Order of the Dark Flame (Story, No Spam)

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 5:27 pm

Meanwhile, Gwalchmai was giving Dragon Wench a massage. She lay on the table in the jacuzzi room, a towel covering her lower half, while Gwalchmai kneaded her shoulders, neck and back. Dreamily, she made small sounds of pleasure, as he found each knot and gently worked it out. After a while, Dragon Wench opened her eyes and asked, “Gwally, why are you here?”

“Huh?” he said, shaking himself out of his reverie.

“I mean, what keeps you here, with the Order of the Dark Flame? As a druid, you would have a neutral view of the battle between good and evil. We certainly seem to be fighting for the good guys most of the time.”

“Well, that’s a tough question. I have spent most of my life wandering about. You know that I had spent some time in the army up north in my youth, and I had already done a fair amount of exploring and wandering. My wanderlust is no doubt a by-product of my upbringing. My parents were merchants and never stayed in one place very long. Consequently, I had seen much of the evils that the world has to offer, by the time I was a young man. My distaste for evil often led me to seek solace in the peacefulness of the forests. I suppose that is what led me to become a druid.” he began working on her lower spine, getting some of the kinks out - kinks that were likely a result of her unusual fondness for riding horses bareback.

“Ahhh, yes,” she sighed as he found a rather nasty kink, “But still, why do you fight for the good? Surely that is against your training?”

“That is a question that the members of my own grove have struggled with,” he said cryptically, “We would certainly never fight on the side of evil, which means, when we fight, it is for good. But ultimately, we will always strive to restore the inherent balance and neutrality of Nature. Unfortunately, outside of the Druid Grove, Nature holds less influence.”

Dragon Wench sat up, and unabashedly turned to face Gwalchmai, “Then what drew you to the Dark Flames?”

“Absolutely spectacular” he thought to himself. “If you could see yourself through my eyes, milady, you would not ask such questions,” he said with a grin. Then he turned, “But if you must know, I had some difficulties within the grove, some of it involving politics, some involving a woman. I chose to leave and continue my wanderings. When I found your Harem Tent in Trademeet, I felt a strong sense of destiny. But I really don’t know what my purpose is here, or what I hope for my life in the future.”

Then, he turned back to face her, slightly disappointed to see that she had slipped her tunic on, “But, I could ask you a similar question: Why are you here? I know that you never felt as strongly for Anomen as the others, but there was something and now he is gone. You seem to have put aside your desire for revenge against Jenna. What direction do you see your life heading?”

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 5:53 pm

Originally posted by Gwalchmai:
<STRONG>Meanwhile, Gwalchmai was giving Dragon Wench a massage. </STRONG>

OOC So DP's run off killing innocent people, but back to the important things, like massage... Duh! Do you people have no sense of urgency?

IC...

"I'm ready to set off after Darkpoet," Georgi told Thantor, growing more serious. "And I'm going now, we're losing valuable time when we don't know what he's doing out there. So if anyone else is coming, they better be ready in the next thirty seconds." She treated him to a quick smile, and hurried out to the stables.

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 6:18 pm

OOC @Georgi, a relaxed body and clarity of thought is an important prelude to battle.

This was not a question that Dragon Wench had anticipated, and she was silent for a few moments wondering how to answer (and intrigued at Gwally's faint blush

).

"For a long time I went through the motions of living.... You're right Anomen was just a pleasant diversion, but that suited me well. "

"It's true that my desire to kill Jennabard evaporated long ago, but my intent to eventually confront the Shadow Master and avenge Jerran's death has not."

She paused and swallowed hard, looking tentatively at Gwalchmai, "this morning....before you revived me I met Jerran in the spirit plane." Dragon Wench stopped, trying to gauge Gwalchmai's reaction. He did not seem ready to take her off to the men in white coats so she continued.

"....that's why I was angry at you for bringing me back. But, we were able to resolve things.......and now I feel very happy to be here, even though the Shadow Mastre still lives. It's as though I've just emerged from a dark cocoon, and I'm suddenly seeing sunlight instead of just amorphous shadows. I can feel rain on my skin, instead of just hearing it far away."

"What my plans are I can't say, but for now knowing that I have a home with the Dark Flames is enough. Long range plans are not something that I've ever been able to make."

[ 07-13-2001: Message edited by: dragon wench ]

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 6:22 pm

OOC@DW ummm, well you should be fine then, but I'm not sure how "relaxed" Gwally will be after that display...

thantor3 · Post by **thantor3** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 7:28 pm

Twenty-five seconds later (

) Thantor showed up in the stables, fully armored and with all his gear.

"Let's do this, Gi", he said, giving her an appraising look.

"Already there, T." she shot back.

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 8:47 pm

OOC G&T = Gin and Tonic. A new summer drink to help the Flames combat summer heat

thantor3 · Post by **thantor3** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 9:21 pm

OOC: @Dragon Wench: ROFL

. Not the way I pour 'em, schweet hart.

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 9:31 pm

OOC@ Thantor: well wasn't it Shakespeare who said something about alcohol increasing the desire and decreasing other...er vital components?

[ 07-13-2001: Message edited by: dragon wench ]

jennabard · Post by **jennabard** » Sat Jul 14, 2001 12:56 am

OOC- OMG forcr to stay away due to study

and i've missed so much. welcome t'lanyia!

jenna was worried for darkpoet but knew, he must find the answers in his own terms. Vivien looked so worried though. jenna came and put her arm around her shoulders for comfort. she smiled at the idea of having cousin.

"demon or no, viv, he's stronger. he will find his way back home."

vivien sigh with that remark, "isn't there away we can help him? i feel so useless."

"people like him...like me...we tend to be too stubborn for help. we tend to do it in our own way and by our own terms. pride is our downfall, we never ask for help until we hit rock bottom. the only thing to do is to watch his back."

"how are we going to do that, he is gone?"

jennabard smiled, get some things together and meet me here tonight. we will watch darkpoet's back."

vivien smiled at that and wonder how they will accomplished that.

jennabard went on to look for gwalchwai, she will need the ring of sorrows.

thantor3 · Post by **thantor3** » Sat Jul 14, 2001 6:58 am

Originally posted by dragon wench:
<STRONG>OOC@ Thantor: well wasn't it Shakespeare who said something about alcohol increasing the desire and decreasing other...er vital components?</STRONG>

OOC: @Dragon Wench: Pray, lady, of which vital components doth thou speak? Of my lungs, my heart? More detail, yea, lest my brain fall silent, a quivering shadow of its former self.

Thantor, Loner, and Georgi rode hard and fast, following Darkpoet's bloody trail. They found his horse first, then the elves. Grimly they pushed on into the night.

(OOC: I'll be away for the rest of the weekend. Please make sure Thantor plays nice with the other children.

)

Darkpoet · Post by **Darkpoet** » Sat Jul 14, 2001 7:22 am

Surprisingly Darkpoet didn't realize how hungry he was. He had to force himself to slow down, so he didn't look like Gwally at a cheese festival. When it came to cheese, Gwally is uncontrolable.
When Darkpoet finished, he set the bowl down, next to him.
"Thank you, um, er. Hmmm, since you know my name. Could you tell me yours?"
As she turned back, looking at him, Darkpoet got a chill, right down his spine.
"Have we met before? You look familiar."

[ 07-14-2001: Message edited by: Darkpoet ]

scully1 · Post by **scully1** » Sat Jul 14, 2001 7:49 am

{OOC: Ooohh, goodie, Elves!

Great to have you finally join in T'lainya!}

T'lainya · Post by **T'lainya** » Sat Jul 14, 2001 7:50 am

The priestess smiled at Darkpoet. “My name is T’lainya. I am a priestess of Corellon Larethian, the great god of the Elven people. I was asked to lend aid by a priest of the Black Archer Sheverash. This seems to be the will of the gods also. I was directed to aid you and your companions in ridding the world of this demon you bear.”
T’lainya turned and walked back to the fire, deftly filling Darkpoets bowl again. She spoke softly,”Have some more, the struggle with the demon has robbed you of much strength. I don’t believe we have ever met before.” She looked up and smiled again, then turned her head to look at the fire. Darkpoet saw some emotion cross her face, but it was gone before he could place a name to it.

OOC (Hi Jenna

, hi Loner

hi Nippy

)

[ 07-14-2001: Message edited by: T'lainya ]

Nippy · Post by **Nippy** » Sat Jul 14, 2001 8:02 am

OOC:Welcome T'Lainya!

Darkpoet · Post by **Darkpoet** » Sat Jul 14, 2001 12:40 pm

"Nice to meet you T'lainya. Thank you for the food. So, what plan do you have to get rid of the demon?"
Darkpoet quietly, ate his food. He thought he had see her before, But then he had seen a lot of elves. Plus, the damn demon, messed with what little he had for brains.
"This is good. Can I have the recipe?"

T'lainya · Post by **T'lainya** » Sat Jul 14, 2001 1:09 pm

T’lainya looked over at Darkpoet. “The stew is venison, wild mushrooms, anadya which is a form of wild onion, some other assorted vegetable and herbs. I’m glad you like it. To pull the demon from your body, I will need to make some preparations. There are things I must gather and spells to be prepared.”

She gracefully rose to her feet and stared up at the canopy of stars. The wind rustled softly through the trees surrounding the glade, sounding like distant voices to Darkpoets ears. T’lainya held her arm out, palm up to the stars. A small night bird perched there. She whispered a message and the small bird flew off rapidly towards the trees. She stood motionless for a short while, at peace with her surroundings, seemingly oblivious to the man sitting by the fire. When she spoke again, it surprised Darkpoet. “Your friends should be arriving shortly. I think they are worried about you.” She turned her eyes to Darkpoet once more. “They do care about you. I wonder if you realize that. Or if you will allow yourself to realize it.”

T'lainya opened her mouth to speak again, then closed it. Her body tensed suddenly, sensing some danger. She turned to Darkpoet again. "Prepare your sword, I think we ahve visitors."

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Sat Jul 14, 2001 4:05 pm

Jennabard found Gwalchmai as he, himself, was preparing to leave. She asked what he was doing. “I know that Darkpoet doesn’t appreciate it when we try to help,” he said, “so my first inclination is to leave him alone when ever he wants to run off. But I remember the look on his face when Dragon Wench stopped him from killing Anomen during the ritual. Now with Georgi, Loner, and Thantor running off to find him, I just think someone needs to act as back up.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Jenna said, “Vivien and I are leaving soon as well. Maybe you and Dragon Wench can come with us.

“I’ll see if Dragon Wench wants to go. Darkpoet is only one guy. We don’t need to over do it. But, I certainly wouldn’t miss the opportunity to travel with Vivien... and, er, you too, of course.”

“Great!” Jenna said, “One last thing. I would like to use the Ring of Sorrows. I think it may be able to help Darkpoet. Can I have it?”

“NO!” Gwalchmai said, a bit too firmly, “I mean, I’m sorry, but I don’t think that would be a good idea. Look. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t hesitate to give it to you, but let’s face it. We can’t ignore the fact that you’ve just come back from your own version of hell. You haven’t spoken yet about your feelings or experiences from the last few weeks, but we know that you were enthralled to the Shadow Master himself. Again, I’m sorry, but if the Shadow Master ever got his grimy hands on the Ring of Sorrows.... well, I just can’t risk it. And I just can’t completely trust you yet.” He saw the hurt look in her eyes, “I’m sorry, Jenna. Too much is at stake.” He turned away and sighed, “I guess you won’t be wanting me as your traveling companion this night, after all.”

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Sat Jul 14, 2001 4:59 pm

When Dragon Wench heard about Gwalchmai's discussion she frowned faintly. She had avoided Jenna since their return from Ogre Falls, but she knew that at some point they would have to talk.
She decided to head off in search of Vivien, maybe she would have some insights on Jenna's state of mind. The issue of the ring worried her, and she hoped that Jenna would not feel too badly at Gwalchmai's caution.

Dragon Wench found Vivien at the stables grooming her horse and evincing evident worry. Perhaps this was not the best time to raise her concerns about Jenna. Instead she began to groom her own horse, something she had forgotten to do earlier.

Vivien · Post by **Vivien** » Sat Jul 14, 2001 5:15 pm

Vivien stepped from the kitchen into the darkness of the outside. She paused in the doorway, lit from behind by the kitchen fires, hood pulled to shield the contours of her face, a dark shadow against a blazing back drop.

She smiled at such thoughts, and pulled her cloak tighter around her as a slight wind swept her skin. She felt such admiration for her traveling companions...her friends...their strength, skill and endurance danced as inspiration within her heart.

She closed her eyes and imagined Loner and Thantor in their practices, and wondered what it felt like to be able to move like that...to dance like that. She didn't have an actual weapon to practice on like they had, she had been told it was 'vulgar' to carry such, that respect should hold hands from harming a female. But, she knew now that wasn't true.

She picked up a tree branch lying on the ground, and swung it tentatively, but instead of the nice swoosh sound weapons made in her companions hands, it simply made a slight 'scrape' sound as she hit herself in the foot.

She sighed and dropped it, turning her eyes to the sky above, trying to see through it to the pattern that lay beneath, maybe to the pattern of the universe. And, she knew she was waiting...for Jennabard and the others...but for something else as well...

She laughed again at herself, and walked towards the stables, hoping that if she patted the horse, that it might be kinder to her. She heard someone behind her, and smiled towards Dragonwench as she also entered the stables.

[ 07-14-2001: Message edited by: Vivien ]

KramoR · Post by **KramoR** » Sat Jul 14, 2001 6:03 pm

Once again, Kramor is injuried and left behind. Off everyone goes, not thinking. They don't know what kind of demon Darkpoet has. Not everything comes just comes from the Shadow Master. Kramor, goes down to the kitchen and pours himself a large ale. He heads for a sunny area, to get a tan.