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Post by longstevo on Apr 26, 2006 18:24:10 GMT -5
"Very well. And you may call me Sirion, for it is my name!" the ale was starting to take it's course through the ranger's system, and he was feeling quite loopy.
Jacqueline smiled at the drunk ranger before he said to her, "Well, I take my leave. If you wish to join the party, please, feel free," Sirion raised his drink into the air before stumbling back through the gates of the town, leaving her to her thoughts.
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Post by Swords on Apr 26, 2006 22:48:54 GMT -5
Ian stepped onto the port of Carsus, still a little sea-disoriented. A cold winter rain was falling upon the moonlit streets of the city, making for an especially beautiful sight for those few coming and going from the port. Ian had no time for nice sights, however, for he had to meet his contact. It was easier than he had thought, for there was a man standing a few yards away with two horse. The noble smiled and gave him a slight wave. The man was wearing black leather armor, almost as if he was preparing for battle. Ian slowly approached, his trust ever dwindling for the man. Duranar waved back, and began to approach.
Ian lunged forward with his short claws, burying them deep into the man's neck. He spotted him unsheathing a sword tied behind his waist, so he attacked at the most opportune moment. The man struggled with his blade, for Ian's grip was stronger than it appeared and his chest was beginning to throb with pain. Before he could hear the full scrap of his sword exiting the sheath, however, he was on the ground in a pool of his own blood. Ian, breathing heavily, didn't even notice the horrified passers-by staring at the spectacle.
One of the commoners yelled, "Murderer!"
Ian cursed inwardly and said, "It was no murder, he attacked me first!"
Still, the growing crowd of people would not listen, and guards began to approach him. The Valleri hopped on the horse and kicked its haunches, prompting it to speed off. Unfortunately, the horse broke into a dull and awkward kind of walk, drawing raucous laughter from the commonfolk. Ian growled and kicked even harder, almost to the point where his feet hurt. Slowly, but surely, the steed broke into a full on run.
That night he stayed within the shadows of the dense woods near the town.The guards would most likely follow him, not because of the kill itself, but because of the manner. He would deal with them, he decided, but they would have to catch up, for he would not break his course for a few local guards.
Ian put on his long robe, his cowl, and his gloves. So long as the sun did not touch his skin, the enchanted weavings of these garments, given to each member of the Valleri family, would keep him protected from the midday sun.
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Post by Swords on Apr 27, 2006 23:31:42 GMT -5
"See anything?"
"No, it's pitch dark out here. Where was he last spotted?"
"I think I saw him when we were near Silvenwater. I wonder where he's headed."
"Wherever it is, it's best that we not let him get-"
"What? Joen, are you there?"
The guard drew his sword, his nerves tensing. Not only was the eerie blackness of the Nightmarshes getting to him, but the fact that they were most likely dealing with a vampire was, to say the least, unnerving.
"Joen? Joen!?" he called out, yet he knew his friend was dead.
He cursed, it was bloody dark, that was all he could think of. So dark, in fact, that he did not see the figure creeping up behind him. He did not see the blade being leveled above his head, nor did he feel the cold steel plunging through his chest. He simply made a hacking sound and went limp, just as Ian wanted. Not bothering to clean his blade, the noble sheathed it, satisfied with his kill.
The blasted guards had been chasing him for days now, and he had to make a special detour to these Nightmarshes in order to throw them off. All five sentries were dead now, though, and in a convenient location. Any patrol would be hard pressed to find corpses within the murky fields, even less so when they were sucked under the muck. Though Ian despised trudging through the filth, he deemed it necessary to continue his mission.
If it weren't for that damned vampire hunter, Ian though, I'd have been able to travel to North Gate and back by now. He'd be able to make his destination by the next morning, if he was fast of foot (he'd abandoned his horse earlier). He was not sure in what manner he would gather information on this Sirion, but he'd do it one way or the other. After all, how much trouble could a pack of rangers be?
As he was leaving, Ian's thirst for blood began to stir within him, and he wished he'd saved one of the guards for a drink...
~ ~ ~
Ian stepped through large gates into the cold and snowy town of North Gate. The snows had fallen heavily this year, to the point where the frigid ice was halfway to his knees. The cold did not bother his dead body, however, as vampires felt few bodily sensations. To appear sane, however, he wore a heavy cloak he had packed, along with thick boots.
It was now time for him to start asking around about these Pass Rangers. He decided a few hours back that he would join them and gather as much information as he could, sending a letter to Vincent every week or so. To waive any suspicion as to his mortality, he would wear his sun-resistant leather armor, which he also cleverly packed. Along with the normal clothes given to Valleri family, they were also given apparel for other occasions. The special thing about the armor, however, was that it would not wear down in the sun, as the normal garments would.
With his plan ready in his head, he was off to begin his infiltration of the Pass Rangers.
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Post by longstevo on Apr 28, 2006 19:57:37 GMT -5
A few days passed, and with the passing moons brought heavy snowfall. The winter, which the people of North Gate had thought to be on it’s way out, came roaring back, letting the people know who was in charge around here. The knee deep snow was not enough to close the pass, however, and Captain Aska decided to begin the journey home.
But, at Leokas’ request, the good captain agreed to leave behind a small garrison of knights in case more bandits decided to try and cause trouble in the region. And Jacqueline was assigned in charge for this group of men. She kept to herself most of the time, but she did spend a lot of time with her men, keeping up training, making sure they were in fighting condition.
Sirion leaned back in the wooden chair at Gromly’s tavern. The fire roared in the fireplace, and the ranger took comfort in it’s warmth. Putting his hands behind his head, he nodded off for a bit. He thought about the four other rangers that consisted of the Pass Rangers. They had been conducting a patrol near Szaran when a complaint came by rider about a group of trolls causing trouble. The absent party consisted of: Droverson, a large, barbarian-like man who’s favored blade was a two handed claymore; Marben Songsteel, a quick footed ranger with two short swords on his belt; Petven, a quiet, but incredibly lethal soldier who could use a bow like a bard uses a harp; and finally Elhorn, who seemed more mage than ranger, was adept at magical forces, but when fighting melee, was more than a force to be reckoned with.
The group was due back any day now, and Sirion would be glad to have the Pass Rangers back to full strength. But now, he stood up and walked to Gromly, the owner of the tavern. The short dwarf wasn’t fond of the underground mining like his brethren, so he moved and opened a tavern. He was well liked by the populace, and his good natured side was very popular with the children.
“Here ‘ye be, Grom,” said Sirion as he slapped three gold pieces on the table.
“Aye, aye. Come again, as I’m the only gig in town!” the old dwarf began to laugh hysterically at his own joke, and Sirion just smiled and walked out…
…and bumped into someone he’d never seen before. “Excuse me, sir,” said Sirion immediately, and a cold shiver went down his spine when he saw the man that bumped into him. He did not look out of the ordinary, only pale, but something was not right. A sense of discomfort wrapped itself around the ranger.
“Very sorry,” said the stranger.
Hesitating a moment, Sirion finally gathered enough courage to speak to the man. For some reason, the stranger utterly terrified him. He did not know why. “I’ve never seen you before. Are you traveling through?”
“Yes,” replied the stranger, “I’m Ian Valleri of Samora, pleased to make your aquaintence,”
Sirion reached out a grasped the man’s hand, and it took all the self control he could muster to not yank his hand back, for the skin on Ian’s hand was as cold as the snow he was standing in. “Sirion Sunrunner, of the Pass Rangers, at your service…”
*Alright swords, take it from here*
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Post by Swords on Apr 29, 2006 17:57:27 GMT -5
Sirion Sunrunner! This was the man he was looking for... what luck!
"The Pass Rangers, eh? In my little time here, I've heard quiet a lot of talk about them. In fact, they are the reason I've come to North Gate." said Ian.
"Is that so?" replied the ranger.
"Very much so. Would you like to sit down and hear me out? It will only take a minute, though I won't mind if you decline, I understand you might have somewhere to be."
"Ah... alright, let's sit down. Would you like some ale?" said Sirion, though he did not enjoy it.
"No thank you, I've already had my fill today."
The two found a table and made themselves comfortable. When Sirion was given his mug, he asked for Ian to begin. Looking straight into the ranger's eyes, he told him of his reason for making the arduous trek to the snowy city. He told him that he wanted to try out for the Pass Rangers, making a few jokes here and there throughout his made up tale, just to warm him up.
The ranger ran a hand through his hair, "Well, we are short on a few recruits. Are you handy with the blade or bow?"
"I've had a few years of training in the former, though in the latter I've done little, regrettably."
"Hmm... alright then, I'll set you up with an initiation trial. Meet me here in a few hours, I'll have something for you."
~ ~ ~
Ian did as he was told and came back around three hours later. Sure enough, the ranger was sitting at a table with a map in front of him. The Valleri sidled up next to him, ready for whatever Sirion could deal him.
Sirion simply said, "You will come with me to find a lost boy."
"Alright then, what are the details?"
"This child was last seen at a pond near his home. His mother let him explore the perimeter a day ago, and she hasn't seen him since. Now, we know there to be a population of direl dwelling in a cave nearby. They've never brought harm to the family, but we fear this boy may have wandered into their domain. Are you up for it?" reported Sirion, pointing at various points on the map as he explained the situation.
"I am. First, however, what are direl?"
"They're these nasty creatures that usually dwell near swamps, though any body of water will suit them fine. They're a cross between a leech and a bear, a dangerous combination. Luckily they're mainly passive to humans, for they only need to eat monthly, but they have been known to make a rare attack now and then."
"Sounds most perilous, let us head out as soon as possible." said Ian with a wink.
As Ian left the tavern with Sirion, he almost scowled. He could smell distrust in the man's blood, though he felt it starting to dwindle, as it did with everyone. From Sirion's perspective, he was confused. There was something about this man, the way he spoke, the way he looked straight into his eyes... he seemed like a quality person, though he wasn't ready to give in yet. That initial burst of uneasiness still lingered within his heart.
Ian would have to be considerably careful if he was to succeed.
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Post by Latronis on Apr 30, 2006 4:04:05 GMT -5
The Lady Jacqueline had been reclusive long enough, spending all her time since the captain left with her men or alone in prayer. It was certainly no way to deal with the situation, she was afterall an ambassador for her homeland and her god and if she was going to be staying for awhile it would do no good to remain standoffish with the locals and especially the pass rangers, especially if they had to fight together.
No it was time for to start establlishing some form of working relationship with the Northgate Rangers. Feeling better then she had since arriving she left to find ranger who had made an effort to talk to her at the Banquet, Sirion.
Checking her blade was loose in its scabbard she went searching for the ranger.
An hour had passed and still she hadn't found him though she had learnt of Sirion's friendship with the dwarven tavern owner which is where she found herself now.
'Aye lass he been around, though he's gone off looking for a missing young'un'
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Post by longstevo on May 1, 2006 17:12:39 GMT -5
Sirion had went and spoke to Leokas regarding this ‘Ian’ who mysteriously showed up asking for a position within their ranks. Much to Sirion’s surprise, the half elf was reasonably optimistic about the offer. Not displaying the general disdain for newcomers that had been characteristic of the Northgate Rangers, Leokas whole-heartedly agreed to give the foreigner a shot. He stated reasons, including that more people had moved into the region, and their incidents had increased with the population. Eight rangers didn’t seem like enough to go around. Leokas had been considering looking for a good woodsman in the near future.
Leading Ian around the stables, he pointed out a horse he could use. Saddling up their respective steeds, they did not talk much. And in ten minutes or so, both men were sitting atop their mounts trotting outside of the town gates. The sun was about six hours from dipping behind the horizon. The family farm was a short fifteen-minute ride away. Kicking his horse into high gear, the Sirion’s black steed leapt away. But Ian was soon to catch up. Sirion noted that he was a good horseman.
Ian proved his horseman ship throughout the entire ride to the farmhouse as he navigated several obstacles including fallen trees and collapsed snowbanks. The two ranger horses were used to the deep snow, and did not succumb to the elements as a normal horse would.
The two passed the farmhouse and slowed to a trot. They would not stop by the house because the entire family was at North Gate reporting their mission son. Sirion led Ian to the pond to look for any clues as to what might have happened.
“Well, this is where the boy was supposed to be,” muttered Sirion. He glanced at Ian, and watched him leap from his horse and land as if he were a cat jumping down from a shelf. The man has incredible agility. Putting his mistrust aside for a moment, Sirion was beginning to like what this man brought to the table. Slowly dismounting himself, Sirion peered into the dark forest and saw whom he expected to see.
Hiding in the shadows, invisible except to only a fellow ranger’s eye, lurked Fruamros and Panaan. During his visit to the office, Sirion requested the two brothers to follow along and keep an eye on Ian, in case he tried to do something against Sirion. They agreed, and now watched every move the two made. Sirion smiled on the inside. Ian walked around the small pond’s shoreline, oblivious to the two rangers in the forest.
As Ian was studying the scene, Sirion asked him, “Well, what do you suggest?”
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Post by Swords on May 2, 2006 23:02:27 GMT -5
Ian studied the cave's mouth, checking for any of these 'direls' as Sirion named them. It was ironic, really, a blood drinker out to slay other blood drinkers, it brought a smile to his face. By now the sun had set, making it difficult to spot anything too far away. Sirion cleared his throat to snap Ian back into reality, and Ian only responded with a shrug. "I can't see any immediate danger, so we might as well head in... though we should do so cautiously." Sirion nodded and led the way, sneaking, so as to avoid any confrontation that may be lurking within the dark mouth of the cavern. Fruamros and Panaan edged closer themselves, though would not venture too deep into the cavern, so as not to raise suspicion. On they crept, seeing no signs of life, nary a flutter of a shadow. Ian tensed as they passed a small dip in the cave's surface. He could smell blood now, there was a direl near. Similarly, Sirion could feel a presence near, a kind of natural ranger instinct, gained from years of being in the wilderness. Both their feelings were confirmed when they heard a muffled hiss. Sirion recognized it as the 'growl' of a direl. He drew his sword and adjusted his footing, readying himself for battle. Ian drew his own blade as well. "Now, I'm going to light a torch, I saved them for the occasion that we need to fight. Get ready, for these beasts are no pushover..." In the next second, the cave was alight. Sirion had to squint at the sudden burst of brightness, but his eyes adjusted quickly. As expected, the direl glanced at the two with its two small jet black eyes, a spine chilling hiss escaping its mouth. Ian drew his own blade quickly, joining Sirion, who was already entering the fray. Sirion dropped the torch, so the light would stay fixed at one point. Just as the battle was beginning, the form of a woman clad in armor entered the battle as well... *That's your cue, Lat. *
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Post by Latronis on May 3, 2006 15:37:01 GMT -5
The old dwarf gave Jacqueline the impression he knew everything that went on in the town, indeed only taking the time to grab her warhorse form where her knights kept the mounts stabled she found herself arriving at the cave surprisingly swiftly. Leave the horse to graze a fair distance from the mouth she took the time only to scratch his ear before she entered the home of the Direl.
She had hoped to catch upto the ranger before he arrived, even though she knew it not likely but was surprised none-the-less to arrive just in time to witness the ranger (and an attractive stranger the dwarf failed to mention) draw blades and attack a beast straight out of a nightmare. The large creature must've been a direl, she had heard of the them before they occassionally caused troubles in remote farms a few days east of her home city of Essenmoor but she had never seen the beasts before.
She really had no idea on how one would fight such a thing but she understood all to clearly not to get to close to those wicked looking jaws.
Staying well clear of the two already fighting as to avoid injury she stepped around the ranger staying out of the small radius of the badly flickering torch on the ground to the Direl's side hoping that with its atttention on the others it might expose somethign she would recognise as a vital spot.
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Post by Swords on May 6, 2006 5:15:19 GMT -5
Ian paced around the direl, making carefully measured steps. None of the three combatants had actually made any moves, but he was constantly on guard. All of a sudden, the direl lunged out, trying to maul Sirion, but his ranger reflexes dodged it easily enough. In response to the failed attempt, Ian thrust his sword at the creature. Success! The cold metal pierced the direl's wet and slimy flesh, issuing an ear-deafening cry of pain.
The beast was not down for the count yet, however, as it unleashed a series of furious strikes and lunges upon Ian, but to no avail. The mysterious man almost seemed to have disappeared! An image of him appeared, however, when he drove his blade down into the beast's neck. Again the sword cut through, giving the combatants the harsh reminder that this was real. Almost as soon as Ian was atop the beast, however, the beast had thrown him crashing to the ground. The foul direl turned to two remaining in the fray, and hissed.
Lady Jacqueline let out a cry of battle, and rushed into the direl sword-first. Raising the sword above her head, she called out to her patron god (goddess?) and brought it hurtling down. This creature must have had terrible reflexes, for the sword was lodged into its head with little effort. The direl simply stopped moving, rather than letting out a cry, and went limp. Breathing heavily, Jacqueline detached her blade from the creature's skull, wiped as much blood as she could onto the back of the beast. She turned to see Sirion and the attractive man approaching her.
Sirion turned to Ian, "How did you do that, that disappearing trick?"
"I... I don't know." was the best answer he could come up with. In truth, he really didn't know.
"Well, anyways, Lady Jacqueline, this is Ian Valleri."
*Alright then, go ahead Lat. By the way, the part where she yells o her god, I didn't know whether it was a god or goddess and which one it was. If you want, make one up and I'll edit this post.*
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Post by longstevo on May 6, 2006 19:27:17 GMT -5
Sirion absent-mindedly kicked at the dead direl. He was a little disturbed at Ian’s ‘disappearing act.’ There was more to this man than met the eye. He could stand to be a powerful ally and companion, or a deadly foe. Sirion just did not know which side of the fence Ian sat on. The ranger vowed to stay on his toes.
Jacqueline retrieved the still burning torch and lifted it as high as her arm would reach. The flame stretched into the dark cavern only a little way. Sirion had been in the cave before, “This passageway has been a nest for a family of direl once before,” he started down the tunnel with the other two close behind, “…I just hope that…”
The ranger’s words trailed off as the trio suddenly reached the end of the passage. Sirion’s worst fears had been recognized. There, on the floor, lay three black squirming masses that made up three young direl. If that were all they had found, he would have rejoiced. But laying just a short distance away lay a young child’s shoe. The paladin thrust her torch closer, as if to be sure of the horror she was witnessing. Sirion noted that Ian showed almost no emotion to the travesty that lay before them.
Laying on the other side of the direl nest, lay a torn and tattered shirt and a pair of pants. Sirion simply closed his eyes and tried to keep the anger at bay. He heard Jacqueline mutter a prayer for the dead boy and offer it up to her god. There was only one thing left to do.
Making his way over to the small direls, Sirion raised his sword and plunged it down three separate times, killing all three inhabitants of the nest. He turned to his companions and said, “Come. There is nothing more that can be done.”
On the way back to North Gate, the three traveled at a slow walk. No exuberance picked up their step this day, as if a heavy cloud hung over their head. Solemnly, Sirion explained that the direl was one of the only non mammal creatures in the area to create a nest and tend to their young, which included going out and hunting for them. Usually they captured rabbits and foxes. They’ve even been known to catch a deer. But on very rare and tragic instances, they’ve snagged children to feed to their young.
The gates of the town rose up to meet them, and tears welled up in Sirion’s eye as he noticed the boy’s family waiting just outside the gates for their return. Upon seeing Sirion’s troubled disposition and the lack of anything that looked like a bundled up child, the mother collapsed into her husband’s arms, weeping for her lost child. Sirion stopped to speak to the distraught parents as Ian and Jacqueline slowly continued into the town.
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Post by Swords on May 8, 2006 23:40:54 GMT -5
Ian and Jacqueline spoke not a word to each other whilst walking through the town. The events they had just experienced had been stressful (for Jacqueline, at least) and they did not wish to brood over it. Their time together ended with a simple "Goodbye." from Ian, along with a smile. She half-smiled back, not wanting to get into a long conversation with the mysterious man. He shrugged and let her on her way, and leaned against the building he was in front of.
Ian waited for Sirion at the tavern they had met at, guessing that to be the place the ranger would return to. While waiting, thoughts raced through his mind, bringing up new questions, some that even disturbed him. How and why did he disappear? Was this an effect of vampirism? No, it couldn't be. His father had been a vampire for more than one hundred years, and there was never any report of random powers other than the ones that were implied. He would have to look into this.
Sirion walked up to the tavern, followed by three other men, dressed in the same leathers as he. The crunch of ice under his boots slowed as he grew nearer to Ian, and he sighed.
"Come, let us go inside, we have much to discuss about your... membership."
Ian nodded and held the door open for Sirion's companions. The vampire saw a man behind Sirion smile and whisper something in the ranger's ear. The man was not laughing, so it was not a joke, it was a compliment, from what he could tell. Ian let out a little chuckle, and headed inside the tavern.
They five seated themselves at a table in the dimly lit corner of the place, where most private meetings were held. They ordered some drinks and got straight to business.
"Ian, allow me to introduce you to these men, who are also Pass Rangers."
"This is Fruamros, this is Panaan..." said the ranger, motioning to the two men to his left.
"... and this is Leokas" Ian noted that the man was part elf. He had never seen one of elven heritage, so he could not help but smile when he got a full glimpse of the man.
"Now... let us get to the business at hand."
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Post by Latronis on May 11, 2006 6:40:26 GMT -5
While Ian was with Sirion and the pass rangers, The paladin was back at the makeshift barracks her men were staying with thinking about the handsome stranger. And he was undeniably handsome. Something was not right about him however, she wasn't referring to his vanishing act during the battle either Illyana knew, the paladin's everlasting shame, she had pulled off stranger and darkers tricks in her own struggles. There was just something; off about him. She didn't notice it in the cave but on the long silent ride back to town she noticed he appeared unnaturally pale, at the time she put it down to the 'remains' of the child in the cave but now she wasn't so sure, thinking back the stranger didn't seem as shaken up by the events as she would have thought.
And then there was something about the way he fought. Sirion, much as was expected fought with an effeciency that lacked grace, skills tempered by combat and fighting beasts much like the direls. The paladin had fought with people from many backgrounds and his skills weren't gained from the military, not from combat nor even from something as simple as brawling in taverns. No what she recognised was training from experts, the type that don't come cheap and in her experience, only those of noble birth or from the wealthiest of merchant familes could afford. From what little of the man she had seen she was sure it was the former, strange considering he seemed to be here alone.
But this was doing no good, she had set out to establish a working relationship with the rangers and was now casting dark aspirations upon the man who had helped them rescue the missing child, it didn't turn out as was planned but she didn't doubt it could have gone very differently without the strangers presence, she didn't know anything about him, or where he was even from and she was doubting him, when she was the only one she knew couldn't be trusted.
She thought about seeing the dead boys mother but decided not to intrude on her grief, Jackie didn't particularly feel like dealing with such an emotional person at the moment, she'd visit the woman the next day. Instead it was time to see if the Rangers were ready to see her, and perhaps the handsome stranger if he was going to stick around.
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Post by longstevo on May 11, 2006 19:13:23 GMT -5
Sirion clasped his hands in front of him and rested them on the table in front of him. Leokas opened the discussion. Ian noted that his voice was very smooth and somewhat calming. The noble decided that it must be an elven quality.
“I’m afraid that I’ve not had the pleasure to make your acquaintance, my friend. I’m Leokas, the unofficial captain of the North Gate Rangers.” The half elf reached a hand across the table and stood. The Valleri, being a noble and very aware of customs and courtesies, did him one better. Standing, Ian clasped the half elf’s hand and bowed over the table, showing the utmost courtesy and respect to the ranger’s leader. Ian said, “Well met, my lord.”
Leokas laughed, as that level of respect was not shown very often around the rather informal North Gate. “Well met, well met. But please. Address me as if you would one of the other rangers, for we are all equal.”
“As you wish.”
“And this is Panaan, and Fruamros. They are brothers, and two of our better members in the organization.”
Ian showed the two brothers the same level of respect that he did Leokas. Taking their seats, Leokas spoke once more. “I’ve had the opportunity to discuss what we are to do with you. It seems, from what I’ve been told, that you wish to serve alongside us in our mission to render assistance to lost travelers, securing our borders, and other similar duties that go along with the title North Gate Pass Ranger?”
“Yes I am. I have heard tales of your heroic exploits all the way back in my home city. Stories of courage, valor and heroism are recited over dinners and told to children before bed. You are heroes in my city.” That was just a little white lie that Ian thought would help his chances a bit. In reality, the name Pass Rangers was known in Samora, but only as a small organization. No one really knew about them.
At that moment, Jacquline stepped through the door and scanned the room. Finding the rangers, she smiled when Sirion caught her eye and motioned her over. He said to her, “You’re an honorary member of us for the moment, m’lady. Come sit in.” She pulled up a chair and listened to the interview as it continued.
“Ah. Fascinating. I had no idea tales of us spread so far.”
Ian said, “Yes. The tales travel as far as the traveler goes.”
Leokas replied, “Indeed. Now, the reports about the unfortunate incident in the cave say you are quite the blade master and have no problems holding your own, yes?”
Ian went on to list off the styles of fighting he had learned over the years. Leokas continued. “Well, Ian, I cannot instate you as a full member of the Pass Rangers as of right now. But, you do have the opportunity to serve alongside us and increase your standings with our ranks. Once you have proven yourself through your actions and success’s, the rangers and I will convene and decide on what should be done about you. But from what I’ve heard, you will have no problem.” The elf smiled and asked, “Well? What say you?”
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Post by Swords on May 11, 2006 23:11:19 GMT -5
Ian flashed his flattering smile and said, "I would be honored to serve alongside the Pass Rangers. I thank you for your kindness."
Leokas smiled and said, "Well then, we'll be glad to have you. You'll be a Pass Ranger soon enough, so worry not."
"My thanks, if you don't mind, I must take my leave, for I am growing weary."
Sirion nodded, "You may take your leave. Get a good rest."
Ian bowed low and headed up to his room at the inn. In truth, he was leaving to scope out the rooms, so as to find the best spot to drink blood that eve. How he longed for the sweet fluid, it had been nearly five days since he'd fed, and it was beginning to have its effect on him. For when vampires do not drink, they begin to react more on impulse, sometimes biting the neck of people in plain view.
The Prince sat on his bed and sighed, he'd have to wait to break into the room of his choice. Either that or he'd charm his way into a woman's bed. The possibilities were nearly endless, with the powers of a vampire...
~ ~ ~
"Ah, you never fail to please me, Saria. Two nobles in one week? Astounding!"
"'Tis nothing but simply trickery of the human mind, my lord Vincent."
The vampire laughed and drank deeply from his wine glass of blood. A long spell of silence fell over the two, to the point where various noises from the outside could be heard. Eventually, Saria decided to bring up more pressing matters.
She said, "So, do you think the hunter took care of Ian?"
"Not a chance." replied Vincent.
"Eh? Why did you hire the man, then?"
"Merely to distress him, dear Saria. To distract him from the... conditions... that he has been afflicted with, though I am unsure if they have taken hold."
"So the Pass Rangers pose no threat?"
"Oh, they most assuredly do, which is why I sent him."
"I'm not following, my lord..."
Vincent sighed and twirled his dark red hair, "These effects of the curse are not merely flashy occurrences here or there, let us just say that they are much more... dire, for Ian and the Pass Rangers."
"Will he die?"
"Undoubtedly, it is just a matter of time before two of my problems are eradicated."
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