't steal...But they'd left this town intact~<br><br>A quick glance up at the sun, and the Fire Witch 'tsk'ed'; At nightfall, the cold winds would obliterate any tracks, rendering following them *impossible*. And she didn't know how much of a head-start they had...<br><br>"Tell me, old man..." Shaylia inquired archly, placing another bottle- This one satisfying full- on the table. "-Where could I find a horse, here?" 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>25-01-2010, 05:07:13</strong>
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				"If there are any, then you might have a look behind the smithy, where a few animals might perhaps have been waiting for new shoes.&nbsp; Our sutler made for more profitable climes a few weeks back and we made due with a half-wit stableboy in the meantime."<br><br>He chuckled, his dusty and creaky voice tinged with grim humor.<br><br>"I wish you well on your journey."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>25-01-2010, 05:18:37</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"-So do I," Shaylia murmured, an answering smile on her lips- Her chair's legs squealing as she pushed it back, turning with a sweep of her crimson mane. A quick glance at the sun;&nbsp; Enough time, hopefully, to catch up with the raiders. If they'd taken the townfolk, they'd have been slow, burdened by the need to herd them on...A single rider, on a horse, might *just* be enough to catch up- <br><br>...If she hurried.<br><br>"My thanks," the Fire Witch acknowledged- Sliding the second bottle of ale across to the old beggar. The batwings of the bar creaked as she stepped out into the street, making a beeline for the smithy- Hopefully, she'd find a worthy mount, there...Or at least one resilient enough to withstand the brisk pace she would set!
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>25-01-2010, 05:30:50</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The gods of luck, if there were any, must have smiled upon her for there behind the smithy she found a proud stallion complete with harness and tack, freshly shod, pawing the turf and snorting with impatience!&nbsp; No saddle, alas, but one could not have everything.<br><br>Further, she found tracks!&nbsp; While she would indeed have to hasten on her way, she at least knew the path they took.&nbsp; It wasn't much, but it was more than she'd had only moments before.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>25-01-2010, 05:44:52</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Shaylia's slim fingers patted the stallion's velvety nose, soothingly, wondering at her luck- She'd expected a pony, at best, some knackered mare at worse...But this one was a real treasure. The horse tossed his head as Shaylia led him out into the sunlight, tugging at the bit as she mounted him, those long, long legs sliding in place at the charger's sides; The thought of riding such an excellent steed, even bareback, brought a smile to her ruby-red lips- The animal was a powerful, vital one, snorting with eagerness- He'd been pensive, cooped up for too long in the stable...<br><br>-Another puzzle. Horses were *always* at a premium- But the raiders, if raiders they'd been, had left this one in their rush to leave...With the townsfolk, alone? She shook her head, clearing her thoughts, her heels nudging the horse's sides; She barely needed the spurs, as she urged him into a trot, the better to follow the tracks! When she cleared town, she'd let the stallion <em>gallop</em>, to work off the furious energy that made the horse almost dance, restless...
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>26-01-2010, 14:26:17</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Her mount was willing, nay, eager to run, as if he hadn't been properly exercised in a while, and with each long stride she gained on the miserable column somewhere ahead.<br><br>Sooner than she expected, she rounded a low rise and found them: a rough line of shambling villagers escorted by a number of mounted guards.&nbsp; At the same time, one of the guards saw her!&nbsp; Swinging his mount around, he drew his blade and charged at her.&nbsp; A moment later, two more guards peeled off to join in.<br><br>From here, alas, she could not see more than their masked helms and light armor, and they wore no insignia of any sort.&nbsp; Bandits?&nbsp; Or worse?&nbsp; But the time for contemplation would come later.&nbsp; She had only a moment to decide whether to meet them headlong or lead them into a chase...
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>26-01-2010, 16:47:22</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Masks. Light armor. Villagers being paced by the guards, forced along in an uneven line~ Shaylia clicked her tongue as two...No, *three*, riders peeled off from the group, drawing their blades as they galloped toward her! A most unladylike curse parted the fiery redhead's lips; While she *knew* how to stay in the saddle, she thoroughly preferred to fight on foot...She didn't even *know* whether this stallion was battle-trained, or whether it'd flinch or panic, spooked by the commotion-<br><br>...But then again, this *was* her own chance to catch up with the villagers; She let go of the reins, drawing the sleek curve of her longbow- Coolly fitting an arrow to the string, even as the horse charged on! Time enough for one shot...Maybe even two, to even the odds. Experience had taught her that armor or no armor, a man who took an arrow would be out of the fight- And close-in, her whip would sting even the most well-trained animal! <br><br>A taut <em>hiss</em> of breath, her brow furrowing in effort- The string drew back, as Shaylia nocked an arrow, aiming for the lead rider- Perhaps he'd tangle up his brethen as he fell. Perhaps not...But it'd be one foe less! <br><br>(Firing arrows at the riders.) 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>27-01-2010, 04:36:05</strong>
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				In a flash, she fired three arrows!&nbsp; They flew true, gracefully arcing through the air before sinking into the man, one after another, with meaty and sickening thuds.&nbsp; He toppled from the saddle, leaving his companions to close on her, waving their blades high and shrieking defiance!
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>27-01-2010, 04:49:12</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The man toppled from his saddle, his horse neighing in distress- But that didn't seem to deter his comrades, charging in with swords raised, howling battlecries as Shaylia's own steed met them; Too close for a bow, now, and it was hardly a match for a *sword*...She let the longbow hang from it's sling, as she uncoiled her whip from her waist- It was a marvelous weapon, the braided cord seemingly woven from steel, not hide...Every bit as beautiful and dangerous as the woman who wielded it! With a flick of her wrist, she sent the barbed tip snapping towards her still-closing opponents- The weapon lashing like a scorpion's sting! <br><br>-If their armor was proof against her weapon- She'd target their mounts instead, already clearly spooked by the shrill whine of the whip slicing the air...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>27-01-2010, 14:36:10</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Her blow struck true, drawing a shriek of agony from the closer of the two, and throwing off his answering stroke!&nbsp; And their armor was light enough that her mark, high upon his shield-arm, met no resistance!<br><br>His companion drew closer, but proved himself no horseman as his mount balked rather than close with the Fire Witch's wrathful steed.&nbsp; His blow, likewise, was poorly aimed and poorly swung, a greater danger to wielder than target.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>28-01-2010, 17:24:07</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She'd stung them~ And the shrill hiss of Shaylia's lash unnerved their mounts, too, their horses whinnying in unease, shying away from the stinging whipcracks! With her knees, the lovely redhead urged her steed on, striking again- Their armor, while light and serviceable, was meant to stop the blows of swords and axes- Not the painful, thoroughly unorthodox barbs of her whip. The corded steel was every bit as punishing as a blade, and entirely more difficult to avoid, each pinpoint impact so painful, so *sudden*, it was all they could do to twitch in belated agony! <br><br>A flick of her wrist, and the barbed length coiled around her lithe arm- Only to be cast out again, flickering faster than a serpent's tongue, the razor-sharp tip scything through the dusty air...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>29-01-2010, 01:24:08</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The wounded main flailed at her, the tip of his blade barely missing her!&nbsp; And his associate wheeled his mount around to take another slash as well, but overbalanced and nearly fell...<br><br>No horsemen, these.&nbsp; Certainly they lacked the vigor and prowess she would have expected from <em>real</em> bandits!
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>29-01-2010, 01:42:38</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Something <em>was</em> odd here- They were too unskilled, too *slow*, for men who spent their lives in the saddle; Shaylia recalled the summer she'd spent roaming the grassy plains of Raibia the Infinite, where nomads struck like a horde of ravenous locusts...Her attackers were pale imitations. <br><br>The shrike-blade at the end of her whip flashed, and she ducked the sword scything at her- And right then, Shaylia decided not to kill them. She'd need *someone* to answer her questions, after all...Then again, she only needed one; "Surrender!" she shouted, even as she snagged her weapon from the air- Drawing it back to cast again! "Give up- Or the only deaths today will be your *own*!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>29-01-2010, 02:12:56</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Never!"&nbsp; The wounded one turned his horse and made as if to gallop back to the others, to summon reinforcements.&nbsp; The other tried another sword swipe, growling his defiance.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>29-01-2010, 02:19:07</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Shaylia's eyes narrowed, ever-so-slightly, her slim shoulders rising in the faintest of shrugs- An annoyed hiss from her throat, as one of the bandits wheeled his horse away, spurring it mercilessly! He *might* have just been fleeing, but she couldn't take the chance- There were *far* too many of his companions out there, for him to sound the alarm. She swayed away from the other bandit's sword-swipe; He wasn't the best swordsman out there, but amateurs sometimes get lucky-<br><br>That didn't stop her, however, from *aiming*, picking the moment- And her blade lashed out, blurringly fast, towards her fleeing attacker! She'd have to bring him down before he fled...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>29-01-2010, 02:27:10</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Her strike was true!&nbsp; The struck man collapsed forward across his mount's neck, then tumbled off to one side.&nbsp; Yet her distraction would have been fatal had the last bandit not lunged too far and slipped, falling to the ground with a thud....
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>29-01-2010, 02:38:57</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				A close one. Another strike against her luck. Shaylia cast her gaze briefly heavenward- It seemed that her lucky star was still watching her. The stallion's hooves clopped as she urged it forward, to cut off the straggler's escape; Her whip, coiled in her hands, the lash swaying gently, a silent threat! <br><br>"Nowhere to run, friend," the Fire Witch purred, in a tone of voice that meant she didn't *feel* very friendly; "-Drop that blade, and <em>now</em>." One hand stroked her horse's neck soothingly, calming the beast- The other remained at the ready, waiting for the slightest *twitch*...<br><br>"Tell me...Why *do* you want those villagers, anyway?" Shaylia inquired, one slim eyebrow arching- Those green eyes boring into the eyeslits of his mask...Her whip cracked, and a spurt of dust sizzled up near the bandit's feet. "Quickly, now- Or I'll take that mask you wear..." She caressed the coiled length, in silent promise- The very same one that'd taken his comrade down!
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>29-01-2010, 16:11:02</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The bandit, if that was even the right word for such a pathetic opponent, tried to scramble backwards, almost crawling in clumsy haste, hoping to escape.&nbsp; Finally, though, the true hopelessness of the matter sank in, and the bandit sagged.<br><br>"I will not talk," he said, his voice strangely high pitched.&nbsp; "Better you should kill me than what they do to traitors!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>29-01-2010, 16:54:58</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Shaylia sighed, lightly, reining in her horse- The stallion seemed to dance on it's feet, eager to continue the chase; From her position, she let a length of her whip droop lightly from her fingers, dangling bright and lethal before the bandit- "How long do you *think* you'll last, out here- Without a leg, and bleeding? You'll be carrion come nightfall...Tell me, and you'll live to see another day."<br><br>The lovely redhead sniffed, shrugging airily, as if it meant nothing at all; "-Your choice. Quickly, now, it's a long walk...Or I'll just find some who *will* answer my questions, and leave you for the vultures..." Her tone was cool, entirely serious- She'd take no pleasure in it, but she'd do it just the same- Bandits gave no mercy, and expected none. They weren't about to turn back for *him* after all...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>30-01-2010, 01:06:57</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The bandit appeared to think this over for a moment.<br><br>"It was the wizard," he said quietly.&nbsp; "Be ware of the wizard."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>30-01-2010, 02:13:26</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Those slim shoulders raised in a shrug- A wizard. She *hated* wizards. Asking more than would've been futile- A mere bandit couldn't have been expected to be more than one of the spellcaster's minions...But the idea was disturbing enough. She had to save the villagers *before* they reached their destination- And whatever nefarious ends he clearly had in mind...<br><br>The full canteen made a solid <em>clunk</em> as she tossed it at his feet, the water within sloshing reassuringly. <br><br>"Find another line of work," Shaylia advised- And put her heels to the stallion, spurring it towards the slow-moving column of villagers and bandits- Letting her whip hang from her belt, now, as she drew her bow again! She'd have to scatter them with pinpoint fire- Pick them off one at a time...She couldn't afford to let any escape!
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>30-01-2010, 02:19:19</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"What are you going to do?"<br><br>The bandit swallowed nervously.<br><br>"You're going after them, aren't you?"<br><br>Then...<br><br>"Take the mask.&nbsp; It will help."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>30-01-2010, 02:47:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shaylia leaned over, and plucked the mask free, eyeing it consideringly as she placed it at her belt: "Really?" she murmured- "What *does* it do?" She tipped her head to the side, as she glanced at the column as it wound it's way along- Favoring the bandit with a brief smile. "And thank you." <br><br>She wondered whether she was meant to <em>disguise</em> herself- Probably not, as her form- The fact she <em>wasn't</em> one of them- Would give her away...Unless it didn't matter. There was also the chance that this was a *trap*...But he'd worn it with no ill-effects, either...<br><br>"-Yes, I'm going after them. After all- It's the right thing to do." One green eye flickered, as she winked. "If they ask, I'll say I left you dead..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>31-01-2010, 00:19:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The bandit, beneath the mask, was far younger than she would have guessed...or female.<br><br>"The wizard, he has this amulet," the boyish survivor uttered.&nbsp; "He gives them to our captains.&nbsp; It...it makes light that makes people do what he says.&nbsp; The masks protect us...a little.&nbsp; It is a reward for co...co-operation."<br><br>The lad looked sick: whatever 'co-operation' entailed, it was distasteful!
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>31-01-2010, 02:22:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"...I see," Shaylia murmured, with a low sigh- No wonder. <em>That</em> explained so much- They'd been used as fodder by this wizard, to carry out what he couldn't do with magic; And she knew that only sorcery of the blackest stripe needed so *many* victims, as...sacrifices? Test subjects?<br><br>She grit her teeth- *That* would not stand. Carefully, Shaylia slipped the brazen mask onto her lovely face, concealing her features, but not her fiery mane of hair; "My thanks," she said, her voice sounding somewhat hollow behind the mask- A flicker of sympathy touching her...<br><br>"The town is <em>that</em> way," she demurred, pointing- "...You should reach it by nightfall, if you hurry- And if you vow that you'll take no unlawful action, there. We'll speak again when I return..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>31-01-2010, 17:43:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Your understanding does not concern me," the bandit said miserably.&nbsp; "Whether the gods will forgive me...that is another matter.&nbsp; Go."<br><br>Scrambling awkwardly back onto his feet, the lad shuffled off in the direction of the village, walking as though the weight of the world now lay upon his shoulders.<br><br>This left her free to trail the column, which had gained some ground.&nbsp; But in following, she found another party of horsemen coming her way.&nbsp; Horse archers, by the look of it, and these rode as though they knew what they were doing!&nbsp; A straight-up fight against such odds would likely be painful if not also fatal.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>01-02-2010, 03:12:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Well, it seemed there were rather <em>more</em> of them than she'd thought; She couldn't hope to retreat, and the idea of surrendering galled her- Besides, there were those villagers to consider, and that <em>wizard</em> still in the distance...They feared him. She could *use* that, for a while, at least...<br><br>-And so she let her whip rest at her side, her bow remained slung, as she let her stallion pace forward, soothing the horse's nervousness as they drew closer; Shaylia raised her hands in the universal sign of peace, a crooked smile on her lips. "-It certainly took you boys long enough," she called, shaking out her hair- Her mask glinting in the failing sunlight. No-one had thought to turn back for the missing horsemen, and the mask was likely sufficient to give them pause...For that crucial few moments. <br><br>"<em>He</em> sent me," she added, a meaningful emphasis on the words. "-Looks like I'll be keeping you company for the rest of the way..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>02-02-2010, 01:30:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The leader of the troupe seemed to mull this over, then nodded.<br><br>"You will forgive us for not recognizing you," he said in a thickly accented voice.&nbsp; "Too many new faces.&nbsp; Well, let us go.&nbsp; You may report to me as we go."<br><br>He pulled his mount alongside hers, on the left side, and the rest of the mounted archers fell into column behind them.&nbsp; These were no inexperienced conscripts, she noted...experienced horsemen, at the least.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>02-02-2010, 01:57:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shaylia let her horse settle into a slow, steady lop, matching the leader's pace at the head of the column; Her mind worked, furiously, as she wondered *exactly* how to probe him, for information, without giving herself away...<br><br>Still, her lovely face betrayed no sign of her internal turmoil- In fact, she smiled at the bandit leader, letting a momentary flicker of interest course across her features...One that would've seemed *thoroughly* flattering to the man; "Large group this time," she noted, casually~ "He'll be quite pleased...Maybe we'll even get a bonus..." The Fire Witch chuckled, just a little, as if it mattered nothing at all. Then, oh-so-lightly; "By the way- Did he ever say what he's doing with them?" Her slim shoulders rose in a small, quizzical shrug- "It's the first time I'm on the job, so...?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>02-02-2010, 02:09:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It is wiser not to ask questions," the man replied gruffly.&nbsp; "You shall see soon enough."<br><br>They rode in silence across the rolling plains, toward the mountains.&nbsp; After a while they overtook and passed the column of villagers, who plodded along as if in a daze...but seemed otherwise unharmed.<br><br>Eventually their route took them up into the foothills, where she saw signs of recent mining.&nbsp; Were the villagers to be slave labor?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>02-02-2010, 02:37:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Odd. The villagers simply shambled along, without any sign of chains, or guards- And Shaylia remembered what the bandit had said- About the mysterious light that the Wizard used to coerce and charm! She 'tsk'ed' under her breath, her fiery red tresses swaying...She'd have to remember the mask...<br><br>Mining...Shaylia's interest was piqued by that, though she made no move to spur her horse closer- That would've blown her cover, and she wasn't *supposed* to care what the villagers were used for, though every mile made her decidedly more tense...Instead, she turned her attention back to the bandit leader.<br><br>"Tell me about yourself," she purred- Her voice low, lilting, the kind that would make a man *very* hot under the collar. "It's take a *very* forceful man to lead a group like this...And I <em>like</em> strong men. Besides, if we'll be working together next time, well..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>02-02-2010, 04:42:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He chuckled softly.<br><br>"Do you normally offer yourself to those in command, or am I simply fortunate?&nbsp; Alas for you, I am but a simple soldier, far from home, putting his only talent to use in exchange for silver.&nbsp; And you, fire-hair?&nbsp; What brings you to our master's service?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>02-02-2010, 05:02:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shaylia tried *very* hard to stifle a smile, one that she couldn't quite hide; "It's a little of both, really," she murmured, touching the reins to her horse, letting it pace itself. "And yes, I left home behind a *very* long time ago..." Her face darkened, ever-so-slightly, as she remembered the glorious, hideous sprawl of the wicked city she'd fled, thousand of miles and years behind her...The memories were not pleasant. <br><br>She shrugged, as if it meant nothing at all. "Oh, several; Interest, perhaps, for the machinations of wizards are *always* grandiose. Survival, for there wasn't *that* much choice. And, of course-" And she smiled, crookedly, her hands stroking her horse's neck, ever-so-gently. "-Because I need the money." There was the slightest edge to her voice, as the Fire Witch wondered exactly *how* far this would go- Her sense of unease growing as they drew closer. There was something massive at work, here, something that she could only glimpse...<br><br>-And something, she felt, that had to be stopped...But how? 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>02-02-2010, 05:43:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Such is the way of the world."<br><br>Higher they climbed, and higher still...until at last they came to the crest of a foothill and she beheld their destination--a city, ramshackle and under construction, but a city nonetheless.&nbsp; It grew, grim and forbidding, around a rough statue of a robed man.<br><br>"Home sweet home.&nbsp; Sort of."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>02-02-2010, 05:55:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The sight of the city...Quite took Shaylia's breath away. Of course- It made sense, now. The dusty plains were wide enough to conceal *anything* within their depths...Why not a city, then? It was a ragged, dark construction- But there was <em>something</em> about it...Something more than the merely material...<br><br>"It doesn't look any prettier from the outside," she murmured; Gazing down, down, wonderingly...Before drawing herself up to her full height. "You have to admit he has vision, at the very least..." She'd expected a single lone, solitary tower, but this was...More than she'd expected. Far, far more. She exhaled, and blinked, clearing her head from the dizzying image- Her horse snorted nervously at the sight of the looming metropolis, crouching on the lands like a vulture...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>02-02-2010, 19:34:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No, it doesn't," he agreed.&nbsp; "Which unit are you with?&nbsp; I'll escort you there before I make my report."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>03-02-2010, 01:51:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Well, now <em>that</em> was a complication. Shaylia kept her voice light, as her slim shoulders rose in a shrug. "-Good question. I don't think I've been assigned, yet; In fact, this is only the second time I've seen the city... All I know is that I was supposed to join the group escorting-" And she jerked her head towards the column of villagers, winding it's way towards the city. "-<em>Those</em> villagers."<br><br>She sighed, theatrically. "It's still a trifle confusing...But any one's good as the other..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>04-02-2010, 14:30:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He gave her a look that might have been sharp, under his mask.<br><br>"I see.&nbsp; Well, let's go find out, shall we?"<br><br>He pointed to a gate off to one side, then turned and barked orders to his troop to carry on and report to their barracks.<br><br>"Come.&nbsp; Let us get you to your unit."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>05-02-2010, 01:49:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shaylia shrugged, apparently resigned, and fell into step behind him; "Of course," she murmured, with a small sigh- "-The system *is* a little complicated..." <br><br>Privately, though, she wondered whether the deception had gone on *quite* long enough- She might have to take this man, silently and quickly, before she was exposed- And in the very heart of an enemy city, she wasn't *that* sure of her own chances. Her hand dropped casually to the bladed whip riding at her belt...There might be a time to use it, and vanish into the city streets...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>05-02-2010, 15:00:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				They had not gone far when he spoke again:<br><br>"So, you have stolen a mask and come here, pretending to be a loyal soldier...why?"<br><br>Thus far, he made no offensive moves.&nbsp; His hands were where she could see them, and his voice stayed quiet.&nbsp; Why wasn't he raising the alarm?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>09-02-2010, 23:23:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A sharp hiss of indrawn breath, a fractional widening of the eyes- That was Shaylia's entire reaction, when she realized that he'd found out; Only for her to relax, ever-so-slightly, when he made no hostile moves. Something told her it'd be best to reveal the truth, here, now, just in case...<br><br>"-To find out why villages have been left empty...Where the people have been spirited off to," she answered, completely truthfully- Her gaze flickering to the side; "-Unless I miss my guess, you're not a mere bandit either, are you? Or you'd have already brought the guards running..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>11-02-2010, 14:38:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Let us suppose you are right, and I have an aim not to dissimilar to yours.&nbsp; Would I not gain by betraying you and thus proving my loyalty?"<br><br>He chuckled grimly.<br><br>"You came for those villagers.&nbsp; Fair enough.&nbsp; They're to be put to work in the quarries, bringing more stone for..."<br><br>He waved at the city.<br><br>"As for the whys and wherefores...I cannot say.&nbsp; Be careful, fire-hair.&nbsp; We are on dangerous ground here."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>12-02-2010, 00:58:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Dangerous ground..." Shaylia echoed, gazing down at the city stretching before them; A long, low sigh parting her lips. The mastermind was rebuilding the entire city, stone by stone, bringing it up from the earth...But why? And for what?<br><br>It wasn't going to be enough to just save those villagers- This was complex enough, massive enough, that it would be an incredible feat to bring the whole plan down...Though she had only the vaguest inkling of it all...<br><br>"Who <em>might</em> know?" the fire-haired vixen murmured, her eyes going to the bandit leader, curiously; She chuckled, just a little. "-It seems to me, it'd be safest exploring from the *inside*...As one of his 'loyal minions'..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>14-02-2010, 17:25:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"The answers are, no doubt, all to be found within the thoughs of the Great and Puissant Lord, as he calls himself.&nbsp; And as for being a loyal minion..."<br><br>He eyed her for a moment.<br><br>"That can be arranged, I suppose.&nbsp; Quite easily, in fact.&nbsp; I'll vouch for you, get you in one of the women's units...yes, that should work.&nbsp; That way, if I come to visit, those who wish gossip will have to choose between my suit and my professional interest in a recruit."<br><br>A smile touched the side of his mouth, just for a moment.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>14-02-2010, 23:07:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Mmmm, <em>that</em> sounds fair enough," Shaylia chuckled, pursing her lips...She tipped her head to the side, to better regard him; "What <em>is</em> your name, soldier?" the crimson-haired witch murmured, a note of curiosity in her voice- She'd never even asked that, not yet. <br><br>Her gaze went to the taut sweep of the city, stretching out before her; The thought of the sheer *number* of men the wizard might've had at his command made her ever-so-slightly uneasy- Magic or not, he was assembling an army. And the city rising from the ground around her...She was going to need *some* cover to move freely, at least for now-<br><br>...Until she found *some* way to free the villagers, and end this for good.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>15-02-2010, 16:31:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"My name is Sargan.&nbsp; And you, o beauteous one?"<br><br>He smiled a little.<br><br>"Here.&nbsp; We'll go in over there, and I'll show you to your new unit personally."<br><br>He steered them to another gate and hailed the guards there, both of them being admitted after only a moment.<br><br>"New recruit for the Maidenguard," he told the sergeant on watch gruffly as they passed, which earned her a cautious appraisal and a nod.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>16-02-2010, 01:07:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Shaylia," the fire witch answered, a crooked smile on her lips- No point in disassembling, here; She'd merely trip herself up if she tried, and *that* would be more telling than her true name. But...The Maidenguard? The crimson-haired beauty remained silent as she followed Sargan, though those green eyes narrowed ever-so-slightly...An army indeed, it seemed. Still, she drew herself to her full height, looking decidedly formal as they passed the sergeant...Even as she steeled herself for the *next* encounter!
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>19-02-2010, 02:17:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The Maidenguard proved to be an all-woman unit of armed and armored lasses, and Sargan left her at the gates of their compound, saluting the officer in charge of the watch and spinning a mostly correct (if overly brief) tale of her recruitment.&nbsp; Then he gruffly turned Shaylia over.<br><br>"Serve well," he told her, spurring his horse into motion.<br><br>Her new superior, a dusky-skinned, well muscled woman with a homely face and a grim smile, looked her over for a moment, then nodded approval.<br><br>"You at least don't look like some officer's kept woman.&nbsp; Are you trained?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>19-02-2010, 10:26:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shaylia nodded, in response, her gloved fingers dropping to the familiar, braided length of her whip- "Indeed I have," she answered, modestly enough- dipping her head in a polite bow. Fiery tresses rustled, as she met the woman's gaze for a moment, her lips quirking, just a little, in a smile; "-I'll be proud to serve...Though I'm no-one's kept woman." Her eyes flickered in amusement, and she couldn't help but add, "Yet."<br><br>She touched her fingers to her heart, in the ritual salute of her homeland, a gesture of utmost respect; "-How may I address you?" the lovely redhead inquired, delicately, an unvoiced question in her words- The woman was clearly someone of authority- possibly the leader of the unit- but it couldn't hurt to ask...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>19-02-2010, 15:51:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The woman snorted softly, seeming amused.<br><br>"Not yet, is it?&nbsp; Well, at least you've got some idea of what to do, not like those doe-eyed and simpering little girls they keep sending me.&nbsp; I'm Captain Eisa.&nbsp; Let's get you squared away, flame-hair."<br><br>She beckoned Shaylia to follow, and headed for a long, low building.<br><br>"Where've you served before this?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>20-02-2010, 14:00:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shaylia shrugged, as if it meant nothing at all- "Around," she murmured, a smile tugging at her lips- And decided to respond truthfully. "I saw some action against the Khyrllian Horde in the East...The battles against Warlord Grak during the Fifth Incursion..." She shook her head, briskly. "I've been wandering since then, really...This is the first time I've been to the city..." A pause, then in respect to the woman's rank- "Ma'am."<br><br>*Those* had been bloody, frantic days instead- Mercenaries and sell-swords, adventurers of all stripes had gathered to either the banners of the desperate alliance, or the Grand Warlord himself, who'd been cast down after the recovery of the Crown of Karzath...An adventure Shaylia had played a part in, herself, though she didn't expect the woman to recognize her...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>23-02-2010, 02:24:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Captain Eisa frowned and nodded, grunting in recognition of both name and campaigns.<br><br>"Hard work, I'd imagine.&nbsp; Good.&nbsp; I could use a couple of old hands around here.&nbsp; Whip some of these spoiled little pets into shape!&nbsp; Lot of silly little girls with pretensions.&nbsp; No discipline.&nbsp; All right, then.&nbsp; I'll start you as a brevet sergeant.&nbsp; If you work out, I'll see about making the rank permanent.&nbsp; What say you to that, flame-hair?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>23-02-2010, 03:12:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I say-" Shaylia began, that half-smile lingering on her lips, for a moment, before she sobered- "-That sounds good to me, Ma'am."<br><br>She drew herself up to her full height, standing rigidly- And brought her hand up in a sharp salute, a legacy from her time beneath Knight-Venturer Markham's army; Though they'd been unruly mercenaries, then, the knightly lord had insisted on proper discipline and training for those beneath him...Which was one of the reasons why his legion had been one of the few to survive, with over half of it's strength.<br><br>Deep within, though, the crimson-haired beauty's unease only *deepened*- Was *that* part of the wizard's plan? An army for his resurrected city? The few rare practitioners of the art she'd met had been esoteric, focused more on the accumulation of arcane power than the physical world...Unless this, too, was only the means to an end... <br><br>"-When do I start?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>23-02-2010, 15:14:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Captain Eisa blinked, then straightened herself and returned the salute.<br><br>"Tomorrow's soon enough, once you're rested and fed.&nbsp; I'd say 'now', but no point in exhausting you further."<br><br>Soon, Shaylia had her new quarters: a cramped room, all to herself, off to one side of the crowded dormitory used by the others.&nbsp; It was only about half full, judging by the meagre personal possessions set about...but straightening this place up would take some work nonetheless.<br><br>"I'll see you in the officer's mess tonight."&nbsp; Eisa clapped her on the shoulder and left Shaylia to her own thoughts for now.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>24-02-2010, 00:54:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Tonight, then," Shaylia agreed, easily enough, with a nod- And she stepped into the small, cramped room, peering around it inquisitively; It wasn't much but it *was* private- With a bed, rather than the series of bunks meant for the common troops. "The privileges of rank," the fire witch murmured, not without humor, resting her hands on her hips as she looked about it, with a sigh- This *was* a dangerous game she was playing...But it was the only way she could think off...<br><br>The bedsprings creaked as she settled on it, gazing abstractedly at the ceiling, for a moment- In time, she would rise and refresh herself, for the meeting tonight- Now, though, Shaylia *pondered*...But while she had pieces of the puzzle, the truth *still* evaded her. <br><br>She stood, resolved to clear away the clutter in her quarters, before she allowed herself to rest- It wouldn't be...appropriate...to simply leave it, after all. Besides- If she was playing a role, it would be best to play it *well*...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>24-02-2010, 21:01:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cleaning and clearing the room didn't take long.&nbsp; Just as she finished, a soft knock came at the door...followed by a curvy little blonde in ill-fitted armor.<br><br>"You're the new sergeant?&nbsp; Uhm.&nbsp; Some of the others are...there's a fight."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>26-02-2010, 13:23:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"A fight?" Shaylia straightened, and met the blonde's eyes frankly- She gave a brisk shake of her head, glancing back over her shoulder at the now-tidied room- Though she *did*, as was an old habit of hers, carry her equipment, it would certainly be overkill to turn up with, say, a longbow to settle a brawl...<br><br>She coiled the whip's thong against her wrist, with an approving nod- That would do, well enough.<br><br>"-Take me there," she ordered, moving towards the door; A thought struck her, as she set a quick pace, matching strides with the other woman; "-What's your name, soldier? What can you tell me?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>02-03-2010, 15:03:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"My name is Miri, Sergeant," the girl says demurely, blushing a little.&nbsp; "Come..."<br><br>She leads Shaylia out behind the barracks, where a circle of woman (girls, really) are standing around a catfight in progress.&nbsp; Most of them seem uncertain about whether to go for help, or cheer one of the two on, or break it up.<br><br>"It's over a man, of course," Miri whispers to Shaylia.&nbsp; "I think so, anyway."<br><br>Thus far, things are not yet to the torn clothing stage so much as the rough and tumble wrestling around stage, but it's only a matter of time before more than hair gets pulled.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>03-03-2010, 02:03:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Over a-" Shaylia echoed, and shook her head with a little sigh. Typical- An all-female unit, and there *still* was the same problems...<br><br>Her wrist snapped, and her whip- Without the shrike-blade at the tip, of course- cracked against the ground- A sharp *snap* like a gunshot, dust gouting out in a brief spray from the impact! "That's enough, you two!" the lovely redhead ordered, with the clarion-call of a voice used to shouting over crowded battlefields. She let the weapon dangle from it's leather thong, her fingers gripping the braided length with an ease that told of long experience!<br><br>She turned her emerald gaze to the others, her lips tightening- "All of you- You're not here to gawk. Back to your bunks, <em>now</em>. Inspection...As soon as I'm done here." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>03-03-2010, 03:42:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Women scattered!&nbsp; Some shot her curious looks, others glared resentfully, but all...save the two in the center, scrambled to obey her firm commands.<br><br>The two on the ground kept on fighting, each determined to get the last blow in.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>04-03-2010, 07:53:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>"Enough."</em><br><br>Shaylia's voice was absolutely frigid, now, as they kept struggling...And her lash uncoiled in twin strokes. Not the same ones she'd used in combat, the strikes that could take a man's head with the lethal edge of her shrike-blade...But a lightning-quick arc that *hissed* out, like a tame serpent, to crack across one's leg, and the other's arm; Enough to sting, with the painful bite of the braided whip...A lesson, not permanent harm.<br><br>Her heeled boots clopped on the ground as she drew close, her face stern. <br><br>"-<em>Both</em> of you. I won't have my squad fighting like wild dogs." She moved to interpose herself between them, holding herself ready, in case either woman tried something stupid; Her emerald gaze flickered from one, to the other, as her lips curled. "...One chance to explain yourselves. Make it good."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>04-03-2010, 14:51:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shrieking with surprised agony the two parted, glaring at each other and rubbing their new welts.<br><br>"She started it," they exclaimed in unison...and only Shaylia's presence kept them from springing at each other yet again.&nbsp; Then, at her spoken invitation, they both started talking at once.<br><br>What Shaylia can sift from the insults, invective, and general bitchiness that results is this: they were both bound to the same officer, and their rivalry spilled over after a chance comment by another woman set them at odds.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>09-03-2010, 08:40:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shaylia made a sharp gesture, cutting off the wave of self-righteous accusations, hypocrisy, and the occasional grain of truth; She wasn't *that* tall for a woman, and certainly wasn't heavily built, either, but she could be *very* intimidating when she felt like it...And this was definently one of those times. Her own stint under Sergeant Raywell- A stolid bulldog of a man, who'd made a *career* out of putting the fear of Gods in recruits, had been *very* specific...<br><br>"Kitchen duty for a week, both of you," she pronounced, the steely glint to her green eyes daring either to disagree- Or to try <em>something</em>. Anything. "-And until further notice, you're bunkmates, understand? Settle this, or <em>I</em> will." The slightest curl to her full lips implied she'd more than happy to do so...Though <em>that</em> wouldn't end well for *either* of them.<br><br>Her voice softened, just a hair; "Get this; You're both <em>here</em>, now." A tip of her head indicated the sweltering desert, heat shimmering like a mist in the distance~ Aptly underlining the barren sands stretching out in every direction. There wasn't, quite simply, anywhere to go. "The sooner you understand, the easier it'd be. <em>Don't even *think* of trying this again.</em>"<br><br>"Dismissed."<br><br>Shaylia turned on her heel- Half-turned, really, in case either made a move...Leaving both women there, as she moved off. After all...She had an inspection to plan.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>10-03-2010, 01:53:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Both recruits suitably cowed, Shaylia found the other members of her new unit suddenly and inexplicably busy with an amazing array of trivial tasks.&nbsp; Now that was definitely something she remembered from her days as a simple soldier!&nbsp; Anything to keep Sarge from paying too much attention to you after an incident...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Tales of the Fire Witch (Iridum/MP)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>iridum248</strong> on <strong>12-03-2010, 12:33:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When she was out of sight, Shaylia allowed her a tight smile of satisfaction, green eyes glinting; She'd never *thought* that she'd enjoy command- But so it was. She let out a low, long sigh, as she leaned against the doorjamb of her room, for a moment, collecting her thoughts...In a little time, she'd conduct the inspection, on an even-handed basis; The fire witch had little doubt, now, that they'd be on their best behaviour...At least for tonight.<br><br>This hadn't been what she'd expected, at all~ While she didn't have *as* much time as she'd have expected, she *might* have a free reign, between the demands of training the company...A job, Shaylia realized, might be for the long-term...<br><br>Her thoughts turned to the prisoners, likely still enslaved to toil, and she winced, just a little, in guilt- She couldn't help them. Not now, though, not without exposing herself...The chance might come in time, she counselled herself, her glossy leather ensemble creaking as she roused herself, *stretching* to work the kinks out of her muscles, from her back~ <br><br>-Time. She'd have to make time for tonight, to meet the others at the Officer's Mess...And see where *that* would lead...
			</dd>
		</dl>
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