Abby - 2001-01-09
eleos went stiff at the purposeful way the man addressed her. "That name," she said in a quiet, icy voice, "is not mine. Do not use it again."
The other man's outburst distracted her somewhat, and she regarded him measuringly. (What a bloody mess. Playing games with Sevarius has made me twitchy--I shouldn't have bothered coming up here. Teach me to pay attention to the words of hysterical women.) With an effort she schooled her face into calm, ignoring the sour taste in her mouth.
"I came because the young lady downstairs claimed that she and a companion had been assaulted, and because I heard you shouting," she said crisply. "It seems that I was mislead, for which I apologize." Her eyes remained on Leydon as she spoke; she ignored the mage for a moment, mind working fiercely. (Who is he? I'm sure I've never seen him before, but he knows my name... or,) the thought came bitterly, (what *was* my name. What interest does he have--?)
Abruptly an image flashed into her mind; the weeping maiden downstairs, clutching a coin in her hand. A silver Melanan noble. (Hells. If he's Melanan--I'm in for it. Lord of storms, I hope I can talk my way out of this. I am *not* at good strength yet.) Her still- burned hands were still a strong reminder of her battle with Sevarius. (If he's one of Sevarius's cohorts he's probably not as strong... but he really doesn't have to be...)
Her remote expression and stubborn stance did not change, but a hint of fear wormed its way into Keleos's thoughts. If she had to fight this mage now, she was not likely to win...
Gavin - 2001-01-09
n what seemed to be his normal way with words, the man Engra had pushed to the floor hurled some more abuse at him. Engra paid little attention to it, as he tried to work out what to do next. She looked like she could strike at any moment
"That name, is not mine. Do not use it again."
Her tone was cold and for a moment Engra was confused. This had to be Keleos. She fitted the description and he'd seen her in the scrying...
Engra noticed her deliberately not looking at him as she spoke to the man, whom he realised he did not even know the name of.
"I came because the young lady downstairs claimed that she and a companion had been assaulted, and because I heard you shouting," she said crisply. "It seems that I was mislead, for which I apologize."
(So that's why she burst in) Engra thought. Taking a deep breath he decided to explain the situation. "I sensed something was wrong and on entering this room found this man, whom I do not yet know the name of, about to strangle the fair maiden you mentioned." Anger seeped into Engra's voice as he explained. "I got her out of the room quickly in order to deal with this attempted murderer. He of course denies the claims, but I can judge with my own eyes. As such, he is now bound to me by that bracelet he curses."
Spellbinder - 2001-01-09
revor was dumbfounded. He hadn't expected the others to follow him, indeed, he had thought they were planning to go their own way. His face turned crimson at the angry blast he endured from the lips of a now thoroughly angry Selene. It seemed her true colors were showing. Only a noblewoman would employ such words, words that were calculated and carried with them such a stinging reproach. He was keenly aware of Azari's eyes on him, no doubt waiting to hear his reply. The knight spurred his horse quickly and skidded him to a halt between Selene and Tiel. He held up a rigid hand, fighting desperately to control his temper. “Wait one moment! I seem to recall when I told you I was going after Azari this morning that you were saddled up, all your belongings were ready for travel. I’m not blind, you know. That tells me that you were planning to leave without telling me, since it was my horse that woke me and not you. Just sneak out of camp and leave me wondering, hmm? Well, if that’s the case, then my responsibility to you was made null and void. I cannot make you stay where you do not wish to be, now can I?” Trevor folded his arms and stared at Selene, a stern expression upon his face. Selene looked particularly pretty sitting there, her eyes stormy. It was hard for Trevor to remain angry with her. Women! A man can’t live with them, nor can he live without them. No doubt a litany repeated by men down the ages, since the Garden of Eden.
As Trevor and Selene parried with words, a storm approached unnoticed. It was a particularly vicious squall that was bearing down on the little group. As Selene was about to reply it struck, lightning flashing and thunder cracking. A bolt struck a tree behind Selene, which exploded with a deafening crash. Starstruck squealed in fear and bolted, Selene hanging on for dear life. Trevor did not hesitate as he spurred his stallion into a gallop, which was really unnecessary since his horse was panicked as well. He managed to regain control and steered him in Selene’s direction. She was screaming in panic, barely able to hold on. Behind Trevor the forest burst into fire, the wind driving flames toward he and Selene. Trevor yelled to Selene, “Hold on! I’m right behind you!” He gave a wild cry and dug his heels into the stallion’s flanks, urging him on. Just ahead of them the forest thickened, low branches hung down, ready to claim whoever was unfortunate enough to ride through them. This is where the panic stricken Starstruck headed. Trevor swept close to Selene and with his arm around her waist he plucked her from the saddle, seconds before a thick branch could end her life. Fortunately they were able to avoid any other branches as they slid to a halt. The flames from the forest fire roared behind them, making it imperative that they get out of the fire’s path. Trevor spoke quietly to his now nervous steed, directing him away from the conflagration. The tired knight looked about for Tiel and Azari, but smoke made it difficult to see very far. He could only hope they made it out safely.
Trevor realized he was still holding Selene tightly, so he released her. He murmured quietly, “Are you all right, Selene? I hope I didn’t hurt you. Are you burned or anything?” Trevor’s body shook with released stress for a few moments. As he came down from the combat high he felt a stinging, burning sensation from his thigh. He looked down to see that a burning branch had fallen on him, leaving an ugly burn upon his flesh. He groaned and grit his teeth against the pain. He swung out of the saddle gingerly, then helped Selene down. She stood facing him, looking up into his eyes. In spite of the discomfort, he grinned at Selene. “What is it with you? Every time I rescue you it seems I get hurt!” Trevor sighed and his eyes softened, “Look, Selene, I’m sorry I left you. You were right to be angry with me. I suppose I let my feelings get the better of me. I want to help you, but you must tell me what is really happening, where you are from, who you really are.” With a sudden flash of insight he added, “...and who you are running from. Is it your father?” This was the first time such knowledge had come to him while not sleeping. He felt a bit giddy, waiting for Selene’s reply.
Laura - 2001-01-10
zari arched her back up high trying to extend herself without loosing her balance to hear the insistent clamoring from a distance. Making sure to keep a close eye on Trevor as he stood next to Selene and Tiel. She studied intently watching his every inch of body language.
Trevor and Selene standing side by side were using combative words, neither one willing to back down from being wrong, at least from what Azari could hear and see.
Trevor fighting desperately to control his temper " Wait one moment! I seem to recall when I told you I was going after Azari this morning that you were saddled up, all your belongings were ready for travel. I'm not blind, you know. That tells me that you were planning to leave without telling me. Since it was my horse that woke me up and not you! Just"... Trevors words became muffled from what she could hear. The wind was picking up like a storm. No one was paying attention to Azari yelling across at them " Hey, we need to get going... the weather looks like it's turning into a storm." Azari stood trying to get their attention. She had the most erie feeling as she looked up at the sky. The wind stopped for a few seconds. Azari could hear rumbling off into the distance. To her, it sounded like it was coming closer. She instinctively knew she must get off her horse and walk over to where they are standing to get their attention. Waving her hands she began to try to get their attention again. It was no use. They were still not listening. Suddenly out of no where, a blinding burst of blue hue snapped and then a loud crack. Azari fell helpless to the ground, her heart pumping as fast as it could. Fear gripped her giving her goose bumps throughout her whole body. She could feel tingles saturating through and noticed her hair was sticking straight up. Shrieking and squealing Azari made noises in utter fear. Her face lay into the ground as she was horrified of lightning.
"Ooooh I hate these woods! Azari half choking as she screamed out. She began to realize that she must get out of the way from the smoke of the branches laying on the ground. Her eyes were burning and dust had become lodged into her right eye. Azari tried to get up, but her left leg was injured. A fallen branch stood right behind her from where she had been when the lightning struck.
The smoke began to die down a little but it was too soon for her to see what happened to Trevor, Selene and Tiel.
Jetta was spooked by the noise but did not run off.
Copyright (c) 1999-2001 Abigail Laughlin and the members of the Circle of Stone.