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This is an RP Hephaestus, Corothius, and I did, Hephaestus is a good Roleplayer, I would suggest him if you ever want a great RP done, and Corothius quit when I started working with Hephaestus on the RP so I cannot say anything about him, although I presume he is a good RPer as well.
Sir Hephaestus [Havoc] (9/29/2007 9:43:18 AM) |
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Greetings sir, I bear a message from my king Sir Hephaestus Cikayson.
As you may or may not know, my lord is a fine man. He rules over a number of cities, as do you, Prince Corothius. He has sent his armies to fight our common foes and pledges his complete loyalty to our Havoc Empire.
Now he desires something else. Sir Hephaestus, primarily human and somewhat dwarvish in his body, has found his trollish subjects awkward... especially when it boils down to love. No trollish lady has captured his heart, so he feels he might venture elsewhere.
As you may remember, Hephaestus attended to Great Assembly this past month. Though he mentioned little in public, being the shy man that he is, he found something very dear to him--or shall I say someone?
He met a charming young lady in the great feast afterwards. Hephaestus and the lady talked for hours, and as I understood it, became great friend. When the moon rose high and he was forced to depart, he forgot to ask this beautiful young lady her name...
Only by talking with several other lords of our empire did he come to suspect who this lady was... he believes that she may be a daughter of yours. It was dark, but he says her figure was very fine with pale skin like the moon, her eyes blue like shimmerings stars, and her voice like a nightingale.
So I have traveled many miles to ask you, might this be your daughter? He anticipates your response.
This is the word from my lord Sir Hephaestus,
Squire Kal Tlkal
Prince Corothius [Havoc] (9/11/2007 11:15:36 AM)
-The squire was allowed through the gates of his city, admitted even through the palace walls of the stronghold further within. It was then that the squire was held for a time in a waiting room until the Prince was no longer busy and able to see him within the throne room. The prince at that point was no longer upon his throne, and standing, facing the side of the room that was opened along arced openings of the wall that allowed him to look out upon his city and the dusk of the sky that played with the shades of the clouds. The message at that point was listened to. Corothius himself was of elven blood, but was, even now in command of a kingdom of Trolls. A curl slid onto his face as he listened further to the details of the young lady in question. Finally, he'd speak to the squire, offering him even another scroll and pen to write if it was necessary to return such a message to his king Sir Hephaestus Clkayson.
"Hail King Clkyason,
It humors as well as fills m'heart with pride and mirth that you have found yourself an attractive young lady whom you have, by the sounds of it, fallen in love with. It is a great emotion, and by the worth of your search, seems to be still existant. Unfortunately, this woman is not my daughter. I am a man whos' skin can become tanned quite easily, who's eyes are similar to the sap tha hangs upon a tree..quite contrasting the description of the woman you spoke of. I though, have many concubines..but they do not attend parties and such festivities so I do not think it would be one of them either. I thus am sorry to dissappoint you, and hope your search continues..
He'd then nod to the squire that the message was finished, the squire then welcomed to remain to have some food to fill his stomach before he'd depart to deliver the message to the lad's king.
You (9/15/2007 8:02:26 PM)
Did you ever report my message as good? Maybe Zeta rejected it :(
Prince Corothius [Havoc] (9/16/2007 12:15:37 AM)
last era he waited till end of era to reward points..
You (9/16/2007 12:27:29 AM)
hm okay... still some hope then :)
This RP didn't really go so far... want to try another one?
Prince Corothius [Havoc] (9/16/2007 7:50:02 AM)
you could respond to it to continue it..
You (9/17/2007 5:10:51 AM)
-In two weeks time the scribe returned to Corothius's kingdoms, dressed in the purple robes of the diplomat. Upon entering the palace, he showed the guards a small but simple gold bracelet with a name carved in runes around the perimeter of the object. He then took a second exquisite craft from a padded sack and showed it to the armed trolls standing on duty. It was a small gold necklace encrusted with diamonds and other precious metals. It gleamed in the dull sunlight drifting down through the stronghold’s narrow windows as the squire shifted the magnificent craft in his hands, sending images of light dancing across the ceiling.-
“Hephaestus has realized his mistake,” the scribe explained once admitted to the Prince’s throne. You see, when he departed from the fair young lady, he noticed that she had left a small article of her jewelry behind, this bracelet that you see. Since he does not know the woman’s name, he cannot return it.
“However, Hephaestus took special notice to the runes upon the gold. He could not make out the language, but somewhere in the remote regions of his mind he recognized it to be trollish runes. So he consulted all the books in his cities to discover what the runes said, in case writing be the name of his young love.
“After much effort he translated a small bit of the name, Coroth. However, the last few runes were of a form older than his books could provide him information on. He believed the name may have been Corothious--your name, Prince.
“But now as he sees his error, he asks if you or any of your scholars are able to translate the last bit of markings, knowing your family history extends far longer than his own begun by The Fat of the Dark Riders Empire. He eagerly awaits your response.”
You (9/16/2007 1:19:49 PM)
Right after I responded I thought of a way to continue it, yeah... I'll try and do it a bit later today (gotta move into campus).
Prince Corothius [Havoc] (9/17/2007 6:12:44 AM)
-The two items of jewelry were looked upon from the distance where he was seated upon the perch of his throne. The regal manner of carvings upon the legs, arms and basically the entirety of the chair itself. The wristband was then to be reached for, after rising from his chair to retrieve it. Proving he was not such a high noble as his title pronounced him to be. It was as his eyes would fathom over the runic inscribings that his eyes might flinch, or widen as he looked them over.
"...hmmm..I see what you speak of. It is true. The fate of those who lead our kingdoms in one era are able to change their race the next generation or so. I myself have no looked into the books to find out how. I though know there is one or two others with similar names to mine in this realm whom it might be long to. Otherwise..she could be the heiress of one of m'numerous concubines, some of whom become pregnant with their use. If you want, You master may pay me a visit, and have a look through their numbers and see if there is one that he seeks..He may have her of course if he sees such...I will consider such a gift to a fellow brother of the Kingdom..."
-With this, the bracelet was returned to the scribe. His eyes hal*beep*limmer, perhaps from the bedazzlement of the jewelry or perhaps from the thoughts of his concubines.-
You (9/17/2007 8:57:02 PM)
-In one week’s time came Sir Hephaestus himself, riding in a metal chariot drawn by two armored horses… but upon further inspection, were actually completely mechanical beings, infused with magic to perform their task. Hephaestus himself wore light armor, a simple steel breastplate and crested helmet, in the style of the legions of the ancients. While well forged, the armor bore no ornaments of any kind. The helmet cast a shadow across his face, darkening it from sight.-
“Prince Corothious,” Hephaestus spoke as he entered the throne room with two trollish guards at his side. He bowed deeply before the throne in respect for his peer. He walked with a slight limp, as if one leg were shorter than the other.
“I thank you greatly for inviting me to your humble domain. This trip means a lot for me, for you understand…” he spoke, slowly removing his helmet. As the shadows retreated from his face Corothius could clearly see that his face was slightly disformed. One eye sat slightly higher than the other, his nose bent slightly crooked, and his bottom lip parted in the middle like a malnourished child.
“Love I have found hard to come by in my life. I desire no wife for political convenience, nor concubines to satisfy my urges. Rather, I wish to find a woman who can love me for what I am--a man,” he continued.
“Where might I be able to search for this fair-skinned lady?”
Prince Corothius [Havoc] (9/18/2007 12:23:09 AM)
-Corothius was preoccupied with a few of these concubines they even now spoke of. Two knelt before him and somewhat at his sides with platters of fruit he had been feeding his hunger upon whilst another *beep* was behind him massaging the sturdiness of muscles upon well-refined muscles. It was though, as Hephaestus arrived, and strode into the throne room that Corothius would lean back into the enscribed framework of wood and golden platings. A knowledgeable curl grinning along his features as he looked the armored fellow over. Corothius himself was not donned in his armor as he was well secure within the defending walls of his cities, most of which were well behind enemy lines thus allowing him to continue his defensive aid to the kingdom continuously. He would then rise and walk beyond his slave*beep*s and greet his guest with the extend of his forearm to the extension of his hand, a bracer of studded leathers adorning his forearm.
"It is good to have a guest in m'walls once again, They are rare as most of our mates are normally busy on the frontlines and whatnot Come though, I will show you to the gardens where they are free to lazy about and enjoy themselves when they are not at service. "
-It was thus, that he would lead the man out of the throne room, and down the flights of stairwells onto a corridor that would open up to a garden keeping the innercourtyard of his stronghold.-
You (9/18/2007 4:47:07 AM)
Hephaestus followed Corothius down the stairs and into the gardens within the courtyard, his gaze following upon the slave girls only briefly and almost guiltily… for what reason? Shame? Longingness? Hesitancy? Perhaps he was merely envious of the great build of the Prince while his own skinny and fragile body took pain to shift about every morning.
Once inside the garden, he gazed upon the young ladies laying upon naked upon the grass with dishes of grapes and exotic fruits upon silver platters, sipping cups of dark wine. As he passed by the reaction of the women were the generally the same--curiosity. With his armor and crested helmet shadowing his face, his true appearances could not be seen, so it was not as if the women were repulsed by his sight Yet at the same time he noticed they avoided his gaze, as if trying to coax his attention to pass on by.
For the next ten minutes Hephaestus and his two guards searched among the women, but they were unable to find the lady of Hephaestus’s description. In despair, Hephaestus sat down upon a stone bench carved with symbols of flowers and removed the two bracelets from the robe under his armor and gazed at them. This small action immediately attracted the attention of several of the slave women who looked upon the jewel-encrusted necklace with awe.
Then two women approached, one a young girl barely in her teenage years, and an older, freckled woman. Both bore the same blonde color of their hair, mother and daughter alike employed by the Prince, if not for his personal desires but for general cleaning and cooking.
The young girl came up to the armored king and held up her hand, reaching not for the dazzling necklace but the bracelet. She rotated the jewelry around in her hands, reading the runes with a surprised look upon her face.
“Is… does this belong to you?” Hephaestus spoke, his voice weak.
“No, milord. It belongs to my sister!” responded the girl. “She lost it a couple months ago at the great ball…”
“Where is she?” Hephaestus demanded. “I must see her immediately!”
“She isn’t here,” the older woman spoke. “Milord Corothius sent her away the other week.”
Prince Corothius [Havoc] (9/19/2007 12:29:07 AM)
{mwuaha, you are better at this than most I have played with before, save Crom}
-Corothius without hesitation allowed his guests to roam about the gardens without his company. He instead was found by a handful of his most favored slavegirls who with most enthusiasm and lust tackled him onto the heathen grasses. Needless to say particles of his clothing, which were few to begin with began to be skewered about surrounding the dogpile of slaveflesh, silks and varying bodies all beginning to give off those enrichening scents of sweetness that lurked amongst a womans' thighs. It was in this manner that he was preoccupied for the duration of the misshaped ones' visit. The purrings, beggings, and most enthusiastic words of the young *beep*s all that filled that particular part of the garden.
It though was true that some of the slaves if not most of them wished for the armored one to continue on. Some were there as pleasure slaves, others there for menial tasks about the stronghold. It though was perhaps the walk and manner that the visitor strode about that led the women to take note of his personality and perhaps his other characteristics despite the coverings his helm and armor provided.
Finally though, Corothius would have his fill of the slavegirls, and some of them filled with him. He then able to gather himself back together and searched about the gardens until his guest could be found on the bench beyond. There he'd approach. A smile touching upon his chiseled features taking note that he had a young lass already beginning to tend to him.-
You (9/19/2007 4:57:13 AM)
{I like writing stories... I just don't have the time for any big projects anymore. I also typically avoid RPs, unless I know the other writers are good and serious about what they do.}
“Where is she now?” Hephaestus asked the young girl and her mother. “I must know!”
Hephaestus noticed Corothius approaching him, and whispered to the two, “And why did he send her away? Did she not agree to please him? Was she of insufficient beauty for his liking? Did she run away?”
The young girl began to speak, but her mother quickly put her hand against her daughter’s mouth. “If I may ask so, who are you? A friend of the Prince? A diplomat? A general?”
“Er… my name is Hephaestus, friend and peer to Prince Corothius” the armored man responded. “I rule over the CK Empire, as did my parents before me and their parents before them. I am the only surviving son of my family, and since my parents passed on, only I and my sister are all that is left of the family.” He was unsure whether to be offended from the lack of respect the elderly woman gave. It was not something he typically received from strangers, only his followers and subjects *beep*cognize him at him.
“And why are you seeking my eldest daughter?”
“Er… because… because… I desire her?” he murmured. “There was this night back from the Great Ball, when I met this lovely woman, her voice clear and her eyes glimmering blue. We spoke at great length, and--”
“And now you seek to find and marry her?” inquired the mother, her stare penetrating through the shadow across Hephaestus’s face. “You seek to make her your subject to provide you a son? You wish to put her behind fortress walls, all alone in her chambers, while you scheme with your generals how to attack the next city?”
“No, no… I… I would… I wouldn’t…”
“If you want the truth,” the woman spoke, her icy voice warming into a friendly warmth, “I know not where my daughter is. I… I dare not ask the Prince myself. So if you love her, you must ask yourself.”
Eerily timed, Corothius stepped forward. He had been distracted for a time by a particularly lovely lady, but now his focus seemed to be much more aimed at business.
“This woman’s eldest daughter, the woman of whom I wrote,” Hephaestus spoke. “Where is she?”
Prince Corothius [Havoc] (9/20/2007 12:20:38 AM)
Corothius approached. The conversation amongst his guest and the two servants was notably one of business instead of pleasure. It was thus that his eyes would narrow some as he interpreted their lips movements where words could be read instead of heard. He though came up to the bench as well and stood at it's side in a casual manner. Not minding that the everpresent scent of female sweetness was emancipating him with the aroma that was left liably all over his flesh. He though, let his eyes set on the two servants, so he could identify them and recall what the matter was about. It was after a moment of collecting such thoughts and memories that he'd speak.
'Ah, these two..they were recently taken into captivity not too long ago I beleive. It though is true that there was a third of their number, I believe someone saw her at one of the events I sent her, and a handful of other beauties to attend as a gift to the holder of the ball. She though, as well as one or two others caught the eye of one of our Lords, and was bought from me not too soon afterwards...I could of course give you the information so you could track her down and buy her from her current owner if you desire her that much...unless you'd rather sneak in and capture her..
You (9/20/2007 4:44:58 AM)
Hephaestus hesitated. “Yes, I should like to know whose fancy she captured… Immediately,” he said, shifting his helmet upon his head. “But as for these two women, this mother and her daughter… first I should like to purchase them as well. I shall meet whatever price you demand.”
The mother looked at Hephaestus in an expression of both confusion and suspicion, but she said nothing. Then her daughter spoke. “Mother? Are we leaving here?”
“I don’t know yet,” the woman spoke, clasping onto her child’s hand, keeping her stare steady upon Hephaestus.
“Mother?”
“Quiet!”
Hephaestus turned to Corothius. “I will, of course, keep both well and happy in my kingdom. They shall be free to do as they wish, I would not keep them hidden away in the shadows of the palace…”
He then walked a dozen paces away, gesturing the prince to follow. Once out of the womens’ earshot, he spoke solemnly, “The mother, she is too old for you, and the daughter… the daughter is too young, and not particularly pretty… and she is intelligent, you can see it in her eyes. She has no place here. I hope you can understand… I make no judgment against the women who lay in your garden thoughtless and carefree, but they do not strike me as particularly intelligent, whereas this mother and her daughter are. Please, let me buy them from you. And then, pray tell… what is the name of the lord I must contact to find my love? I shall offer money if it is what he desires, but whatever his price or his answer, I must see her!”
Hephaestus glanced over his shoulder and saw the mother and her daughter, standing hand in hand, watching the two leaders talk to one another. He hoped neither had the ability to read lips as he had observed Corothius being capable of from the corner of his eye. He then turned back the prince, awaiting the name he desired.
Prince Corothius [Havoc] (9/20/2007 12:23:18 PM)
{{figure i should ask some of the other members who wanted to rp as well who wants to be the one who bought the slave or make one up?}
-Corothius obligingly followed the mangled guest a distance from the two women. Though to him they were mere property and could be spoken amongst as he wished to. He though, respected his guests wishes and listened to his words with due intent.-
"You speak true enough of the two..I shall accept a silver coin for the both of them then and I'll have m'sage write up the form of ownership to change to your name. I will as well have him look up the name of the man who bought this woman you seek with such interest from our recordbooks. I know how it is to find a woman who finds you so attractive and has even opened up her heart to allow such emotions to come about..it is not often.
You (9/23/2007 8:16:49 AM)
Hephaestus accepted the offer, thankful for his friend's generosity. The woman's cool stare changed into a wide-eyed look of surprise as she followed the strange, armored king out of the courtyard filled with the slave girls.
Before riding out of the city, Hephaestus came to the Prince one last time.
"I thank you greatly in your part, friend-in-arms. Now I shall journey on to find my love. If ever you have a favor to ask of me, be not afraid to send me a message or arrive at my palace gates. Just... er... leave the girls behind, will you? Or keep them out of sight? Trollish my subjects may be, there are certain... standards they expect out of myself and of their kingdom," Hephaestus spoke, and bowed deeply.
That evening he rode home with his bodyguards away from the setting sun and into the starry night, a coach following behind with two newly-freed women inside.
"Whatever I must do," he spoke to himself, "I shall find my love."
Duke Tiber Septim IV [Ritz] (9/24/2007 4:05:42 AM)
Lord Gaius Septim II walked around the dark chambers of his castle, he walked down into the serveant's quarters and found the one he had just bought, Emerald, sitting in the corner.
"Hello serveant, I am your new master, your new Lord, you are here to serve me in any way I wish, I will give you tonight to sleep and prepare yourself, if you try to escape my guards will be happy to kill you, understand?", asked Gaius.
"Y-y-yes sir!", said Emerald.
"Good", said Gaius, and with that he turned and left the serveants' quarters.
You (9/24/2007 4:23:28 AM)
Hephaestus did not plan to stay in his kingdom for long. He quickly assembled a small wagon train full of supplies with a small division of his finest troops, stopping long enough only to survey his advisors and attend to a few urgent matters. When all was prepared, he selected his favorite black steed from the palace stables and rode out to the gates of the city.
On his way out, he came across the mother and her daughter on the road. He had ran ahead with one of his guards to make better time, and now the three met again.
“What will you have us do?” inquired the mother.
“Whatever you may please,” Hephaestus responded. “You may travel to your native lands, or settle here in the city. Go to my palace and ask for Helklot, the acting patrician in my absence. Tell him Hephaestus sent you, and he will immediately grant you citizenship of my country if you so desire it. Now I must leave again. Farewell, and best of luck if I should never see you again.”
With that Hephaestus set out on the road with a name lingering on his mind, the name of the lord who had bought his nameless love…
“Duke Gaius Septim II,” he repeated in his mind. “Gaius Septim the Strong, Gaius Septim the Brave… Should you not let me buy my love, should you forbid me to see her, prepare for a fight…”
***
The journey took many weeks across plains, mountains, and deserts, but the image of his love’s pale skin and blue eyes flickering in the candelight drove him ever onward. But finally it drew to a close as Hephaestus, mounted on his armored black steed, rode up to the foreign gates of the Duke’s castle.
He spotted two soldiers standing in front of the gates, holding long and sharp pikes. He knew the Duke would have more men on guard. His eyes passed over the narrow, dark windows the lined the walls and towers and thought of all the archers who might be watching at this very moment.
Diplomacy first, Hephaestus thought. I have no quarrels with the Duke… not yet, anyhow.
“Men of Gaius Septim,” Hephaestus spoke, “Go and tell your king Sir Hephaestus wishes to see him on an urgent matter.”
Duke Tiber Septim IV [Ritz] (9/24/2007 4:31:28 AM)
"Sir Hephaestus eh?", said the shorter of the two troops, "Fine"
The soldier turned and walked up to the castle, a few moments later he came back.
"Alrigh', he has agreed to see you, but none of your men...you alone can come", said the soldier.
You (9/24/2007 4:46:47 AM)
"My men are merely my loyal bodyguards and traveling companions," Hephaestus spoke. "But I shall agree to your king's demands."
Hephaestus followed the guards into the castle, observing his surroundings. He was tempted to reach for the hilt of his sword to be assured it was there, but he kept his fingers away from his custom-crafted mithril weapon.
Eventually the two guards led him into a dark throne room, the place where Gaius ruled. The flickering torches cast shadows across the chamber, and each metallic footstep from Hephaestus's iron bootes rang acros the marble floor.
He spotted a kingly figure sitting atop the throne and bowed.
"Duke Gaius Septim II, I presume?"
Duke Tiber Septim IV [Ritz] (9/24/2007 4:56:17 AM)
Gaius rose and gave a slight bow, "Ah yes, so Sir Hephaestus, what business do you have with me?"
You (9/24/2007 5:02:51 AM)
"A number of weeks ago Corothius sold you a young woman with pale skin and blue eyes like shimmering gems," Hephaestus spoke. "Well... I had met this fair woman many months ago, now, at a great ball with all my fellow kings and queens of the Carnagian Empire. But I never found out her name..."
Hephaestus recalled the rest of his story solomnly, his voice reverbrating across the stone walls.
"And now, after my travels to Corothius, I know you are the one who bought her.
"I come here today seeking to purchase her from you so I may have my love at long last..."
As he spoke this he heard a feminine gasp from a doorway. He quickly turned his head to see who it was, but the only thing he saw was a white dress fly away out of sight.
Distracted as he may have been, Hephaestus continued, "Name your price, Duke. I will offer generous gold for her hand once again."
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Duke Tiber Septim IV [Ritz] (9/24/2007 5:32:20 AM)
"She is a very good serveant...very very good...yet your tale has touched me, I will not sell her for any amount of gold, but for something else...I have recently built an arena on my property which now has many gladiators from around the land inside, if you fight and defeat my best gladiators then you will have your lady, do we have a deal?", asked Gaius.
You (9/24/2007 12:50:22 PM)
Hephaestus hesitated; his sightly deformed figure was not the greatest in combat. He was no warrior-king, and he knew this well. As a general, he knew how to load his men into battle, but standing in the font ranks and fighting face-to-face with the enemy was something he was yet unused to.
He thought of his love... what would his risk for her? Would he really risk his life? He had the power, as Corothius had, to force a woman into his bedroom, or many of them, and bear any fine sons. Yet this was not the way his kingdom expected.
No, it seemed the only way to maintain his integrity and honor was to accept the gladatorial offer and ready himself for a fight.
You (9/24/2007 12:52:27 PM)
"I shall do as you ask," Hephaestus spoke. "All I ask for three days preparation, and I shall return before the sun rises on the fourth."
Duke Tiber Septim IV [Ritz] (9/24/2007 2:57:30 PM)
"That sounds alright", said Gaius.
After Hephaestus left Gaius arose and went to the library, there he pulled a book out and started reading...
You (9/24/2007 5:30:17 PM)
Hephaestus returned to his men who were camping outside, pavilions open and spread wide across terrain. Knowing he would not survive the gladatorial fight without training, he consulted his finest bodyguards and fought them in mock battle with wooden swords. He spent the entire first day in intensive combat, and though his muscles began to ache and scream every movement they made, it seemed his heart pushed them to work ever harder.
On the morning of the second day Hephaestus traveled to the small village surrounding the castle and asked the local peasants what they knew of Gaius Septim and his favorite champions and means of combat. THe poor, ragged men, women, and children told him of muscular, massive warriors who Gaius would parade about the villages every so often, veterans of many wars and tournaments--tournaments were loss of a duel meant certain death.
Hephaestus had learned something as both a master smith and as a king: every man was forged of something different. Just like with men, the trick was not always to have the strongest blade, or the sharpest. Every metal had its weaknesses, one just needed to find it, and then take advantage of it.
When he returned to his camp on the afternoon that second day, he continued his training. Hephaestus's aches had dissapeared nd left his body refreshed for many more hours of training.
In the evening he took a break from training. He needed to relax, so he borrowed a peasan'ts workshop and began the craft he knew best, forging a new sword, a sword that would not let him down in a fight.
Duke Tiber Septim IV [Ritz] (9/24/2007 10:19:05 PM)
Gaius travelled over to the arena the next morning and told his men of the fight, he then ordered that preparations be made for a grand arena battle. Afterwards he returned to his castle and sat on his throne, he then pulled out a piece of paper and began writing a speech for the event.
You (9/24/2007 10:40:20 PM)
On Hephaestus's third and last day of training he practiced his combat with his bodyguards. He paused only to eat his meals, though he still kept busy sharpening his sword for the upcoming battles. He had carefully eased out every pocket of air and sprinkled in the charcoal and mithril ore that bonded to the molten metal and made it stronger.
The sword was plain and unadorned. Though of superior design and craftsmanship, it looked no other than the standard issue given to militia and other troops. In this manner he kept it light and swift.
As evening fell, Hephaestus ended his training and lay down to rest in his pavilion. He was worried about the upcoming day, a small clenching fear gripping at his stomach and sending cold chills throughout his body. He thought about how the flesh would sting as a sword sliced through it, and wondered how a man dying on the battlefield, gazing up as bodies and blood fell about him, felt about it all. Was death painful? Peaceful? Or was there nothing but eternal darkness?
He slept poorly, drifting into and out of sleep. In his many dreams he fought men and monsters in a pit of sand, sometimes victorious, sometimes not. But not matter what, there were always more and more to fight...
Then there came an ethereal voice.
"Hephaestus," it whispered. "King. Smith. Servant."
He saw the figure of a woman above him, hidden in a piercing hal of light. He recognized the voice...
"Listen to me," the voice said softly. The sound reminded him of peaceful waves breking upon a beach, the whisper of the ocean and of the infinite. "Tomorrow you face great danger, greater than you know. But you shall not be alone. I shall be there, watching, waiting... protecting. You have my blessing."
And then he woke, the angel of his dream gone, pushed to the remote regions of his mind.
****
Hephaestus held true to his word. On the morning of the fourth day he rode back to Gaius's castle and entered the gates and to the king himself, dressed in his mithril breastplate, leggings, and crested helm, the armor of the ancient legions.
"I am ready," Hephaestus spoke. "Take me to your arena."
Duke Tiber Septim IV [Ritz] (9/24/2007 10:47:20 PM)
"Alright Hephaestus, good luck, you're going to need it", said Gaius as he arose from his throne, he led Hephaestus out to the arena and into the preparation room.
"Alright, when you are ready exit out that door", said Gaius as he turned and went up to his seat at the top of the arena.
You (9/24/2007 10:52:35 PM)
Hephaestus did not wait long. He was already dressed in his armor and held his sword at his side.
But before he stepped out into the arena, he wondered if there really were any gods that existed who would protect him... or protect his opponent. He had never believed much in the ethereal, but then again, nor had he believed in love before he met the pale-skinned woman, so he was willing to exercise the idea.
From this line in thought surfaced a seemingly remote memory... a voice from during the night... talking to him... about... about what? He could not remember.
Hephaestus shook his head and barged out the doors into the arena, ready to take on his first opponent.
Duke Tiber Septim IV [Ritz] (9/24/2007 10:56:25 PM)
Fathis Longly was considered a true hero of the Verlosian War, and now he was fighting battles in the arena, he used a mithril blade given to all the gladiators and wore a special armor that had been passed down in his family for generations, he walked out to see a man whom he guessed to be Hephaestus in front of him. He looked to see Gaius arise from his silver throne.
"This fight is for the love of Hephaestus, so let it be a fight to match the beauty of the fair Emerald, you may begin!", said Gaius.
You (9/24/2007 11:10:32 PM)
Hephaestus crept forward slowly, looking at the armored man in front of him. His gladatorial armor was good, by a fine craftsman, but he noticed it was a little undersized for the man, squeezing him into a smaller space than idea for combat.
Once the two men were close, they began to circle about. Hephaestus looked into the man's eyes, and saw no fear. He was not confident that his eyes did the same.
Hephaestus began with a quick lower cut, swinging his sword swiftly.
Duke Tiber Septim IV [Ritz] (9/24/2007 11:14:12 PM)
Fathis blocked and delivered a jab with his blade, Hephaestus barely managed to jump out of the way in time, Fathis then kicked Hephaestus in the chest.
You (9/24/2007 11:16:16 PM)
Hephaestus staggered back but held his ground.
When Fathis tried another lunge, he quickly stepped to the side swung his sword at Fathis's back. Unfortunately, the armor there was strong and the blade did not pierce, leaving the champion unscratched.
Duke Tiber Septim IV [Ritz] (9/25/2007 12:41:24 AM)
Fathis then swung around and slashed at Hephaestus's legs and made a long gash.
You (9/25/2007 12:53:37 AM)
Hephaestus fell down to the ground, holding his wound. But he did not have long to respond before Fathis began to stab his sword downward at Hephaestus's chest. He quickly responded by rolling to the side, hearing the scrape of the sword against the side of his armor.
Fathis's sword stuck into the ground. Before he could pull it back out, Hephaestus drew a dagger from his sheath and thrust it into the side of Fathis's leg. It stuck through the armor and straight into his leg, just above the ankle.
Hephaestus abandoned the dagger that lay inside his opponen's flesh and stumbled back, picking up his sword again and turning to face the injured champion.
Duke Tiber Septim IV [Ritz] (9/25/2007 1:13:06 AM)
Fathis looked upon the face of Hephaestus.
"You are much more of a swordsman than you look", said Fathis as he readied his sword, they met in a frenzy of swords and for fifteen minutes they fought, until Hephaestus managed to stab a sword into Fathis's other leg, Fathis fell to the ground and Hephaestus looked up at Gaius. Gaius looked upon the two opponents and put out his hand, it was a thumbs down. Fathis looked up at Hephaestus with pleading eyes, "Don't do it...please don't do it."
You (9/25/2007 1:19:46 AM)
Hephaestus raised his sword into the air and held it above Fathis's face, allowing his opponent to gaze into the sharp point.
"You have fought well," Hephaestus panted. "I am sure you are a valuable asset to Gaius's army, and beside that, you are a brave warrior. However..."
Hephaestus thrust the sword down and looked up at the Duke from the arena with a cool gaze.
Fathis still breathed. The sword had been thrust into the sand.
Duke Tiber Septim IV [Ritz] (9/25/2007 1:23:11 AM)
Gaius looked shocked, "Well I would have thought that you would do anything, ANYTHING, do get Emerald, I guess not...though I am sort of glad that you spared poor Fathis...he is a good soldier...anyways! Fathis, you may leave the arena. Gorris is your next opponent, do you need time to prepare?"
You (9/25/2007 1:25:27 AM)
"That would be nice," Hephaestus said, and collapsed onto the sand.
Half an hour later with his leg treated, his sword sharpened, and his body rested, Hephaestus returned to the sands.
"Show me Gorris!"
Duke Tiber Septim IV [Ritz] (9/25/2007 1:34:43 AM)
Gorris Farilor was a large man, seven feet six inches, and he weighed over three hundred pounds, and he carried two greatswords, one in each hand, he walked out and looked at Gaius. Gaius gave the signal and Gorris started advancing towards the man in front of him.
You (9/25/2007 1:43:39 AM)
"Damn," Hephaestus couldn't help but think. He had been trained to fight against a opponent with a sword, katana, dagger... but never an opponent wielding two such massive weapons at the same time.
Gorris attacked first by attempting to scissor Hephaestus between the two great swords, but he ducked just in time. The fabric atop of crest fell scattered around him, however.
Whie crouched, Hephaestus took a quick stab at the man's chest before he could return to a position capable of parring. The big man moved fast, but his size in this case was to his disadvantage--Hephaestus's sword sliced the giant's side, creating a line of blood.
Duke Tiber Septim IV [Ritz] (9/25/2007 1:48:32 AM)
Gorris felt a small sting in his side, but nothing more as he brought down one of his massive weapons upon Hephaestus, he readied his other one to slash at Hephaestus in case he tried to do it again.
You (9/25/2007 2:01:27 AM)
Hephaestus caught Gorris's sword at the cross. The mere weight of the parry almost knocked him to his knees, but he found the strength to endure it. With the two swords upon on another. Hephaestus thrust the weapon away from Gorris's body, causing the giant man to lose his grip upon it. The sword fell to the sand.
Unfortunately, Gorris made good use with his other weapon. He thrust his remaining sword at Hephaestus's chest... and hit him squarely upon it.
Had Hephaestus been wearing plate armor, the greatsword would have pierced it through and killed the king for sure. Luckily, this was not the case; the scale armor in fact absorbed the blow as it would have for a siege crossbow bolt.
However, the sheer momentum of the thrust knocked Hephaestus into the air. Winded, he fell down into the sand and fought to breathe. Surely this was the end...
In a moment, time seemed to stop. Again, as in his dream the previous night, he was surrounded with bright light, the same feminine form standing over him.
"Am I dead?" he asked.
"Not yet," the voice spoke. So familiar... yet he still could not remember from where! "You have great battles left to fight. Now stand up."
And then the bright light vanished, and Hephaestus saw the tip o*beep*reatsword quickly flying down at his face, the giant figure of his opponent looming over him. It seemed to fall slowly as if time were being dragged out.
Hephaestus responded as quickly as he could and rolled to the side. A second sword came down and stuck in the sand to his other side. He then saw the giant bend down to finish him off with his massive fists... he saw every scar, every scratch upon the great warrior's face as it loomed ever closer.
Something flashed before his eyes. Then he felt the sensation of pain in his fist. He realized he's just struck Gorris in the face, stunning him for just a moment. He used this moment well, and rose back to his feet and picked up his own sword from the sand.
Duke Tiber Septim IV [Ritz] (9/25/2007 4:04:52 AM)
Gorris hardly felt the blow as he used the time Hephaestus was using to pick up his sword to pick up his own. He then brought one of them sideways at Hephaestus's chest and the other went down in a chopping motion at Hephaestus's head.
You (9/25/2007 4:44:53 AM)
Hephaestus made a daring move and did not dodge the move nor move back to avoid it. Instead, he rolled forward, right up to Gorris's body, drew a dagger from his sheath, and thrust it into Gorris's chest. THe armor was thick, but Hephaestus had made sure this dagger was sharp enough to penetrate through the thin armor between the plate chest and legpiece.
Gorris's greatsword came within inches of cleaving Hephaestus's head, but the tip stuck in the sand stopped the heavy blade from descending any further. As strong as he was, Gorris's heavy weapons made him slow and vulnerable in close combat.
While Gorris was still recovering, Hephaestus ducked between the giant's legs. He kicked at the back of Gorris's knees as hard as he could, which caused the great man to fall down. Hephaestus dodged aside to avoid the falling body.
Gorris struggled to stand up, but the dagger wedged in his armor limited his ability to stand. Hephaestus delivered a kick to the warrior's helmet, followed immediately by a fi*beep*l of sand to blind his opponent.
With all this, he raised his sword over the fallen warrior's helmet, aimed down through the visor, and thrust down his blade as hard as he could.
Duke Tiber Septim IV [Ritz] (9/25/2007 4:52:00 AM)
Gorris grabbed the dagger from his chest and managed to block the blow to his head, he then rolled forward and grabbed his sword, and then he turned to point it at Hephaestus's throat just as Hephaestus was pointing his own blade at Gorris's. Gaius rose.
"A most impressive battle! Well done!", said Gaius, "I declare it a tie...I guess you may move on to the last and greatest of my soldiers, Antonis Xarxes, I suppose you need a half hour break?"
You (9/25/2007 5:00:32 AM)
"Such would be appreciated, yes," Hephaestus murmured, backing away from the tip of the sword.
He recalled the several times in the fight he had nearly lost his life, and began to wonder if he could ask to withdraw, for he had his toughest opponent still ahead of him... but as great as his fear of death came a hope for his love.
After his rest, Hephaestus returned to the sands, dreading who, or what, he may encounter next.
Duke Tiber Septim IV [Ritz] (9/25/2007 5:51:22 AM)
Antonis Xarxes walked out, he was a normal looking man. Gaius nodded and suddenly he drew two blades and swung them with supreme accuracy.
You (9/25/2007 12:55:47 PM)
Hephaestus knew immediately that this man would be tricky. Any soldier without the size or apparant strength of Gaius's other champions needed to have some other trick that so quickly shortened the lives of his opponents.
Hephaestus watched his enemy's light and careful footwork and observed how he kept his body moving, never knowing where it might step or lunge. He let Xarxes approach and waited for the first assault...
Duke Tiber Septim IV [Ritz] (9/25/2007 10:19:20 PM)
Xarxes stuck with skills that could only be matched by the Gods, and every time Hephaestus tried to get a shot in Xarxes would block without effort. Xarxes also held great strength for his size.
You (9/26/2007 1:05:40 AM)
Hephaestus felt as though the man were toying with him. He hadn't yet tried to deal an offensve blow, casually blocking Hephaestus's longsword with his own.
Unless the previous warriors, Xarxes did not plate or even scale armor. Instead, he was clothed only with thin leather that would only protect against the slightest blows. But it didn't seem as this had ever been a concern of his; his parrying skill with the sword was obviously quite sufficient.
"Hm," Hephaestus heard his confident opponent say. "I truly fail to see how you were allowed to even step within this arena. Only men belong in the arena."
Xarxes suddenly thrust his sword right at Hephaestus's chest. The king had no time to parry, let alone respond--the movement seemed to happen in the mere blink of an eye.
But Xarxes only pressed lightly on Hephaestus's armor. He laughed. He easily could have ran his sword through his opponent's heart, immediately slaying him. But he hadn't.
"Come on, man," Xarxes spoke. "You can do better than that."
Duke Tiber Septim IV [Ritz] (9/26/2007 1:52:05 AM)
Hephaestus rose and used all of his strength to bring the blade down upon Xarxes, but he merely stepped out of the way and kicked Hephaestus's legs from under him, he then held the blade to his throat and looked up to Gaius, Gaius rose.
"Well Hephaestus, you seem to have lost...I am sorry, but Emerald will now remain in my care...although...if you will come with me I have another offer", said Gaius.
A few hours later Hephaestus and Gaius stood in the massive throne room.
"If you would like Emerald I need you to carry out a few assassinations...you must kill a man by the name of Bartimaeus Wellius, a lady by the name of Galia Celius, and a man by the name of Cesil Zerus...do you accept?", asked Gaius.
You (9/26/2007 2:24:24 AM)
"Assassination is a foul deed," Hephaestus spat. "A deed only for unworthy men such as yourself. I shall not submit to your barbaric request. Fighting gladiators is barbaric in itself, but the champions know the risks... assassination has no honor, slaying innocents in their sleep."
Hephaestus removed his helmet. For the first time Gaius could see his slightly disformed face in the flickering torch, the orange glow of fire dancing in his eyes. "And know this: you shall not keep me from Emerald. If you have any other reasonable tasks you wish me to perform, so be it. But if you refuse and stand in my way, know that you risk much."
Duke Tiber Septim IV [Ritz] (9/26/2007 2:31:28 AM)
Gaius suddenly grew angry.
"Big mistake you fool!", yelled Gaius.
Suddenly two men entered the throne room, Emerald was carried between them.
"Kill her", said Gaius.
One of the men pulled a blade from his ankle and right before Hephaestus's eyes he slit her throat, she fell to the ground with her hand on her throat and fell to the ground, dead.
You (9/26/2007 2:47:09 AM)
Suddenly there was a bright flash in the throne room and Hephaestus lost his vision. He vaguely grew aware of the blinding light and the feminine figure above him, and he suddenly realized whose voice it was... it was Emerald! But... but she was...
"Despair not," the voice spoke. The bright light began to dim, and Hephaestus began to make out the female form slightly better. The woman was dressed in armor, not battle armor, but more of show armor.
"Despair not," he voice repeated. "Destiny has may paths, and quite often it takes the path we do not desire.
"Do not give up now," the woman continued. "Your trials are still not yet finished. Now is not the same for morning."
"But--" Hephaestus tried to interject.
"Shh..." the figure comforted. "Your path is not yet at an end. Now set your feet back on the ground, and resume your journey."
When Hephestus returned from his vision he saw Gaius standing on his throne. A splatter of blood stained the roves he wore. Emerald's body lay on the floor in the pool of blood.
Hephestus began to walk forward when he felt his foot kick something. He looked down and saw a severed head on the ground in front of him, a headless body a few feet away. It was one of the two guards who had slain Emerald. The expression on the face was one of terror and surprise.
The other guard lay nearby, slumped against the wall. He too was dead, impaled entirely through the chest... with his own sword.
Hephaesus raised his gloves, sword in hand. Both his armor and blade were soaked in blood. Apparently he had just killed both men.
Now he turned to Gaius. "Now you shall pay!"
Duke Tiber Septim IV [Ritz] (9/26/2007 3:11:37 AM)
Gaius suddenly drew two scimitars from inside of his robes, he shrugged the robe off to reveal quite an athletic figure.
"It seems that my guards had...issues...no matter, I can take care of you myself!", yelled Gaius as he ran forward, he blocked an oncoming blow from Hephaestus and slashed at him, yet Hephaestus blocked the blow.
You (9/26/2007 3:24:47 AM)
Hephaestus lunged at Gaius with his sword. He had the advantage; his longsword had much better range than Gaius's scimitars. However, Gaius dodged in time, and kicked Hephaestus's sword to the side, and leaped down from the throne, both scimitars aimed at Hephaestus's chest.
Hephaestus quickly discarded his own weighty sword and ducked, the scimitars passing over him. When Gaius landed on the stone, Hephaestus delivered a kick to his back, knocking him down to the floor. The duke fell into a puddle of blood near the headless guard.
Hephaestus drew his trusty dagger and sent it down at Gaius's exposed back. But the Duke must have sensed his vulnerability and rolled aside, delivering a kick at Hephaestus's legs that knocked him to the puddle of blood in as well.
Both men returned to their feet. The two scimitars and longsword still lay by the throne, but neither man was armed due to this fact. Both bore daggers in their hands, stretched out at their opposition.
***
Outside, the men in Hephaestus's camp waited. They no longer heard the sounds of combat from the arena, and some of the finer bodyguards began to worry.
"Let us inside immediately," several heavily-armored trollish guards demanded of the human guards at the gates.
"Go to hell," spat the guard. "You aren't coming inside, says the--aagh!"
Jorkle, Hephaestus's best bodyguard, held the human by the throat several feet in the air. "We were not asking for permission. Let us inside or perish."
Duke Tiber Septim IV [Ritz] (9/26/2007 3:43:49 AM)
Gaius suddenly pulled a dagger from his sleeve and stabbed Hephaestus in the leg, he then pulled it out and stabbed Hephaestus in both of his arms. Gaius got to his feet and kicked the other weapons away before stepping a few feet away from the now moaning Hephaestus.
"You should not have denied me Hephaestus, that was a big mistake", said Gaius, "It was a shame, if you would have carried out the assassinations as I asked then Emerald would still be with us..."
Gaius kicked Hephaestus in the ribs, "But NO! You had to refuse! What a pathetic fool you are!, Gaius kicked Hephaestus again, "And now you are paying dearly!", Gaius delivered one final kick and grabbed Hephaestus by the neck, he dragged Hephaestus over to Emerald's corpse and started to drown Hephaestus in her blood.
"You like that don't you? You love the taste of her blood on your lips!", hissed Gaius with madness.
Outside many gladiators and soldiers fought in a large battle at the front gate. Xarxes killed two men at once and then delivered a fine thrust to another, he then realized that they had won.
"You all stay here! I must help the Duke!", yelled Xarxes.
"No...I will go!", said Fathis.
"Alright, we will both go!", said Xarxes as he ran through the gates, they both ran up into the throne room to see Gaius Septim II drowning Hephaestus in a pool of Emerald's blood.
Gaius held Hephaestus's face in the blood with madness in his eyes, and was suddenly pulled back by Fathis. Xarxes walked up to the now knocked out Hephaestus, he looked at Gaius with disgust, but quickly hid it.
"Milord...are you alright?", asked Xarxes.
"Of course I am, kill him!", said Gaius.
"But he is a King, killing him would strike a war between two Kingdoms, I beg to suggest an alternative method of dealing with him!", said Fathis.
"Alright...he is too dangerous to release now...put him in the dungeons, I want both you two to watch him", said Gaius.
Xarxes dragged Hephaestus away with Fathis at his side...
You (9/26/2007 4:16:21 AM)
A crunch sounded in the floors above and dust stirred from the creases between the bricks and from the tapstries that hung from the walls. A second crunch followed, louder, followed by a rumbling sound.
Hephaestus was not aware of any of this, however. Nor was he aware of his pain. He was unconscious, bleeding badly.
In his mind he was floating in the ocean of white, but no figure stood there to comort him. This was alright, however... the mere serene peace of the light coaxed his fears and doubts away, wiping away the memories o*beep*ony and loss...
Inside the caste, a mesenger came running up to Gaius and his two champions. "Sir, Gorris is dead!" he exclaimed. "And the invaders have returned! The bastards were building a couple of catapults under their pavilions while our champions fought our guest, the treacherous cowards! The north tower has collapsed and the front gate is smashed, but they do not have the men to breach our walls."
Gaius waved them off.
***
Some time later, Hephaestus drifted out of the remote white world and woke in a cold, dark cell. The bricks were damp and moldy. A pair shackles rested in the wall. Each cuff was still occupied by skeleton arms, the cell's previous prisoner.
His head ached. His body throbbed, and when he tried movig his arms he discovered he was quite unable to do so due to the excruciating agony of the attempt. Both his arms and legs had been bandaged crudely, just enough to keep him alive. Without better treatment, he knew his wounds would be infected, and quite possbly amutated.
Memories of a ring of sand flew around in his head, darting into and out of his memory. Then he recalled a throne room... scimitars and longswords... an Gaius Septim.
There had been a battle, he knew that much... evidently he had lost.
He looked up, neck stiff, and saw Gaius standing behind the bars.
Duke Tiber Septim IV [Ritz] (9/26/2007 4:29:18 AM)
"Hello prisoner, you should take comfort in the fact that your friends are here for you...I would give you to them, but in my bloodlust, as you know, I killed your one true love, and I know for that you will never forgive me...I must kill you now", said Gaius, he pulled a blade from his robes and walked forward, ever closer, before suddenly he stopped.
"NO!", yelled Gaius.
"DO IT!", yelled Gaius again.
"You will not have me anymore!", yelled Gaius again, he stumbled around with his hands on his head, he slowly reached his left hand down to his belt and grabbed the keys, he then threw them weakly to Hephaestus before pulling his blade.
"YOU MUST!", yelled Gaius again.
"It is wrong!", yelled Gaius, "No longer will you have control of me!"
Gaius knelt on the floor and suddenly his eyes rolled back and he fell on the ground, he flailed around for a few seconds and got up with a smile on his face.
"I am sorry for what has been done to you, very sorry, and I wish that I could take it back", said Gaius, he pulled a small dagger from his sleeve and handed it to Hephaestus, "If you wish to kill me, do so"
You (9/26/2007 5:06:21 AM)
Mr. Stoley, father of two young boys and a teenage daughter, stood in the eastern gatehouse observing the men across the courtyard. In just a few days he would be retiring from the Duke's service and return from his family. His pension was a plot of farmland where he and his family could leave behind their poverty and live in peace, his reward from a career of service.
It seemed the Duke's troops were managing to keep the stranger's army at bay, so the trollish warriors had withdrawn back to the pavilions.
On a normal day the gatehouse would have ten guards in it at a time, but most of the garrison was now down in the courtyard to defend against any future waves. This was no normal day... the noises from the arena, then the distant screams of battle from the throne room, then the sudden and violent assault...
Only Stoley and one other guard occupied the gatehouse now. The other man held his bow up, aiming out the narrow window facing away from the castle. "I can see one of the buggers no--" he began to say, but abruptly stopped.
Stoley turned around and saw his peer lying on the ground, an arrow stuck through his throat. He gargled twice, then died. Stoley ran toward the body in shock, then turned around to face the doorway. There stood an armored troll, sword in hand, about to pierce the poor guard through the left eye. Then Stoley, ex-guard, ex-father of two young sons and a teenage girl, breathed no more. There would be no farm now, no place of peace for himself and his family. Now there was only death.
***
The eastern gate of the castle slowly eased open. Thirty men, dressed in Septim's issued armor, ran into the courtyard.
All of a sudden a boulder flew through the gate, crushing over a dozen men guarding the breach and knocking dozens more down. Those who remained uninjured rushed to defend against another wave of relentless assaulters.
And then the thirty men behind them threw off their helmets and began to slay the defenders from behind. The castle's defense wavered, attacked on both flanks, and fell one by one to the enemy. No prisoners were taken. The courtyard was lost.
***
Hephaestus reached out for the dagger hesitantly. Was this some sort of trick?
But Gaius let the dagger slip through the bars and fall at Hephaestus's feet. Hephaestus looked into the man's eyes and saw tears begin to emerge.
Duke Tiber Septim IV [Ritz] (9/26/2007 5:13:03 AM)
"I will do nothing to stop you...kill me...", said Gaius sadly.
Antonis Xarxes ran into the throne room along with twenty others, one of which was Fathis. They locked the door and baricaded it before turning to the throne.
"Where is the Duke!?", asked Xarxes bewildered.
"We need to find him!", said Fathis with fear in his voice.
They both ran around the castle for a long while before reaching the prison, they found Gaius standing in front of the bars, and Hephaestus stood in front of him with a dagger in his hand.
"Put that down now prisoner!", yelled Xarxes as he readied his sword.
"No", whispered Gaius, "Let his keep it, leave, grant me my wish..."
"No sir! I cannot leave you!", yelled Xarxes.
"Do it...please...", said Gaius.
Xarxes and Fathis left hesitantly into the throne room.
Gaius looked up with a tear in his eye, "Why won't you do it? I will not try to stop you"
You (9/26/2007 12:46:20 PM)
Hehaestus held up the dagger to Gaius's throat and ran the tip lightly across it. It left a thin red line, but not deep enough to injure the Duke.
"I... I cannot," Hephaestus spoke. "Evil though you may be, I cannot kill you while you submit to me.
Outside, Hephaestus's troops were using a piece of long, thick timber as a batterying ram, attempting to smash through the castle's main gate. It would not hold much longer.
"Why are you doing this?" Hephaestus let the dagger clatter to the ground. "Why not kill me and get this all over with?"
Duke Tiber Septim IV [Ritz] (9/26/2007 5:07:12 PM)
"I never wanted to kill you, or Emerald...there are things far worse than death that I have experienced over the past twenty years...my mind was in the grasp of unknown forces...only now was I able to throw them off...here, come on", said Gaius as he unlocked the prison gate, he led Hephaestus out to the throne room where a battering ram sounded. Gaius took the baricade down and unlocked the door, and when he did all of them stormed the castle, ready to kill anything and everything in sight.
You (9/26/2007 10:50:26 PM)
And at first, kill is what they did. The few guards who stood attempting to defend their king quickly fell to the onslaught of heavily-armored warriors.
Gaius watched in horror a one of the trolls took notice of Hephaestus's bloody bandages and other injuries and began to charge at the unarmed Duke. The troll leaped off of an table, sword aimed down to pierece him through the chest...
"No," Hephaestus murmured weakly. Every muscle in his body ached, but somehow he gathered the strength to raise his sword in front of Duke, parrying the blow.
The troll, a twisted expression of hatred upon its face, gazed in surprise at Hephaestus. But he did not attempt to strike again.
"What are you doing here?" Hephaestus gasped.
"Sir, we came to retrieve you from this demon's stronghold. What is this? The Duke must pay with his life!" roared the troll.
"Call off the attack!" the wounded king groaned. "Stop this violence immediately!"
Just then a new figure burst out from a side door. It was Fathis. He bore his sword and charged at the troll who had just threatened Gaius's life!
Duke Tiber Septim IV [Ritz] (9/27/2007 7:24:03 AM)
"No", copied Gaius, Fathis stopped and looked at Gaius.
"Sir, this beast just tried to kill you!", said Fathis.
"Do not raise your sword", said Gaius as he looked at the troll.
"Your King may go as he pleases", said Gaius as he turned and looked at his dark throne, with disgust he turned back to Hephaestus.
"I am sorry for the pain I have caused you...and I know of something that could help you, there lives a shaman in the northern forests, he is rumored to have the ability to bring back the people you love, do so if you wish, but you must take her body", said Gaius.
You (9/27/2007 3:02:42 PM)
"I am afraid such is only a rumor," spoke a voice. It belonged to a woman who had just entered through the doorway. Both Hephaestus and Gaius looked at her in surprise. She wore a robe around her body, hood casting her face and skin in shadow.
"Once the body is dead this long the soul tears from the body and leaves this earthly realm. No force, physical or magical, can bring your innocently slaughtered servant from the dead. Nor," she said, turning to Hephaestus, "can the troops who died here today due to your bloody little conflict."
"I never asked for my men to attack the castle!" Hephaestus argued.
"What did you think would happen if you brought your own small army with you? Gaius's allies are already marching to his aid from tens of miles around, and they will have no difficulty slaying everyone in your army and sending their heads home in wicker baskets to the kingdom you should be attending." The cloaked woman's voice seemed... somehow... familiar. Was it the voice from Hephaestus's dreams?
"Who... who are you?" the duke asked.
The woman walked over to the blood where Emerald's body had fallen, throat slit. She bent down and dabbed her finger in it and looked at it, then wiped it off on her robe.
She folded down her hood. Her skin was pale and her hair blonde. Instantly Hephaestus recognized her... it was his love!
"But--but--you're dead! Gaius killed you!" Hephaestus babbled, nearly incoherently. His heart skipped a beat and began to beat erratically.
"No. Emerald is dead. My name is Soolahn.
"You see, when Corothius told you he had sold me to Gaius, his words were not strictly true. He did sell me as a slave, but Gaius was not the one who purchased me. Nor did any other king or lord, for that matter... I was taken away. And then I came here for mere diplomatic reasons."
Soolahn's stoic eyes now began to water. "Emerald was my friend i just met within this castle. She listened in to when you first arrived, Sir Hephaestus and Gaius Septim, and heard her name being mentioned. But she realized she was not truly the one being sought, and ran to warn me."
"However, you were not aware of your mistake," Soolahn said, gesturing to Gaius. "And in your... unstable state of mind, you ordered her dead."
Duke Tiber Septim IV [Ritz] (9/28/2007 7:38:49 AM)
Gaius turned around, then turned back.
"I...deserve not to live for my crimes, yet for some reason the Gods let me live on...perhap for a purpose..I do not know, but I do know that you and your whole army better run while you can, I will tell my "allies" to hold off the attack...", with that Gaius turned to Fathis, "Fetch the messenger"
"Yes sir", said Fathis as he turned and ran off, Gaius walked over to Emerald and looked down at her.
"How many more have I killed?", he asked himself, "How many other families have been cut a member short in my madness?"
Gaius turned and looked at Hephaestus.
"I believe I know what caused me to do this...a dark wizard that I met in my travels long long ago, he wanted, almost commanded, me to become allies with him. I refused, so he said some words I couldn't understand at the time...they were, "Les sasne gro valenko mar gano", I remembered them so I could translate them...I now know that they translate to, "May your mind forever be mine", I am not sure how exactly I gained the willpower to push his control away...but I did, and for that I am glad..."
Suddenly Fathis ran in, "I have sent the messenger, he will contact the allies shortly"
You (9/28/2007 1:06:09 PM)
"Such is unfortunate," Hephaestus spoke. "Terribly tragic... If it is any comfort, I know your deeds were not of a sane man."
Gaius attempted to pick up the servant's body but was unable to do so. It seemed that his rage had given him his strength, but now with his mind clear, his strength was wavering. Of course, Hephaestus was in little better condition himself, so his efforts to aid were also in vain. Finally, Fathis took the body away to be buried properly.
A great silence fell upon the room. At long length Hephaestus broke it by turning to Soolah. "Since we last met I knew my heart would be given away to such a fair being as yourself. I have traveled many miles to seek you, milady... I have sacraficed much... but my heart has kept me pushing ever onward toward my love. Will you return to my kingdom with me and accept my hand in marriage?" he asked weakly, offering both her bracelet and the necklace he made for her.
Soolah sighed. "I suppose I need to tell you this. Come to your senses, man. We met for one night. I saw a great friend in you, and I was glad to have met you. But it was one night only! For all we spoke of, much more remains unvoiced.
"You see... there was one important question you never asked me, but assumed all this time. When I spoke of one taking me away from the auction after Corothius would have sold me... I was speaking of my husband."
Her words cut into Hephaestus's heart like a thousand spears at once. Tears welled up in the corners of his eyes, blurring his vision. His blood began to boil in anger and freeze in sorrow.
"For... since when?" he managed to speak.
Soolah sighed. "Since four years ago. My husband was merely away on a year-long military campaign, but now he has returned and even as we speak awaits my return. I am sorry, friend, but my heart is already bound to another. It is not that I shirk from your appearance nor dislike your persona. Perhaps in another situation at an earlier time there would been a chance, but what has been done is done."
Hephaestus began to speak, but faltered.
"I must quickly take my leave now. You have much to set right, Hephaestus. There are bodies to be buried and their deaths mourned. There are armies and men you speak with so as to attempt to excuse your actions, and it may be costly to you. And you must return to your kingdom and resume your reign. Despair not, my friend. The hardest part is over for you. New chances will come your way; do not let your sorrow blind you and let them pass by.
"Gaius still has many trials ahead of him. But neither of you be afraid. Farewell." With that Soolah turned to the doorway and vanished into the corridor.
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| You (9/29/2007 10:29:23 AM) |
Gaius put his hand upon Hephaestus's back.
"It is alright...love isn't meant for everybody", said Gaius.
Suddenly thoughts crept into Hephaestus's mind, "Kill her husband, kill him and she can be yours, KILL HIM!" |
| Sir Hephaestus [Havoc] (9/29/2007 5:23:37 PM) |
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Hephaestus's blood began to boil. His skin grew icy and numb, yet somehow they still seemed to move. It was as if he were a puppet, watching powerlessly as they moved by themselves.
"He shall pay for his--ugh!"
All of a sudden, the king collapsed to the ground, breathing heavily. The eerie blinding white light began to fill his eyes, and above him he saw the familiar armored feminine shape. But now there was a dark shadow above him as well, a shadow as dark as hell, full of dread fear. The two figures seemed to be engaging one another in combat, the light and dark attempting to blot each other out.
"You shall not claim this one, dark wizard," the familiar feminine voice spoke.
"HIS SOUL IS MINE," the darkness responded. "ALREADY HE HAS COMMITED EVIL ACTS, COMPLETELY WITHIN HIS OWN SANE MIND. YOU MAY HAVE HELPED FREE THE DUKE BUT YOU SHALL LOSE YOUR DEAR BROTHER."
Brother?
At once Hephaestus understood who the feminine figure was. At first he'd assume it was Emerald because he knew the voice sounded familiar, but no. He knew the voice because it was his sister's. Everyone though she was not right in the had, demented or retarded of some sort, as well as rather ugly. Perhaps she was in the physical world, but somehow she had managed to inhabit another... a spiritual world, an arcane world... and now she was there to help him.
"No. You have caused enough pain." The ligt began to swell, pushing the darkness away.
"YOU CANNOT... I AM STRONGER... NO... NEVER BE SAFE... AAGH!"
And the darkness was gone, leaving only the shimmering light. Hephaestus could now see his sister clearly. She wore the nearly-divine armor he had cast for her, but it revealed more of her form and skin. And he saw that she was not the poor, ugly, disfigured body he had always known her to be, but beautiful and pure.
"Your trials have still not ended," she spoke. "But from here you shall have all the strength you need to carry on, and I shall always be there to assist. Now wake."
Hephaestus opened his eyes. Gaius, his two champions, several of Hephaestus's trollish warriors, and several servants gazed down at him, eyes wide.
"What happened?" Hephaestus inquired, sitting up. He then caught sight of himself in a shard of glass of a mirror, and saw that his disfigured face was disfigured no longer. The scars upon his skin had faded. |
| You (9/29/2007 8:53:59 PM) |
| "You rolled around on the floor, and I sensed his presence", said Gaius, "Did he take your mind?" |
| Sir Hephaestus [Havoc] (9/29/2007 9:26:15 PM) |
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"He tried, but... my sister drove him out," Hephaestus replied. He then explain his sister's situation, how she had been born poor and disfigured, and with a demented mind, yet in recent years began to show an amazing skill within the arcane. When all was finished, Gaius nodded.
"Sir, your allies have turned their armies away, but they demand to know what has happened here. I shall escort Hephaestus out of your lands so no misinformed armies try to attack, but I believe it best that he leaves immediately," said the messanger, slipping inside the throne room.
"Farewell." Hephaestus sook Gaius's hand. "May we meet again, or if not us, then our children."
****
Hephaestus, weary from his wounds, rode slowly upon a bed in a wagon. A nurse sat in the coach, administering medicine to his cuts and bandaging his sore limbs. Her name was Serehna, a peasant from Gaius's village whose family had died to plague a number of years back.
For the first few days Hephaestus drifted in and out of consciousness. Every time he woke he saw Serehna tending to him, gently healing his wounds. But other times he simply saw her gazing into his eyes as if she wished to ask something of him, but dared not.
In the following week Serehna began to talk to him, asking him about his kingdom. At first Hephaestus felt too wounded in the heart, devestated from Soohlan's news. But he began to enjoy his conversations with the peasant nurse, so he began to fight sleep just to be with her longer. At night he began to miss her presence and her soft hands tending to his skin...
As the weeks passed slowly, Hephaestus regained much of his strength. Although Serehna was no longer needed to take care of him, Hephaestus's men saw him with her just as much. The two would walk together, chatting all the while. They'd eat together, and even began to spend the night in the same pavilion.
At the journey's end, Hephaestus no longer thought of Soohlan every night as he had before. She began to fade from his mind entirely as well as the pain her rejection had brought about. Instead Serehna was there. He hadn't originally thought much more of her than another plain peasant girl, but now her quiet beauty and tender touch occupied his every thoughts.
He learned that she too had recently known a man whom she thought she had loved dearly, except that for all the love they had shared he cast her away to become a soldier despite her pleads to stay. On that final night before he left they were to meet under the moon to give each other their farewell, but he had decided to gain a night's head start instead.
So in their pain grew solus and understanding, and from that grew a love he could have never foreseen. Within a month the two were married.
*****
A year later, Hephaestus lay in bed, staring up at the stone ceiling above him. Serehna lay at his side, her arms around him. She was his queen, and he her king. And in not more than half a year would be a prince or princess...
He thought back to the night when he'd first met Soolahn. Life had changed so much since then. He still bore scars from Gaius's possessed cruelty and on chilly days his bones ached. But he was now a stronger man, a wiser man... and a happy man.
He had not failed. He had given his heart and soul for love--and had found it.
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"Hephaestus's Love"
By Sir Hephastus, Prince Corothius, and Duke Gaius Septim II
Era of Dark Orion, 28
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