King Tai

Men vs. Women Race to 1000

846

Men vs. Women Race to 1000

841

Vikings Westward (closed)

THE ESCAPE

While running, Vestar still had whatever he could grab in his hands, calling out to his horse. BEEEEAST!!! It didn't take long for his horse to gallop over to him, allowing Vestar to jump on his back and get some distance before hiding away behind a hill. Vestar took this moment to get dressed, set aside his axes and opened the cloak that held a few items. He noticed that he had in possession, Marewen's coin purse and hairbrush. Seeing how she tended to use the brush a lot, it must've been important to her so, he vowed in his mind to bring it back to her personally when he rescued her. It would take a little time to travel back to her home and castle from where they were, which would be his best open window of opportunity to save her before she ends up getting into territory that he would need an army to fight through.

Getting back on beast, Vestar headed for the road he could take to catch up to them so to get his lover back out of the clutches of Bastien. On his way though, while riding through the woods, a man stepped in his path, causing Vestar to stop Beast. Beast! Whoa! He yelled out causing his horse to come to an abrupt stop and rise to its hind legs while neighing and snorting. The man who stood in the way, flinched a little. "Oh for fuck sake man, are you trying to kill me!?"

You're the one who stepped in my path! Be gone! I have a matter I have to tend to! The man looked up at Vestar and stared for a moment. Did you not hear me, I said move! That same man focused his eyes on Vestar before speaking. "Wait....I know you....you are....Vestar...Vestar Bragisson, right?" Vestar just stared on not really recognizing the man "You don't remember me do you? My name is Grimar...about 3 years ago, you and I were on the same ship raid where we saw the sea creature and you saved me!" This man was a viking just like Vestar. They seemed to have a history that Vestar more than likely forgot about. He did take the moment to remember that man's face. Yeah, I think I remember you. you were that silly man who talked too much. "Loki's sack, that's right! You do remember me! Hey, I never took the time to thank you for saving me life. If there was anything I could do to repay you...I'll do it....just name it!"

Oh why did this guy have to say such a thing at this exact moment It was as if the gods truly were looking after Vestar and his dire needs. A smile displayed on Vestar's face before taking a moment to get down off his horse. So you want to repay me for my deeds towards you? Well today, you have luck. I need help. Do you have any men here? There are some Englishmen I need to catch up to so I can vanquish them and take back my woman they've stolen from me. They could still be on my trail to kill me.

Grimar stared into Vestar's eyes when he asked for his help in getting his woman and since he was still willing to keep his word in helping, Grimar nodded. "Oh? Your lover huh? Those Englishmen...they just think they are superior to everyone. Yes, my lads are not far from here. There's 4 of them back at our camp. I can get them and join you on this quest. Come!" He beckoned Vestar to follow him.

Great! There may be a chance in success but they needed to hurry. Vestar followed and after a few minutes of walking and talking, they reached the other 4 vikings. "Ay! Lads! I want you to meet someone! This is Vestar Bragisson. He was a valiant hero that helped us during the raids at sea and saved me from the sea creature." He said while one of the older vikings spoke. "Yes, I remember him! This is quite fortunate to run into you again!" The older spoke. Vestar nodded. As much as we'd all like to kiss each other arses, I have a matter I need your help in. As a viking brother of yours, I have a situation and I don't have much time but...this is what I request....

Marewen glared at Bastien. "How can you do this? You know what Edgar is. You KNOW what kind of man he is. How could you let them force me to marry him?" Marewen's voice shook with a mixture of fear and anger.

Bastien looked at her and gave a twisted smirk. "It is my duty to bring you back. I have no care for you either way. My feelings do not matter in this case. Our friendship is not allowed to interfere." He said stoically.

Marewen reached over and slapped him across the face hard. "Our friendship is over! You are not fit to be my friend."

Clenching his jaw Bastien turned and looked out the window of the carriage. Marewen thought about her viking. She hoped he would get to her before they got too far away. She looked all around her in the carriage looking for something to use as a weapon or to use to help her escape.

Bastien's voice was made of ice when he spoke to her. "We will be almost halfway home when we stop for the night tonight." Marewen refused to look at him. She noticed that he had started yawning and she closed her own eyes for a little while. When she opened them his were closed and he was lightly snoring.

Carefully she stepped up and over his feet and opened the door and jumped out. Tumbling into the bushes at the speed of a running horse is not comfortable and she was cut up from the thorns when she heard Bastien yell. The horses stopped and he jumped out of the carriage and came running after her. Panic struck and she ran headlong into the trees.

Running into the woods she barely missed Bastien's hand as he reached for her. She ducked backwards and elbowed him in the ribs hard enough to hear him grimace and yelp in pain. Fast as a squirrel she scurried into the woods and sent a couple of large rocks about the size of your fist flying at him.

"Son of a bitch! Marewen! Stop it! I'm gonna beat your arse when I catch you!" She nailed him in the side of the face and he stood there a moment before he started to fall and grabbed a tree for support. "Damn it Marewen! You are supposed to be a God damn lady so stop throwing bricks at me!" He screamed at her. He couldn't see her but he could hear her and he followed her until he caught sight of her. Marewen ran around a curve and he seemed to have lost her.

He could hear his men still on the road. They were starting to catch up to the carriage. He heard some of them following him into the darker woods. Sending them in different directions. Bastien saw her and she was just standing there. He reached for her and yanked her back "Damn you Mare- " Bastien was suddenly struck by a coiled snake that had been in front of Marewen.

Bastien was now standing in the middle of the snake nest. As he screamed he was bitten several more times. Marewen quietly and slowly moved away and further into the forest. Just when she thought she was going to get away Hector grabbed her around the waist and yanked her off of her feet. Kicking and screaming Marewen put up a big fight. By the time he got to his horse he and his men had her hands tied up. Bastien was in the carriage with multiple snake bites. He would not make it to the castle alive.

Hector was now in command and he decided that Marewen was riding on his horse in front of him so he could keep her still. "Thanks to you we will be getting back later than we thought."

Marewen stayed quiet but smiled just a little. She hoped that she bought Vestar more time to get to her. Marewen wasn't too happy about Hector's body directly behind her on the horse and his arms around her. It severely limited her ability to get away.

After speaking with the older Viking named Bard, Vestar along with Grimar were welcomed with backup of the four vikings they spoke with at their camp. 6 men? Maybe that was enough for Vestar to chase down and get his beloved princess back. Grimar is considered a good archer and dagger user. Bard was quite handy with a claymore sword. There was another Viking who is quite large, named Haf who uses a war hammer and 2 other vikings who carried spears and shields.

Nice well rounded group if you had to ask Vestar. Vestar mentioned which way he remembered them going and while they were all on horseback, Vestar picked up the pace to try and catch up. The others followed. Vestar promised a raid with them after this was over. He didn't share any specifics that the woman he was rescuing is an Englishwoman...better yet....a princess. But that was not necessary to tell them that right now. All that matter is catching them, killing the men who are taking her back and then continue their journey for a new life together.

It didn't take very long in their travels for the group to catch sight of the carriage. Quite honestly, Vestar thought that they would have been much further out than this. As much as Vestar wanted to just charge right in to take them down, he couldn't risk having her get away as the men would more than likely be a distraction to keep him and his group busy while the target gets away.

Vestar looked over to Grimar and Bard. Alright, they seem to number at about 12...maybe 16...I would say we charge straight at them but the soldiers would just stay in the way. We need to cut them off. Grimar...can I trust in your archery skills? Grimar chuckled "When I'm not getting hunted by a sea creature...I'm the finest archer around!" Good...I need you to hide in the woods. Provide cover for us. Once we start our attack, I'll need you to strike down those who try to escape. We don't need any survivors. The spear brothers...I'll need you up ahead with Bard to intercept them. Giant Haf will join me at the rear to come in strong. We may be few to their many but with our skills that I've witnessed during our raids back then, I believe we can lay waste to them with little trouble. His words were taken into consideration. These men worked with him before and from his heroics in the past, they were willing to follow his plans as they hurried off ahead while Grimar went into hiding to make sure he keeps to his role in all of this. Vestar looked at Haf and nodded waiting for the signal for them to step in and provide back up.

Marewen did not make it easy on Hector. She kept fidgeting and when she heard a commotion behind them she felt Hecter kick the horse into a gallop and she struggled against him and yelled out. She grabbed the reins and reared the horse back on two feet and Hector barely held onto her. The horse reared sideways and she slammed fully into Hector and when the horse bounced back down she continued fighting with him but her hands were tied together. She swung her leg over the horse's head and tried to slide down. Hector reached down and yanked her back up and tossed her on her stomach in front of him. When she started to struggle again he hit her on the ass hard. Fear of falling off of the running horse and onto her head made her stop fighting. She felt humiliated at being carried on horseback this way.

Bard and his team took another route through the woods to get up ahead of Hector and his men so to cut them off. Vestar and Haf continued to follow but not close enough where the other men would suspect too much. Grimar continued to move through the brush to find a good position.

He did take a good look while keeping an eye on Hector and his men of the girl that Hector had, giving him a hard time. Was quite amusing. Maybe this was the reason why Vestar liked her. She was aggressive! Well...or this was just simply desperation on her part to get away. Either way, this was a good thing that she was causing such trouble because by then, Bard and his men, after riding as far up as they could, managed to block the roadway to try and force Hector to stop. The three vikings that were ahead, stood firm, waiting for a moment before the awaited fight to begin.

Vestar looked on ahead from a small hill. He saw Bard and the other two blocking the passage and signaled Haf to come with him to get behind the group. Grimar was now ready. He took his first arrow and pulled back, holding for the first victim.

Bard spoke. "This is a far as you Englishmen will go. You're coming upon territory that will soon belong to the vikings. Give up now...and you will not be harmed."

"I am with King Phillip's army. You will let me pass as I am on official royal business for the king. If you refuse my men will remove you." Hector replied knowing that they were close in number and now that he had Marewen with him he couldn't really fight someone else at the same time without putting her in danger.

Marewen was annoyed and she glanced at Hector's leg in the stirrups and she saw a dagger jutting out of his boot. She grabbed it and started kicking her legs against the horse and it allowed her to slide backwards off. She would have gotten down but Hector reached forward and in that moment he exposed his stomach as she brought the blade across him. His shrill scream pierced her ears as she fell to the ground. Gaining her feet she got up and ran. Her hair was in her face and she couldn't see well who was where now that it was getting dark. Her hands were still tied so she couldn't do much other than hide.

Bard listened to Hector's words but what he said was not enough to leave him worried. Bard and his people hated the royalty of England and would love nothing more than to stand over their corpse laughing. Bard chuckled from the threat that men would be sent after them. He noticed the movement of the young woman and the scream that Hector made thanks from the attack that Marewen executed was enough for Bard to charge after the remaining men.

One of the spearmen threw his spear at one of the soldiers impaling one while the other rushed in using a shield tackle. Bard gave a few mighty swings at some of the men who were closest up front. One of the men attempted to try and run after Marewen but was introduced to an arrow to the back by Grimar. Vest and Haf rushed from the rear, taking the men who were in the back by surprise when Haf delivered a devastating attack with the swing of his hammer, hitting a soldier in the chest, causing him to fly a few feet away, coughing up blood afterwards.

Vestar kept his eyes on where Marewen was going and headed her way to free her, cutting down the first soldier to stand in his way while trying to reach his lady love. He took his two axes, using one to block and swing the sword out of the way, following up with the delivery of a headbutt to the face to knock the man back enough for Vestar to swing his axe in a leg sweeping motion, cleanly cutting the man's leg off from right below the knee. The next soldier tried to provide back up, leaping and attempted a thrust with his sword only for Vestar to spin out of the way and swing his axe to strike the man in the back. To add insult to injury, he went to attack again from behind, lodging his axe into the man's shoulder, nearly hacking it off while the man screamed. He ended it with a beheading and continued on.

It didn't take long for his team to finish off the majority of the men while maybe 1-2 ended up with an arrow into their backs trying to escape. Vestar rushed over to Marewen to help her. Hey....it's me...don't be afraid, I'm here! He said putting his axe down and came over to her to move the hair from her face, placing his palms on her cheeks to check on her. Hey....are you hurt? He said in a quieter tone.

Marewen stopped when she heard his voice. "Vestar?" When he moved her hair and put his hands on her face her eyes shone with tears. "I did everything I could to stall them. I knew you would find me." After he cut the ropes from her bleeding wrists she wrapped her arms around him in a fierce hug. "Bastien is dead. I ran and he yanked me back and he got bitten by a snake seven or eight times." She moved and grimaced in pain from her injuries received during her escape attempts. She looked at Hector's body. He was slumped over in his seat on the horse. There was an arrow in his back and his stomach had bled out. She quickly averted her teary eyes. "I didn't mean to kill him."

Marewen was clearly upset and in rough shape. She had cuts and bruises all over her and she was feeling guilt at the Hector's death. She was shaking and holding onto Vestar as if he were the last person on the planet.

Seeing that she calmed a little upon hearing him, Vestar smiled while checking on her That was very brave of you to do that. You've made me proud. Hugging her after the ropes were cut and kissed her a little. So that bastard is dead by snake bites? He got it easy. But then again...I'm pissed that I was not the one to end him. Sighing that he couldn't get his hands on the one who ordered his death and grabbed his woman.

Vestar looked over to Hector's dead body and turned back to Marewen. He could see the guilt in her eyes, taking a life for the first time. Vestar shifted his eyes downward and didn't want her to feel bothered. Listen...it was not your fault. You did what you had to do to escape. You didn't kill him, the arrow that struck him, killed him. You only injured him. The archer that shot him took his life, not you. Your hands are clean. You understand. You're not a killer. He told her trying to cheer her up and to not have Hector's death weigh on her mind. It's said that when you kill your first person, it's the hardest thing to get over and you'll always see the person you've killed over and over again and even the next person you kill will look like the first you've kill in your mind. He didn't want that burden for her. Come, let's get you to a healer. He told her, lifting her off the ground to carry her in his arms and walked out to the road to meet with the other fellow vikings.

Men...I appreciate your help. This is Mary....my woman...I know we have an agreement but allow me to take her to a village to get her healed. Grimar came from out the woods and Bard along with the others looked at Marewen. "She's quite the star gazer despite her cuts and bruises. Fine...let's get her help and we can discuss our agreement later." Bard said as they headed off to a nearby small village.

Marewen let Vestar carry her and she snuggled into his arms as he climbed aboard the horse in one smooth movement. She was not content. The stress of her day was still with her but she felt like her future was getting brighter if he cared enough to fight for her life.

@Wick

Catalyst: The Trading Card Game (Reboot)

@Dynamo Frokane Hey there bro! This place looks pretty cool but I don't I can take another RP at the moment. But if I get some openings, I'll gladly join :D.

Guild of Dishonor

This commander was now becoming aggravating. Isago was about to leave for the alley but the commander was hindering that by continuing his attack. He had to play dirty. Seeing how the man was going to try and cripple him this time, Isago couldn't just dodge or block the swing that was coming down. Isago felt that if he couldn't run back, he'd push forward. Isago went for a shoulder tackle to use his strength and to get on the inside of the sword attack to knock the commander off balance as he called out. "SABA!!" He shouted while a few more guards came his way to attack Isago. Someone came from out of the alley with a large jar and holding onto the handles, spun around for momentum and managed to toss it over to the guards breaking when it hits the ground revealing it was filled with oil and with a torch in her hand, tossed it to start a fire that would hopefully hold some of the guards off while the carriage headed off.

Isago heard Roxy and nodded rushing to pass the prostitute he was with and rushed to run after the carriage to jump on.

@SantosGabriel77@Raptra@KatherinWinter@Sleeth@FalkiThomas

Guild of Dishonor

I was gonna post but I'm a little confused now. I had my character rushing to the alley but I don't know if he's still getting attacked or not and then he's getting called to the caravan...

Guild of Dishonor

I'll have a post up this evening

Men vs. Women Race to 1000

793

Guild of Dishonor

@Raptra

Hey there. Sorry for the hold up. I'll have something up either today or during the weekend.

Vikings Westward (closed)

UNWANTED VISITORS

Vestar couldn't help but stare at her from the comment she made about her father viewing her as property. Yes, he noticed how beautiful she is and she must've been worth about 10 princesses. But the way her father treated her, willing to give her away to a tyrant, to further his ambition, it sort of lit something inside of Vestar that reminded him of his own father who bred him to fight in his stead and to become a warrior that would carry on his father's name...only to be betrayed and tossed aside when he noticed that Vestar had the potential to surpass him, even when he was the age of sixteen.

Parents...can be pathetic. But if you're definitely serious about not going back, then you don't have to worry about that, girl. That is, as long as you don't do anything stupid while on travel. Plus, you need to learn how to do things like common people.

Once it was getting dark, Vestar looked around, needing to find a place to stop for the night and to make a fire for them. Earlier, they managed to catch 2 fish at a nearby stream before getting deep into the wooded area. I'm making the fire, you set up the camp and you're going to cook. He commanded, basically saying she had no choice in the matter. It was not him trying to be a tyrant like her father, this was more of her needing to learn to survive out in the wild.

Marewen nodded and started unpacking the things in the bag that he had and in the roll she carried. She was mostly thankful that he was there. She wasn't scared if he was with her. The sudden dawning of this hit her with such surprise that she stopped and smiled just a little. Glancing up at Vestar she felt the heat crawling up her skin.

After a moment of two the fire was started and within fifteen minutes it was putting out a lot of heat. Hoping that the scaling of the fish was included in his job she looked over at a bush full of red berries and she walked over and began picking them to go with the fish for dinner.

In the last ten days or so or so she had managed to transform her own appearance. Her finger caught on a thorn from the bush and she looked closer at her hands. They were scratched up and she had bruises on them in some places. Her nail beds were full of dirt. She looked down at her dress and it had some minor tears from the woods and it was dirty, very dirty. There were grass stains on it and on her cloak. Her shoes were even more filthy. She could see the knots in her hair. Her skin had a peachy color to it from the sun. She was certain that her face was dirty and the thought that she was so filthy both appalled her and made her want to laugh. Marewen was really missing her bathtub and her personal maid.The blood ran down from her hand and she stuck her finger tip into her mouth for a moment. Coming back out of the woods with the apron of her dress full of red berries and her finger in her mouth must have looked odd to Vestar because his expression changed immediately upon seeing her.

"What is it?"

Vestar watched Marewen as she set camp up. He just made sure she was starting to do what he commanded. He then turned to his horse to give him an apple for the time being until he was done with cleaning the fish and getting it prepared. With the fire ready, he placed the fish by the fire to start cooking while he found a nice patch area of grass for the horse feed at.

He watched Marewen walk over to the bushes and just stared at her for a moment to see what she was doing. How would she fair in the wilderness. She seemed fine now but could she handle herself if they were separated? Vestar highly doubted it since she lived a privileged life for so long but she was not hopeless.

When she turned back around and came back with the berries and with her finger in her mouth, she didn't look like a princess anymore. Not that she was not beautiful but that she was looking more and more like a commoner and she’d obviously changed a bit.

With her question, Vestar snapped out of staring at her. What's wrong with you? He asked her.

Confused, Marewen stopped and looked at him. "I cut my finger on a thorn. It'll stop bleeding in a moment or so. Other than that I'm filthy and I was thinking that I miss my bathtub and maid. I am thinking that those days are gone so I should get used to it. Do you think this is enough of the berries?"

She dumped the berries into a bowl and looked at the fish. "How do I cook these?" Curiosity made her kneel down to look at them more closely. She thought about them a moment and turned back to him and asked him. "Do we have something to cook them in?"

Hmph! being dirty and cutting yourself is only the beginning so yeah, you better get used to it. You can't hope that the deer and birds will wait on you hand and foot but...if you're worried about bathing, the next village or small town we come near may have an inn for you to bathe. Other than that, you'll have to use the river or lake to wash up. And yeah, that's enough berries.

I have a small pot that should have been with the bag or near it. Check the rest of the items.

While Vestar was assisting Marewen, someone in the shadows was lurking, watching the two while they set up camp and prepared for the long night ahead. This person was staring at Marewen quite a bit but didn't come out of hiding. Possibly waiting for the right time to show themself. Maybe when they fell asleep or right when they started to eat. Vestar had a feeling that they were being watched and even though his attention was on Marewen, he was going to keep his guard up just in case someone really was out there.

Did you find it yet? Once you do, bring it and start on what you were going to do. The fish continued to cook until it was starting to look well done. This time, Vestar had water for them. He was not going to drink any wine or grog that he had as he was not in the mood for it.

As the food finished, Vestar passed the fish to her and the water sack before hearing footsteps coming towards their camp. Vestar grabbed an axe and shot right up from his sitting position. Don't take another step! He said in a deep and menacing tone. Who are you and what is your business here!? This individual looked to be in rags. Thin and messy looking, having his eyes dart back and forth between the two.

"I'm only here for food. I've traveled for a while now. I have no coin, no food, no water. I'm not here to cause trouble." The thin man spoke. "I'm Estmund...my I please join to get warm?"

This man was definitely native of England. Vestar just stared at him, feeling that he couldn't trust anyone. He pointed his axe toward the man and with a stern expression, responded Look, beggar...we don't have enough food or water to go around. We are not generous here. Be gone!

Marewen kept her eyes downcast and stayed quiet. She could only hope that this man had never been to the castle. If he recognized her she was done for. She looked up and when he was talking to Vestar she looked past him into the forest. Was he alone and if so why was he in such bad shape? She studied the man a little harder while he was talking to Vestar.

The man looked rail thin and scraggly but clean and although in dire need of new clothes his nails were clean and he had a gold tooth in the upper right of his mouth. She immediately distrusted the man. Marewen looked up at Vestar and she knew she needed to get his attention.

"M'love I need to speak to you a moment please?" She smiled at him and blushed a little. Taking hold of Vestar's arm she pulled him back with a little giggle meant to throw the thief off. She pulled his neck down to her so he could hear her and so she would look like she was kissing him to the other man. "He is not a beggar. He has gold in his mouth and clean nails. He will rob us or kill us." She reached up and spontaneously kissed his cheek.

As she pulled away from him she chuckled and remarked out loud. "Not in front of our guest!" She blushed at the thought of what it looked like to the man. Where did this come from? She remembered playing with the other children when she was younger and they performed plays but not like this. She had to wonder about her natural skills.

The thin man was about to try and reassure that he was not going to be a problem and try to calm the intense situation but before he could, he noticed the woman call for Vestar. Vestar didn't take his eyes off the man even while being pulled away. Vestar was in the middle of questioning what the hell she was doing when she interrupted him and said he was not a beggar. Explaining what she noticed, and giving him a kiss, Vestar gave her a bewildered but surprised expression.

She was indeed acting but Vestar sort of softened his expression. "I already know..." He said out loud as if he was answering her in a way to not do lewd things in front of guests but it was a hidden 'I already know', telling Marewen that he caught on and saw what she saw as well. He turned back towards the man and wondered to himself if he was alone. Should he go ahead and kill the man now to get this over with and possibly draw out anyone else if there is anyone else so to kill them too?

Vestar was not going to take any chances with this guy. Estmund watched Vestar walk back over while thinking to himself that his 3 comrades along with himself should be enough to take Vestar down. He felt that he should take Marewen to be made into his whore. He didn't recognize her as a princess but despite the dirt around her body, she still had some beauty showing.

Vestar went to grab one of the fish and brought it over to Estmund. My woman felt that I came upon you too aggressively. So, she felt that I should give this to you to make up for my treatment. Vestar commented calmly while holding out the fish for the 'beggar' to take. Estmund stared at Vestar and then at Marewen to see her expression to make sure that this was not some trap. Marewen seemed pure enough to trust and took the fish while at that moment he grabbed it, Vestar grabbed the man's arm, using his strength to pull the man into him to perform a hold like that of a sleeper choke hold, standing behind the thief.

The man struggled against the tree trunk size arms that was squeezing the air passage. You're a thief aren't you? You think I'm foolish enough to let you free only for you to come back while we sleep so to either kill or rob us? You have comrades, don't you!? The man had trouble answering as he started to jam his elbow into Vestar's ribs, hoping, praying that this brute would let him go. Seeing this man fighting and then reaching for something, Vestar had no choice. I won't give you that chance ... He said right before twisting the man's head breaking his neck, killing him while he dropped dead.

Marewen had not been able to take her eyes off of Vestar and the thief. She heard the crack of the man's neck and her spine shivered at a long ago memory. Hearing something in the bushes not twenty feet away she jumped involuntarily towards Vestar and the dead man. "Did you hear that?" Pointing towards the woods she saw the shadows of a person moving.

Marewen wasn't sure what to do so she picked up a stick that looked heavy enough to hurt someone with and she stood close to the fire. She knew that Vestar had to take care of the man in the woods and whatever partners he had. She looked at the dead man and nodded to Vestar. "Go, I'll be here."

Vestar was wondering if the thief had comrades and his suspicious were right upon hearing the movement in the bushes. He looked towards the shadow and noticed Marewen grabbing something. A stick? It seemed pretty amusing thinking a stick would do the trick but oh well, if it made her feel safe...

If you need to dip that stick into the fire to light it, that would give you the edge to keep someone from approaching you. Smirking while pulling out his axe once again, ready for a fight. It's been a while since he last fought someone so, slaughtering someone tonight would help remove the cobwebs in his skills.

I know you're there, if I have to drag you out like prey, I'll make sure your death is slow. Vestar smirked. Something then flew from the shadows, causing Vestar to barely dodge it. It looked like a spear that was thrown but following that, a man came from the same direction the spear was thrown from and pulled out a dagger to attack Vestar.

This was going to be easy, Vestar thought, taking his longer axe to prepare for a swing to the shoulder of the man to end it quickly only for another man to rush out from the side with a sword at hand. Great! Now there were two men to slaughter. Stopping himself from going after the man with the dagger, Vestar weaved out the way from the swings of the sword, parrying it and noticing the man with the dagger coming after him. Vestar rushed him. Using his axe to deflect the thrust us the dagger and wrapped his arm around the neck of the man with the dagger like he did the man he killed moments ago. At the same time, the man with the sword swung it, unable to stop himself from slashing his partner's stomach.

The dagger man cried out in pain while his comrades attention was on him. "I'm sorry! I didn't-" Before he could finish, Vestar swiftly took his axe while the man with the sword was close enough, and with his strength swung his axe downward to embed his blade into the man's skull. While all of this happened, a third person showed up behind Marewen attempting to take her into the darkness. The one who was slashed in the stomach was dying but Vestar needed to check to be sure Marewen was okay.

Marewen was standing with her back to the fire and she was watching Vestar fight, thankful that he was on her side. By the time she heard the last attacker he had a knife at her neck and she could feel the blood as he nicked the skin. She dropped her stick in the fire and put her hands on his arm as the oxygen was being choked from her as he pulled her away.

Marewen needed to do something. She was clearly no match for this man. From what she could feel of him he was bigger than the others were and he was definitely stronger. She managed to reach out and kick the metal pot and send it clanging against the rocks nearby. She tried to scream but he only pulled harder against her neck and she was starting to see spots. Instinct took over and she reached down and grabbed for him but all she got was a water pouch.

The last thing Marewen saw was Vestar's face before she blacked out.

Hearing the metal clanging, Vestar's attention went to Marewen as she was grabbed from behind. Yes, the man was larger than the others and he had Marewen in a position that Vestar couldn’t just charge in to stop this. Yes, this man was more than likely capable to make her pass out and use her as a shield to keep Vestar at bay.

Pulling out his second axe, Vestar started walking towards them as Marewen passed out. I'm going to tell you once...let the girl go and you won't get hurt. If you continue like this, you'll give me no choice but to charge right at you... Vestar told him This was risky, to charge at this man with Marewen still in his possession but Vestar refused to let him take her out of his sights. The man of course was not budging on letting her go and encouraged Vestar to try and attack him while he still had Marewen.

Vestar was confident in his ability but he was so sure about getting back Marewen for another reason. Quietly, Vestar's horse was sneaking up behind the larger man as he got close enough for an attack. Now!! Vestar shouted as the horse got on its hind legs and neighed looking to stomp it's front hooves on the man to make him let go of Marewen.

As Marewen was let go, the larger guy tried to get away from being trampled as Vestar came over to move Marewen away and place her next to the fire. Vestar walked over while the man tried covering up Whoa whoa, Beast! That's enough...the bastard has taken enough of a trampling. Vestar mentioned walking towards the beaten man. He took his axe and held it at the man's neck.

Tell me..are there any more of you pieces of shit around here? He asked the man. With the shaking of his head, Vestar wanted to believe that but he was still skeptical What was your aim here? "We were just going to take some of your possessions and more than likely the girl too and we were going to kill you so you wouldn't come after us!" The man coughed out. I see...and looked what happened...I bet you all thought you were clever but your friends are dead and You're going to join them. The man made an expression of fear.

With a smirk creeping upon his face, Vestar shook his head. I'm feeling generous...maybe you can tell others who are lurking not to fuck with us...can you do that? The man simply nodded while Vestar moved then let the man stand and leave. You know what...changed my mind... Vestar threw the axe towards the man's back, sticking him down and grabbing his other axe from of the skull of the man he killed earlier and finished the job on the larger man Your fate was decided the moment you touched her...

After the bit of excitement, Vestar took Beast and tied him to a branch, giving him a treat for his help and tended to Marewen to make sure she had no other injuries. He figured, maybe they could look for a healer so to be prepared the next time if injuries became a huge issue.

Marewen awoke coughing and it hurt to breathe. Once her vision focussed and she saw Vestar in front of her she lunged forward and wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. "Thank you." Her throat was hurting and it felt like she had been choked nearly to death. "Are they all dead?" She asked as she looked around.

Her eyes locked with his for a moment and she felt the attraction between them. Against her own will she pushed herself away from him slowly. "I'm sorry to be so much trouble. I was hoping that he would go away and take his friends with him. I didn't even hear that man come up on the side of the fire." She rubbed at her throat.

Looking at the remains of their dinner she thought how it all seemed to have happened so fast and at the same time dinner was a long time ago already. She busied herself with the cleaning up after dinner, Once that was done she pulled out her brush and began to brush her hair. It was something that had soothed her since childhood and with her hair a mess it seemed appropriate. Afterwards it was getting late and the fire was still blazing but she looked at her blanket and she moved it next to his instead of around the fire from him.

Marewen waited until he lay down and then she snuggled up into him. She was scared now. No one had ever manhandled her the way that that man had. She trusted Vestar. She wasn't sure why exactly but she did and she felt no qualms about snuggling her rear end and the rest of her right up against him and pulling his arms around her.

Marewen turned her head slightly unable to look him in the eye. She didn't want to admit how scared she was now. "Is this alright?"

Vestar was taken by surprise when she moved so suddenly right after coming to. When she hugged him, he had his arms as if he wanted to hug back but he was holding his arms a little awkward as if not knowing what to do now. Yeah...they're dead but you should hug Beast as well. He was the one that got the man to release you. Staring into her eyes, he watched her push herself away and apologized. What did you expect, a thief to play fair? I don't think there are anymore but I'll stay awake if I need to.

Something about this girl made something stir in Vestar. He seemed to feel a bit more protective over her and not out of mere duty to have her travel but pretty much in a sense that he sort of cared about her well being.

While she cleaned up, Vestar looked in the direction where he moved the bodies to and decided not to allow Marewen to travel in that direction, mostly not to let her see the bodies. Vestar was not tired. he still had plenty of energy after the fight he had and laid down only to find Marewen joining him. He looked confused at first but he didn't mind her joining with him. She was probably scared but he was not going to bring it up.

When she snuggled her butt against him, she snuggled right into his groin, pulling his arm around her and couldn't help but feel a little aroused by this. Even with his might, even he couldn't fight off lust and arousal. He gulped a bit and heard her question.

Is this alright? Her ass was up against the crotch of a man who had not had sex in days. If he wanted to be a bastard and not care about her fears, he'd jump on her faster than a male animal during mating season and pull an all-nighter. Yeah... Was all he said giving a sigh that meant he was going to have a long and difficult night.

Marewen couldn't get comfortable. She wiggled and moved trying to shift away from something that was stabbing her. Raising up she moved the blanket looking for something behind her and with the lack of good lighting she touched the ground and found nothing on it but she bumped into him. Slightly perplexed she glanced up at him and back down. Curious at what was between them she reached down and suddenly she realized what it was and her face turned redder than ever before in her lifetime. Her eyes got big and she glanced up at his eyes.

"Oh!" Not knowing what to do she quickly returned to her former position. In her mind all she could think was. Oh my god I'm going to hell. She couldn't help herself she started to laugh just a little bit. She knew he was going to think she was laughing at him so she quickly explained through her laughter.

"I bet that is not a mistake that a whore would ever make. I guess that proves my innocence doesn't it?" Her laughter soon turned into embarrassed giggles. "I'm so sorry..."

Trying to hold back, trying to think of something that would turn him off, trying to keep her from noticing but.....but.....but it was too late. The moment she moved and tried to look at the source of her discomfort, Vestar simply averted his eyes as if he didn't do anything, just waiting on her to figure it out because this bag has already been opened.

When she finally realized, Vestar looked into her eyes and nodded his head as if he said "Oh yeah, you found my hidden weapon." When she got back in the position she was in before and started to laugh and then made her comment, Vestar was at his limit. He reached back around her to take her hand and guide it back to his nether regions so boldly. No need to be sorry....you never touched a man before, have you? If you're curious...I suggest letting your curiosity get satisfied... He brought it up to her to not be afraid to explore him.

In fact, he was ready to explore her as well. He started off with lifting the bottom of her dress to caress her smooth legs. He leaned forward to kiss her neck a little, bringing his hand up her thighs. Don't be afraid... trying to comfort her, tenderly kissing her neck a little more, beckoning her to turn around to kiss her lips as well.

Marewen's giggles stopped and her heart began racing when he pulled her hand into the front of his pants. She gasped the instant she touched his skin. When he kissed her neck and ran his hand up her thigh she turned her body around to face him. She raised her other hand to his on her thigh. Her breathing was ragged as her body's reactions began to cloud her judgement. "I have no idea what I'm supposed to do..." She said breathlessly as his hand slid further towards its destination. Vestar leaned down to kiss her….

For Vestar most women were just a simple fuck and leave but this was different. There was more to this. It wasn't just him taking a woman's virginity, he felt an emotion with her other than lust while they were connecting like this. He was more caring in wanting her to be pleasured than just pleasuring himself. He looked into her eyes the whole time, never allowing them to leave her's. How was that for you?”

Marewen blushed and pulled him closer to her and murmured breathlessly. "It was the most beautiful and incredible thing I've ever been a part of. Is it like that every time? Is it like that for everyone?" She kissed him deeply and kept kissing him repeatedly. She wasn't sure what her emotions were doing to her but she knew the two of them were tied together somehow. Something inside her just knew it.

"Vestar?" It was the first time she had used his name and it sounded odd on her lips. "What if I just lived as a commoner? Could I stay with you?"

He response made Vestar smirk. He was happy that she enjoyed herself. Hell, he loved it too. Her question caused him to avert his eyes. It can be like that everytime and it can get better and better the more you explore. And it's not like that for everyone. Not everyone can experience the same release you had. It varies from person to person. He explained.

He welcomed her kiss and kissed her back deeply, following up with a few kisses to her cheek and neck and hearing her next question that caused him to pause for a moment. To think that a life or death and rescue situation led to this. Vestar didn't regret it but his biggest concern was his goal in life that he still had to accomplish and what will become of them if they stayed together.

He didn't mind her using his name. He had to give this some thought about her staying with him. I think you could live well as a commoner. You'll have much more appreciation of life and the smaller things if you were to live as one. Now...I don't know if you should stay with me. Not that I don't want you near me, it's that I live a very dangerous life and you don't need to be corrupted. I'm going down a path that could lead me to become a monster. I don't want you witnessing that nor risking your life for me...

Vestar never really given a damn about what happened to people. He was bred to be a cold hearted warrior. But...Marewen, as hard as he's fighting with his inner demons, he couldn't bring himself to let anything bad happen to her. He....found her precious. In fact, he was afraid to admit to her and himself that he actually cared about her. This was the biggest obstacle for him.

Marewen stared at him a moment and turned away from his eyes. She didn't want him to see what she was feeling. Her emotions were running wild and she couldn't seem to reign them in. She pushed him off of her although truth be told she would rather he have stayed inside her forever. It was the first time she had felt like someone actually cared for her. She sat up and turned away from him.

"You don't want me with you because you are a coward."

He wondered how she would respond and he knew it was not going to be an understanding response. When she pushed him off, he pulled out of her and moved. He was expecting her to be silent and sighed feeling that this was it for the night.

Her next words hit him like a sneak attack when she called him a coward. I know you weren't going to like my response but hear me....I am no coward. Do you understand? I don't mind being with you but your life, I'm not putting at risk. I'm saying that for your benefit. If you stay with me and I get killed, do you know what will happen to you? He said deepening his voice.

"My life is my own to risk. I risked it coming out here. I risked it running from my father. I can honestly say that for the first time ever I care deeply for someone, if it's not love yet it could be soon. I know that to you virginity is nothing important but in my life it's....almost everything for a woman before she marries. As a commoner it's not as big a deal but it still means something to me. I risked my heart when I gave it to you and you are afraid to risk me thinking you are a monster? Did it ever occur to you that maybe I could be the one to keep you from becoming one?"

Hearing her explain her risks and her feelings about what's important. To think that she would speak to him that way compared to when he first met her. She damn near read him like a book. Virginity was not that important but was something that he'd try to conquer in the past. On top of that, she was right about everything she's done so far. He couldn't take that from her. It was personal demons that was what he feared and drove him this far in life for a single moment of revenge but....before he could aggressively respond back to her, he paused.

Keep him from becoming one and travel down that dark road forever? That never even occurred to him to think that way. In fact, maybe the very thing he tried to suppress and keep out of his heart was what could save him. Vestar, never knew what love was like. He was deprived of it and was trained to lock it away forever and all he filled his heart with was hate, rage, and emptiness.

He wondered what her response would be for this even though he may already know but he wanted to hear this from her very mouth. And how would you accomplish that? I grew up on hate and rage....do you know what my life goal has been since I was 16? I am on a journey to kill the man that nearly threw me away on the side of a mountain....I'm going to kill my father. How are you going to save me from that?

Marewen thought a moment about what he said and a pain was visible in her eyes. "I have come to the conclusion that if someone hurts you deeply it takes a much stronger person to let it go. If your only goal in life is vengeance then he already won. Your best revenge is having a happy and successful life without him." Marewen looked towards a noise she heard near the woods and then back at him.

"If you let me, I could do that with you. I could love you."

Vestar turned his head to think for a moment from her words. she...love him? He never had a mother in his life and killing, hating, and rage never made his life any better. This was not going to be easy to let this go and to live a happy successful life. His personality damn sure would have to change.

Let me think about it... Vestar responded while looking over to the noise. You can be annoying and bring forth unnecessary trouble...but maybe that's your charm. He gave a heavy sigh If something triggers the monster in me while you're trying to keep me from turning, I will tell you that I told you so.. Standing to look towards the woods where the noise came from once again.

Marewen watched as a deer walked out of the woods. Turning back to Vestar she wondered what was happening to her. So much change so fast was still so shocking to her. Someone was actually listening to her opinion and thinking about what she said. Marewen looked up and said, "If I can't then I'll walk back to the castle and let him marry me to Edgar." If nothing else that should tell him how serious she was.

Marewen walked back into his arms and wrapped her arms around him. "I want to have a life with joy and happiness in it. Don't you?" She kissed him and hoped he could tell that there was more to him than just revenge.

Vestar watched the deer walk by while he stood there still naked and relaxed. He just recently met Marewen but already have been through some trials that led to them gaining stronger feelings for each other and possibly a change in destiny. She was not just the other women and unlike the whores he had been with, they never had anything positive or loving to say. Just more lewd talk, perverted speech, and constant fucking. With her stipulation, this showed how committed she was wanting to be with him and make his life better.

Upon feeling her wrap her arms around him, Vestar looked down into Marewen's eyes. After their kiss, he looked away. Show me...show me this other life you're talking about. I'm willing to give it a try but if it does not work, I will continue as I did before and find my father to get my revenge.............but...even if I live a happy life, it may not stop me from raiding like before.

Marewen wasn't sure what he wanted her to show him. "I'm talking about having a family and land and friends. I can't imagine much more that would make one happier. If you don't have to worry about feeding thousands of people or fighting wars or simply trying to keep your family safe from kidnappers I think it would be easy with the right person. My maid said something I'll never forget. She said with love you can do anything."

"Who knows, maybe by then you'll have taught me how to fight and I can go with you on your raids." She smirked at this.

It's that simple, huh? he answered. His own family? land? He believes that she made him more willing to try when she mentioned that she'd join him on his raids if he were to train her. That brought out a small chuckle.

How about this, you lay with me, we get some sleep and we can talk about more of this later. He offered looking at her pale beautiful soft skin. After the night they've had, Vestar had a bit of a different outlook now thanks to Marewen's input. He offered to cuddle with her and if she wanted another round of sex, it was up to her. He went to lay down once more and beckoned for her to join him again, looking up at her, enjoying the view before him.

Marewen smiled softly and walked over to him and slipped into his arms again. Covering them with the blanket she felt his officer rise to attention and she giggled softly and began kissing him in earnest then. It was quite a long while before they got any actual sleep. When they did they were intertwined with each other.

@Wick