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Worlde Arcane: Aniada: Bigobo Grove: The Lorimar Road 2: The Bigobo Shadow-ways


Each section of the Lorimar Road spans a approximately a full days' ride, or roughly two days' march afoot.
Many travellers hear dark and deadly tales of this portion of the Great Lorimar, but the stories are exaggerated. In fact, though murky and wild, violence is rare here in the Grove. Horses, wagons, and pedestrians usually encounter no obstacle.

•Northward travel leads to The Kiana Mile, two days' ride shall lead to Kiana
•Southward travel leads to The Breeze League, father down the road 'tis six days' ride to Daelows City or five days' to Churt

 Large Clearing Caused by Fire July 17, 2005 - 11:22 pm

 Archive through July 2, 2004 July 2, 2004 - 7:03 pm

 What may I create?

 

By Jillian Griphon, 3rd daughter of Duke Griphon (Jillian)

Saturday, July 3, 2004 - 5:42 am GMT | Edit | Link |

The Lady Jillian swung her blue eyes to gaze again upon the novice. "The Lady Raven, Novice Vyshan?" the noblegirl queried sweetly. "So now thy commoner High Priestess doth have pretensions of nobility," the highborn and bred girl did give a chuckle at this point, "and this after the nation which looked to her for leadership and succor lies in ruins?" Tossing her head, which caused rainwater to fly from her hat in a fine spray, she laughed, "At least thou doth know thy place in the worlde, Novice! Mayhap the Lady Raven should take note of thine example in this regard!

"Yet for my part, I be the Daughter of a Duke, a noblewoman of Daelows Kingdom, and therefore by right and aught," she shifted now to a formal diction, "the better of nearly anyone else. As well, I was in Kiana mere days before the lamians were able to shove past the halfling defenses, and again shortly after the devastating attack. I did, in fact, arrive in Kiana before the return of the High Priestess Raven, and was told firsthand of her flight from the city prior to the attack by the lamians!" Her young face grew animated as she spoke now with noble passion. "And I know not how thee commoners see such things, but as a noble, I would judge the flight of the leader of a nation, through means magickal no less," she waved a small leather-gloved hand in an elegant gesture to emphasize her point, "during the opening stages of an attack upon her nation, I would unequivocably judge such action as in the wrong!" she finished with a dramatic flourish.

"This be exactly my point," she uttered in response to the statement by the novice that Kiana did as best they could, "the efforts of Ishitar to do the best for Kiana be, in the main, clearly inadequate to all thy denizens. And yet, thy government doth continue to rebuff the overtures of emissaries from Daelows, including twice myself, and by two different governments at that! Thy High Priestess would treat with Churt, yet where be the orcs now? What support hath they provided thee? Ishitar remains stone-hearted against Daelows because of events surrounding our recent civil war and the Star of Yesh, events which any rational person," she stabbed the air with a finger here, "must needs admit be not the responsibility of the Government of His Majesty, King Albion.

"But I do no doubt bore thee with matters thou wouldst have considered and decided by thy betters, Novice Vyshan," the Lady Jillian allowed with a giggle. "I as well be out of school now," she admitted, "so to travel the worlde, and see the ways of other nations. And of course, to right the wrongs which our noble Friend and Ally, Prince Kayne, did see fit to correct through the undertaking of his Quest of Justice and Right," she added proudly, seemingly trumping the commoner novice who would merely gather information.

"But now, methinks we do tarry here overlong," the noblegirl decided, the main column of the convoy having long since passed by now. "Armsman Alarik," she announced after both Prince Kayne and Sergeant Saradush had spoken, "'twould now please me to take thee into our service as mercenary armsman. Thou shalt be paid at standard Daelows rates for a soldier in field service. Thou shalt ride outside our banner-bearer.

"Let us therefore proceed," the Lady Jillain decreed, kicking the flanks of her warhorse with her small booted feet and leading the way back into the center of the highway, turning right to follow the passage of the military convoy. Splashing through the rain, the noblegirl urged her horse up to a canter, grinning widely as mud flew behind her horse from her fast ride.

When everyone had sorted themselves out on the ride a little later as they pursued their own wagons, the Lady Jillian called out through the wetting rainfall, "Novice Vyshan, methinks we shall have little need for an elementelle this night. And yet, we may indeed have an opportunity for thee to serve without prejudice, as thou wouldst. To wit," the noblegirl said with mirth from beneath the brim of her rainhat as she rode along at speed, "Prince Kayne hath earlier expressed his desire to have stew for dinner this evening. Canst thou make such then?"

By Kayne O'Chrysllach (Kayne)

Saturday, July 3, 2004 - 1:18 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

*Without deigning to speak, despite the turmoil he felt within, Prince Kayne merely turned his horse and followed when the Lady Jillian turned as she would. He had listened to her speech with no little amount of irritation. He favored Vyshan with a look that was warm though not possessing pity or condescension. Nor yet was the look indicative of any ulterior motive of his. The look just simply...was, and it did not last long.*

*Kayne kept silent, riding along his way as near to the Lady Jillian as possible wihout being an impediment. Even without the mask to hide his features, the Celtic Crown Prince Kayne was stone-faced, an expression to which his chiseled, regal features were long accustomed to bearing.*

By Erynne Deirdre McTavish (Erynne)

Saturday, July 3, 2004 - 1:23 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

*The Lady Erynne neither spoke nor shifted even her gaze very much while she listened to a speech made. She heard the Warden Sargeant Saradush nearby mutter "Another bloody magess" and favored him with, or rather directed his way a rather cool but brief glance. At the end of the speech, she merely turned her horse and rode on, silent and watchful of all things.*
 

By Warden-Sergeant (Saradush)

Sunday, July 4, 2004 - 5:03 am GMT | Edit | Link |

Sergeant Saradush looked away sheepishly when the Lady Erynne reacted to his muttered comment. Trying to pretend he did not notice the giant Celt woman had heard him, he suddenly focused all his attention on the Lady Jillian...Then, realizing that was not the best idea either, he let his gaze drift down the double rank of cavalrymen to his left, sitting tall in their saddles in the dripping forest canopy.

"Aye, Lady Jillian," the Warden-Sergeant replied when the noblegirl declared her party would proceed. "Squadron Leader Bromley-Morgan!" he called as his young Commander rode out on her horse, "Gold Squadron to follow the Lady Jillian now!"

While giving his orders, Warden-Sergeant Saradush kicked his own horse to a canter, and rode to the left of the Lady Jillian, while her banner bearer held aloft the now thoroughly-soaked gold-on-red banner to her right. Behind them, he heard the Squadron-Leader ordering the cavalrymen into column of three abreast, to ride through the rain in column behind the command group.
 

By Personal Guards to Duke Griphon, the (Wardens)

Monday, July 5, 2004 - 6:20 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

"Aye, Warden-Sergeant!" the Squadron-Leader called out into the rain. "Gold Squadron, form column of threes by lances from the line." Raising his hand, he waited a moment while the guidon-bearer raised his gold pennant high. "Forward!" he shouted, bringing his hand down in a sweeping arc, rainwater flying from his tunic sleeve in a silver spray.

Chainmail creaking, horses grunting, the Wardens followed those in the lead, splashing through the light rain and mud. Meanwhile, the banner-bearer brought the large gold-on-red banner into position, held aloft as he rode to the right of the Lady Jillian's warhorse.

By Kayne O'Chrysllach (Kayne)

Tuesday, July 6, 2004 - 6:43 am GMT | Edit | Link |

*The Prince Kayne remained doing as he had been doing. He simply rode on, looking neither to the right, nor to the left of himself, and speaking to no one. The rain wet his hair and face as it came down. As a shield against that moisture, the Prince Kayne decided to take a course of action.*

*The giant Celtic Crown Prince Kayne used his knees and almost inhumanly strong leg muscles to stay ahorse as he took his hands from the reins. He then used his hands to place his mask back onto his face and fasten it into place. He also put the hood of his cloak back up over his head. When that was done, he put his hands back onto the reins, relaxed his knees and legs a bit, and rode comfortably on.*

By Erynne Deirdre McTavish (Erynne)

Tuesday, July 6, 2004 - 6:46 am GMT | Edit | Link |

*As she rode on, the Lady Erynne placed the hood of the emerald cloak that draped her body back onto her head. As the masked warrior near her had done, the Lady Erynne did not see fit to speak yet to anyone, and concentrated simply on riding with the group of which she was a part. Her thoughts remained her own, however, and she kept them from passing through her lips as words.*

By Anonymous

Tuesday, July 6, 2004 - 10:39 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Vyshan’s amusement with Jillian's petulant rant was hard to contain; only the slightest hint of a smile to slipped through. She could meet Jillian point by point, trying to argue sense into the narrow-minded girl, knowing full-well the spoiled brat wouldn’t listen; however, there were some remarks Vyshan decided she would like to address. The first was rank.

“The Lady Raven is not a commoner and neither am I. You are a daughter of a Duke, you say? Then, Jillian, I outrank you. We shall leave the information at that for I feel no need to display my pedigree like an insecure child. The Lady Raven is your peer, though in rank alone for your manners are, shall we say, lacking. That she rose to her position of power makes her your equal, though I believe she is more, and if you believe less of her because she overcame tremendous odds...then you are not noble. I was taught never to speak ill of someone when they were not around to defend themselves.” Vyshan’s eyes shot coldly at Kayne. “The Lady Raven would be doubly wounded to know you did not come to her defense.”

“And, as I said, and you confirmed, your information about the raid and why Raven left is second hand. I’ll say no more on that topic. Ah, and if we continually rebuff the overtures of Daelows emissaries, I’m assuming it’s because they all carry the same sanctimonious air of self-righteousness that you do, Jillian. We are own people, and your efforts to control us are not welcome. We could judge, as you do us, Daelows and it’s failures with during the civil war and the Star of Yesh incident, but we do not. The information is second hand; we were not there to see the battle.

Vyshan sighed and smiled. “I am bored, you are correct, Jillian, but not by the topic you perceive. I am bored by you.”

Riding close to Alarik, Vyshan felt comfort, but her heart was heavy with change. She spoke quietly for just the two to hear. “We have found the convoy as we wished. They can most likely offer you a chance for treasure in addition to a paltry wage. I have nothing to offer but my unconditional friendship. Whatever your decision, I shall honor it.”

Adding more loudly, “I am an excellent cook, Jillian. Are you sure you trust me not to add foxglove to the stew?”
 

By Jillian Griphon, 3rd daughter of Duke Griphon (Jillian)

Wednesday, July 7, 2004 - 5:17 am GMT | Edit | Link |

"Now, the High Priestess Raven be noble, and I be not?" the Lady Jillian giggled as she rode along at the head of her column. "Leaving aside thy ridiculous claims to nobility, other than to point out, as a polite warning, that the penalty in Daelows Kingdom for impersonation of nobility be death by impalement," the noblegirl lifted her chin even higher than usual as she looked in the direction of the halfling Novice, "'tis obvious to me thou should have remained in school a mite longer! For on the lands and estates of my Father the Duke, we do in fact have many men who have risen to leadership positions, of villages and enterprises, and their contributions be in fact most significant, though they be but commoners. Yet see thou yon banner?" she briefly held her reins with one hand as she waved a small gloved hand in the direction of the large gold-on-red banner carried aloft to her right. "As well, upon my finger, I do wear a ring of the ducal crest. In my home in Daelows Kingdom, I do have a circlet of gold, a testimony my rank be not merely noble, but in fact royal!" the Daughter of a Duke shouted clearly into the falling rain. "These be the trappings of nobility, along with more tangible accroutrements, such as these two squadrons of cavalry," she gave a toss of her blonde head beneath her silk brim hat to vaguely point behind her, "which we were able to provide in support of the most Noble Quest of Justice and Right which Prince Kayne did see fit to undertake in the worlde.

"Seest thou such around the High Priestess Raven? Nay, methinks," the noblegirl sneered, "for lest thou forget, I have on two occasions met with Her Worship, which be her rank, she be no peer of mine! And if thou wouldst mistake alliance for control, then to learn here as well what be the way of the worlde, methinks 'twould do thee well to continue thine education for some period longer! For, at least some of what they do teach thee there doth seem to me to be correct!" the university-educated sixteen year old laughed.

"As well, I and Prince Kayne," the highborn and bred girl reminded coyly, "did in fact overcome tremendous odds in the Hills of Umma. 'Twas naught other than the nobility and strength heroism of Prince Kayne," the Lady Jillian gave a grin toward the giant Celt, "along with our education and reading of histories, which did bring our side so overwhelming a victory. Of course being notorious allies of Churt," the noblegirl added passionately, "mayhap Ishitar doth lack the sensibility to understand the horror of slavery. Perhaps this would explain why 'twas necessary for a great Prince to ride from Terajin, and our force to come from Daelows to northern Aniada, to put right a great wrong on the doorstep of Kiana.

"Indeed, I would help Kiana, if I could," the Lady Jillian said pensively, peering ahead into the rain to see when they might happen upon the trailing elements of their own main column again.

"My trust be immaterial, Novice Vyshan," the Lady Jillian replied primly. "Thou shalt be searched thoroughly for poisons, the stew shall contain naught other than ingredients handed thee by our chef, though thou of course shall specify the ingredients in thy stew. Upon any sign of malice to myself or Prince Kayne, thou shalt be trussed and brought before me for adjudication," the noblegirl explained sweetly. "For, whilst thou remain out of school, gather unto thee this information, learn now one of the realities of nobility: That within my encampment, my Word be Law!

"I trust those who do loyally serve House Griphon," the young scioness added as a somewhat tangential thought came to her mind. "All others shall be watched," she declared quietly.

After a moment of thought, the Lady Jillian called out, "See now, Prince Kayne, thou shalt in fact have thy stew this very night! Look how my ability to make something appear, where before was nothing, doth grow to rival such power of any magess!" she grinned through the falling rain at Prince Kayne from under her yellow silk brim hat, decorated with red silk roses.

By Kayne O'Chrysllach (Kayne)

Wednesday, July 7, 2004 - 12:04 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

*He listened as he rode sedately along the roadway to the tirade between the two women with mounting irritation that grew ever more pronounced by the second. Anger was kindled like flame within his bosom, particualarly when the Lady Jillian was yelling. The giant warrior Prince did not, however, speak roughly. When he did speak, it was clear enough for those intended to hear it, though calm, quiet and supremely dignified. His voice, like gentle rolling thunder was soft and almost kind to both.*

"My ladies, since ye both make claims to nobility, hear me now then. Comport yourselves as such and cease this unseemly squabbling between you. Yelling only makes the screamer look just as a spoiled child. I outrank ye both, yet I don't here choose to yell, nor claim to place myself above all, though I would be by rank, for a Prince and a King is still at heart and in truth a servant to those in his care, looking after them as best he can, if he be a true King, as my father, and me as well."

*He focused his eyes on Vyshan next.*

"I have wounded Lady Raven... yes. Were she here to hear it, I would apologize to her face with all the heart that's in me. Since she is not here, though, I shall I shall give it to you in her stead. The Lady Raven was very kind to me, and I did grow to love that Lady like one of my own flesh and blood and kin, though she be no blood of mine. I regret that I could not love her more, as a paramour as an example, but to myself I must be true and I told the Lady Raven this...all of it before I left. If you wish to think me a monster for the things I say, I will hold naught against for it, but it's my hope you don't think me evil for admitting truth. My heart has never been claimed since the Lady that held it died in Eireland years ago, and never since has it been so. Since the death of the Lady Catriona Loughnaire...my heart is mine to keep."

*His words continued, this time again addressing both women with calm regality.*

"Nobility in truth is more than just bloodlines or rank or even training and creeds. It is a state or attitude of the heart as well as all these, and ye both have shown it here to me before my eyes so I judge ye both noble. The Lady Vyshan is correct of behaviour and heart matters. All people of honor are nobility, but not all nobles have honor. My father High King Robert could tell ye both that of enemies of his. Jillian is partly correct and Vyshan as well. Rank and blood partly makes a noble but so does a kind generous loving heart whose owner is willing to do all they can for both their own people and those deemed less fortunate they they are. Anything less than an equal mix of both these things is not truly noble. The Lady Jillian in her heart has shown true nobility also, for she agreed to help a man she did not know to travel across a continent to rescue a friend. Therefore said I to ye both that I judge ye rightly, both noble."

*He looked briefly at Vyshan again*

"Would ye poison me Lady Vyshan? I who bear you no ill will, nor even to your Lady Raven whose wounds I acknowledge with full regret? Hear me. Were it in my power I would ease them, but I cannot love the Lady Raven as more than my own kin or friend, and this was told to her in truth, whether she deem it so or not. I know my heart and to her I must also be true, though it lead to the regrettable breaking of a heart. I can do no more and wish her well as a friend and one who thinks of her as kindly as I hold in my heart those of my own blood Never did I even kiss the Lady Raven. Would ye rather that she had been violated in the most carnal manner and lied to, instead of told the truth?"

*His last bit of talk, still calm and completely composed, was for the Lady Jillian of House Griphon.*

"I thank you for the offer of stew my Lady, and I trust Miss Vyshan is an excellent cook as she does say. In respect, ye did not create from nothing as my Lady Erynne did. I was there, Lady Jillian, and beheld it all. Ye had a person fetch ye wine and bring it to the table. This is not creation from nothing, nor is it even magic, but merely retrieval with another person's hands at their expense. I also know that ye gave my Lady Erynne the title of your Champion, not as an honor but as a mockery and an attempted blow to her royal dignity. You could not best her blade-to-blade even in a simple and friendly sparring match, so ye mocked her. Many times has my Lady Erynne been mocked. Refrain ye in future from this action. Know ye that I am displeased with it, and ye yourself, Lady Jillian, by reason of that action. I bid ye no ill will, but I still say, refrain in future."

*The Prince Kayne spoke all parts of his words with a regal tone that would brook no argument, even though his voice had at no time been raised. He was completely calm and every bit the Prince, nay... even the King in his oration.*

By Erynne Deirdre McTavish (Erynne)

Wednesday, July 7, 2004 - 12:37 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

*She kept quiet during the speech of the Eireish warrior and Crown Prince. She deigned to speak only once, ant that was when the Novice Vyshan mentioned foxglove.*

"In respect Lady Vyshan, the health of Prince Kayne is well guarded and any attempt upon it would certainly be looked for, intervened upon, and dealt with when the perpetrator be found. Such is simply the case with a nobleman or any man, or even any person, held dear by another. Surely ye understand this."

*The Lady Erynne's voice was very gentle and held not even a hint of malice. It was serious but light as well. She was merely stating a fact.*

By Anonymous

Wednesday, July 7, 2004 - 1:41 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

OOC: Vyshan is not a hafling.

Vyshan smiled sweetly, continuing in a quiet voice as before.

"There is no impersonation on my part, Jillian. I do not wish to flaunt what is mine. And you do have pretty flags, jewels, and a cavalry of men to do as you bid. You must feel so powerful and proud." The last was added with a touch of sarcasm. "Your actions, Jillian, say control is desired for why else would you parade such as you do, assuming I wish to serve you. I said that I could cook, not that I would."

The girl was becoming visibly tired.

"Prince Kayne, you misunderstood my words, and for that I am sorry. No accusation of heart was intended, sir. That the Lady did care for you, she told me herself, but she was your friend above all else. It is for this reason alone I sought comfort in your words."

To both Kayne and Erynne, she added, "I carry no foxglove; I would never harm any creature. My words were offered with humor, which Jillian obviously did not understand."

Vyshan's heart was heavy. This was the world she left upon entering Ishitar; nothing had changed. If not for Alarik, she might return sooner than planned, but she'd made a committment to study abroad, and more importantly to be his companion. Continued lessons in patience were sure to follow. The girl sought clarity in private thought.

By Kayne O'Chrysllach (Kayne)

Wednesday, July 7, 2004 - 4:15 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

*He turned his head and looked at Vyshan. For the first time in awhile, he looked genuinely sad. When he spoke it was a weary tone and heartfelt.*

"My apologies, Lady Vyshan. If I had words sufficient I would give them. Know only that I wish that I did not bring you pain. I have brought enough to many people. I am a warrior, but that does not give me the right to be a savage as well. I am sorry I did not understand you. Your motive's a good one. In future I pray I will be more ready to grasp your meaning. Know that I will as a friend give you what comfort I may, if that be any at all."

*The Prince Kayne turned away and kept his head down as if deep in thought as he rode.*

By Erynne Deirdre McTavish (Erynne)

Wednesday, July 7, 2004 - 4:26 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

*The Lady Erynne turned to smile at Vyshan as she rode on her way along, brightly and with considerable warmth.*

"I sense you speak truly Lady Vyshan, of humor. It's well then. Forgive me my rashness, please."
 

By Jillian Griphon, 3rd daughter of Duke Griphon (Jillian)

Wednesday, July 7, 2004 - 7:04 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

OOC--So what is Vyshan then? I have checked all previous posts and can find no mention, it just seemed she was a halfling since she knew everyone in Kiana. We could really use a description of her apperance, please!

"Aye, Prince Kayne," the Lady Jillian nodded her young head sagely, "thou hast the right of it now. I do in fact feel powerful and proud, yet 'tis no point to squabbling in the rain, on a deserted stretch of highway, betwixt those of use who clearly have the trappings of nobility," she gestured with her hand to the convoy following in the mud, "and she of Ishitar who would merely vex us! Though," the noblegirl giggled as she sat in her saddle atop her warhorse, "thou dost have a most peculiar notion of some aspects of nobility. Thine erroneous notions would be most rapidly corrected, were thee to attend Daelows City Universitie with me next term, Highness," the highborn girl offered seriously at the last.

"But thou needs make no apology to yon Novice, Prince Kayne," the Lady Jillian said earnestly. "For 'twas obvious to me, if not to thee, the High Priestess Raven did in fact ensourcel thee in her efforts to draw thee away from thy most Noble Mission of Justice and Right. It may be, Ishitar even had some interest in the slave mines, hmm?" she pointed out.

"As to the matter of the duel Lady Erynne did fight against herself on our behalf," the Lady Jillian said in what might almost be considered a contrite tone for the sixteen year old noblegirl, "rest thou assured such was meant only as a comment of humour, in the same manner as my production of something where nothing was before. 'Twas never expected the Lady Erynne should actually spend her night facing herself in a clearing, although," the young scioness favoured the Celt magess with a shy smile, "such loyalty be commendable and appreciated. Rest further assured, Prince Kayne," the Voice of Duke Griphon pronounced, "we do most highly treasure her services as Champion. As I said, I do trust those who loyally serve House Griphon.

"Yet, Lady Erynne, the threat of poisoning of nobility be no laughing matter," the Lady Jillian spoke, "and thou as well should make no apology for responding most unequivocably to this threat upon our person. For thou art true Champion. And, despite the assertion of our Noble Hero, Prince Kayne, I shall reserve judgement as to whether the motive of yon Novice be a good one, as should thee, Lady Erynne.

"Although," the noblegirl giggled as a look of mirth changed the serious expression on her young face, "if the heart of Prince Kayne be truly as closed and cold as he doth repeatedly say, then mayhap some foxglove might be the remedy! Though not, of course, in any great quantity!" the university-educated girl laughed at a joke which she, at least, understood. "Merely enough to stimulate his heart...

"But look, here be our wagons!" the Lady Jillian exclaimed, leading the way onto the left side of the roadway, out from the ruts left by the passage of their own column. At the canter, the young Commander led her forces past her own column, to retake their place in the lead.

"Oh, and Novice Vyshan," the Lady Jillian called out sweetly at an opportune moment, "thou dost misapprehend either the meaning of my words, or my power, or mayhap both. For if thou art within the confines of our campsite come nightfall, then thou shalt in fact cook and serve stew to Prince Kayne. And to all others in our party who should like such," she tossed an open-mouthed grin in the direction of the novice at this.

"Armsman Alarik," she called out, "tell me truly, preferest thou stew, or wouldst thou much rather have some dish such as roast pork loin, with potatoes and vegetables?" Though seemingly said in a light manner, the noblegirl looked long in his direction, keenly interested in his answer. Though she would eat stew with Prince Kayne if she had no other choice as hostess, this may yet provide a way to serve the Celt warrior his choice of meal, and yet justify her eating what she considered to be a real dinner....

By Anonymous

Wednesday, July 7, 2004 - 8:33 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

"No apology is necessary, Prince Kayne and Lady Erynne. I appreciate your kindness, although Jillian would attempt to negate your heartfelt words."

There was nothing more to say. And Vyshan had every intention of staying with Alarik, but she would not cook nor serve.

OOC: Human girl, eighteen, medium height, honey hair, green eyes, plain clothes...

By Erynne Deirdre McTavish (Erynne)

Thursday, July 8, 2004 - 2:27 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

"I can tend the Prince's supper, M'Lady Jillian, by yer leave. I know his tastes well and have done it much back home, in fondness to him and as an act of service to his father, the High King. They are dear to me, both, the High King and his son, the Crown Prince."

*The Lady Erynne spoke quietly, with just a hint of a smile on her regal face.*
 

By Alarik Redstone (Alarik)

Thursday, July 8, 2004 - 4:56 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

(OOC: I'm back)

Alarik watched the interchange between Vyshan and the Lady Jillian silently, with some interest. He was a bit surprised, though, at the novice's display of anger toward the Lady. Though they had only known each other for a short time, he hadn't known or expected the girl to be anything but mild-mannered.

When the suggestion was made for her to be a lowly cook, however, his anger flared. Though he himself was being treated fairly, his friend was not, and that, to him, was worse than a personal insult. He remembered Vyshan's oath to him, and his to her. Though he was a mercenary, an occupation known for its disloyalties, the man carried an inner sense of nobility, of honor that would not let this go on for much longer. He had no fondness for the Lady's pompous and arrogant manner, but he knew that Vyshan would not appreciate his intervention.

"I've my own food to eat, my Lady. It may not be much, but I have much distaste to be served by anyone. If it would not offend you, I would like to cook my own supper," he said to Jillian. The mercenary rode close to Vyshan, to reassure her that he hadn't forgotten about what he had said earlier to her.

He said quietly, in a voice that only she could hear, "The choice is yours, Vyshan. I don't want to see you serving as a cook, and you probably don't either. Although I would like to see what opportunities this event may entail, if you wish to leave, I'll go with you. Though work is hard to find for me, in this world, there is work for people like me everywhere."
 

By Jillian Griphon, 3rd daughter of Duke Griphon (Jillian)

Thursday, July 8, 2004 - 7:46 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Riding atop her warhorse at the head of the column, with only the herald in front of her as she slowed to a trot, the noblegirl was busy adjusting the lay of her red silk raincape over her narrow shoulders when the Celt magess made a startling pronouncement, seemingly out of the blue. "Thou wouldst cook stew for Prince Kayne, Lady Erynne?" the highborn and bred girl asked in surprise, taking a moment to be certain she had heard correctly. "Thou canst cook?" she finally blurted out. "I have read such be the historical role of noblewomen, of course, and still amongst such barbarian nations as the Skyld," the university-educated sixteen year old mused as she regarded the rain falling on the muddy roadway ahead. "But I had thought Eire be more advanced than this, with excellent roads and fine castles...

"Very well," the Lady Jillian decreed at length, "if thou wouldst cook, Lady Erynne, see my chef upon our arrival at camp this eve.

"It doth appear thou shalt not be required to cook stew this night, Novice Vyshan," the noblegirl giggled.

Then, with more giggles, she heard Alarik's strange response, not even an answer to her question at that! "What sort of forces hast thou served in, Armsman Alarik," the young scioness laughed, "that thou wert required to provide thine own food? Certainly not in the civilized nations, methinks. Most surely, I should be offended were thee not to partake of food at my table, Armsman. Why thinkest thou otherwise?"

Then, after a glance over her shoulder to note the cavalry in line behind her and the pace was not outdistancing their wagons, she responded to another strange thing the mercenary had said. "Thou hast distate to be served, Armsman Alarik? How odd! However then dost thou don thy armour and boots, for such surely be impossible without a servant! Or at the least, 'twould take hours. Such inefficiency should see any army lost before they even reached the battlefield, methinks. The servants do have an important role to play in the worlde," the Lady Jillian pontificated, "as do the peasants and soldiers and nobles. For one to try to fulfill the role of another, why the result should be chaos! Some necessary chores undone, decisions poorly made by those unqualified to make them. Indeed, I can see now why no such nation doth exist in the worlde.

"Nay, Armsman Alarik," the Lady Jillian declared, "thou shalt eat at our table. I as well shall try this stew of the Lady Erynne," she said resignedly, "mayhap it shall provide a unique dinner experience. The Novice may join us as well, if thou wish it, Armsman," the noblegirl declared magnanimously.

Putting the best possible face on their prospective dinner that evening, the Lady Jillian called out, "Prince Kayne, rest assured, one way or another, thou shalt have thy stew this night!"

By Anonymous

Friday, July 9, 2004 - 12:58 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

With Alarik at her side, Vyshan felt much calmer. The tension she exhibited during her uncomfortable and uncharacteristic exchange with Jillian left the girl shaken. She was defending a friend who was not able to do so herself, as well as principles long held dear. Speaking crossly to anyone made Vyshan sad; Alarik brought her peace.

"I promised you my unconditional friendship and I will stay with by your side, Alarik. If you choose to travel with Jillian to see what opportunities may arise, then I will travel with you. As for servants, she obviously feels the need to be treated differently, but I've lived her life and find it distasteful. That is my choice; I prefer equality among all. Supper with you is my preference as well. I still have some items and surely there are plenty of roadside herbs."

Vyshan inched Zyn a little closer to Soldax, reaching for Alarik's gauntlet-covered hand. Slowly, she brought it to her cheek. "Thank you. Your friendship means more to me than you'll ever know."
 

By Alarik Redstone (Alarik)

Friday, July 9, 2004 - 4:19 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Alarik nodded to the Lady Jillian. "As you wish, my lady. I will eat at your table tonight."

He continued riding close to his friend, and was a little surprised when she grasped his hand in hers. Again, he was startled by how small her hand really was in comparison to hers. They had only known each other for such a short time, and yet they had grown to be like, like brother and sister... only different somehow.

"And yours as well," he replied to her. He continued, "Very well. We'll stay for a while and see what opportunities Jillian can bring us. Then we'll see how it fares from there. Perhaps your situation may improve somewhat."

He rode on in silence, wondering what the future might hold. He might be in the employ of the Lady Jillian until they reached Daelows, but what then? Were they to be discarded, forgotten?

By Erynne Deirdre McTavish (Erynne)

Friday, July 9, 2004 - 4:22 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

"I will see your chef, M'Lady Jillian, upon arrival at the campsite this evening."

*When she had spoken these words with a short bow to the Lady Jillian, the Lady Erynne rode on quietly, though she looked back over a shoulder to Vyshan riding beside Alarik. She felt an urge to speak to them, though she could not hear what the two were saying, one to another. She did see Vyshan put Alarik's hand to her cheek, and the faintest of smiles graced the Lady Erynne's truly beautiful face. She gave them each a look that told without words that she would speak to them if permitted, but she did not force the issue, nor did she pull back to ride beside them, for the quick sight of Vyshan touching Alarik's hand to her own face told the Lady Erynne that this was a private moment between the two, and she did not interfere with it in any fashion whatsoever at all. Her look to them both was both brief and tender, and she quickly turned her head to the road ahead to give them the privacy to speak that she felt they wished for.*

By Kayne O'Chrysllach (Kayne)

Friday, July 9, 2004 - 4:28 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

His answer to the Lady Jillian was simple and kind.

"Thank ye M'Lady, for your kindness to me, and those I hold dear. It honors me that ye'd consider my choice in meals. I am sure, well hopeful that Lady Erynne's stew is to your liking. She does make it well, to my thoughts."

The Prince Kayne quietly rode on his way near the Lady Jillian without further elaboration of any kind, though in his heart he wished Alarik and the Lady Vyshan would join them at table. The Prince Kayne did not think of Vyshan as a servant, and though he did not voice it, he found it distressing a bit to see that others did think of her that way. Even the Prince Kayne, as a man of royal blood, could sense by her carriage and calm manner, among other things, that Vyshan was no mere common lass at all. Again however, he kept his feeling from becoming words, as they would likely cause discomfort to at least some in the party, particularly since the Lady Vyshan did not seem to see or to feel the need to disclose much about herself at all.
 

By Jillian Griphon, 3rd daughter of Duke Griphon (Jillian)

Friday, July 9, 2004 - 11:26 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

The Lady Jillian nodded politely, as a hostess, to the response by the mercenary that he would eat at her table this night. Then, she answered Prince Kayne, "'Tis indeed a priviledge to ride in support of a living hero such as thee, Highness. So the honour be ours to provide thee the meal thou wouldst wish. As well, we shall try this stew the Lady Erynne would make with an open mind," she promised seriously as she rode along in the rain that continued to fall. "What wouldst thou have as other courses, with thy stew, Prince Kayne?" the noblegirl queried.

The first stirrings of a wind began to tug at her hat and flap her raincape as the grove began to thin out. "I do hope this rain shall not overly delay the setup of our camp, and consequently our supper," the young scioness mused as she used a gauntleted hand to check the chinstrap of her silk brim hat. "Though mayhap this thought be too far in the future, being as we have yet to even find our campsite!" the noblegirl giggled as she led her column ahead to LORIMAR ROAD 3--THE BREEZE LEAGUE.
 

By Personal Guards to Duke Griphon, the (Wardens)

Saturday, July 10, 2004 - 2:21 am GMT | Edit | Link |

The two squadrons of light cavalry, colourful but somewhat bedraggled in the wetting rain, splashed through the mud the roadway had become, riding after the leaders of the column in threes abreast. Three wagons followed, along with spare warhorse mounts, some tethered and some ridden by servants through the rainfall. Creaking and groaning, leaving ruts and churned mud behind, the convoy moved forward onto LORIMAR ROAD 3--THE BREEZE LEAGUE.

By Anonymous

Saturday, July 10, 2004 - 1:41 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

"And I shall join you for supper, as well. I thank you for the invitation."

Vyshan stayed close to Alarik. She felt safer there although she wasn't really afraid. Her quarrel with Jillian was over. There would be no repeat.

To Alarik she spoke quietly, "I'll stay as long as you wish. Surely traveling with this group can bring you some fortune. The Prince and his Lady seem the kindest of people, and my situation continues to improve. Have you ever been to Daelows before?"

By Anonymous

Saturday, July 10, 2004 - 4:20 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

A fat dun-colored bat flew up from the south, high overhead. It circled, screeped twice, then flew eastward.

By Kayne O'Chrysllach (Kayne)

Saturday, July 10, 2004 - 5:48 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

He faced the Lady Jillian with a smile.

"What think ye of this M'Lady? I know you like multiple courses. We can allow M'Lady Erynne to prepare the stew. Your chefs can prepare a salad perhaps a pork loin for the sides, and M'Lady Erynne can finish with a rich chocolate cake for dessert."

After ending his question, he followed the Lady Jillian to the LORIMAR ROAD 3--THE BREEZE LEAGUE.

By Erynne Deirdre McTavish (Erynne)

Saturday, July 10, 2004 - 5:54 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

She simply rode along. When her Prince Kayne mentioned the chocolate cake, the corners of her mouth turned up slightly into a smile. She stayed close to her Prince and the Lady near whom that Prince rode, but gave them a fair and respectable amount of space. She looked back at Vyshan and Alarik for a moment, still smiling and seemed to wink, then just simply rode along to the LORIMAR ROAD 3--THE BREEZE LEAGUE.

By Anonymous

Monday, July 12, 2004 - 12:18 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

OOC: Following to Lorimar Road: The Breeze League
 

By Alarik Redstone (Alarik)

Thursday, October 28, 2004 - 3:17 am GMT | Edit | Link |

Alarik, astride Soldax, and holding on to Zyn's reins, rode toward Kiana. He had much time alone to himself, reminding him of who he really was. The mercenary had no one in this world left to him, no one who would care once he died, no one who would remember him once his memory had been erased from this world.

The man's cloak blew in the wind as he rode toward Kiana. The man's great sword was strapped to his back, his bow also over one shoulder. Whoever challenged him at this time would find he was in no mood for fighting, or for mercy.

(OOC: Alarik to Kiana Mile)

By Gaftin Bellworn (Gaftin)

Wednesday, March 30, 2005 - 2:27 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

The day was gray with a slight chill in the air as Gaftin rode along on his way toward the Kiana Mile.

ooc: to The Kiana Mile
 

By Elemental Mage Benjamin Harfor of Trinsic (Benni)

Sunday, July 17, 2005 - 1:45 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

In the rapidly decreasing light, two horsemen cantered along the worn road on fine-looking horses. Their bearing suggested they had travelled far and hard, and they had. One was wearing a long blue cloak fastened with the broach of the Trinsic Mages Guilde, the other wore the armour of a Captain in the Daelows Army and carried several visible weapons that betrayed him, as did his harder-than-his-years face, as an experienced and accomplished soldier.

The blue-cloaked mage brought his horse to a stop, waving to the soldier to do like-wise.
Cold blue eyes looked out under a thick curtain of blond hair. They studied the clearing off to one side for a moment.

"Someone was camping there for at east a couple of days." The voice was calm, detached almost, with a faint undercurrent of something. The eyes glanced quickly at the large bundle in the saddle in front of him and for a second seemed nervous, almost afraid.

"Benni." Captain Stephen Poldark interrupted the moment's silence. The mage had gotten distracted by what he carried. "We should stop here for a night. It's getting dark." He adjusted his sword belt and tried to smile, but it wouldn't form on his all-too-serious face.

Benjamin glanced over and smiled vaguely, "Yes. Let's stop here. But we have to ride hard in the morning. I'm thinking, though, that we should avoid the Goblin Mile. We have to be careful with..." He looked down again at the bundle. "It's too valuable."

"Yes. But let us rest here for a night."

The mage sighed and followed Stephen off the road and to the clearing. He was not fond of the Grove, found it distasteful even. There was soething in its dark shadows and twisted trees that made him uneasy. Perhaps it was its dryness. there weren't nearly enough streams or rivers here. He felt finely attuned to water and wet,and being far from it always made him feel uneasy, as if a home comfort was gone.


[ooc: to the Large Clearing]

By Silvan Armoth (Silvan)

Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 12:58 am GMT | Edit | Link |

Silvan Armoth and his dwarven companion walked slowly down the road towards Churt. They had a long path ahead of them, but the journey would be worth it. Silvan still had much to learn from his Master. Not that he was a slave, of course. Both he and Yocha'zhan happened to be Masters of Worlde's Force, an ancient and rare craft, but one that would serve them well on the road. Silvan, though, while considered a Master, was still the apprentice of Yocha'zhan, and still had a long way to go in the craft.

"Master, how far do yew intend to go this day?" he asked the dwarf. It still felt a little strange, calling a being that was two feet shorter than himself "Master." Even after all this time.

"We will go as far as we go, young one. Do not worry yerself with distances and time. We go where we go when we go. Keep alert for danger, or for need. That is what yew should concern yerself with. Learn, my apprentice, for in knowledge is wisdom, and in wisdom is the connection to the Worlde's Force. Never forget that. Even outside Ehtome-Naom, the Force is, and it will guide yew if yew let it."

Silvan bowed and replied, "Yes, my master." He trudged on, checking his sword-belt; for some reason it felt loose on his waist. He adjusted it once as he strode down the road, lost in thought.

Yocha'zhan's voice broke into his reverie. "Yew are thinking about yer parents again." He stated it as a fact, not a question. That was one of the annoying things about being around a user of Worlde's Force. Mind-reading came easily to them.

"Yes, Master. I did not realize how quickly the sights and sounds outside the city would remind me of the pain they - we - suffered at the hands of those vile creatures."

"Young one, yew must calm yerself," replied the dwarf, for he had caught a hint of anger in his pupil's voice. "Anger, rage, and even vengance is the path of destruction, the path of Thanatos."

"I know, my Master," replied Silvan in a conciliatory tone. He allowed the peace of Eiraenae to wash over him and cast out the anger. "But it is so hard not to hate the orcs for what they did."

"Yew must," said the dwarf. "I understand yer anger, but yew must conquer it. This is yer one flaw, yer one temptation to Thanatos. Beware, for once one starts down that path, the evil envelops them and destroys them."

"Tell me more of Thanatos, Master, for I am quite ignorant of it," requested Silvan.

"As well yew should be. It is not to be learned or even really understood by those of Eiraenae. Yew know the beginning of the paths, of which there are many. They are the easy ways, which yew must avoid at all costs. I can tell yew a little, though, by way of example. It is about a friend I once had, a Tier Five Master." The dwarf shook his head as he remembered.

"This Master was one of the brightest of Eiraenae I knew. I looked up to him as a role model. Even he was not free from the temptation of Thanatos, though. No, he fell, through a hatred for one he had loved. I sometimes wonder why love is encouraged at all. It inevitably leads to harm.

"Anyway, this bright dwarf, he turned evil. Several of us that were still of Eiraenae were sent to stop him. He had retreated to the pinnacle of Dragon's Peak, where we found him."

Silvan glanced at his Master. "What happened then?"

Yocha'zhan continued. "I was the youngest of the group, only a Tier Four Master myself. There were six of us, two of Tier Six. But the darkness that had consumed him was nearly too much for us to handle.

"The battle raged on top of the mountain. Several of the party were cast off, falling to their deaths on the rocks below. Another had his head cloven in two by the Dark Master's sword. I and my two remaining companions finally managed to cast him off the cliff. But what I will never forget is the change in his features. In the year between the time he left Ehtome-Naom and the battle on Dragon's Peak, his face became twisted, scarred, and wrinkled so badly that I couldn't even recognize him. Blood vessels had burst under his skin, and he was turning black as night himself." The dwarf fell silent.

Silvan glanced at his Master again, but, realizing that the dwarf did not wish to speak any more about it, chose to remain silent. Maybe a later time would do for questions.

The two continued down the road.

(OOC: To Lorimer Road 3, unless interrupted on the road in the next day)

By Galendial Solarius Talinguard (Galen)

Monday, October 30, 2006 - 6:41 am GMT | Edit | Link |

(Galen flying from larimar 3)

Galen had finaly caught up to the slavers. It had taken all night to do so but he was hot on their trail. Something fearfull that Galen did not want to happen, actualy did happen. His wings gave out. He could no longer fly and fell like a meteor out of the sky. Fortunately he landed right into the wagon. The wagon gave a lurch as Galen hit it. Dust flew into the air. He had broken a few bones on the hit and was completely knocked out He had missed Erynne by a couple of feet in the cramped wagon.
 

By töff (Töff)

Monday, October 30, 2006 - 4:03 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

(OOC:

GALEN that was one serious "Mad Dash"! LOL! Why are yew (the player, not the character) in such a panic?)

By Phoenix (Phoenix)

Monday, October 30, 2006 - 6:11 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

(OOC:

Indeed, he had to be flying rather fast! More to the point, wouldn't the wagon be destroyed by Galen's bomb-dive? I know it was not specifically noted that the wagon was destroyed, but in freefall his body would have been transformed into a living cannonball, which could considerably damage a wooden wagon. Personally I'd prefer not to see the wagon smashed to pieces. Or am I over-reacting?

(OOC:

Well it was certainly a challenging move to respond to ... and I think Lady Erynne is coming to post right soon. Let's see what she can do with it. -- töff)

)

By Galendial Solarius Talinguard (Galen)

Tuesday, October 31, 2006 - 2:48 am GMT | Edit | Link |

(OOCLY: Lol sorry I have a convention coming up that I am running and will be unable to post for about a week so i needed somethign to happen to Galen. IE knocked out and injured. It did take all night and I made sure to post in every section of the larimar on the way up. Timeline is the earliest point of night to the verry later part of the morning wich would be one full day of travel. Sorry bout the mad dash but it was necessary. I dont post to many of these as I dont like them either. Thanks, Zeph)

By Damiana (Damiana)

Wednesday, November 1, 2006 - 1:37 am GMT | Edit | Link |

(( OH boy...just 'missed' Lady Erynne...poor lil mite Damiana will be smushed *chuckles* ))

By Anonymous

Friday, November 3, 2006 - 4:04 am GMT | Edit | Link |

There were about ten or so slavers who had to ride on mounts next to the wagon, as the wagon itself could only accomadate about five occupants without cramming together. Therefore it was one of the horseman that looked up, exclaiming...

"What's that?"

Other heads titled upwards, peering at an object in the sky, far above them.

"I'd reckon it's a bird of some sort..." One mused.

Alarm rang through his voice a moment later.

"And it's diving straight for us!"

The men in the wagon that could move quickly vacated, carrying out the men that couldn't. Allin, seeing the bird dive-bomb them, quickly grabbed Erynne by the wrist, pulling her out of the wagon and harm's way. Damiana, still unconscious and chained, was an entirely different matter.

"Marik, HURRY!"

The young man fiddled with the keys, trying to unshackle the red-haired lass, but Marik was not one to remain cool-headed under pressure, and nervously fiddled with the locks.

When Galen slammed into the wagon, smashing the good part of it to pieces, Marik instinctively shielded Damiana's body with his own, taking any damage she might incur. She was to be sold after all, and they couldn't get a premium on damaged goods.

By Erynne Deirdre McTavish (Erynne)

Friday, November 3, 2006 - 6:37 am GMT | Edit | Link |

((From the Lorimar Road 3: The Breeze League))


After completing the self-appointed task she had laid upon herself to heal the wounded, the Lady Erynne had gotten back into the wagon for the ride to this area. She had been pretty much at peace. Well, as close to it as could be gotten to in her current position.

The ride was not too bumpy or stressful. Of course, being unchained for the nonce aided her in that. Her situation was by no means enjoyable, but it was tolerable. She did her best to reamain at peace, until the noise of shouting made her look up. The words that the men were shouting caused her heart to be gripped as if it were trapped within a steel-wrought vice constructed of purest debilitating fear.


All too quickly she felt a hard tug. Allin had gripped her by the wrist and pulled her with all his stregnth, trying to get her out of the wagon. It was all she could do to struggle along as quickly as her terror would allow her to, until her feet reached the end of the wagon and she stumbled, and fell. She fought for her balance but was falling forward and down. In desperation, the Lady Erynne reached out, trying to put her arms around Allin and hold on for dear life, essentially clinging to him as she was dragged and pulled out of harm's way.

In the end, it would be the first time that Allin might feel the Lady Erynne in the grip of genuine fear. No words did she utter, but she trembled as she clung to him, and if he looked into her eyes at anytime, to him her terror would be palpable and her trembling easily felt. She could only gaze at him for a while, like a doe caught in a hunter's sights, before she turned her eyes to the wagon, and the others. Still, no more could she do but cling to Allin for awhile. Her near brush with injury or death had left her verily shaken to her core.

By Damiana (Damiana)

Tuesday, November 7, 2006 - 2:28 am GMT | Edit | Link |

*Damiana was still out cold from having been spritzed by their nasty little c*cktail.It was a lucky stroke for Marik that she was. After having been molested by one of the other men...danger or not she was likely to have reacted like the spitfire she could be.*

By Anonymous

Saturday, November 11, 2006 - 7:08 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

When Erynne clung to him Allin held her close, not touching her in any desirous way but wrapping his arms around the fearful, trembling heiress, a solid figure amidst the chaos. Almost unconsciously, a hand came to stroke the lady's crimson tresses gently. If he had a fault, it was that Allin was in truth too gentle to be a slaver, and he was aware of the fact, but it was his life, and he'd live it how he chose, or not at all.

Marik was lucky indeed; lucky Galen hadn't fallen directly on him, or he would have been crushed flat. As it was, he was cut and scraped from the fragments of broken wood that had flown when the wagon was crushed. Damiana, shielded by Marik, had gotten away with little more than a few bumps and bruises.

Some of the slavers were poking and prodding at the unconscious Galen. "What should we do with him, boss? Do yew want him beheaded?"

Allin stared at the downed Aeros, then shook his head. "Leave him be. He's no threat to us, and it looks like he'll expire on his own, anyway. Fate will decide. The wagon is trashed; collect anything salvagable and we'll walk from here. Any man who can't ride doubles up with one who can! Able-bodied men, give up their horses to those who need to ride!"

All the injured or recovering, including Marik, were placed on horses. Damiana was put in the care of Zork, Allin's third-in-command. Allin climbed onto his steed, pulling up Lady Erynne to ride along behind him.

"Kiana's just a stone's throw away now!"

By Erynne Deirdre McTavish (Erynne)

Saturday, November 11, 2006 - 7:48 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

She found herself doing something that she had in not in any way expected of herself. At the moment Allin's arms enveloped her in a 'blanket' of protection, she found her herself taking a step forward and leaning in a bit. She was taller than Allin a bit, but she could feel his strength and it summoned her in a way, in her moments of fear.

The next thing she became aware of was a feather-light caress. It was Allin's fingertips passing tenderly through her firey red tresses. During that time, she kept her head still for a while, only breaking that when her heart demanded she break it. The breaking came when she lifted her head gently to look directly and rather deeply into Allin's own eyes. Not a word was uttered. Instead, she let her eyes do the talking. There was not a desirous look in the sky-blue orbs that were the Lady Erynne's eyes, save for a desire to express her gratitude in a way that no mere words could ever do justly. The Lady Erynne allower her royal sky-blue eyes to envelop Allin's own in an openly deep and grateful gaze. The fingertips of one fine and and slender hand were allowed to rest for a moment on Allin's cheek, and afterwards were then put down.

Soon after that, she knew... it was time to go. She did not resist Allin's guidance. She went along quietly, allowing herself to be placed upon his steed. She allowed herself to wrap her arms around his abdomen and his sides in order to have support. With that, she was prepared to leave, as soon as the proper moment would come to pass.

By Anonymous

Sunday, November 12, 2006 - 9:17 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

With all the supplies loaded onto mounts, the slavers headed out for Kiana once again.

Allin was annoyed with the loss of the wagon - it was not an irreplacable asset, but it would cost them time on this journey, and lots of money to buy a new one. He wasn't sure if the flying man who had crashed into them was an ally of the women or just a stranger - he thought he faintly remembered seeing him at the same sight where they had kidnapped the girls. In any case, his arrival had cost them a good amount of resources, which frustrated Allin.

Or rather, it would have had something else not distracted him.

Erynne's arms were around his abdomen, holding onto him for support. Although that was all it was, and he knew that was all, it was still a pleasurable feeling to have her hold him. Even at that, he would have no trouble, but there was more.

The horse was not travelling at a gallop, as the men walking would be left behind, but he kept the horse's pace at a light canter, sometimes slowing to allow the men on foot to catch up. This jostling motion of the horse created a lot of bouncing, and Allin would feel Erynne's body pressing and rubbing against his back as they moved. Allin knew of course it was none of her doing, and she was probably not even aware it was happening, but it was making him feel very warm and desirous. If it were any of his men, they probably would have requested a stop so they could have their way with the heiress, but Allin knew they had lost enough time already, and he had made a promise in any case. He simply pushed down his impulses as best he could as they contined to ride along.

By Galendial Solarius Talinguard (Galen)

Monday, November 13, 2006 - 12:45 am GMT | Edit | Link |

Galen groaned a bit when he first woke up he groaned. A sharp pain shot through his chest. "What in the worlde just happned." Galen remembered the fearfull fall and crash as though it had just happned. He viewed the wreckage of the wagon about him. At least the broken wagon would slow them down galen thought. If anything was to help that would be one thing.Galen got himself out of that percariouse upside down position wincing as he drew in breath. He went around the area picking up bits of cloth to bandage himself with. He made makeshift bandages with his cape tearing at it slowly.

The velvet cape was torn to ribbons when galen was done. It was a fine red bandage that wrapped around his chest a holster for his arm. It would be imperitive that Galen find the slavers. It didnt matter that he was injured he would find them.

"Titan yew came quickly my friend."

The large cat had like galen taken all night to find his way here. Galen loaded his armor and pulled up onto the large beast and asked it to move forwared. The cat moved forward slightly faster than a walk as to not injure galen further.


(Zeph so happy. I can post once again.)

By Phoenix (Phoenix)

Tuesday, November 14, 2006 - 7:04 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

(OOC: I will be taking a week away to work through some personal issues. In my absence Erynne's player can post the movement of the slavers, if neccessary.)

By Anonymous

Monday, November 20, 2006 - 12:07 am GMT | Edit | Link |

Eventually, the band of bandits, carrying Damiana and Erynne with them, made further progress to the final leg of their journey by land; the Kiana Mile.

(OOC: To Lorimar 1 - The Kiana Mile)

By Galendial Solarius Talinguard (Galen)

Sunday, November 26, 2006 - 9:07 am GMT | Edit | Link |

Galen was not to far behind the group and was slowly catching up. His body was in need of medical attention and he was tired. Galen would nod off now and then to be abruptly woken up.
(OOC: To Lorimar 1 - The Kiana Mile)

By Gaftin Bellworn (Gaftin)

Monday, November 24, 2008 - 2:49 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Gaftin camped along side the road uneventfully as he made his way down the road. THe sesond morning he awoke to brigth sunny skies which by mid-day had turned to a hard rain. Gaftin consoled himself with the fact that at least it was still realtively warm.

to The Breeze League

By Tramer (Tramer)

Sunday, September 6, 2009 - 8:31 am GMT | Edit | Link |

(FROM:

The Lorimar Road 1: The Kiana Mile)



Another days walking passed uneventfully, thou just as he began pondering venturing into the Bigobo Grove to try and find some game, a familiar and welcome sent cot his attention. Quickly making his way off to the side of the trail, finding a small pit out of site of the trail he began to shift, several moments later a large black dragon casually stepped from the pit, stretching his neck he kneaded his claws into the soft ground. Thou, as he went to stretch his wings a sound somewhat resembling a yelp quickly fallowed by a deep growl escaped his muzzle, holding his right wing close to his body it seemed it had yet to fully heal. Thou the bone had seemed to have set properly, were the brake had accrued was still rather swollen.

Grounded for the time being, thou that mattered not for his current game. Lowering his body close to the ground he stepped forward, his tail twitched back and forth as a large buck came into view, luck fully he was down wind, and the deer had yet to even notice the massive predator stocking it.

With cautious steps he continued forward, closing in on his prey. He only paused again as he came within ten feet of the deer, by this time the animal sensed something what wrong, thou could not tell what. And with a shift of the wind Tramer was given away, and the dear darted…thou it was far to late. Lunging forward with shocking speed he snagged its hindquarters with his massive jaws, pulling the animal back he grasped it with his powerful front talons, re-griping with his mouth he brought his bite down on the animals neck. The deer bucked and kicked wildly, unwilling to submit. Thou, with a simple twisting jerk of Tramer’s head there was a satisfying ‘crack’, and without pause the animal went limp.

Holding the carcass in place with his front talons, he tore at his prize with his razor sharp teeth, pulling large hunks of flesh, fur and bone from his prize and swallowed the bite whole. Within minuets the deer was reduced to little more than its backbone, a few scattered and broken ribs…and its head. Nothing more remained.

Satisfied he lazily continued forward, after such a large meal it would be no less than a full day before he could shift back to his Umanoid form, with that he had only to find a nice place out of view of the trail to rest and digest his meal in peace.

By Tramer (Tramer)

Saturday, February 6, 2010 - 6:31 am GMT | Edit | Link |

Tramer let out a long and deep yawn, swiveling his neck his bones cracked as he stretched, unfolding his wings as he returned to his feet he looked up to the sky, he was shocked to see how much time had passed, it seemed he had been asleep for several days.

“Llor will have long since left” he mumbled to himself, he had no intention of chasing down the elder elf mage, it was by chance he had met up with his friend again, and he knew it would not be the last time he would see that bitter old face.

Slowly stretching out his right wing he was pleased to see how quickly it was healing, it would still be several days to a week before he would risk flying on it, thou at lest it was healing.

His dark black scales radiated heat from the midday sun, reluctantly he shifted into his Uman form, knowing it would not be safe to travel in his true form while his wing was still injured.

Flexing his fingers he took a moment to get use to the changes in his anatomy. Quickly making his way back to the rood he paused for a moment decided which way to go, with Llor most likely gone, he decided there would be no resign to head back to the city, added to that he hated cities any ways…so away from Kiana he headed down the Lorimar rood.

(TO:

The Breeze League)

By Youthful Foreign Aeros Girl (Miiya)

Monday, January 10, 2011 - 9:04 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

(FROM:

The wilds)

“Cah, look!” Miiya cried over the whistling slipstream. “Is that the Lorimar?” It was their seventh straight day of flying since leaving Greater Daelows, yet her excitement had yet to wear off. The first days Miiya had only managed short hops, staying aloft for perhaps two hours at a stretch. Cahron had diligently shepherded her from clearing to clearing in the Daelows woods, taking care to walk her through cool-downs every evening as her aviating muscles gained strength and tightened. They had traced the Uiopa, using its banks for landing strips and the river itself as a landmark to keep them well south of Churt and the Orcan lands.

In between flights they had practiced all manner of delightful art and craft long forbidden by her mother. Miiya had learned how to alight and takeoff in confined spaces, she had practiced sparring upon the ground and on the wing with Cahron, and he had even encouraged her to exercise her fire-throwing knack to improve her aim and range, though the magickal talent clearly unnerved him. Of book-learning or studies there was no mention. There was hardly time, of course, for between flying, training, making camp, and cooking, even Miiya’s boundless energy failed her soon after twilight and she slept hard and fast in the hammock Cahron taught her to string high above the ground after rigging lower branches with telltale tripwires.

By Wandering Aeros (Cahron)

Monday, January 10, 2011 - 9:05 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

(FROM:

same)

Cahron squinted into the wind of their flight. Sure enough, the narrow curving dun-colored streak of the Lorimar could be made out, slicing its way along the thinning edge of Bigobo Grove. “Yep, that’s it.” He focused on the distant road. “Not much traffic. It’s getting late, let’s find a clearing and make camp.” He suggested, angling into a shallow dive, keeping his airspeed low enough that Miiya could follow easily.

The Aeros was proud of his sister’s progress. Cooped up in the city, she hadn’t had much call to use her flight muscles, yet she’d shown plenty of enthusiasm, and when that waned—plenty of grit—keeping up a good pace as they traced a course which kept them wide of any grounder cities. It would be years before she was his equal in flight—if ever—but she was already proving to be a respectably skilled aviator, and he was very happy with the pace he could set.

He still worried about Ma, of course. Yet he, like his sister, did not share Sen’s mistrust of Osu. Still, there was no doubt the old foreigner was playing dangerous games with powerful people, and Cahron could see the sense in Sen’s proposal. She must have thought the situation quite dire to send Miiya away with him, for she had to know he would ignore her edicts to dedicate hours of daylight to book-learning and such. Maybe in Kiana he’d try to follow her exhortations, but he doubted he’d have much luck acting as his sister’s educational enforcer.

For now, though, he was concentrated on getting himself and his sibling to the relatively calm and bucolic hafling kingdom and capitol. There'd be work enough for a pair of winged performers there, and less diversion or threat amongst the little folk than in the Uman enclaves of Terajin or Seven Oaks.

Cahron was glad to have reached the Lorimar, but he had no intention of approaching the road in the waning day. These reaches were supposed to be safe from raiders, but it didn’t pay to treat the Lorimar incautiously. Who knew what it’s tree-covered fringes hid? So he directed them to a small clearing in the trackless Grove, quite some distance from the highway. While Miiya orbited overhead, Cahron made a few passes at the meadow. When nothing stirred, he landed near the forest’s edge, keeping still for a moment and peering into the gloom. Satisfied that the coast was clear, he waved his sister in for a landing.

After unstrapping his satchel, Cahron set about making camp. “Go ahead and stretch out, sis, you can start supper when it’s my turn.” He said, selecting a thick elm near the edge of their landing zone and making a wingbeat-assisted leap to the lower branches where he began stringing his belled tripwires. A few moments later, their hammocks were slung even higher up.

By Youthful Foreign Aeros Girl (Miiya)

Monday, January 10, 2011 - 9:06 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Miiya followed her brother in, secretly glad that they were landing at last. She had been getting stronger, true, but every day began with terrible soreness and ended with an exhaustion she could just barely keep hidden from her sibling. This flight had been their longest yet and taken most of the afternoon. The moment she alighted in the small woodland meadow, she flopped flat on her back. “Oh! I am slain by the depravities of my beastly task-master. Woe! Woe!” She cried, throwing an arm over her face. As usual, her theatrics elicited no response from Cahron.

“Pah, my kingdom for a decent audience!” She huffed as she regained her feet and began to stretch. She might shirk her studies now and again, but Miiya was diligent and responsible at heart, and she could be counted on to attend to her duties. So she carefully paced herself through the routine Cahron had shown her those first few evenings, and when finished, she began clearing a space and preparing a cooking fire, lighting the collected dry twigs and deadfalls with her knack and then rummaging through Cahron’s discarded satchel for the supplies with which to make supper. “Couldn’ta landed us near a stream this time, eh? Some scout yew make!” She teased at the rustling branches in the great Elm where her brother was hanging their bedding.

By Wandering Aeros (Cahron)

Tuesday, January 11, 2011 - 1:30 am GMT | Edit | Link |

"Don't need it. We oughta make Kiana tomorrow and I'm tired of lugging around a full skein. Go ahead and use most of it up, and make us a big meal tonight with what's left of the victuals." Came the reply from the tree.

Cahron was happy that his calculations had come out correctly. Long-range flight through the wilderness was no easy proposition, for it took quite a bit of energy to stay aloft all day. His satchel had been heavy with nuts and dried candied meats when they had left Daelows--not to mention his instruments and equipment. Miiya had carried a lighter load by necessity. Now their edibles were nearly gone, despite having resupplied once at a Elven settlement deep in the wilds, yet both Aeros had lost weight thanks to the journey. Cahron was looking forward to replacing the missing pounds by indulging in lots of the delightful fare and drink of the haflings.

He wasn't even going to bother with foraging this evening. He was no woodsman, and the few handfuls of mushrooms or berries he might happen across were never worth the effort. He was a poor hunter, seeing as how the only bow he ever pulled was that of his Erhu. Cahron was a bit tempted to break out the instrument or his harmonica for a little tune-up of their entertainer's skills before reaching settled lands, but though there were few villains in the Grove, few was more than none, and he decided they'd do better to not draw any unnecessary attention.

With the hammocks hung and the food fried up good and proper the two Aeros siblings set to their evening meal and made small talk as twilight fell across the forest and the dark beneath the trees deepened.

By Youthful Foreign Aeros Girl (Miiya)

Tuesday, January 11, 2011 - 1:30 am GMT | Edit | Link |

Miiya doused the fire as the first stars were coming out overhead and packed up the few things they had set out upon the ground. Anyone who happened upon the campsite in the dark hours would have little indication that the Aeros nested nearby.

She was not so adept at climbing trees as was her brother, but she gained the upper branches with some flapping and struggle. For a while longer the pair talked quietly until the moon rose and the night deepened. Miiya shared accounts of goings-on in Daelows that Cahron had missed during his long absences, though it was not long before her eyelids grew heavy and she clambered into her hammock, asking her brother for another account of Aerie, their father's homeland.

By Wandering Aeros (Cahron)

Tuesday, January 11, 2011 - 1:31 am GMT | Edit | Link |

Cahron complied, this time describing the Weyrs of the Aether clan. He had seen only part of the clan's mountain hold before his relatives had determined him also an outcast--as was their father--and barred him from their crags. Of their mother's homeland, neither Aeros knew more than the tales Sen had told them as fledglings, and even those had been few and sparsely detailed. Miiya had pried some more stories out of Li and Osu, but neither sibling knew much more about them than that they were full of peoples who looked like them and far, far to the East. Farther than any could fly, and perhaps even beyond the edge of the worlde itself.

Cahron did not speak long about the Aether clan before he detected steady even breathing from Miiya's hammock. He fell silent, listening to the night sounds of the Grove for a while and watching the stars through the leaves before climbing into his own hammock. The Aeros set no watch, trusting instead in the hidden nature of their campsite and the alarms they had strung.

By Anonymous

Wednesday, January 12, 2011 - 9:06 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

(FROM:

The South)

Something stirred in the night and quieted the chirping crickets and tiny tree frogs. Though they came silently, their presence was an anomaly in Bigobo Grove, so the silent alarm was raised despite their quiet stalking.

For a moment they paused around the buried fire who's smell had brought them across the leagues. A bit of searching by the trackers led them to the base of the Elm where hushed conversation was held in low gutteral snarls, not silent enough in the still night.

As if this were not enough, the sudden chime of bells sounded as one of those slowly climbing the Elm reached the tripwire.
*jingle*

By Youthful Foreign Aeros Girl (Miiya)

Wednesday, January 12, 2011 - 11:31 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Miiya had awoken at the quieting of the crickets. Though exhaustion took her every night, she was by nature a light sleeper, and awoke several times each night. This was the first time she had felt something amiss while travelling with her brother. Still, she wasted precious moments in half-unsure wakefulness, wondering if it was just her imagination that the sounds of the night creatures had stopped. Only when she surly heard whispering at the base of the tree did her tremulous uncertainty turn to dread.

Yet she was not one to panic, and she woke Cahron before the chiming of their alarm. “Someone’s down there. What do we do?” She breathed in her smallest voice. She knew what to do, of course. Her brother had already tested her the first night. Launch out of the tree and keep low to the forest tops if you can see them. Be it too dark to see the trees, then climb to altitude as fast as you can, weaving to avoid any potential missiles. Yet she waited for her brother’s signal that this was a real threat and that they really should flee.

Given the affirmative, she darted out along the sturdiest branch, leaping when the wood thinned and bowed beneath her weight. There was no hiding her passage, for the Elm’s leaves and twigs beat and scratched at her with a great rustling. When she leapt through them the noise seemed tremendous in the still of the night. Twigs poked her and clawed at her wings as she took two half-beats while still within the tree, but no larger branch struck her down. As she burst into the clear, she saw those on the ground in the wan moon and starlight. Yet with just two quick wingbeats she was up and over the forest canopy and away beyond their line of sight. They must needs be fast indeed to aim any projectile at her before she was gone. Gaining a little altitude, but being careful to keep out of sight of the clearing, she circled, waiting and watching for Cahron to emerge.

By Wandering Aeros (Cahron)

Wednesday, January 12, 2011 - 11:37 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Cahron was awake instantly at his sister’s touch. Unlike his sibling, he slept heavily, but was practiced at the quick wake and evacuation. “Go, take off now! I’ll be right behind you!” He whispered urgently.
Even as Miiya ran for her launch, Cahron rolled out of his hammock, upsetting his gear bag and dumping the contents; food, water, utensils, and jugging pins down through the tree with a loud clatter, even as the tripwire jingled. He was only a few steps behind his sister down the bowing branch and up into the night.

With his greater mass, the bard was forced to launch from further within the tree, and he nicked a thick branch or two with his first wingbeats, nearly upsetting and spilling what air his half-folded wings caught as he cleared the tree. Wobbling a bit, he too cleared the edge of the forest and pulled out of sight of the ground and—soon after—out of range as well.

By Anonymous

Wednesday, January 12, 2011 - 11:46 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Goblins
The three goblins within the tree paused only for an instant when the tinkling bell gave them away, and were caught off-guard by the falling supplies. One was knocked senseless by a falling pin, toppling off his perch and falling to the ground. The other two cursed loudly, drawing their knives and swarming up to the empty hammocks.

Of the four upon the ground, two had bows out but only one had presence of mind to draw at the rustling of leaves. He loosed a shaft into the disturbance just before the smaller of the winged-folk appeared. Cursing and surprised—for none of them had expected flyers—he fumbled for a second arrow.

The second Goblin archer, by virtue of unpreparedness, drew too late to hit the little Aeros, but still had his bow prepared when the bigger one flapped unsteadily across the sky they could see. He took as careful aim as the moving target and darkness would allow and fired at the winged man before his target was lost to the night sky.

Those not armed with bows, gave short excited chase in the direction the Aeros had flown, but the forest stopped them. They paused to listen for the sounds of a body falling through the trees, should their compatriot’s arrow have struck true.

The other goblins set upon the camper’s meager supplies, sifting them for anything edible or of value. What they could not use, they trampled and destroyed out of spite.

By Wandering Aeros (Cahron)

Thursday, January 13, 2011 - 12:13 am GMT | Edit | Link |

Cahron felt a firey sting as the arrow wisked through his pants and just nicked his thigh. "North!” He called to his sister, beating hard for altitude and distance, himself.

It was barely a scratch, but he had heard that the Hobgoblins poisoned their arrows. He silently cursed their misfortune, for he had never before encountered night raiders so prepared. He spared no breath for other words, however. If the arrow were poisoned, then he wanted to put as much distance between themselves and the raiders as possible before it’s effects might be felt.

Perhaps it had been just a normal arrow. The scratch burned, but, reaching down, Cahron’s hand came away with only a tiny bit of blood. Maybe he had been lucky. They were close enough to make Kiana after a break. Cahron slept with his moneybelt on and the satchel with irreplacables at hand. What had been dumped could be easily replaced, for he had no intention of circling back in any case.

These were the thoughts that occupied the Aeros’ mind as the worlde began to darken. His beats and glides became erratic, and he started losing altitude. So it had been a poisoned arrow after all. Yet he could not curse his luck, for it could have been buried in his heart instead of just drawing a bit of blood. Still, he had to land quickly, and naught but the Grove stretched out dark and forbidding below them. “Miiya, I need to land. Do you see any clearings?” He called to his sister.

By Youthful Foreign Aeros Girl (Miiya)

Friday, January 14, 2011 - 10:01 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Miiya glided beneath her brother, her own passage through the air stabilizing and bouying his. Well, supposedly, for close formation flying was difficult, and doubly so at night. "There's one ahead. I think it's the road." She squinted, catching a glint of moonlight. "No, wait, it's water. A river." An unnaturally straight and long one.

(TO:

The Love Canal>The Watery Depths)

By Wandering Aeros (Cahron)

Friday, January 14, 2011 - 10:03 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

"It'll have to do." Now Cahron spiied it as well. "Follow me in, Sis." He panted. It was taking a great deal of concentration to stay airborne and alert, as whatever foul toxin the Goblins had put upon the arrow, took their toll. Wobbling and sideslipping, Cahron glided for the opening in the forest.

(TO:

The Love Canal>Watery Depths)

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