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Posted: Sun Oct 06, 2013 10:42 pm
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Zara_The_Huntress Does Rece have magic, because I assumed only Argo did? If so, I am assuming their powers have limits? Since, neither of my characters have any magic.
Zachariah did not care for the constant stops. But it was needed, this he knew. He, like Amos, only assumed Rece's horse was well trained when it listened to it's master. Zachariah's horses did much the same thing. Zachariah nodded at Rece, although curious as to why Rece needed to help Argo. Argo hardly seemed like a capable protector. He was fearful of horses, he had this constant mist, the mist obscured visibility, and Argo did not look like much of a fighter. Zachariah shrugged it off, perhaps it was all an act. "We shall acquire the rooms, while you two take care of Argo's feet. I hope they feel better soon." Said Zachariah, he was speaking diplomatically; but truthfully he was bored out his mind. He was already tired of his future spouse. The man seemed boring and Zachariah was hardly interested in him.
So far Zachariah had found little to like about the man. He came off cold and unappealing, he was far too serious, and he had not once bothered to speak to Zachariah. On the journey, Zachariah had tried to start up several conversations, each dying out after a few minutes. Did Rece really hate speaking, or was he just uninterested in speaking with Zachariah? Amos, on the other hand was having a calm time. He hadn't found anything alarming, it seemed the two princes would be safe on this journey. He tied up the horses, while Zachariah went inside. He acquired his men's rooms, and then asked about other rooms. "We only have two more rooms left, both for couples. I am sorry; but some of your men could sleep in the stables." "No, that cannot be allowed. My men work hard, they serve me with honor, I shall not put them in the stables, like animals. The other two rooms are fine." The innkeeper nodded, Zachariah was sure the man had no idea he was speaking to his crown prince. For safety concerns Zachariah and Rece would be traveling as soldiers. The less attention they attracted, the safer they were.
Zachariah informed Amos as Amos came inside. "Me and Rece will need to share a room, and you and Argo will need to share a room. Is that okay?" Asked Zachariah. "Oh, well, why not. I guess that can work. Was the inn full?" "Yes, it seems the farmers market will be held in this town tomorrow morning, so neighboring farmers have all come to stay the night with their wares. So, they can rise early to sell their produce." Said Zachariah , Amos nodded, he did not like the sound of that. It could just be a coincidence. But Amos didn't really believe in coincidences. He only hoped the two princes identities hadn't been compromised. He would talk to Argo about it some more, when the two bodyguards were alone. Although he did wonder how Zachariah would survive the night with Rece. Amos had no doubt that Zachariah was less than pleased with his future spouse. He could see it on the princes face; he did not inquire Zachariah about it though. He was sure the prince would speak when he was ready.
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Posted: Mon Oct 07, 2013 3:21 pm
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Posted: Tue Oct 08, 2013 10:17 am
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Zachariah was surprised at how quickly Rece and Argo came back. Zachariah's men had just gone off to have some drink, good food, and warm beds. Amos did not like the thought of either prince eating in the main hall, with dozens of other people. It was far too insecure of a place, and it fit that as officers the two princes would eat privately with one another. So, Zachariah had gotten a private booth for the four to eat in. "If your tired, we have arranged for the rooms. But I had hoped you would accompany me to dinner." Said Zachariah, he blushed slightly as that sounded exactly like what a lover would say. it was all a farce; but one Zachariah had to keep pretending, in case anyone suspected their relationship. He knew his men, some elves themselves would over hear anything out of the ordinary. Amos smiled as he saw Zachariah blush. "I have some more unfortunate news, The inn is full and me and you, Argo, will be sharing a room. I would like to discuss something else with you as well Argo, later when we are to sleep." Said Amos. He lead them towards a private booth were the innkeeper had served the food.
Although not the most lavish spread, it was the best she had to offer, that much was clear. A simple rabbit roast, a fresh salad, apples with honey, some wine, bread, a few cheese wheels, and potato soup. Zachariah sat down first near the wall, Amos sat next to him, his back, also to the side wall. It was clear both men were used to being cautious, the other two seats were also adjusted so that their backs were to the wall. Zachariah started on the soup, he loved soup, he poured some out for himself. Amos, preferred bread and cheese, so he had already cut some of the cheese and bread. Unlike, Zachariah, who was solely concerned with eating, Amos was consistently glancing around. It was clear Amos never actually relaxed. He may appear calm and relaxed; but his stance was always rigid, prepared, and alert. Zachariah smiled as he looked up at Rece, "I do not know what your eating habits are like; but we have some of the most delicate wines and meads in all the world. I only hope they give you as much joy as they have given me." Said Zachariah jokingly.
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Posted: Tue Oct 08, 2013 12:39 pm
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Posted: Thu Oct 10, 2013 12:30 pm
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Amos and Zachariah noticed the odd exchange of glances between Argo and Rece. It was almost as if Argo was confused as to why Rece kept asking him if he was okay. Amos of course had already realized the elves wanted privacy and so Rece was using Argo to get away from Zachariah. He had failed to mention it to Zachariah of course, because he didn't want Zachariah to have another excuse to act like a petty child. Amos had already noticed Zachariah was more than uncomfortable with the thought of having to share a a bed with Rece. Amos smiled lightly as Argo spoke of sleeping with Rece. "Ahem, perhaps next time you should be more careful with your words Argo. Here, in Ashwen, it sounds as if you and Rece are lovers when you say you slept with him. Sleep here, doesn't always mean sleep. Of course, I understand what you meant. It is only natural to have slept on shared ground together many times, being men of war." Said Zachariah coughing slightly and glaring at Amos, who was clearly amused. Zachariah and Amos both noticed neither elf ate any of the meat. Zachariah had hoped perhaps the not eating meat part was an exaggeration on their part; but unfortunately it had not been an exaggeration.
Zachariah sighed, he had wanted to eat some rabbit meat. But it would just be plain rude to now. Amos waved to a servant girl, who was doing her rounds, refilling drinks. "Can you bring us some water?" She nodded as she ran off. She brought back a water jug, and Amos poured some in for Argo. "I think this would suit your palette more so than the ales and wines." Amos himself was drinking his ale heartily. He, like Zachariah could tolerate massive amounts of alcohol in their systems. Being a soldier of Ashwen, one quickly learned to hold their liquor or be reprimanded for life. They were both already on their second cups, and it seemed their thirst was not yet quenched. Amos, didn't mind not eating the rabbit. If he so desired he could take some in the morning with his breakfast. His words also showed, like Zachariah he had been well groomed and educated. Amos had needed a fine education in order not to miss anything that happened in Zachariah's world. Amos was much more interested in their room companions, he was watching the guests with sharp eyes. He was slowly evaluating the amount of danger the princes were in. Zachariah nodded, "Ah, yes. My favorite is Honeymead Brandy. It is has a bit of kick to it, and yet is sweeter than any other ale I have ever tasted. I hope you will enjoy it, I am sure we will have much of it served in our wedding."
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Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2013 4:48 pm
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Posted: Sun Oct 13, 2013 10:33 pm
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Zara_The_Huntress Sorry it took so long. It never notified me you responded.
Amos was now fully amused. "The problem isn't what people think. It is that in our language, certain words have multiple meanings. If you are unclear in your diction, well then, the words can have several meanings, and each person is open to their own interpretation. So, if they misunderstand you, it is entirely your fault and that hardly constitutes blaming the other person, now does it." Said Amos with a wolfish grin. He took a piece of the rabbit leg, and chomped down on it, directly in front of Argo. He clearly hadn't noticed Rece moving the rabbit roast away from Argo or he didn't care. Considering how he licked his fingers afterwards. Zachariah cleared his throat, wanting to avoid any un-pleasantries. "Perhaps you should check our horses Amos." Amos sighed, clearly annoyed and very much aware he was being sent away. "For future notice, Zachariah, I am not your servant. My duty is to protect you, and in order to protect you, I need to be fed and properly rested. In order to do that job properly, I may have to step on some toes. I mean no offence of course; but sometimes, it can't be helped that certain people are offended." Said Amos quite coldly as he glared at Argo. Amos, then left.
Zachariah cleared his throat, "I deeply apologize for Amos's behavior. I honestly have no idea what has come over him. He is normally so calm and collected. Perhaps it is best if we call it a night." Said Zachariah, as he stood up. It was best if they went to bed now, although Zachariah wondered how in the world Argo and Amos were going to sleep in the same room now. And why had Amos done such a thing? Amos always had his reasons, there was a reason he had caused this scene. As to why, well only Amos knew. Perhaps, later Zachariah would be filled in. As for now, all Zachariah could do was clean up the mess. Zachariah lead Rece to their room. When they got their, Zachariah opened the door and sighed. There was only one bed. How were they to sleep together? Zachariah also preferred sleeping with his shirt off, could he do that now? There were a dozen questions running through Zachariah's head. Instead of asking any, he turned towards Rece and said calmly, "There is only one bed."
Amos had a reason to act out of course. He had needed an excuse to leave. He had seen several men eyeing Zachariah and Rece while in the tavern. These men were shady looking at best. Amos had known the easiest way to get Zachariah and Rece to safety was to cause a scene. Amos would be dismissed while Zachariah would insist it was time for bed. Zachariah would lead the others to bed, where Argo could easily watch over them and keep them safe. Meanwhile, Amos had plenty of time to take care of the situation. Amos left the tavern and waited till Zachariah had lead Argo and Rece upstairs. The shady men were getting up to follow when Amos came up to them. "Hello, gents. Care for some ale?" They looked at Amos and glared. "Sadly we are heading to bed. Perhaps another time, friend." Amos smiled, "I am neither your friend nor am I interested in buying you all some ale. How about we head outside and talk things over. You see, I have a job to do, as do you all. But it's best if we not attract attention to ourselves. I would hate to cause a scene, unless of course that is what you all prefer?" Said Amos calmly, his fingers found their way to Amos's sword hilt. He gently tapped the hilt while he waited for the other gents to respond. The tall one with an ugly face spoke up. "Their own to us! ATTACK THE PRINCES NOW!"
Amos sighed, "I had hoped to avoid a scene. Guess it can't be helped." Ten men down in the tavern took out their swords. Ten more, ran upstairs to the princes. Amos only hoped Argo and Rece knew how to fight. He would hate for Zachariah to die. The ten men came charging upstairs, and kicked down Zachariah and Rece's door. Zachariah gasped as the men came pouring in with the their swords. "So, this was Amos's plan. I wish he would have at least filled us in." Zachariah took out his sword as he got into a fighting position. Zachariah didn't wait for Rece or Argo, he attacked the first man. Meanwhile, downstairs Amos was having a ball, as he took on his ten men. He was dancing and hopping onto tables as he avoided stabs, thrusts, lunges, and swipes.
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Posted: Tue Oct 15, 2013 2:38 pm
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Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2013 8:52 pm
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Amos was having a smashing good time. He punched a man in the face, he kicked another in the chest, and he thrust his sword through another's gut. He danced around tables, ducked under arms, jumped over chairs, and all the while his enemies started to dwindle. His eight men turned into seven, then six, then five, then, four, etc. When Amos was finished he sighed as he looked around at the damage. The guests had run screaming, either to their rooms or outside the inn. The workers were all hiding in the kitchen. Amos hadn't killed everyone, one man was on the floor groaning. This man would give him the information he required. Amos, kicked the man who was lying on his belly. The man turned over to face Amos. His wounds were shallow and he could live if he played his cards right. Amos grinned as he bent down.
"You know how this goes. Who sent you?" The man was cradling his broken leg. "I don't know. They sent me a letter, it was delivered by a messenger. I never saw a face." Amos sighed, "You and I both know, no decent mercenary would take a job without seeing their client. So, I am going to ask again. Who sent you?" The man screamed as Amos stomped his leg on the man's broken one. "Fine...fine. I'll tell ya. I got a letter, it's in my coat pocket. Please, please, spare me." Amos rustled through the man's coat pocket. Once Amos, had retrieved the letter, he looked down at the man now groveling for his life. Amos sighed, he snapped the man's neck and went towards the kitchen. He went through the door and saw the innkeeper was cowering behind a chair, along with family and workers. "Umm...you will not speak of what has just happened. My men will clean up this mess and by morning we will be gone." Amos took out his coin purse. "For your...troubles." The innkeeper quickly snatched the heavy coin purse from the table. He nodded at Amos and Amos went out. His men had apparently had figured out what had happened, as they had awoken from their drunk stupors. "Clean this up fellas." They nodded as Amos went upstairs.
Zachariah fought alongside Rece and Argo. He wasn't as fast as Argo but he had held his own. Zachariah was more interested in wondering where his soldiers were. Amos came sauntering up a few minutes after Zachariah had beheaded the last man. Amos was whistling, although his shirt was smeared with blood, and specks of it were splattered on his face, arms, legs, and shoes. Zachariah, Rece, and Argo weren't much better. Amos smiled as he pulled out a note from his pocket. "Think you might find this useful." He handed it to Zachariah as he walked over to Argo. Amos smiled, "Ahh...I'm sorry about earlier. I just needed to get Rece and Zachariah upstairs. You understand right, I wasn't trying to upset you." Said Amos sheepishly. He only hoped Argo understood and would forgive him. He had understood Argo had gotten very upset. Zachariah unfolded the note, it was the inn's name and the description of him and Rece. At the bottom of the letters MA were signed. The letter was helpful but it would not give them the person who had paid for this contract. Zachariah handed the note to Rece so Rece could read it for himself.
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Posted: Wed Oct 23, 2013 3:18 pm
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Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2013 8:21 pm
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Zachariah noticed the tender moment that was exchanged between Rece and Argo. It was...exactly how one would caress his lover or child. Zachariah turned away, unsure if the exchange was common between elves, or something he had not been meant to see. Zachariah turned towards Amos, as Amos walked in, the two did not have such a tender exchange. Amos looked Zachariah over once, confirming his friend and charge was alive and well. Zachariah did the same and no words were exchanged. Both were glad the other was alive. Zachariah nodded at Rece as he spoke, "I am fine. Thank you for your concern. I am glad to see you are well too." Amos listened inattentively as Rece and Argo spoke. He rolled his eyes at the mention of the rabbit. He had just massacred several men, he cared little for life and had little respect for it. Everyone died, how they died was of little importance as far as Amos was concerned. All that mattered was that they could die.
Zachariah nodded, "Me and Amos will be fine sleeping wherever we need to." Amos looked around, "There is a clearing outside, only a few feet from the stable. My men are already clearing the inn, and the innkeeper has promised us his discretion. We can head to the bathhouse now if you all desire to clean. We are all men here, it shouldn't be a problem if we all share." Zachariah gulped, he had bathed with Amos before...but Rece. Zachariah snapped rather loudly. "No, no. I am fine, I shall just head to the clearing now and set up our beds." He left rather quickly without waiting for anyone's response. Amos grinned, having seen Zachariah's cheeks turning red. Poor, Zachariah he was so...inexperienced.
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Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2013 9:35 pm
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Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2013 10:45 pm
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Amos had not heard Argo, and was quite surprised when the other grabbed his wrist, quite firmly. Amos waited till Zachariah had left before speaking. Amos's eyes glinted in amusement. Amos's voice was soft and low, "Who knew all it took to fire you up was a little rabbit." Amos suddenly spoke loudly, "Fine, thanks for asking." Said Amos, yanking his wrist away from Argo's grip. Amos straightened his clothes as he walked towards the entrance. When he got there he waited at the entrance as he spoke. "Humans, especially males hate touching. Physical contact is a sign of weakness in my culture. I understand your concern; but please for the sake of propriety, let's not do that again. We would hate for my men to misunderstand." Said Amos turning to look at Argo and flashed a smile with a wink. Amos lead the way to the bathhouse just outside the inn. He didn't wait for the other two, they would follow in their own time. Amos stripped his shirt the moment he was inside the bathhouse. The bathhouse was sitting on top of a hot spring, thankfully Amos didn't have to wait for the bath to be ready. He threw his shirt on the floor, and tore off his pants. He then jumped into the water and sighed. Now, this was his way of unwinding. He didn't miss the people in the palace; but he was a fool to not have missed the luxuries. War was all fine and dandy; but sometimes a nice warm bed and a hot bath could do wonders. Amos closed his eyes and drifted in the water, he was waiting to hear the bathhouse door open.
Meanwhile, Zachariah was silently preparing the beds. He was taking his time, seeing as how his mind was flashing back to Rece....Rece...and Argo. Now, Zachariah was not in anyway jealous the two were lovers, or so it seemed. He, just couldn't grasp Rece. Most people...were simple, easy to understand, and rarely difficult for Zachariah to comprehend. Rece seemed simple, he had given up his love for the sake of his country; and yet, Rece was still selfish enough to risk everything by bringing Argo along? Something didn't add up; and then there was the assassination. It had seemed...off. Almost as if it had happened before. The letter, the inn, the mercenaries, even Amos's whistling, it all felt...familiar. Zachariah had just managed to make, one bed. He went over to set up the other. Zachariah was glad he was alone. He needed time to think. He was starting to feel overwhelmed. The marriage was looming, his impending reality coming ever closer. Zachariah's mind jumped to a flashback, a voice small and low, "Kill the prince." A rustle in the nearby bush ripped Zachariah from his present state. He looked up and spoke, "Someone there?" The memory already fading.
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Posted: Sat Nov 09, 2013 12:02 am
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