<font color=skyblue>She whispers softly, "Lliath Madadh-allaidh, yes that is my name.......It's been long since someone called me that....."

"Yes......I suppose cruel is the word to use, although it goes far beyond cruel.....", whispering she smiles sadly at Ullalume. She smiles sadly at Iphigenia as she gently runs her ungloved hand thru Ajax's fur. Smiling at Aesop and Ajax, she gently moves his head as she stands up, eyes glowing an intense silver, matching the glow of the moonstone set in the middle of the platinum bracer around her neck.....

Looking up into the night, she lifts her arms as she whispers, "Before I speak of what has become of me, I must first show you part of why it came to be..............."

The wind swirls around her body, cloaking her from sight as the runes carved into her body blaze with blue flames..........as the flames dies down a silver wolf with amber eyes stares around at each of them, silver light flaring in the depths of those eyes, then lays down putting her muzzle on her front paws.............</font>

[ 07-11-2002, 11:55 AM: Message edited by: TAOWolf ]

<font color="plum"><font color="white">OOC>> Wow! Lady G. and company sure made good time from the castle. [img]graemlins/wow.gif[/img] </font>

Addison stands up and sighs heavily.

"I do hate to interrupt your little session of intimidating brutality, but I thought I had told you that I was searching the cave even as we speak.

IF there are any more "ambushes" awaiting us, I should be able to spot them easily. Even if I don't, how much of a threat has Greentunic and his band presented to us so far? You and your squire came through the first attack with very minor injuries only, as did the rest of us as we approached the castle. And the lady druid felled by Sanael never even had a chance to begin her attack.

I feel certain that, should any more "surprises" occur, we will be quite capable of handling them.

Also, rather than shaking our new friend about like a rag doll, you could simply ask Kishin or myself to probe his mind on our own. He may lie to you, but he would not be able to hide the truth from us.

Now, if you and Lady Galadria can wait a few moments, my search of the cavern should soon be complete."

Addison then turns back to the "hidden entrance" and concentrates again on the magical eye floating through the dragon's lair."</font>

OOC>> They came through a portal. IC>
SIR BLANDAMOUR (Releases Greentunic) "Very well, druid, I shall rely on my comrades to detect any danger. As to your friend" (indicates Celia) "you had better see to her wounds."

(OOC>> No ambushes or guards are detected in the tunnel)

<font color="plum"><font color="white">OOC>> Alrighty, then. [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img] </font>

Addison attempts to locate the princess through the <font color="yellow">Wizard Eye</font>. I also want to get an idea of the "lay-out" of the cavern.

Once the princess is located, he will use <font color="yellow">ESP</font> on Greentunic to make sure there are no "hidden" surprises that eluded his searching eye.

Then I suppose it will be time to kill a dragon</font>

<font color="white">OOC>> Are going in the front door, or are we going to try to sneak through this "hidden" entrance?</font>

ooc>>There is nothing hostile in the cavern except the dragon. The magic eye will find a twisting tunnel which is narrow at first, but widens after about 100 meters. The dragon is in a large chamber just off the main entrance, and the princess is chained to the wall just near his head. She is naked, and has wounds.

OOC>>> This is getting interesting [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img] Remember our fight with the black dragon over at OEW, Larry? :D It was over in less than 2 minutes [img]graemlins/biglaugh.gif[/img]

IC>>>
<font color=cyan>Legolas, Isaura and Sorsha advance towards the group a little more, noting Addison's facial expression as he commands his wizard eye to uncover any treacherous spots lying ahead of them. Sorsha chews her lips subconsciously while Isaura's face is slightly pale. Would too many cooks spoil the broth? She wonders... would they all be roasted in a fireball of breath from the dragon? To die in battle was surely something honourable. Yet to die without even so much as a chance to retaliate was something she could not bear.</font>

<font color=skyblue>Raymond

He slept peacefully and deeply. All outside noise were lost as he fell deeper into slumber. Dreams began and were vivid. He saw many of his friends there, all in a shady meadow, that flourished along-side a laughing brook that wound its way from the great white-tipped mountains. Everything was as it should be, and Raymond clinged to this hope that it was true, indeed.</font>

OOC>>>er...I dunno...I thought maybe you were waiting on me to do something, and only Spree and Mistral have the talent of vivd dreams... ;)

<font color="plum"><font color="white">OOC>> We haven't entered the lair yet, to my knowledge Mistral. But we will very soon.</font>

Addison turns to Blandamour again and explains that there are no traps or hidden ambushes inside. He also explains the layout and the position of the dragon and princess from the front entrance.

Looking to Sorsha, Addison smiles and says...

"There is no need to worry about being burned by the dragon's flame." A look of hope crosses her face. "No, there is no need to worry about his flame. Black dragons breathe acid, not fire." Addison can't help but chuckle to himself as the color drains from Sorsha's face.

"Forgive me, Sorsha. Your fearful thoughts about the dragon's flame practically leaped out at me and I couldn't resist having a bit of fun with you. There really is no need to fear. I have a spell that will protect us completely from the dragon's breath. We will still have to be wary of it's teeth and claws, but it's most potent weapon will be rendered useless."

He then turns back to Blandamour.

"If you agree, I suggest a two-pronged attack. You, and the Ladies Galadria and Elize could take Greentunic and his druids through the front entrance to confront the dragon and try to parlay with it. The fact that the princess still lives suggests that the dragon may be willing to negotiate her release peacefully.

Either way, I will enter through the hidden entrance here. The tunnel is small at first, but soon opens up enough to allow easy passage. I believe Legolas, Sorsha, and Isaura are also interested in entering this way.

I will cast a spell to make the 4 of us invisible before we enter the main cavern. I will then go directly towards the princess to protect her with my spell as well. I will try to free her while you and Galadria attempt to either talk or fight with the dragon. Once the princess is safe, I will aid in the battle, if it occurs.

Sanael, you may either accompany me or Blandamour. If you choose to come with me, I can expand my protective spell to ward you also.

What say you, Blandamour? How do you wish to proceed?"</font>

GREENTUNIC (to Addison) "Are you mad? I am not going into that den ever again. Ever hs he betrayed me before. I am certain that he shall kill all of you, and if he thinks that I took part, he will destroy my village and people. I have led you here, I will do no more." (flees)

SIR BLANDAMOUR(to Addison) "I think your plan a good one, mage. As I see it, it is my duty to confront this dragon, if for nothing else, I have questions for him. I do not fear him, for I bested him once, long ago. You go in here, and Lady Galadria and my esquire will accompany me. Remember, our first duty is to rescue the Princess. Rescue her, see her safe, and then prepare to back me up, should it come to blows,"

[ 07-12-2002, 09:16 AM: Message edited by: Attalus ]

<font color=silver>Sorsha

No sooner had she recovered from Addison's gentle teasing did she hear those dreadful words. ~ <font color=plum>I believe Legolas, Sorsha, and Isaura are also interested in entering this way.</font> ~ Well, his beliefs were a little erroneous... at least on her part. But she would not back out now. To have lived so long hitherto must surely be a sign that things would turn out well... somehow.

She reached for the mace hanging by her side and let her fingers grasp it tightly, feeling her heartbeat quickening with each minute.</font>

<font color=magenta>Isaura

She gives Sorsha's right arm a gentle squeeze ~ "It'll work out, somehow." ~ Trying to keep her tone reassuring ~ "Doesn't that happen all the time, in all the tales that have been sung by the bards?" ~ Blinking as she catches the swift look of alarm that flits across her sister's face ~ Did I say something wrong? ~ But the moment passes, and she relaxes as the colour returns to the waif's face ~ "We're ready when you are, Sir Addison." ~ She put on her bravest smile and faced the mage, bowing reverently.</font>

<font color=skyblue>Legolas

It was not easy for Sorsha to have to force herself through an experience she was not likely to enjoy, and here she was, striving to prove herself a supportive member of the group. The thought brought a warm smile to his lips and he nodded at her, approval shining in his twinkling eyes. Stepping towards her protectively, he whispers in her ears ~ "Don't worry. I won't let you out of my sight." ~ It is the first time he has made such an obvious statement, and his cheeks redden somewhat, momentarily. Clearing his throat, he reaches for his bow subconsciously, his fingers strumming the string habitually ~ "Aye."</font>

<font color="plum">Seeing that everyone was in agreement, Addison led the way into the hidden entrance. The four companions have to stoop over to get through the first portion of the entrance, but soon come to the more open part of the tunnel. They are not yet close enough to see the wyrm, but they can feel his presence in the very air. A sense of dread and awe seems to creep into their very bones and they all stand still for a moment.

Addison forces himself to focus on the task at hand and ignore the eerie feeling of doom. He reaches into a large, square pouch at his side and withdraws a silk rope that is much longer than the pouch should be able to hold. As he hands the rope to the other 3, they notice six metal clips hooked around it.

"Clip yourself to the rope so that we don't become separated. As long as you are attached to the rope, you will be within the range of my protection spell and the dragon's acidic breath will not harm you."

The three eagerly comply.

"After I cast the protection spell, I will cast another spell to make us Invisible. The invisibility will last as long as you don't strike at the dragon.

As per Blandamours instructions, I will concentrate on freeing the princess and getting her out of the cave, most likely by coming back this way. Once she is safe, I will return to see if Blandamour needs aid, but somebody will need to stay with the princess and watch over her {He glances briefly at the two sisters. He knows from their thoughts that neither is very anxious to face the dragon}"

Seeing no objections or suggestions to alter the plan, Addison begins. He removes the necessary components from his pouch and begins casting. As he completes the <font color="yellow">Protection from Breath Weapon</font> spell, a faintly shimmering globe appears and begins to expand outward. After a few feet, the companions can no longer see the shimmering hues in the darkness of the cavern. Next, Addison casts <font color="yellow">Mass Invisibility</font>. This time, it is the companions themselves that seem to shimmer and then slowly disappear.

"OK, follow my lead" Addison says quietly. "The princess is on the opposite wall. We will go around behind the dragon and stay close to the wall until we are near enough to reach her. Once there, I will wait for Blandamour and Galadria to distract the beast before attempting to free her.

Be wary once we enter the dragon's lair. The sense of dread you feel in the air is the from the aura of fear that all dragons project. DO NOT flee or cry out. That will only alert the him to our presence. If the fear threatens to overwhelm you, try to close your eyes and look away. That will make it easier to overcome. All right - here we go."

The three feel the rope pull taut and follow it's lead. As they enter the cavern, the site of the black dragon causes them all to involuntarily freeze in their tracks. The sheer size of the beast is unbelievable, and the glistening black scales that cover its body hold them momentarily entranced as the light reflects of the powerful muscles underneath the skin. Despite his own warnings, Addison finds it almost impossible to breathe, much less move. It feels as if the very air is being pulled from his lungs by the majestic sight before him. The dragon's head lies near the entrance of the cave. It is only a few dozen feet, but it looks to be over a mile away to the companions.....as does the far wall.

They realize they will have to cross the open area behind the dragon to reach their goal. That thought is more terrifying and seems more impossible than trying to traverse a 1000ft crevasse by walking across a rope. After what seems like an eternity to Legolas (who isn't affected by the Dragon Fear as badly as his colleagues), the rope pulls tight again and they make their way across the cavern, coming within just a few feet of the wyrms giant tail. They then walk along the far wall as quietly as possible.

The princess is not far ahead. Her nude form is manacled to the stone far too close to the dragons head for Addisons comfort. He is extremely thankful for his spell of protection now. Just one look at the dragons reptilian head makes Baz'guul look harmless in comparison.

Once they are close enough to see the princess, Addison notes with surprise that she is half-elven. Perhaps that explains the king's willingness to sacrifice her. Maybe he doesn't consider her worthy to rule because of her mixed heritage. Well, that is a matter for the king and princess to resolve. All Addison and his friends have to do is get her out of this cave and give her a chance to resolve it.

He reaches back, placing a hand on Legolas' chest, signalling him to stop. They will wait here for Blandamour. He also puts his finger to his lips, signalling for them to remain quiet. Then he realizes that they can't see the signal since they are all still invisible. He shakes his head in embarassment and looks towards the entrance - watching for the paladins."</font>

<font color="white">OOC>> I'm going to wait for Blandamour and Galadria to make their move before attempting to rescue the princess.</font>

"Actually she managed to fire one arrow at me - I just didn't allow her to fire any more, Addison. Perhaps you think I should allow a few more tries next time I'm ambushed - just to be more sporting. And I could stand absolutely rigid, so that I'm easier to hit."

Sanael appears to consider - and continues - his voice still sounding sarcastic.

"Yes - next time I'll allow myself to be hit. That way I can be certain that I'm being ambushed.

"Oh - and I'm going to follow Sir Blandamour - thank you so much for allowing me to choose myself. Most likely he won't protest if I actually have to shoot at the poor Dragon."

EDIT: Cerek posted before me - just pretend that I posted before him [img]smile.gif[/img]
And since I'm with the Knights - I'm going to await their actions.

[ 07-12-2002, 12:34 PM: Message edited by: Ar-Cunin ]

SIR BLANDAMOUR (He strides carelessly into the open gape of the cavern. He hears and smells the dragon before he sees him in the murk. As his eyes adjust to the gloom, he sees th huge black form, and his gaze is met by huge shrouded eyes. He does not feel the dragon fear, for, as a paladin he is immune to fear magic.He bellows) "Kinn'zuwannik, I am here." (He draws his sword, but does not attack.)

KINN'ZUWANNIK (In a cold, evil voice) "Well, it seems that you have come through alll of the obstacles that I have placed in your way, Sir Blandamour of the Iron Arm. And with companions this time! Are you growing old, after the manner of your kind? Do you fear me so, that you must bring women and elves to stand between my claws and you? That does not sound like you, at all." (He inhales, a horrifying sound, but Blandamour continues to hold Cold Iron negligently over his shoulder.) "Ha, your nerves have not gotten worse, at any rate. Let us see what corades you have brought." (He surveys them each in turn.) "Hmm, an Elf, of the forest. Did game get so scarce, Ranger, that you miust hunt for bigger game?" (He shifts his gaze.) A woman paladin. How frightfully amusing. And, she yearns for you, Blandamour. Did you know of this? Is that how you got her to come in against me?" (The great head swivels again.) "And, you brought your leman! What a delightful surprise. Do you tire of her, seeking to trade me for my Princess?" (Here, the long, black tongue caresses Gudrun lasciviously. She shreiks.) "For, she is a princess too,your whore. That must be a divine experience! But, I shall not trade, for I want a thing that her father stole from me."

ELIZA (Shrilly) "Shut your snout, dragon, if all you are going to say are lies. I am no whore."

LADY GALADRIA (She says nothing, except that her blue eyes burn coldly, and she shiofts her sword into a fighting stance.)

SIR BLANDAMOUR (He puts his free arm out to restrain the furious little redhead. He does not want to get into a fight before the princess is out and safe. But, he knows how well dragons can spot weaknesses in their opponents.)

KINN'ZUWANNIK (Roars) "Don't you dare lie to me, slut! I can see the illicit coupling written all over you two, just as I can see through the pathetic deceptions of your pink-armored companion. If you do not like the name, avoid the action. But, spare me your hypocrisy." (to Blandamour) "So, then, Sir Knight, what is it to be, battle over your strumpet's sesibilities, or do you wish to discuss it?"

[ 07-12-2002, 06:38 PM: Message edited by: Attalus ]

<font color=silver>Sorsha

At the thunderous roar of the dragon, she jolts on the spot, her hands flying to cup her mouth from emitting any involuntary cries of terror. The humongous beast is magnificent to behold, indeed ~ A dragon... I'm actually seeing a dragon... ~ Glad that she has silenced herself and is not babbling like a simpleton. Looking up, she realises that she is barely higher and than the dragon's knee when it is in an upright position.

And now, watching the dragon's acute perception and intelligence, she cannot help but shiver once more. How Sir Blandamour, Galadria and Eliza can remain so calm is beyond her comprehension. She glances about wildly, hoping to receive instructions from her other three companions. But because all are now invisible, she realises wretchedly that she will likely have to count on her own wits to pull herself through.

The dragon's belly continues to heave up and down as he rants on at the paladins and Eliza. She forces herself to breathe slowly and softly, waiting with bated breath.</font>

OOC>> My first post! I'll keep it short, so if theres anything i get wrong, plz PM me :D

IC>>
<font color=pink>GUDRUN
Gudrun pressed herself against the wall, as far away from the dragon as she could get. She watched fearfuly as Kinn'zuwannik advanced slightly on the small party in front of him, about to barter for her father's precious vase in place of her life. What made the vase more valuble to her father then herself, she didn't want to know. If only she had her swords...but no, she was manacled tightly to the wall, and the worm had her gear safely guarded farther back in the cave with the rest of his treasure. She listened intently to the diaglog between paladin and dragon, praying to Torga'nath for her life.

OOC>>These will get much better as i go...its exactly the same as writing a book :D

<font color=magenta>Isaura

The first thought that fleeted across her mind when she beheld the black dragon was ~ We're all going to die. ~ True, that might have showed how little she trusted the capabilities of her companions, but the sheer size and superior mental abilities of the magical beast could not be undermined. Her gaze had slowly travelled up its glittering legs, onto the huge glistening black scales, and then up its neck... only to be interrupted by a shriek of outrage and agony.

And so, she had turned towards the direction of the scream, to see a naked woman chained close to the dragon. Instantly, she felt herself blushing in the dark and she looked away instinctively, knowing how humiliated the princess must surely be to be seen in such a compromising situation.

Yet there was a difference between rescuing the maiden and rushing into certain death. And now, with Addison and the rest completely invisible, she did not quite know what to do. All she knew was that they were the closest to the dragon and would be the first to die if it spotted their presence...</font>

OOC>>> Btw, welcome, LadyBlue! [img]graemlins/happywave.gif[/img] Thanks for joining :D

IC>>>
<font color=skyblue>Legolas

As he sensed the sisters' intuitive fear, he began to survey their surroundings more carefully. As long as he avoided the feet of the dragon - which were certainly obvious to all, it would be alright to move about, SILENTLY. That was not a problem, since he had long gained experience on silent trekking. His own acute hearing discerned a familiar breathing pattern which hopefully the dragon did not (since its head was perched up proudly and pronouncing judgement on the others pompously)... it was his Sorsha.

Carefully now, he treaded closer to her and reached for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze and smiling reciprocally.</font>

OOC>> very good first post, Ladyblue. Please do continue. IC>>

KINN'ZUWANNIK (turns his head towards Sanael) "And why are you smirking, elf? Do you think that I am performing for your benefit? I have laid elf towns in smoking ruins, before, just as I have human and dwarf ones." (He glares back at Blandamour, and a small whine appears in his voice.) "And why, my old friend, have you appeared in arms in my very den? Is it this one?" (He flicks his blue-black tongue at Gudrun) "You may see for yourself that she has come to no harm. I am merely holding her as security for what her father had stolen from me. Surely, you did not think that I would have harmed her?"

SIR BLANDAMOUR (grimly) "It is about her Highness that I have indeed come, Kinn'zuwannik, and my companions, also. You cannot claim that holding her shackled to the wall, with not a stitch on, not even a blanket that I can see, is responsible stewardship for the surety of what you and her father apparently crave so much."

<font color="plum">Addison's heart was pounding so hard, he felt sure the dragon could hear it. He was about to reach for Gudrun's manacles when the dragon's tongue had suddenly flicked across her body. Sweat poured down his face, stinging his eyes, and his palms were clammy.

He hadn't expected the dragon to pay such close attention to the princess once Blandamour showed up. Now he wasn't sure what to do. It didn't seem likely that they could just "sneak" the princess out, yet Blandamour was going to d his actions until the princess was safe

He forced the doubts out of his mind and calmed his breathing and heartrate as he had learned at the monastary. His pulse relaxed and his breathing returned to normal. When he looked back at the princess, all fear of the dragon was put behind him and he concetrated on the shackles. They were embedded in the rock wall, but not too deeply. He could probably pull them out if he tried, but that would be difficult....and noisy. No, they needed to grab the princess and leave as quickly as possible. He would just have to trust his magic to protect them if they were spotted.

Stepping up next to the princess, he whispered to her softly.

"Stay calm, Lady Gudrun. Help is at hand. I am going to cast a spell to free you from these shackles. As soon as they come loose, head for the back of the cave. I will guide you out to safety."

Just then, the dragon roars loudly at Sir Blandamour. Addison uses the noise to cover his spellcasting. He quickly casts a <font color="yellow">Knock</font> spell on the shackles, causing them to pop open. Gudrun slumps towards the ground as her arms fall free and Addison places an arm around her shoulders to support her.

"This way, princess - with all haste. Come friends, let's escort the lady out to safety back the way we came."

He heads off without waiting for an answer. His arm is still around Gudrun, guiding her towards the back entrance.

"My sword and armor are hidden in the back of the cavern. I must have them." Gudrun protests.

"We will worry about that once you are safe, princess. If the dragon chooses to fight, we will explore his cave thoroughly once he is vanquished."</font>

<font color="white">OOC>> OK, I'll leave it right there for now. There are several possible scenarious that could be played out here.
1) The dragon may spot the princess leaving and attack.
2) Legolas, Sorsha, and/or Isaura may decide to stay and fight the dragon.
3) Gudrun may INSIST that they recover her weapons and armor before leaving the cavern.

So I will leave our group at the back of the cave for now and wait to see what everybody else does before continuing.</font>

<font color=pink>Gudrun

Gudrun stopped and looked up at the mage who had resuced her,"I must insist," she protested,"if the dragon catches me, I'll have a better chance of escaping with my weapons."

Without waiting for his response, she cast <font color=lightblue>Invisibility</font> on herself and crept silently back towards the cavern behind Kinn'zuwannik.

She slipped silently past the dragon and into the cavern, breathing a small sigh of relief that he had not noticed her. Looking around the small cave, filled with the dragons treasures that he had saved from his past victims, she saw her equipment laying in a pile a few feet from the entrance.

She sorted through the pile and pulled out the armour she had crafted herself: a black steel half plate with winged shoulder plates, lined with intricate gold designs. She hastily grabbed her thin black shirt and jammed it on, then quietly put her armour on, being careful not to drop it. Next came the gray pants, tight fitting so as not to hinder her in close combat. Then her small boots, that made her more light on her feet. A thin circlet with a small diamond that hung at her forehead helped boost her rather weak mage skills. At the very bottom, her two long swords lay, glowing blue and white. She happily picked them up and slid them into their sheaths at her sides.

She tip-toed back to the mage and touched his arm. She was ready.</font>

OOC>>Knock one thing off your list Cerek :D . Now its in the others hands

EDIT: Attalus, check your PMs

[ 07-13-2002, 02:22 AM: Message edited by: Lady Blue03 ]

OOC: welcome and well posted, LadyBlue!! :D

IC:
<fontcolor=skyblue>She turns her muzzle to the sky, and howls as a name appears in her mind......."Gudrun".......

She swiftly touches the bracer around her neck and shifts to her human form.....feeling that there is more she should be told, after the telling of her own story.....

"I begin my story............"</font>

[ 07-13-2002, 12:54 AM: Message edited by: TAOWolf ]

KINN'ZUWANNIK (As he is talking to Blandamour, he is suddenly aware that part of his horde has been stolen. A quick look around shows the empty manacles. He spins about and sees the fleeing figures. He lunges at them, but they have gone too far back in the cavern for his huge form to fit. He lets out a mighty bellow) THIEVES!!! I SHALL BOIL YOU! {He lets loose a huge cloud of boiling acid at Addison's group.)

ooc>> LadyBlue, how nice to see you. [img]graemlins/happywave.gif[/img] Good writing, dear. [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img] IC>

LADY GALADRIA (She has been forcing herself not to attack the sneering dragon, and now she lets herself immerse in the battle fury. She jumps nimbly over the lashing tail, and shashes with her sword into the right thigh. Her sword rebounds from the heavy black scales, but the enchantment in it to the bane of her foes loosen a black scale, which falls to the ground. Reversing her grip, she stabs deep into the muscle below.) "IN MY FATHER'S NAME1!

OOC: You're really getting to know Sanael, Attalus :D - those comments would make him smile/grin/smirk ;)

IC:

As the Dragon attacks, Sanael retreats to the cave-opening taking advantage of a stone outcropping for added protection. There he raises bow and starts firing off arrows - trying to find a weak spot in the dragons armor - focusing his attacks on its head.

[ 07-13-2002, 11:41 AM: Message edited by: Ar-Cunin ]

<font color=skyblue>For Raymond</font>

<font color=white>THE GROVE</font>

<font color=darkseagreen>“How peacefully he sleeps,” Melpomene says quietly. “But there is doubt beneath this peace.” Stepping softly, she moves among the figures and places of the young man’s dreaming. There is a harmony about things, but it is the clumsy harmony of wishing, a harmony that is hoped for more than it is possessed. It is the harmony of a dream, and it is the harmony for which he dreams. She smiles with delight at this. It is always a joy to stand so near to the great desires of so innocent a heart. But this is a heart that has been wounded in its innocence and the sting of that wound is alive beneath the almost desperate wishfulness of the dreaming. “She is a greater witch than I had imagined to cast this one aside so easily. Her heart must truly be a thing of wood.” Melpomene’s eyes narrow as the old and bitter wound in her own heart, a wound over one who was not worth her love in the first place, stirs in its quiet and constant anger. Her fingers tighten around the delicate carving made from the wood that had once been Tobias. “We have so much more in common than I first had thought, my young friend,” she whispers.

She waits until the anger of her heart subsides before looking once more at the idyllic setting of the young man’s dreaming. She breathes deeply, drawing the emotions of the dreams into herself and savoring their scent. “Raymond,” she exhales his name with the breath of his own hopes. “Raymond,” she says once more and his excitement about the new possibilities he has discovered here carry his name to where he might he hear it. “Raymond,” she says again and names him now in terms of the wide-eyed day dreams of his childhood. “Raymond,” she whispers, and a panther moves with a swift and graceful playfulness across the landscape of his dreaming. “Raymond,” she repeats, “your life is calling to you and it is time to listen.”</font>

<font color=silver>ooc: I’ll stop here to give you a chance to respond before the really heavy stuff starts to happen [img]graemlins/blueblink.gif[/img] </font>

OOC>>Thanks Gal and Cunin! I especially like Sanael's attitude, Cunin, so the princess might befriend him :D

IC>>

<font color=pink>Gudrun

Opening her mouth to thank the mage, she was interupted by Kinn'zuwanikk's roar, "THIEVES! I SHALL BOIL YOU!"
Looking behind her, she sees a massive cloud of acid moving quickly down the small passage to where they were.

Before she could react, the mage grabbed her arm and yanked her out the entrance, "Over here princess!", he pulled her into a small alcove away from the entrance.

The acid flew out the cave, lingered in a dissapting cloud, and dissapeared. Gudrun jumped at the sound of the dragons roar, then she darted out of the alcove, quickly drawing out her glowing long swords,"That worm will pay for what he did to me!" she charged into the cave, and directly to Kinn'zuwannik's left front foot. She had watched him long enough to know that it often bothered him when stood on too long.

Following his foot while he stamped around in fury, he finally paused long enough for her to get in a hit, "FOR TORGA'NATH!!!", she cried, and brought both swords down on his scaled foot, causing him to jerk it away. His head swung around and glared at her,"YOU!".
Gudrun grinned and waved a sword at him, then quickly sped to where the lady paladin was about to make a strike on the dragons bared flesh. She braced herself as the sword dug into the dragons thigh.</font>

OOC> Ar-Cunin, I've been a DM for a long time. Thanks. IC>

KINN'ZUWANNIK (He buffets with his wings, driving all back form him but not knocking anyone out. Seeing them scrabling to get up, he grabs the redheaded squire and grabs her around the waist, holding her before his face. Ignoring her frantic attacks on his claw, he locates Blandamour.) "Hold, all, or I shall kill her. You would not want that, would you, my good knight? I know that you can resurrect your kind, but, not if she is dissolved in my breath." (Eyes Blandamour speculatively) "I well know that your sword can slay me, but will it be worth it, to lose your lover? Come, give me your word that you will not attack again, and let us talk. Your princess," (nods dismissively at Gudrun) is safe and obviously has taken no great harm, if she can stab like that. What will you gain by killing me. And, besides your little leman, I do not come empty-clawed to the discussion. I have some knowledge that I think that you will like to know. Well, shall we talk? Or, are your little mistress and I to die together?"

ELIZA (She flails in the giant claw, kicking and striking at the cluching claw.) "Don't listen to him my Lord. It is some kind of trick. Go ahead and don't mind me. Just... remember that ...that I loved you."

LADY GALADRIA <font color=white> (She rests on her sword, awaiting Blandamour's decision. She knows what she would choose, though she feels rather guilty about it.) </font>

OOC: I'm torn between the following two reactions
[img]graemlins/wow.gif[/img] Ahem Blandamour - I think Sanael has some leave comming up - for his grandmother funeral (it's her or me) [img]graemlins/uhoh1.gif[/img]
or
[img]graemlins/showoff.gif[/img] come to Sanael, baby ;)
:D
P.S. LB - it's Ar-Cunin

IC:
Sanael stops his barrage - cursing inwardly. The outcropping had protected him from the dragon's wing-buffet, but he had been unable to stop it from siezing Eliza. And even worse - none of his arrows had made an impact on the dragon. The best he had accomplished was wedging two arrowhead between some scales. He doubted that the dragon had even felt them.

He lowers his bow slightly - but a fresh arrow was nocked in case the fight should resume. His gaze falls on Blandamour - awaiting his decision.

OOC>> You would be lucky, she's a real catch, Ar-Cunin. Be worthy. IC>
SIR BLANDAMOUR (Slowly, with a stony face.) "So, you bargain for your - and her - life? Well, I must ask that you put her down before we confer. You have my word, sworn on Torm's sword" (here, he touches Cold Iron) "That you shall not be harmed, provided that none comes to her."

KINN'ZUWANNIK "Ah, the word of a true knight. And, why should I not take it? You shall see that our interests coincide in this." (He puts Eliza down, she scurries back to Blandamour's side, where she glares defiance at the beast.) "I know for certain that your Order is looking for the hidden band of orcs that ravaged the Preceptor House last winter and vanished, taking hostages with them." (Blandamour stiffens) "Well, I happen to know where their secret lair is. It is secret because I have ringed it with non-detection spells. They pay me tribute. Well, I have tired of them, and it will give me pleasure to inform you of their presence, and to dispel their protection." (He waves a claw negligently) "There, it is done. They lie in a cavern off of Breakbone Pass, an hour's flight from here, say two days march for your kind. In return, you must swear that you will get my sweet vase back from that King Berefor." (he hisses as he says it.) "Do you swear? If you do not, I shall reinstate the spell, and you shall never find them." (He watches Blandamour closely)

SIR BLANDAMOUR (Thinks hard. Finally) "Yes, I shall strike gloves with you on that. If the orcs are where you say they are, we will get your vase back. Torm be my witness." (The sword rings of itself, and the light around it grows more intense.)

OOC: Hmm, its not me you two talking about is it? She is very capable of handling men ;) , not to mention she loves battle as much as Sanael Ar-Cunin :D . Sigh second time typing this...hope i dont get booted again!

IC: <font color=pink>Verloren(name from elven mother)
Gudrun growled and reluctantly sheathed <font color=lightblue>Isan</font>(her cold sword), and <font color=white>Isak</font>(her lightning sword). This beast did not deserve to live for what it did to her! Sighing, she walked to the paladin and dropped a small curtsey, "Greetings. You must be Sir Blandamour. Kinn'zuwannik spoke of you quite often, I must say. My most gracious thanks for my rescue."
Blandamour nodded, "It was no trouble at all, Lady Gudrun"
She winced, "Please, call me Verloren, it was my mother's name for me. I've no desire to be called the name my father bestowed on me."
The paladin made a small smile, "As you wish, Lady Verloren. We are to escort you back to your palace as soon as we are finished here."
Verloren sighed, "I expected as much, but i will not be staying. I could never forgive my father for what he has done."
"As you wish, but we will discuss the matter at the palace"

The princess nodded and retreated to a wall so she could sit down. A stir in the shadows caught her eye, and she saw an elf behind an outcrop regarding her cooly, before turning his eyes back to Kinn'zuwannik, obviously wishing to continue the job. She shrugged and settled down on the cool stone, waiting for the dealings to be over.</font>

OOC>> Yes dear, they are talking of you. IC>
ELIZA (She glares again at the beast, who is still speaking to Blandamour, then turns her attention to Verloren.) "Hello, I am Eliza, Sir Blandamour's esquire. Your mother - Queen Margot, is it not? - asked me to look after you, but it doesn't seem to me that you needed much looking after. I don't think it really sunk in on her that you were a dragon's captive, chained to the wall. Wasn't it horribly cold? I have a spare cloak, here, and a flask of brandy."

<font color=white> LADY GALADRIA
"So, Eliza, it turned out a lucky thing for you that you are so ...close...to Sir Blandamour. If he headn't intervened, you would just be a nasty splot on the cavern wall, and the beast dead."</font>

OOC>>Are they now? :D I'll have fun developing that plot then [img]smile.gif[/img] . Man, is IW running slow today? Or is it just me?

IC: <font color=pink>Verloren
Verloren pulled herself to her feet to address the red-haired girl in front of her, "Thank you...Eliza, is it not?(continues at her affirmative nod)The brandy will be just fine(accepts the flask and downs half of it in one gulp). The cold stopped bothering me after awhile, the heat of the dragon kept me from freezing. My mother is...not well. Father beats her, and by Torga'nath I havn't an idea on why he would harm something as beatiful as an elf." She broke off with a sigh, "She has to take medicine, lest he beat her to death. It destroyed her spirit. Neither of them knew i took up the swords all those years ago, and I'm glad I did."

The lady paladin stunted any further conversation between them as she speaks to Eliza. Verloren felt eyes on her back and tossed her waist length brown hair uncomfortabley. She walked out the entrance-and past the eyes- to sit in the fresh air. She hoped this would not take too much longer; she longed to stretch her legs and run through yonder woods. She sighed happily and closed her eyes</font>

EDIT: OOC: If ya guys wouldnt mind telling me how tall ya'll are, it would help Verlorens point of view. Shes only 4'5 :D
And Ar-Cunin, check your PMs

[ 07-13-2002, 11:54 PM: Message edited by: Lady Blue03 ]

OOC>> Blandamour is 6'4". IC>>
SIR BLANDAMOUR (Gathers everyone outside the cave.) "We have two choices. We can go ourselves to the orc cave and rescue the captives, if any yet live, or go back and report to the Order where they are, and go to your father's castle, Verloren," (nods at her) and attempt to steal the vase. I know not how you all may feel, but I would have the honor of bringing the Orc Chief's head back to the Order, myself. What say everybody?"