Hunted

[LilyCrow]

((Open to anyone. This could turn into anything from romance to gang-rape, just depends on how the replies are))


She could hear the horns far behind her, and the tremors of their horses hoofs. Mawae ran through the woods, her little bare feet making little noise on the soft foliage. She needed to get to the caves, they wouldn't be able to follow her up the mountain with their horses. There were no animals near her, not even birds. The horns and hoofbeats scared them all away. Even the trees were silent as they flashed by.

The Nymph made it to the stream, stopping for a moment to find her barrings and to see if she lost them. Every few months the stone castle would send these hunting parties, they took nymphs and faeries away, or even worse tortured them in the woods and left them broken. It was said to prove the strongest and smartest hunters, if they could catch a piece of the nature itself then the Duke rewards them with great riches and a place in his exclusive court. She knew that once taken the hunted never came back. The priestesses who came to visit them always warned to stay out of sight when the spring came. Mawae had been sleeping when they spotted her, she didn't think they would come to deep into the trees.

The slight being crouched down on her haunches and hugged her knees, trying to stay calm and listen. She couldn't let them get her. She was a daughter of the forests, her dark copper skin had streaks of dark green in certain spots, her eyes and hair were the same shade of green. She wore a small dress fashioned of leaves and flowers, woven together by silk. Mawae was a virgin, like all of her sisters

The horn again and shouts, they were closer than the thought Oh Forest Gods, Help me the nymph whispered under her breath, as she darted off into the trees.

 

[Church]

Damon pushed his horse faster through the forest, dodging trees and bushes as he hunted down the small girl. It was his first time out hunting, his father finally allowing the prince to leave the walls of the castle without an entire group of people following him. At the sight of movement in the bushes and went faster, the only sound disturbing the quiet was the breathing of the horse, it's feet hitting the ground and the occasional horn blowing, signifying the hunt was on.

He got down off of his horse when he had caught up to the woman, running after her a few more steps but she was obviously worn out and he caught her without much difficulty, pinning her to the ground and tying her hands together. Compared to the other hunters Damon was actually one of the kinder ones, it could be that he didn't yet know how he was supposed to treat them, or maybe he was just a kind person, either way he was probably much more gentle than she would have imagined.

He stood her up and almost apologized, shutting his mouth promptly and putting her of him as if to inspect her quality after putting a rope into her mouth and tying it around her head. The other men were congratulating him on his first catch, slapping him on the back and whistling at the scantily clothed girl. His mind automatically went into nurture mode, knowing that he would never let her get into some filthy old mans hands so that he might just have a fuck toy, no, she deserved love and he would have to give it to her whether she accepted it or not.

 

[AmaraNimeraTearZ]

Rose peeks out behind another tree as she watches the girl get carried off. She being to freak out wondering if she should run away or help. “I don’t wanna be Caught” she thought to her Self as she Quietly sneaks passed the men and the girl as she looks at them then turns her back as she walks away she steps on a stick as it break it makes a really loud cracking noise. Rose the quickly hides behind another tree hoping no one had heard it.

 

[Remec]

The middle-aged man wearing leather protection over what might have been cloth and suede vestments cocked his head and glanced over his shoulder towards the tree Rose was using. Another one? So close? I must have words with the priestesses and find out who has been slacking in warning the fey. He did nothing to indicate anything was out of the ordinary, and waved as the horses began bearing their riders back to the city and the palace beyond. "Best of luck, your Highness," Logan called behind to the prince. "I can come by tomorrow, if you need me, to help in sorting out the girl's care."

Logan hated having to have any role in this crazy Hunt that the rulers here had began so many generations ago. He only wished he'd had word of if sooner; too many innocent fairy girls had been used and abused and worse throughout the years before anyone had reached his druidic grove and told him what transpired here.

He began his usual task of picking up after the Hunt's camp gone--using spells to mold earth and regrow plants, dispersing what remained of fire circles, and setting free any woodland creatures that had been caught and sported with but not deemed good enough to take back. Once everyone was well out of both sight and hearing, he turned his attention back to the tree at the edge of the former campsite.

"You can come out now, you know," the druid called quietly. He straightened out his garments and brushed some leaves and debris from his beard and hair--both trimmed but managing to look at home in the forest, brindled grey and black with a hint of the auburn his mother had gave him. He also had her eyes, cold blue but with a spark of passion and concern in them that reduced the chill and made them that much more intense.

"Truly, you are safe, for now. My name is Logan. Perhaps you have heard of me?"

 

[AmaraNimeraTearZ]

Rose hears the man talking to her as she Slowly comes out and Looks at the man but remains silent as he speaks to her and Hides her eyes as she was not a Fairy. Rose Stays by a tree near the forest as her black dress glimises off the moonlight and just stares at the man with her harden and cold Icy Blue eyes that appear to be changing from green to blue as she watches the man.

 

[Remec]

Rose hears the man talking to her as she Slowly comes out and Looks at the man but remains silent as he speaks to her and Hides her eyes as she was not a Fairy. Rose Stays by a tree near the forest as her black dress glimises off the moonlight and just stares at the man with her harden and cold Icy Blue eyes that appear to be changing from green to blue as she watches the man.

No answer, but she came out. That's certainly promising, yes?

Logan took in the girl's appearance and tried to match it to any of the fey groups he knew to be in this forest presently. She didn't seem to fit in with any of them according to the information he had.

"You do not seem familiar to me. Are you new to this area?" He slowly stepped to his pack and picked it up. The druid held it in one hand by its straps and leaned to the side slightly to retrieve his staff from a crevice made by a tree root where he had planted it.

His eyes remained on the girl--her dress and body, mainly--warily watching in case she turned out to be someone or something that actually needed to be hunted. Should be three or four long paces between us, if I judge that rightly. Far enough to feel safe, but close enough to defend if need be.

 

[AmaraNimeraTearZ]

Rose looks at the man then looks down and Whispers "I am a Light Elf" as she looks at her hands but keep caution around the man. Rose stays close to the tree as looks up at the moon then back at the man.

Rose hears the man talking to her as she Slowly comes out and Looks at the man but remains silent as he speaks to her and Hides her eyes as she was not a Fairy. Rose Stays by a tree near the forest as her black dress glimises off the moonlight and just stares at the man with her harden and cold Icy Blue eyes that appear to be changing from green to blue as she watches the man.

No answer, but she came out. That's certainly promising, yes?

Logan took in the girl's appearance and tried to match it to any of the fey groups he knew to be in this forest presently. She didn't seem to fit in with any of them according to the information he had.

"You do not seem familiar to me. Are you new to this area?" He slowly stepped to his pack and picked it up. The druid held it in one hand by its straps and leaned to the side slightly to retrieve his staff from a crevice made by a tree root where he had planted it.

His eyes remained on the girl--her dress and body, mainly--warily watching in case she turned out to be someone or something that actually needed to be hunted. Should be three or four long paces between us, if I judge that rightly. Far enough to feel safe, but close enough to defend if need be.

 

[Remec]

Logan mulls over Rose's words and says, "A Light Elf, hmm? You may very well have done the right thing by hiding from the Prince and his Hunt. While you don't appear to possess the usual fairy qualities he looks for, you are probably unique enough around here to be considered viable prey." He took in her gear with a new scan of her body--to get a sense of how capable this Light Elf might be in defending herself.

"Are you passing through or have you moved into this part of the forest, well, and the kingdom?"

 

[AmaraNimeraTearZ]

Rose looks at the man and Shakes her then whispers "i am just wondering sir, four nights ago i kicked out of my village because they discovered that i am Part Dark elf but my light is dominate so that is my Normal form but when i get into combat thats when my dark elf blood reacts...and one of the leaders attacked me and i transformed in front of him and the next Day i was kicked out...So i am merely wondering and stopping if need be sir" as she Keeps her head down and Sighs abit then looks up at the man and asks "Sir Logan, Why Dose the prince Hunt for Fairies, What is the Point of it?" as Rose titls her head in Confusion.

 

[Remec]

With a smile, the druid corrected Rose gently, but without really interrupting her. "I'm no Sir," he said softly. When she finished her question, he gave a sigh and shook his head slightly. What to say? Even what I know is only half-truths and suppositions. He decided to be honest and too the point. "It is said that the Hunt was established quite a long time ago as a way to test the capabilities of the region's scouts and trackers. It was to seperate those who were incompetent from those who had skills, and the skilled from those who would become masters of their guilds, lodges, clans, what have you."

He closed with Rose a little bit to sit on a large fallen tree that had been used for a bench in the recently dispersed camp. With a small wave of his hand, Logan offered the elf maiden a seat near him. "Now? Now, I am afraid, the Hunt has become an excuse to allow the current Prince and his court of toadies free rein in exerting control of Nature by tracking down Her most innocent and beautiful aspect--nymphs, dryads, and fairies of all sorts--and subjecting them to slavery and imprisonment at the least; torture, rape, and assorted forms of death at the very worst."

Logan paused in speaking to watch Rose's face and eyes for her reaction to this news. Tales of the Hunt would have, undoubtedly, come to her ears if her former village was any where within a few leagues of this place, but the truth behind such stories might only be known to wise women and town elders. He knew a number of the men participating had been unaware of what went on and did what they could behind the scenes to aid and succor the captured fey women.

It was never going to be enough.

 

[AmaraNimeraTearZ]

Rose makes her way to sit next to as she listens to his word her eyes widen as she Stands and says as she Starts to panic "Well i need i to get out of this area.....i cannot be Captured...I..just...-she stops and looks at her then whispers-...not again..i cant go through that again...-Rose turns to Leave then Stops and whispers "thank you for telling me Sir Logan" she then turns around and whispers "i Forgot to Introduce myself" she Pause for a few Sec Questioning if she should tell him her identity she Finally Speak again " I am High Light Elf Rose, and Princess of the Dark elves" as Rose turns to leave and walks towards the woods

 

[Remec]

Logan was on his feet when the girl got up. He saw the change in the colour of her eyes and wondered what other changes her emotional state brought about in her. Must have been something fearsome for the villagers to have sent her away. His ears barely heard the whispers that followed her panicked exclamation, but the concerned look in his eyes and on his face said that he had gotten the gist of it. He followed quickly after her when she started to leave.

"Your Highness," he began, "if I may be so bold for having just met you and not to have recognized your personage? It will be dark soon, and while your sight may be better than mine in such situations, there are things loose in these woods at night that even the Prince and his Hunters would balk at going up against." He wondered whether to make the offer of a place for the night or not as she was uniquely beautiful and he would not want to imply anything so soon.

I can let her decide.

He gestured off in a direction different from both where Rose had been headed and where the hunting party had gone. "My dwelling is off in that way along a deer trail and near to a small creek. It is not much, particularly not for a princess, but it will be a safe place to rest until morning. But, if you would rather continue on, allow me to escort you. I know this forest and can be both a guide and protector--if you would like either, that is."

The smile returned as he added with a glimmer of mischievousness in his eyes. "And, please, just Logan will do. Druid Logan, if you must use a title."

 

[AmaraNimeraTearZ]

Rose Studied the man and His words she then whispers "why are you being so Nice, Most Humans would Shove elves to the Side and not even care" as she Slowly gose near the man by the time she Close to him she is Standing next to the Man as she looks at him. Rose Shivers and grabs her Cloak covers her self with it then looks at the Man as she Claimly says "i will go with you Logan" as she Looks at the man and gives him a Small Smile.

 

[Remec]

It was a fair question, but it still took Logan a moment to think of how to phrase his answer. He returned Rose's smile with one of his own, and offered her his arm. "It is, I am sure, partly because of who and what I am. Druids are servants and caretakers of all of Nature. Sometimes its Master, as well, and always its defender and avenger. But I like to think I am nice because my mother taught me manners and how to be polite. If we have to be in disagreement, such as my view of what the Prince is doing here, then we can at least be civil--until or unless it breaks down into violence that requires direct and immediate intervention."

He took notice of the shivering and stopped walking a moment to regard the princess once more. "If I may?" he asked as he took one hand and murmured a short prayer over it. A soft glow radiated from his palm; barely there, but full of warmth and strength. Logan gestured that he wished to touch the glow to Rose, but waited for a sign of permission.

 

[AmaraNimeraTearZ]

Rose looks at Logan and says "ah yes Mothers always knows best how to raise there kids" as she Looks at stomach she then quickly looks up as she didnt want him asking question about her. Rose then looks at Logan and gave him a Small Nod of Permission to put on the glow. Rose then looks the way they were going and says "i came down this Path early, but then i hear horse so i rid. Humans are such Violent creatures, I feel Bad for the fairies of these woods, Sir Logan dont you agree" as she looks behind her at him. Rose waits for a Reply, then she gently yawns.

 

[Remec]

Logan was perceptive enough to realize there had been something more to what Rose said about mothers and their kids; but when she looked down, he missed making the exact connection. If she wasn't a princess, I'd have just made her look at me. Perhaps she will talk when we are at the cabin. He nodded that he understood or, rather, agreed and then extended his arm and placed the glowing palm softly upon the young elf maiden's chest. Logan's hand pressed gently against her breastbone, and the glow flowed up over her collarbone and shoulders, out towards her arms and down to her hands, and coursed down her torso to her hips, thighs, legs, and feet. All of Rose's body was bathed in the glow, and Logan's gaze was caught up in the way it briefly illuminated all of her bodily curves beneath her dress.

"There," he said, "that was a protection against the elements. For the next day or so, you should feel comfortable no matter how hot or cold it might be around you." He smiled at the yawn and nodded at her comment. "I would say humans are, as a whole, a kind and gentle race; we merely have a greater tendency to resort to violence than others might. Perhaps our shorter lifespans are at the root, perhaps just our nature...those are questions for philosophers. You seem tired and my cabin is still an hour or so away at this gentle walk we are taking."

He paused and looked at the princess.

"If I might suggest it, would you mind if I carried you? I can make much faster time moving through the trees that way."

 

[AmaraNimeraTearZ]

Rose looked away Quickly to hide her blush. Rose then Whispers "If you Wish Sir logan, you may Carry me..But wait i must Remove my Weapons i dont not want to harm you" as Rose looked at him. Rose Quickly takes off her bag and starts to take off her weapons. As Rose took them off she Counted in her head "Four Daggers, 5 Hidden Blade, 10 Knifes, and two Swords". Rose then Stops and Looks around and whispers "Damn it, did it Fall" she then Hit her head and Says "Right, I put a Spell on that Sword, to make it Invisible" Rose then Waves her hand near her back. As she did that a Black handle with gold in Crested rims Sword appears. As Rose takes it off and Puts it to her Side then sword is twice her size. Rose then Grabs the Sword and Shoves into her Bag. she then looks up a Logan realizing he Just Saw all her weapons and that she is Not a Normal Princess that doesn't know how to Fight or Defend herself. Rose Stops and Shakes her head and Waves her hands to her sides as two more Swords appear, Rose Gently takes them off and Places then into her bag. She then Hides her bag again and says to Lord Logan "okay Now you May Carry me, if you wish So Sir Logan..My Swords Carry Posion in the blade it would be bad if you got Cut by one" as she Looks down and Mentally Sighs and waits to see what his reaction is....Rose prepared her self if he was going to walk away like everyone else as in the past.

 

[Remec]

Weapons?

The druid raised an eyebrow at the thought of what weaponry Rose might have on her and where it would be hidden, but merely nodded and awaited her full disarming of herself. "Impressive," was all he said as he regarded the princess with a slightly different frame of mind. He wondered if she had earned her training from a royal guardsman or a master man-at-arms assigned to watch over and protect members of her royal household.

Or, like some nobility I have heard of, did learning how to use and secret such items arise from the loneliness of the idle royal--forced to remain seperate from the rest of her people and to deal with the politics of family and other noble houses jockeying for power and supremacy? He gave a light mental shrug, but outwardly he nodded. "It would indeed," Logan said. "I would have to take time away from helping you to concoct an andidote or use a Neutralizing spell. And I might be too weak to do this."

He took two steps back from Rose and his form quivered and wavered and then flowed like clay on a potter's wheel into the form of a pony. The steed turned and looked at the elf and she could see something of the druid's manner and colour in its eyes. With a deep, oddly reassuring for coming from an animal, voice Logan said, "With so many weapons, you should go ahead and put them in my pack and climb on as you would a regular pony. This form will carry us there faster than others, even if it is not as strong as some might be."

With that, he stepped close to Rose once more and knelt to make it easier for her to mount--there being no saddle or bridle. "Just hold fast of my mane," he told her.

 

[AmaraNimeraTearZ]

Rose did as she told. Rose put her weapons in his Pack...as she did she Started to hear her Swords Whinny about being put away and She could only hear then as she says out loud "oh shut up already, you will come out when we get to Lord Logan's House you Stupid Swords" as she Growls at them. as they went Silent and Climbed on Lord Logan's back Like she would do on any other Horse. Rose Held on tightly and Smirked as she heard her Sword Speak again. Rose Shakes her head and Looks at Lord Logan and Says with a Sighs "i am Ready Lord Logan" as she Smiles warmly at him and Held on tightly.

 

[Remec]

Logan the Pony laughed in a light knick as opposed to the way he would have laughed as a human. It had been a while since he'd been around someone with a weapon that spoke to them. Even longer since he'd adventured with someone who owned (or was owned by, as the case sometimes was) such a weapon. He wondered which one it was, or if it was several of them. Probably the big one that was invisibly upon her back.

He gave a slight snort and whinny in recognition of Rose's being prepared and headed out through the trees. The weight of the young elf maiden on Logan's back reminded him of how long it had been since he'd been ridden in any sense of the word and he forced himself to think of other things as he threaded the forest path. It was obvious from the way Rose shifted her body as he carried her that the princess had been well taught in riding as well as handling swords. She might be a better combatant than myself, which is fine. That allows me to focus on controlling things in other ways.

Ahead of them, the path diverted around a rather large oak tree that bore the singe marks of having been struck by lighting. Logan looked on it sadly. The tree was finally recovering, but it had lost its dryad in the fire from the thunder storm and a new one had not yet been found for it. He had hoped one would have shown itself by now, but he was afraid the Hunt had captured it. Possibly even the one they carted off today. For now, though, the oak served him as a shortcut that allowed him to maintain his dwelling a great distance off, further than the Hunt traveled.

The pony stopped just briefly and Logan summoned up the soft voice from before and chanted briefly. The air before the tree broke into a light green luminescence that flowed into the trunk and spun in a slow circle. "Hold on," Logan said to Rose, before moving once more and trotting right into the light and then out again upon a forest path similar to the one they had left. However, rather than more and deeper forest, Rose found that they were at the edge of a clearing that held a decent sized log and mud cabin, thatched with ferns and forest groundcover, and surrounded on two sides by a wide porch.

"Here we are," the druid pony said. "You can get down, now. I will show you where you can put your stuff, and then we can work on something to eat. Or would you rather sleep first?"

 

[AmaraNimeraTearZ]

Rose looked at Lord Logan, as she gets off of him and Looks at him and whispers "I would like to Eat something Sir Logan, But i will go Hunt if Need be...i don't want to Burden you with my Present if its not needed" as she heard her swords whinnying again she let out a soft Snarl and walks over to His back and Pulled out her Big Sword and two Little one and Yells "Silence to all three of you, I can Barely Think when you three are whinnying" as she Growls at the Sword and they went Dead silent.

Rose looks up at Logan and whispers "Sorry, They Seem to get out of hand when i have someone else Helping me Sir, Especially men...I really don't know why though...they are very weird Demonic Swords, Hightly Protective of me.." Rose Pause and Mentally Sighs then says "well thats what i get for have three Dominate Male Demonic Swords" Rose Chuckles at her own words and Looks at him and Asks "Have you ever handled a Demonic Sword Lord Logan.." as she Looks at him and Smile Softly.

Rose then Stick all three Swords into the Growl. Rose waits for a Few Seconds, then Sees three Demon lords Standing Before her as she Growls at all three of them and says "Kyu, Kuma, and Kira i would like you to mean Logan and Be Nice." Kyu Stands about 6'5 with Along White hair the gose to his Waist. Kyu wears a Pitch Black Komono with Midnight blue Seems and Belt around his Waist as he says in a deep Tone "Greetings Sir i am Kyu, Lord Logan...Sorry about the Disturbness" as he gets back in Line. Kuma Stands about 5'11 with Blood Red hair down to his Lower back.

Kuma Wears a Pure white Komono with Black Seems and a Black belt at his Waist. Kuma Speaks in a Cold tone "Pleasure to Meet you, Lord Logan i am Kuma" Kuma Steps back and Growls softly. Kira Stands about 6ft with Long Black hear down his Waist. Kira wears a Blood red Komono with Black and Blue Seems and Belt on his Waist. Kira runs up to Logan and Picks him and Hugs and Says sweetly "Hello I am Kira, One of Rose Guardians" as He Puts Logan down he Runs back in line and Smiles at me.

Rose Smile back at Kira as she waves her hand as the three lords Disappear back into their Swords and appear on her body and looks at Lord Logan and says "Can you believe that they are brothers". Rose Chuckled and walks up to him and Smiles.

 

[Remec]

The Druid was just about to tell Princess Rose that she would be no burden, and that his larder and pantry had more than enough for them both, when she seemed to get upset. He watched as she planted her weapons and called forth the demons within them. I see...not merely intelligent swords, but possessed ones. And possessed by demons, at that.

He bowed deeply before the three and then smoothed out his own garments and stood straight and tall once more. "It is a pleasure, I am sure," he said. "I am Logan de Mithralia, Druid of the Forest Lady and a Guardian of this realm and its sylvan population. I hope it will not be necessary to call on any of you, but I am happy that the princess has such aid should she need it."

Logan laughed at Rose's comment and nodded. "I think it is not unbelievable. Not an obvious relationship, though." He offered his hand to Rose and turned to lead her into the dwelling, leaving the demon swords--and their bound entities--on guard outside.

 

[AmaraNimeraTearZ]

Rose takes his hand and Smiles at him as she stands by him then looks down at her feet. Rose simply mentally sighed, then Asks "Lord Logan, Why must you be so nice and Afraid of me" Rose pauses for a second then starts again "Most people would cast me away when they see my Swords and Fear them...and Run away...all my life People just feared me because of my fighting and Magic Skills...they think i am Saint at times because of my eyes...which i dont understand." as Rose Slipped her hand Down to her side and Grips her Cloak and Keeps her end down.

 

[Eliza]

Eliza is running. That's all she knows how to do. Just run. Finally as the hooves catch up and the hunt is on, she dives into a hollowed out tree in the nick of time, seeing the hunting party charge past. Her feet are filthy, her once-beautiful blonde her is knotted and brittle, her soft green eyes now bloodshot, her frame just about fitting inside the tiny log and her short green dress and white shirt stained from dirt. She's beautiful, but right now it's just about survival. She's scared about what might have been if they had caught her, and she sighs in relief. Her breathing is heavy and her chest is pounding, but she's happy that she doesn't belong to a human soldier... She can be a free nymph. For now.

 

[Remec]

Logan paused in escorting Rose into his home when she stopped. He regarded her as she spoke to him about his attitude towards her and laughed lightly. "My dear, if I ran away everytime someone with demons and/or the power of demons came across my path, I would be a hermit tucked far, far away from anything or anyone in the world." He tilted her head up to meet those enchanting eyes and let his own burrow into them. She has had a hard time of it, it would seem.

"You just need a little work and practice at using or displaying your skills and talents without being intimidating about it, that's all," he told her. Logan reached down to retrieve Rose's hand and gave it a soft kiss. "So far," the druid said, "you seem nice and sweet. And I would not cast you away, trust me." He then turned towards the door, opened it, and began to guide the princess inside.

A swift bit of motion behind them and the sound of flapping made the pair turn suddenly. One of the forest birds was there, hopping about and chittering at them. Logan released the elf's hand and knelt down by the frantic creature. "Yes, yes, you have been looking for me, I get that. Well, here I am, what is wrong? Ahhh...a nymph managed to hide from the Hunt, you say? Not too far off? Go, see if she is still there and return." He stood and gestured over the creature and a sprinkling of silvery powder seemed to flow from his hands onto the bird's wings.

It jumped up and flew a quick circle about the room and then darted back out the door. Logan shut the door behind it and turned back to Rose. "Go ahead and lie down. Get some rest. I will prepare food and we will be ready should the bird come back with news that we are needed. With any luck, it will be able to guide the nymph here to us."