Felix
New Member
Upper Class
When day turns to night darkness turns to light.
Posts: 16
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Post by Felix on Aug 12, 2008 10:09:23 GMT -5
The stallion galloped into the village, covered in the cold rain pouring from the sky. Felix Larkin was just as cold and wet as his horse. A nice warm barn would be good about now. the stallion, Remwick, told Felix. Hush, Rem. Felix told his horse, though he knew that nobody else could hear the stallion. The boy and horse communicated using only their minds. Felix longed for a warm bed, or even a dry pile of straw. The rain had been relentless, it had poured over them for days without mercy. Felix gazed up toward the sky. Though it was only noon, the heavens were black with storm clouds. Remwick slowed to a walk, blowing hard through his nostrils. The village streets were empty, though the taverns and houses glowed with light. Should we stop at an Inn? Felix asked his horse. No! We were almost discovered the last time that you decided to stop! Felix agreed with his horse, but looked longingly toward the warmth of a nearby inn. Where shall we go? Felix asked. Let's find an abandoned barn or house. There will be dozens around here. For half an hour, Felix and Remwick plodded through the streets, searching for a place to hide. At last, they found it. It was an old barn, the roof partly collapsed and the windows smashed. Felix looked at his horse for approval. It will do. Remwick snorted in disdain. You're a very spoiled horse, you know that? I'm sure that there would be plenty of other beasts happy to be sheltered here. I'm sure that there are already plenty of other beasts in this, 'barn'. Oh, I wish you hadn't brought me along on your little adventure. I'd still be eating the finest oats at the manor if you hadn't taken me with you. Felix smiled and shook his head, sending a spray of water from his drenched hair. He managed to pull open the door of the barn, though it had been stuck fast from years of not being used. The inside was dry, but cold. Felix untacked Remwick and the horse immediately laid down on a pile of straw. He took some dry straw and rubbed Remwick dry. Felix then took of his cloak, heavy with rain. Everything he was wearing was soaked through, but he knew that it was all he had. He laid down on the straw next to Remwick to get some sleep. Neither the horse nor boy had noticed the figure standing on the other side of the street. Whoever it was, they had seen Felix and Remwick slip into the barn.
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Cory McQuiggin
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Commoner
I go wherever the [gold] tells me to
Posts: 25
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Post by Cory McQuiggin on Aug 14, 2008 10:13:41 GMT -5
Green eyes squinted with determination in attempt to make her gaze cut through the thick sheet of rain. Just Peachy. The day she decides to run to the market to get supplies, it rains like hell was let loose. Currently huddled underneath a vendor’s tarp, Cory poked her nose out, only to be greeting by multiple kisses of freezing water. The shock of it all was enough to push her closer to the wall. Heaving a small sigh, Cory wondered if she should just wait it out. It’s not like the barn she bunked in will by any dryer or warmer. It’s almost as useful as standing underneath the tarp. So, really, what’s the difference?
But then again…She’s had some trouble with the authorities lately around here. A particular issue is with one of the lord’s guards. If she were caught now, it would be useless to try to run away. The tattered and neglected barn, at least, offered some sense of security. Slim arms wrapped tighter around a large traveling bag. Inside of it were enough supplies to make it to the nearest town. There was nothing that this town offered anymore. It was time to move on. When, exactly? Although such details were yet to be confirmed in Cory’s own mind, chances are that she’ll leave tomorrow morning or at the next nightfall. Clicking her tongue, Cory knew that her best option was to make it back to the barn. There, she will be safe and at least prepare for her next adventure.
Peering out into the rain once more, Cory spotted the outline of the barn in the distance. It looked ominous with its features blurred. But, it wasn’t its creepy stance that caused Cory to suck in her breath; it was the sight of two shadowy figures entering through the front doors. So the guards were able to sniff out her hiding place. Hmph. Maybe she underestimated them after all…
Regardless if they guards finally gained some intelligence or not, the fact of the matter is that her stuff is still hidden amongst the hay. Feeling slightly angered at the thought of her carelessness, Cory dashed across the road and crept along the walls of the barn until she was able to thrust herself up upon the roof. Thanks to her control over the wind, her landing was silent in comparison to the pounding of the rain droplets. Tossing her bag over her shoulder, Cory peered into the dark belly of the building. There, was a man and his horse. No doubt they were planning to take her away to face penalty. Ha! Let them try.
Leaning onto her haunches, Cory paused for a mere second before dropping from the roof. Her target? The man on the hay.
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Felix
New Member
Upper Class
When day turns to night darkness turns to light.
Posts: 16
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Post by Felix on Aug 14, 2008 15:18:46 GMT -5
"Hey!" Felix screamed. He had awoken from his deep sleep when something landed on him. He scrambled to his feet, his hand finding the hilt of his sword.
He could make out the figure of a person scrambling to their feet in the pile of hay. Felix drew his sword, the sound of the metal sliding out of it's holder cutting through the sound of the rain. Felix could hear Remwick stomp a hoof. Good, Felix thought, Maybe Rem can help me.
Felix raised his sword bravely. He had many years of weapons training under his belt, but he had never been in danger before. The thought of killing someone made him feel sick inside.
By now, the person had risen to their feet. Felix could see that the person wasn't going to draw a weapon. Rem, this person has no protection. What should I do? Kill it. It means us no good, jumping on you in the middle of the night as it did. Felix hesitantly raised his sword and the person screamed. It was a female, Felix now knew. He lowered his sword, but didn't put it back. He sprinted to the lantern and fumbled with it until it lit.
It was a girl. And a very beautiful girl at that. Instead of looking frightened, there was a look of distaste on her face. Felix returned his sword to it's sheath. "What do you want from us?" Felix asked her, looking her straight in her emerald colored eyes.
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Cory McQuiggin
New Member
Commoner
I go wherever the [gold] tells me to
Posts: 25
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Post by Cory McQuiggin on Aug 14, 2008 21:56:50 GMT -5
A tinted hand covered her mouth. A scream? Really, of all the cowardly acts she could’ve done, the meek attempt she created was a scream? Even as a light began to flicker on, Cory still felt her heart beat against her ribs. But can you blame her? She nearly thought that this guard was going to plunge that pointy stick right through her heart. Sure, she expected a sword, but she didn’t expect him to be so forward with his weapon.
As her eyes adjusted to the change in lighting, Cory found herself staring defiantly at the man- no, correction young man standing in front of her. Well, at least he sheathed his weapon…Her gaze scurried over his clothing to try and to spot the guard emblem. There wasn’t a crest to be spotted. So, maybe this guy wasn’t as big as a threat she supposed him to be?
“What do I want from you?” She roared, finally uncovering her hot attitude. “Shouldn’t it be the other bloody way around? What you’re doing right now, boy-o, is trespassing. I should toss you to the guards for that!”
In a huff, Cory reached her long arms into the hay to pull out a larger bag then the one she slung over her shoulder. Although it easily towered over her, Cory gave nothing but a small sigh as she hung it upon one of the rusty nails of the building. Cast over by one of the further corners of the weathered barn was a bed of coals. Without even looking at it, she was able to make it spark back to life. The warmth of the flames quickly engulfed the area. Pulling out some of her recent supplies, she pulled out some slices of bread and cheese and an apple for her guests. Tossing him the bread, cheese, and apple Cory retreated to stand by the fire. She took a hearty bite out of her slice before looking over her shoulder at Felix.
“But I won’t…Do you know why?” She didn’t pause for an answer, “Because I’m too busy to haul both you and your donkey’s butts pass the front door. So get some sleep and we can sort this out in the morning.”
Of course, she’ll be long gone by then.
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Felix
New Member
Upper Class
When day turns to night darkness turns to light.
Posts: 16
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Post by Felix on Aug 15, 2008 10:04:31 GMT -5
Felix managed to catch the food the girl had thrown at him. He tossed the apple to Remwick, who nimbly caught it between his teeth. Felix sat cross legged in front of Remwick, eating in silence. Felix stared curiously at the girl. What on earth possessed her to be so rude? After all, he could chop her head off with one swipe of his sword. Felix felt a smile twitch at the corners of his lips. "Remwick doesn't like to be called a donkey." He finally said with a smile, glancing over at the horse. The girl looked quickly over at them but said nothing. "Remwick is a war horse, and he prefers to be called so. He thinks that donkeys are a mistake of the gods." That's right. A donkey couldn't kill this stupid girl, but I sure could. Remwick snorted and tossed his head. Quiet, Rem. This girl means us no harm. Felix stood at his tallest. "Felix Larkin is the name, and you already know that this is Remwick." Felix suddenly realized his mistake. Why hadn't he used a fake name? It didn't matter now, he had already said his name. Felix took out his sword and began to clean it. The beautifully crafted sword glinted in the firelight, showing off the rubied hilt. Stop being so showy. Remwick warned. Felix wondered why he was showing off the sword. He wondered why he was showing off at all, to the very girl who had pounced on him in the middle of the night. Felix smiled at her and returned to the pile of straw. "So, what's your story?" He asked, returning his sword to it's sheath.
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Cory McQuiggin
New Member
Commoner
I go wherever the [gold] tells me to
Posts: 25
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Post by Cory McQuiggin on Aug 16, 2008 7:32:37 GMT -5
Cory immediately became defensive when Felix pulled himself to his full height. Although he probably meant no harm by it, it was a sign to Cory that he was challenging her. She squared her shoulders and gave Felix a daring look. She wanted to see if he felt that he could take her on. Although Cory may not be the tallest person around, she had definitely shared more fights then she needed in a lifetime- most of them were fights to prove to men that she could pin them to the ground even before they can land a punch on her. All he had was a sword. True, he may be skilled. But a sword will only get you so far. Your enemy had to be within the blades reach. So, if your enemy can get close enough to punch you in the face, what good will a sword do then?
Cory watched with cold eyes as he cleaned his sword. Oh ho. Trying to use a scare tactic on her? A useless attempt, I assure you. It isn’t a sword that she fears. Anything other then bare fists can easily be avoided if studied well. Plus, who in their right mind would decorate their sword so heavily? All it does is throw off the balance of the hilt…Or perhaps the sword contains all his life’s wealth? If that’s the case, why doesn’t he sell the rubies? Do it right, and her could have a nice cottage by the water if her wishes.
“So, what’s your story?”
Cory clicked her tongue and returned her fiery gaze back to the fire. She stood in silence for a few moments before finally replying:
“I don’t talk about my past. A past is someone’s own secret, it holds their weak points for enemies to grasp. If one can learn about the future by reading the past, what makes you think that I would reveal such personal information to you?” Cory then crossed her arms as she contained herself from going on a rant.
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Felix
New Member
Upper Class
When day turns to night darkness turns to light.
Posts: 16
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Post by Felix on Aug 16, 2008 14:38:43 GMT -5
Felix watched the girl for a moment, feeling rather amused. "And what, daresay, makes you think that I'm an enemy?" Felix didn't wait for a relply. "If I were an enemy, then why didn't I lob off your head a moment ago? Why would I tell you my true name if I were an enemy of yours? I am nearly certain that you're no enemy of mine, though you come across as a bit defensive." I don't trust this girl one bit. Remwick lowered his head, keeping his gaze on the girl. She means us no harm, I know it. Felix replied Why would a simple boy know better than a horse? She'll be trouble, I know it. Felix watched Remwick for a moment. The stallion had his eyes fixed on the girl. "Look," Felix finally said, turning back toward the stranger, "We're both in hiding, so we might as well work together. My sword shall stay sheathed and my bow unstrung." My sword shall stay sheathed and my bow unstrung... Where had Felix heard that before? Most certainly from his father. Either way, the girl seemed to be listening. "What do you say?" Felix asked, a smile flashing across his face.
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Cory McQuiggin
New Member
Commoner
I go wherever the [gold] tells me to
Posts: 25
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Post by Cory McQuiggin on Aug 17, 2008 21:11:41 GMT -5
Cory stared with an unblinking eye as Felix went on a hero rant. It seemed that everyone who’s not bent on throwing her into a cell went on one of these. Why they go on about not harming her and being allies, she’ll never know. It had no effect on the mountain girl. She could care less about one’s intentions if it meant that no harm was to come her way. Even though the boy’s speech was one of heroics, Cory’s skin buzzed with awareness as the donkey’s eyes bore into her very being. Perhaps she was worrying about the wrong soul? All this time, Cory was concerning herself with being weary about this Felix, but perhaps it was the donkey that deserved her attention. Judging by the way its nostrils flared, she assumed that she wasn’t on its good list. Well then, that just means that she’ll have to sleep with one eye open…
“Just because you can’t follow through with a strike and let your name slip off your tongue, doesn’t mean that you’re an ally.” Cory stated bluntly, her face void of any emotion, “It just means that you’re stupid.”
Waving a hand above the fire, Cory focused on pulling air away from the flames that were determined to lick her fingers. It wasn’t too long until the fire had diminished into nothing but glowing coals. The warm reds, yellows, and oranges danced contently in the shadows of rotten pillars. Even underneath the shabby roof of the barn, rain still thundered relentlessly. It was a mysterious felling; being surrounded by calm while chaos roared outside the walls.
“If we’re going to share this refuge, you’ll have to tie up that horse of yours.” Cory stated, walking over to where Felix and the donkey stood. The attempt to walk closer seemed like a trusting gesture, but really, Cory was checking out the competition. “He’s been glaring at me with a passion.”
Cory stood only a few feet away from the horse, but she was on high alert. She knew that animals were as equal as a threat as humans. It would only take one small spark to send this horse kicking to kingdom come. Might as well get it over with now rather then at the break of dawn.
“Of course, donkey’s aren’t known for their kind temper.” Cory snorted, glaring directly at the animal. She didn’t pause for a reaction. “Sure, you may claim yourself to be higher, but right now, I don’t see the difference.”
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Felix
New Member
Upper Class
When day turns to night darkness turns to light.
Posts: 16
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Post by Felix on Aug 18, 2008 8:57:35 GMT -5
Felix crossed his arms and glared at the girl. "Once again, Remwick is not a donkey. War horse is the preferred term." She said nothing. Felix slipped a halter on Remwick's nose. Why do I have to wear this, like a dumb horse? Remwick asked, raising his head. Because, the girl knows that you don't like her. Of course, you were giving her an evil look the whole time. Felix tied the lead rope to a beam in the barn. Rewick snorted in distaste. "Is that satisfactory?" Felix asked, a note of sarcasm creeping into his voice. The girl said nothing. Felix sighed and collapsed in a pile of straw. He put his gaze on the girl. Felix knew that staring made most people uneasy. But not the girl. She couldn't seem to care less about Felix's staring. Finally, he gave up. After all, who needed an ally when they were on the run? Before he closed his eyes, he had one last thing to say. "My father is the Duke of Devilon." Felix said, "And I'm on the run. I don't know how much more I can say to make you trust me. Turn me in if you'd like, there's a fair price on my head." Stupid boy. Remwick growled. It doesn't matter, Rem. I don't know where to go any more. Who cares if I'm caught at this point?
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Cory McQuiggin
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Commoner
I go wherever the [gold] tells me to
Posts: 25
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Post by Cory McQuiggin on Aug 18, 2008 11:52:33 GMT -5
Good. One threat settled for the moment…but that doesn’t mean that Cory won’t sleep lightly for the night. He was a warhorse, no doubt he’s seen his fair share of battles. Cory wouldn’t put it past the animal to untie the knot in the middle of the night. He was probably trained to do so at a young age. Oh, well. That meant that she was sleeping up in the rafters tonight.
"My father is the Duke of Devilon. And I'm on the run. I don't know how much more I can say to make you trust me. Turn me in if you'd like, there's a fair price on my head."
“Listen lad,” Cory sighed placing her hands on her hips, “I come from the mountains. For years, my family has watched you folk run your society. Truth be told, you ranks are silly and foolish. They are only based on money and blood. In truth, you are no different from a common beggar. I wouldn’t turn in a beggar, so why would I turn in a son of a duke?”
During her small speech, Cory found a sturdy timber that laid across the rafters. It was large enough for Cory and strong enough that it could bear her weight. Giving herself a small boost, Cory bounded up one of the walls and kicked off of it in order to grab the beam. With little effort, she swung herself on top of it and heaved a small sigh of success. Let’s see that horse try to get up here!
“Plus, when you’re always moving like I am, dukes and lords hold no importance to you.” Cory added, spreading out for a good night’s sleep.
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Felix
New Member
Upper Class
When day turns to night darkness turns to light.
Posts: 16
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Post by Felix on Aug 19, 2008 15:26:30 GMT -5
“I come from the mountains. For years, my family has watched you folk run your society. Truth be told, you ranks are silly and foolish. They are only based on money and blood. In truth, you are no different from a common beggar. I wouldn’t turn in a beggar, so why would I turn in a son of a duke?”
Felix watched as she climbed up into the rafters. "Well, I suppose that I can thank you for not turning me in." Felix looked at Remwick, who was pulling apart the knot with his teeth. Go on boy, say what you were going to say. Felix looked back at the girl. "I've always been different." He began softly, "My father, he wants his money and power. I don't want any of that." Felix shook his head. "To be perfectly honest, I would steal food from the manor to feed the beggers. I would sit outside and eat with them, almost every night. And that always made me happy, for whatever reason. You're the first person I've met who doesn't care about rank. And that makes me happy too." Felix lay down in the pile of straw, pulling a blanket from his pack. He kept his back to her, watching the still dying coals in the fire. I suppose that's why you've always liked us horses. Remwick had uneasily untied the knot and sauntered over to lay next to Felix. What? We don't care much for rank either. I don't care if you're noble or a begger. You're a good person. Trust me, horses know best who has goodness in their heart and who doesn't. Thanks, Rem. Felix turned toward Remwick and wrapped his arms around the horse's neck. Remwick set his head on the straw. Felix breathed in the smell of horses, happy to know that the horses had no rank.
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Cory McQuiggin
New Member
Commoner
I go wherever the [gold] tells me to
Posts: 25
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Post by Cory McQuiggin on Aug 20, 2008 0:32:49 GMT -5
"I've always been different." He began softly, "My father, he wants his money and power. I don't want any of that." Felix shook his head. "To be perfectly honest, I would steal food from the manor to feed the beggars. I would sit outside and eat with them, almost every night. And that always made me happy, for whatever reason. You're the first person I've met who doesn't care about rank. And that makes me happy too."
With her back facing the ground towards them, Cory did her best not to roll her eyes. Oh, just peachy. She’s bunking with the Robin Hood of Falhid. Although every particle of her body wanted to make a sarcastic remarks about it, she bit her tongue. True, she found such acts a bit tacky, but they were good deeds. Teasing someone for it? It wasn’t a very honourable thing to do. All it did was discourage the kind soul from every reaching out again, and that is a fate Cory would prefer to avoid at all costs. But, like stated before, she didn’t believe in small acts that could change the world. If Felix were truly concerned, he would take out the head player: The duke. He looked after the town, thus he should take care of them fairly. Once he succeeded in that, he can slowly move up the chain and challenge the king. Yes, that’s what one should do.
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The unfamiliar sound of restful sleepers was her signal. This was as far as her ‘companionship’ went. She gave them shelter and food, and even left a few words of wisdom here and there. Cory was a lone wolf, and this unexpected pack didn’t let her sleep safely. Thus, once making sure that the two were truly in deep slumber, Cory silently climbed down the post and grabbed her things. Thanks to her magic, her feet never touched the ground, making her nothing but a breeze that lost it’s way in the barn.
With her large bag slung over her shoulder, she departed. Out into the cobblestone streets, she headed for the forest at an amazing speed. The trail was well-worn, but yet, Cory yielded more towards the trees that lined the track. You could never know about traveling the way that was walked many times. There was danger about, you can never be too car-
SNAP!
A wooshing sound whipped by Cory’s face, scooping up her legs from underneath her. She cursed her fate; she was caught in a trap. Judging by the looks of it, it was an old one. There was a magic-draining crystal tied to it and the ropes were as thick as metal. She hasn’t seen such traps since thievery was common at shrines. Looking around, she spotted the tiny shrine underneath her. Damn. She can’t get out of this one.
Getting herself comfortable, Cory prepared herself for a long night. She’ll have to wait until someone comes along to free her…Until then, she’s a sitting duck for hungry predators.
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Felix
New Member
Upper Class
When day turns to night darkness turns to light.
Posts: 16
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Post by Felix on Aug 20, 2008 1:31:26 GMT -5
Felix awoke early the next morning. "Where'd she go?" He asked sleepily. Well, maybe she left. I don't think that the gal liked horses. Felix got to his feet. "We'd better go see if we can find her." If you want my opinion, I don't think that's the best of ideas. "But it's my idea, so we're going with it." Felix said, waiting for the horse to give in. If we must. The horse said with a distasteful snort. Felix and Remwick quietly exited with barn. Remwick's large hooves made soft clops on the cobblestone. "Where to go from here..." Felix mumbled. There was no need for the question. From the woods, there was a large snapping noise. Felix grabbed Remwick by the withers and swung himself on. Let's go. Felix urged. Toward the sound? It's never a good idea to run toward the sound. Felix clapped his legs against Remwick's sides and the horse sprung forward at a full gallop, toward the woods. Felix slid from the horse's side as they reached the forest. Stay here. He told Remwick. I was planning on it. Felix drew his sword out and kept it in front of him. Though it was dawning, the forest was still as dark as night. Felix wasn't far into the forest before he found what he was looking for. Up in the trees there was a giant net- and trapped inside of it was the girl. Felix couldn't help but grin. "Don't worry, I'll help you out of this." He called up. He saw the girl roll her eyes. He sheathed his sword and climbed up the tree holding the trap. Immediately, he saw the rope that was anchoring the trap to the tree. Felix took out his sword and worked away at the old piece of rope. It was much tougher than he had expected. With one last swipe of the sword, the rope broke in two and the trap fell to the ground. Felix suddenly realized that the fall must have been fairly painful. "Sorry!" He called down sheepishly.
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Cory McQuiggin
New Member
Commoner
I go wherever the [gold] tells me to
Posts: 25
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Post by Cory McQuiggin on Aug 21, 2008 22:23:41 GMT -5
Cory’s drowsy state soon vanished away as she heard the sounds of hooves in the distance. It couldn’t be…? Cory focused her energy into picking out the defiant sounds of a man and his horse. Damn, it is! The guards are arriving! Feeling herself go into a panic, Cory tried her best in her frantic state to set herself free. She tried anything from gnawing on the rope to swinging the net itself. Anything would be more dignified then getting caught by the guards. Oh, if word were passed to the Lord’s guard, he would never let her live it down. Why, he would probably even line the roads with such nets in order to catch her. She didn’t exactly leave off with the right foot with him on her last departure. She was currently trying to break the knot holding the net up by staring at it defiantly. Maybe she had some secret power that she hadn’t uncovered yet? However, when she spotted Felix was her saviour, Cory couldn’t help but roll her eyes. Great, saved by Mr. Robin Hood. Alas, where are his merry men to sing in delight of such a rescue? Hmph. His ‘valiant’ steed is probably hiding in the bushes, just waiting for a chance to trample on her face.
Breaking out of her small internal rant, Cory realized what Felix was doing until it was too late.
“No! Wai-“
BAM!!
Sprawled on the hard ground, Cory gave a moan. Not only did the layer of sharp rocks meet her with enthusiasm, the shrine kindly decided to break her fall. Yep. She’s going to feel this in the morning.
“YOU IDIOT!!” She roared, rolling on the ground. “You did that on purpose! I bet your stupid donkey told you to do that, too!”
By, now Cory was trying to inch away from Felix. The rope still smothered her, but she didn’t care. All that mattered to her was to get away for this human hazard as quickly as possible. If she spent only one more minute with him, she’ll probably suffer from whiplash or a concussion.
That’s it. Life officially hates her.
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Felix
New Member
Upper Class
When day turns to night darkness turns to light.
Posts: 16
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Post by Felix on Aug 22, 2008 15:18:22 GMT -5
Felix couldn't help but grin. "No, the donkey would have rather left you for dead." He couldn't help but laugh. "Could you make your escape any more obvious? I can see you trying to move away. You may want to get that net off of yourself first." Rewick wandered over to the girl, lifting the net off of her with his teeth. I'm not expecting any thanks. The horse snorted. Snot blew over the girl's face with the snort. "Have fun on your many adventures." Felix said, "Because you certainly won't want to travel with an idiot and donkey." Felix laughed with ease and returned to Remwick's side.
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