The Harem Tent

KramoR · Post by **KramoR** » Sat May 26, 2001 11:22 am

[OCC, Loner, you are doing great.

]

The pair moved slowly, not out of fear, but with caution. The ground beneath their feet, turned soft.

"QUICK SAND!" Loner yelled.
A tree with a vine appeared. Grabbing Loner, Kramo jumped towards the tree. When they landed, they started to sink. Loner's armor was pulling her quickly. Kramo grabbed the vine, the same time he grabbed Loner. The vine was not attached. Kramo looked a Loner.
"Do not let go of me, even if you go under, do not let go."
Loner answered him with a nod of her head. He pulled out his sword, tied the vine to the sword. Kramo then threw his sword, as hard as he could. It went into the tree, up to the hilt. He turned to see Loner's head going under, he pull her up. Handing her some of the vine, they both pulled themselves out of the quicksand. The both leaned against the tree, trying to catch their breaths.

"Loner, when we get back. I'm not doing any mud facials, for you or the others. Heh, if I feel as bad as you look, we must be a site."
Loner rolled her eyes, and smeared some mud in Kramo's face.
"Now, you look as bad as I feel. I wonder, if this was a test? I haven't heard our laughing friend."

"You have passed your next test. I was surprised, usually somebody pleads for me to help them. They offer me gold, like your friend who you search for. Good luck, on your next test."
Laughter fills the air, then fades.

[ 05-26-2001: Message edited by: KramoR ]

scully1 · Post by **scully1** » Sat May 26, 2001 11:38 am

"It figures Anomen would offer him gold so his sorry life would be spared," Loner said bitterly as she continued cleaning the muck off. Then she sighed. "No, actually, it isn't, it isn't like him at all...or at least, it wasn't...I don't know what happened to him, I can't understand this...he is not the man I had thought he was..."

She turned to Kramo. "You were the one sent to watch him," she said. "Do you know why this has happened? I know the Gilded Rose bears much of the responsibility, but not all. I...he has wounded me deeply. I don't think I can forgive him. You would help me greatly if you told me what you know of him. It would help me decide what to do. And please, do not soften anything for me. I want the whole truth."

[ 05-26-2001: Message edited by: loner72 ]

KramoR · Post by **KramoR** » Sat May 26, 2001 12:14 pm

Seeing the hurt in Loner's eyes, gave him a sick feeling in his stomach. He took a deep breath, then began to tell her.

"Anomen, excelled greatly in the Order. His ****iness was gone, he helped those in need, I mean he really went out of his way. Then he had gotten a letter, he started to become distant. Stopped helping, going out every night. He took trips, saying it was family business, which we didn't understand. He started talking about other Guilds and Orders, that they did this, and we were not doing anything. This really frustrated, Sir Ryan and Sir Keldorn. A Paladin is to protect, not go looking for fights. When you ladies took him, Ryan and Keldorn, thought that it would do him good. But, when reports came in, about Anomen, riding with the Guilded Rose. That's when I was brought into the picture. I think, he is being used a bait, and he knows it. If you think about it, you and I are here. Vivien and Darkpoet are missing. Then there is Dragon wench, Georgi, Jennabard, and Gwalchmai. Nice seperation, someone did a real nice job spliting us up. What we need to know is, why?"

scully1 · Post by **scully1** » Sat May 26, 2001 12:31 pm

"I get the feeling you are trying to spare me certain...details, Kramo" Loner began, in a choked voice; then cleared her throat and continued: "perhaps it's best. I already face a world of trouble when I get back for attacking that..." She sighed. "Well. As for splitting us up...we are obviously a threat to someone. I...I don't think the Gilded Rose is really behind all this...I have the feeling they are being used as pawns in someone's power game. And whoever is using them, sees us a threat to gaining that power. They probably thought we wouldn't come back from here. Perhaps...perhaps they think that together we all would bring about a peace between the two Orders...perhaps whoever this is wants a war, for some reason...

"I suppose we had better go on; the sooner we find Anomen and get out of here, the better." As they started off again, she stopped, taking Kramo by the arm. "That's twice now, I need to thank you for saving my life. I owe you a great deal...I hope I can repay you. Thank you."

[ 05-26-2001: Message edited by: loner72 ]

KramoR · Post by **KramoR** » Sat May 26, 2001 1:14 pm

Kramo felt himself blushing, he was hoping that Loner didn't see him, at this point. As they moved forward, it started to brighten up. Kramo had a feeling this wasn't going to be good. He glanced at Loner, from the look on her face, she was thinking the same. It got even brighter, they could see that they were in a large room. Hanging from the ceiling, was scaffolding leading to a door.
Laughter echoed in the room, a cloaked figure appeared in front of them. As he brought his hood down, to their surprise. They were looking at Anomen.
"Oh Loner, don't look so surprised. You have served me well, but you were not good enough. In fact, you ladies are a poor excuse for warriors. (Laughing) Nothing, but old maids in armor."
Loner's eyes darkened, she got her sword half way out, before Kramo stopped her.
"Kramo, noble servant. Bah, lacky for Ryan and Keldorn, is more like it. Now you play warrior for the old maids, more like babysitter. For someone of the Order, you make me sick."

"You are the one sick, Anomen. Let Loner and I help you, you help us get out of here. We can get help to make you better."

Loner had tears streaming down her face, the words had cut her deeply. She cried out, "Anomen, what is wrong with you? We love you, don't you understand? We came searching for you. We want you back."

"I don't need you anymore, I have powers now. I can repay those, who mocked me. Starting with you, Kramo."

Anomen's face contorted into an evil smile, bolts came out of his fingers. Throwing Kramo back into the wall, were he slide to the floor, and did not move. Anomen looked at Loner, then faded away. The room began to change, Loner found herself in the temple ruins. She heard Kramo say, "That wasn't Anomen."

[OCC, Loner, I hope I didn't step out bounds, please let me know if I have.]

[ 05-26-2001: Message edited by: KramoR ]

scully1 · Post by **scully1** » Sat May 26, 2001 1:31 pm

{OOC: Nah Kramo, it's good w/me

.}

"I know it wasn't, I only wish I had known before I lost my head," Loner replied. She sheathed the Katana and looked for Kramo. He was leaning against a wall, not moving. She ran to him. "Are you all right?" she asked. "I'm not doing a very good job of repaying my debt to you, am I?..."

In the midst of her concern for Kramo, she managed to realize that their "host" was keeping silent, and she wondered why.

[ 05-26-2001: Message edited by: loner72 ]

KramoR · Post by **KramoR** » Sat May 26, 2001 1:40 pm

Kramo smiled at Loner.
"No, you are just doing fine. Lets get outside, and get a fire going."

He got up with help from Loner. Kramo had a sharp pain in his side, as they walked outside. He put his hand, under his armor, then pulled out a bloody hand.

"Mistress Loner, I guess you will be helping me out after all."

He then fell to the ground.

[ 05-26-2001: Message edited by: KramoR ]

scully1 · Post by **scully1** » Sat May 26, 2001 1:55 pm

Loner fell to her knees beside Kramo and began removing his armor. She reached his blood-soaked shirt.

"Kramo," she began, trying to keep her voice under control. "I'm going to have to cut your shirt away in order to treat the wound. Try not to move..."

Kramo nodded mutely. Loner could see the pain was getting worse by the second.

"Kramo," she said, as she peeled the shirt away; "listen to the sound of my voice. All right? Keep hearing me. Stay awake."

And she began to tell him every story she could think of...beginning, to her own surprise, with her days in Kara-Tur. She never spoke of that time to anyone. She told him of the land, and of her teacher, Lomoro, and how he had given her the Katana as a mark of her achievement in training. She spoke of her adventures with the Harem before Kramo had joined them. Two things she did not mention: Anomen, and the Radiant Heart.

All this time she gave him the strongest healing potion she had, and treated his wound with a balm the druids had given them. She could only do so much, however. The wound was gaping.

She clenched her teeth. "Kramo," she said. "I'm going to have to stitch this up. I...I don't have anything to give you for the pain..." She gently touched his face. "I'm sorry...if I don't stitch it, you'll die from it. And I..."

She didn't finish that thought. She only steeled herself, reached into her pack, and drew out the needle...

[ 05-26-2001: Message edited by: loner72 ]

KramoR · Post by **KramoR** » Sat May 26, 2001 2:13 pm

Kramo heard her say, "stitched up." he thought that the wound didn't feel that big. He felt the burn of the needle and thread, and the tightness as she made each stitch. Kramo open his eyes, gritting his teeth, he watched her work. He had heard every word she had said, he was impressed.

"You are a fine, warrior. You have no debts with me, I should be in your debt. I'm truly honored, to know you. If only I had met you, before Anome......."

Kramo's eyes closed, as he pasted out again.

scully1 · Post by **scully1** » Sat May 26, 2001 2:32 pm

"Kramo," Loner called. But he did not respond. "All right," she said aloud to herself, "all right...finish this. Finish this, and then go mad all you want."

She made the last stitch, cut the thread, and slathered on some more healing balm to prevent infection. Now it was almost gone. She didn't care.

It was done. She fell back, trembling violently. Why hadn't she brought any alcohol? It would have served as a painkiller, and at this point, she could use some too. She went over to Kramo to check him. He appeared to be sleeping. "All right," she said, again aloud. "Sleep will help him to heal." Then leaning close to him, she whispered: "Kramo...stay with me. Please wake up soon...don't leave me..."

And the word silently came to her mind:

Don't leave me...ever.

She leaned over and lightly kissed his forehead. Then she fell back again and wept.

*********
Loner kept attending to Kramo. Night was falling.

She heard steps approaching.

Swiftly she swept out the Katana. The black blade shone in the gloom. She saw the figure -- it was Anomen, again.

"You sick bastard," she said. "You coward! Why don't you show me your real form, and I can kill you and rip your heart out, and then we'll be even."

Anomen stared at her. "Oh come now, darling. No name-calling, please."

"I know who you are, you maniac!"

"How do you know, love? I may be Anomen. I may not. One thing I am curious of, however...why did you come here? I know your love for the man has grown somewhat...er, cold. So tell me."

Loner gripped the Katana. "Maybe I wanted to kill him."

The figure smiled. "Really! Well, I am impressed. Shall you try your strength on me, then? I wear his face, after all...such a pleasant face too, but it itches somewhat," he said, rubbing his beard.

He looked down at Kramo. "How is he?" he asked. And laughed.

Loner rushed at him, the Katana blazing.

[ 05-26-2001: Message edited by: loner72 ]

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Sat May 26, 2001 3:03 pm

(OOC - this is so exciting

that I can't be bothered to think of what the rest of us are doing...

good work guys

)

[ 05-26-2001: Message edited by: Georgi ]

scully1 · Post by **scully1** » Sat May 26, 2001 3:13 pm

{OOC -- hi Georgi, glad we're keeping you entertained

}

"THAT'S RIGHT LONER!!!!!!" the figure screeched. "COME AFTER ME THE WAY YOU CAME AFTER PANDORA!!!!!!!!"

Loner stopped.

"Oh, but you don't know about the rest of them, do you? Kramo wouldn't tell you. He didn't want to see the hurt in your eyes. Ha!! Oh, there were others -- one in particular..."

The Katana dropped in Loner's hand as the figure told her what she had asked Kramo for -- the whole truth. At length she sank to her knees.

"It's sickening, isn't it?" the figure asked. "Yes, alas..."

Loner summoned her strength. "All those things...all of it...was against his will..."

"Mmm, true, I suppose...but did you ever stop to consider this: He told you, at least about Pandora. That means he remembered. So if he had memory of these...events, why did he keep going and putting himself in the same situations -- over, and over, and over again? Ask yourself this, Loner."

Loner grew weak again. "I already have..."

"Hm. Well, it's just about time to continue my little amusements. You did not carry through with your attack on me...hmm, does that mean you passed? Hmmm...I can't deceide. Oh well, I don't suppose it matters much anymore. I'm just having fun watching you go throught it all. So HERE!!!!"

Loner looked up. "You can't --"

But before the words were out, the figure was gone, and in its place stood two great demons of terror.

[ 05-26-2001: Message edited by: loner72 ]

KramoR · Post by **KramoR** » Sat May 26, 2001 4:23 pm

As Loner stood to take on the two demons. Kramo's sword, whistled by her head. The Paladin's sword cut the head off one of the demons. Loner turned to see, Kramo's eyes blazing with life.

"I haven't left you, finish the other one off. Pandora, wasn't your fault, just remember that. It wasn't your fault."

Kramo closed his eyes.
"Don't let him play with your mind, if you let him in, he wins." He mumbled.

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Sat May 26, 2001 4:33 pm

"Manveru, please! How are we supposed to fight something when you won't tell us what it is?!"

The wizard turned back to the ladies and their slave, a grave look on his face. "Perhaps you are right, my lady, but nevertheless I cannot tell you... for I do not rightly know. It is something of great evil... nobody has ever faced it and survived to tell the tale."

"Then what can we do?" asked Jennabard. "Gwalchmai spoke of sinister goings-on here, but there is no sign of anything amiss... Ought we to go after Sir Ryan and Sir Keldorn?"

"I fear you would arrive too late, my dear... I suggest you investigate the ruins further, something here does not seem quite right. I shall use my magic to locate the paladins and warn them." And with that, Manveru evaporated in a flash of blue light.

"I hate it when they do that," sighed Jennabard.

scully1 · Post by **scully1** » Sat May 26, 2001 4:50 pm

[ 05-26-2001: Message edited by: loner72 ]

Darkpoet · Post by **Darkpoet** » Sat May 26, 2001 4:50 pm

Darkpoet arose, from the bed. He looked for Darius, but he didn't see him.
"He must of went out to eat a cow."
Darkpoet heard some chuckling behind him, when he turned, there was nothing. Darius appeared silver, with a touch of blue. He smiled at Darkpoet.
"I'm able to do many things, thanks to my mother."

"You haven't been around people, have you."

"No, after what the Drow did, I stayed away."

"Okay, if you do that again, just let me know you are around. Now, lets go find me a horse, so we can get moving."

"I found something you need to see. It's over in the next building. Another one of your kind, I think it is sick."

Darkpoet ran over to the other building, with his sword in front of him, he entered the building. Carefully going from room to room, he came upon Vivien.

[ 05-27-2001: Message edited by: Darkpoet ]

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Sat May 26, 2001 5:23 pm

"Well, let's go and take a look."

"Wait," said Jennabard, and quickly cast invisibility on each of them. "Just in case," a voice said from nowhere.

The four of them advanced down towards the temple ruins. Georgi ventured boldly into the ivy-covered ruins. As she drew closer to the central temple, a faint humming reached her ears. She drew her sword, and peered around the end of the wall.

Standing in the temple was a circle of knights, bearing the golden rose on black tunics, their faces obscured by hoods. The humming eminated from a mage in a black robe at the centre of the group. With his back to her, Georgi was unable to see what magic he was summoning, but she was certain it wasn't good. As she wondered how to draw the attention of her invisible comrades, the humming grew more intense. She turned her attention back towards the circle.

This ritual had to be stopped, that much was clear. Georgi counted the knights. Twelve of them. With the mage out of the way, they might just succeed... if, that is, her friends were also poised to strike.
Otherwise, what she was contemplating probably amounted to suicide.

Georgi sighed. Well, she had stared death in the face time and again in her adventures... what difference could once more make? Realising the truth of it, she steeled herself and made her way gingerly between the ranks of the black knights. She had but one chance now. Directly behind the mage, she raised her blade...

scully1 · Post by **scully1** » Sat May 26, 2001 5:32 pm

Loner, overjoyed to see Kramo awake and lucid, charged the demon head-on. It was a strong and fast-moving creature and Loner had to call on every skill she ever possessed. Finally, the great Katana sang as it sliced the demon in two.

Loner ran back to Kramo. "Praise all the gods," she said, as she gently embraced him. "Praise all the gods...you had me so frightened, Kramo...I wasn't sure you would wake up. I don't..." She broke off.

"Well. You are proving to be more resourceful than I had thought. So I will give you no more guidance. Make your way through this maze, that is all I will tell you. At the end -- if you make it that far -- you will find me, and the man you seek. But be warned -- you have both proven yourselves worthy of attracting my very best resources, and no quarter will be given from here on out."

There was no ending laughter, and Loner thought she had discerned no small amount of bitterness in the Voice this time...

KramoR · Post by **KramoR** » Sat May 26, 2001 5:44 pm

[OOC sorry Loner, didn't mean to mess you up.]

As he stood shakingly, Kramo put his arm around Loner for support. Trying to clear his head from the pain, gritting his teath.

"This guy is really getting on my nerves. Now he wants us to go through a maze? Nice job on the stitching, do you do clothes too?"
He smiled at Loner, which in turn, got a slap in the stomach. "Lets take this path here. Moving slowly, swords at their ready. Taking turn by turn, Kramo started to think that they, took the wrong path. But, when they turned the corner, it opened into the forest. His legs then gave out, he fell to teh ground. Taking Loner with him, they waited for laughter, but there was none. Loner looked around, "Did we make it?"

"I hope so, because I can't go any further. Damn thing is starting to bleed again. Go without me, I'll just slow you up. Just don't let him play with your head. That is the only way to defeat him. Now go!"

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Sat May 26, 2001 5:54 pm

Dragonwench stood at the edge of the Temple, wondering what to do. If she knew Georgi, she would be the first to strike. She resolved herself to be ready to attack at any moment, creeping a little closer to the circle.

-----

Jennabard blinked. She was sure she had seen a shimmer behind the mage at the centre of the circle. If her eyes were not fooling her, it meant two things. One of them (and she was sure who it would be) was being foolishly heroic... and the invisibility spell had almost run its course. She prepared to attack.

-----

Bracing herself for the worst, Georgi plunged her sword into the mage's back, impaling his heart. Disorientated, the knights began to look about them, and she saw the first one drop to the floor, blood pouring from the slit in his throat delivered by Dragonwench's dagger. To her left, another fell, struck by Gwalchmai's arrow. She reclaimed her sword in time to swing it round and parry the blow aimed at her neck.