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Posted: Fri May 22, 2009 1:57 pm
Seth was still reassuring himself of the situation. He had no experience with socializing with people in groups like this. He sighed. As he made his way into the men's side of the baths, taking a glance at the wall between the men's side and the women's side, he paused. He had been without Vivian for so long, and only just recently met up with her again. And once more, he felt that a part of himself was missing or empty. She'll be safe, Alaura is over there as well and Vivian is a capable fighter on her own. He tried to relax and push his worries from his head to put his mind at ease. He noticed Ryal and Damien talking to each other a few feet away from him. I'm still not entirely sure they trust me. I am from the Dark Kingdom after all. And all the stories I've heard of what has happened to their families, their homes, their lives... perhaps it is best for me to stay where I am.
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Posted: Sun May 24, 2009 2:38 am
Raphael tapped his fingers on the desk and turned to the elderly man who realigned the pencils out of habit, "Is there an outbuilding on the grounds?" he asked, his impatient gaze lost on the ever calm owner.
"Yes." he replied, not looking up from the desk, "East, just through the trees. Keep the smell away from the patrons."
He nodded, his plan accounting for each potential shortcoming or sudden upset. "Does anyone use it?'
"Its only there in case the main facilities fail."
"Ah. I'll keep that in mind." he replied, smiling more for the benefit of the suspicious old wife than for his own purposes, "Never hurts to know everything possible."
He went back to watching the door to the womens open air bath, almost like a hawk. He would know Vivian anywhere, he'd been her escort many times in Undrago... but she wouldn't recognize him out of uniform and mussed up to look like a country boy.
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Posted: Thu May 28, 2009 12:30 pm
What?? Do.. do you mean...? Ryal couldn't believe what he was hearing. Could Alaura really help Evan?? He became nearly frantic with excitement. He looked wildly around for Evan, hoping to see him passing by. -He won't come into the springs, not where there are others. Where... I don't see him... He craned his neck, looking for Evan, and caught site of a young man from the Dark Kingdom. The first thought to cross Ryal's mind was one of fear. -What? No.. how... But then he remembered seeing him during the journey from the camp in the woods. In fact, the more he thought about it, he even thought he could remember seeing him in the camp. He relaxed considerably. As he looked the Dark user over, he noticed the young man seemed a bit uncomfortable. Ryal breathed in deeply and let out a heavy sigh. He knew all too well what it was like to feel out of place. Damien... Do you know that Dark Kingdom man over there? He looks... almost like he's lost something. Like the weight of the world rests on his shoulders... and there's no one he can turn to, no one he can trust to carry his worry. His eyes never left the man while he spoke. He suddenly realized he was staring, and his eyes dropped to the ground for a moment. He cleared his throat, feeling slightly embarrassed. But he couldn't help but feel that maybe he just needed someone to talk to. He looked up once more, deciding it wouldn't be fair. -I won't be guilty of the same ignorance that made it so difficult for me! Ryal, rather than waiting for an answer from Damien, raised his hand over his head and waved to the man. Hey! Come on in! It's very relaxing, and you look like you could use all the relaxation you can get! -Oops! Well, that was rude... oboy... I never will get the hang of this, will I...? His eyes dropped to the ground once again, and he dropped his arm. He let out a small and nearly incoherent apology, never looking up from the Oh, so VERY fascinating pebble he was now studying intently.
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Posted: Fri May 29, 2009 12:45 am
Seilynn chuckled as she heard Crystal's stomach grumble in agreement to what Crystal had just said and sliced the girl a piece of bread as well as something to put on it. All she could have afforded were the bread a small ham, so she sliced two pieces of ham for Crystal as well before handing the bread to her. "Here you go. Hope you like it." She smiled kindly and put everything back where it belonged. They had come quite a bit already as it seemed the carriage were moving very fast through empty areas such as forests or open fields.
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Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 3:13 pm
Alaura felt like a fool under Vivian’s gaze, struggling as she did to dress herself. She wasn’t overly clumsy but rather merely less graceful than usual, though even maintaining that guise put strain on her already weak form. At last she managed, however, and once finished she gave her white locks a quick scrub to release the remaining water. At this point they were relatively dry, however, and as smooth as ever they had been. Unlike some people her hair did not curl or frizz with moisture but remained as flat as ever, falling about her in those smooth, snow-white locks. Emerald eyes flicked up to Vivian as Alaura straightened herself. Despite her efforts, though, he shoulders still seemed slouched with the weight of not only her physical maladies but her doubts and fears as well. Her worries were beginning to show and she knew before long her strength to hold them back would wane and break entirely. For now, however, she forced a convincing smile and moved to the door, pushing it open and pausing only a moment.
“You needn’t worry yourself about that, my dear. Despite what many might think of me I am not so hard of a person nor so cruel.” As she spoke there was a twinkle in Alaura’s eyes, a playfulness to her nature that had, in light of recent events, been buried beneath the weight of her apparent duties. She hadn’t asked for this position but neither could she turn away from it now that it had been thrust upon her. Deep within herself she felt a measure of necessity in taking this role she had assumed, as if all her life this had been her true purpose, to lead these men into battle. Yet even so she felt there was more to it than that, as if the answer dangled before her face, always just out of reach. At last pulling herself from her thoughts Alaura turned away from Vivian, motioning slightly with her free hand as she disappeared out the door to the women’s spa and heading towards the mess hall.
As she moved along slowly she noted the various men hanging about, their once somber expressions now lighter due to the rest and relaxation they had been given. Though their situation was grave indeed Alaura couldn’t help but praise her men their endurance. They all knew that time was not to be wasted yet they seemed utterly thankful of the slight escape from the rough road ahead of them. They had all been on such a journey that she couldn’t help but feel sorry. She had dragged them thus, even if they had come willingly, making the decision for them. Through unspoken agreement the men had allowed Alaura to lead, following her without question, yet she couldn’t help but feel she may have driven them to far. Did they silently resent her decision to take them so far from their homes and their families?
With each man she passed she felt a measure of peace wash over her now constantly doubtful mind. When she looked into their eyes she knew their resolve to follow her, no matter how far she lead them or to what wretched crevices of this world. They would go wherever she did to fight for what they knew was right and just. She saw in them the respect she had earned, not only through her slaying of the Fire Prince but how she had lead them and the decisions she had made. Smiling softly to herself she let her mind feel the rare taste of freedom before she was once more snatched back to reality. A commotion seemed to have broken out in the mess hall and she hurried forth as swiftly as her body would allow.
Bursting through the door in a rather fierce manner, despite her exhausted state, Alaura allowed her sharp eyes to survey the room before her. Like a hawk eyeing its prey she stood there, her body frighteningly still. A calm seemed to fall over the men within, every earthen soldier falling instantly motionless and silent the instant they laid eyes on Alaura. She commanded their full attention as she took a step forth, her muscles visibly strained in protest to how tense she had become. Her body screamed in pain but she blocked it out, refusing to let her weakness show. “What is the cause of this disruption? I did not stop us here so that we could fight amongst ourselves.” In spite of everything her voice rang out, stronger than it had been before but still holding the faintest hint of a waiver within it. Then, as she continued to look about, she noticed two things.
First she spotted Shane, her eyes falling on him and calming only marginally before they fell on another man near to him. This man trouble her and her gaze narrowed to two emerald slits as she watched him. He was clearly from the dark kingdom and while, through Seth and Vivian, Alaura had learned that not all of them were bad she couldn’t allow her guard to drop even for an instant. Instead she forced herself to remain deathly still, her body poised as if like a viper, ready to strike when least expected. It caused a great deal of stress for her and pain that she probably could have done without but such was the way of this woman. She ignored it all if meant the safety of those around her.
Meanwhile, within the perimeter of the springs, a single form constantly circled above. The form was but a dot on the sky until it at last descended, still circling but drawing in tighter until it alighted on a tree branch. The creature was a falcon, though it was no ordinary bird. It was the ambassador of the woman who remained within the confines of the springs, her constant avian companion through all her journeys and hardships. Perched as he now was on the tree branch he allowed his deep, brown eyes with their golden rims to stare about, locking on a form that might have frightened others of his kind. This falcon, however, was not like the others. He stared at the large feline below with a more curious gaze.
Fluttering to a lower branch he caulked his head to one side in a rather amusing manner, staring at the bored tiger below with his silent, observant gaze. Through his link with his mistress, as tenuous as it had been of late, he knew that a new being had happened upon the camp. With how calm this beast below was being the bird could only guess perhaps there was a connection. Then again, perhaps not.
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Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 4:31 pm
As he spoke these words, he ehard the sounds of a door from a nearby building flying open quite loudly. The woman who stood there seemed to command respect from those around her with her mere presence. There was no doubt in his mind this was the woman who led this army. Very few could capture the minds and hearts of men so easily as to earn such a respect as this.
She took a step forward, and spoke. Her voice commanded as much respect as did her presence, but Ninton could detect the barely present waiver to it. She galnced first at Shane, the man who had saved him from getting his face bashed in a moment before, and her stance calmed ever so slightly, but then her gave fell upon the assassin. Her whole body tensed up. It was apparent she had recognized his garb as that of someone of the Dark nation, this was certain.
With a deliberate, eficient movement, he dropped to one knee. "Lady Alaura, I am known as Ninton Strype." His voice was calm, almost with no inflection of emotion, and quiet, making it eery to listen to, a stark counter point to the recent outburst from the Earth leader. Perhaps the only reason he was heard in such a crowd was that the woman had silenced the entire place in a matter of seconds. "On behalf of my Order, I have been sent to aid in your mission. You will no doubt find my skills... invaluable in the troubled times to come." Several soldiers looked around nervously, wondering what would happen next. This was not a situation they had expected.
Upon hearing the hawk landing above it, the large tiger looked up in the trees. It saw the little bird, and wondered why it stood there so, looking at him. It must have been a brave little bird, as most were terrified by the mere sight of him. The tiger stood up and stretched in the way many cats do, first leaning onn his hind paws to stretch the front, then on his front paws the stretch the back, letting out a large yawn as he did so. Looking up to see the bird was still there, he sat down and began to lick his left forepaw, large enough to crush a man's skull, if the large cat felt so inclined. As he sat there, the suns light made his white fur give off a silvery golden sheen. He so wanted to chase the bird, if only to see if it would fly away, but his boy and told him to stay, and stay he would, until his boy returned, or called him.
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Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 5:37 pm
Ariya noted the girl’s actions with the coy smile ever present on her visage, unwavering in the dying light around them. She sat there in silence a few more minutes, letting the girl’s question hang in the air and inwardly musing at how uncomfortable this whole situation seemed to make Viktor. Despite her brash nature she was rather fond of the man, though she knew there was good reason for it. Her father had chosen all of her retainers save for Viktor, something Ariya had fought for harder than anything else in her life. Her father was privy to choosing whom he wished to follow the girl around, protecting and watching over her, but the advisors he had chosen in the past had all left her in a rather shambled manner, either mentally or physically. It wasn’t until perhaps the fifteenth advisor that her father finally began to grow weary, bringing his daughter forth for questioning on the matter.
At the time all she had deemed to say, even to a man such as he, was that none of them were suitable to her station. She couldn’t very well function with some ill-tempered, ill-mannered or unintelligent advisor, it simply wouldn’t do. Tired of his daughter’s obvious schemes he had grown angry, as was customary of the people of the fire nation, and the fight had lasted between them for some time. Naught but harsh words were spoken whenever they met until at last her father conceded to her stubborn will, though on one condition. She was given a time line by which to find an advisor to her liking but which her father still approved of. As luck would have it she had found Viktor, a man she had found most intriguing and suited for the position.
Her father had been apprehensive of the man at first, thinking perhaps Viktor had other schemes and reasons for taking up the position, but soon he had warmed to the dark haired man whom Ariya had found. It was clear that she had made a good decision in the man, despite his occasional quirks such as his discomfort for times like these. Still, he was steadfast and a better advisor than perhaps any of her father’s.
At last bringing her mind back to the present Ariya looked to Grace, her eyes sparkling with that knowing expression. “I knew you would not be a foolish one and I find myself greatly rewarded. Of course, I wonder if you would have been so willing had you known who I was.” She commented, seemingly more to herself than to the girl though her eyes remained ever on the woman before her. Her hands, as if of their own accord, moved to either side to lay on the heads of her pets, stroking them gently as if a reminder that she was the one in power and had, should she deem it necessary, the power to have this girl’s life ended. Of course, she didn’t mean it as such a gesture but with the way Ariya often appeared she always seemed to have ulterior motives to simple actions.
“I suppose telling you the truth would do me no harm now that you are already in my grasp. No, I was not protecting you from danger, or rather not the danger you might have guessed. In a way I have done you a favour, for with me you will always be safe from the harm that will undoubtedly come to your people. I have indeed saved you from danger, but I won’t pretend it is from any kindness that I have taken such actions.” Here her face turned slightly more serious, though her lips still held that unrelenting smile. “I have brought you with me because you have shown me a gift I have not seen in any other, a gift I think would come in great use. You see, Grace, I am no evil being, merely a woman seeking knowledge.” For the most part, it was the truth. “My brother was slain and I wish only to know for what reason and to confront those who have taken him from me.” Here the lies began to flow freely, coming so easily to Ariya and with such conviction that they seemed truthful. “I want to know why they would have taken from me the only sibling I had and likely the only one I ever will. He was dear to me, you understand, and his death has brought great sadness to both my father and myself. We wish only for justice. However, I am sure you can understand that it would be impossible for me to reason with his murderers given who I am.” Her voice became soft and gentle as she looked to Grace as if asking for her help. Her tone was inviting as she spoke of her reasoning, her words hard to deny or ignore. What remained within her heart was hidden by such an enchanting manner and one might find it easy to see how she could have her way in any situation, or at least any she had yet been faced with.
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Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 5:57 pm
Damien, at first parting his lips to possibly answer Ryal’s question, was silenced as his gaze followed the boy’s. He found his deep orbs falling on the figure of a familiar looking man. He had been with the group throughout their journey, hanging about a woman who wore clothing that seemed to be of the Earth Kingdom yet her features seemed more akin to those of the dark kingdom. As it was, he guessed that the man was not a cruel one, for indeed he had complete faith in the leader of this group. If she thought the man to be virtuous enough to do no harm to those who opposed his kingdom than Damien had no reason to mistrust her judgement. He was about to once again answer Ryal when the boy ploughed for into a greeting to the poor, sad looking man.
Damien found it impossible to contain himself and burst out laughing at both Ryal’s words and his reactions after them. Clapping him on the back once more he offered his own greeting to the man from the Dark Kingdom. “Greetings, friend, I believe we are well met here. I have seen your face among the earthen soldiers and I am confident that you hold no ill will towards us.” In such times as these Damien thought it almost necessary to make it apparent that, while others might not trust those they did not know Damien, as a paladin and a good man, always gave others the benefit of the doubt. “Please, won’t you join us?”
He noticed how the man’s gaze fell towards the women’s side and he couldn’t help, in the light mood that had overtaken him, but jest with the man. “I don’t think you will find spying on them so easy from such a low point. Though, as an honorable man I couldn’t rightly sit by and allow such actions.” He gave a rather toying wink making it quite clear that he did not actually think this man to be such a perverted being but rather was simple trying to lighten to mood. “I am Damien Athariel of the Order of Paladins.” He said in a formal greeting, offering his charming smile and genuine bright, friendly eyes. “I wonder, how long have you been with this group? I am curious to know all about them that I can. If there is anything you might tell me I would be glad to hear it.” He added as an afterthought, “As would Ryal here, I’m sure.” He once more patted Ryal, though this time on the shoulder at the mention of his name as if to coax the boy into looking up from the ground.
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Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 6:06 pm
The bumping of the carriage was still rather disturbing to Crystal but she forced herself to remain calm, always focusing on the distinct electrical image of Seilynn to bring peace to her frantic mind. She had never before felt fear such as this, for indeed she had been too young when her parents died and she was ridden blind to understand the fright that would be customary. She had always been such a strong, quiet child yet now she felt so utterly terrified, frightened by the fact that her feet were not firmly planted on the earth. Still, there was a measure of excitement to the fear that she couldn’t help but cling to.
Taking the food gratefully in her tiny hands she pressed the pieces of ham to the bread, folding it over and eating her small sandwich. The food tasted wonderful, despite how plain others might have found it, and filled her well enough. Grinning after she had gobbled it down she looked to Seilynn with bright, unclouded eyes. “Thank you.” She said cheerfully, shifting slightly closer to the woman who had so kindly taken her along.
She couldn’t help but still feel a slight measure of guilt at having pushed herself on Seilynn, but at the same time she felt the simple joy that such a journey would afford her. She was getting to travel just as she had always wished! What more could such a child wish for? Her heart had never been happy in her own small town, which was why she had set out to begin with. Yet now she was doing that which she had thought impossible. Not just moving from her kingdom to her neighbour’s but actually traveling the world. It still struck her as surreal but she refused to ever voice a complaint. It was really happening and she felt naught but awe and admiration at the woman who had opened this door for her. Still, anxious curiosity gnawed at her and she felt compelled to voice the words one often expected of a child. “Will we be there soon?”
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Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2009 7:18 am
Alaura could feel the silence weighing on her like a tangible thing. It was thick in the air with the fear and apprehension of her men. Each one hung as if suspended in a point in time, poised on the edge of a cliff awaiting that which would send them over, her word alone. When it seemed as if an eternity might pass before she spoke, her eyes remaining ever on this man before her, she at last parted her lips. Her eyes had, if possible, become more sharp and like daggers as he spoke her name. There was a clear expression on her face of the displeasure she felt having it spoken by one she did not recognize. Had her name truly spread so far that those who now came to she and her men knew it already? If so, it was ill news for her. Perhaps her enemy already knew of her very name, something she had hoped would remain a secret and afford even that small surprise. Alas, things could not be helped. She decided to begin with the obvious when she at last spoke.
“How do you know of my name?” She questioned him in a rather harsh manner, showing none of the niceties he had given to her. He had addressed her as ‘Lady’, despite her lack of status in anything beyond the group that followed her lead. Then he had knelt before her, as if she were some kind of royal. She could have scoffed at it all, laughed and shown such rudeness, but instead she maintained a frightening calm about her, so quiet and still that it seemed even the animals in the world around them had ceased their daily activities to wait and listen.
“And I would know what Order it is that you hail from. No lies, though. You will find I do not take kindly to trickery and deceit.” At the very least she was honest in her words. Though they were not spoken in any friendly manner and may, if anything, come off as a bit harsh she would not lie to this man. Even were he an enemy sent to slay her in her weakened state, something she highly doubted given his open entrance, Alaura would not deceive him. She had never been fond of trickery to win a fight, relying instead on her own strength to win through. The silent threat that seemed to cling to her words was more of a promise that, should he lie, she would not only know but make him pay for it.
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Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2009 2:38 am
Grace let her eyes fall to the animals the curled about their mistress and she pondered the words carefully. "My gift... would keep your enemies from attacking so that you may question them without worry of a fight... to keep them immobile by tearing their hate and rage from them." she offered, lifting her eyes back to Ariya, she shifted in her seat and tucked her stick straight hair back. "If it is my help you demand, I would freely give it to you. I would hope to not be regarded as a prisoner... when I am not unwilling to aid you." she continued, smiling.
Her smiled didn't fade as she turned to stare out into the darkening sky and she looked back, "If I may... where are we headed?"
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Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2009 2:58 am
Vivian held back a moment to properly dispose of her towel and rushed to catch up to Alaura, nearly crashing into a man with blue hair as she rounded the doorframe. "I'm sorry!" she squeaked, righting him with an apologetic smile before continuing on her way.
The man paused, his fierce ocean eyes following her, he spoke softly "No apology needed, your majesty." he replied, his lips quirking into a dark grin.
Vivian froze, her back straightening as she turned, "What?" She demanded, her skin whitening in fear. Had they found her so soon?
The man shook his head, "Of all the people here... only you bear the grace and presence of one raised in a noble house... would I be wrong to assume you are a Princess? Which Kingdom to you hail from?"
She sighed heavily, relief flooding her face, "Not a Princess... a former retainer for the house of Hlorian. I was raised in the courts in Undrago. Another man here named Seth is my love... he and I fled Adel's tyranny only weeks ago." she fibbed, disguising her apprehension with unease, meant to show him she was wary of falling back into enemy hands.
He nodded, "My lady... It is only natural for you to want to disguise who you are. If you are a Princess, why not sing it? Why not stand tall and proclaim that Adel's own daughter has forsaken him? ... It would draw many swords to the rebellion."
Vivian shifted and eyed the young man again, "If I were Princess Vivian... one of Adel's own flesh and blood... why would I proclaim my identity to the people who have lost life and home to him?"
A knowing smile crossed the towel boy's face and Vivian curled her lip into a silent snarl, sweeping her arm forward to extend into shadow. She gripped his throat with the wispy darkness and ghosted her figure to him in a rippling flood of black. "If you speak my true name to these people, you would wish that you'd been sold to slavery instead of given to servitude. Do you understand?" she hissed, her eyes alight with a fire.
He was shocked to say the least, then amused, "Of course, your highness." he whispered, removing himself from her mystical grip. She became whole again, her eyes darkening again, "I will speak to none."
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Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2009 12:08 pm
Nicolai turned quickly as he heard footsteps approaching them. The man they had seen previously in the bar, was running towards the two. He spoke of hearing a loud roar and had inquired as to the source. He stood quietly, allowing Nikki to respond to the man, but kept an eye on him. Nicolai was still unsure of this man. He walked into that bar and slew those remaining men without hesitation, without even knowing the situation at hand. A man like that would have to be watched closely. Nikki went on about Fear and his purpose for alerting all of the townspeople. He continued to listen and soon felt he could no longer stand quietly. He had to know what this man was doing here. "Is there a reason you slew those men without any cause? They had not harmed you in any way. Was the purpose truly to simply remove them from this world so as to not let those weaker than yourself continue on living, as you had said? Or perhaps you have another cause and have yet to reveal your true nature to us?" Nicolai waited for a response, the whole while not letting down his guard.
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Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2009 1:32 pm
{Warning: May contain subject matter that is unsuitable for those under the age of 18}
Adel smiled as he watched her reactions, her face getting hot as she covered it, clearly embarrassed by all that had transpired. He stepped in, closer to her once more, taking her hand from her face and replacing it with his own. The warmth of her cheek resonated under his palm. "You need not be ashamed of your feelings for me." He bent his head slightly to place his lips upon the side of her neck, feeling her body heat rise. Slowly he moved to her ear as he whispered smoothly. "Embrace your emotions Dia. Let your love show." Softly, he placed his lips upon the smooth skin of her neck once more, feeling the passion inside him rising. He moved his hand behind her head and ran his fingers through her hair, stopping as he felt the fabric of her mask. He gently untied the cloth, letting it fall to the floor as he bit lightly on her neck.
His infatuation pressed him closer to her, his desire growing. Adel began to unlace the back of her garments, his lips now upon her collar bone. Her sultry movements pushed him further as he placed his hand on the now bare skin of her back, caressing her and lowering her down to the carpet below them. He lay over her, his eyes upon her loving smile. "I can no longer hold back my affection and my longing." He whispered to her tenderly. "I want to hold you, forever in my arms. To feel your warmth upon my skin." He carefully removed the remainder of her coverings, along with his own attire. The library now felt humid under their lust for one another. He delicately pressed his body against her own. Their passion and love taking hold of them as night passed and the sunrise drew near.
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Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2009 1:32 pm
He remained kneeling, and was silent for but a moment, weighing his options. "I hail from the Order of the Silent Claw, which gained the knowledge of your name through an intricate spy network that spans the entire continent. More than this, I cannot reveal in public. I would be dead before the sun rose tomorrow morning." He shifted slightly, and stood up, he was not as tall as many of the warriors around him, and his cold, calculating eyes stared blankly back at Alaura. His mind calculated the possibilities he would be attacked, and if so, whether he survived. The odds were stacked against him in this place. His next action, and all that would come after, depended on whether Alaura believed him. He had not lied, but sometimes truth was in the eye of the beholder.
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