ELIZA (to Lady Galadria, maintaining a stoic demeanor) "Yes, indeed, milady, I fear that would have been the case. Lucky we are that my Lord is here, for I saw little accomplished by you, either." (turns back to Verloren) "What an adventure! I think that you did well just to survive. What a shame about your mother. She seemed rather...strange when she talked to me. Why does she stay with your father? Nay, bother not to answer." (laughs bitterly) "He is a King, and one does not leave a King as easily as a normal man. My memory is fogged," (apologetic smile) "but I cannot remember my mother at all. My father was a hard taskmaster, and forced me to do many things, some evil, and I am afraid to say that, at the time, I seem to have rather gloried in them. For he was a King, too, Cedric, King of the Marches, so we are sister-princesses, though he is dead, now, and the kingdom in chaos. Lucky I am to have met my Lord," (here, she looks at Blandamour with undisguised love) "and he is guiding me to the true path, so that I do not fall back into my old ways..." (here, a look of pain shoots across her face, and she falls unaccoutably silent)

OOC>> Eliza is 5'3", Galadria, 5'11". ;)

<font color=silver>Sorsha

She grits her teeth, her eyes tightly squeezed in agony from the adic sprays of the dragon. Legolas had managed to dodge the attack, while Isaura and stumbled backwards just in time. The spell had then worn off before a visibly annoyed dragon and they had made it out of the cave to join the rest of their companions. Praying, she chants the words and feels a cooling stream flowing down to her injurious spot. Then smiles as she watches the wounds heal completely.</font>

OOC>>> Btw, Sorsha's about 5'5" and Isaura, 5'8"

<font color=magenta>Isaura

Unlike her previous grouse, she now marvels at her sister's skills ~ I do hope I regain my full memory soon... especially my arsenal of spells. ~ But it is no use pushing herself, for she knows all too well the consequences of excessive pressure. As she looks around the party, she cannot help but give a wry smile ~ There are four princesses among ourselves! How many adventuring groups could lay claim to that?! ~ And that within this group, none of them seemed terribly keen to rule their kingdoms ~ Great minds think alike? Or fools seldom differ?

Realising that she is drifting from her muses, she forces herself to concentrate to the group's discussion.</font>

<font color=skyblue>Legolas

He had known for some time that the old monk who accompanied them held strange powers which he did not feel fit to display unless absolutely necessary. It just seemed odd that he would even want to follow the group, laid back as he was. Now, he walks towards Ni Deng, giving him a respectful bow but getting what he expected - a bow in return. There did not seem a way to break the old one's reticence. Shrugging, he walked back towards Sorsha and Isaura, habitually holding his own silence.</font>

SIR BLANDAMOUR (to Lady Galadria) "Galadria, please don't taunt Eliza about that. It could have been anyone, for Kinn'zuwannik is far stronger than any human," (Glances at Sanael) "or elf, either. But, he is a great coward and adept at manipulating others' weaknesses to get what he wants. Now, I am going to go to Broken Back Pass to find out these orcs. Kinn'zuwannik has given me a map. It is difficult to know when these evil folk are lying or just cheating each other, as usual. Those who want can go back to Beresfor's castle. I shall send a messenger to the Order Building in Tarashia, and they will recruit an agent to meet you there. What say you?"

Sanael Ganahr (6' 1'')

Turns towards Blandamour with a look of feigned shock on his face

"A dragon is stronger than an elf, Sir Blandamour? I wouldn't have guessed. And it's a coward to boot - not wanting to fight 1 against 9 (OOC: if I've counted correctly ;) ). Well he certainly knows how how to manipulate you - and Eliza getting cought wouldn't have happened to anyone. The Dragon went deliberately after her knowing the 'bond' between you would make you stay your attack."

"But all that is water under the bridge - I for one would like to take on the orcs - killing those beasts is always satisfying."

"I think princess Verloren should have an 'escort' back to the castle - that group could then see what can be done about 'aquirering' the vase. Perhaps You could take charge of that part, Addison?"

OOC: As I said in my pm, LadyBlue - Sanael won't make it easy for you :D ;)

[ 07-14-2002, 09:58 AM: Message edited by: Ar-Cunin ]

OOC>> She and I both are up to the challenge Ar-Cunin :D
Wow you lot are all at least a foot taller then she! O well, all the more fun :D

IC:<font color=pink>Verloren
Verloren glared up in annoyance at the tall elf, "I'm quite capable of taking care of myself," she snapped, her once brown eyes now glittering red, "At least I was able to get a hit on the dragon!" she smirked at the dark look on his face, then turned to Blandamour

"I will travel with you to defeat these orcs. Returning home is of no importance to me," her eyes slowly returned to their normal color as her inital anger dissipated
The paladin nodded, and she added, "But first, I would like to know the names of the people I am to travel with"</font color=pink>

OOC: LOL Mistral i was thinking the same thing, 4 princesses! yikes :D
Also, if ya'll havn't guessed, her eyes turn red when she is angered

SIR BLANDAMOUR (Bows as low as he can to Verloren, which isn't very) "Very well, your Highness. We shall start at dawn, after we rest up."

In the mean time: a small orc scuttles into the cave of Madvag, the chief of the Flaming Buzzard tribe. "Madvag," he says, "you gotta come look at this. There's a little old human woman coming up the canyon. We can roll her, have a bt of fun, then, there's still time to boil her until she is tender for supper."

[ 07-14-2002, 05:21 PM: Message edited by: Attalus ]

<font color="white">OOC>> Addison is 6'2" and weighs in around 210-215 (Str 17). He is built like a fighter, but chose to study martial and arcane arts rather than swordsmanship.</font>

<font color="plum">Addison smiles slyly at Sanael and answers...

"No....no.....I don't believe I'll be doing that. Does the dragon have a rightful claim to this vase? I seriously doubt it. Why, then, should I bother taking it from the king? I am not bound by Sir Blandamour's oath. It is his concern alone to make good on the payment to the dragon. We have rescued the princess, as we promised to do. Now we learn that the king is of no better character than the wyrm we just faced.

If Velrun wished to confront her father about the deeds he's done, I would gladly accompany her for that, but I have no interest in securing a ransom for the paladins playmate."

He then turns to face Sir Blandamour directly.

"And you, good sirrah, have allowed yourself to be manipulated by the dragon just as you warned he would do. You let your indescretion with your young "squire" lead you to swear an oath to steal from the lawful ruler of the land and deliver a powerful item of magic to a creature of pure evil. I would be very surprised if you were not banned for bringing such disgrace upon your Order.

During my time in your company, I have seen an alarming increase in needless violence and intimidating threats of more violence against those you dislike. I believe you have forsaken the code of your Order to follow your own personal desires and I will not assist you in the theft of the vase.

I will be going my own way now. If any wish to travel with me, they will be welcome. If not, then I bid you all good hunting."</font>

OOC>>> Cerek, let me know if you're ok with this arrangement, cos I think you'd be better RP-ing this character for Legolas till he comes back ;)

<font color=#9999CC>Ni Deng

In the ensuing silence, he emits a cough which to his amusement, causes the youngsters to jump. Ignoring their fluster, he shuffles up to the mage and nods his head sagely ~ "The truth is harsh to the ears, sometimes, but you have spoken it." ~ Staring into Addison's eyes unblinkingly ~ "I shall take up your offer, which I trust you will honour - paladin or not." ~ There is a momentary twinkle in his eyes ~ "I foresee that great adventures will befall us." ~ Turning back to the others, he bows again, addressing Legolas just once ~ "I'd watch out for that little bird if I were you, young man."

Just as abruptly, he returns his gaze to Addison, awaiting for him to take the lead.</font>

[ 07-15-2002, 01:06 AM: Message edited by: mistral4543 ]

<font color=skyblue>Legolas

Uneasily, almost reluctantly, he spins around to see that winged creature take off for the sky in a split second. Why would it be following him thus, and for what reason this persistence? The vision of Steeplewood Forest creeps back to his mind and he replays the scenes that remain entrenched in his memory ~ So heartachingly, hauntingly, enchantingly beautiful... ~ At this, he glances to see Sorsha's surprised but unworried face. If anything, she seems amused and he knows how she wishes she could touch the bird's feathers to stroke them.

Only time will reveal the intention of the bird... strange as it sounds. Looking around, he realises that he does not really care about the group dynamics taking place. Perhaps it is part of Sorsha's magic, to draw him away from all other matters.

He smiles to himself wryly, accepting his fate, and continuing to be the passive observer.</font>

<font color=silver>Sorsha

She had never been able to accept unpleasantness, especially among relative strangers. It meant conflict, ugliness, disharmony. Now, Addison's words seem to echo in her ears and seeing Sir Blandamour's quivering moustache, she instinctively shuts her eyes, seeking to blot out the sight of an argument. It is only with a supreme effort that she keeps her hands from flying to her ears to cover them from what is to come.

Inwardly, she wonders ~ When can I be rid of this mundaneness, earthly troubles? ~ But it only shows her selfishness, her desire to throw her responsibility away. She bites her lips in frustration, hoping that the air will soon be clearer.</font>

<font color=magenta>Isaura

Concern now flows freely in her veins as she witnesses her sister's vulnerability ~ Perhaps I was wrong to refuse her request... she certainly couldn't rule a kingdom with such an ostrich attitude. ~ Then blinks her eyes ~ Ostrich? What ostrich? ~ So perhaps she had seen this exotic-sounding creature in her youth, too ~ Cease your meanderings, Isaura! Focus! ~ She grits her teeth, breathing heavily ~ I think it might just be too unfair to Sorsha as well as the people, to force her to be the ruler. ~ Glancing at Gudrun ~ I wonder... ~ Shaking her head resolutely ~ There you go, just as irresponsible as you accused Sorsha of being! ~ She inhales deeply ~ You'll have to assume the leadership until you find a WILLING replacement... and that's final.</font>

OOC>>Cerek, its Verloren, not Velrun :D
IC:
<font color=pink>Verloren
Verloren glanced around at the group, there seemed to be a great deal of tension flowing between everybody. Rubbing a ruby set in <font color=white>Isak's</font> hilt distractedly, she muttered a small spell under her breath, then let out a long, peircing whistle.

"I know not why my father has this vase," she said, not speaking to anyone in particular, "But when we return to the castle, I will gladly take it from him. Mayhap he will go mad and throw himself off a bridge without it!" she allowed herself an evil chuckle. Then stopped abruptly, glancing around, noticing the odd looks. She shrugged them off and waited.

Not a minute later, a loud clattering of hooves was heard coming towards the party . A large stallion of 17 hands, with a silver mane and ebony hide, loped up the hill and skidded to a halt in front of her, nickering happily. She smiled and hugged his massive neck.

"If we are to make camp here, then I will find a suitable place to wash myself before we leave, if you have need of me, simply whistle." She sighed and trotted down the hill in search of a river or lake, Thorlosh following.</font>

OOC>>G'night everyone! Looking forward to ur posts

<font color="white">OOC>> Sorry about getting your name wrong, <font color="skyblue">LadyBlue</font>. I had meant to check back through the thread to make sureI got it right not, but it was late when I Posted and I didn't take time to do it.

<font color="deeppink">Mistral</font>, that will actually work out very well. I'm about to add a little plot twist and it would make perfect sense for Ni Deng to travel with Addison.</font>

<font color="palegreen">Kellen finally awoke to the sound of high pitched laughter and the a constant buzzing in his ears. He opened his and sat up, too quickly. The youngling sprites that were dancing around his face zipped off in different directions at the sudden movement.

As Kellen sits up, he could still hear a constant buzzing, but he now realized that it had nothing to do with the rapid beating of the faeries wings. The buzzing was inside his head and showed no signs quieting anytime soon. The swirling patterns of light caused by the flying faeries didn't help his condition either. He closed his eyes and pressed his hands against his temples.

"Please make your sword sing."
"Oh yes. Please make it sing.
"Please, please, please, please, please, please."

The younger sprites had come back to dance in front of his face, begging him to show them his BladeSong dance.

That was about the LAST thing Kellen felt like doing, but he couldn't resist the innocent, hopeful looks of the young sprites. Besides, he didn't expect they would give him any peace until he consented.

Standing slowly, he pulls his katana out of its scabbard. He has to use it to hold himself up until the small glen stops spinning around, then he slowly starts the BladeSong.

It was difficult at first. His movements were awkward and hampered by the remnants of dwarven ale ~ whew, NEVER drink dwarven spirits again, he chided to himself ~ at first, but as he went through his practiced routine, his muscles began to respond to the familiar pattern.

It took longer than normal, but the blade finally started spinning faster and faster and then - it began to whistle. The sprites jumped and danced in delight and chased the blade playfully. The physical exertion and the low, friendly whistling of the blade helped to clear Kellen's head. The blade moved faster and his head began to clear even more.

By the time he was finished, he was feeling almost as playful as the sprites. The last remnants of dwarven ale's influence had been purged from his system and he finally felt like himself again.</font>

SIR BLANDAMOUR (To Addison) "Take the course that seems best to you, sir. As for me, my duty is my own, and violence is a soldier's occupation. I would have done the same for any of you, for I would not sacrifice a comrade's life for a mere vengeance, since our little captive is free." (To Eliza) "Come, now, get the horses ready. We ride on the hour."

<font color=white>LADY GALADRIA "I will accompany you, Sir Blandamour. My duty lies in the freeing of those unhappy captives. Lady Clarenox is one of them, is she not? And, she your only sister?" (Glances at Addison) "I know, duty seems harder than a stone, sometimes, does it not? But, we Paladins must be experts on evil, for we deal with it on a daily basis, and shades of gray will creep in, be we never so vigilant."</font>

[ 07-15-2002, 09:26 AM: Message edited by: Galadria ]

<font color=gray> LILYBLACK (She lies on a luxurious couch on a balcony overlooking a steaming jungle. The light is failing and the leaves dissolving from sharp detail into a lush green blur. One orange flower stands out, like the star in a performance surrounded by the dances of the chorus. She is dressed in the briefest of silk nightclothes, her mind sated with the pleasure that had preceded this. The dying light catches the white jewel at her throat, sparking it into sudden fire. The scar on her face only serves to make her more exotically beautiful, though it would not be a good thing to tell her so. She becomes aware of an insistent desire to consult her magical scroll. Someone is trying to contact her! She stubbornly resists for a while, trying to recapture the moment, but, failing, sulkily rises and picks up the thing with distaste. It says, only: "Come to Tarashia at once, my Lady. Sir Bors has need of you.)</font>

[ 07-15-2002, 09:36 AM: Message edited by: Galadria ]

<font color="plum">Addison bursts out laughing at Lady Galadria's reply.

"It is not Sir Blandamour's duty that has appeared to be "hard as a stone" of late."

Then in a more serious tone....

"And "shades of grey" appear to have, indeed, "crept in". Your passion for Blandamour is plainly as obvious as Eliza's, yet you have had to deny your feelings and simmer with quiet rage as they have become less and less....discreet....with thier affections. I suppose that explains your willingness to resort to violence so quickly. Since you cannot strike at your true foe, you must satiate your fury elsewhere.

And since you are "an expert on evil", are you not bothered with the bargain struck by Sir Blandamour to save his paramour. You will honor the promise to steal from the lands lawful ruler and hand over a powerful item of magic to an evil dragon - even though there is no need to do that.

After the events of Korup-Shun, you said that paladins recognize evil and are allowed to fight it by whatever means necessary. If that is so, then you should be under no obligation to "honor" Blandamours agreement with a creature of maleveolent evil, such as the dragon. And if you claim that his individual honor would be tarnished by going back on his word, then how does he reconcile that with his honor to serve the Order?

It was my understanding that his superior sent him here to aid the king in rescueing his daughter, which we have done. Would it not tarnish his honor to now go back and steal from the king, even though his daughter is safe?

Forgive me, you are correct. My understanding of evil is obviously imperfect. Therefore, as I said, I feel it is best that I take my leave of your company. I'm afraid my presence will only serve as a hindrance to your goals and desires, so it is best to part before that happens."</font>

OOC>>> Excellent posts! [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img] Keep up the great work, everyone :D

OOC>>Yes, excellent :D . I think it's about time someone made a new thread though! Cerek. be sure to come say goodbye to Verloren b4 you leave; you are the one that freed her afterall :D

[ 07-15-2002, 12:46 PM: Message edited by: Lady Blue03 ]

<font color=gray> LILYBLACK (As she puts the scroll down, a lithe man clad all in gray, which extends even to his eyebrows and eyes comes into the room bearing a tray with two glasses of a sparkling wine on it. She takes one as he picks up the other and touches her glass. She frowns.) "Mouse, darling, I must go away for a few days." ( he protests, 'But it seems as if you just got here, Misling.') She replies, as she kisses him on the cheek,"Darling, you know that I have a job to do, and, delightful as this has been, I must be about and doing." (She changes into her leather catsuit, equips herself with some strange devices, then steps into a portal, coming out in Sir Bors' Tarashia office.) "Greeings, Sir Bors. Have you aught for me?" </font>

SIR BORS (looks up from his desk, smiles in greeting) "Indeed, milady, there is much toing and froing of late. Blandamour sent me a message and I just got it. It seems as if he has vowed to retreive Kinn'zuwannik the Black's vase from that detestable Beresfor, to save a companion's life. Well, I cannot have that, though I cannot tell him so. I want you to steal the vase, "Peace of Mind" it is called for some reason, and bring it here. That way, the dragon can have his gewgaw, the Order will not be compromised, and we shall have peace in the North for some little time." (Tired smile) "I don't want Blandamour to soil his hands, but ours are soiled plenty already, aren't they?"

<font color=gray> LILYBLACK (smiles slightly) "Indeed, my Lord, they are. You cannot kill your enemy without a little blood lingering. Tell me, is the esquire Eliza still with Sir Blandamour? (He frowns and says he doesn't really know) "Indeed? Well, I shall find out, soon enough. Beresfor's castle, did you say? Well, here I go." (In an instant, she is standing just outside the castle, tucking a portal lens away. She quickly covers herself with a ragged cloak to become just another traveler, straggling into the gates right before they close for the night.) </font>

<font color=gray> LILYBLACK (She unobtrusively speaks to several people at the castle, giving out that she is a pilgrim come to gaze upon King Beresfor’s famous vase, “Peace of Mind.” Most look at her blankly, but finally, she meets a furniture maker who tells her that she has no more chance of seeing that vase then he has of marrying Princess Verloren. He knows, for the king hired him to make a special table to rest the vase upon. Questioning him, she finds that he still has some chips of the wood that he made the table of. She unobtrusively grabs one, and heads out of the castle to an abandoned house she had noted earlier. For the next few nights, passerby see strange lights and smell odd odors, while different voices whisper, hiss, or shriek. Finally, she proudly gazes on a new portal stone. After readying herself and burning the house, she utilses the lens. She suddenly appears in Beresfor’s locked, guarded, trapped chamber, deep within the castle. She sees the vase, removes the traps around it, wraps it in the velvet that it rests on, and, as alarms are sounding. She instantly reappears in Sir Bors’ office, bearing the vase. </font>

<font color="plum">As the morning sun rises, Addison gathers his belongings. With nothing further to be said, Addison turns to leave. Then, abruptly, turns back and walks over to Verloren. He takes her hand and gently kisses it.

"Goodbye, Lady Verloren. Tis a pity that we did not have a chance to know one another better. I sincerely hope you will have a chance to repay your father in a manner befitting the deeds he has done. I only regret that I won't be there to see it happen.

May the gods guide your feet on their travels and your sword in battle.

Fare thee well, milady."

He then turns and heads out of the camp, with Ni Deng following close behind. As soon as they are out of site of the camp, he reaches into his tunic and removes the amulet that TAO gave him several weeks ago. She had said he could use it to call for her help when needed, but he imagined she was too far away to respond.

Instead, tried casting a minor Divination spell on the amulet and then concentrated on Lady TAO. To his delight, the amulet seemed to pull in a specific direction. The course appeared to lead back towards the general area of Korup-Shun.

That is to be expected, thought Addison. After all, that is where Raymond was, to the best of his knowledge, so it made sense that TAO would also be there.

Very well, then that is the direction his path would follow also. He looked at Ni Deng, and the old gardener returned his gaze with a look that held far more knowledge than he would ever reveal.

Without a word, the two companions turned towards the rising sun and began there journey back.</font>

Sanael Ganahr

"Well I'm confused by your attitude, Addison. You seem as ready to sacrifrice the life of a companion as you are to protect your enemies."

"As you said - we've have managed to effectuate the release Princess Verloren. I don't know how many lives would have been lost trying to escape, but Elizas would surely have been the first. And - might I add - with no guarantee that any of us would survive the encounter and make it back to the castle."

"Besides - Sir Blandamour didn't promise when he would get the vase - only that the dragon would get it at some point in the future. And the future is long"

He chuckels for a moment then continues.

"Not that Sir Blandamour will interprit the agreement in that way - I'm sure. He is - as you pointed out - after all a Paladin."

"But perhaps you consider the Kings valuables more important than life. Valuables which the King chose to keep and thus endangering the life of his own flesh and blood."

"Oh - and that comment about Sir Blandamour and Lady Elizas relationship really is beneath You. I mean - it's not like it was a secret to anyone."

Sanael appears to consider his next words.

"How did the King get possesion of that vase in the first place - the dragon claimed that it belonged to him first. Do You know anything of this Princess Verloren?"

EDIT: D*** I* - Cerek posted while I was writing again :( - well just pretend that my post came first - like last time [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[ 07-15-2002, 03:16 PM: Message edited by: Ar-Cunin ]

OOC>>For obvious reasons, I'm changing Verloren's heigth to 5 foot :D
IC:<font color=pink>Verloren
Verloren, feeling much better after her wash in the lake, smiled sadly at Addison's retreating back before turning to Sanael once more

"Well..." she cocked her head slightly and looked up at him with sparkling eyes, "My father was-and I suppose still is-an adventurer of some sort. He and some close friends would go out on these 3 day escapades every so often, hunting, treasure hunting, what have you. He never really told me what happened that last time, when he came home clutching the vase. I suspect Kinn'zuwanikk may have been hunting, and not realized the vase was gone until he returned. But it remains unseen to me, as the dragon knew that my father was the one who stole it." she ran her fingers absently through her damp hair, "Whatever the case be, I know that the 'dissapearance' of my father's precious vase would likely drive him to insanity," She giggled at this, then sighed and stretched before turning away from the handsome elf to Blandamour

"Pray tell, Sir Blandamour, when are we to rest?"</font>

[ 07-15-2002, 03:36 PM: Message edited by: Lady Blue03 ]

<font color="plum">Addison pauses at the edge of the camp as Sanael speaks his feelings. He turns to face him and - when he is done - answers.

"You are correct, Sanael Ganahr. You do not understand me in the least."

He then turns again and continues on his way.</font>

[ 07-15-2002, 04:00 PM: Message edited by: Cerek the Barbaric ]

SIR BLANDAMOUR (to Verloren, smiling) "We shall rest later today, when we have cleard the area around Kinn'zuwannik's den. He might have a few tricks under his scales, and I don't want to be close by. Let us see, you have your own horse, so there is no need to repack the sumpter horses. Let us set out. I know of a good campsite about three hors ride from here." (He mounts Shaitann, and Eliza quickly mounts her own palfrey. They set out immediately and are at the campsite well within the prophesised three hours.

<font color=pink>Verloren
The princess nods and vaults easily onto Thorlosh's(more lovingly known as Wind Shadow) back. The stallion dances slightly and snorts at Blandamour's steed. Verloren briefly touched his mind, and he calmed down with a toss of his head. Resting one hand on <font color=lightblue>Isan</font><font color=pink> and the other lightly on her leg, she touched Wind Shadow's mind again and he started forward, slightly apart from the rest, where Verloren could be alone with her silent thoughts of revenge</font>

[ 07-15-2002, 07:04 PM: Message edited by: Lady Blue03 ]

SIR BLANDAMOUR (The party all pitch in to make camp. Galadria makes a tasty stew from some beef that a local farmer sold her. Just as they are setting dowen to eat, a rider is spotted, and all rush for their weapons. He turns out to be a messenger of Beresfor, King of the Peaks)

MESSENGER "I say, you don't have any of that stew to spare, do you. I'm supposed to be riding posthaste to the town of Berias with this message, but the King won't know if I just stop for a bite, will he?" (Sees Verlornen) "By Tyr, it's the Princess! You were captive of the dragon by all accounts, dead by some. Glad I am to be able to refute the rumor-mongering. Do you remember me, ma'am? Colter I am. I held the horse when you first learned to ride. Yopu...you won't tell your father about this, me stopping to eat, will you, ma'am? He's a hard man, your father, and getting harder. Here, you had better see my message." (He gives her a scroll, with her father's seal, saying, King Berefor of the Peaks has had his greatest treasure stolen! His vase, called "Peace of Mind," has been stolen by some base thief. Reward for finding it and its safe return to His Majesty, 200,000 gold.

<font color=pink>Verloren
She smiled at Colter, "Indeed I remember you. It is good see you well, Colter," she accepts the message and reads it over quickly

"Well well...the old fool got the baked clay stolen eh?" a tiny grin forms on her face, "I would congratulate this theif if I met him." She rolled the message back up and handed it to Colter, "You are always welcome here, my friend. I will not tell my father of your stopping, but I suggest you tell him I am alive and well, out of the dragons claws."

Colter bowed to her, and she took her stew to a secluded area
"What move will you make next father?" she whispered "Hold ransom for me too? Alive or dead?" Her eyes glittered a deadly red "We shall see old man...we shall see"</font>

[ 07-15-2002, 11:24 PM: Message edited by: Lady Blue03 ]

<font color=gray>LILYBLACK (Verloren sees a shimmer behind some bushes. She starts to investigate, but she is forestalled by a slender figure clad all in black leather who steps from behind the plants. She is quite lovely, with black hair cut short but layered up the back to emphasize the shape of her head, black eyes, and a pouting mouth that can shape sudden dazzling smiles. What strikes her immediately is that her heart-shaped face is scarred from just above the left eyebrow to the right cheekbone. She scar is white and old, fortunately avoiding the eye and mouth, but slightly ridging the fine nose. She approaches the princess.) "The Princess Verloren, is it not? I congratulate you on your escape from captivity. Dragons are not known to be kindly hosts. I am Lilyblack, late of Lankhmar and now from all over, Greetings."

OOC>>I realized I never said what Verloren looked like *oops*
<font color=pink>Verloren
(Blacklily stands calmly as the princess rises from the rock she had been sitting on. The short woman has swirling brown hair that spreads out to form a sort of cloak around her upper body, while strands of grown out bangs frame her dark face. Brown eyes that seem to be veiled in red, a stright nose(OOC: a roman nose), and a mouth that could form snarls as well as smiles, make up her dark yet stunning face.)Verloren regards the newcomer carefuly, laying a hand on <font color=lightblue>Isan</font>, shifting a bit-she had removed her half plate for the night, "Aye, I am Princess Verloren. Is there aught I can help you with, Lady Blacklily? I am not in the mood to be disturbed."</font>
OOC>>I see youre online Attalus, I hope u werent the one screaming to get on the computer :D

[ 07-16-2002, 02:08 PM: Message edited by: Lady Blue03 ]

OOC>> No, that was Piestrider. He was finding a driver for a digital camera. IC>

SIR BLANDAMOUR (He is startled to see Verloren standing talking to a slender form that seems somehow familiar. He remembers, it is Lilyblack of the Scar, last seen in Korup-Shun. What would she be doing here, he wonders. All said in the Order that she was Sir Bos' eminense grisee' and spymistress to boot. He strides over.) "I greet you, Mistress Lilyblack. I see that you are having a private conversation with the Princess, here, and I would not intrude, but if you want me, I shall be right over there." (He walks off.)

<font color=lightgreen>For Kellen</font> <font color=skyblue>and TAO</font>

<font color=white>The Steeplewood Forest

The Spring</font>

<font color=thistle>The shadows of early evening are filled with high pitched squeals and laughter and the dancing movements of the colors of fall as the younglings flit excitedly around their visitor. A few echos on the tones of the blade dance still sound faintly in the cool air. Seeing the flushed smile on Kellen’s face, Jasper winks at Sylvas who has gathered a small chorus of the youngest sprites around himself. At Jasper’s signal, they fly suddenly upward in an explosion of color and laughter out of which speak several high pitched voices, “DEFINITELY NOT A DWARF!”

A few of the boldest younglings gather around Kellen hoping to be allowed to see and touch his blade. “My thanks, friend,” Jasper smiles as he looks up at the tall visitor. “That was some of the best sport the younglings have had in at least a season.”</font>

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

<font color=darkseagreen>For the second time today, the notes of an unusual song have sounded within the air of the forest and Claudia’s eyes meet those of Miriam. Miriam rises silently, hoping that the pause in TAOWolf’s speaking will be long enough for her to discover the source of the unusual music. She hums softly over the basin. Claudia had mentioned that Jasper’s laughter had blended with the notes she had heard earlier. Soon the air above the basin holds the colorful movement and peals of laughter of the younglings as well as the image of an elf whose blade pierces the air with a kind of music.

Seeing that the others have now turned toward her, Miriam gives full voice to the melody of her own incantation and the images and sounds move away from the basin to form a life-sized tableau for the others in the Grove.

“So many visitors we seem to have lately,” Ligeia smiles.

“And with such gifts!” Claudia adds.

Ullalume simply smiles placidly at the sight before her and Iphigenia nods in approval.

The women laugh together at the ‘Not a dwarf’ chorus from the younglings and as Miriam drops her voice into a softer key the visions dance once more over the basin before disappearing. She concludes her own song with a soft howl into the evening air followed by a whispered command.

Rejoining the group, she smiles at TAOWolf and apologizes for the interruption. “Please continue,” she says softly, traces of song still lingering in her voice.</font>

<font color=white>The Spring</font>

<font color=thistle>The sounds of water flowing from the spring into the pool dance merrily between the excited words and playful laughter of the sprites and their visitor. And a bright silver mist joins this dance. A low and musical howl sounds within the mist and sings for a few moments alongside the voices of this place. Jasper breaks off his words to Kellen in surprise, an expression of delight shining on his face. “Argus!” The younglings cry. “Argus has come!”

Turning once more to Kellen, “It seems that others have appreciated your talents as much as we have.” The bright silver mist swirls slowly together and the howl takes on the tenor of a deep and friendly growl. Soon the mist is no more and a large wolf soon stands among the excited sprites, its fur shining like polished silver.</font>

[ 07-16-2002, 03:25 PM: Message edited by: Cyril Darkcloud ]

will post this evening........*LMAO* (tearing apart the office looking for my tavern book)

OOC>>> Sorry for not posting much, everyone [img]graemlins/blush.gif[/img] ... I've got a case of sever eye strain, to the extent that I can't even get much work done in the office :eek: Just assume Legolas, Sorsha and Isaura will tag along wherever the paladins are going and I'll post when my condition's better [img]smile.gif[/img]

OOC>> Sorry to hear about that, Mistral. Hope your eyes are better, soon. IC>>
ELIZA (She sees Blandamour over talking to the strange, dark woman and jealousy stirs in her bosom. Then, for a second, the black eyes lock with hers and the jealousy vanishes in the face of fear. There is real hatred there. She must have done something in her previous life to that woman. Seeing Blandamour walk back toward her she rushes up to him and hoilds him closely, trying to keep from crying.) "My Lord, that woman, who is she?"