Ending the Stalking

[LucienMoonmist]

((Here is the fight as it was done in another room to avoid interferance with others. Enjoy))

Lucien:
*Moving through the woods swiftly, his eyes and ears tuned about him. His keen senses waiting for any mark of his prey. The trees whirred by him as his grey clad figure sped through the woods, moving over mossy hill and fallen tree as if there was no difference between them. His bow in hand, arrow notched. He knew the skills of his prey, he would give him no quarter, and could expect as little himself.*

Glendarin:
*He had to grin as he caught the unmistakable scent which had drawn him this far north. The putrid reek which had brought him from his beloved home of sand. Looking up from his place within the branches of a near deadened tree, he soon caught sight of the blur of movement. Silently, he drew his finely carved dagger from his belt, the edge seeming to absorb what little light the Moon offered. He let out a chuckle, and then moved forward. He knew the sound would attract the attention of his soon to be victim*

Lucien:
*Indeed, his ears did catch the sound, as well as the scrape of booted heels parting across deadened wood. In one swift motion, he turned sharply to the side, letting loose his first arrow, then going into a headlong tumble, drawing and notching a second arrow as he exited the tumble on one knee, his keen eyes piercing the veil of darkness*

Glendarin:
*His grin widened as the arrow impacted the tree just above his head as he ducked into a forward tumble. He as well came to a stop on one knee from the tumble, that grin, the look of sadistic enjoyment displayed on his face as his dark eyes found Lucien's shimmering ones. Oh how he looked forward to wearing those orbs upon a necklace*

Lucien:
*Slowly, he pulled back the string of his bow. His eyes locked with Glendarin's. He raised his voice, speaking with tones cut from the ice of distant glaciers* "Why Glendarin? I spared you your life those month prior. Why have you come here? Why have you killed so many of my blood?"

Glendarin:
*His grin turned into a smile, the shadows seeming to play at the corners of his eyes, the light marking his face within a mask of dark delights. He answered back, his voice hinted with mirth* "Why Lucien, is that anyway to greet someone who spent so long traveling just to find you? So much for the reputed Elven hospitality one hears so much about.. Yet another blight upon your already damned life! You are guilty of the greatest Sin Fae beast. You are not part of My Lord's Circle. You live without thought to the End. If by the Cycle you shall not have an end, then by my blade, you and your Bestial blood shall." *raising the blade slowly, he ran the very edge of it along the tips of his lips*

Lucien:
*His eyes narrowed as Glendarin spoke, the grip upon the bow growing tighter, upon the string looser. * "What then Glendarin, of the mercy which I showed you within the halls of your Lord? What of your life, which I did spare? Would that nae balance against the lives of these ye have slain."

Glendarin:
*Tilting his head back, his laughter was hollow, deep and laced with hidden vipers. Finally, he returned his gaze to the Elf, his reply still holding the subtleties of that mocking laughter* "It is not my fault that you do not possess the stuff of a man Elf beast! If ye we're nae man enough to end my life there, then I shall nae thank ye for it! Yer kin hold the value of this dirt Lucien, meekness to be tread upon." *As he spoke, his hand moved slowly behind him, hidden beneath the cloak of shadows enveloping him.*

Lucien:
*His eyes losing all manner of shimmer or shine, a cold, shallow edge hinting them. His lips moving without word, the bow in his hand seeming to quiver as he finishes the blood oath to the most Sacred of Spirits. * "Then it has come to this, Glendarin? Here, must the blood of one of us be spilled to the land? So be it."

Glendarin:
*His grin widening again, his voice was mixed with the hollow laughter* "Oh no Lucien, only yours!" *As the words leave his lips, he darts fast to the left, bringing his arm around swiftly, a volley of darkened darts shoot from his finger tips as he goes into a tumble over a fallen tree, closing the gap between them*

Lucien:
*Jumping from his crouched position, barely enough to clear the darts, he lets loose his arrow, going into a forward tumble. As he exits the tumble, he places one foot against a nearby tree to push himself off again, this time his feet firmly under him as he draws two arrows from his quiver*

Glendarin:
*Feeling the arrow skim through his trailing hair, he leapt to his feet from the tumble, another volley of darts being whipped at Lucien, black missiles through the air. This time, he flung them at an angle, from lowest to highest in the direction Lucien was running. His own steps shifting, moving his weight into the throw, he weaved back to his right, ever closing the gap, his grip firm on the dagger as it seemed to share his grin of anticipation*

Lucien:
*Acting more from his instinct than his eyes, he planted a foot and spun hard back the direction he had come. He felt the sting across his leg as the first dart skimmed across his flesh. Lucien gritted his teeth as he felt the burning numbness set in from the venom, which coated the dart. He felt the strength begin to ebb from him. Setting his resolve, he began a hail of arrows as he spun, letting his grace carry his steps and guide the shafts*

Glendarin:
*Grinning as he heard the Elf wince, knowing his dart had struck. Quickly he moved towards him, determined to take advantage of the sudden weakness. Only to his folly as the Elf began a volley of arrows from his spin, a relative twirl of death. Stopping suddenly, his footing slipping, he tumbled to the side; only to howl as one of the arrows lodged it's self into his left shoulder. The pain was followed by numbness. He knew his arm was useless now. Planting his feet firmly, his eyes stared banefully at the Elf, the gaze carrying every curse he had ever heard. *

[LucienMoonmist]

((and the second half))

Lucien:
*Coming from the spin, his eyes opening,, his foot planting firmly, a slight quiver running down his leg from the weakness. His eyes locked onto Glendarin's the gaze returned curse for curse. Moving his hand back, he drew forth another arrow, notching it into the bow which now rested at hip level. The final fissures of winter's callous hand drifted across the field in the narrow space between them. A few dozen feet and a fallen tree were all that separated them. An inconsequential barrier. *

Glendarin:
*Feeling the ice drift of the breeze, it was a signal of death. It was a killing wind. It was the final breath. Gripping the dagger tightly, he pushed from the ground, darting straight towards the Elf, easily leaping the fallen tree, his left side leading*

Lucien:
*Letting the arrow fly from his bow, he braced himself, shifting as much weight as he could to his good leg, both hands resting on the grip of the bow. He was to close for another arrow, both of them knew it*

Glendarin:
*The arrow hit him firmly in his left arm. What little feeling that was left in it, told him as much. Coming in close, he thrust the dagger towards the Elf’s mid section, then spun hard to the right, dagger arching up diagonally and coming down viciously overhead*

Lucien:
*Deflecting the dagger down, the well-crafted wood easily deflecting the blade, he spun the weapon in turn with Glendarin's twirl, the blade catching on the wood barely an inch from his face. *

Glendarin:
*He grinned now, bringing his foot hard against the wound upon the Elf's leg, pressing down upon the dagger, pressing it closer to his face with all his strength*

Lucien:
*Yelling as the pain shot through his leg, the knee giving way and buckling under the force. His weight displaced, the bow shifting, Lucien soon felt the sharp sting upon his face. The tip of the dagger piercing just under his eye and dragging down to the base of his chin. Only the force he still held on the bow kept it from going deeper into his face. His stare locked to Glendarin's, the meaning beyond words of hatred*

Glendarin:
*Feeling the tear of flesh, he knew the victory would be his. Pulling his dagger away, he spun quickly, slashing across straight as he spun down and to the left, his blade aiming for the already wounded leg*

Lucien:
*He lurched forward as Glendarin suddenly pulled away. Seeing his spin, he quickly brought the end of the bow down to act as a shield, planting one end firmly into the muddy ground. The blade bit deep into his leg before he could bring the upper edge of the bow around to halt its progress, issuing a sharp cry as it did. Lucien knew he had no advantage here like this, he needed to find some way to get about*

Glendarin:
*A cruel laugh left his lips as he pulled back, jumping a step back to look at the Elf* "Ha! I have gained much since last we fought Fae Beast! Now, your death is nigh, and with it, my pledge fulfilled. Only a few stragglers of your kind remain here. After you, it shall be their blood which will decorate my blade."

Lucien:
*Kneeling there, listening to Glendarin's arrogant bragging, he grinned, both hands gripping the bow, one hand shifting higher on it, to grip near the string. He turned his gaze to Glendarin; humor hinted his eyes, a dark humor. * "Yet, for all your boasting Human, I am still breathing."

Glendarin:
*Snarling at the arrogance of this creature, he screamed his response* "Then die!" *Rushing forward, he reversed his grip on the dagger, thrusting it straight for Lucien's chest. After this, he would eat this Fae beast’s heart*

Lucien:
*His hands moved in a blur of speed. As quickly as a finger snap he had unstrung the bow, holding it now by the middle and the end of the string, he fell back with Glendarin's charge. Spinning his hand, he caught Glendarin's wrist within the string of the bow, twisting it around once as he lifted up on the other end, using himself as the fulcrum and launching Glendarin over him, grinning up at him as he did*

Glendarin:
*Expecting the tear of flesh, he was shocked to find himself soon soaring over the elf. The last he saw before seeing the open skies, was that blasted grin. The impact left him breathless. Trying to spin away, he found his wrist hooked within the string of the bow. Pulling sharply he kicked himself to his feet, trying to pull the bow from the Elf's grasp*

Lucien:
*Offering no resistance to Glendarin's pull, he instead used the force to help him get to his one good leg. His other hand pulling a fine blade from the small of his, thrusting it towards Glendarin’s back firmly. *

Glendarin:
*Realizing to late that there was no resistance, he begun to spin away. Instead, he cried out in agony as a blade slipped into his back, the tip piercing deep. His breath caught in his throat, his voice now but a whisper* "How... can... no...."

Lucien:
*Twisting the blade, pulling it hard to the side, he felt the flesh give way to the fine tempered Elven Steel. His voice was level as it was low with his response* "You refused your chance Glendarin, this is but the justice of the Mother. I merely end what you began."

Glendarin:
*A low growl filling his throat, as did the blood, he reversed the grip on the dagger as he felt the flesh in his back give way. He knew he was dead already. His body refused to believe it. He thrust the knife back, back towards the gut of that beast which had slain him, that most unholy abomination.*

Lucien:
*He did not believe it. He had let his guard down. He had forgotten. Now, as he stumbled back, his hand moving to cover the wound in his stomach and the dagger sticking from it, he looked to Glendarin, half with shock*

Glendarin:
*Turning his head slowly, he grinned. His mouth moved with words that he was unable to create breath for as he dropped to his knees, then to his face in the muddy ground. His stare and his grin remained locked on the Elf. *

Lucien:
*Pulling the dagger from his stomach, he pulled his cloak off, wrapping it about his stomach tightly, dropping to one knee. His breath, labored now, the blood dripping from the slice upon his face and leg. Looking once more to Glendarin, he rose as best he could, moving towards him slowly, he knelt, closing Glendarin's eyes with his hand. Grabbing his bow and blade, he turned and began the long walk home. Noticeable drops of blood trailed behind him to mix into the earth. Even if he did nae return, the others would be safe. Looking to the heavens, he saw the wisp of light from the Lady's Eye. With the Moon at his back, he moved towards Windstorm. Towards a warm hearth and friendly faces. *

((OOC: And there, it is over. Thanks for your patience, especially Laurestina. ))

[Dream Loxley]

(( *Applauds loudly* Bravo! Well done )

[LadyLaurestina]

Finishing her duties of cleaning out the stables, tired and ready for a much needed bath, makes her way through the garden and *stops to take in the beauty of the new emerging rebirth of the flowers and greenery*......looking down at her dirty boots, her stained dress.... sees a tail of blood...

Sets of running as fast as she can into to the castle's main door * shocked to say the least*

Finds Lord Moonmist being helped into the Infirmary by Lady Andrea... there was no time to even think but just get to work ... lady Andrea was at hand and looking over the severe wounds she would surely need helping hands, as this was the worst case she had ever seen. AND making matters even more complicaed....This was her good cousin.

she couldn't let her feelings of kin interfer with her clarity of mind now....

(( this post will have to wait for me, but if anyone else involved wishes to post ..please feel free... as Lord MoonMist is now in the infirmary recovering from an extenstive four hour proceedure.))

[LadyLaurestina]

After both Lady Andrea and she laid Lucian on the cot, both took out their knives and cut the cloths off Lucian…throwing them into the fire’s hearth. Both were equally aware of the significant injuries Lucian sustained in his fight to kill the evil one. They worked quickly to cleanse his body, preparing to stitch up all the deep wounds, which amounted to three. There was also the matter of some poisons venom in his body that was upon a blade that pieces his wounds. Thankfully Lord Ronin who is now presently taking up a guest room at the castle was able to conjure up some special teas, three in fact that lady Andrea make sure were swallowed by Lucian, and it took all three of them the entire eve to make sure Lucian would survive the ordeal. After falling into a deep sleep, he was checked upon around the clock by lady Andrea, herself and the Infirmary attendant, by the name of Olaf, whom she trusted would give her word as soon as Lucian woke.

She got up early and found him still resting, and checking his stitched up wounds, took off the linen wrapping and sealed of the wounds again with ointment, and rewrapped them. Taking note that his temperature was near normal, she still placed a cool cloth upon his brow and stat a while near his side, saying a few prayers that she knew that perhaps only Elven folks know of. Leaving once more, she asked Olaf is he would follow her orders,

*UNDER NO CIRCUMSTACES IS THIS MAN TO LEAVE THE INFIRAMRY FOR NO REASON. UNLESS I SAY HE IS WELL ENOUGH*

Olaf seemed a bit perplexed by her strong words, but he nodded, assuring her he would follow the orders, as he knew the lady meant business. Softly her hand reached up to touch Olaf’s arm, she whispered how much she thanked him for keeping a watch on the hearth fires, and tending to the needs of her good cousin. Certain her orders would be followed by such a muscular giant as he, she was confident that she could go about her duties this day. Walked from the infirmary * smiling and feeling at peace again, knowing she could now take that much needed ride into the forest and meadows to gather herbs and wildflowers.

(( for those of you how may question mi order, it was brought to mi attention by our KING that a healer may give orders regarding the welfare of her patient...* smiles))

[Lady Alexandreania (Andrea)]

~Andrea had been expecting to just relax after a day of spring cleaning having bathed dried her hair before the small hearth in her chambers, then settling down to have a hot cup of tea In the great hall. Only to be startled by a shuffling of feet and a shadowy figure hunched over and groaning, then the shadow entered the light and she saw Milord Moonmist weary and weak coming toward her. His clothing blood soaked and in tatters, a fever raging in him. Coming to his side supporting him while a servant aided her.~

~Thankfully Lady Laurestina arrived just then from the Stables and as she ordered the servant to go prepare the infirmary, she and Andrea brought Lord Lucien in and laid him upon a cot near the hearth. Working together Andrea following the instructions given by Stina clensed, sutured and dressed his wounds.~

~When able to speak tho thru spasms of pain, Lord Lucien informed them that he had been envenomed by a tainted blade of the Glendarin. The venom of a scorpion had covered it and was now coursing thru his system. Stina had no idea how to counteract it. All either of them could do is watch as the willow bark and fever few tea were of no aid in easing his pain.

~With the arrival of Lord Shahal, when told of the poison, had been able to create a potion in three parts that would conteract the venom in Lord Lucien's system. finally after a few hours, he was able to to relax and rest letting his bodies natural healing properties begin their work. Even though Andrea told that those of the Elven kin heal quickly, she knew that these wounds would take long to heal even for him. Thru the night she, Lady Laurestina and an infirmary attendent watched over him in shifts thru the long night.~

[LucienMoonmist]

*With light breaths he slumbers in the infirmary. His body and soul weary from the journey returning to the castle. Yes, he had been greviously wounded by Glendarin. His wounds were, however, something deeper then a blade could ever pierce.

He had sworn a blood oath against Gelndarin, sworn on the blood of his fallen kin. Regardless of the strength of the blood bond within those whom Never see Natural Death. The sight of Glendarin's final baneful gaze, the manner of his death, all was at his hands. Lucien had given him time to reform, to learn of his ways. Had the injuries fro mtheir previous encounter not been so sever, he would have stayed with him, taught him the proper value of life, the true cycle of existance.

Now, he layed on this cot, the victor in a battle that could not truely be won. He slept, and he dreamt dreams not meant to be thought. In his slumber his face reflected the dreams he held*

[Dream Loxley]

*All was quiet and peaceful when she slipped through the doorway to the Infirmary. A concerned look from Olaf showed her that all was not well with the patient. She nodded to him and smiled softly as he checked the fire and went about his work. She did not wish to disturb him but felt at a loss, simply wishing to see for herself if Lord Lucian was any better.

She stood beside his bed and looked down as he slept....his breathing was laboured and he seemed to be continuing the fight within his slumbers. Without thinking she took a clean muslin cloth and dipped it into the jug of cool water. Keeping it quite moist, she placed it gently to his parched lips...just long enough to moisten them. Then she folded it and wiped it with care over his face, avoiding the wounds. Perhaps it may calm him...ease his troubled mind.

The servants had been quick to inform her of his return home and all that had transpired in this room whilst she herself slept. She would have offered help of course, but was not a good nurse. Her knowledge of such things was sparse although often she had helped with the wounded..simple tasks of cleaning and helping them to be more comfortable.

She watched him for a while...absently letting her fingers stroke his head, silently wishing him a speedy recovery, and knowing those with the healing knowledge would do all they can for him.

A soft sigh left her lips as she bowed her head in respect to the brave man....placing the muslin cloth back upon the table and moving towards the door. A glance and curteous nod from Olaf......a smile returned, she made as little noise as possible as she left the room and closed the door behind her.*

[Halethala]

((Ohhh excellent rp! And welcome to another new member, Lucien! I trust ye shall recover, though it looks so iffy at the moment))

[LadyLaurestina]

While he slumbered, his body seems to shutter and quake, nae certain that he was dreaming or still recovering from his server wounds or both, she continued to place cool cloths up his brow. The wounds seemed to be healing, as there were no apparent infections brooding, no swelling, and nae any bleeding. Thought she changed his linen bandages once more, throwing them into the fire for rear of what poisons they might be harboring, she sensed that something still was nae right, but what did she miss, what did she forget to do, there had to be something? She struggled while searching for an answer but nothing came to her. *Sighed heavily *

Picking up his clenched hand, unrolled as she placed hers into his, and squeezed softly. Knowing he might be able to ascertain that he was indeed nae alone.

Looking to Olaf, she told him to please take a much-needed break while she sat and waited for Lord Moonmist's eyes to open.
Feeling the heat from the hearth, she found solace in comforting her cousin during this troubled time. So many things were worrying her, but most of all her cousin’s return to health. Still holding his hand, she thought she could see his mouth move, but what came forth in muddled words, escaped her comprehension.

Again she squeezed his hand gently and waited with the patience that was much needed at this time.

[LucienMoonmist]

*THe phantasms of dream haunting him still. Now sense of day or night, only the extent of wordless dreams, silent faces of hatred and fear. Memories of those slain during his battles to the south lands, the final image of Glendarin prominant in his mind.

His form shifted in it's troubled slumber, his breath mumbling words of despair and loss, echoing the cries of those slain during the atrocious months spent at war. His face contorted with the weight of those decisions. In his mind, he was alone. In his struggle, he lost that which was greater*

[Lady Alexandreania (Andrea)]

~For a few hours this last eve Andrea had been able to sit watch with Lucien, while Olaf the attendent in the infirmary took a well deserved rest. While gone Andrea took the time to thouroughly cleans and redress his bandages, tossing the soiled ones in to the hearth watching to make sure they burned up completely.~

~All during this time Lucien tossed and turned speaking incoherantly, giving cries of pain and terrible loneliness as tho He had no one to turn to, to easy his troubled spirit. Although she had spoken to Milord Shahal and asked if this be a natural occurance she had his reassurance that it was the effect of the poisons leaving his system and the harm done to his body trying to mend itself. She felt that much of what had been told her was true. But below that there was an undercurrent that she felt she or anyone else would never understand unless it be reveiled by Lord Lucien himself.~

~All she could do as she waited was to place her hand and entwining her fingers with his, hoping that at some point he will know he is not alone. That there were others that wish for him to be well, while her other hand ran a cool cloth over his body where there were no wounds, speaking to him with a belief that her voice could some how reach him and pull him up from the pit of dispare where he now battled.~

[LadyLaurestina]

Rising from her much needed slumber, quickly dressed and applied her favorite perfume, nae needing the Lavender oil any longer. Washing her face, and putting on the favorite red velvet dress for a day she hoped would be free from any more work, but with only one duty, and that was to care for her cousin Lord Moonmist. Walking swiftly down the stairs and making her way to the infirmary, nae looking to speak to anyone until she finished her duty this day.

Nodding to Olaf, and once again asked him if he wished to go take some time to himself, to eat, or take a much needed walk to take in the golden rays of the day’s sunshine.

Sitting down next to her cousin, making note that all bandages were fresh and there upon his head was another clean compress, she knew lady Andrea had to have spent some time here and she *looked to the ceilings and thanked her for all her assistance. Looking down at his restless body, now knowing he was fighting a battle, which only he could do on his own, there was one thing she could yet do. Stoking his hair with an ever so light touch, and then stopped when she found the pulse of his life in his temples. Gently pushing her hands upon his temples and leaning over him, positioning herself so that she would be as stable as a rock. Focused all of her energy into him, filling him with her positive field of natures energy. She focused only on this exchange of power that came to her often and allowed it to come from the depth of her heart and soul, and gradually surge into her fingertips and hands like the rays of the warm sunlight. Some would think it is a form of prayer, but to her it was giving all of her life’s flow, of her known love from nature’s power into another. It was an ancient elven art, and she nae let many know of her powers, as some would missinterupt her healing hands as that of some kind of white witch. Though, that in essence is what she had been taught to do for many years. * Closing her eyes* allowing the power of the forest, the life that gave all renewal in the spring, come into her being as she sat and leaned over her cousin. Her hands and body shimmering in a light that shined thought the open window.

Olaf watched her for a minute, and lit five candles which bee’s wax contained Angelica, vervain, and rose. Then making his way out of the infirmary, knowing this was a private ceremony that the lady did use only when extreme measures needed to be taken.

She remained at his side and would continue this for another hour, and then she would need to rest and recoup her own energy once more.

[Lady Alexandreania (Andrea)]

~After helping Lady Laurestina in her healing with the Stranger that had arrived tonight, She glanced over to the cot where Lucien lay. As the Stranger sleeps, she stands and moves back over to Luciens side, her fingers search for his and entwine as she takes a seat upon the stool next to his cot, letting him know that he isn't alone.~

~Looking to his bandages, sees they have been freshly redressed. In having spoken with Olaf she knows that Lady Dream has also been sitting with Lucien, watching over him when she can. Smiling at the thought knowing the Lady to be so busy with the running of the Castle, that she takes time to sit with those in the infirmary. Andrea must remember to thank her in Lucien's stead, until he can do so himself when he is able. ~

~Softly so that the sound does not travel any farther than Luciens ears she gently hums a soothing ballad from her own land. the sound seems to ease the dream worn battle in his mind and calms him. ~

~As she sits humming she feels a slight movement to his hand as tho he knows it is there and wants to close about hers. At the feel of this she looks to his face, the rapid eye movement telling her that he is still deep within the sleep but gives her hope all will be well.~

~Nodding to Olaf as he returns after several hours so that He can relax eat and have time to himself, she makes to rise and whispers in Lucien's ear the same as she has everyday since his return before she leaves him, tho she wonders if he even hears her. Then leaving the infirmary she makes her way back to the great hall.~

[LucienMoonmist]

*slowly, the visions in his mind slipped from him. Wih a speed aggonizingly slow, even to those who lived till the eternity's end, consciousness came to him. Laying there upon the cot, it took several moments for the realization of his surroundings to catch up to him. Recognizing where he was, the memories of pain and blood swarming back to him, he went to move. Only then did the memories of pain become present reality once again.

With a slow pace he rose and entered the feast hall, only to have his step aided by Lady Andrea. As his step was aided, his movements were thusly chastised by Lady Laurestina. Time passed, his weakness did not. He needed once again to enter the slumber of healing which his blood allowed him.

Moving to the infirmary, dogged at each step by Laurestina's warnings of his health. Settling back to the cot, after an imbibng of tea foul enoguh to have come from the moat it's self, he drifted back into his healing slumber with Lady Alexandria at his side. Back to the visions he cannot help. Back to what wasn't.