The New RPG! - Page 123 - Writers Forum

Foxee · 02-15-2008, 09:15 AM

Wolf and Pavl remained locked in combat, all wolf and all demon.

Pavl noted the change in Wolf’s size and immediately grew an inch. But she couldn’t keep up with Wolf's changes if Alexx was commanding them, she knew, she’d always be a step behind.

As long as the fight continued Wolf couldn’t turn away and neither could Pavl. Any canine worth their salt would be on a cowardly opponent in a second, ripping their throat or flanks, bringing them down.

She had to kill him quickly and escape. And with Alexx standing there and doubtless Vahn and Laurel on the way her options were narrowing.

She feinted, snarling, missed the throat-lock on Wolf’s neck yet again, and they whirled on.

slayerofangels · 02-15-2008, 09:51 AM

"VAHN!!"

Karin's scream echoed through the night air, the girl herself bursting into the firelight as unworldly snarling and howls erupted behind her. Vahn cursed silently. Did the girl want to bring every trader in the forest down on them? What better way to let them know that there was trouble?

"Keep your voice down! Islen's mercy! Have you forgotten where we are?"

Standing slowly, he fixed his robes and pulled two vials of holy water from Bard's saddlebags. He wasn't quite sure what he planned to do with them yet, but if the snarling was anything to go by, there was a full scale fight in progress. He didn't want to commit to a battle without knowing who he was supposed to be fighting. If nothing else, this would give him an opening. Drawing his blade, he deposited one of the vials in the bag at his hip, and turned to Laurel.

"Tend to her," he said, "and as for the stone, destroy it. It is more trouble than its worth."

Glancing at Karin, he noted how distressed she looked. It was to be expected but...perhaps it was his imagination. Either way he did not have time for it now. Striding purposefully out of the circle, he schooled his face to calm. In battle, any advantage you could get counted towards victory, and he needed to keep his enemies on edge. And more importantly, the longer it took the combatants to realise he was there, the more options he had.

Pressing through the bushes swiftly, but unhurriedly, he soon came upon the scene of battle, and realised that in some ways, his fears had come to pass. 'Skye' was nowhere to be seen. In her stead, two wolves were locked in combat while Alexx looked on. Why in Islen's name was she just standing there? Where were Mano, Rufus and Va Poor? It did not matter, not yet at any rate. Without breaking his stride, he muttered a blessing and hurled the vial he'd been holding into the maelstrom. The glass shattered immediately, showering both combatants with the blessed water. It would harm them both, but with any luck...

There!

One of the wolves seemed to waiver for a moment, and he waded into the fight, sword lashing out indiscriminately. If Alexx had any sense, she'd move to block any escape. If not... He landed a kick beneath the wolf's chin, and followed through with a slash to the side, pressing his momentum. If not, he'd have words with her later.

Renos Babe · 02-15-2008, 01:35 PM

Alexx saw Vhans attack and winced, during one of there attacks she'd lost sight of Wolf...please let that one be the right one. She moved around making sure she was blocking the main exit, but watching incase it moved for another, she knew she had the speed...but the strenght was a different matter.

Foxee · 02-15-2008, 03:07 PM

Pavl fought desperately.

So far she had managed to keep Wolf at bay but it was difficult to acclimate to a new shape this way, to immediately expect to fight proficiently as a creature she had never been.

She thought she may have torn his bloodied muzzle – he had yipped high and agonized as her teeth had ripped there – and she felt weakness and oozing warmth in her own left front leg.

A shadow loomed and, with the sound of breaking glass something spattered her face, burning, acidic. Momentum carried her onward.

Wolf was gone but instead of this solving her problems her teeth smashed together hard as a boot came up under her muzzle. It lifted her off of the ground and then a horrible arcing blade bit into her side.

Pavl fell away, rolling, a bubbling howl of agony escaping her, and landed heavily against Alexx’s legs, kicking up dead leaves, claws furrowing the black loam.

She felt her hold on the wolf-form loosen and fought to hold onto it even as it slid away from her. The horrible burning went on, seeming to sink deep into her, past her skin, as though it searched for a soul.

A soul that she did not have.

Pavl’s head and front legs shifted back to the last long-kept form of Skye’s head, shoulders, and arms but there something went wrong.

The shift slowed and nearly stopped completely where the wound in her side began. The rest of her body remained that of a wolf as she thrashed, blood flowing from her side, sobbing with Skye’s voice as she struggled to rise, to flee.

((Okay, that was somewhat creepifying and disgusting to write. There’s an abomination for ya.))

Blossom · 02-21-2008, 07:14 AM

The Fool resided in a spacious, well furnished square room. Silk drapes were hung over the stone walls, and underfoot was a thick, lavish carpet. Around the edges of the room were several bookcases crammed with volumes, and in the middle of it all was stood a large, throne-like chair.

Sat in the chair was whom Alecin took to be his contact, the Fool. He was a tall, slender man, with aquiline features that regarded the Mage coolly. The pale blond hair and icy blue eyes reminded him scarily of Saehenine. He was dressed in the traditional black-and-white clothes of a harlequin, making him seem even paler than he was.

“Welcome Mage Alecin,” he spoke softly.

“You are the Fool, then?”

“Yes,” he said, then grinned suddenly, “Well, really it’s the Harlequin. But most people just know me as the Fool.”

“Puts them off their guard?”

“Sometimes. Not you though.”

“No. Sorry to disappoint,” Alecin said.

“You'd only disappoint if you weren’t on your guard.” The Fool leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. “Now, how can the Black Traders help one of the Mage Council?”

“The activities of one of the Traders is causing concern.”

“Oh really? And who might that be?”

“The Mistress.”

Renos Babe · 02-27-2008, 03:47 AM

Alexx screwed her face up at the disfiggered form at her feet, it was clear now that this was not wolf, but wolf was no where to be seen.

"What are we going to do about it?" she asked quietly glaring down at the form, we need to find the others.

Lyonidus · 03-04-2008, 06:54 AM

Now that!...... had been painful....

Kinareth didn't even truly bother to attempt movement, merely allowing his body to seize whatever small amount of respite it could from the sudden lull in activity, not that that was very much, each position seemed to cause him rather a large amount of pain and not merely in his side, the pain accumulated from his wounds had caused an ever-present dull pounding just behind his eyes, causing them to send pain throughout his head if he moved them too far to either side.

He sighed inwardly, considering his options, limited as they were.

non-existent as they were.

He needed rest and so he decided that all he could truly do at the moment was to attempt to recover some of his lost strength, keeping an eye out for any sign of weakness in the guards, ears pricked for any important discussion between the dark haired lady and the blonde monster that seemed to be her partner in all this.

And of course.......

senses alert for that skunk Berul!

Foxee · 03-04-2008, 03:35 PM

Berul finished toweling off with something that felt like the backside of a bull.

His mouth set in a sulky line, vapor rising from his bare torso and back in the wintry cold, and slipped into his shirt before giving his tawny hair one last brisk rubbing and shaking it out.

It wouldn’t be like this forever, he promised himself as he fastened on his cloak. He wouldn’t be Saehenine’s puppy anymore. He would have only the finest of everything. Linens, clothing, food, women…

He found himself looking for Vivian and was put out when she didn’t immediately appear. What were she and Fleur off doing? Muscles tightened at the thought of the blonde beauty and his old carefree smile touched his mouth for the first time in days.

Maybe Fleur would be the first addition to Berul’s household. Let Vivian sweat for a while.

Tossing the so-called towel at a nearby Trader, Berul turned and strode toward the prisoners, beckoning for the impatient demon to approach and shooting sharp glances around for Vivian.

He halted at the prisoners’ feet looking down at them for a moment and pondering their fate. Skye belonged to Berul now, and would be taken where he wished. Kinareth was wanted by the Mistress. Berul shook his head, better Kinareth than him. Aia was a liability.

The mistress didn’t need her, Orro wouldn’t require another lamb for months yet, and transporting her would be a cumbersome waste of energy complicated by the possibility of escape.

Berul shrugged. Fleur could kill Aia before they moved out. The blonde seemed to have a taste for such things so it would be a gift of sorts for her.

He leaned down and twitched the blanket off of the unconscious forms and grinned when he saw Skye’s fingers entwined with Kinareth’s.

“Awww, isn’t that sweet.” Sarcasm coated his words then he raised his voice, “Time to move out,” he called to the surrounding Traders and the approaching demon. “We’ve wasted too much time already.”

Renos Babe · 03-04-2008, 09:57 PM

Wolf walked up and nudged the back of Alexx's leg with his paw, she glanced down and saw the cut on his muzzle but knew better than to lean down and help him, she stared intently at Vahn, "What are we Going to do?"

Blossom · 03-05-2008, 10:43 AM

Fleur and Vivian made their way silently back to the camp, the blonde sullenly torching any unfortunate plant-life in her path while the brunette brooded on the situation.

This was going to be difficult; if Laurel had discovered the bloodring she would know where it had come from. Vivian had been counting on her control over the healer to stop her from suspecting the Mistress – and remembering Vivian’s own face. She should never have been so overconfident; if only she could simply burn away her frustration like Fleur.

As they walked into the came, Vivian immediately spotted Berul leaning over the prisoners. He was looking at Skye and Kinareth, but next to them she noticed Aia’s eyelids fluttering - she would have to be knocked out again soon.

Kinareth was another problem. They hadn't planned on his interfering with Pavl and Skye's swap, and he was far too dangerous now. The Mistress had no need of him, and as far as Vivian was aware neither would Orro.

Well, no matter. Kinareth could easily be disposed of.

As Vivan made her way towards him, Berul straightened and called out, “Time to move out. We’ve wasted too much time already.”

As he finished speaking Vivian reached him. Grabbing his arm, she pulled him down and said in a low voice, “We need to talk.”

Foxee · 03-06-2008, 06:40 AM

Berul pretended not to really notice Vivian until she grabbed his arm and he was abruptly yanked sideways.

“We need to talk.”

"This isn't the best of times, darling," Berul said, pointing a Trader toward Kinareth and trying to look like it was his idea to be bending to Vivian's whisper, "what is it?"

Blossom · 03-06-2008, 11:43 AM

"This isn't the best of times, darling." Berul didn’t even look at her as he answered, instead directing one of the Traders towards Kinareth. Vivian rolled her eyes and hissed under her breath, “I’m so sorry to interrupt.”

“What is it?”

Vivian gave him a look. “Not around the plebs.”

Looking around, she caught side of two idle guards, and snapped, “You! Make sure everything gets done properly, or you’ll answer to me.” Turning to Berul, she gave a sweet smile, “And you, dearest, come with me.”

Without waiting for an answer she started towards the edge of the camp, where they wouldn’t be overheard.

Foxee · 03-07-2008, 08:52 AM

BERUL GROUND HIS TEETH and followed Vivian away from where the guards were muscling Kinareth, Skye, and Aia to their feet, slapping their faces to try to bring them around. Someday he was going to knock her down a peg or two. Until then…

Well, until then, she was a pleasure to follow. His mood mellowed somewhat as he followed her tight figure away from listening ears.

When they’d gone far enough he grabbed her by the arm, turning her to face him.

“This is good enough. What do you want?”

SKYE SHIVERED WITH COLD, the blanket gone, the warmth of her companions stripped away, face aching from the stinging slaps of the burly guard. She’d given up on playing dead and simply stood defenseless as preparations were made for their departure.

Lyonidus · 03-07-2008, 05:15 PM

Kinareth allowed his body to go completely limp as the guard plucked him from the ground, shocked at the minimal effort required to do so, barely having to shift his muscles at all, alerting him to just how very weak he was.

“This one’s strong!” He observed at the ease which the guard displayed at picking him up before drawing back his right hand………..

“dodge it!”

And it began to swing………

“NO!” He clenched his jaw, bracing for the impact.

He stood shocked as the slap rang out. He had not tried to prevent it! It would have meant a beating borne from retribution from embarrassment yet he had not tried to prevent it!

“Perhaps I am learning some sense at last!” Kinareth thought to himself with a rueful laugh.

Unfortunately the guard attempted to backhand him.

“Or perhaps not!” He thought as he now clenched his painful jaw after having blocked the second slap. He had been unable to prevent himself the second and third time, it had sapped what little strength he had regained to block the two blows yet he had not been able to stop.

“Perhaps some habits are too hard to kill.”

That, at least was the thought that had been running through his head as he was hurled bodily into the back of a waiting cart, landing on his stomach and having to twist and convulse like a fish in order to right himself into a sitting position, finding comfort in but one thought as he stared out of the back at Berul conversing with the shorter, dark haired woman.

“I don’t presume that my situation can get much worse.”

Blossom · 03-08-2008, 07:37 AM

Aia was barely conscious of her surroundings when she found herself wrenched to her feet by an iron grip and staring into the hard, flinty eyes of the guard. A moment later she heard a slapping noise, and then she was reeling backwards, her cheek numb.

Before she fell the guard brought his knuckles back across the other side of her jaw and she stumbled forward, tears brought to her eyes by the shock of the slaps.

Gasping, she went to lift a hand to her face but the guard seized her wrists and yanked her arms out in front of her. Rough rope was lashed around them, chafing against her skin and tied almost tight enough to cut off her circulation.

When her wrists were tied, the guard shifted Aia over his shoulder, winding her, and then tossed her bodily, like so much baggage, into a waiting cart next to Kinareth. Her back slammed against the wood and her head against the side, and once again black spots danced before her vision.

Drawing her knees up to her chest, she huddled in the corner of the cart, and wondering where they were to be taken.

At the edge of the camp, Berul span her round and snapped, “This is good enough. What do you want?”

“I’m assuming you’ve been acquainted with the elf’s return,” Vivian replied smoothly, “He’s done something – I’m not sure what, but it’s blocked mine and Fleur’s connections to the bloodstones.

“I realise that won’t affect you,” she said before he could, “But it will have also compromised Pavl’s identity, and I don’t need to tell you what it would mean if she betrays us.”

“What’s going on?” Laurel asked as she examined the thin line of blood along Karin’s throat. The cut was neither deep, nor fatal, having missed her carotid artery by mere centimetres, but would likely still be vulnerable to infection.

Rufus was apparently sleeping through the whole drama, but Mano and Va Poor had rushed off after Vahn. Laurel was sure whatever had happened was connected with Skye.

“Tell me everything.”