The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: MagicalPen on 17-11-2008, 20:08:54</h2>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>17-11-2008, 20:08:54</strong>
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				Ribenheim, a small but powerful Kingdom, relied heavily on its elite fighting forces. As such a small Kingdom, it needed to get the best out of its citizens, which involved a highly rigorous training system for raw recruits, and required every male and female to spend two years in the Armed Forces at the age of 16, and then lifetime membership in the town Militias after that. Everyone in Ribenheim knew how to use a blade of some sort, and many of its former soldiers hired out as Mercenaries after their required service terms were up. <br><br>Ribenheim was one of many of the Lesser Kingdoms which constantly warred against each other. A few other Kingdoms were larger and more powerful, and when war broke out amongst the Lesser Kingdoms once more, Turdoch – one of the larger Kingdoms – got involved, cementing an alliance it had made with the King of Ribenheim.<br><br>The Black Dogs of Ribenheim are the most elite soldiers in all of the Kingdom, if not all of the Kingdoms.. They are selected at the age of 16 from amongst the masses of youngster going through their initial training. They have to show signs of being a skilled fighter, level headed, and several other skills. Once selected, they travel to the Dark Mountains for intensive training. Its is said that a boy who enters the Dark Mountains returns a Black Dog, or not at all. What transpires in the Dark Mountains, and the secretive Black Dog training camp, remains a mystery. What is known is that not all who are selected return. No Black Dog has ever spoken about the camp – at least, not spoke to outsiders about it. <br><br>Some Black Dogs, despite all their qualities, are not always up to par physically or skillfully with weapons. These Black Dogs are then caste out of the Black Dogs and take on command positions in the Regular Army, teaching those below them all that they have learned and strengthening the Army as a whole. The Black Dogs who do make the grade go through years of training. At the age of 20, they advance from Pup status to Dog status, earning a place in one of the two Black Dog Companies. <br><br>The Black Dogs rarely number more then 1,000 men and woman total. They are split into two companies of 500 Black Dogs each – Alpha Dog and Beta Dog, though there is no difference in quality between the two. Each Company is split into 5 Platoons of 100 soldiers each, which in turn are split into 10 Squads of 10 soldiers each. It allowed the Black Dog units to operate independently to great effect and collectively as a whole to great effect.. <br><br>The Black Dogs were fiercely loyal – to each other and to Ribenheim – and would often spearhead the most important of attacks, and perform the most secret of missions. Their armor and clothing is strikingly black and all are in prime physical condition. They are both awe inspiring for fellow troops, and fear causing amongst the ranks of the enemy. Only a fool would try to cross blades with a Black Dog.<br><br>Captain Dargoth, at 28 Years Old, had been a Black Dog for 12 yeas now. It was his life and something he had always aspired to become. His father before him had also served as a Black Dog and had begun training Darogth almost as soon as he could walk. It was no surprise when he was pulled from the Regular Ranks at age 16 to go train in the Dark Mountains along with another boy from his town. That boy, however, did not return from the Dark Mountains. One could also say that the boy-Dargoth did not return either.<br><br>Dargoth had recently been promoted to Captain of the Wolf Pack, one of the more notorious and prestigious squads in Alpha Company. It was both an honor and a curse – a lot would be expected of him and his soldiers and they would always be the ones assigned to the most dangerous of missions. The previous Captain had died on one such mission, as had the one before him. In fact, the Wolf Pack was notorious for losing its Captains. An ill omen, if he knew one. And today he was about to meet his squad. <br><br>The Barracks had been empty, apart from a few slumbering souls, when he had moved his gear into the 1st Platoons quarters. They were stationed in the Capital of Ribenheim, which bore the Kingdoms namesake, and were one of three Platoons currently stationed there. It was always an honor to be drawn to live in Ribenheim, especially during the summer months. It meant one of two things – peace and relaxation, or war was coming.<br><br>He moved out onto the parade ground, where Black Dogs sparred with each other, repaired weapons and armor, or practiced rope climbing and other skills. Dargoth let his eyes can over the soldiers before barking out his first order.<br><br>“WOLF PACK! FRONT AND CENTER! ON THE DOUBLE!”
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>17-11-2008, 21:14:30</strong>
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				Balani was down the rope she'd been climbing almost before the echoes died away.&nbsp; She was an oddity, having arrived in Ribenheim sometime after her 14th birthday, already on her own and struggling under the weight of a full-sized sword.&nbsp; The men who tried to 'assist' her with it quickly found that she had other 'teeth' as well, and knew how to use them.<br><br>By 16, two years after Dargoth was taken to the mountain, she had been a regular fixture around the training ground, frequently sparring with men twice her size.&nbsp; When she did fall - which was often enough in those early years - she would gamely get up and seek another session.<br><br>Some had whispered that she would be chosen as a Black Dog for almost a year before she was woken for that life-changing trip.<br><br>Then, she had been tapped as a member of the Wolf Pack.&nbsp; She was the newest member up until this morning, not that age or seniority had any influence over rank.&nbsp; The Pack was known for its group tactics, working almost as if they knew each others' thoughts.&nbsp; As the rest of them loped across the training field, exchanging glances, it could almost be believed.<br><br><em>New Captain.</em><br><br><em>How long will this one last?</em><br><br>No one seemed at all dubious about his qualifications - he wouldn't be here if he wasn't qualified.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>17-11-2008, 21:24:56</strong>
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				Dargoth stood with his arms folded behind his back, waiting for his squad to line up. Once they did, the scar that cut across his eye - splitting his eyebrow - down onto his cheek could be seen. Countless other scars pock marked his body too, but he wore the black dress and leather bracers the Black Dogs always wore when not in armor. His hair was well kept and black, his eyes hazel, and his skin weather beaten and tan. His eyes had that piercing look as he studied each of them. He started at his left.<br><br>"Gomes, a South Paw Archer." A nod of his head. "Sheryl, Mistress of the Dark. Rowan, Marksman and best Hunter." The Archers always stood next to each other. "Gerhard, Drew, and Selene - Blademasters of Spear and Ax. Marcus, Bear, and Balani - Blademasters of Sword and Dagger." He says knowingly. Either he had a dossier on each of the, or his eye was that keen. At any rate, he would not reveal his source of information. "And all of the Wolf Pack." A brief pause. "I am Captain Dargoth and your new Squad Leader. I don't know why you bunch go through more Squad Leaders at four times the pace of any Squad, but I plan to change that. Don't fuck with me either, or you'll meet the sharp end of my sword. I expect to be treated in the manner in which you wish to be treated." He paced up and down the line as he spoke. "If you've got a problem and can't work it out yourself, come to me. Whatever happens in the Wolf Pack stays in the Wolf Pack. I expect nothing less. Understood?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>17-11-2008, 21:51:21</strong>
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				The other Wolves looked at each other as he passed.&nbsp; Some merely nodded.&nbsp; A few of the more senior members grinned approvingly.&nbsp; A Wolf's smile was rarely a mark of simple levity, but there was a subtle difference between those that marked challenge and those that marked acceptance.<br><br>"Understood, Sir!" they all said after he finished.&nbsp; Really, nothing of his speech changed anything that they'd been doing all along.&nbsp; There would undoubtedly be some adjustments as he was accepted into the Pack, but that sort of thing either happened swiftly or not at all.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>17-11-2008, 22:01:08</strong>
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				"Good." He says, stopping in front of Balani. His eyes swept up and down over her before he moved on. "We'll be taking to the field tonight, for some hands on training. You grow soft the more time you spend in this city." He says, glancing up over his shoulder to the fifty foot walls that towered behind them. "Typical battle attire. We leave at sundown. You know the drill. Dismissed!" He says. The other Black Dogs barely paid them any attention to the exchange, continuing on about their business.<br><br>Dargoths stance relaxed at that, his hands dropping to his sides, one hand resting on the hilt of his sword. It was a very natural position for him to take and he let his eyes wander around his surroundings, drowning every thing in for future reference. He had always preferred the wilds, being a farm boy, to the cities. He also wanted to see what his new command was like. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>18-11-2008, 01:26:02</strong>
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				Balani noticed his attention on her.&nbsp; He probably knew she was the most recent Wolf - aside from him, of course - and that's why he singled her out.&nbsp; Her eyes narrowed a fraction.&nbsp; Did he doubt her?&nbsp; The last Captain had, but she had proved herself, she thought.<br><br>Once they were dismissed, she headed towards the barracks.&nbsp; No real distinction was made among the Wolves - they were all 'brothers', despite the fact that some were a little more padded.&nbsp; They respected each others' personal space, however.&nbsp; 'There is no safer place than a Wolf's lair - unless you're a rabbit,' was a common exchange heard when somebody was tucking away their weekly pay, or the profits from a game of Fortune.<br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>18-11-2008, 15:20:51</strong>
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				The thing about new Black Dogs is that they always felt like they had something to prove, which could be dangerous. They were more likely to take risks that would endanger the rest of the squad. And so did he. Not only did he have to prove himself to his new squad, but he also had to prove himself capable of command in front of his superiors. But he was more restrained then that, not an unruly new Dog. He would have to watch Balani, the newest of the group, and make sure she didn't endanger the rest of the squad. <br><br>That was, in part, why he had accepted tonight's mission. A group of brazen bandits were encamped not far from the city, deep in the Forest. Ten of them, former soldiers themselves, and all wanted dead. He had been issued the order to cleanse the Forest of them and make sure none survived. A simple task, he thought, but one that would keep his squad sharp and see how dull their blades had grown with city life. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>18-11-2008, 19:54:55</strong>
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				Balani, like the others, was assembling her 'kit'.&nbsp; Not that it took much, merely rolling up her sleeping mat and blanket and stuffing it and some warmer garments into her pack.&nbsp; Her sword and knives were always with her - a Wolf always has fangs - and those things that were most needed for field duty were already tucked away.&nbsp; <br><br>Before she reported back to the mess, she lightly touched a simple wooden box under her bed.&nbsp; It, too, contained a sword - the same sword that she had come into Ribenheim with all those years ago.&nbsp; "Not this time," she said, half to herself, but half as if the sword itself was listening.<br><br>Then, with a single movement, she was heading back to the mess.&nbsp; True, Dargoth had said they would leave at sundown, but she and the rest of the command would be ready in case there was a last-minute change in plans.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>19-11-2008, 14:28:07</strong>
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				Dargoth sat on his black horse in the courtyard, watching as the sun began to sink, the sky beginning to change colors. He liked to be punctual, and expected it of those who served under him. It led to better discipline and allowed ample time to arrive even if something were to arise in a problematic sense. It was also predictable - to a certain extent - but that had not worked against him yet.<br><br>He waited for his squad to assemble before him, giving them a once over. They were Black Dogs, they knew their business which was waging war. Their horses were bred for war too and could hold their own. "We ride hard to the forest and then dismount. Gomes will watch the horses while the rest of us encircle the camp. Sheryle will silence their sentries. Rowan will tend to their horses to ensure none of them escape. The rest of us will attack the encampment on my signal. No prisoners, no mercy. Understood?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>19-11-2008, 16:09:30</strong>
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				"Understood, Sir!" came from the squad's throats almost as one.&nbsp; A voice behind Balani - one of the veteran Wolves - rose in a chillingly accurate howl.&nbsp; Like their namesakes, they would run silent once the hunt had begun, but when sound was necessary, there were signals that would mimic the expected sounds in a forest.<br><br>When the order came, they would head for their horses.&nbsp; For combat's sake, Balani and the archers rode mares, which suited their quicker, agile fighting style, and so they housed them in a separate stable.&nbsp; There were herbs they used when it was necessary to keep them from distracting the stallions, of course, but it was always best to keep the temptation from causing problems.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>19-11-2008, 18:20:06</strong>
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				Dargoth gave the order to move out and they quickly fell in beside him, in two files of 5 each - Dargoth leading from the left. They passed out of the courtyard through the Gate and onto the Main Street. Citizens made sure to get out of their way as fast as possible, Dargoth setting a trotting pace. It didn't take long before they came to the outer wall, and the impressive Main Gate of the city. Passing through the gate was like traveling down a hallway, with murder holes above and three iron portcullis able to drop down - one at each end and one in the middle. The Main Gate itself house 100 soldiers - mostly archers - and was a key point of the City defense. <br><br>Shortly after they left the Main Gate, darkness fell, and no moon rose. A perfect night for an attack, he thought, riding his horse was second nature to him and required no thought or concentration. They rode in silence, lost in their own thoughts, as they traveled through the night. An hour later, they reached the Forest where the Bandits were reportedly hiding. Dargoth raised his arm, fist closed, to bring them to a halt and dismount. He led his horse into the Forest a ways, tethering it to a tree. Hidden so, the horses would draw no attention from passer-byes.<br><br>He motioned with hand signals while they could still see him, ordering them to fan out and keep silent. Sheryl moved out ahead of them, a blade in her hand, as she sought out the Sentries that would be posted. Dargoth himself kept low, his stance a crouch, his eyes barely above brush level, as he scanned the trees and path ahead. He kept his weapon sheathed, so its metallic blade would not reflect any light - there was no need for the use of the Blade Darkener on a night like tonight - and crept as silent as a Wolf. It wasn't long before he could see the light from a small fire up ahead.&nbsp; 
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>19-11-2008, 19:02:56</strong>
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				Some of the Wolves tethered their mounts.&nbsp; Others merely draped the short reins over a convenient branch.&nbsp; Those that did that had trained their horses to come to certain signals, but the animals would remain still until they received that call or their lives were in mortal danger.<br><br>Balani's horse was not trained that way, so she secured the mare to some brush before creeping after the others.&nbsp; She had both of her boot-blades in hand, leaving her sword sheathed until the initial surprise phase of the attack was over.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>19-11-2008, 19:50:55</strong>
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				Dargoth couldn't see where his Pack was, but he could almost sense them. His nose picked up the faint tinge of Iron, letting him know that Sheryl had done her job - no cry of alarm sounded so she had not been caught out. The smell of Iron on the wind would increase once more blood was shed. He hooted, like an owl, signaling to the others that they should be ready to attack. <br><br>The fire lit up a small clearing, a few sleeping forms lay directly around the fire under blankets, weapons with in arms reach, while a tent with its flap closed occupied another space. A lean-to covered a few chests and stored food. All said, there were 6 men sleeping around the fire. A quick 'hoot-hoot' responded back to his call from Sheryl, signaling to him that the two sentries were down. That meant two more bandits lay in the tent. The Wolf Cry and Signals were only used in War, when the enemy knew the Black Dogs were on their trail. It sent fear down their spines in such a manner. <br><br>He drew his blade, the sound of it sliding out of its sheath diminished by a well lubricated sheath, padded with soft leather. He twirled it once in his hand and barked like a dog - THAT was the signal to attack. Black Dogs, masked by the dark in their midnight black clothing and armor, detached from the shadows around the camp and moved in smelling an easy kill, only a few sleeping bandits stirring into wakefulness at the sounds of the barking dog nearby.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>20-11-2008, 19:30:47</strong>
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				Balani only knew where the others were because she'd seen which way they were going, and knew what to listen for.&nbsp; One of the first things that she'd learned as a Wolf was how to move like an animal - not in long, deliberate sequences, but instead, pausing irregularly to scan, listen, and even sniff the air.&nbsp; She was behind one bandit as he rolled over in response to the bark.<br><br>His eyes widened as he saw her, like some dark angel - or she-devil - descending on him.&nbsp; He drew breath to call an alert, but it hissed out ineffectively as her blade crossed his throat.&nbsp; Wiping the blood from her eyes, Balani looked around to find her next target.<br><br><em>No prisoners.&nbsp; No mercy.</em>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>21-11-2008, 15:09:28</strong>
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				Dargoth had his blade out and stabbed a man still sleeping. He angled the blade to enter just under the ribcage, sliding up to pierce the heart. The man had no idea what hit him before he died. Some of the bandits DID manage to get up and draw weapons, one turning to engage Dargoth. Steel rang on Steel as they exchanged blows, but the Bandit was no match for Dargoth. A dipping of the shoulder, a feint lunge turned into a slash, and the bandit was clutching the bloody stump of his sword arm where it ended just below the elbow. Dargoth wasted no time, jabbing the point of his sword through the mans neck. Blood squirted from the main artery as he pulled his sword out, the Bandit falling to the ground motionless.<br><br>The scene was the same around the camp - those that were able to raise arms were quickly dealt with, the Black Dogs greatly superior in skill then the groggy Bandits. The bottles around the campfire suggested that they had been drinking that night. A quick glance around revealed no empty sleeping pads save those of the dead sentries, so Dargoth turned his attention to the tent. He motioned for the others to do so too. <br><br>He stepped to the edge of the tent, using his sword to pull the flap back. It was a good thing too, as the bolt from a crossbow came sailing out, planting itself firmly in a tree across the clearing. Darogth darted in, the first strike knocking the crossbow from the hand of the Bandit leader, the second ending his life with a slash across his chest. <br><br>The inside of the tent was warmer and contained a chest - full of money he supposed - along with other stolen goods and food. Darogth wiped his blade clean on the mans tunic before stepping out of the tent. "Burn the bodies. Keep whatever you want from them - but only those items on their body."
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>21-11-2008, 16:49:10</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Balani didn't question the order.&nbsp; There was nothing that the bandits had that she wanted, and she imagined that most of the stuff was ill-gotten to begin with.&nbsp; She and the other Wolves dragged the bodies together in the middle of the camp and began stacking wood and brush around and over them.&nbsp; Soon, a smell sickeningly like cooking meat was wafting upward, along with a cloud of oily smoke.<br><br>No one had been notably reckless during the attack.&nbsp; In fact, most of them were still looking around as if expecting there to be additional combatants.&nbsp; Most importantly, though, the veterans were eyeing Dargoth with a look of approval.&nbsp; He'd proved himself to be willing to fight with the unit, rather than standing back and just giving orders.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>21-11-2008, 19:35:35</strong>
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				Dargoth had never been one to sit back and let the others do the fighting. He always liked to spearhead an assault himself. It let him know the situation immediately and inspired his troops - they'd never let themselves be outdone by their commanding officer. While it was true he was rather young for such a position, and not nearly as old as those in his position tended to be, he had earned the rank and the job. <br><br>While his squad prepared the bodies for burning - no sense burying them or leaving them for the animals - he began to rummage around amongst the Bandit Leaders belongings. He wanted an idea of who this man was and what he'd done. His belongings would be a good indication of that. <br><br>Searching through a chest, he pulled out a talisman. It was gold coin on a leather thong. Nothing unusual there, if not for the fact that the coin was a Verrani Gold Coin. They were extremely rare and Verran had been a long time enemy of Ribenheim. It meant that these bandits were in the employ of Verrani! His face paled. That was as good as a declaration of war. He clenched the coin in his fist then moved to the tent flap, sticking his head out.<br><br>"Balani!" He called - she was the nearest of the group. "Come here, on the double!"
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>21-11-2008, 23:27:41</strong>
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				Balani sheathed her knives as she got up to see what Dargoth wanted.&nbsp; She hadn't even had to draw her sword.&nbsp; She walked lightly, ready to deal with any possible problems - although they had counted up the bandits twice as they were preparing the fire.<br><br>"What is it, Squad Leader?" she asked as she approached the tent.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>22-11-2008, 03:14:27</strong>
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				He smiles at her. "Drop the formalities when we're out in the field, first. Secondly, call me Dargoth or you'll face the whip." He put on a more serious face with that. It was left for her to decide whether or not he'd actually carry that out. "The reason I called you in here is to confirm my suspicions." He tossed her the talisman. "Tell me what THAT looks like to you."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>22-11-2008, 21:43:30</strong>
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				She glanced at it.&nbsp; "Border token," she said as she picked it up.&nbsp; "There are a few floating around from Turdoch.&nbsp; Lets you cross over into their lands without getting questioned.&nbsp; This one's from..."<br><br>The expression on her face as she brought it closer told him all he needed to know and more.&nbsp; Her lip twisted, and she tossed it back to him, wiping her hand on her leggings.&nbsp; "<em>Verrani gwenci</em>," she spat.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>24-11-2008, 13:53:05</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				He studies her face, watching her reaction. Her face contorted in much the manner he expected and he deftly caught the talisman as she flung it back at him. He nodded his head in agreement. He emptied the dead bandits coin purse and slipped the talisman inside the now empty pouch. He then pocketed the pouch and left the coins where they fell. <br><br>His eyes looked at her coldly. "Do you know what the significance of this...coin, means here? What it means to be found in OUR land?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>24-11-2008, 15:39:22</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Balani snorted softly.&nbsp; "It means that these were no common bandits.&nbsp; And it is doubtful that they stole that from its rightful owner - not that it would be any better if they had."&nbsp; She met his eyes, and her own held the look of a hound at the ready.&nbsp; "Do we send word back?&nbsp; Or track these vermin to their holes?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>24-11-2008, 15:57:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He shakes his head. "Track them? We don't know if there are more of them. These have apparently been here for a month. No, there could be more of them. The fact that these are in the employ of the Verrani means war. Subtle, but it could be a sign of greater things. For all we know, they could have hundreds of bandit groups like this, hiding out in the Forests and Hills. An ARMY hiding in such a manner! Then, when the time is right, they could all converge and attack, take the city by force or subtly, bypassing an engagement with our army." He turned, pacing back and forth. "I think what we've found here today will have some dire consequences."<br><br>There was no way his superiors knew about what he would find here today. And they had every reason to know what he had found. The risk of more bands like this, inside Ribenheim borders, was all too real. Verrani were known to be deal in trickery and subterfuge. No, it was time to summon the Armies, to send patrols into every Forest and Hollow. And if he knew the King of Ribenheim, it would mean War!<br><br>"I think it is time for us to make haste back to Ribenheim."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>24-11-2008, 21:21:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Balani nodded curtly.&nbsp; "The fire is well-set - it won't go out while there is bandit left to fuel it, unless the skies open up like last spring.&nbsp; I'll go round up the others."<br><br>He hadn't expressly ordered her to do so, but it would need to be done - and wouldn't take long.&nbsp; There was no reason to search for other bandits, and no looting to be done, so most of the Wolves were either tossing extra dead-fall on the fire or keeping watch.&nbsp; Someone always kept watch.&nbsp; And none stared too long into the flames, although they had no discomfort about warming themselves by its heat.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>24-11-2008, 21:31:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He takes a moment once she leaves to compose himself before storming out of the tent. "With haste, back to the horses, and then back to the Castle. Foul things run afoot this night that are out of our control!" He calls out to his squad, before turning tail and taking off at a run back towards the horses. Moments later, he is on his mount, hardly looking back for his troop. They would be fools to lag behind.<br><br>His drives his horse into a gallop. The sooner they could return, the sooner this madness would sort itself out. He peers over his shoulder, seeing who was the first to keep up with him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>25-11-2008, 00:23:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Balani wasn't the first in the pack, but she was far from the last.&nbsp; And when others had to slow their mounts for being winded, Balani's mare started to pull even with the front-runner.&nbsp; The heavier mounts had no chance even at the outset.&nbsp; Still, she didn't break the silence, even when the castle gates loomed out of the darkness.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>25-11-2008, 16:27:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The Gates swung open for them as they approached, despite the lateness of the hour. They were Black Dogs, afterall. Dargoth did not let the pace slow for one second, his horse galloping through the cobble-stoned streets back up towards the Keep and the Barracks of his watch. He dismounted before his horse had even come to a complete stop, tossing his reigns to a startled, sleepy-eyed stable hand. <br><br>"Balani, with me." He orders, turning to stride towards the steps that would take him inside the Keep. His commander would not appreciate being woken up at such an hour, but his news was urgent. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>25-11-2008, 17:39:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Balani was fifteen seconds behind him, dismounting and following him with a ground-eating stride.&nbsp; Despite their ill luck with captains, the Wolves knew how to follow orders.&nbsp; In fact, there was very little that Dargoth would find as a legitimate problem with them.<br><br>They were good - and as such, they got the more dangerous assignments.&nbsp; They functioned as a pack, and less as a 'unit' where the command came from behind.&nbsp; The leader was just as likely as the rest of them to catch an arrow or a sword in his side.<br><br>Another servant scurried ahead of them, managing a split-second lead to knock on the commander's door to announce their arrival.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>25-11-2008, 17:54:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The Commander, the general of Alpha Company in fact, was still in his night shift and wiping sleep from his eyes. "This better be important." He grumbled, slipping his feet into a pair of slippers. The General was getting older in years and enjoyed more and more some of the simple pleasures in life. It had been years since he had actively taken to the field and served more as the Kings War Counselor then anything these days. The servant stood nearby.<br><br>Dargoth's eyes shifted to the servant, then back to the Commander. "A private matter, Sir." He says, waiting for the servant to be dismissed before continuing. "My Pack and I have dealt with the Bandits in the Woods as ordered." He paused, eyes focusing on the Generals. "They did not provide us with any difficulties and we caught them with their pants down, so to speak. No survivors, no casualties. Their leader had a tent and while searching through the camp for anything of importance, I discovered the most...alarming of things." He caste a glance at Balani, slipping his hand into his shirt to produce the pouch that contained the Verrani Talisman. He handed it to the general. "See for yourself."<br><br>The General opened the pouch and dumped its contents onto a dresser, using the light of a candle to examine it in greater detail. His eyes widened. "Do, do you know what this?" The General asked, turning to face them both. "Do you realize the implications if this IS what I think it is?" <br><br>Dargoth nodded his head in response. The General slipped the Talisman back into the pouch, handing it back to Dargoth. "We must rouse the King." There was a sense of urgency in the Generals voice. "Does anyone else know of this?"<br><br>Dargoth shook his head. "Just myself and Private Balani here." He says. "I had her confirm my suspicions before returning here with all haste."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>25-11-2008, 19:31:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Balani's lip curled when the medallion was revealed again, but she did not disgrace her training by speaking out of turn.&nbsp; When the two higher-ranked men glanced her way, she gave a sharp nod to confirm everything that Dargoth had said.<br><br>Secretly, the news was sending a thrill through her.&nbsp; She'd heard the stories of Verran, to be sure, but she also knew how true they were - how they tormented the weak, and planned on conquering a vast empire for no purpose other than the glory of their king.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>30-11-2008, 15:26:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The Commander moved over to his desk and scribbled something down on a parchment before using his insignia to seal the piece of paper. He then handed it to Dargoth. "Go at once to the King and tell him everything you have told me. Do not delay." He says, bidding them to leave.<br><br>Dargoth quickly exits, followed by Balani. Once outside, he turns to her. "You do know were in off the deep end now." He states, starting to walk back the way they had come. <br><br>The Keep was stationed near the Palace and was used primarily by the Black Dogs. The Palace could be fortified too, but the plan was to use the Keep as a thorn in any besiegers side. They exited out a different door, on the opposite side of the Keep, crossing over the parade ground towards the palace.<br><br>"If I'm not mistaken, you'll be getting your first taste of war pretty soon. And knowing the Black Dogs, we'll be in the thick of things like always."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>01-12-2008, 01:46:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Not my first, just my first as a Dog," she replied, keeping up with him in a way that most normal women would consider unseemly.&nbsp; Of course, most 'normal' women wouldn't be fit to be in the Black Dogs, either.&nbsp; The correction is delivered matter-of-factly, with only a tight smile to soften it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>01-12-2008, 14:29:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He raised his eyebrow at that. That was news to him. "Oh? When was that then?" His mind quickly rolled back the years - knowing her age and history, he quickly ruled out there being a war while she was in regular training, before the Black Dogs had chosen her. Her story was one he'd be interested in hearing. The more he knew about those under his command, the more he knew how they would react in various situations. He already knew the others would be wondering where he and Balani had stolen off to, and why it was so urgent for them to have met with the Commander. Let their curiosity get the better of them, he thought, let me see if their curiosity will eat at them. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>01-12-2008, 22:35:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"War touches more than soldiers," she replied.&nbsp; "But soldiers are the only ones that can do anything about it.&nbsp; I learned that before I knew anything about a sword other than the dangerous end.&nbsp; I saw what that end could do to man and beast - and then I crossed into Ribenheim.&nbsp; I decided that if war was going to touch me, I'd learn how to make a difference."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>03-12-2008, 01:15:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He nods his head. So she wasn't a native - could have fooled him. "Where did you come from?" His tone was flat, almost like he was interrogating her but on a more personal level. They had crossed the courtyard by now and were entering into the Palace, still walking at a brisk pace. The guards there let them pass, seeing them as Black Dogs. "It is unusual for a foreigner to be selected to become a Black Dog."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>03-12-2008, 04:51:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She shook her head.&nbsp; "You won't have heard of it.&nbsp; Two years after the Verrani came, it was like Sehol never existed.&nbsp; That's how they work - Anyone too old to have it beaten out of them 'disappears'."&nbsp; A muscle in her lower jaw twitched, but there was no other sign of emotion.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>03-12-2008, 14:47:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				They were soon walking up a grand staircase, made of the finest marble laced with gold. He was only a few years older then her, true, but as an officer in the Black Dogs his training had gone above and beyond that which the regular Black Dogs received. He knew his History, but only well enough to have heard of the place and little more then that. "Aye. Then you are fortunate enough to be able to wage war in revenge. But do not let your hate consume you in the heat of battle, else you will fall. Remember, the Black Dogs come first, then its whatever personal vendetta you might have."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>03-12-2008, 20:19:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Hate can blind you," Balani replied with a nod.&nbsp; "It makes you do stupid things.&nbsp; Stupid things get you hurt or killed.&nbsp; I've found my pack, and the fact that I get to aid them against my own enemy is enough."&nbsp; She fell silent as they reached the top of the stairs.&nbsp; She hadn't shared this much of her past with many people - even her trainers in the Black Dogs had only known that she was an orphan from 'somewhere else', and once she'd proved her loyalty and skill with a blade, the rest hadn't mattered.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>04-12-2008, 16:47:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her mind was in the right place, at least, he thought. The information she had just shared with him hadn't been in her file - clearly he had struck a nerve with her as she had opened up to him. But before he could make a response to her, two guards blocked their path and a sleepy eyed Advisor stood behind them.<br><br>"What...what is your business with the King at this hour?" He asks, clearly not happy with being woken up at such an hour. <br><br>Dargoth produced the letter with the Generals seal on it. "Urgent news for the King, highest level of importance." He says, handing the Advisor the letter.<br><br>The Advisor furrowed a brow, wrinkling his nose at the letter but opened it, scanning over it quickly. "Let them pass." He quickly says, turning on his heel and marching down the hallway to the doorway to the Kings room. "Stay out here until I wake him. He won't be happy." He says to the duo before slipping inside the huge, oak door that led into the Kings Chambers.<br><br>"Well, we're either about to be hung or rewarded like heroes." He whispers to Balani. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>04-12-2008, 17:32:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I would hope the latter," Balani replies with a wry grin.&nbsp; "I sort of like my neck the length it is."&nbsp; Just like that, her defenses are back up, whether due to the Advisor's presence or as a reaction to opening too far is debatable.&nbsp; She could feel the rising sense of anticipation in the room, spreading from the Advisor to the guards merely by his reaction to the letter.&nbsp; The word would spread through the barracks, hopefully not too quickly.&nbsp; Hopefully not before the King had decided on a course of action.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>04-12-2008, 18:58:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Me too." He responds, voice trailing off as the door opens. The King stood before them, wearing what would amount to be a Royal Night Robe. It was far more lavish then anything Dargoth had ever worn. The King was in his late 50's but the weight of ruling a Kingdom made him look closer to 80. Wrinkled skin that always seemed to form a frown, hollow eyes that bespoke of horrors and pressure more then anything else, and graying hair that was slowly starting to fall out.<br><br>"I hope whatever news you bring me is worth rousing me from my sleep." The King mumbles, looking from Dargoth to Balani then back to Dargoth. The Advisor peered nervously over his shoulder.<br><br>"Your Highness," Dargoth says, taking a deep bow, hoping Balani would take the hint. "I regret having to wake you from your slumber but I bear a message that requires your immediate attention. I first reported it to my Commander after returning here with all haste. My squad and I had been sent to deal with some overly annoying Bandits in a wood not far from here. What we found there, however, is something you should see for yourself." He pulls out the pouch, extending it to the King. The Advisor quickly intervened, grabbing the pouch and opening it - a safety precaution - dumping the contents out into his hand. Once he realized what it was he held, he almost dropped it out of shock, quickly handing it to the King. "As you can see, they were no ordinary Bandits." Dargoth added as the King fingered the King.<br><br>"Summon my Council! Send riders to my Allies!" The Kings voice boomed, slipping the coin back into the pouch. "Ribenheim goes to WAR!" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>05-12-2008, 16:08:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Balani had dropped with the ease of practice.&nbsp; At the very least, she'd been in the presence of royalty at some point - or near enough to see how people were supposed to react.&nbsp; She couldn't repress a small quirk of her lips as the Advisor reacted to the coin.<br><br>She honestly hadn't expected any less of a reaction from either man.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>05-12-2008, 17:09:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The King disappeared back into his chambers. The Advisor approached them. "The King will want you to stay here tonight." He says. "We only have one room available though - one bed - and I suggest you get some sleep. The King will most likely call on you in a few hours to recount your tale to the others." He motioned them to follow him, traveling down two corridors before opening up a door. "Here we go."<br><br>The room was more furnished then the barracks, the bed Queen sized and piled high with lush pillows. Simple, but accommodating. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>05-12-2008, 18:27:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Cozy," Balani said dryly.&nbsp; She was accustomed to far less luxury and more cramped conditions.&nbsp; "Do you want right side or left side?"&nbsp; There was no impropriety in her mind about bunking with a fellow member of her unit - although there was the possibility that Dargoth's position as her commander might be an issue under some circumstances.<br><br>In this case, there was little choice, other than to use the floor - which would probably insult the King, or at least the Advisor.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>05-12-2008, 19:40:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The Advisor left them to it with that. Dargoth furrowed his brow. "I'll take the left side." He said. He always slept with his sword with in easy reach of his right hand. "I don't suppose some one would be willing to draw me a bath at this time of night..." He mutters, looking around before moving towards the bedside table, slipping his sword belt off and his leather padded vest.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>06-12-2008, 17:06:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Palace staff is probably asleep," Balani agreed.&nbsp; "And unless they have a fire going for it, you'd be just as well served with a cloth and the washbasin."&nbsp; She gave an exaggerated shiver.&nbsp; While a hot bath was a luxury she <em>did</em> appreciate, climbing into cold water was done only when unavoidable.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>08-12-2008, 14:57:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He shook his head at that. The smell of horses and sweat would continue to permeate the air. The servants in the morning would not be pleased with having to wash the soiled bed sheets that smell like they belonged in the stable. But, to be fair, they had not had a chanced to wash since their battle and hard ride back.<br>&nbsp;<br>"Well, I hope i don't stink too bad." He says, pulling off his sweat-stained under-tunic as he continued to strip down. His torso was lean with muscle and pockmarked by countless scars, the most noticeable were three long gashes across his chest, each equally spread apart from each other. It covers his right breast, starting at the shoulder and ending just below the nipple of his left breast. "But I do suggest we get some rest now. I fear we'll have little opportunity for sleep in a bed like this in the near future."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>08-12-2008, 21:14:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Balani shrugged, getting out of her leathers, but leaving on the muslin undergarment that kept the thing from chafing.&nbsp; She was also marked by her years in the Black Dogs - nothing notably serious, but enough that would stand out if she were wearing more feminine attire.<br><br>"No worse than I do," she pointed out.&nbsp; They had both ridden hard that day.&nbsp; She eyed the scars on his chest with a raised eyebrow - whatever did that was no normal beast.&nbsp; She even spread her own fingers as she sat down and reached to pull off her boots.&nbsp; Large and powerful - and still not powerful enough.&nbsp; Dargoth was a survivor, but yet no coward - a good thing.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>09-12-2008, 21:12:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He chuckled at that comment, now just wearing undergarments, and slipped into the bed, sliding under the covers. He lay there for a few moments, staring up at the ceiling. "You know, I never understood how some one could get so comfortable to a bed as soft as this." He murmurs. "I feel likes its just swallowing me up."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>09-12-2008, 21:34:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She laughed.&nbsp; "I'm sure they say the same about us - 'How can they sleep on such a hard bed?' - but when the time comes," she shrugged, settling into the puff of a mattress.&nbsp; "If you're tired, you sleep where you can find a place."<br><br>She sighed.&nbsp; "There were a few nights on the road from Sehol - I actually found the stables more hospitable than the inns."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>09-12-2008, 21:36:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He laughed at that. Even in the bed, they were still pretty close together, he thought. For some reason, it felt a lot different then sleeping next to each other under the stars or close together as they were want to do during the coldness of winter. It unnerved him slightly. "Aye, I can attest to that. I've slept in my share of odd places, and a bed like this has always felt the most uncomfortable. " He pasued, tapping his hand down on the plush mattress. "Though I can think of a few things that this is probably more comfortable for."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>10-12-2008, 07:31:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She turned her head to face him, raising an eyebrow with amusement.&nbsp; "Is that something you typically think of the night before battle?"<br><br>She'd heard some of her fellow Wolves talking that way, although usually it involved someone who wouldn't be directly involved in the conflict.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>10-12-2008, 15:55:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"If it might be the last night you'll ever see, I see no problem with that. If you're going to die, why not die happy? Its one less thing to think about too...and is a welcome distraction to thoughts of blood and guts and sweat and all the other hardships of a campaign." He neglected to mention that chances were they wouldn't see any fighting tomorrow, but a lot of marching instead. The King would be up all night, making war plans and getting the backing of his allies. Then the armies would be summoned and marched eastwards towards their enemies. Of course, the Black Dogs would be on the move come the morning, ready to make the first strike back at their enemies.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>10-12-2008, 18:43:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I suppose that's a point," Balani said.&nbsp; "And I suppose it probably ensures at least one of you gets a good night's sleep."&nbsp; She didn't seem embarrassed by the frank talk, even if they hadn't directly said what they were discussing.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>10-12-2008, 18:45:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I've never heard a woman complain." He says, chuckling at her comment. "And I can assure you they sleep better then me after the fact." He says, nodding his head, eyes still focused on the ceiling. "I think that speaks for itself?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oniya</strong> on <strong>10-12-2008, 21:27:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"At least for <em>your</em> skill," Balani retorted, then cut herself short.&nbsp; "I- I'm sorry.&nbsp; That was probably out of line."&nbsp; After all, this was her commander she was talking to.&nbsp; Banter was all well and good up to a point, but - in their current circumstance, had she passed that?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Black Dogs of Ribenheim (MagicalPen + Oniya)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MagicalPen</strong> on <strong>15-12-2008, 18:23:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He chuckled at her outburst. "Yes? That does speak for my skill, though I've never been displeased by my partners. Its usually a mutual thing too. Never gets in the way either, and its one less thing to be thinking about. No "I wonder what he's like in bed" while trying to hack some one to death before you hack them to death."
			</dd>
		</dl>
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