RPG Reality of Dreams [M-LSV]

[Retribution]

Rion was stirred from his thoughts when a slave girl walked past. He looked at her once she left, and almost felt like talking to her. However, he needed to think just a little bit more. His mind was confused from the day, and he needed time to sort things out; and the girl wouldn't help him with that.

"Maybe I should get up and take a stroll." He said, talking aimlessly around the castle. He ended up in the central court once more, with bards and servants playing music and exchanging stories for the nobles, who seemed quite happy with all of this. Lady Ashrel looked rather disguisted, so he wanted to be as far away from her as possible.

"Come, have a seat, sir, and listen ta' an excitin' tale!" A bard said, signaling for him to sit on the steps in the court. He did, and smiled at the man. He was dressed in a cloak of green, and a flute was on his back.

"Um... what kind of story is it?" Rion asked. He didnt' feel like listening.

"One of... adventure, and sex." the man looked increasingly horny. Rion wanted to get away from him.

"No thank you, and goodbye." He stood up, and walked around through the crowd, looking at everyone for entertainment. His eyes laid upon a familar face. [i]Asher! How'd he get here?[/i] Thoughts raced through his mind. Asher's thoughts paralleled those of his own, and gave him a silent signal to talk to him on the fringes of the party. They both made their way to the wall, and slipped out of the hall, and into the courtyard once more.

"How'd you manage to get in? I'm delighted to see you!" Rion said with a sigh of relief. He should have known that Asher was tough enough to take out a few guards on his own.

"Well, I killed a ... resistant guard. How about yourself?"

"I was invited to a royal feast, but the King got angery, and locked us all inside. We can't leave. When shall we move to the next stage. When shall we assassinate the king?"

"Soon. But have patience Rion. It may be as long as another few days before the time is right. But I'll have my quiver full and my bow tight for that time. I suspect your rapier will be sharp, as well, hm?"

"Indeed it will be. But we must part. We cannot be seen talking. Goodbye, and farewell." Rion and Asher walked away from each other. They hadn't been seen conspiring. Rion walked back into the bustling room, and Lady Ashrel tailed him, tapping him on the shoulder.

"Hm?" he said in surpise, then he turned around and saw it was Lady Ashrel. "I grow weary of your persistence."

"So cold to me now, Sir Marquise?" She purred. Rion bit his tounge to keep his senses.

"You're the cold one. You've lost your heart... please do not speak to me anymore." He turned to walk away, then heard the unsheating of a weapon. He grabbed his rapier, and turned in the defensive position. It turned out that they both had their weapons to each other's throats. Ashrel smiled cruelly at him, Rion stared at her angrily. He wanted solitude, not pestering

"Sir Marquise, I suggest you not talk that way to a lady."

"You do not act as one. Sheath your weapon, I have no desire to fight you." Lady Ashrel closed her eyes, and shook her head as if to scold him, and then sheathed her sword. The other remained in the sheath. Rion did so too, and sat down on the steps once more.

[Ditsy_Taurus888]

Majji remembered he first hours at this place. Majji was frightened, but she hid it with intense ferosity. She and the other new girls were to serve nobles. Was she to become a common unrespected wench. No woman deserved this. Even slaves deserved respect!
She stared at her worn brown trousers. Her father despised them. When she had left her family's farm she had been wearing a beautiful dress. But as soon as she had left her fathers property she had tied her horse to a tree and went into the woods to change. She was always the defiant one. She wore a pretty white blouse that laced up the front and a beautiful deep violet cloak with gold laces. Her father had bought it for her.
A maid handed her a plain dress. Majji could never look or be plain, so to wear plain clothes seemed pointless. She didn't mind wearing plain clothes but hated dressing feminine. She examined the dress.
'can I alter it?' she thought to her self.
It was a brown skirt a white blouse and a cream belt.
"I'll wear my trousers under it." Majji said out loud.
She quickly changed and then attempted to battle with her disobediant hair. It was no use so she struggled to tie her wild locks back.
The maid anounced it was time for them to go and all the girls herded out like pretty little sheep.
'How discusting she thought.' Then she reluctantly followed after them.
Majji stopped remembering she hated this memory.
She sat up from the bed she had been laying in.
"I-I need to get out."She cried.

[demonchild781]

[COLOR=SeaGreen][FONT=Arial Narrow]The day had gone too quickly, but finally everything was arranged for the next day. The guards were making their last rounds around the castle, making sure all the gates, doors and windows were locked and began to usher the guests back into the building. Damion took a deep sigh as he sat back in his large wooden chair, looking about the study again.

It was five years ago when he and the others created this master piece, and he became their ruler. He had lost many allies in those nights, but in the end it was worth it. He would give anything to his allies, women, gold, land, supplies--anything. Some many were falling from him and he needed to teach them a lesson. Needed them to see that he was still powerful and able to take what he wanted.

Ashrel was becoming lost in her lust for blood, it felt good to watch her and he wished his future wife to be as loyal as Ashrel. Some one defiant, but submissive to a point. Some one able to take over if he were to become injured or ill, but satisfied enough that he was King and they were not. But not just any one would do. And without even realizing it, Damion?s thoughts wandered over to Sarah. Her slender body feeling his thoughts and fantasies, her sweet brown hair laying under her or over him. How vibrant her eyes had glared at him in that dungeon, but yet for whatever reason he did not wish to break her.

His thoughts were broken by the slight sound of rushed footsteps. Damion grinned, smelling the scent of horse and sweet hay.

Some one has entered my castle uninvited.

Damion quietly pushed himself to his feet and made his way towards the study door. Upon closer observation, Damion could tell the footsteps were headed towards the dungeon. It was one of the rebels. Joy slid across his face, it had been awhile since he had a good fight.

He made his way back over to his desk and pulled a small dagger from one of the drawers before heading out into the corridors. The long passage ways were cold and getting ready for the evening. The servants were making their way around the castle, lighting candles and torches as he passed. As Damion approached the dungeon entrance he could hear the doors being broken and some one whispering.

Damion smiled as he crept down the long stairway and into the small passage. The small torch light flickered across Damion?s face as a slave girl came rushing at him. He smiled devishly as he grabbed a hold of her and slid the dagger across her throat. Her eyes flew wide as she fell to the floor, twitching slightly as blood poured from her body.

More calls farther down the dungeon told him that the man that entered it was rather skilled to have made it thus far. Charming. He was almost glad that he had given his elite guards the night off. It would have spoiled all his fun.

?I can?t get them undone.? Some one whispered from the deepest parts of the dungeon.

?Don?t. Leave me here!? Cried another. The voice as that of Jacob. So he did wish to do as Damion had asked. How charming.

As Damion approached the back of the man who was trying to free Jacob, he realized who had snuck into his castle.

?Well look who decided to try and save the day.? Damion chuckled, bringing Asher?s attention to him.

?You.? Asher growled.

Damion rushed forward, taking the much smaller boy by the neck and slamming him up against the wall next to Jacob.

?You slimmy little bastard.? Damion spat in Asher?s face. ?You really think you and your pathetic little rebels can stop me and my armies??

Asher didn?t reply, just spit in Damion?s face.

Tightening his grip, Damion pulled his dagger to Asher?s throat. ?We shall see what you?re made of rebel, tomorrow alongside Jacob.? Damion quickly searched the boy, removing all objects that would allow him to escape or injure a guard before throwing him onto the floor.

?You can see your daughter tonight, Jacob.? Damion growled as he pulled the man from the wall, holding firmly to the metal cuffs still around his wrist.

Locking Asher in the dungeon, sending two of his elites to watch him, Damion dragged Jacob up to the castle and threw him in a room that lay within the slave quarters. [/FONT] [/COLOR]

OOC: Sorry this post sux. Having issues tonight. Later peeps.

[lil kitsune boy]

'Bastard!' Asher yelled down the corridor, shaking the bars on the cell, 'Come back here and fight me, damnit!'

'Shut up, ' one of the guards said, his hand resting on his sword.

'Or what?' Asher asked, 'You'll kill me? I don't think your 'lord' would like that, since he wouldn't get to slaughter yet another person with his own hands.'

'I said shut up!' the guard said, ramming his armored elbow into Asher's face, cutting him above the eye.

Asher didn't waste the opportunity. He grabbed the guards arm and pulled with all his might, unfortunately for the guard, it was already up against the bar of the cell. Asher almost winced at the resounding [I]crack[/I] of the guards arm breaking.

The other guard drew his sword, but Asher didn't come near the cell door again.

'Don't think I'll go down so easy, ' Asher said, more to himself than to the guard, 'I'll fight until my last, you son of a bitch.'

'Shut up!'

[...]

Sarah sat in her room staring out the window. She had no desire to wander through the castle... but she did want to go outside... her heart was always with the water... the trees in the forest. She was no Snow White, but she definetely had an eye for land and nature. Her heart was always amazed by the beauty that surrounded her...

A soft knock came to her door and she went to answer it. She was a little taken a back to see Damion there... oddly enough, he seemed Gentlemen like... his back was to the door, and his arms were folded across his chest.

"I had heard you decided to take up residence in one of the rooms." he said.

She nodded. She stared at him for awhile, wondering if that was all he was coming to say. She smiled a little, and then quickly wiped that smile away... she didn't really want him to know that she was slowly finding him tollerable.

"Thank you... for the clothes... that damned second to command must have it out for me or something..." she said.

Damion laughed slightly. "Ashrael only means to impress her Kings orders among all the help around here."

"Is that all they are to you? Help?" Sarah said looking at him.

"No... and yes... they work for me... that's their job, besides... incase you haven't noticed, rebels run freely in my kingdom."

"Yes I have noticed, and I can't say whether I would join them or fight them."

"Now why do you say that?" he said looking at her.

She stared at him... he was actually giving her a chance to speak freely... she was taken aback by this.

"You are not the kindest of Kings, Your Highness."

"Call me Damion..." he said.

She bit her lip... she was again, startled... "You bully the people into listening to you... one who has authority, should earn the respect of his people, not demand it."

"Yes, but a King who lets the people do the ruling, is no King at all..."

"Yes, but he is respected, and counted on by his people, to keep a balance in place... if the King cannot do that, what respect and honor can a King gain?"

"I see..." he said. She wasn't convinced that he took what she said to heart... but for once in her life, she was allowed to speak without being reprimanded... it wasn't the most normal of situations...

"You'll do what you have to do in the end..." she said softly. He was looking at her oddly again. She was puzzled by the interest he seemed to have in her. It was like he cared about what she had to say... "I should get back to..."

"Right... I'll leave then." he said as he turned around briskly and left. She watched him as he walked away, and slowly closed the door. She was extremely conflicted with everything she felt inside. She decided not to think anymore about it and went back to sorting through her new acquired clothes.

[demonchild781]

[COLOR=SeaGreen][FONT=Arial Narrow]"Everything ready?" Damion barked at one of his elite.

"Yes, sire," the guard, Jarrod, replied.

The man stood about as tall as Damion, maybe an inch taller, and was built about the same. Jarrod had been part of the uprising in the beginning, fight and trained along side Damion and even helped kill the royal family. Damion trusted the man with his life.

"Good."

"Would you like me to move things out, Sire?" The man turned to Damion, his king obviously frustrated.

"Yes, I will join you shortly."

Jarrod nodded his head as he mounted his large grey steed and started the carvan moving. Cursing and protests insuing as they left. Damion smiled at the thought of their blood as he rushed back into the castle.

"What would you like of me, my Lord?" Ashrel joined Damion's side as he stormed towards the slave quarters.

"I want you here." He said shortly.

"But my Lord..." Ashrel protested.

"You are need here, Ashrel." He growled, flashing bitter eyes towards her. "I want you to make sure the slaves don't get any wild ideas while I'm gone." Ashrel fell back, disappointed that she didn't get to watch Damion's performance today. He didn't even bother to look at her, just continued on his path.

Before reaching the slave girl corridor, Damion was greeted by a messanger he had sent for.

"I want you to make sure all the nobles that have been kept in my castle for the last couple of days are at the event in the town today." Damion spoke firmly.

"Yes, Sire." The man bowed and was off.

Upon reaching the slave girls' corridor, Damion first thought of Sarah. He stopped before her door, wanting to enter, to see her and bring her with him. But he began to recall the conversation they had the night before. He brought his eyes to the floor and decided against it.

He rushed down the hall to the next door across the way and flew the door open. The small girl within jumped and nearly screamed upon seeing the king. Her long raven hair and forest green eyes were the first to catch his attention. He sneered at her, looking her over quickly.

"What is your name?" He spat.

"Maaya." She said timidly.

"Get dressed in something nice." He growled at her.

She hesitated. Wasn't he going to shut the door and give her some privacy.

"NOW!" he bellowed.

She rushed to her dresser and pulled the first nice thing she found out, turned around and put it on. She walked timidly towards him and he reached out, grabbing a hold of her wrist firmly. He pulled her through the doorway and down the corridor.

"My lord, you hurting me." She cried.

He shoved her forward and grabbed the back of her neck before she completely lost her balance and fell. She stayed quiet the rest of the way.

Upon bursting out the front doors and into the sunlight, Maaya sheilded her eyes as her King continued to shove her along. She nearly fell when he threw her foward next to a bay mare.

"You can ride, can't you?" He sneered at her, her eyes watering from the bright light.

"Yes, my Lord." She bowed.

"Good." He said upon mounting his large black friesian stallion(see attachment below for the King, Maaya, and Jarrod's horses).

The servants that held firmly to Damion's and Maaya's horses let go as the king shoved his stallion forward. The small parade followed behind him and Maaya. She tried her best to keep her horse nearly even with his as they made their way through town.

Horns sounded upon their arrival as the crowd parted and the knights circled around them with their horses, making a small horse and human wall in case one of the canidates decided to try and escape. Damion rode to the center of the make-shirt ring his men had created with his stallion. A man came and took hold of Maaya?s mare and helped her to where she was suppose to sit and watch.

Guards closed the small fencing behind Damion when the King reached the very center. He twirled his horse on his haunches as he surveyed the crowd, all anxious to see what their king had planned for them. Damion pulled gently back on the reins and thrust his pelvis forward, the cue told the stallion to rear up effortlessly. The crowd filled with gasps as Damion held his stallion in his perfect pose for a moment longer. He allowed the horse to bring himself back to all fours, making him prance and side step as Damion made him exit the arena.

On the outside of the arena, Damion looked to his right to see Jacob and Asher standing in their wooden-caged cart. Jacob stood calmly in a corner while Asher was right in the front protesting all the while. Damion smiled as he dismounted his horse.

A servant rushed forward and reached up with hurried hands to take the horse?s reins. Damion swatted him to the ground.

?Don?t you ever dare rush at Eclipse in such a manner again.? He growled at him.

?Yes, your majesty.? The boy bowed from his position before standing slowly.

Damion gently handed the boy the reins and watched him carefully lead the black stallion away.

[I]Stupid kid.[/I]

?Are you sure about this, Sire?? Jarrod approached Damion, a worried look on his face.

?Yes.? Damion replied with confidence. ?They need to be taught a lesson, besides.? Damion turned with a bright smile towards his companion. ?If anything goes wrong, you?ll be here to catch my back.? Damion laid a friendly clasp on Jarrod?s shoulder before making his way to the center of the ring.

?Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen!? Damion announced, throwing his arms above his head to welcome them all. ?I?m sure you all are wondering what I?ve brought you this great and glorious day.?

The crowd bellowed its reply and Damion smiled at them all.

?I have brought two rebels before you!? Damion threw one arm towards the cage. ?But I have given them a chance to show you how much their rebellion stands a chance against me.? The crowd continued to roar as Damion smiled at the man and boy within the cage. ?Bring them forth and let?s see what they?re made of.? Damion swirled around, pulling his shirt from his body, his rippling chest and abs making the girls giggle. He threw the fabric at a group of them before turning around to watch the guards unlock the cage.

Asher was the first to come flying from the cage, followed closely behind Jacob who didn?t venture far from the cage. Asher didn?t even bother to remove any articles as he rushed forward toward Damion. The king smiled taking up a fighting stance that he had taught himself. The boy flung a right first towards the King, but Damion just simply moved out of the way. Asher swirled around with a heel only to miss again.

?Stand still you coward!? the rebel leader spued.

Damion chuckled at him as he dodged yet another first. A kick to Damion?s head and the king slid below Asher to swipe the boy?s other leg from under him, but Asher was a little more skilled that Damion had first thought. He managed to maneuver around Damion?s swipe and nearly connect with a hooked kick. The king rushed to his feet to just catch Asher?s fist. Damion took a few steps back after throwing Asher back a bit. Before Damion could regain his composure, Asher was upon him with a right fist. The flesh and bone connected with the king?s face knocking him back and off balance. Not until then, did Damion hear the crowd. He had been numb to their hoots and screams until that very moment. Every one seemed to have fallen silent for a moment as Damion brought his head back up. Blood slowly trickled from Damion?s mouth as he sneered at Asher. The rebel leader spun around and knocked Damion to the ground with his heel. The crowd was in an uproar of disapproving bellows and cheers. Without a single sign, Damion darted from the ground and speared Asher back into the ground. Dust swirled up around them from the dirt street they played on. Damion threw a hard bunch that connected with Asher?s face, making a sickening thud.

Damion grabbed a hold of the boy?s throat with a single hand and lifted him into the air. He kicked and gasped for breath before Damion threw him over his left shoulder. Asher landed with another thud. He climbed to his feet and prepared for another attack. Damion walked forcefully forward, dealing a right, left and an upper cut which sent Asher to fly onto his back again. Damion dragged Asher back up by his shirt and dealt a few more hits to his abdomen before tossing him to the side. The rebel leader could barely breath, let alone move. Damion sneered at him and then brought his attention back Jacob.

?You?re turn my old friend.? Damion smiled as he called for Jacob to come forward. But the man didn?t move. Damion tried to keep his playful smile on his lips as he walked briskly over to Jacob grabbing the man with both hands and throwing him over his shoulders.

Jacob did nothing, but get back to his feet. Damion snorted and smiled again as he dealt a swift kick to the man?s chest. Jacob stumbled back, but still did nothing. Damion was starting to get frustrated. Sweat lightly covered the king?s body and aderaline filled his veins. He wanted something more than Asher.

Damion rushed as Jacob who prepared to block whatever attack it was only to receive a firm grasp on his hair as Damion pulled his head back.

?Rinoa liked what I gave her. Made her scream for more.? Damion growled into Jacob?s ear.

The man struggled a bit, clenching his teeth.

?You stay away from her!? He yelled.

?Oh, and what are you going to do? Save her like you did your wife?? Damion brought his lips extremely close to the man?s ear. ?She liked what I had to give too. Said I was better than you just before I bathed in her rebellious blood. She was sweet.? Damion smiled feeling Jacob tense under him. He threw the man from him. ?Now maybe you?ll give me a real challenge!? Damion boasted. [/FONT] [/COLOR]

[Kairi]

[COLOR=DarkSlateGray][SIZE=1]As Damion stopped talking, Jacob pulled his head forward, despite the pain of Damions grasp upon his hair and sent the back of his fist straight into the jaw of the mighty king. The blow caused him to loss his grip on Jacob as he stumbled back.

''That's it Jacob...'' as the king rubbed his jaw from the sting...''that's what I want.''

''I will not fight you Damion.'' even with the thoughts of his wife and daughter...he wouldn't give into the kings temptations.

''Why not...'' as Damion began to circle him...Jacob standing perfectly still, staring down Damions glare.

"I'm not part of this rebellion my king...'' the crowd surrounding them gasped.

[I]He's not a rebel[/I]
[I]He's not a rebel?[/I]
[I]Why is he here?[/I]
[I]Then why is the king fighting him...[/I]
[I]What is it between these two...[/I]

Damion could see the looks on everyone faces...lossing interest in the battle; fast. Bring his attention back to Jacob, ''you invade my castle...you killed my men...and still you defy me.''

''I merely wanted to watch the entertainment with the nobles...I'm no spy. Your men attacked men without cause...so I defended myself sir. Does that deserve such a punishment such as this...YOU KILLED MY...'' but before Jacob could finish, Damion lunged at him with his right fist, connecting with him square in the face, sending Jacob flying backwards.

Damion pursued him and layed an all out assault upon Jacob. Kicking him in the abdomen as he lay on the ground, gasping for air. The king lifted him off the ground, grasping him by the throat with his two massive hands and lifted him to his feet.

''Your wife........was so very lucious Jacob; what a queen she could have made. And your daughter...how fair and innocent her body was when I ravaged her in her prime.''

Jacob's face great angry...clinching his blood covered teeth, staying deathly into the kings eyes.

Damion headbutted him and threw him halfway across the playing field, almost flying straight into the crowd. Jacob hit his head hard on the ground...feeling himself become dazzed.

[COLOR=Sienna]***Night Before***[/COLOR]

[COLOR=Black]''Daddy!'' screamed a young girl as she ran towards her father...walking through her door.

''My dear Rinoa...'' as he swept her off her feet into the air...embracing her with so much love. ''I thought you were dead my sweet...''

''I thought you were dead too father...*she was in tears, as was he*...It's so good to see you.''

Jacob couldn't speak, he felt so overwelmed with joy. All he could do was hug his little girl tighter with each passing moment.

''Please dont leave me again father...''

''How have they been treating you...'' trying to calm his daughter down.

''Ok....they feed me good...and keep me warm. But they...they killed momma!'' the child burst out crying histarically again.

''I know baby...'' as he brushed his fingertips through her hair...''but mommies in heaven; you know that.''

*sniffle sniffle*...''will I ever see her again daddy?''

''Of course you will my sweet...she waits for us both.''

''Please dont leave me father...not again.''

''But I must...I may not see you again Rinoa...I believe our king wishes for my life.''

''NO!'' suddenly her tone of voice was harsh and direct...''NO...YOU MUST LIVE FATHER!''[/COLOR]

[COLOR=Sienna]***Back to Reality***[/COLOR]

Jacobs eyes flashed open...as the memories faded from the night before. He was laying on his back...the crowd behind him was both speechless and unsound. They didn't know what to think....[I]why was he not fighting back....whom did Damion kill?[/I]

Damion stood above Jacob, knelt down and clamped his hand over the mans forehead, forcing him to rise.

''Now...Jacob...bow before me...and show these people who your true king is.'' Damions hold was strong, Jacob felt like he had no strength left to resist since the beatings. Slowly, Damion pressed down on him, forcing Jacob to go to one knee.

''See!'' Damion boomed ''This is what happens to anyone who apposses me...see how they all fell so easily...know this...that I am the law! I provide you with food, shelter; do you all not respect and honor what I have given too you!''

[I].....Rinoa...[/I]

[I]....you must live..........father....[/I]

With a surge of energy, Jacob shot up from his crouching position with all his might and pressed against the kings hold. With his left hand, Jacob plunged it into Damions sternum, raising him feet off the ground. Swiftly, Jacob clamped his two hands together and hit down hard on Damions back, sending his face straight into the dirt.

Before Jacob could continue his attack, Damion swung his leg around, causing Jacob to loss his footing. The king was fast, and was immidiately back on his feet while Jacob stumbled. Damion thrust a punch at him, but Jacob ducked and began to fall to the ground. Bracing himself with his right arm, he pushed all his body weight unto it, sending a strong kick to Damions abdominal area...sending both men back.

The two titans rose to there feet, both bloody and bruised; but they didn't care. They both ran at each other and clashed; blood spattered all over the dirt ground, flying into the crowd as well. Jacob's and Damions eyes were blood shot red, full of emotion...passion...both men were truly desiring something like this.

For the longest time, they each exchanged blows to one another. Fist against fist; each others were being handed out flawlessly.

Jacob sent a knee into Damions stomach, causing him to loss his breathe...but Damion snapped out of it quickly and grabbed Jacob's now exposed knee and flung him to the ground. Looking upwards, Jacob dodged a stomp from Damion as he roled around in the dirt. The king grew tired of chacing him and jumped into the air, having his knee come crashing down into Jacob's chest.

Shifting his knee to Jacob's neck, Damion began to choke the life out of him, pressing all of his weight into his chest and throat. ''Now....submit you fool.''

Jacob was quirming drastically...arms and limbs moving all over the place, trying to free himself from underneathe Damion. Suddenly...in the dirt, Jacob felt a rock...instinctively, he grabbed it and smashed it against Damion; right on his temple.

The great king roled over, almost unconcious from the blow as Jacob rose to his knees...and prepared to strick the king again and again in the face. The stone was raised high, Jacob's arm tensing up with adrenaline...but he let the stone come down slowly...placing it back on the ground.

The crowd was in complete shock as Jacob rose to his feet......''For letting my daughter live Damion...I'll let you live.''[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkSlateGray][SIZE=1]In an instant...Jarrod and his troops were upon Jacob, beating him to the ground.

[COLOR=Sienna]***Minutes Later***[/COLOR]

When they stopped...Jacob was so badly beaten...he could only move his eyes. Looking around...he saw nothing...the Kings Caravan had left...leaving his body to wither away and rot in the streets.

[I]...I'm sorry....Rinoa...[/I][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Redemption]

[COLOR=DarkRed][FONT=Trebuchet MS]Ashrel hissed through her teeth as Damion mounted his steed with a slave girl at his side. How she wanted to be rid of them. No matter how hard she tried, she never seemed to catch Damion's eye. It was always [u]them[/u]. She rubbed her cheek where Damion had backhanded her. There was still a red mark upon it.

Stalking back into the castle, an idea suddenly came into Ashrel's mind.

[i]That new slave girl....the one Damion is so interested in.....I think I shall make a visit to her....[/i]

Striding down the halls, Ashrel soon made her way to Sarah's room. She burst through the door without any consideration of what Sarah could be doing. Sarah whirled around on her bed, staring at her intruder.

" Ashrel..." Sarah hissed.
" You have my Lord's attention," was the first thing Ashrel said. Sarah looked puzzled.
" What did you say?"
" I said..." Ashrel said through her teeth, " You have my Lord's attention. I wish to have it."
" You can have him."
Ashrel glared. " You don't realise what I am implying."
" What are you implying?"
" I must eliminate every obstacle in my path to become my Lord's favourite."
Sarah backed away from Ashrel, scanning the room quickly for any weapon she could use on the evil woman. She picked up a long thick piece of wood that was laying underneath her bed. Ashrel smiled and approached Sarah. With one wide swing, the wood connected with Ashrel's cheek. Blood splattered from Ashrel's mouth at impact. Sarah smiled, thinking that she had an upperhand on Ashrel.

Slowly turning to face Sarah, Ashrel wiped her lips of blood and spat onto the floor. Sarah swung again but this time Ashrel caught her by her wrists. Very slowly, Ashrel started twisting them, crushing Sarah's wrists with all her strength.
" You have to do better than that to contend with Damion, or my lashings."

Sarah started crying. The pain from Ashrel's grip was starting to become intense. She winced each time Ashrel turned her wrist more. Soon, Sarah dropped the wood to the floor. Ashrel still clutched her wrists, Sarah unable to move.

In a swift movement, Ashrel spun Sarah around, now with her arms crossed over her breasts.
" So fiesty. I know why my Lord has an interest in you. If he had me, he wouldn't need the likes of you and your filthy kind."
Ashrel gripped Sarah's wrists with one hand as she unsheathed one of her swords. She drew it close to the back of Sarah's neck. Sarah could feel the cold blade touch her neck. She shivered in fear.

" One little movement and you die Sarah."
" I'd rather die than sleep with your Lord."
" If you really want that wish to become true, send for me. I will gladly do it for you."

Sarah moved away from Ashrel's poisonous tongue.
" What are you going to do to me?"
" I am just going to mark you. So then you'll realise that you can always remember than I am higher than you."
With her sword's tip, Ashrel carved an 'A' into Sarah's left shoulder blade. Sarah winced at the flaring pain Ashrel inflicted.

Now finished, Ashrel let go of Sarah and left the room with a smile upon her face. Now, it was time for Rion's marking.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[Retribution]

Rion was captivated by the fight. He had thoroughly hoped that Asher would have beaten Daimon. He felt his heart sink when Daimon landed the final blow, then moved on to Jacob. But he still hoped that someone could beat the king. Jacob was definetly giving him more than a match, and sometimes he even had the upper hand. It was quite a fight, and he bitterly wanted to go into the ring to help his comrades, but he restriained himself. Bearing the sight no longer, he moved his way out of the crowd, and back towards the wall.

He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Lady Ashrel waiting for him, giving him a demonic smile.

"Sir Marquise, I'm glad you could make it." Rion took a step back, his left hand idly resting on his blade's hilt.

"Get away from me, woman. I do not wish to be near you. You are far too wicked to love. Leave me." She took a few steps foward towards him, and leaned against him.

"Oh, Rion, surely you could find it within you heart to ... [i]forgive[/i]" she said, whispering in his ear. He heard a swish of air, and he shoved her off, narrowly missing her sword swipe. He drew his rapier, and pointed at her in a defensive position.

"I've come to make you mine, Rion. Let's dance." He swung at him several times, all of which he sidestepped. He didn't feel the need to parry any attacks. All of them were diversionary.

Rion thrusted once at Ashrel, and she swatted his sword away, then took a step backwards as Rion countered by stepping forward. Ashrel then slid to the left, swiping at Rion's shins, then upwards at his face. Rion jumped over the blade, then parried the attack moving towards his face. He landed, and spun behind her, as they were at unusually close quarters. Flicking out the knife from his sleeve, he place it on her jugular vein, his rapier at the ready in case she moved to attack again.

"Yes... like that, Rion." Rion gritted his teeth in anger, willing himself not to be subdued by her peaceful and forgiving manner. He cemented the idea that she was a cold-blooded killer, only wanting blood, revenge, or the king. With all this, he pressed the knife closer to her neck, cutting her shallowly just beneath her vein.

"Do not toy with me, Lady Ashrel. If you come at me again, with all the power in my body, I will kill you."

"In bed, Rion. You couldn't in a duel. You don't have the [b]heart[/b]." She spat at him. Rion shoved her away in disgust, pointing his rapier at her back as she stumbled forward. He put back his knife, and wanted to stab her in the back so desperately, but resisted the urge to. He kept the rapier pointed towards her, waiting to hear what she would say next.

[Sinistra]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][FONT=Palatino Linotype]Maaya watched silently from her horse, the violence that surrounded her. She showed no emotion, and her hands were folded in her lap. And although it was a burning pain in the back of her neck and on her wrist from where the King had grabbed her, she just stared, and it wasn't until she heard a voice that she didn't really wish to hear at that very second.

"I've come to make you mine, Rion. Let's dance."

She twisted around on her horse to see Sir Rion Marquise trying to shake away the Lady Ashrel. Maaya shook her head slightly and turned back just in time to see Daimon dispose of the boy that she had heard of as Asher from Sir Marquise.

[CENTER][I]I didn't think it would have to come to this...but I guess that it must be done. I will not survive in such an enviornment. It's time...[/I][/CENTER]

She stirred from her thoughts to see the rebel Jacob give the King Daimon a rock to the head, he fell over and Jacob mumbled something, but amongst the screams of the crowd, Maaya couldn't make it out. And by then, all of Jarrod's soldiers were blocking the view by beating on Jacob.

Daimon was helped up and away from the crowd. His head was bleeding, but he refused to let anyone touch him. He jumped back on his horse.
"My lord, you shouldn't ride after such a blow to the head." Maaya said to him.
"Shut up! Now let's go..." He turned his horse around and beckoned her to follow.

Maaya followed him silently all the way back until they reached the castle gates. "My lord, if you wish, I could treat that wound for you. I'm very skilled when it comes to medicines." He turned around and looked at her, still holding his head.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[...]

Sarah cleaned the wound on her shoulder and stared at it in the mirror. SHe hated Ashrel with a passion... she wanted the woman dead for what humiliation she put her through.

She thought about what she said... about Damion taking an interest in her... she was surprised... by the statement. The fact that Lady Ashrel thought anything of her, whether it be competition or the intense hatred she showed... one thing was for certain... she wanted the woman to hate her even more.

She smiled at the thought of Damion thinking of her. She gathered from Lady Ashrel's tone that he thought favorably about her. But she would never smile around him. She was afraid he'd get the wrong idea... or... was it the right idea, just something she had never thought would happen for her? Could she possibly be falling for her King?

"No." she said aloud as she left her room. She walked around until she reached outside. She wouldn't be another woman for him... just to fill his needs and then be discarded like the rest. She'd die before that happened.

Just then, two horses rode to the entrance. She looked and saw a young woman who looked less than happy, and Damion on the other. His head was bleeding. SHe hid her concern and went to listen to what was going on.

"If you would just let me look at it, I'm sure I can help you my lord." she said.

"Get away from me girl!" he said harshly as he got of his horse and walked toward the stables. Sarah was standing against them with her arms folded as he came into view.

"Is that how you talk to all your slaves?" she said staring at him. He was holding his head and was startled by her standing there.

"What are you doing out here?" he asked.

"Am I forbidden to walk?" she said.

"No... no, I just asked a question."

"I felt like going for a walk. What are you doing with a gash in your head."

He stared at her and then smiled. "I felt like making my head bleed." he said.

Sarah tried not to smile, but his remark ammused her. She turned away quickly and walked over to the rest of the horses. Sarah loved horses. The Blacksmith would always have them around. She loved brushing their hair... and just petting their noses. She didn't know that Damion was still watching her.

[Redemption]

[COLOR=DarkRed][FONT=Trebuchet MS]Ashrel looked Rion up and down. To his surprise, she sheathed her sword and walked away without another word, leaving an utterly confused Rion.

Stalking into the castle, Ashrel walked down to the executioner's office. Slamming the door open, she saw the black-haired thirty year old sitting behind a desk with skyscrapers of paperwork set out in piles. There was always lots of work for him to do since Damion came into power.

Noticing the door open, he looked up and saw Ashrel standing there with a face of deadly calm. Hastily he stood and clumsily bowed.

" What do you wish for today, Lady Ashrel?"
Ashrel looked him dead in the eyes. " 100 lashings. For me."
The executioner was always surprised at this command. However, it was his job to deal punishment to those that were deemed deserving of it. And Lady Ashrel was no exception.

[center]**************************[/center]

Hours later and Ashrel lay stomach-down upon her bed. Ishizu was smearing her lashed back with an ointment of some sort. Ashrel hissed as the ointment stung like a thousand wasps. Ishizu sighed heavily.

" What is it Ishizu?" Ashrel asked. Her voice wasn't cold or demonic - it was one of concern and sincereness.
" My Lady, why do you do this to yourself?" Ishizu asked. She wasn't afraid of speaking her mind in her Lady's presence. Ashrel actually demanded that they do.
" Because I can. And I feel I need to be punished for the things I have done."
" You have done great things my Lady."
" Great....but terrible."

Ashrel sighed heavily but then swore loudly as the sigh made her back crease, making pain rip through her body. Ishizu made Ashrel stand and wrapped her in bandages. Ashrel's face creased in pain as Ishizu put on her black leather.

[center]**************************[/center]

Ashrel walked slowly out of the castle. Rion was sitting in the same place she left him. He jumped up as soon as he heard feet again the ground. Spinning around to face Ashrel, he withdrew his rapier and pointed at her throat. She did nothing to stop him.

" I said stop stalking me Lady Ashrel," he growled. Ashrel just looked at him in the eyes.
" Kill me if you wish Rion. I am vunerable and unable to move in my present state."
A look of confusion crossed Rion's face. How isn't she able to move? Was this a trick to get caught without his guard? He looked into Ashrel's eyes and he became overwhemled with a sense of sadness and guilt.
Ashrel stared back at him. " Now if you excuse me, I must return to my duties."

With that Ashrel walked off towards the battlements of the castle, on her patrol. Rion stood there with his rapier hanging loosely at his side in his hand. This sudden change of personality really confused him.

Was this the real Ashrel?[/COLOR][/FONT]

[Ditsy_Taurus888]

[COLOR=Teal]Majesta brushed her hair from her eyes.
She moved slowly towards the king, hiding herself as best as possible. How could she escape? She longed to see her horses her dogs her brothers. She hoped her father would rescue her but that was unlikely. He didn't even know where she was! Her eyes filled with fury, but she pushed the rage from her.
She examined her situation again. If she were going to escape she'd have to know her surroundings. She looked at the people in front of her. There were two slaves and a man she thought to be the king Damion.
He was injured. This could be her chance, if she could make it past the guards too. She slowly moved from her hiding spot and attempted to make it past the king unnoticed. He spotted her.
"He you!" He snarled. "Who are you!" He ran after her.
"No!" She shouted as he grabbed the back of her neck. "Don't you touch me. Not with your filthy hands!"
He tilted her head up amused. "Ah yes one of the new ones."
She spat at him. He wiped it from his face. "How defiant." He contained his temper for a moment then grabbed her jaw.
"You let go of me!" She cried furiously. She reached out to slap him but he caught her hand.
"You little b-" He began angrily until he brought his eyes to hers.
He didn't mean to but he took a step back scared. Only for a moment though then he regained his composer. He stared into her piercing fiery eyes once more and held back a wince.
They were burning a whole through his skull. To stop this he shoved her to the ground so she couldn't see him. But unexpectedly the little spitfire shot back up and lept on him. Clawing and punching all at once. She bit his shoulder hard and broke the skin.

He through the beast of a girl from him and she flew a good 7 feet hitting the ground with a painful thud. He walked over to her and pulled her to her feet by her hair. He then grabbed her throat and suspended her in the air. She choked and gasped for air she trembled. "You won't break me. You can't break me.? She said softly looking at the sky.
Damion suddenly regretted his actions. This made him angrier how could he have compassion for a little bitch like her. While he was thinking she saw the opportunity to fight back.
'How perfect he's distracted by who Knows what.' She thought then sent a hard kick right into his private regions.
He screamed in pain and through her to the ground a few feet in front of him. She scurried from the ground. He grabbed hold of her. She struggled to get out of his grasps but he was too strong.
"Bow down to me or die you lowly creature!" He shouted.
"I'd rather have a slow and painful death than bow down to a wannabe king like you. True kings are not determined by how much power they gain, but by the strength of their hearts." She spoke with noble words.
"And so you will!" He snarled and grabbed a hold of her head about to snap her neck. But he was shocked to find this would not satisfy him. This would only break her physically not mentally. The challenge of breaking a strong mid like hers might be entertaining. "How old are you wench." He snapped.
?I?m f-fifteen years old I?ll be sixteen in April.? She answered instinctively.
?You?re young yet.? He chuckled. ?I could tell by your immature actions but not so much by your looks.? He said trying to push her buttons.
?And if not for your looks I would think you to be a 3 year old.? She said coldly.
?Such kind words child.? He smiled and brushed the exceedingly long ash colored H air from her face so he could get a better look at it. She was stunningly beautiful, more so than he expected. She was strong bodied, hearted, and minded. She had luscious full pouty lips and beautiful eyes that seemed to change color by the minute. Her skin was smooth and delicate and her hair was silky and full of body. Her face was symmetrical which only seemed fit for those eyes. Those beautiful eyes that were glaring at him now.
?Oh yes.? He said. ?This?ll be fun.?
She gave a deep shudder.
[/COLOR]

[lil kitsune boy]

'Damn,' Asher said, slowly rising to his knees, 'How can he be so strong?'

As an answer he was hoisted to his feet by two soldiers.

'What shall we do to... I mean, with him?' one of them asked.

Asher coughed, surprised to see blood fall to the ground. Then all he could taste was dust and copper.

'Looks like we won't have to do a thing, the king beat him half to death.' the other said.

'Yeah, he probably won't ever be strong enough to be threat.' the first said, 'Stupid kid, to think he had the nerve to threaten our king.'

'Screw it, let's get him back to the dungeon.'

'All right, but let's go through the back streets. Otherwise, we'll never get him there, this crowd's out for blood.'

The back streets were nearly empty, most of the people having shown up to watch the 'example' the king had prepared. [I]Good enough.[/I] Asher thought.

'So, what do you think the king will do to this one?' the first soldier asked.

'What do you think?' the other answered, 'Kill him, probably painfully.'

'You think so?' Asher piped up, 'Beause I really don't like pain.' With this, Asher pulled his arms free and twisted one soldier's head around like a bottle top.

'What the hell?' the remaining soldier drew his sword, but too late. Asher drove his knuckles into the the man's throat, collapsing his windpipe.

'Even if it's for my enemy, the only one I want to see in pain is Damion.' Asher rubbed his wrists where the shackles had worn them raw, as he started out of town.

'And, next time, I swear he'll get it.'

[...]

?Let her go?? Sarah said angrily. He turned back and saw her staring at him. He dropped the young girl and she ran away. Sarah did not turn her eyes.

?I didn?t?? he began. He was confused as to why he was making excuses for himself.

?You disgust me.? She said turning around and walking away. He looked at her, and anger flashed through him. He followed her and spun her around.

?What I do, is my business, I do not have to ask for your permission."

?And yet, it seems I must ask for yours? Is that fair?? she said with her arms folded.

?Do I have to remind you that I am your King?? he said staring at her.

She walked over to him and stared at him, face to face. ?If you want people? to remember? and to REALIZE that you are King? you need to show them that you?re a good King. And not just a tyrant of a DICTATOR!? she said.

?I do not have to listen to this.?

?You?re right, and the people do not have to listen to you. If you cannot rule this Kingdom with dignity, and honor, why should people be forced to show you that same dignity and honor, you seem to be lacking??

He turned and stared at her. She was? defiant, and yet he still couldn?t bring himself to strike her. He found it rather annoying.

Sarah looked down and stared at her hands. ?You don?t have to listen to a word I say. I?m just a slave woman.? She said, as she folded her arms, still looking down.

He looked at her and was puzzled.

?But if you? want others? such as me? to respect you? you need to show others the respect they deserve as well.? She said softly. Her tone wasn?t one in anger? It was one? with a sense of pleading in her voice. She rubbed her arms as the wind blew and walked away.

[Kairi]

[COLOR=DarkSlateGray][SIZE=1]''Uh....what the...'' as Jacob awoke...finding himself upon a bed. His shoulder from the arrow had been stitched, and he was clothed in fine robes.

The room was bright....brilliant decorations and tapestries surrounded the bed room.

[I]Where am I....[/I] he thought to himself...as he tried to move...a headache came upon him; and he became dizzy and weak.

Falling right back upon the bed...Jacob went back to sleep. [/SIZE] [/COLOR]

OCC: Jacob has been taken in by a noble from the crowd. If you'd like Altron; it could be your knights or another noblemen you know who is for the rebellion who brought me in. thanx.

[demonchild781]

[COLOR=SeaGreen][FONT=Arial Narrow]Damion watched Sarah walk off, her words still ringing in his head. He wanted to follow after her, but thought better of it. His head throbbed and he needed medical treatment. He gave a heavy sigh and turned back towards the stable.

"You said you were good with medicine?" Damion asked Maaya upon reaching her.

"Yes," she said trembling a bit.

Damion turned his head to the stable hand slowly and told him to brush down both horses and make sure they were well feed. The boy nodded and was on his way.

"Follow me." Damion moaned, the ache in his head coming back.

[I]That damned fool.[/I] Damion cursed silently, grabbing a hold of his head again. His body ached and he knew that getting up out of bed tomorrow was going to be difficult.

As they passed a few guards, Damion ordered them to make sure the girl that had tried to escape was caught and thrown into the dungeon. The cool corridors of the castle was a welcome feeling on his sweaty skin as Damion made his way towards his chamber. He unlocked the massive door and struggled to push it open. He sent for the maid to fetch the medicial supplies as he sat on the edge of his bed.

Damion sat quietly as both maid and Maaya moved about him. He had removed most of his clothing allowing them to reach almost every part of him. His mind began to wander to various things.

[I]The stupid little girl at the stables. She's lucky that Sarah was there otherwise I would have beaten her into the ground. Hearing her screams would have pleased me far beyond mere words.[/I]

He chuckled to himself. But as soon as the thought had entered his head he desperately wanted to erase it. He tried to clear is mind as Maaya and the maid finished the last pieces of bandaging they were working out. He nodded his head and both left his presence. Taking a deep sigh, Damion stood up despite the throbbing ache in his head.

He turned to look in the mirror, his perfectly carved body was covered in scars and now new bandages covered various spots on him. His head was wrapped in white guaz, blood already seeping through it. A sudden pull filled his gut, seeing the setting sun behind him in the window. He smiled, a real, honest to god smile, creased his lips as he quickly dressed in some clean clothes.

"Send for Sarah at the stables." Damion told a servant as he passed them.

"But my Lord, your injuries?" The servant questioned.

"Just do it." Damion growled as he marched towards the stables.

The sun was beginning to set and the air was growing cooler. Damion asked the stable boy to bring out his finest mare, a freisian, that he planned to breed with his stallion when she came into season. Damion took great care in brushing Eclipse and saddling him before the boy brought the mare over to him.

"Yes?" Sarah appeared, a confused look on her face.

"I would like to show you something." He said softly.

"Ok?" She looked cautionately at him and then the mare.

"She's really gentle," Damion said softly as he mounted. He watched her eyes light up as she walked over to her. "Her name is Starlight and one of my favorite mares." Damion smiled at her.

Sarah timidly mounted and turned to look at Damion, his exposed bandaging nearly soaked with blood. He nodded and slowly easied Eclispe forward and out past the castle. The fields were lovely and the sunsetting sun was a beautiful display. They rode for a short time until they came to a small hill were he dismounted.

"I use to come here when I was younger and watch the sunset by myself." Damion said as he walked to the top of the large hill and looked down at her, extending his hand to her.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[...]

She stared at him as if asking what this was all about. He just smiled. "Don't worry, I'm not going to try anything." he said smiling at her.

She looked at him for a while and took his hand. He helped her up the hill and brought her to a small ledge behind him. She didn't say anything... she was still confused with everything. Why was he showing her this? What was it that made him kind to her?

"Can I ask you something...?" she said, staring at the ground.

"What is it?"

"I'm... confused... Lady Ashrel... she works so closely with you... and she's beautiful, and she respects you more than anything... have you two ever been in love?"

"I've never been in love... as for Lady Ashrel, she does what she's told... her job demands it of her... as my right hand, she has to do everything I tell her to, along with respecting my wishes..." he said. "As for love, there has never been anything... why do you ask?"

"She's.... very possessive of her King... Your Highness."

"I asked you to call me Damion."

"And I don't understand why..." Sarah said standing up. She folded her arms as she stared at the sunset. "Why are you doing this... why are you doing this to me?" she said. Her voice was one in desperation, she wanted answers.

"I guess... I don't really know..." he said. She turned sharply toward him, and he could see tears in her eyes.

"I won't be broken... you won't break me." she said.

"I don't want to break you Sarah..." he said standing up.

"No? Everyone wants to break me..." she said angrily.

"I have no desire, nor the reason to." he said.

"I can't... fall for you... I can't be another slave girl for you to use and discard... when you're finished!!" she said. He walked over to her and she flinched when he touched her shoulders.

"I do not... know what is happening... but I wouldn't use [i]you...[/i]" he said. She stared at him, puzzled as to what to say... what to think... what to feel.

"I don't want to trust you..." she whispered.

"Trust can only be earned..." he said as he touched her cheek.

"Damn you...." she said as she closed her eyes. She was shaking at his touch. She didn't want to feel this... she tried fighting it... but she had never felt this way, and had no clue how to stop such feelings... she just waited... hoping that this feeling.... would never go away... and leave her with nothing.

[Sinistra]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][FONT=Palatino Linotype]Maaya walked from the King's chambers to her own, his blood on her hands.

She took a cloth and wiped it away, then walked over to her bed and sat down. She stared at the mirror for the longest time, still wearing those clothes that the King had forced her to wear. She shook her head in disgust and shuddered, and then got up to change.

The King had seemed to grow fond of Sarah, and with this thought, Maaya sighed with a mixture of relief and fear.

[I]What is he planning? It's still uncertain...[/I]

"Onto more important things." She said to herself as she shut the doors of the armoire after getting dressed into normal clothes and walked over to her bed again. But instead of sitting down, she got on her hands and knees to reach for something underneath.

Maaya pulled out a blade that had a length in between a dagger and a short sword. She held it close to her chest and sat back against the edge of the bed. As Maaya closed her eyes, she remembered something...

[I]She stood in the middle of a blood-stained meadow, trembling and silent. She wasn't that much younger, maybe thirteen...

Bodies were scattered across the field, and the long grass was covered in blood. A hand raised, and Maaya froze. "Maaya..." She heard her name and recognized the voice. She ran over to find a young man dressed in the armor of the King's soldiers.
"Tobias, don't worry. I'll...I'll save you." She began to cry.
"Little sister...don't wait for me. I'm going to die here, I know I can't...be saved." The young man began to cough up blood. "Take this...it's the only thing, that you and I...had left..." He handed her that blade. "Stay strong for me..."

Maaya's older brother, Tobias, died in her arms in that field. He was a knight for the King Daimon.[/I]

Of course, she couldn't blame her last living relative's death on the King, for it was not Daimon who had inflicted the fatal wound. But Maaya had promised herself on her brother's name that she would keep the blade, and her life.

She opened her eyes, but now they held a different glare. She blinked and it was gone. But not for long, Maaya felt. Something was going to happen soon. She stuffed the sword under her bed and put her long, black hair up in a yellow ribbon. "This charade will end...now." She sighed. "My act...everything...it's over." [/FONT][/COLOR]

[Ditsy_Taurus888]

Majesta ran as fast as she could to the gates. It wasn't long until she noticed she was being pursued. Two guards were chasing after her. She pushed herself faster and harder until she had reached her maximum speed. She began loosing her breath but she didn't slow. The gaurds were slowed because of their armour but they kept up with her. She was a country girl who spent her days running and racing throug medows, fields, and forests bare foot, breathing in the fresh clean air, carrying water buckets, and swimming through rivers, lakes, and ponds. She was fast enough to escape, but she was frightened and tired from lack of sleep. She didn't work well under stress. She glanced back for a moment. They were only feet behind her! Her heart started beating harder. Thump. Thump. Thump
"I have to get home!" She screamed. The dragon shaped scar on the back of her neck felt like it was on fire.
The guard grabbed ahold of her arm. She could feel the adrenoline rushing through her vains. She swung around and kicked the large man square in the jaw. He shouted some swear words.
She then punched the other guard in the nose. Ther was a loud sickoning crack in the cool spring air. blood rapidly gushed from the now injured nose. The guard she kicked grabbed her from behind. She grabbed ahold of his arm and twisted it. There was a snap. Then the guard screamed in intense pain.
The guard with the broken nose picked up a large cool stone and swungit. It hit Majji in the head. She came to a halt and swayed a little. The Guard dropped the rock and watched.
Majji placed her hand on the back of her head then brought it back to the front of her. It was covered it in blood. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head and then darkness consumed her.
When she woke up she was in a dungeon. It was cold and damp and it smelled awfull. There was a stinging pain in her back and her head felt like it was split in half. She listened. Guards were speaking.
"That pretty little snap dragon is is the dongeon. "
"Is she now?"
"Yeah. She broke one guard nose, ones arm, and left a nasty little bite on the king."
"That's something comming from a little girl but I'd make her mind."
"Sure you would." Majji chuckled.
"She's a fistly little thing she is."
"Yeah if you went to bed with her you might not be able to stand strait for a week. Me I could handle her just fine."
"Sure you could you cocky old bastard."
The guards stopped talking now.

[Retribution]

Rion was in shock, looking at her incredulously. Why was she back [i]again?[/i] Did he stutter the last time he shouted at her? He felt rather angry, but couldn't help but look confused at the situation. They quickly exchanged words, leaving him all the more dumbfounded. He shook off the thoughts of suspicion, and quickly walked up behind her, calling out.

"Lady Ashrel!" She slowed her pace, but did not turn around. Rion caught up, and looked at her, both of them still walking. He felt somewhat guilty, and moreover sad.

"Why would I attack you when you're weakened? Like you did to me, taking advantage of my weakened state? I'm not like you. I'm better than that. Please do not hint that I would kill you whiile you aren't able to fight to the best of your ability. I don't know what you're ... doing." He slowed down, allowing her to put distance between the two of the again.

"I know she's going to attack again. It is only a matter of time." He said cynically. This was the woman who had taken advantage of him, and then attacked him out of the blue. He would not take more chances. That meant dying, and he could not afford that. He shook the cluttered thoughts in this mind around, trying to get them out of his head. He wandered back into the medical ward, looking for Asher.

"Where are the men who were fighting in the recent battle?" He asked a nearby guard. They smirked at him.

"They're here. But first, I heard you were the man who was in a duel, and rumor has it that Lady Ashrel wants to kill you."

"Yes, I am the man who fought in the duel, and yes, Lady Ashrel wanted to kill me. That's a long story. However, if you would not like to be put on my fatality list, please show me the ward." They chuckled at him, as Rion attempted to make his way past.

"Sorry. You're not gettin' through, buddy. What will a noble do to us guards trained in combat?" Rion didn't say a word, only flicked out his knife into his hand, slitting the first guard's throat, and twisting his neck.

He stode into the ward, looking at each bed. He could not find Asher, to his dismay, but he did see Jacob, the other rebel fighting against the King. [i]Maybe he will aid the revolt. But I need to make him safer first...[/i]

"Excuse me, sir, bring this man to respectible, noble lodging. I want him dressed in fine clothes and comfortable. Hurry." He said to a butler in a commanding tone. He needed to move quickly, lest he be spotted by someone of consequence.

The servant quickly followed orders, placing him on a stretcher, and he and another man carried him up to a clean, richly furnished room. Jacob was set down on the bed, and undressed out of his tattered clothes, given fresh bandages, and clothed in a rich fabric, similiar to that of Rion's. For good measure, he put a necklace on him, marked with the Marquise family crest. It was as good a disguise as any.

He dismissed the servants, and sat next to his bed, waiting for him to wake up. Jacob stirred, rousing Rion from his idle thoughts

"Uh... what the..." he groaned, then quickly fell back asleep. Rion stood up quickly, ready to talk to him, but realized he needed more rest. He waited by the bedside for a longer interval of time, until the candles had to be lit, when he awoke again with a start.

"Where am I!?" His eyes flicked open, and his body tensed as he nervously glanced around the room, then laying eyes upon Rion's smile.

"You are with a friend. But I have a question for you: Are you a loyalist to the King, or a rebel?" Jacob assessed the question, as the wrong answer could kill him. He wasn't quite sure if Rion was a loyalist, but he guessed he was. Such a well-dressed noble must be loyal to his king. However, Jacob remained firm, rather accepting death than denying what he believe in.

"I... am a rebel." He said, sighing out the weight on his chest.

"Jolly good! So am I. I know you have many questions... feel free to ask them now." Rion sat up at attention.

[Redemption]

[COLOR=DarkRed][FONT=Trebuchet MS]Ashrel heard what Rion had said to her. She felt deathly sick. Walking around the castle's outer wall, Ashrel collapsed onto the pavement and vomitted into the garden. Blood dribbled out of her nose and out her mouth. She wiped it away hastily and got to her feet, wobbling about.

This was not the Lady Ashrel everyone feared and hated. This was the real Ashrel - not a Lady, but a murderer of many people, innocent and guilty.

All the faces of every person she had killed passed through her mind's eye. She could see them. They haunted her dreams and her reality. Ashrel did not wish to become this. A murderer - cold and ruthless.

Before she had met Damion, Ashrel was innocent and pure. A little boy crazy like all teenage girls were, but none of what she was today. Ashrel did everything a teenage girl would do. Giggle when a cute boy passed her, blush when they talked to her. She was timid, and cute.

But when she met Damion, her whole persona changed. She fell in love with him instantly. When he started to change into the monster he is now, Ashrel changed with him to keep him interested in her. It was a cruel deal of fate for Ashrel, but she followed it nonetheless.

Bending over the garden again, Ashrel wheezed. It had been long since she had an attack this severe. Vomitting again, Ashrel collapsed to one knee. All her strength started to leave her. She was dying....ever so slowly....ever so painfully. No one knew but Ishizu and Marou. But now they weren't at her aid.

Ashre's back creased and some of her wounds reopened. Blood trickled down her back. Slowly she got to her feet and staggered back to the castle's front door. The guards quickly opened them for her as she staggered all the way to her room.

" Ishizu.....Marou......" she whispered hoarsely before collapsing in a pool of her own blood. The two maids rushed out and saw their Lady laying face down on the floor. They quickly bandaged her back again, stemming the flow of blood, before Marou rushed out of the room to find Damion. Despite her Lady's wishes, Ashrel needed attention, and Damion needed to know.

[b]OOC: I hope you don't mind Demonchild. I just thought Ashrel needed a little complexity.[/b][/COLOR][/FONT]

[demonchild781]

OOC: It was great Amgoddess! Oh and people, would you stop making my guards out to be such pussies. Gees. You really think a cold hearted, ruthless king would surrond himself with so many idoits?? Thanks :)

[FONT=Arial Narrow][COLOR=SeaGreen]Damion stared down into Sarah?s almost serine face. She was so beautiful and the only thing he wanted was just to be here, standing before and nothing more. A small breeze swept across them and her hair fluttered across his hand. He smiled, but it slowly faded away.

?I never wanted to be king,? Damion said almost randomly and Sarah opened her eyes to look at him. He his hand fell from her. ?I put together a rebellion when I was sixteen to prove to people that I wasn?t just some whore?s son and that I could amount to something. I wanted the world to see me and those that had oppressed me to suffer at the hands of my wrath.? Damion?s voice grew cold as he turned from her, not wanting to peer into her beautiful, strong willed eyes.

?I never meant for it to go as far as it has. But some how I got caught up proving to the world that I was something and searching for power, that I lost the meaning behind why I had rebelled in the first place.? Damion fell silent, not sure Sarah was even at his side any more.

He stared across the valley below taking in the glorious colors the setting sun was creating as it slide farther and farther under the horizon. He took a deep breath as gentle finger tips eased their way onto his bare arm. He smiled gently as he turned back around to see Sarah. Her eyes were so soft and he felt overwhelmed. He fell to his knees before her and wrapped his arms around her waist, barring his face into her stomach.

?I just want it all to end. I don?t want this life any more.? He whispered, nearly weeping.

Sarah timidly looked at the top of his head, the bandage had finally stopped the bleeding and the blood was turning a deep brown color now. With hesitation, Sarah slowly placed her hands on his back as she held him closer to her. Damion did not cry, but neither said a word. The setting sun casting orange and red rays of light over them as from some movie or story book ending.

?Horses.? Damion whispered as he pulled his head up to look in the direction which they had come from. He slowly slid from Sarah and stood up. In the distance a set of three horses came into view. Damion took a deep sigh as he turned back around to Sarah. He slid his fingers across her right cheek and watched her eyes close gently with his touch. He smiled at her.

?You are free.? He said suddenly bringing her attention back to him. ?You can take Starlight and ride as far away from here as you wish, for you are no longer bound to me.? Damion turned before she could say anything or see the expression in her beautiful eyes. He mounted Eclipse and shoved him towards the approaching horses, never looking back at Sarah.

?Sire,? Jarrod greeted Damion upon reaching each other.

?What?s going on?? Damion?s voice was filled with concern. Jarrod never came searching for Damion unless something was of extreme importance.

?Its Lady Ashrel, Sire. She has fallen...ill.?

?Ill?? Damion looked puzzled for a moment before the four rode off towards the castle.

[CENTER]**************************[/CENTER]
?My Lord,? Marou greeted the King as he entered the castle.

?Where is Ashrel?? He demanded.

?She is in her chamber, my Lord.? Marou replied as she followed him through the maze of corridors to Ashrel?s room.

?What is wrong with her?? he barked upon reaching her door.

?She is ill, my Lord.? She replied, trembling a bit.

?I know that!?

?Simply put, if I may, my Lord. But Lady Ashrel is dying.? Marou looked up into Damion?s eyes cold dark eyes as he stared at her with bewilderment.

?She has a rare disease that attacks the lungs and senses, my Lord.? She replied as a guard ran up to them.

?We have captured a slave girl that was trying to escape, my Lord.? The boy said upon arriving.

Damion swirled around and put his fist into the boy?s face. His nose exploded as it broke and he fell to the floor screaming, blood rushing every where.

?Get him out of here!? Damion yelled, Jarrod?s men taking him away. ?I want no one to disturb me!?

?Yes, Sire.? Jarrod nodded as Damion disappeared into Ashrel?s chamber.?My Lord,? Ishizu said upon the king?s entering. She was cleaning the last bits of blood off the floor and looking over Ashrel?s bandages.

Damion reached up to touch his own head. He had forgotten all about the previous fights. He was so lost in Sarah?s glory and the worrying of Ashrel?s well being that his own had never come to mind. He made his way over to Ashrel?s side, pulling a small wooden stand over to sit on.

?She has bandages on her back, my Lord.? Ishizu added as he sat down next to Ashrel, who laid on her back.

?Why??

?Lashes, my Lord. She asks for lashes.? Ishizu vanished from the room.

Damion stared at Ashrel?s peaceful face. She was so beautiful and followed him so loyally that he never saw the damage it had done to her. He had created a monster out of two people, not just one. He reached up to pull a strain of hair from her face noticing a small amount of blood on her lips. He reached in his pocket to pull a small cloth from it. Slowly and carefully he whipped it from her lips.

?I am so sorry that I have been so blind to you, Ashrel.? Damion whispered as he laid his head on her bed next to him. He longed to cry, but could find no strength or the tears to allow him to do so. So he sat there, listening to Ashrel?s ragged breaths and said nothing.[/COLOR][/FONT]

[Redemption]

[COLOR=DarkRed][FONT=Trebuchet MS][i]A pearly white mist surrounded Ashrel. She looked around confused. This had to be a dream...

Walking along, Ashrel looked side to side. All she could see what mist. Nothing else.

Then a figure came towards her. It was bulky and masculine. Ashrel knew instantly to who it was. It was Damion. He appeared out of the mist, unveiling his bulky figure.

" Damion..."

He walked up to her and backhanded her across the face. He then kneed her in the stomach. Ashrel feel to the floor, gasping for breath.

" My Lord, what was that for?"
Damion stood over her and kicked her in the side. " Filthy scum." He kicked her again, making her flip over to on her back. She gasped for breath.
" My Lord, what did I do?" she asked desperately, trying to get to her feet. Damion grabbed her by the hair and pulled her to her feet.
" Ashrel. I have never loved you. You disgust me with your hopeless love. You disgust with your displays of bloodlust. Begone from my sight!"
He threw her across the floor. She rolled across the floor and lay for a while. Then she started coughing. And coughing. She couldn't stop.[/i]

Ashrel jolted up. She coughed and coughed. She didn't realise that Damion had his head laying on the bed next to her. Marou rushed up to her Lady with a bowl in her hands, allowing Ashrel to cough up blood. Ashrel struggled to sit up, feeling very weak. Damion got up.

" Ashrel..." he said softly.

Ashrel struggled out of bed. Ishizu and Marou held her up.
" My Lord..." Ashrel breathed. Damion looked at her with pity in his eyes. " I must go to see to my duties..."
" I order you to stay in bed Ashrel," Damion said forcefully.
" I will not die in bed my Lord. I am stronger than that..." Ashrel breathed and was helped into the bathroom. Damion realised that he truly made a monster out of a girl that was once so innocent and so pure that he enjoyed being in her presence just because she made him feel innocent. He felt a rush of guilt and regret go through his body. He didn't even realise that Ashrel was sickly in love with him all this time. Blind at the best of times...

Hearing Ashrel cough uncontrollably, Damion couldn't bare to stand in her room anymore, hearing how she was suffering. Walking out, he gave specific orders to the guards to not let Ashrel out until she was better, that's if she would get better.

Night started to fall. The starts twinkled in the inky black sky. Damion wondered if Sarah had gone away with Starlight. In his heart, he hoped not. The bell for dinner rang. Damion made his way up to the dining hall to take his seat. He instructed a guard to see if Sarah had returned, and ask her to accompany him to dinner. To his surpirse, he saw Ashrel sitting in her normal seat, looking as if nothing had happened to her. Damion's brow furrowed. He walked over to his seat and sat down without any regard of the nobles that rose to greet him.

" Why are you here? I specifically gave orders that you were to stay in your room."
Ashrel looked at Damion with cold eyes. " I am better now. Although I am not impressed with my maids telling you about my condition, I let it slide. Do not treat me if I were glass just because of it. I have lived with it ever since you met me, my Lord. It does not weaken me."

[b]OOC: The plots thickens. Hee hee hee[/b][/FONT][/COLOR]

[...]

Sarah rode back to the castle. She was a little surprised to see so many servants coming her way. Getting off her horse, someone quickly took her horse and put her in the stables.

Another servant made their way toward Sarah with a note. She smiled, but the servant just walked away. She was confused, had word spread already that she was freed?

She read the note and smiled... no one had ever been so kind to her... not once in her life... had anyone cared so much. She walked over to the Castle, and realized that she was entering, no longer a slave... it was a weird thought, but in her mind, she had never considered herself as one in the first place. She always considered her and others as equals. She looked at her clothes and frowned... she was still in a simple shirt and trousers. It would have to do... she never really enjoyed dressing up anyway. The Blacksmith would try to make her dress up in order to please the guests, but she never cooperated.

She walked in and saw Damion sitting, with Ashrel at the table. She had no clue Ashrel would be there... she put on her brightest smile and walked in.

Damion stood and smiled, and not to her surprise, Ashrel just stared her down. Dinner started, and the three were in for an interesting night... but Sarah vowed not to do anything that would provoke Ashrel... she had no desire to make the woman jealous... for once... she truly just wanted peace.... and to spend time with Damion.