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Post by ethan on Aug 18, 2008 0:30:54 GMT -5
It had been a long day. Ethan could feel all his joints and muscles ache from the day's labor. His master sure liked to work him hard. Ethan wondered if his master secretly wanted to see Ethan fail because he was man and he was trying to do 'dwarves work.' Bah! Only a man could know how armor felt and fit on a man. It was true that dwarves were the best at the forge being born of the Earth but dwarves were built differently than man. It was nature's rule, not Ethan's. So why did his master take his frustration out on his one and only apprentice? Ethan sighed as he found a rock to rest on. The sun was quickly setting and it would be the perfect time to take a wash in the stream. Let the river rinse all his aches and pains away.
Ethan unfastened the small dagger that was hanging around his waist. He had no idea how to use it, it was mostly for show. His father had given it to him shortly before he died but had neglected to show him how to use it. Not that Ethan wanted to use it anyway. If he was going to learn how to fight, he would want to learn the ways of magic. Not weapons. But he doubted anything like that would ever happen to him. Not during the rule of High King Peter. King Peter and King Edmund made sure that the countryside was peaceful. And that it was. Ethan set the dagger down on the ground and pulled off his boots. He took off his shirt and felt the breeze on his naked chest. He listened to the water rushing against the shore and said, "This is going to feel so good."
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Post by Allen Gorobel on Aug 18, 2008 10:04:49 GMT -5
Allen smiled to himself after finding a small river, maybe a stream, the current wasn't that strong, made a good place for fishing. It was getting a bit late too, so why not stay the night there? He dropped his bag under a tree and started to unpack, a string with a hook, a small old bag, and a piece of crystal, maybe a piece from a couple of lenses, it didn't matter, worked well to light a fire, even with little sunlight. He closed his eyes for a moment and went to pick some firewood. He didn't have to go too far, trees were abundant, so he climbed one that seemed pretty old, a bit dry, unsheathed his old sabre and started to chop some branches, as big as his sword and strengh allowed. He stayed there for a while, he didn't feel like getting up in the middle of the night to get more wood.
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Post by ethan on Aug 18, 2008 23:12:02 GMT -5
Ethan had often visited this spot. It was a nice clearing a mile or so outside the city limits. Ethan would sometimes spend hours and hours just basking in the warmth of the sun or wading in the cool water. That was before he became an apprentice blacksmith. Now all his days were spent in that hot little building his master liked to think of as a shop. Narnia was at peace with its neighbors so there wasn't real need of weapons but the shop still had loyal customers. It made the work slow but steady at least. Ethan looked up at the orange sky and sighed. What kind of life was he going to have? Wasting his time being a blacksmith. In a time of peace to boot.
Ethan was about to take off his trousers and slip into the water when he heard a branch snap. Looking around he saw a fox in a nearby tree. One might think it odd that a fox was standing on its hind legs and using a sword to cut firewood, but in Narnia talking beasts were a daily sight. "Hello Mr. Fox, you startled me. I thought I was alone." The fox seemed to be very busy cutting wood, presumably for a fire. Although Ethan didn't think the fox would bother him in the slightest, Ethan was suddenly very self-conscious and didn't want to bathe with the fox there. Foxes were often known as tricksters and Ethan did not want to vulnerable until he was aware of the foxes intention. He eyed his father's dagger out of the corner of his eye. "A lovely evening, isn't it?" he asked the fox.
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Post by Corqian Solavel on Aug 19, 2008 0:15:52 GMT -5
The trail was growing warmer by the day, their tracks showed their deep foot prints and short strides, their pattern of movement had slowed, they were becoming tired. Corqian placed his hand down onto the smashed grass, a heavy indentation of a boot print showed a crude makings of a shoe. As Corqian moved his hand around the edges of the foot print small amounts of mud stuck to his hand, he slowly rubbed his fingers together and stood back up. Their may have been 10 of them, large and brutal, though they never traveled this far west. Corqian knew they were orcs. Their trail was sure enough of that, they left behind a path of savagery and mauling that would make a man puke, animals sprawled out and gutted open, a gruesome site. He had been tracking them for a week now, it was strange, orcs normally don’t travel this far from their base camp, and Corqian figured the orcs must be becoming desperate, needed more supplies, they maybe were searching for new hunting grounds. Though their true goal was ransacking small towns and villagers for anything of value or resource, Corqian knew he couldn’t let them hunt down poor villagers, he had to catch up with them.
He had steadily been gaining ground and with them growing tired each day, their was no doubt he would reach them. His gave went to the western sky, the sun was only at mid day, he hoped he reach them before night fall. Thrusting himself forward Corqian kept a constant heavy pace, ensuring his maximum speed while still being able to travel long distances. He popped through the trees and meadows, dashing passed lake beds and ravines, keeping his eyes on the trail ahead. Rounding a corner of a hill his sight caught a glimpse of a dust trail kicking up in the horizon, as the sun fell in the western sky, the orcs trail showed on the east. They were close, only an hour ahead, they were heading down to a near by river that cut through the valley. Corqian cocked his feet and jumped into a full sprint. Hopefully he would reach them before they reached the river, or more important before they reached anyone else.
Sliding down the hill, and dropping down into the open meadow their was little tree cover and Corqian knew they would have little cover to hide. Just as he had made his way into a small shrub covered section an orc came out into the clearing and spotted him, giving out a blood burning roar it hurled its spear at Corqian. The spear flew straight and true, it would have pierced his chest and killed him, but quickly drawing his two blades, Corqian brought one out and slapped the spear away, impaling deep into the ground near him. Another roar came forth from the orc and it charged as it drew its large axe, crude and barbaric the orc sprinted towards Corqian. Corqian did the same; this battle would be determined by the man who landed the first blow, and only blow. Corqian knew the other orcs were on their way and would soon be on top of him, nothing like blood thirsty orcs on the charge he though.
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Post by Allen Gorobel on Aug 19, 2008 13:22:40 GMT -5
After getting enough wood, Allen broke a thiner branch to use as rod and sheathed his sword. He looked back "Mr.Fox? Please don't call me like that, makes me feel old." He smiled and jumped off the tree a bit gracefully and bowed slightly, just a bit. "Allen, Al, Bell any of those work." He sat down for a moment to pick as many branches as he could and walked to where he left his things, not very far, he could still see the man. Then repeated that as many times as needed until there wasn't any more wood on the ground. "Lovely indeed. Warm, clear and good enough to fish." He was in good mood and would probably stay like that for a while. He sat down again under a tree, and started to work on the rod.
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Post by ethan on Aug 20, 2008 2:04:22 GMT -5
Ethan watched the fox as he jumped down from the tree. He returned the fox's slight bow and introduced himself. "Very pleased to meet you, Allen. I am known as Ethan, which is a good thing, because that is my name." Ethan watched as Allen began to collect the wood that he had just cut down from the tree. Allen was either not bothered by Ethan or he was going to ignore Ethan. That is how it felt. A slight breeze blew and a shiver ran down Ethan's back. This brought him back into his own world. He must look pretty foolish to the fox. Standing barefoot and with no shirt. Ethan really wanted to take a dip in the river before all the light of day disappeared but it felt weird with Allen there. Ethan realised that what made him feel self-conscious was not the fact that he was half naked in front of a stranger but that the stranger seemed not to take any notice of him.
Ethan walked across the wild grass toward the edge of the stream. He stuck his foot in and let the cool water wash over it. He looked over his shoulder at the working fox. Allen seemed to be entranced by his own work and didn't pay the slightest attention to Ethan. "Blast it!" Ethan removed his trousers and entered the cool water. It felt so good after a long day. He submerged himself. Sometimes he hoped that while under water he would see a water nymph and they would fall madly in love. Then Ethan could live with her and her kin and never have to go back to that shop ever again. But there was no water nymph this time. His head broke the surface of the water and he gasped for air. The first thing he did was look to see where the fox was. Sure enough, Allen was still where Ethan had last seen him. Ethan was just being overly cautious. The fox obviously had no ill will toward Ethan. Ethan sighed and lay back in the water. He didn't want to leave.
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Post by Corqian Solavel on Aug 20, 2008 22:12:54 GMT -5
The two came together and in one quick moment it was over, like a snap of a whip or the strike of a lightning bolt Corqian’s scimitar dug deep into the orcs chest. Corqian had ducked low at the last moment, causing the orcs axe to swing over his head. The orc gave a bellowing cry as his side opened up, only moments later did the orc collapse on to its knees and fall dead to the ground, prone out on the meadow floor his last dyeing breath left him. Croqian knew it was “better him, then me”
He didn’t have much time to catch his breath before the other nine orcs came into the clearing. The sight of their comrade sprawled across the ground made their blood boil, with a single battle roar the orc leader pointed to the elf, commanding his minions into battle. In the open meadow Corqian would have to fight then all at once, proving difficult but not impossible. Corqian charged into the forest outlining the river, ducking and dodging through the trees he quickly lost the orcs. Over looking from the trees, Corqian watched the orcs scatter and search for him. As he observed them, he quickly constructed a strategy on how to defeat them; his best bet was to drive them into a confined area where numbers were useless. Though their was no areas around like that, except the river, he could use it to his advantage.
Corqian watched as one of the orcs began to walk towards the river, just as he made his way into the clearing Corqian struck the first blow. Jumping from the trees he spun through the air and slammed into the back of the orc with a hard kick, sending him flying into the water. Before the orc could pull himself up, the sharp scimitars stuck into his back. Corqian turned about facing the woods, just as a did another orc came out. Corqian raised his sword to block the first strike. The orcs bastard sword struck hard against his, Corqian took this moment to spin his blade around and leave the orc open to attack, with one fell swing he sliced open the orc. Watching as it fell before him, just as it was replaced by another.
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Post by Allen Gorobel on Aug 21, 2008 5:53:47 GMT -5
Allen looked at him as he introduced himself then nodded "Pleased as well. I am in very good mood and feel like talking with someone. nice timing." he then went back to his work so Ethan would be more comfortable. Ethan's urge to jump into the water was so great he could notice that easily. "And you can go on with what you were doing, I don't really mind if you swim." He thought for a moment and sighed a bit at himself. "If you want to be left alone, let me know before I make some fire, would be a bit hard to move a fire." he smiled to himself at his silly comment as he finished the rod. He was not bothered in any way by Ethan's presence and wasn't also very interested in bothering him with pranks or tricks.
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Post by ethan on Aug 22, 2008 13:19:25 GMT -5
Ethan listened to Allen and smiled. This talking beast seemed to be a good natured creature. At least while he was in a good mood. "No, no. You don't have to move. You have as much right to be here in this glade as I do. I can't ask you to move because I am feeling a little self-conscious. I'll get over it." The water felt so good against his skin. The rushing current cleaned away the dirt and grit that had weaseled itself into his pores. There was nothing better than a relaxing dip in the river after a long hard day at the shop. Ethan complained about the work and his master but the truth was he was learning new things everyday and that is what him happy. Ethan loved knowledge. He planted his feet at the bottom of the river and looked at Allen. "Hey Allen, did you hear the rumour that orcs have been spotted around here?"
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Post by Corqian Solavel on Aug 23, 2008 0:02:16 GMT -5
The orc swung his arm back and forth swing his flail wildly back and forth as he charged Corqian. The brute screamed as he brought his flail behind his back and threw it down on the elf. Jumping out of the way Corqian flipped then spun about facing the Orc, his flail chipping at the rocky edge of the river. Growling and snarling at his prey the orc spun his weapon about and attempted to strike once again at the elf. But Corqian was too quick, as the flail spun about ready to strike his head. Corqian dodged about moving himself under his enemy as he struck at him, the enemies flail struck the nearest tree sticking, and a fatal mistake that would cost the orc his life. Corqian took no chances spinning about from his dodge he used the momentum to slice the neck of the orcs; the blood shot out form its wound. Gurgling screams came from the wound, grasping the wounded neck as he bleed out before he fell over.
Corqian looked back at the river bank, his eyes fixed on two orcs charging towards him. Their weapons drawn out and held high above their heads, screaming they came at him with full force. Corqian readied himself; setting his footing his body took its stance. His blades moved around his body in a decorative style, spinning about as he danced forward, exotic and unknown fighting style, ancient ways form long days passed. Corqian met both of them at the edge of an old stump long fallen over and laid between them.
Jumping on the log to gain higher ground he quickly met both their great swords, swinging away the orcs tried to land a blow against him, but his blades kept moving in. taking them off guard they watched as time and time again his blades moved in at impossible angles, parrying each attach and gaining footing Corqian found and open and took it. Jumping down between the to orcs, Corqian spun his body about, spinning and kicking up rocks and dirt the orcs cried out as one after another strike landed upon their bodies. When Corqian stopped their bodies hadn’t even hit the ground.
Corqian charged back into the tree line out lining the river, his eyes wondering through trying to find the other four orcs. He quickly heard their cries ahead of him, charging forward a crossbow flew passed him, nearly striking his shoulder. The orc quickly tried to reload his crossbow but wasn’t quick enough to match Corqians quick strides. Corqian closed the distance and fell the first blow kicking him. The round house kick landed upon the orcs face, he stumbled back through the trees and into the river. As Corqian came out of the tree line he saw the sight of a young boy swimming and a fox making a fire. They were practically right on him.
“Orcs!”
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Post by Allen Gorobel on Aug 23, 2008 10:18:17 GMT -5
Reposted: Allen put the rod down and picked the piece of glass trying to magnify the little amount of sunlight on some dry leaves he just picked. "Other than hearing stories about them I didn't hear any rumor... why you ask?" He kept trying to make a fire for a bit until some smoke emerged and he started to blow on the leaves softly until there was a flame and placed them under a small pile of branches. Fire seemed alright and he picked the rod, stuck a little bit of bread on the hook and casted. ((I forgot the right order of posts, Sorry)) ---- Allen was surprised by the shout, he looked at the source of it and dropped his rod. He stood on all his 4 paws and watched the situation, working quickly on some sort of combat tactic. he ran out of sight, into some tall grass to stay unnoticed.
Allen watched until he saw some orcs and ran quickly, closing in, always staying in tall grass and trying not to make much noise. Anyways, the orcs made a lot of noise themselves with cries, growls and all. When close enough Allen jumped out of the grass at an orc. Allen searched his back for his sword then pulled it out quickly, aiming an attack at the orc's neck, after the blow he landed on tall grass again and moved quickly out of that spot.
((Corqian, please control the orcs, you do that better than me, say if I managed to hit them, or if not too, please))
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Post by ethan on Aug 25, 2008 17:11:53 GMT -5
"Just trying to make small talk I guess," Ethan responded to Allen. He obviously wasn't doing a good job. Allen's response told Ethan that he didn't really care to entertain the thought and Ethan let it drop. He drew in a big gulp of air and plunged his head in the cool water. Sometimes he would like to stay underwater just to see how long he could stay there. Also, if he started to suffocate and a nymph saved him he was that much closer to making his dream come true. Ethan opened his eyes and looked around. In the fading light, one could not see too far and the shadows near the shore made it impossible to see. But in the middle of the river where Ethan was, the water was clear enough and the light strong enough to see well enough. Ethan saw a trout swim by him. Ethan knew by the size that it was not a talking beast. He waved at the trout and waved his arms in front of him warning the fish to turn back or else Allen would catch him. Ethan laughed in his head. This dumb fish probably had no idea what Ethan was doing.
It was then that he heard it. A loud noise of some sort. Whatever it was the trout heard it too and swam off. Ethan breached the surface the water and gasped for new air. He quickly looked around and could see no sign of Allen. Suddenly Ethan saw why Allen had disappeared. Orcs. Wonderful... thought Ethan. Where is the High King when you need him? Ethan knew that he could not take on an orc, not when he had no shirt or trousers on! Ethan kept his head low in the water trying not to make too much noise but there was little chance of the orcs hearing him. They were making so much noise that it was hard to think that they could hear anything else. They seemed to be searching for something and Ethan wondered what it was. He eyes glanced over to the rock where his clothes and dagger waited. Hopefully the orcs would not notice the heap. Just then Ethan saw Allen fly out of nowhere toward an orc but a tree blocked Ethan's view from seeing what happened next. He hoped Allen was all right. Ethan sighed under his breath. All he wanted was relaxing time in the river!
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Post by Corqian Solavel on Aug 26, 2008 20:04:09 GMT -5
Not loosing any momentum, Corqian spun about, flipping his blades over he sunk the two scimitars deep into the orcs gut. Blood spit from its mouth as it tried gasp for breath its wounds too much for it, the orcs hand grasped the air squeezing hard at an unknown being then all was quiet as it died. Corqian spun about watching as the small fox jumped into the thick brush of the meadow, the young boy lowered his head in the water hoping not to be seen.
The fox hid deep under the grass, unknown t its enemy as the orc came about, moving through the grass to attack Corqian the fox jumped out, swing his blade out the fox landed on its neck and shoulder cutting a deep gash. The orc turned around, holding his mace in one hand, his neck and shoulder in the other. Swinging wildly in the bushes hoping to hit the fox he screamed and yelled at his attacker, all the while his neck and shoulder continued to bleed out.
Corqian attention quickly turned back to the orc coming out of the tree line, wrapping its hands around its chest, the orc ripped off a long chain like strap, snapping it back and forth Corqian could tell the orc was using a rare exotic weapon known as the spiked chain. Spinning it back and forth the orc slashed back and forth from a range, using the chain as a whip, a nunchuk, and a flail. The weapon was versatile, preventing Corqian from getting in close; the orc was also very skilled at it, showing he was proficient with its methods.
Corqian slowly tried to whittle down the orcs defenses with several attacks to throw the orc off balance but it had no use, however the orc also had a difficult time with Corqain’s defense, both his swords moved on their own, switching between defenses to offense in one singular motion. He wouldn’t let the orc piece his guard.
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Post by Allen Gorobel on Aug 27, 2008 12:25:35 GMT -5
Allen was already out of the place he landed so he avoided the mace. He held his breath for a moment to stay silent and thought for a bit. Then looked around for a rock, little log or anything, finding a punch sized stone, good enough.
He stayed there, waiting for the orc to look away for a little bit, when that time arrived, he threw the stone toward another tall grass spot, hoping to make enough noise and that the orc decided to deal a blow there with it's mace. Allen moved slowly and silently after the stone was thrown and waited until the orc attacked the place the stone was thrown.
He ran quickly toward the orc as it swinged it's mace and slashed at it's right ankle, and dashed quickly out of it's reach, standing on hind legs and ready to fight in case the orc could still fight.
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Post by ethan on Sept 3, 2008 14:33:11 GMT -5
So far so good. The orcs did not notice him hiding in the water. From his position, Ethan could see pretty much all the action. Another figure had appeared on the scene. It looked like a man but there was something different about this man. The way that he moved and just his aura was somehow ethereal. Could he... could he be an elf? That was impossible. Elves were gone from Narnia. They were a myth. Weren't they? The only elves that Ethan had ever heard of were from legends of far off places and made up creatures called 'hobbits.' Hobbits were similar to dwarves in stature but not as brave or as useful. What could an elf be doing here? There were always whispers that elves lived in the Western Wild but that was always thought of a child's tale.
Come to think of it, what were orcs doing here? An orc sighting was more common than an elf sighting but only slightly. This was very strange. Narnia was a magical land but right now it seemed like someone had switched Narnia for another world. Hopefully things would return to normal shortly. Ethan stayed low in the water and watched the battle unfold before him.
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