GUILD WARS: Wizardry Players Guild

[DeanBB]

Lion's Arch. Jewel of Kryta. I still stood beneath the arch, my friends gathered around me, my eyes scanning. I prayed the unnamed warrior had gone back to the Gates and on up to Beacon's Perch. I prayed that mom was still here. I prayed that she'd forgiven me for running off. Alesia moved, drawing me in. People were staring. We were a mess. A stinking mess. Maybe we should get cleaned up first? Would that mean going back to the Gates? Or the Mantle fortress? No, better to get a room, maybe even one with its own tub. Its own tub and a fine serving girl to scrub and massage... My eyes slid to Eliza, looking around wide-eyed. Just the tub, I decided.

"It's not as big as I remember," I said.

"Not as big!" Eliza exclaimed. "I've never seen so many people!"

We moved in, taking in the sights. Vendors called to us to sell most anything you could imagine. I realized I was starving and was sure the other ladies were as well, but was determined to get cleaned up and changed into normal clothes first. We passed the tavern that still gave me nightmares and I was happy to see a new name on it. I saw Lionguards still around, but by far outnumbered by the Mantle.

An inn at last. They had a single big room that came with bath service, so I took it. A little boy and young girl were part of the package, our servants for as long as we stayed and paid. I sent the boy for food and had the girl start the bath.

"Who gets the tub first?" I hoped they'd unanimously name me as Most Worthy, then remembered Eliza's expert pampering. That took time. Maybe Alesia and Reyna should go first? They all proclaimed me the Most Vile of the bunch, so I sighed and went behind the curtain. "What's your name, sweetie?" I asked the little girl.

"Jewel."

"How sweet." I watched her to see if she knew what she was doing and was satisfied that she did. I soon found myself in familiar territory as little Jewel took command and had me stripped and scrubbed and soaking in the tub. I could have stayed all afternoon, but her little brother had brought food that had my belly rumbling in protest. Jewel had me out and dry and was brushing out my hair. "How old are you?"

"Ten."

"How long have you worked here?"

She cocked her head and met my eye in the mirror. "I don't work here, miss. I'm a slave."

"A... um... what?"

"Me and Gimi both." She had seemed at ease with me until this topic came up, but now she was fidgety.

Slaves? Since when was slavery permitted? Jewel had stopped so I tucked my towel in tight and went in search of food. Reyna took a bottle and headed for the tub. I looked at little Gimi. What was he, seven or eight? They looked okay, maybe a bit skinny but not unhealthy. Slaves? I had sudden dreadful thoughts about the refugees and whether they were well protected or if we had been fools to leave them behind.

"Where you from, Gimi?"

"Me?" He looked startled and his face flushed.

"Beetletun," Jewel called from behind the screen. I stared at the boy and he looked down at his feet. They were Krytans. Enslaved by their own people? I didn't understand.

"Come, Gimi. We've more food than we can eat. Come sit with us." He shook his head, no. "Come, Gimi. We won't tell." He remained by the door. "Jewel, is it okay?"

She poked her head out and looked us over, then nodded. Looking at Gimi, she said, "Just do as yer told."

He came and looked at the chicken, but only took some bread. I scooped him up and set him on my lap and piled more food on my plate, plenty for both of us. He'd gone all stiff and scared, so I hummed to him. He relaxed a little, so I sang a silly little kid's song about bees, bears, and butterflies. He ate. Jewel stood at the edge of the curtain, apparently kicked out by I’ll-do-it-myself-Reyna, so I motioned her over to eat as well.

I didn't think it fair to question these little kids about the world they lived in, so we just ate and bathed and primped and perfumed and pretended that everything was okay. We were all dying to get out and explore the city, but stayed in our room the entire night. I wasn't sure about the others, but I was afraid what I'd find. Afraid to find the weak and defenseless had been turned into slaves. Afraid mom had been.

Later, I lay with Eliza who was not so subtly trying to get into my jammies. I didn't need to read her thoughts to know her intent. Jewel and Gimi shared a bed, which was much better than the grass mats they usually slept on outside the door. I was quiet a long time, taking in the sounds of LA - the sea, the creaking ships at rest in the harbor or bumping against docks, and the muffled sounds of people, lots and lots of people. I sighed. And Eliza, breathing on my ear. I rolled to face her so we could whisper and hopefully not disturb the others.

She smiled as I placed my hand on her cheek, played with her hair, and tickled her ear. Her mantra went on and on, never ending, finishing and restarting like that snake that ate its own tail. It sounded...

"Is it scripture?"

She nodded. It was nothing I was familiar with, but I knew almost nothing, even about my own goddess, Lyssa. "Grenth," she whipered.

"How did you learn how to do this?"

"It's the simplest of mental defenses," she said so casually it made me feel like a clumsy dolt. "Do you like it?"

"I like that I can't see your thoughts."

"You're more relaxed."

I nodded, then drew in a sharp breath, held it, then let it out slowly. "No, Eliza. We can't. Not here, not with the others."

"Why not?"

I moved my hand down her cheek, neck, and chest and saw her delight. "You can't keep quiet either. Don't tell me you can." She smiled mischievously, but I caught her hand and held it, shaking my head. She wouldn't give up until I rolled her over and held her tight in front of me.

Even then, when I'd thought she'd finally given up, she let her mantra fade to a slight buzz and her thoughts stole in, showing me just what all she wanted to do with me. I had told myself 'no more promises', so said nothing. Her shield came back up, but I knew she felt my heart beat. I wondered if she also felt the warm glow that she had ignited down in my belly.

It would be easy to surrender to her, to let her drive away my sorrows and fears, lose myself completely in her. Use her for what she could give me. But that would be all it meant to me, and I didn't want to do that to her. I drew in breath after breath of her scent, trying to convince myself that I could love her back. Maybe it didn't matter. Maybe I was a fool not to take what was offered to me. I'd danced around Rurik and wasted so much time we could have been together and now I was doing the same thing to Eliza. Rurik was gone. Eliza could be gone in an instant as well.

I told myself I’d give myself to her tomorrow.

But didn't promise.
_________________
- Primary Account -
Ethrin Starseeker, Monk
Torak One Eye, Warrior
Dax Drakeslayer, Elementalist
Heck Raiser, Necromancer
Javelin Mrin, Ranger
Misha of Istan, Dervish
Sorsha Skye, Paragon
Evangelina De La Rosa, Mesmer
Kiri Stormcaller, Assassin
Dina Maxx, Ritualist
Hunter Gryphon, Ranger (RP)
(Click links to view character portraits)
- Additional Accounts -
WPG Storage [wpg2] (click for details)
Eliza Gray [wpg2]
Mira Blackheart [wpg2]

[DeanBB]

I dreamed of the Undead. Of Ghouls that clawed up out of the ground or rose up out of the vile swamp water to reach for me. Of Giants with hammers that sought to crush my skull. Of Sorcerers that unleashed their twisted magic to cause agony and sear flesh from bones. I ran from them, but they were everywhere I turned, offering endless ways for me to die. I had to choose one, so took a poisoned arrow in my chest. I leaned against a tree as I died, but even the tree was twisted and Undead, clawing at me with its sharpened branches. I could do nothing but watch as my blood, turned green by the poison, seeped out of me and my flesh was slowly flailed by the tree.

The Undead gathered around, waiting. One of the terrifying Horsemen approached and they parted for it. It too waited, for it would raise my body to its service as soon as my spirit fled to the Mists. Something even worse than the gathered dead lurked beyond sight, watching and waiting... directing... guiding.

Change blew through like a fresh wind and the most terrifying of them all appeared before me. Here was ancient power. In her hands was life and death, but mostly death. Maybe I was a fool, but I was already dead so didn't fear her. She smiled, showing her gleaming fangs, and I smiled back, weak as it was, wishing I could find the Princess. She turned from me and I was sad, wishing she would have stayed until the end. She turned and struck out at the Horseman, at the Giant, the Archer, and each fell before her fury. With the obscuring dead gone I looked for the Master, but he had gone, or fled, and I had missed the opportunity to know who or what was responsible for the plague upon Kryta.

The Vampire was back before me and I smiled up at her.

The arrow, please? I asked of her.

She only stared at me and my focus went from her wondrous eyes and beautiful face to her hair. It was green, tied up to splay out above her, yet I knew somehow that it was like bright red blood if she wouldn't dye it.

Please? I begged.

She only stared, her nostrils flaring a little as she smelled my blood. As my end drew nearer, so did she, inching ever closer, her fangs dripping venom, waiting for just the perfect moment to strike…
_________________
- Primary Account -
Ethrin Starseeker, Monk
Torak One Eye, Warrior
Dax Drakeslayer, Elementalist
Heck Raiser, Necromancer
Javelin Mrin, Ranger
Misha of Istan, Dervish
Sorsha Skye, Paragon
Evangelina De La Rosa, Mesmer
Kiri Stormcaller, Assassin
Dina Maxx, Ritualist
Hunter Gryphon, Ranger (RP)
(Click links to view character portraits)
- Additional Accounts -
WPG Storage [wpg2] (click for details)
Eliza Gray [wpg2]
Mira Blackheart [wpg2]

[DeanBB]

I gasped and reached for my neck, but felt nothing. Nor was there an arrow embedded in my chest. I sighed and relaxed into the pillow, then turned to find Eliza watching.

"Bad dream," she whispered, then looked at my neck. "Vampire?" I nodded, wondering how she knew. "Me too."

I sat up and looked to the other beds and saw indistinct lumps, so went to each to check to make sure everyone was here. Shaking my head, I returned to Eliza and whispered, "Did she bite you as you were dying?"

"No, she..." Her hand moved to my neck and I felt a rush as her remembered dream poured in.

"Is that just a fantasy or can they really do that?"

"I don't know. But I want to find out."

She snuggled close and again her shield dropped to a low buzz as her mind whispered to me, building upon the rush her dream had started. "Here, bite on this," she whispered as she put a wad of her jammies to my mouth. I nodded and let her pull up my jammies. I was grateful for the satin in my mouth, grateful that I didn’t have to whisper any promises to her.

At first I thought it was something Eliza was doing. Then she went still. I thought she was whimpering until her body slid up mine, she removed my gag, and we lay cheek to cheek. I caught a flash from the window, then the thunder that followed, then the whimpering from Gimi. Eliza slid beside me as Alesia moved to the kids' bed and took him up, rocking and comforting. I felt my face grow flushed like mom had just caught me sneaking a boy into my room. Naughty little Eliza wouldn't leave me alone and I barely managed to cut off a gasp.

"Eve?" Alesia whispered. "You awake?"

Eliza whispered in my ear, "Shhh, don't answer."

"Yes," I whispered.

"I need you."

I sighed and got up, straightening my jammies as I did. Careful not to touch Alesia, I took Gimi and rocked him, soothed him, then held him as the storm blew in. If I looked, I could see Eliza's too-white eyes glittering when the lightning flashed.
_________________
- Primary Account -
Ethrin Starseeker, Monk
Torak One Eye, Warrior
Dax Drakeslayer, Elementalist
Heck Raiser, Necromancer
Javelin Mrin, Ranger
Misha of Istan, Dervish
Sorsha Skye, Paragon
Evangelina De La Rosa, Mesmer
Kiri Stormcaller, Assassin
Dina Maxx, Ritualist
Hunter Gryphon, Ranger (RP)
(Click links to view character portraits)
- Additional Accounts -
WPG Storage [wpg2] (click for details)
Eliza Gray [wpg2]
Mira Blackheart [wpg2]

[DeanBB]

I couldn't believe the changes that had come upon Kryta and Lion's Arch in the few years I'd been gone. The Undead roaming the countryside had driven people into the city and it was far more crowded than I remembered. I wasn't sure how many slaves there were, and who was a slave and who was a servant, but it was apparent that the kids were just two of many. I found nobody that I knew, or nobody that I remembered, including mom. Maybe, just maybe, she had gone back to Kryta. What had happened to the royal family was a topic for hushed whispers and there were conflicting stories and I had no idea what the truth of the matter was, since everyone believed the story they clung to was truth.

The Mantle came through on their promise and I left for the Gates feeling happy. We were allowed to settle in the wild lands out by the sea west of the Gates of Kryta. I was one step closer to fulfilling my promise and if I remembered the area correctly, it could be a beautiful location. I’m sure the Mantle would profit from it in some fashion, but I didn’t care.

I was happy, but Alesia was not.

"I did what I could. They at least have the room to themselves for a couple days if they're smart about it and the innkeep doesn't figure out that we're not there."

Alesia said nothing. She tended to clam up when upset or emotional.

"What'd you want me to do? Buy them? Bring them with us through Ettins, Skale, and gods know what else?"

"Yes."

"No. That's just plain stupid. We'd have been killed if that warrior hadn't been there to help us. What if we run into another Giant?"

"We'd manage. We always do."

"Look, I..." I stopped when I realized Reyna was gone. We weren't paying attention and hadn't followed her down a side path. I blushed to see her standing with her hands on her hips. "Coming," I said weakly. "Maybe when the refugees get settled we can go back and... and... Jewel?"

The little girl reached into the bush she'd been hiding behind and pulled Gimi up next to her. I looked to Reyna, who was red faced. I wasn't sure if it was anger for what the kids had done or that she had passed them by three times and not seen them. I looked back to make sure we were out of sight of the gates and guards. Jewel stood still, her eyes down, the string of a necklace in her mouth. Her hair was short and messy, a dirty blonde that might be mistaken for a boy if you didn't look too close. She wore a dark blue shirt that was too big for her, hanging to almost her knees and mostly covering her dirty britches. Gimi was similarly dressed. Did they leave behind their servant's garb to escape?

"Not good," Reyna said. "Not good at all. People get hanged for less than this."

"We didn't do anything," Eliza noted. The kids fidgeted.

I heaved a sigh instead of cursing and screaming and throwing a fit like I wanted to. The only one that didn't seem bothered was Alesia.

"Oh. My. Gods!" I exclaimed and the force of my curse sent a jolt of pain from my Mark all the way up my spine, where it collected and grew at the base of my skull.

"What?" Eliza and Reyna asked together, looking around.

"Nothing. Let's go before someone finds us. Hurry."

"What..." Reyna began, but I cut her off.

"Go. Just get us away from here. We can talk later. It's too late to do anything else."

So we went. I glared at Alesia, certain that this was her doing. I saw it clearly. I'd paid for two days stay. We'd left. The slaves had disappeared at the same time. What other conclusion could there be but that we'd taken them? I'd taken them. I was the face that was before everyone, renting the room, flirting with the innkeep for a good rate... stealing his slaves. I imagined the look on the constables face when he went to tack my 'Wanted: Dead or Alive' poster up and found the old faded one of me still hanging there.
_________________
- Primary Account -
Ethrin Starseeker, Monk
Torak One Eye, Warrior
Dax Drakeslayer, Elementalist
Heck Raiser, Necromancer
Javelin Mrin, Ranger
Misha of Istan, Dervish
Sorsha Skye, Paragon
Evangelina De La Rosa, Mesmer
Kiri Stormcaller, Assassin
Dina Maxx, Ritualist
Hunter Gryphon, Ranger (RP)
(Click links to view character portraits)
- Additional Accounts -
WPG Storage [wpg2] (click for details)
Eliza Gray [wpg2]
Mira Blackheart [wpg2]

[DeanBB]

Many happy days followed. I wasn't hunted down and hanged for stealing slaves. The refugees were waiting for us, my friends were waiting for us, and none of them had been taken as slaves or eaten by Ghouls. Nor had a beautiful Vampire come in the night to drain me and turn me into her eternal lover.

We moved the refugees along the shore and up into the base of the hills, through much pain and struggle and slaying of Mergoyles. A wall went up. It was crude, but sturdy enough to repel the Ettins which remained a constant threat. It seemed that the Undead had displaced many a wild creature from its home and therefore they sought to eat as many people as they possibly could, because, obviously, it was all our fault. Our days were filled with hard work, our nights with songs and stories and making friends. And for some... making babies. But not me. Night after night Eliza sought to get me alone, but in the new Ascalon Settlement there was no 'alone'. I could only imagine how the ladies had become pregnant and envisioned an Orgy Tent somewhere - but of course no such thing existed. Reyna would have told me about it if it had.

We were a poor people and many went without. The four of us were sent out to find what we could, to form what alliances we could, and to trade or beg or borrow what we could. Weapons were traded for blankets. The sea grass was woven into baskets which were traded for a few old plow heads. We went as far as Beetletun and the Bergen Hot Springs and the Gates of Kryta, but never to Lion's Arch.

They were good days. The pain of old wounds faded. The pain of lovers lost diminished, though invariably Rurik's name came up when people gathered about a campfire. Good days. Good enough to make we want to stay. There were more women than men of marrying age, which suited me fine. Men made things complicated for me and I was enjoying the simple life. Enjoying snuggling Fawn and Eliza at night in our cramped little tent.

The days wore on and real homes started going up. Kryta was a temperate place, but it had more than its share of rain and while snow was rare, it would get cold in the middle of winter.

My promise had been fulfilled. The change came slowly. My presence became required less while the Captain's increased. I was more often found in a dress than in armor. Or wearing Corwen's new armor, which he finally finished. It was lovely, comfortable, cool in the heat of the day, and sexy as all hell.

That was when Eliza found her place. Her place for just the two of us, where we could go and be completely alone. It was a ruin a ways from the Settlement, so I donned my sexy new armor, took up staff and sword and chakram, and let her take me away.
_________________
- Primary Account -
Ethrin Starseeker, Monk
Torak One Eye, Warrior
Dax Drakeslayer, Elementalist
Heck Raiser, Necromancer
Javelin Mrin, Ranger
Misha of Istan, Dervish
Sorsha Skye, Paragon
Evangelina De La Rosa, Mesmer
Kiri Stormcaller, Assassin
Dina Maxx, Ritualist
Hunter Gryphon, Ranger (RP)
(Click links to view character portraits)
- Additional Accounts -
WPG Storage [wpg2] (click for details)
Eliza Gray [wpg2]
Mira Blackheart [wpg2]

[DeanBB]

The stars shone down upon us. Eliza's eyes glittered in the candle light as much as the wine did. It was a lovely night, full of promise. Eliza must have been working at this a long time to make it so perfect. I felt like a little fly caught in her trap. But I wasn't complaining. I thought I was ready. I thought it was what I wanted. Eliza was sure and that encouraged me. At that moment I wasn't thinking of what others would say, wasn't caring.

She filled me with simple but good food and good wine. Seduced me. Teased me. And finally, undressed me and put me in the bed she had made for us. We lay together in silence a while, listening to distant bellows and hoots from the creatures of the land, the breeze moving through the ruins, and the faint sound of the distant sea. With Eliza's mantra in place I found peace with her. I could lay with her and enjoy the stillness of the night, gaze up at the endless stars, and be free.

I smiled as Eliza moved and slid on top of me. Despite all she had done to set me at ease, nervousness crept in. I had things to say, things she needed to hear before we went any further.

"Eliza, I'm through making promises."

She nodded once and brought her face closer, as if to kiss me.

"Wait. I want you to understand." She paused, but remained so close I couldn't see into her eyes. "I can't make any promises for our future."

"I understand."

"Do you? Some day I want a man who will love me and accept me and have babies with me."

"I know. I accept you now and whatever you can give me.�

"Even if I don't deserve it?"

She hesitated and her mantra faltered, but not enough for her thoughts to show through. "But you do. You deserve to be loved and adored and..."

"Shhhh. Enough."

Finished with words, I submitted to her completely. It was more than I imagined it would be, more than I could have hoped for. I lost myself in the freedom I found, freedom from her thoughts and passions, freedom to find my own. It was so much like my time with Rags that I cried tears of joy.

I should have known it couldn't last.

I gasped and pushed Eliza away. Her eyes showed her horror and her mantra returned to block her thoughts. But it was too late. Much too late. Clutching my arms over my breasts and refusing to touch her, I stared at her as I tried to comprehend how she could do such a thing. How she could betray me, betray her people.

"You should go," I whispered.

She nodded, but hesitated.

"Go," I urged.

"To the Settlement?"

I shook my head and watched her breath ease out of her as if it were her soul fleeing her body. She rose, dressed in her armor so much like my own, collected her staff and other personal belongings, and left our perfect little nest. I cried and almost called her back, but bit the side of my cheek until I was sure she was well away.

There was still some food and wine and water. I could stay a day, maybe two if I didn't mind the hunger. Or maybe, like Eliza, I should leave. Go find my own way. Go to Cantha and search for mom.

I couldn't decide. I was too miserable. I wanted to run and catch Eliza and punish her for what she had done. I wanted to run to her and beg her not to leave me. I wanted Rurik back. I wanted Rags. I wanted... somebody. Anybody. Somebody to love.
_________________
- Primary Account -
Ethrin Starseeker, Monk
Torak One Eye, Warrior
Dax Drakeslayer, Elementalist
Heck Raiser, Necromancer
Javelin Mrin, Ranger
Misha of Istan, Dervish
Sorsha Skye, Paragon
Evangelina De La Rosa, Mesmer
Kiri Stormcaller, Assassin
Dina Maxx, Ritualist
Hunter Gryphon, Ranger (RP)
(Click links to view character portraits)
- Additional Accounts -
WPG Storage [wpg2] (click for details)
Eliza Gray [wpg2]
Mira Blackheart [wpg2]

[DeanBB]

"What happened to you?" Reyna asked, her eyes on my messy hair. "You look like..."

"Is there anything to eat?"

"Uh... I don't know. Maybe some leftover oatmeal? Are you okay?"

"No."

"You look like you..."

"I don't want to talk about it."

She turned and left and I frowned at her back and went to find some food for myself. She was back soon enough with Alesia, who, despite my protests poked and prodded me and plied me with questions.

"Leave me alone. I'm fine." Grumpy, but fine.

"What happened?"

"Is there anything else to eat?"

Reyna grabbed my hand and drug me through the Settlement. Alesia collected food on the way. We sat in the swaying grass and they stared at me as I stuffed my face and gulped at water as it ran down my chin and onto my nightie-armor.

"Does this have to do with Eliza?"

Mouth full, I nodded.

Reyna sighed and looked back towards the Settlement. "We're moving on. Do I have time to say goodbye to Thom?"

Mouth still stuffed, I nodded again. When she started to rise, I caught her hand and held her until I could speak.

I took a gulp of water, drew a deep breath, and struggled for words that would somehow make what I was about to tell them less painful. "Eliza... Rurik... uh..." I closed my eyes, trying to regain my focus. Reyna settled back into the grass so I let go of her sleeve. Heaving a sigh, I tried again. "It was Eliza that brought Dagnar to the Frost Gate."

"What?"

"She betrayed us. Betrayed Rurik, betrayed Ascalon."

"Why would she do such a thing?"

My throat constricted so I could only whisper, "For me."

They looked at me in horror and tears stung at my eyes. Alesia's hand found mine, sharing her peace with me, but it did very little to help. I sniffed and smiled weakly at her. "Tell us," she encouraged.

"I don't know all of it, only what slipped into her mind when we were together. She made some sort of deal with him. He would kill Rurik if she brought him up from Thunderhead Keep. I don't know what he got out of the deal, save for Rurik's life. That's all I know." Which was too much.

"Grenths frozen toes, what a witch!" Reyna exclaimed. "Where is she?"

I shrugged. "I just told her she should go. I didn't care where." My eyes shot to Alesia's and a thread of fear wormed through me as her thoughts filtered in. How she had stalked and mimicked and obsessed over me. Would her love turn to hate? Need I fear the lover scorned?

Reyna rose and began pacing. "I could track her."

"No." I remembered her hands, her lips, her... adoration.

"No? She goes free? She should be executed!"

"I don't know!" I felt miserable. Had she worked some magic on me or was it just knowing that there was one out there who I could be with and be free and I wasn't ready yet to give up on her? I didn't know.

"The people have to know she's a traitor. In case she comes back."

"No."

"No? The Captain at the very least." I shook my head. "Why the hell not?" Hands on her hips, she glared down at me. "Are you in love with her?"

"No. Maybe."

She growled and threw her hands into the air, pacing about, grumbling to herself. I lay back in the grass and closed my eyes. "You stay with Thom. I'll go find her."

She snorted. "How will you find her?" She added some unkind words, words that stung, words that struck too close to home.

"She'll go back to Shalev."

"The hermit?"

I nodded. Reyna's anger burned and I had to force my will upon her to get her to quit saying things she'd regret, we'd both regret, once she'd cooled down. She stomped off towards the Settlement.

"She'll be okay once she cools down."

"I know. She'll go have some terrific sex with Thom and be all better, lucky girl." I sighed. "Can I be alone a while? I'll be up in a bit."

Alesia squeezed my hand and left.

I felt sick. Sick from drinking wine on an empty stomach, sick from the food, sick from the emotion and heartache and loss I'd suffered through. Sick because I couldn't face going back to Ascalon by myself. Sick because I would go not to punish Eliza, but to be with her.

I got up, determined to get moving. If I could catch her before she made it over the pass it would be so much easier. My mind worked through details as I walked, made lists, thought through options. So I walked into the crowd and looked around in shock before I realized what was happening. Fawn hugged me and said, "I'll miss you. All of you. Thanks for everything."

Reyna emerged from the tent and set her pack down beside Alesia's, looked me in the eye, and went back inside. I looked to the monk. "You told them anyway?"

"I had to tell them we were leaving." We? "Someone has to do something about this Undead army."

Reyna came out with my pack. "Besides, the Mantle is paying and you've blown all our gold on blankets and crap."

I nodded. One by one my friends came to say goodbye. Alesia took me in to get me to change into my black leather armor and pack up the nightie armor, since it would be easier to carry. I stared at the wash basin, my thoughts far away, until she took it outside to dump it and leave it out of sight. Alesia handed me my sword and I blinked at her, finally coming out of my funk.

"We're going to LA?"

"Yes."

"Not Ascalon?"

"No."

I whispered, since anyone could be listening outside the tent. "You didn't tell anyone about Eliza?"

"No." Her cheeks grew pink, then red. My eyes went wide as well.

Reyna was saying goodbye to Thom.
_________________
- Primary Account -
Ethrin Starseeker, Monk
Torak One Eye, Warrior
Dax Drakeslayer, Elementalist
Heck Raiser, Necromancer
Javelin Mrin, Ranger
Misha of Istan, Dervish
Sorsha Skye, Paragon
Evangelina De La Rosa, Mesmer
Kiri Stormcaller, Assassin
Dina Maxx, Ritualist
Hunter Gryphon, Ranger (RP)
(Click links to view character portraits)
- Additional Accounts -
WPG Storage [wpg2] (click for details)
Eliza Gray [wpg2]
Mira Blackheart [wpg2]

[DeanBB]

D’Alesio Seaboard

I was tired of arguing with the stupid Mantle officer who refused to put three little women outside the walls. Reyna took up the argument, using language that I never would, but wasn't getting any further than I had. Drawing in my focus, I was just about to catch his eyes and force his hand when a voice froze me in place.

"They're with me."

My heart thumped loudly in the sudden silence. I turned to find bright blue eyes and only just barely managed to get the Princess Smile in place in time. Although… this time his eyes had a hard edge to them.

"Didn't they tell you?"

"No sir." The pompous ass laughed. "I thought they intended to go alone."

"Well, we're ready, so have the monks and mages push back the Ghouls so you can open the gate."

The gate creaked open enough for us to slip through and we ran together to the top of the hill to kill the Ghouls that lingered out of range of the spellcasters and archers on the walls. A skeletal archer and more Ghouls were guarding the bridge, with more yet beyond, so I figured now was as good a time to talk as any.

"Thanks," I said, then paused to cast on a Ghoul. "That Mantle was such a jerk."

He grunted, batted aside a claw and hacked off an arm at the shoulder, drawing a howl from the Ghoul. "No problem. I have to see this 'Confessor' myself."

My heart soared. I finished off the Ghoul with an explosion of energy. "So we'll go together?"

He glanced at me and muttered, "Not much choice," then rushed down the hill where the archer awaited us. I followed behind, but my eyes were on him, not the enemies. His sword was sleek and long, double edged and ending in a fine point. It almost looked too narrow, too fragile, yet he had battled that Undead Giant with its massive hammer and it had not been broken. I was pretty sure his armor was Elonian Leather, like mine, save of course for the steel cuirass that protected his torso. An arrow hurtled towards him, trailing green, but he swatted it aside with his sword and fell upon the first of the Ghouls. I whipped out my sword and joined him.

"I feel like a fool. I don't even know your name."

"Talon."

"Eve. The Ranger's Reyna, and the Monk, Alesia."

"Well met," he said blandly as he skewered the last Ghoul. Our eyes met and I lost myself in his dreamy depths for just a second. Until Reyna hip-checked me as she passed to get to the archer. His arm came around my middle to catch me and keep me on my feet. Then he was gone, following Reyna, leaving me standing with my heart going pitter-pat.

Alesia paused as she passed, saying, "Stay with us, Eve." I nodded, but had a hard time tearing my eyes away from him. "Come on." She urged, and I followed.

We ran across the bridge and up the winding road, fighting the Undead that stood to keep us from the village that lay beyond. Hakewood. Spellcasters replaced archers and slowed us down, but screaming Humans from ahead kept us pressing forward.

Talon and I fought side by side primarily with our weapons, though I knew he could do some smiting as well. Maybe he was just trying to impress me with his swordsmanship? I know that was my intent. Ghouls burrowed up in front of us and we leapt upon them, hoping to kill them before they even knew what hit them. A jolt of lightning lit me up and I staggered, only to have Talon reach over and touch me. Warm healing flooded in and I wanted him to touch me again. He wore black leather gloves and had touched my arm, so I caught nothing of his thoughts. Still, I stood and watched in a near daze as he and Reyna killed the last Ghoul and the Sorcerer.

I blinked at Alesia's fingers snapping in my face and flashed her a smile, but she just scowled and ran to join them. I sighed. I needed a mantra like Eliza's: 'I don't need a man, I don't need a man, I don’t...’ I hurried to catch up.

Talon was already attacking Ghouls who had been tearing at villagers, while Reyna had moved to scout ahead and Alesia healed the wounded. I ran to catch up with Reyna and was joined by Talon. The village wasn't very big, but Ghouls and Skeletons were chasing people everywhere. Reyna pointed to a lone villager fighting what looked like a big Sorcerer up towards the top of the hill and a couple others with Minions near the center of the village.

"I'll take those," Talon said, pointing to the ones with Minions.

"We got big daddy," I said. We split and Alesia lingered somewhat between us all where she could run to help where needed.

I put Backfire on the Sorcerer and it cast one spell, took the hit, and rushed us like it would tear our eyes out with its bony claws. Without its magic, it was nothing. Reyna and I swept down the hill and through the village until the Undead were all down. I stayed to guard Alesia as she made her rounds healing the injured. Talon was doing some healing as well. Reyna was checking the perimeter and looking in houses to make sure it was safe.

"He's a Paladin, you know."

"Talon?"

"Yes."

"What's that?"

She was busy healing for a while and didn't answer right away. "There are monks who tend shrines and temples, monks who live in monasteries, monks like me, and smiting monks like the Mantle have. Dwayna also has servants who are warriors, guarding her holy places and doing her bidding. Some of them are warrior-monks. A Paladin is all those things and more."

"More?" I glanced to him then back to Alesia.

We walked to a knot of people huddling together so the monk could see if they were all okay. "They have taken vows and dedicated their lives to the service of the goddess. By doing so, Dwayna has blessed them. They are rare, for it is a difficult path they have chosen.�

“How difficult?� I cringed inwardly waiting for the words I knew she was about to say.

“Vows, Eve. Lots of vows. To break any one of them with intent means disgrace, rejection, and humiliation.�

“Like, a vow of poverty?� I asked hopefully. She gave me a look and my heart sank. I turned to find Talon and my eyes followed him. I sighed, thinking that the forbidden fruit is always the tastiest. We came back together and Talon’s words surprised me.

“The villagers asked us to deliver their offering, but I told them no.�

“No? Can you do that?�

He cocked his head and looked at me. “Say no?� He grinned from ear to ear. “Saying no is what I do best.� He turned from the gate and almost collided with the villager we’d saved, Benji. His eyes pleaded for help, but Talon just walked right past without a word. I shrugged as if to say I didn’t have any choice and hurried after him. I heard Alesia speak to him but couldn’t quite hear her words, but imagined she was promising to come back for it if able.

The gate opened into a long winding canyon with patches of nasty swamp and even nastier Undead. We made our way through it quickly and came upon the Temple of Tolerance, the sight of which made me pause to admire it. Ghouls were gathering to swarm the place and only a single Mantle Knight stood to bar their way, so we rushed forward to help him and only barely managed to save his life.

He urged us forward while remaining to guard against further attacks. The Confessor stood with his back to a Mending Shrine along with two more Knights. We had only just arrived when a group of Undead swarmed up from the side closest to the sea. Another mob poured up the stairs on the inland side. After a couple more of these I rallied the ladies and we took the fight to them to keep from being swarmed. When we’d cleared away everything from the slopes, we swung around to kill off the Undead from the other side as well, those that hadn’t yet rushed Talon and the Mantle and been slain.

When I announced that the Temple had been cleared, the Confessor urged us to go find Dinas, who had something called the Scepter of Orr, and to bring him back where it could be kept safe. Talon wanted to speak with the man, but he insisted that we find the Scepter first.

Dinas hadn’t gotten far. We killed a few Ettins and one of those tree-men, then found him hiding in an old house within sight of the temple. The Scepter of Orr was an impressive looking staff and even I could detect the power pulsing from it. We escorted Dinas back to the temple, which was now swarming with Mantle. I had noticed that Talon had gone very quiet and the next time I looked caught a glimpse of him slipping away back towards Hakewood.

I sighed.

The Confessor built us up as heroes and we went along with it, hoping for an appropriate heroes reward. What they gave us were membership cards. We were now Knights of the Mantle. Yippee. I hope it pays well.
_________________
- Primary Account -
Ethrin Starseeker, Monk
Torak One Eye, Warrior
Dax Drakeslayer, Elementalist
Heck Raiser, Necromancer
Javelin Mrin, Ranger
Misha of Istan, Dervish
Sorsha Skye, Paragon
Evangelina De La Rosa, Mesmer
Kiri Stormcaller, Assassin
Dina Maxx, Ritualist
Hunter Gryphon, Ranger (RP)
(Click links to view character portraits)
- Additional Accounts -
WPG Storage [wpg2] (click for details)
Eliza Gray [wpg2]
Mira Blackheart [wpg2]