Okay, here’s how this is going to have to work. My brain is not functioning as quickly as I want it to function and it’s making me feel utterly – unhappy with myself. ::sigh:: So, here’s my proposal.
I go to posting the story on the top of the hour, with the poll.
On the half hour, I’ll post the results, as I have them, and give you a small idea of what I will be putting into the next portion of the story.
Sound okay? Go on, give me your best. Tell me I suck – whatever! (; I can take it.
The small trio makes for the ship. Nicholas had shown Lucian a more efficient way of getting out of the manor house. For right now, Lucian was hoping to get away from Tyradih without incident. He knew there was a slim chance they would actually get away with no one noticing. They had managed to get out of the manor house without being seen. Thanks to Nicholas. Lucian was uncertain what to think of this guard, helping him. It was unsettling to him. However, the seer would not have left without him. And Lucian was not certain why.
“This way.” Lucian leads the two into the small inlet where the ship had been anchored. He nods, finding the ship where he had left it. He moves to the small boat which had been pulled up on shore. “Come, we haven’t much time.” He nods to the boy in the boat. “The others are already back?” The boy nods. “Then, let us be quick about it.” Lucian helps Solstice into the boat, then looks to Nicholas. The man is looking around carefully, a frown on his features.
“We must hurry. The patrol will come near here shortly.” Nicholas moves to help Lucian shove the the boat into the water. Both men get into the boat. Lucian looks to Nicholas as the three men row the boat to the ship.
“Nicholas, is it not?” Lucian watches the other man nod. “I have to ask – why are you here?”
“That is rather rude of you, is it not? He has already helped you.” Solstice eyes Lucian, pushing her hair away from her face.
“He is a guard of my most hated enemy. You will pardon me if I am somewhat skeptical of his motives.” Lucian looks to Solstice, then back to Nicholas.
“I have my reasons, Lucian. Why are you stealing a woman?” Nicholas smirks a bit.
“I have no intentions of stealing her, no matter what my father wishes.” The young boy looks startled at Lucian’s words. Everyone on board the ship knew about what the King wished.
“I’m sorry?” This was a chorus from both Solstice and Nicholas.
“Just what I said. While my father wishes me to bring the lady Solstice to our home to aid our kingdom, I am afraid it would only be slavery to a different master. Thus, I will be letting the lady choose her destination. She is certainly welcome to come to my kingdom, but I am certain she has her own home.” Lucian turns his attention to the lines being tossed to the smaller boat.
“You do not say.” Nicholas is shocked. “I have to admit, I am surprised by your words. I had thought you were going to take advantage of her gift.”
“That is what my father wishes. However, I will not be party to caging someone. So, Lady Solstice, where is it we might take you?”
The three men move quickly, helping the half-elf onto the ship.
So, I was writing the next post and realized – my brain has shut down. This is not entirely not good. I’m hoping I can figure myself out. So, here’s a bit of back story for what you are reading.
Years and years ago, more years than I wish to think about, I was online in IRC and started playing a game with a friend. This was actually our first story we wrote together. Lucian and Solstice. I always really enjoyed that particular role play we worked out together. It was really fun for us and I thought it would be great fun to recreate it, knowing what I know now, meaning, the end of the story. When Jeanie and I started the story, we had no idea where it would go. And now, I know where its gone and I want to share.
I do enjoy when a good story can be shared with others. And – Jeanie has insisted I put this up on Deviant Art. What do you think?
We interrupt this lovely story for the following pimpage!
ImperfectChristian
Luka
Yoshi
Colin
Heather
Sheana
Big Brothathon 2007
$Eliza$
This interruption brought to you by a hurting back and an overheated body. OY! Back to the story with the next post, swear.
This was quite the debate, actually – should Lucian attack or distract! But, the majority said he would attack. As for our Nicholas, seems you all are sweet on him and want him to be a good guy. ::chuckles:: So – he wants a change! (=
Lucian nods to himself as the blond guard sends the second guard away. As soon as the guard vanishes, Lucian draws a small blade from his boot and moves from his hiding place. He is silent as he moves toward the guard, though it will be impossible to remain unobserved. He lunges forward, toward the blond guard.
Nicholas turns, startled, having caught a glimpse of someone out of the corner of his eye. He sees the blond man lunging toward him, blade drawn. He draws his own blade, growling. “I do not know what you are doing here, but you will regret it!” He meets Lucian, keeping Lucian’s blade from him.
“I am here for the seer you hold against her will, minion of my hated enemy!” Lucian struggles with the guard, pushing him back toward the door.
“The Lady Solstice? And what do you intend to do with her? Enslave her yourself?” Nicholas hisses faintly at him, shoving Lucian back.
“Like you? A menace and someone with no honor?” Lucian pushes again, shoving Nicholas against the door.
“Nicholas, I thought I – ” Solstice’s voice is heard as she opens the door. She blinks as the two men tumble into the room, taking her down with them. Blades fly out of hands as the three people get tangled with one another. After a moment of stunned silence, the group disentangles themselves, with Lucian and Nicholas squaring off once more.
“Be gone from here!” Nicholas is obviously not pleased to see Lucian. Lucian says nothing, just moves closer to Nicholas.
“Gentlemen, perhaps you might ask me what I want out of this?” Solstice smirks, looking amused. The two men look toward her. Lucian draws back, inhaling.
“My apologizes, my lady. What is it you do want?” Lucian keeps an eye on Nicholas, wondering to himself why the man has not called for the other guards.
“I wish to leave. If you are here to bring such a thing to pass, I will go without resistance.” Solstice has changed her clothing, once more in the simple attire, the gypsy attire.
“My lady, I am uncertain I can…” Nicholas begins.
“Nicholas, you said you were looking for a change. Here it is. Do you have the courage to seize change? Or will you let it pass you?” Solstice looks at Nicholas intently.
“My lady, what are you saying?” Lucian looks at her, puzzled.
“Merely, if Nicholas wishes to leave with us, he must be allowed to go with us.” Solstice looks to Lucian.
“I wish to go.” Nicholas nods to Solstice, stooping to pick up his blade. He puts it away.
Lucian looks at the both of them, stunned. They were looking at him expectantly.
