<font color=lightgrey>Another intruder had arrived into their sanctuary. Would they never learn their lesson?

Apparently not, for this latest newcomer radiated determination. Foolish determination, for what use could his sword be, against the power of the forest? The leaves rustled their agreement just as the wind sighed its concurrence. At the hidden corners, the various creatures watched, their eyes glinting in the shadows.

When could they attack? When would the order be given? Perhaps a quick death was too easy for this bold two-legged one who ventured so audaciously inward. Perhaps there was another fate in store for him…

Whatever it was, they would not launch an offensive. Not until the sign came. And so, the deadly calm lingered long in the forest.</font>

<font color=cadetblue> Paranoia began to creep up Rehan's spine as the silence lingered on. Why is it so quiet... It was unnatural and left the young man feeling apprehensive. Minutes felt like hours as he continued deeper into the heart of the forest. "Tree after tree after tree... Maybe I scared it off?" The foolish thought was doused the second it left his mouth. Sighing, he had nothing left to do but keep pressing forward.

The sound of a gurgling stream reached his ears after another half hour of walking. Relief filled him as the silence was broken and cast aside. Rehan's eyes widened as he drew closer to the stream. Never had he seen such clear water before. The purity of it locked away inside this corrupted forest seduced him to come closer. Leaning down, he cupped the cold liquid and splashed it against his face, releasing some of the tension that had built up inside him. Shaking beads of water from the tips of his hair, his gaze fell upon the stream again.

Its hold on the young man grew stronger as he desired nothing else but to submerge himself into it. He desperately wanted to feel the icy substance against his skin, tempting him to forget all of his troubles and jump in. Tantalizing images entered his mind at what he could have if he would only let himself be taken by the gentle currents. But this was all wrong. Streams could not inspire the personal feelings that were flowing through him leaving his face flushed. Closing his eyes with great difficulty, Rehan threw himself back against the grassy embankment, breathing heavily.</font>

<font color=silver>There was a hushed gasp which spread from the blades of the grassy patch, up the wizened trunks of the nearby trees and thick foliage which shaded this sanctum from the casual traveler. Whisper they did, to one another and to the air which weaved itself tightly and then dragged itself over the holy ground so jealously guarded over the years.

He dares to pollute the waters! Aghast were the silent cries that rang in the shifty streams of air. He contaminates her precious pool!

One by one, the creatures stirred to life, trudging in the shadows that the vegetation provided. Never had a humanoid penetrated its way so audaciously into the heart of the forest, no, not as far as their memories could register. What would she do to him? Was it time to show him the consequences of his actions? Every living thing strained its ears, wincing at the tedium of inactivity.

Then, they heard her signal. A guttural scream it was, that sent their eardrums vibrating with an undying resonance long after the cry had ended. This was not a scream to kill… yet. But enough to lift their spirits. They were free! Free for some action at last!

Everywhere now, there was visibly movement. Branches were swaying, roots uplifted and treading all over the ground that shook the human off his balance. The birds, released from inertia, spread their wings and soared high above, chattering and shrieking with glee.

As for the animals… they, too, were enjoying this romp. They bounded amongst the trees, their tails thrashing about the undergrowth and their paws thrusting the dried leaves flying into the air. Where there seemed to be gaps of silence, they punctuated these with an orchestra of hollers and ferocious growls.

Yet, even after a while, this commotion became rather unsatisfying. For fear can only be experienced once, and a lack of real threat, as any creature knew, would boost the morale of the victim. Collectively then, they stepped out of the shadows and towards the stream, their hostile eyes shooting daggers and their unnatural grins baring razor sharp teeth. If one could view this scene objectively, one would actually be quite awe-stricken by the array of exotic creatures that now circled the human. Leopards, tigers, cheetahs, lions, panthers… and they radiated a restrained hostility as they awaited for the final instruction from their mistress.

The instruction of death.</font>

<font color=cadetblue> The eruption of noises pierced his ears, snapping him out of the haze that the stream had left him in. Struggling to stand up, he started to notice the feline creatures that surrounded him. Rehan could only stare in shock. Never had he seen so many exotic beasts before.

Damnit Rehan, stop staring and think of something! These beasts could tear you apart any second now! But yet they didn't. Confusion passed over him on why they were just watching him. Gripping his sword, he held it defensively attempting to fend them off if they attacked. Death was staring him in the eyes and he refused to accept it.</font>

OOC: thanks to Mistral for inviting me to this great game! [img]smile.gif[/img] I've just finished reading it all and I must say I was really entertained. I'm looking forward to participating, but I'm not really sure whether I can just start posting away with an idea. I'll PM my idea to both of you anyway. ;)

OOC: Thanks for popping by, dplax! I've sent you a PM [img]smile.gif[/img] And yes, please post ahead and have fun RP-ing with Deiter [img]graemlins/thewave.gif[/img]

OOC: I refer to her as she in this post as I haven't come up with a name yet. I'll probably have one for my next post. [img]smile.gif[/img]

<font color=limegreen>A single tear slowly meandered on its solitary journey. So much sadness had invaded her previously joyful life. So much had changed for the worse.

"I'm not going to leave you father!" Determination echoed in her voice, mixing with the sadness at being asked to do what she least desired. "If I left you...you...you would die! Father, you are everything I have!"

His grey-blue eyes continued looking at her, pleading with her. "Stop it! You can't ask me to leave you here to die alone! My place is by your side!" His eyes did not leave her face, and with an almost superhuman effort, he opened his mouth to speak.

<font color=white>"My daughter. Even if you stayed by my side, I would still die. The fates hand out a candle to each person when they are born."</font> His voice came out slow and barely a whisper, as though the mere effort of talking took all of his energy. His lips trembled as he spread them again. <font color=white>"My candle comes to its end, and despite all the wonderful help you could give me, my beloved daughter, you cannot forever postpone its extinction."</font>

Another tear appeared at the corner of her eye, which she brushed away with her sleeve. "But I love you father!" she cried out in anguish, her mind seeing the reason in what her father had said, yet her heart failing to hear the mind's advice.

<font color>"My dearest. You are the one I love the most on this side of the afterlife, and it is for this reason that I beg you to go now. I do not wish to meet you soon on the other side, as you still have many decades of life ahead of you."</font> He paused, and she dabbed a wet cloth at his temples, easing the worst of the fever away.

<font color=white>"She had been specific about the conditions, as you well know. Only as long as I lived, and in gratitude for me healing one of hers had she agreed to leaving you in peace. I am soon to depart, and the agreement draws to an end."</font>

She was now crying openly, and it was he who brushed aside her tears.

<font color=white>"Do not mourn for me. I have gotten all I could have desired in this life. As your mother had been my dazzling sun in my younger days, so were you the evening star, bidding farewell to me on the last leg of my journey. It is my wish, my last wish that you try to live your life in happyness. Don't let yourself be burdened by the passing of an old fool like myself. It is the way for old men and women like me to leave their place to the new generation."</font>

He murmured a brief sentence in the tongue he had never taught his daughter, and his face was briefly lit by an unearthly light.

<font color=white>"It is as I had sensed. There is another in these woods. You must seek him and ask for his help in leaving these woods, for they are treacherous, and once the agreement reaches its end, they shall no longer protect you. I beg you to do this. For me."</font>

Her dying father's last wish was something she could not say no to. She took his deathly cold hand amongst hers and whispered a quick prayer to her gods, to speed him on his journey once it started.

Knowing that she had to act before her sudden resolve departed, she grabbed hold of her wooden staff. Her only possession besides the clothes she was wearing. She bent down and gently kissed her father on the forehead, then leant closer and allowed him to do the same.

<font color=white>"Go with my blessings my daughter. Oh and one more thing. Would you mind indulging me with the last bottle of spirits? I doubt that you'd take it with you, yet it would help ease the pain of the last moments."</font>

--------------------------------------------

There was no end to her tears. Out in the open she let them flow freely, hoping that they'd at least carry part of her grief with her, but release did not come. Not yet.

The tracks of the countless beasts had been easy to follow. As with the previous intruders, the beast were converging on this one from all sides. She had to hurry, for only through haste could she reach the one her father had suggested before it was too late. For both of them.</font>

[ 07-12-2006, 03:13 PM: Message edited by: dplax ]

<font color=silver>Moments passed as the animals stared at the male balefully. If only he had struck one of them, or displayed the hateful symptoms of cowardice and callousness that the others had done… he would have been shredded into unrecognizable bits by now. But this one had not… whether by cunning, or innateness, he stood there – albeit trembling, and with good reason – without harming anyone. Just the pool it was, and that call was something beyond them.

Then, amidst the circle, there was a stirring as they felt her presence. The crowd parted and she emerged. Their champion and beloved mistress, who walked amongst them with absolute ease and treated them as her equals. They relished her scent and caresses, their eyes following her with blind idolatry. And she knew they wanted her decision. Fast.

She sauntered forward, her grayish hair streaming against her back and icy blue eyes raking across the soldier’s face. Yes, this was a soldier… it was not that long ago that she had encountered his kind. But those that she had run into had worn hard expressions and cruel smiles. This one showed little of that. Interesting… very interesting.

Raising her gnarled hands, she pointed her right forefinger at him. The sound of her raspy voice grated on even her friends of the forest.

“What brings you into my forest?” The snarling that accompanied her pronouncement echoed throughout the woods.</font>

[ 07-12-2006, 08:22 PM: Message edited by: mistral4543 ]

<font color=cadetblue> Rehan watched the woman warily as she made her way towards him. He knew she was the leader of these beasts with the respect they showed her. What do I say? If I tell her I came into the forest to destroy them they'll kill me, and I'm no match for all of them... Gathering up his courage, he looked her in the eye. "I was sent to investigate the troubles the city of Alesbridge has been enduring. I see that I've found it." Defiance started to build up inside him as he watched her unwaveringly. To an outsider though it was pure stupidity. How could someone such as him expect to live with beasts surrounding him and their leader's gaze upon him? Foolish determination to see it through alive was all he had.</font>

<font color=silver>Her head flung backwards from the throaty laugh that escaped from her pale lips. “Troubles?” Her body shook from the violence of her chortles. “Enduring?” As the guffaw died down, so did the mirth that had momentarily filled her eyes. “You are quite mistaken, young one.”

The wrinkled hand which now unsheathed a gleaming sickle showed no signs of frailty. “The city has been traumatizing this sacred land… our land.” Steely was her voice as she gestured around her. “Those who chose to molest nature have had to pay the price. For nothing is free in this world.” The curved end of the sickle seemed to wink at the lad as it traveled softly down his left cheek and ended just slightly below his throat.

“I wonder if I should send you back to that spineless lord to relay my message… he has, after all, paid no heed to the ample warnings I’ve sent him.”</font>

<font color=cadetblue> His eyes fell to her sickle as it rested against his throat. She could very easily kill him, and yet she didn't. Was she offering him a chance to return to the city alive... or was she just toying with him? Attempting to fill him with false hope? His gaze followed the blade of the sickle, up the wood of the handle, traveling up the upper portion of her body until stopping upon her eyes. She appeared to be a frail old woman. Taking a step towards her, he felt the bite of the metal press into his skin. A small trickle of blood started to slide its way down his neck, the warmth an unusal comfort. "And what is it that you'll do if you decide against letting me go?"</font>

[ 07-13-2006, 01:09 AM: Message edited by: Deiter Leafblade ]

<font color=silver>”The usual course of action is to let you leave peacefully...” her voice trailed off smoothly. “… through death.” She met his defiant stare evenly. A brash fool who deserved to die for his impudence, this was. And yet something was holding back this finality. What was it that withheld her at this moment? It was something she would reflect upon, in time to come.

“You have heard both sides of the matter, young one.” Streaks of light flashed across her azure eyes. “The time has come to choose. Whose side are you on?” The tip of the sickle sank a little deeper towards his Adam’s apple.</font>

<font color=cadetblue> Whose side am I on? Do I owe Lord Gerald anything? He knew he didn't, but this woman before him... She had let such cruelty happen to innocents. The forest was saturated with the death of countless lives that had been taken, and yet was her side worth listening to? Rehan decided this would be an opportunity to learn more about his enemy. There had to be a weakness somewhere inside of her and he would be the one to find it.

Loosening his grip on his sword, "Yours." Was all he allowed to escape his mouth. Silence fell over the forest again as they watched one another. Refusing to back down, he stood his ground letting the sickle continue to bite into his skin, causing another small stream of blood. Thoughts briefly flashed through his mind on if his plan would fail. Would anyone care if he died? Cities and villages would mourn, but only at the loss of peace he had been able to give when he could. Rehan knew, truly, no one would care if he died. It was all the motivation he needed for his foolish plan.</font>

<font color=silver>Despite his words, the rebellious glint in his eye was unmistakable. He means to buy time. Just like the rest before him, only that he did not grovel as they did, those gutless wretches who had started off with false bravado well enough. Yes, they had collapsed at the first sign of danger, cowered before her and pleaded for their filthy lives.

Indeed, this little upstart proved to be more resilient than the rest. Is there any value in keeping him alive? Her instincts told her no, but the hand which gripped the sickle tightly enough was fighting an equal and opposite force. Gritting her teeth, she glared at the boy, then his sword hand. Noticing the slight movement there, she grasped his wrist, flung it outward and watched the blade sail in the air, colliding with the ground with a clatter. Two startled leopards took a step forward, sniffed it, then stepped protectively over it.

"Since you claim to be on my side..." she pronounced the words with deliberate slowness as she released her grip on his hand and traced the streams of blood upon his neck. "... you shall prove your allegiance." She raised a bloodied finger and drew a line across his right cheek.

"You will guard this forest with your life, and kill all who so much as lay their fingers upon any of the living creatures." There was a deadly intensity of her voice which rang in the air. "And, just in case you may have difficulty remembering your loyalties..." she motioned the nearest black bear forward. "... Ebony here will be your reminder."

Taking a step back, she studied his reaction carefully, as if she were waiting to catch a glimpse of something. What that something was, she could not pinpoint at that moment.</font>

[ 07-13-2006, 09:08 AM: Message edited by: mistral4543 ]

<font color=cadetblue> With his sword gone, Rehan knew any defense he had left had just been thrown away. Fists were no match against fangs and claws. Remaining silent, he watched her leave a blood mark upon his face. Glancing over at the black bear, he wondered how quickly it was able to kill a man. I don't think I want to find out... Returning his gaze once again to the woman, he took a step towards her closing the small distance. The air was filled with tension as the animals glared at him, ready to protect their mistress at any second. Slowly bringing his hand up to his neck, he let the blood drip onto his finger until it was covered. He then quickly made a line across her left cheek, blood marking her as she had to him. The move was bold, and he could sense and visibly see the beasts outrage.</font>

<font color=silver>”Hold.” Imperious was her order as her faithfuls grew restless, seeking to teach the stranger a lesson or two about manners. He is emboldened by your mercy. The thought infuriated her too, but now that she had decided he would not die – at least, not at this moment – it would betray her weakness to go back on her word. Pride… a most complex matter. Her eyes flashing, she remembered to grip her sickle tightly even as she lowered her right hand slightly, simultaneously slamming her free hand forcefully against his right cheek, hissing, “Do not test my patience.”

Turning to her beloved friends, she addressed them authoritatively. “Watch his every move.” The woods echoed her commanding voice.

“At the first sign of mutiny, kill.”

As the creatures roamed protectively around her, she turned. It was all wrong, somehow. But why did she let things slide when she could take his life? A twinge of compunction seized her as she resumed her stroll into the forest’s greater depths.</font>

<font color=cadetblue> He stared at the ground in the direction the force of her blow had sent his face. The right side of his cheek throbbed painfully, causing him to grit his teeth. While she had meant to teach him respect, he had learned something entirely different. She didn't kill him. Rehan knew he could only push her so far, and that it was a fine line he was attempting to tread. Lifting his gaze, he watched her walk away and had started to follow only to have a large paw hit his chest knocking him to the ground. The black bear stood over him menacingly, letting out a low snarl. "Ok, I won't follow."

The two watched each other for several minutes. There was something else inside those wild eyes, but Rehan couldn't place it. He stood up then as the bear turned away. What was he supposed to do now? The only thing left here was that stream that had tried to drown him, and Rehan wanted to be far away from that. Unsure of what to do, he decided on following the bear deeper into the forest.</font>

OOC: My paternal grandpa passed away today and I'm going to Malaysia to attend his wake over the next few days. But I'll try to log on if I have the chance.

ooc: I'm really sorry to hear about that. :( I hope you're doing ok, and please don't feel like you have to post. Take all the time you need.

OOC: I'm sorry to hear about your loss Mistral. As Deiter said: don't feel pressured to post. Real life should always come first. ;)

OOC: Thanks Deiter and dplax. It's an ongoing emotional roller-coaster ride I'm on, and the family dynamics are worthy to be RP-ed over here :rolleyes:

<font color=gold>It was a well-known fact in Alesbridge that Lord Gerald had had his fair share of adventuring days in his youth. That was, after all, how he had managed to accumulate his collection of rare armour, weapons and magical items. These days, his Lordship was content to look back on those days with fond memories, and leave risk-taking to the younger generation. For was there not a saying that "one should know when to retire"?

On the very same day that Rehan the Great had set off to hunt down the city's nemesis, Lord Gerald was having a tete-a-tete with his fair paramour, Lady Yasmine. Her Ladyship was pressing upon a point with insistence.

<font color=white>"My dear, you simply must do something about our daughter. At the rate she's going, she'll be wilder than your stallion!"</font>

Lord Gerald roared with laughter till tears ran down his cheeks. <font color=cyan>"What a way to compare your pearl! A stallion, ho ho! Robyn will outgrow this stage, just like my sister had, mark my words! You worry too much, Yasmine."</font>

Her Ladyship was not amused. <font color=white>"Outgrow this stage, you say? She's been a minx all of these last five years. I don't call that outgrowing this most frustrating time! Do you realise that she is now eighteen already, Gerald?! At her age, I had wed into your family! Our ancestors would turn in their graves if they knew half of what she's been up to!"</font>

<font color=cyan>"But she has committed no crime, except to outride my best swordsmen and put my snipers to shame!"</font> The twinkle in his Lordship's eye reflected pride. <font color=cyan>"I wonder that you belittle her natural talents."</font>

<font color=white>"These are not talents a powerful or rich lord would admire in his wife, I am sure. You certainly did not."</font> She gave one of her pouts which he loved so much. <font color=white>Have a talk with her, my dear. Please."</font> This time, her eyes were pleading seriously. <font color=white>"I won't be able to bear it if anything untoward happened to her."</font>

<font color=cyan>"Very well, my dear, although I..."</font>

His Lordship could go no further, for the door swung open and an ashen-looking soldier burst into the room, stammering his piece of news.

<font color=orchid>"Y...your Lordship!"</font>

<font color=cyan>"Yes?!"</font> Irritation flashed across Lord Gerald's face at this rude interruption.

<font color=orchid>"L... Lady Robyn...."</font>

<font color=white>"What about her?!"</font> Lady Yasmine was shrieking.

<font color=orchid>"She's gone!"</font>

<font color=cyan>"Gone where?!"</font>
<font color=white>"Where is she headed?!"</font>

The soldier shook from head to toe. <font color=plum>"T... The woods, my Lord. She took off and some of us have gone after her, but she's... she's rather fast and..."</font>

Lord Gerald reached to grasp his fainting wife just in time, and when he looked up, all complacence had been wiped off his face; in fact, it now looked much older.

<font color=cyan>"Saddle my horse! I'm going to the woods immediately."</font></font>

<font color=cadetblue> He sat high atop a tree branch watching the ground below with idle interest. The young soldier had expected no one to enter the woods; or rather he hoped no one would. He knew he would have to kill innocents to gain her trust and the thought ate away at him. Heh, what would father say if he knew I agreed to kill people just for entering a forest... Sorrow started to etch its way into his features until a bird flew by, causing him to quickly hide his emotions. She had eyes everywhere he knew, and he couldn't afford to let her see any weaknesses if he expected her to put any trust into him.

Rehan's loyalty to the mistress of the woods came into play finally. A young woman was attempting to sneak through out the forest, and Rehan knew if he weren’t so high up he never would have spotted her. She appeared to have come from the direction of Alesbridge, and he wondered if the city had sent her to check on him. Looking back at the black bear a good distance away, it simply swung its paw in the girl's direction indicting this would be his business to take care of. Nodding his consent, Rehan silently climbed down the tree and waited for the young woman to pass by. As she did, he jumped forward and tackled her to the ground. Pinning her there, he looked into her eyes for a brief second before leaning in so his mouth brushed her ear. "You must get away from here." He whispered quickly. "Do not look back."

The sounds of shouting soldiers could be heard nearby, causing Rehan to quickly let go of the young woman and pull out the staff strapped to his back. He hadn't been allowed to retrieve his sword. The polished metal would draw attention and he must blend in with the forest. Without looking back at her, he ran for the direction of the soldiers. Screams could soon be heard, motivating the young man to run even faster. A delirious soldier was crawling his way towards Rehan. He was rambling hysterically and his right arm had been torn off. "You!" The soldier yelled as he gripped onto Rehan's leg tightly. "Gods, save me! The beasts... they... they..." He couldn't get the words out and sobbed against the young man's leg. A tiger slowly made its way over and gripped the soldier’s foot with its mouth. Fangs dug into the flesh as it started to pull against the soldier's grip on Rehan, attempting to drag him down into the burrow with the rest of the dead.

"Help!" The soldier cried desperately as he clung onto Rehan's leg even more. Forgive me... Rehan swung his staff into a low arc and smashed it against the soldier's hand causing him to let go. He watched, knowing if he looked away it would be marked, the soldier claw at the ground screaming curses at Rehan as he was dragged off to his death. He gripped his staff tightly until his knuckles were white, enduring the screams of death until silence once again claimed the woods.</font>

[ 07-17-2006, 01:28 PM: Message edited by: Deiter Leafblade ]

<font color=limegreen>Most of the beasts had grown used to her presence in the forest during the last couple of years. She was never accepted, only tolerated, as long as their master did not tell them the contrary. It was for this reason that none of the creatures tried stopping her when she approached the young man, once the screams had died down. Esaha knew that she could do nothing to prevent the deaths the soldiers had suffered. When the master of these forests decided something, so it would be.

With the skills learnt from her father, and mastered through the years, Esaha approached the young man silently from behind. The big black bear watched her approach with mild curiosity, but did not move to intercept her.

Esaha stopped five paces behind Rehan, so that should she adress him, she were safe from any sudden movements. She leant heavily on her staff, so that the young man would see that she did not intend to use it, and then gently cleared her throat.

As Rehan whirled back, he noticed a girl, maybe one or two years his junior, with shoulder-length brown hair flying loosely in the small breeze standing behind him, and watching his every movement with her gentle brown eyes.</font>

<font color=cadetblue> Rehan stared at the girl in disbelief. Who was she? And why were the animals not bothered by her presence? "You shouldn't be here." He directed at her. "I don't know what it is that keeps these beasts from attacking you, but I wouldn't rely on it for long."

She continued to stand there and watch him, causing impatience to take over. "Leave this place! Don't you realize they may kill you any second?" He didn't want to see her killed, he didn't want to see those soldiers killed either, but there was nothing he could for them. This girl on the other hand... the beasts merely watched her, which gave her hope to get away, and yet she just stood here looking at him.

Sorrow and desperation were buried inside his eyes, and he hoped she would take his advice and run. Never had he wanted to experience such a gruesome murder of several men, and he did not wish to see her life snuffed out as well.</font>

<font color=limegreen>Living in isolation in the middle of the forest, Esaha had never heard of Rehan the great or his legendary exploits. To her, Rehan was just a young man. A very special young man, for it had been her father's dying wish that she seek him out and ask him for help. She had already found him, but the hard part would be convincing him to help her.

Esaha did not fancy her chances alone in the forest. She did not harbour foolish hopes of the beasts allowing her to leave and take all her knowledge about the woods with her to the outside world. Esaha needed Rehan to help her.

"It was my dying father's last wish that I find you and seek your help in leaving these woods." Her voice was soft, yet in the sudden silence of the woods it carried easily to Rehan. "My father told me that you were the only one who could help me in getting out of here safe." Esaha looked Rehan straight in the eyes, a pleading expression in her own, soft brown eyes.</font>

<font color=tan>She tore through the undergrowth of the forest, wincing as nearby thorns clawed at her limbs relentlessly for her unwelcome presence. Behind her, she heard the chorus of agonised screams, a sound she was not likely to forget in a long while.

The images before her eyes were blurry and quavering as her sprint sent her heart racing to a limit yet unreached in all her worldly experiences.

You must get away from here. That was what that young brash soldier had urged her to do, and now she had only herself to blame for the carnage she was fleeing from. Why had she come? What did she hope to achieve from this course of action? All this was lost in the whirlwind of activity around. There was just only time for a moment of repent.

Please forgive me, Father and Mother. And a single tear rolled down her left cheek.</font>

<font color=silver>This was not to be borne.

Too many intruders in the forest, and none of them with good intentions. Her icy blue eyes narrowed to slits as she received this piece of news from her feathered spies.

Kill all, she had said, but those I have embargoed. That meant the impudent lad, the magic user and his little chit of a girl. Thinking of the latter two... it had been some time since she heard of any news in his quarter.

"Time to pay a visit." She breathed the words out in a hiss. "Yes, I shall do that right away."

Turning, she motioned for her trusty companion, who stretched its back in readiness for her embarkment. With a growl, the cheetah took off, mistress and animal being a blinding streak across the jungle.</font>

<font color=cadetblue> Her father's dying wish? Rehan didn't have time to ask her how her father knew about him. His eyes wandered over to the various beasts that had stayed behind to gnaw on the remains of the soldiers. Reaching out suddenly, he grabbed a hold of her arm and mouthed the words for her to play along. The beasts seemed satisfied that he was going to kill her and went back to their meal.

Several minutes later he stopped finally and let go. "I don't know who you are, or why your father thinks I can help you..." He paused as he looked up at her. "You don't understand the evils here... Those beasts earlier would have easily tore you apart as they did to the soldiers." Rehan fell silent as the carnage flashed across his mind.

Before he could say anything else, roars of anger erupted deeper inside the forest where they had just been. Cursing, he grasped her hand and started to run as fast as he could in the direction of Alesbridge. "Hurry! Their mistress isn't far away!" Small beads of perspiration began to slide down his face as they continued at the breakneck pace he had set. Every sound, every disturbance around them caused him to quickly look in that direction only to see nothing. Paranoia that he hadn't felt in a long time started to seep its way into his skin. Have to keep going...

Soon, the clearing of the woods made it self visible, and with it the figure of a young woman running just as desperately. It took Rehan only a moment to realize it was the girl he had pinned to the ground right before the slaughter. They'll be ok together. He thought briefly as he let go of the girl's hand and sent her tumbling out of the forest. Rehan stood at the edge, breathing heavily, tempted to leave with the two females. Safety and comfort was so close, and yet if he left now he knew there would be no going back. How do I know she won't already kill me? Horrible punishments and even death made its way through out his mind, tempting him even more to leave, and yet he continued to stand there.

His decision was decided for him as a large black paw slashed his chest, cutting through his armor and shirt, leaving bloody claw marks across the front of him. Rehan grunted in pain as the bear threw him back against a tree, keeping him high up against it, causing oxygen to slowly slip away. Growling, the bear let go of him just as he was about to lose consciousness. Gripping the back of Rehan's armor with it's fangs, the bear dragged off the rebellious youth to his mistress.</font>

<font color=limegreen>Esaha was barely fifteen feet from Rehan when the bear took him down. She watched on in horror as the animal tore Rehan's armor and pinned him agains the tree. I can't leave him here! she thought as one half of her cried out for the freedom outside the woods not two hundred feet away.

The bear didn't manage to take a hundred strides before, with a sudden crunch, Esaha's staff descended on it's head. The bear let go of Rehan and turned to face its assailant. Lifting its right forearm, the beast prepared to give a mighty sweep, but paused momentarily, as it recognised Esaha as one of those whom the mistress embargoed.

That small moment was enough for Esaha to bring down her staff on the bear's head again. Her staff cracked with a loud snap, miniature fissures running down its length. The bear was dazed from the blow and let down its paw by its side.

The third strike with the staff knocked the bear unconscious and splintered the staff into two. Esaha let fall the remainders of her weapon to the ground and knelt down next to Rehan, helping him up into a sitting position.

"We have to get out of here fast. Can you walk?" she asked. She put a hand under one of his shoulders and tried lifting him up.</font>

<font color=cadetblue> Rehan struggled to stand up. He would have to lean heavily on her to do so, and was afraid of toppling her over. She was stronger than she appeared though; as he thought of the nasty blows she had delivered to the bear just moments ago. Using the bear to push himself up into a crouching position, he leaned against her to stand up and started to sway, almost falling on top of her. She steadied him and they managed to make it back out into the open.

His plan had backfired horribly, and Rehan wasn't sure how to mend it. He had saved the lives of two women, but in doing so broke his pact with the mistress and he knew she would never accept him back. Rehan didn't regret saving their lives, and knew he would have to defeat her in another way. For now though, he just wanted to make it back to Alesbridge. Dangers could be found outside the forest as well and both of them were in no shape to fight now.

"I'm Rehan." The young man offered after a while. He still had no idea who this girl was, or why she was in the forest to begin with. Despite his wounds, his curiosity about her grew as he looked over at her. She appeared to be close in age, and had a gentle disposition, which Rehan found most curious. What was something like her doing in such a death infested forest? She caught him staring at her and he looked away, his gaze focusing on the horizon.</font>

[ 07-19-2006, 04:29 PM: Message edited by: Deiter Leafblade ]

OOC>>>I was thinking of a character that might fit into this section of the game and realized that it might be time to bring back an old favorite. Mistral, with permission I could bring in Rymoth del’Arboleda...you may better remember him simply as Raymond...a hero were-panther from a long time ago. If not, then that is okay...and I will find a way to bring Jared the farmer back into activity. I could also play Lord Gerald for you if you wish. Let me know.

<font color=tan>Robyn could only stand gaping as she found herself hauled to safety by the youth who had brushed into her path moments ago, dumped aside and suddenly witnessing another young maiden's taming of the ferocious bear.

They had saved her, both of them, and she owed her life to them. Almost unreasonably, a wave of miffed humiliation washed over her and the hand that gripped her longbow shook with agitation. I am of no use here in this forest. Bitterly, she turned aside but it would not do; common courtesy demanded her thanks.

Grimly, she walked forward towards the couple, the light in her green eyes flickering animatedly.

"My thanks to you both, and I will return your favour any time, any day." Stiff was her voice, which softened when she noticed the trails of blood streaming from his wounds. Quickly, she closed her eyes and muttered the incantations of a cure wounds spell and rested her hand upon his chest. Moments later, the bleeding had stopped and most of the colour had returned to his pale face.

"What were you both doing in the forest anyway, and what do you intend to do now?" She drew herself up a little. "I am Lord Gerald's daughter, and can offer you what aid you need, to achieve your goals." For she had not met this valiant soldier the night before, sulking that her father chose to rely on a stranger's aid than his own daughter's skills to save the city.</font>

OOC: Larry, you're most welcome to play Lord Gerald. And Raymond can certainly join us if he assumes his were-panther form when he first enters the forest. I can't guarantee for his safety if he strolls in there in human form [img]tongue.gif[/img]

<font color=silver> As the cheetah completed the last leg of its tireless leaps, she swung herself off its back with an agility unusual for one of her age. Then, stepping forward towards the entrance, she hissed slowly.

"I am come, my... friend." The last word came out somewhat distastefully. This concession she had granted so readily decades ago had begun to grate on her nerves of late, not because the wizard had posed a nuisance to her friends and land; rather, it was forever a sign of her weakness, that she owed him this debt where she could not save those she held so dearly to her heart. And so, with distrusting blue eyes, she peered into the room where she perceived a figure lying down. Was it him?

Cautiously, she made her way into the hut, noting with satisfaction that the figure did not shift, neither did its upper torso heave up and down as a living human would. Was he finally dead? Was she finally free of this shameful oath?

A triumphant cry escaped her lips as she gazed upon his lifeless grey-blue eyes. At last, I am free! She raised her wrinkled hands into the air and closed her eyes, inhaling the air of death with a feverish delight. No longer do I pander to your whims! Glancing down at the corpse, she noted the contented smile on its face, as well as the almost-empty bottle of spirits lying forlornly on the bed. Then, as an afterthought, she reached out and slowly drew her hand across the dead man's face, so that his eyelids were now closed.

Be at peace... friend. Oddly, her heart was wavering now that no promise bound her. After all, the daughter had not harmed any of the creatures and they seemed not to mind her presence. Perhaps she could make another concession, this time of her own choosing...

Suddenly, a crow squawked its latest grievances by the window, wailing and bemoaning its tale of betrayal. And now, the blue eyes of the septuagenarian froze with an icy inferno.

So... you choose to attack Ebony, rather than to mind your own business. Her frame trembled with a terrible wrath. You have sealed your fate, Esaha, and the further you stay away, the better it will be... but don't imagine that you will be able to escape my spies.

Her eyebrows raised as she received the next piece of news. And that young man, whom I trusted, he follows you... She licked her lips menacingly. That saves me the trouble then, of hunting down the both of you separately.

Then, abruptly, she stormed out of the hut, her stentorian voice sending off her instructions loudly into the woods...</font>

<font color=cadetblue> Amazed, Rehan looked down at his wound to find the gashes sealed up with just the scars remaining. He had only witnessed healing magic once before, mostly due to his old Captain believing in modern medicine to mend injuries. Taking a deep breath, he exhaled and smiled faintly when he felt no pain. Removing his arm from around the girl's shoulder now that he felt able to walk on his own, his gaze went to the person who had cured him.

"I'm Rehan, your father sent me on a mission to take care of the danger within the forest." His hands reached up to idly start tearing off the ripped shreds of armor where the bear had slashed through. Giving up at the attempt, he glanced over at the other young woman. "I'm embarrassed to say, but I don't know her name to give you, nor do I know yours." Facing the two, he placed his hands out in each of their direction, palm upward. "I do owe both of you my life. If I can be of any aid as well, please let me know."

Pulling at his armor again, he attempted to take off the chest piece only to find the clasps tangled from the bear's attack. "I don't mean to sound brash, but could one of you help me take this off? I rather not walk into town with torn up bloody armor. Probably not a good idea to make a scene of doubt to the people." He continued to pull at it until he became frustrated and looked at them embarrassed.</font>

[ 07-20-2006, 11:31 PM: Message edited by: Deiter Leafblade ]

<font color=limegreen>Moving slowly and carefully, so as not to hurt Rehan, Esaha started disentangling the stuck pieces of armor.

"My name is Esaha," she softly said, as she undid a bloody strap. Should I tell him the rest? she wondered, but decided against it, not fancying to see Rehan's reactions when he learned that Esaha had lived the last twelve years of her life in the forest.

She finally managed to undo the clasp which had been holding the armor stuck to Rehan. Torn pieces of armor clattered to the ground.

"I think we should leave the forest while we can. Feathered spies will surely have already reported back to her." The sense of urgency in Esaha's voice was unescapable. "I don't fancy meeting any more animals in this forest. I'm pretty sure we've outlived any welcome we might get."</font>

[ 07-22-2006, 07:56 PM: Message edited by: dplax ]

<font color=cadetblue> Stretching and rolling his shoulders slowly, he sighed in relief at finally being free of the torn remains. His shirt, however, did not fair any better as a cold breeze touched his skin through the slash marks. Turning his gaze towards Esaha, "Thank you, and you're right. We need to get back to Alesbridge." Motioning for the two females to follow him, he made his way towards the city lights in the distance.

Thoughts jumbled a twisting path inside his mind. He had broken his loyalty to the forest, helped in the murder of one of Lord Gerald's soldiers, and was now with two women who played with his curiosity and confused him greatly. Rehan could think of no reasons why Esaha would be anywhere near the forest, and alone for that matter. What puzzled him the most about her was the fact the beasts were not bothered by her presence. Shaking his head, his eyes wandered over to Lord Gerald's daughter. He still didn't know he name, and was equally surprised to find her in the forest as well. The young woman probably wanted to defeat the mistress herself for her city, which Rehan found to be foolish and yet admirable. His experience with young female nobility always seemed to end with an angry father, or a woman too self-absorbed to even let the thought of helping her city cross her mind.

Reflecting, Rehan thought of Lord Farlequa, the Lord of Darisrow in the far west. Lord Farlequa had a daughter close to Rehan's age, and they became romantically involved for a short time during his stay in her city. The Lord had caught the young man kissing his daughter and quickly had him thrown out. Then there was Lord Yevid's daughter... She had used Rehan's status as a hero for her own gain, leading the young man on until he found out she was already with another man.

Shaking his head ruefully, Rehan knew he was only thinking of such things to prevent the forest from entering his mind. He didn't want to think about the screams of death, or the fury the mistress had to be in, or the fact he had helped in the murder of an innocent. Regardless of how hard he tried, he was unable to prevent such things from entering his mind, and his mask of a carefree attitude cracked. Out of habit, Rehan lifted his arm up to grasp for a pendant that was no longer about his neck. Letting his hand drop to his side, his gaze fell to the ground and a gloomy disposition took over.</font>

<font color=limegreen>She could see Rehan eating away at himself, and having seen what had happened just a few hectic minutes ago, Esaha could make a fairly good guess at what was going on in the young man's mind.

Having been shielded in this forest most of her life, it had also been the first time Esaha had seen a man die such a violent death. Of course, she was no stranger to death itself, having seen many of the forests dweller reach their end due to old age.

She forced a smile on her face, despite what she felt inside and put a comforting hand on Rehan's shoulder. "Do not blame yourself for their deaths. There was nothing you could do about it. Had you intervened, the beasts would have surely defeated you alongside them. Their deaths, however tragic, could not be prevented."

As your death could not be prevented, father... Esaha's thoughts went out to seek a comforting feeling from the memories she held of her father, but all she could retain were his last words, and as she thought of them a tear appeared at the corner of her eye.

"I'm sorry," she said, removing her hand from Rehan's shoulder. She glanced at him, her eyes shining from the tears welling up. "I'm not really good at this comforting, am I?" Without waiting for an answer, she continued. "I'm sorry, but just two hours ago I was still at my dying father's side and the memories just welled up."

She tried looking apologetically at Rehan, while she wiped a tear away with her sleeve, smearing her cheeks with blood that had gotten onto her clothes while taking off Rehan's armour.</font>

[ 07-24-2006, 03:54 AM: Message edited by: dplax ]

OOC: Larry, I'm still waiting for your contributions on Lord Gerald's and Raymond's adventures ;)

<font color=tan>She had opened her mouth intending to give a little more information about herself, but then held back as she heard the conversation between Rehan and Esaha. She had been born with a streak of brashness, certainly; but another trait of her ancestors' flowed in her blood just as equally: the merit of listening.

Their dialogue was not particularly important, for the moment; but one never knew whether seemingly insignificant segments would prove to be of some use further down the road of life. And in any case, there was something about the countenance of Esaha that both repelled and attracted her. From all appearances, here was a gentle and steadfast character who might prove a useful ally one day; but it was the softness that struck a chord of jealousy in her own heart. For deep down, Robyn knew that she would never be able to achieve the level of womanliness that this lovely girl exhibited. There was simply no point trying to achieve the impossible in her case, and for this, she resented this competitor of men's attention.

Silently, then, she accompanied the pair on their way back to the city, her steely eyes challenging any passersby to question the events that had led to their somewhat pathetic return. When they had at last reached her father's manor, her first command was that the couple be given sufficient healing and some time to rest. Leaving them, she now hurried to the study in search of her doting parents...</font>

<font color=silver>Follow them... the male with that traitor. The instructions were clear enough, and they rested upon its memory without question, without fear of being forgotten.

It spread its wings wide, circling the space above the three fugitives as they hurried away to safety, away from the green paradise that it loved so heartily and which gave such misery to leave. But a command was a command, and one from her mistress especially could never be defied. That was out of the question. And yet...

Some misgivings clipped its wings as it sailed lower so that it would not lose its prey. The female with shoulder-length brown hair and gentle brown eyes, it had seen often enough in happier days. Never had it the slight inclination then to harm her, for she and her father had kept to their side of the bargain and lived in seclusion for most of the time. The couple of times their paths had crossed, she had briefly touched its feathers as it flew within her reach or ventured a timid smile as it eyed her suspiciously.

Now, the instruction was to follow these three perpetrators of injury to the forest, and it was time to disown that memory, disregard any feelings of kinship to the brown-haired one. They must experience the punishment of their treachery, lest they take the forest for granted.

Sighing, it continued to flap its wings, its beady eyes taking in the final destination of the trio before ascending swiftly into the air. The way the blonde-haired female had moved in the forest betrayed her experience in trekking across the untamed forest, and the ease with which she carried her longbow and quiver of arrows hinted at her marksmanship. A dangerous one, this was.

Urgently then, it soared in the skies back to convey its findings to its mistress...</font>

[ 07-24-2006, 08:26 AM: Message edited by: mistral4543 ]