Damsel in Distress }{ Hero or Bad Guy?

[skuggflamma]

[glow=GREEN,2,300]ANIRA MORELA[/glow]

Spring was in the air. Sky was blue and no cloud was ever in sight. Some early springflowers had defeated the cold and hard earth. Birds were singing a ballad of spring. A beautiful day, a perfect day for Anira to loose herself to daydreams. But the Peace of the forest was to an end. Anira was a fair maiden, a rare beauty - a delight for ones eyes. Her red hair shined in the sun, her green eyes glimmer of joy. Trolls, they allways had an eye for pretty things... Prehaps he didn't ment to hurt her, but she's felt small in his big and strong hands.

A womans rightened and high-pitched scream echoed trough the forest. The troll made a grimace of dislike. "Why did she have to scream so loud? Be quiet!" He shakes her. "Quiet!" Anira felt fear flow trough her body. Was he going to take her to his lair and never to let her go? No! she chouldn't let that happen. Anira tries to break away. She starts twisting and turning her body. Tries to bend loose his nasty fingers grip of her.

PLEASE! HELP ME! SOMEONE! HELP! she cried with despair.

[Talwyn]

((OOC: it seemed open to anyone, but if it wasn't I apologize and this post can be ignored.))

Tal was quietly walking through the forest, still sulking about the latest rumor he had followed turning to indeed be nothing more than a rumor. He had decided to go back to Tamasha, as in a big city like that, there would be plenty of rumors flying around. Still... he hated big cities, mostly because he had to constantly be on guard. Thanks to the way he looked, he easily frightened people. As he heard a woman scream, he quickened his pace while putting on his cowl to hide his face.

When he caught up with Anira and her troll captor, he grinned. Now this was interesting! Grabbing his sword, he dashed for the troll and slashed at the arm that was holding Anira, cutting her free of the beasts powerful hold. Grabbing the woman he dove to the ground with her to dodge the beasts counter attack.

Quickly getting up again, he slowly circled around the troll in an attempt to confuse it while baiting it to attack him. When the expected attack came, he easily dodged it while slashing the troll across the chest. As he turned around to face the beast again, he held out his left arm and started an incantation. "Efreet, source of all fire. Light which burns beyond crimson, let thy flames gather in my hand and scorch those who oppose me..."
Energy gathered in front of his hand and as he finished the incantation, it ignited into a ball of flames which was immediately fired at the troll, instantly burning it to a crisp.

He sheathed his sword again, and started to check the ground thoroughly, while absentmindedly asking Anira if she was alright. It appeared he found what he was looking for, as he suddenly said "Ah" in a satisfied manner. Turning around to face Anira he pointed in the direction the tracks he just found went. "It's lair seems to be over there. I can take you home if you wish, but I have to check out the lair first."

And then it happened, a sudden gust of wind blew his cowl back, revealing his face. His eyes widened and he braced himself for the expected reaction of the girl while cursing his own carelessness.

[skuggflamma]

((OOC: Why yes... it's open to all! So everyone is welcome to join *hint* ))

[glow=green,2,300]Anira Morela[/glow]

OH! A sigh of relief.

So, there he was... her savior! Knight in not-so-shining amour, but still. A savior. Lucky for her he was a skilled swordsman. Perhaps it was just a Chance... or... anyhow, she was lucky today. Anira had given up the hope of being rescued. She gasped for air, but then the grip loosen and the veins sprays dark blood all over her. The beast cries in pain. But a pair of strong safe arms caught her. While on safe ground, she sneaks away from battle. Crawling to safety... behind a old oak. She tries to wipe the blood of her face and clothes, while she can't take her eyes of the fight. The blood burned in her pulse. If she could do that she would never again be in distress and rely on strangers benevolence. And not also he could handle a sword, he also was a warlock... wizard... mage... or what they now called themselves. But still, he'd magical powers.

He had already scared the hell out of showing off his magical powers. He didn't need to show his face, really... She was already frighten. She got up on her feet, didn't know for sure were she should lay her eyes on. The troll ashes or him. She kept shifting one's gaze.

Oh... I am fine.. really.. Thank you... eh... for... saving me...

Her tongue tripped over the words. Green eyes staring at his face. Curiosity took over, a fascination for ... he was not anything like the other men in the town. He was a fae! Her heart started to beat with delight. Fear seemed far away suddenly. She walks up to her savior and... she couldn't resist putting a hand on his cheek, just to feel if he was real ... and of course how that skin felt. Didn't care to much about that he was talking about exploring a lair.
What are you...? she whisper.

[Talwyn]

When she touched his cheek, he backed up and suddenly it seemed like he was the frightened one. This wasn't the reaction he had been expecting, not even in the slightest. Most people feared him simply because of the way he looked, though just looking at the shape instead of the rocks and stone one could actually see that when he was a pure human he had been handsome.

"Ever heard the saying 'Be careful what you wish for'? Well, that describes me just fine."
He sighed and turned around. Now that she had seen his face he didn't bother trying to keep it hidden as he motioned her to follow him to the trolls lair.

It was closer then he expected, and he signaled her to be quiet as he grabbed his sword and silently crept further, peeking inside to see if there were more trolls. Noticing none, he sheathed the blade once more and after a quick signal to show her it was safe he went inside.

The troll had quite some treasure and Tal was quickly analyzing it all. He grabbed a handful of gems which he placed in his pouch. That'd solve his money problems for the time being. Going through a few more things he suddenly noticed a sword.

He grabbed it and releasing it from the scabbard he tested the balance. "Hmmm... seems like a fine blade, but not entirely to my tastes." He mumbled as he placed it on the ground and continued his search.

When he was done, he sat down disappointed. He always checked troll lairs when he found one, as they were known to collect pretty things. And every so often, there would be magical items amongst the treasure. And every single time he hoped to come across one that could change him back to a human being. He knew the chances were almost non-existent, but still he couldn't help but feel disappointed every time.

Grabbing some jerky from a pouch he tossed a piece to Anira while he bit of a piece from the strip he kept for himself. "So... do you need help getting home? Or would you rather not be in the company of a freak like me."

[skuggflamma]

[glow=green,2,300]Anira Morela[/glow]

"... huh? " She was quiet for a moment, with her confusion written all over her face.
"So... you were not born like this? You're not a fae? What are you then?"
She followed him, close behind. Staring at the back of his head. Talking, even if he'd proven not to be any fond of talking, perhaps not so fond of talking about himself. Anira still had no problem to ask and talk about him.
"What happened to you?"

She looked around the lair. She turn up her nose at the smell inside the lair.
"Smells like old ale." She mumble and started to look around. Didn't take anything, even if she knew the troll was dead... the stories told not to take the gold from a troll.
She looked at the sword that he put away. Is he not going to claim it for himself?! Couldn't understand why he didn't wanted the blade. It was a fine sword, but she was no warrior... Slowly she bent down and grabbed it.
"Can... I have it then?" What would she do with it, she was no champion of valor, just a young woman - one of the wenches at the "The Striped Cat" tavern. She didn't need a sword. A fine-looking-woman had no place in a battle.
"...for my brother.." she filled in, not wanting him to laugh at her like the others did.

Anira catches the jerky he throws at her. In exchange he gets a smile that would have made other men green with envy.
"It would mean a lot it you would like to escort me back. Thank you." She said with a smooth voice. She took a bite of the jerky.

"Some men looks like princes but they are nothing else than scums. You've been nothing but kind to me. Let me return the favor, you saved me... I will do the same for you someday." She walks over to him and reached him her hand. To greet him proper.
"My name is Anira. May I ask for yours?"

[Talwyn]

He laughed when she asked if he was a fae. Not to ridicule her, but a laugh showing he was amused. "Hah, thats rich. Most think of me as a demon. I was born a human. As for what happened... I wished for power and strength, and a crazy wizard decided to grant my wish."

When she asked about the sword, he gave a friendly smile. "Take whatever you wish. The troll won't be using it any longer and while the blade is good, I prefer my own though. That one is too light for my tastes, though I think its just perfect for you."

It didn't sound like he was teasing her, nor did he seem to think it strange or humorous. He wasn't the type to make fun of others.

He blushed slightly when she smiled. Not only was she pretty, he wasn't used to people, let alone a girl as pretty as Anira, being so friendly to him. It even caused him to open a bit which he didn't do often. He shook her hand, and with a friendly smile he introduced himself. "My name is Talwyn Greyoak. And it would be my pleasure to escort you home."

As he got up he left the cave and turned towards Anira. "So, where to?"

[skuggflamma]

[glow=green,2,300]Anira Morela[/glow]

So that man was cursed... And she shaked his hand. Was that good or bad? He have had an hunger for power and strength, that was what had made him like that. Was he diffrent know? Or just pissed that he didn't had the looks? Nothing was as black and white as Anira wished for. She would be kind to him as long he was kind to her. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” as her mother allwasy said. Anira grabed the sword and followed him out.

"I need to wash up... I can not go home all covered in trollblood. Then they would start wondering... I really don't need any more trubble." She grined and started walking.
"I know theres a river here... somewere... She catch sight of the river, grabs his hand and pointed to the streaming water.
"Over there!"

She lead him to the river, holding his hand like if he was a big brother.. or something else. Not caring if someone would see them. Really, who could see her now? The wild animals, and they would gossip to who...? The trees? No, she didn't had to worry.

"May I borrow your... cape, please?" She blushed. Well.. she needed not only to wash herself, but also her clothes. And sitting naked in the company a man, even if he was cursed... made her self-conscious.

[Talwyn]

He untied his cape and handed it to her. With a slight blush he pointed towards a nearby apple tree. "I'll wait over there... call me when your done." He walked to the tree, and looked over the apples until he found one that seemed to be ripe. Placing his hand on the ground, he muttered a short incantation and pulled a stone dagger out of the ground which he threw at the apple he had spotted, and catched it as it fell down. Taking a bite he nodded with a satisfied look, the apple was indeed ripe, while heading to the other side of the tree to give Anira the privacy she needed.

As he sat down and enjoyed his apple he was contemplating what he should do next. Of course, like he promised, he'd have to escort her home first but then what? He had thought about heading to Tamasha to check if there were any promising rumors, but if at all possible he wished to avoid a busy place like that... he just stood out to much. With a sigh, he thew away the insides and grabbed his canteen to drink a bit.

"Say... where do you live?" He called out to her, as much as to make some conversation as to know where they'd be going.

[skuggflamma]

[glow=green,2,300]Anira Morela[/glow]

"Good. Don't dare to peek.." Anira turned her back on him and walked down to the water. She stripped her clothes and she lower her body in to the cold river waters. Anira bit her tongue not to whine. But she started to scrub her body free from blood. And next she grabbed her clothes and washed them to.

"My father own a brewery in Tamasha. We live there.."
It never occurred to her that he maybe didn't like going in to cities crowded with all kinds of people. She liked him, why wouldn't the others not? When she could not see any bloodstains on her dress, she climbs up on the shore again. Anira squeeze the water out of her hair before she wraps herself in his cape. It felt warm. And smelled nice... cosy! Anira wring out the dress before she hang the dress on a branch so it could dry. She walks over to him and the apple tree, she sits down besides him. Keeping the cape closed, for now.

"You're not from around here, right? Were are you from, Tal?"

[Talwyn]

Well... that settles that. Guess I'll be heading to Tamasha after all... Oh well.

He blushed heavily as she sat down next to him. He so wasn't used to people, let alone a girl of Anira's beauty, being so close to him. He was slightly surprised she could speak to him so casually though. Again, he wasn't used to that. He was used to being regarded with suspicion and fear, as he only had about two or three people he considered to be a friend. Warming up to the idea he might have found another friend, he answered the question, but while he didn't speak in a cold or unfriendly tone, his tone did imply he preferred to drop the subject of his past.

"Well, I was born in a small village near Tamasha actually... but I have been traveling for years now. So... what where you doing in the forest without a weapon? As you noticed, it can be quite dangerous."

[skuggflamma]

[glow=green,2,300]Anira Morela[/glow]

"I can handle myself. See... I just had to scream and I found someone to fight my battle for me."
All she really had to do, really, was to turn on her charms, and she would perhaps make it even without sword. She leans toward him and a challenging grin on her face.
"It worked on you..." if perhaps he had some feeling in that skin of his, he could feel her warm breath against his neck while she spoke to him. Her voice was low, but soft. And the moment lasted not long at all, a heart beat or two. She gave him a soft kiss on his rough cheek. With a smile she leaned back again, resting her back against the tree trunk.

"But I'm glad you saved me... yuk.. can't image being stuck in that stinking lair..."

[Talwyn]

"Touché." He wanted to say more about her joke but then she leaned towards him and he froze. And while his skin was covered in stone and rocks, he still could feel with it so he did indeed feel her warm breath. If he had been blushing at that point, when she actually gave him a little kiss on the cheek, his face turned into a tomato.

He regained his composure somewhat as she said she was glad he rescued her. "Well...er... I'm happy to have been of service? As for the lair... you should try goblin lairs once, they're much, MUCH worse."
That last bit was a feeble attempt at humor in an even more feeble attempt to completely regain his composure.

[cordana]

Some peace and quiet. How long ago was it that Cordana had a good days rest? She was trying to remember the last time she got relax while sitting under a tree, with her legs crossed. Her sword was laying in her lap. Altough Cordana wanted to relax it didn't meant that she would really get some rest. Most things tended to happen when she was resting. Slowly her claw-like fingers glided across the scabbard of her sword. Even when resting Cordana couldn't allow it to let down her guard.

Just when the dark elf thought that this was quite enjoyable she sensed something. When looking at the magic tendrils, that were only for her to see, that floated trough the air she could see someone close by used magic. Cordana turned her head towards the direction the disturbance came from. A few miles further she could see three silhouettes. She noticed that one of them was on fire and, depicting from the shape, it was a troll. The smallest was a human girl but the last one was a bit weird. The glow had the shape of a human but it had a demonic aura.

Frowning deeply Cordana stood up with her sword in her hand. With a sigh she tied her scabbard to her back and with great agility she jumped up, onto the upper branches of the forest. Because it was her sacred duty Cordana had to investigate. And with great speed she moved between the branches, while using her tail for balance. After a few minutes she arrived not far from her targets. The two of them were sitting under a tree. The girl was waiting for her cloths to dry and was conversating with the man with the demon aura.

Greatly intrigued by the man she kept her focus on him, forgetting about placing her feet in the correct place. Suddenly she leaned on a branch that couldn't carry her which snapped of. With her great reflexes however Cordana wrapped her tail around a thicker branch and prevented that she would make a nasty fall but the branch still fell down, not far from the man and the girl. Cursing herself under her breath Cordana watched how the two below would react.

[skuggflamma]

[glow=GREEN,2,300]ANIRA MORELA[/glow]

The monstrous Tal didn't had anything to worry about. Really, a human girl and a cursed man? No, she'd no plans of falling for a cursed man. But she would love a new friend, new stories. And she loved making men embarrassed, they always was thingyy, but still... they had a soft spot for women. Anira smile at him when he told her about goblin lairs.

"Have you b...?!"

Words died then branches started to break and down fell a... another creature. Anira sprung to her feet, screamed in terror and hided herself behind the apple tree. Mother told me not to go into the forest... now I know why! It seemed like she still was in need for a knight in shining amour... The monsters kept falling down on her. But still, she was a curious girl and a pair of green eyes peeked on the elf.

[Talwyn]

Tals reaction was even faster then Anira's. He was up on his feet, with his sword drawn and ready to fight before Anira had even started to get up. It hadn't even been a conscious move. This was purely reflexes honed due to years of being on guard all the time. Placing himself in such a position that whoever was coming would have to get past him before being able to get to Anira he managed a quick glance her way with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, I promised to see you home safely and I will."

Turning his full attention to the newcomer, his eyes narrowed. Was this person a demon, or just unfortunate like himself? "Who, or what, are you and what is your business with us?"
His voice was full of determination, and without fear.