Thinslayer

The End of the World on an X

Sorry for the partial responses. I get so wrapped up in the scene with one part of Solomon's activity that I forget to respond to everything. :P

The End of the World on an X

"I don't mean any offense to you, princess, but I would rather sleep alone tonight."
Amalthea sat up, eyes wide. She covered her mouth and looked about ready to cry.
Solomon hurried to come up with an excuse. "Well.... because -um- when it is my turn to take watch, I don't want to wake you. I don't want any one person staying up all night taking watch duty after all."

He then removed his shirt.

Amalthea continued to stare at him with widened eyes, but this time for a completely different reason. She chewed on her lip as she studied the subtle strength in his broad shoulders and trained arms. She released a soft moan as she admired the way his breasts shifted and heaved with his every movement. The princess had to bite on her thumb to stop herself from making any more noises. For once in her life, she found herself at a loss for words.

Eventually, she composed herself enough to croak, "I could stay up all night watching you," earning a swift kick in the thigh from Rose. "Ow! You did that on purpose!" Amalthea squeaked, trying her hardest not to shout.
"Sorry. I didn't realize you were sitting so close."
The princess kicked back at Rose's thigh in retaliation, but failed to get any reaction from the focused girl. That only annoyed the princess, so she tried again. Rose looked back and deadpanned at her. "Seriously?"
Amalthea shrank back. "Sorry," she murmured. She took Solomon's shirt for a pillow and contented herself to stare at his beautiful chest until sleep overcame her.

Once the gentle snoring started, Rose glanced at Solomon again. She gave him a once-over and smirked. "I can see why she fancied you. Consider letting her sleep on your lap next time, please. We'll all sleep better if you're the only one aroused, instead of all three of us. I'll wake you in a few hours as requested." She winked and resumed watching the horizon.

The End of the World on an X

All right, replied fully. Have at it! :D

The End of the World on an X

@awkwarddingo
Oops, don't reply yet. I forgot to respond to Solomon's question.

The End of the World on an X

Solomon looked between both girls, surprised at the idea of being trained in archery. "You mean with a bow and arrows? I've never been keen on them. I prefer my staff."
"No, I mean with a bow and swords, silly, like that one character from the Fate: Stayed Night novel," Rose replied, that smile creeping up her cheeks again. "Yes, with a bow and arrows. Archery with a staff doesn't work very well in my experience." She palmed his shoulder and giggled. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't tease you. Seriously though, the Mark of the Hero supposedly gives you the ability to never forget anything you learn. You could master anything you want in a heartbeat. Archery training will give you an invaluable advantage over our enemies. I'm not much good at it, or at fighting in general, but the Princess is a dead shot. She could whip you into shape in a matter of hours or days."

The princess nodded, arms folded and eyes closed in mock solemnity. "Mmm hmm. I'm an expert at shooting with the bow and arrow. I'd make you a master in no time!"

Rose chuckled. "Not tonight, though, not when it's pitch-dark. I say we get some rest."
Amalthea scooted over to Solomon and laid her head on his legs. "I claim the Hero's lap!"
A spark of jealousy came and went. "Enjoy. I'll keep watch as promised."
"I'm not the only one enjoying it, I hope?" The princess asked, deliberately fidgeted over the more sensitive part of his lap before turning up to look at Solomon.

Rose rolled her eyes and settled into a prone position.
I don't really deserve him anyway.

After a few moments of silence, Solomon asked, "Do you think that our enemies would just drop their weapons, turn tail, and retreat if they saw that I had the mark?"
Rose glanced back at him and deadpanned. "No." After a moment's thought, she added: "They might, but then I'd be more worried about what happens afterwards. Why, do you have an idea?"

The End of the World on an X

Rose never figured him to have an electric touch. There was strength in his hand, the kind that left her wondering what it would be like if he didn't let go. It was the strength of a man who knew the fragility of women, who recognized his own power and made sure it would never harm her.

It made her heart flutter.
Rose let out a short laugh and absent-mindedly ran her fingers down her hair.

Once settled down, Solomon unwrapped his right hand. "Rose, Thea?" he announced, "I just...I know what this is, but..." On the back of his hand was a unique diamond star design. The girls gasped.

Princess Amalthea squealed with delight after a moment. So, he's hot, strong, kind, and now a hero? Sign me up! She picked up his hand and hugged it to her cheek. "You have the Mark of the Hero! So amazing! Oh, I should have known you'd qualify for it! You're so amazing, Solomon!"

Rose merely grinned. This will make him a valuable asset to any country that can win his loyalty. He'll need someone he can trust to give him solid strategic advice from now on. I'll have to start drafting a list of candidates when I get back to the capital.
"Well, you're about to become popular one way or another, that much is certain," she remarked at last. "It also makes training easier. Maybe you can get her highness to show you how to shoot?"

Amalthea seemed to love that idea, judging from her gaping mouth. "Yes! Oh, yes please! Let me train you, Solomon!"

The End of the World on an X

Your recent posts have gotten a lot better. Solomon is doing his own things and making his own choices, which is more than half of today's protagonists can say. He doesn't just let things happen to him - he takes action. I alsp find it unique that he's not just a generic swordsman. He's got some character to him.

I've been keen to see what choices Solomon makes in more difficult circumstanced where the right answer isn't so clear cut, so you could say I find him interesting. ^_^

The End of the World on an X

What'd you think about my latest post? I could use a bit of feedback, and I was mainly wondering about...
* Its length. I don't want to pressure you into writing more than you're comfortable with. Or, maybe you appreciate the challenge? Is it fun to read a lot, or is it dull?
* Speaking of which, how was the tactical landscape description? Dull, informative, glazed over, skipped?
* Do Rose and Amalthea sound alike? I'm thinking they do - I'm not convinced one could tell them apart just by mannerisms and speech patterns alone. Amalthea is intended to be more emotional and wears her heart on her sleeve, while Rose is meant to be more subdued and careful.
* The two girls poked fun at the "at each other's throats" comment, as much at their own expense as at his. Did you find it funny, or offensive on Solomon's behalf?

medieval /fantasy

@AcetheKidd
Alexander is more than just "good" or "evil." He's a complicated man. I'll be able to provide a bit more insight on his motivations in a full-on character sheet.

Caradras will rule the icy wasteland to the north. I imagine us starting during his invasion of the Midlands, when everyone's forces are at their strongest.

The End of the World on an X

Solomon nodded. "Yes, the only downside would be getting in and out. If someone were to sneak their way in the rock formation with none of us taking notice, we would be trapped." He looked at Rose. "Let's be sure that does not happen," he added.
"Understood" came the spritely reply.
Solomon started for the campsite. "Earth looks safe enough. Yes. This will make a fine campsite."

Rose started analyzing the terrain in detail. The bowl itself wasn't particularly deep or steep; it was, however, wide enough that the sides could completely obsure a person lying down from observers at ground level, and a person sitting up from observers near the base. Enemies entering the bowl would have to climb a little ways, granting defenders a critical height advantage. With the mountain at their backs, they could only be surrounded on up to three sides.

On the flipside, the mountain gray clashed with the princess's bright colors and Rose's dark colors, so if they were ever spotted, the bowl's stealth advantage would be negated. That feature was exactly what made it ideal - no one would expect them to take cover in such a revealing position. Most scouts would search the forest.

The forest stretched out along the northern horizon and touched the mountain cliffs to the east. If enemy scouts somehow knew their position and didn't want to be spotted, approaching from the southern farmlands would be most unexpected, but it would take them an extra day to circle around the mountain to get there; hence, the scouts would most likely emerge from the northern forest. The nearby town, while ruined by fire, could still serve as adequate cover in a pinch should the trio need to make a hasty retreat.

The most difficult wildcard would be archers. Whatever advantages the mountain bowl offered, it would provide precious little cover against determined ballistic assault, unlike a forest hideout. With their best retreat option being only plains and farmland for miles, they'd be sitting ducks against trained snipers. Ideally, Rose hoped never to be spotted in the first place, harking back to the primary advantage of the mountain bowl.

Camouflage would be a good idea in case spotters in the mountains decided to look down. Rose whipped off her cloak and rubbed it the dirt with her boot. After about half a minute of this, she put it back on.

Amalthea raised an eyebrow. "Seriously?" she hissed.
Rose shrugged. "For camo," she whispered. "You weren't exactly hard to spot over the last five months, Your Highness."
The princess released a gutteral "ugh" and muttered a sarcastic apology.
Solomon glanced back at the two girls. "Also, it is good seeing you two not at each other's throats. Let's hope we all find each other trustworthy enough to have a decent night's rest. We all need it."
When his back was turned, Rose put a hand to her throat and pretended to choke, earning an amused snort from the princess.

A moment later, the princess copied the motion, and it was Rose's turn to snicker.

They clambered up to the bowl and looked in. Solomon remarked, "Looks like a few places with pointed rocks. Will make it easier to climb out."
Rose peered down and tested one foot in. It was about as steep as she surmised - adequate for cover, wide enough for the three to sleep comfortably.
Solomon glanced back again at the two girls. "Do either of you need help on the descent? Tonight's happenings did a number on you both."
Amalthea shook her head and danced inside. "Nope!"
Rose put her other foot in and skated down. "Thank you, I can manage."

The two brushed out a couple seats and made themselves comfortable. Rose extended a hand to Solomon. "Do you need help on the descent?" Her pursed lips struggled to hold back a rising smile.