In my own mind. Pacing. Trapped behind bars of distraction and uncertainty. Fed scraps of affection and attention. Keep me lean. Keep me hungry. Always here for you.
Caged.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Hunted Part: 8 4/2008
As he stood stone still Lucian's mind raced.
Unable to move his body, his mind jumped from thought to thought. He knew the wizard wouldn't simply let the beast kill him outright. But that didn't mean he wouldn't let Dewach do plenty of damage before intervening. Should he use his new abilities or save them as a trump card? Should he trust his instincts and let the creature come?
As Dewach roared forward he swung the hefty poleaxe around his head again and again.
Lucian could hear the deep rush of air as the weapon slashed its huge circular path over the beast's head. He stared at the creature thundering towards him certain the wizard wanted further entertainment than a simple execution.
He was certain of it. The creature swung the massive weapon back in a lower arc.
He was certain...
Dewach was close enough to connect and he roared furiously as he brought the blade from behind him straight down at Lucian's skull.
...certain...
Lucian didn't even blink as the blade screamed towards his face.
There was silence.
Lucian thought for a moment that the weapon had connected. That his brain had simply...stopped in its final moment. He then realized that by thinking that...then in fact he was still living.
Suddenly there seemed a rush of sounds. A distinct gasp Devlin. His own breathing. The roar of frustration as Dewach realized that he was no longer able to move....
And then...the annoyingly light laughter of the wizard filled the arena.
"Ah Lucian," giggled the wrinkled man "The look in your eyes!! How I will cherish that after you are dead."
"I'm sure you've been wondering about the markings I've placed upon your flesh. Hmm? It's a new type of necromancy I've discovered and adapted to use with the living. Yes! Amazing I know."
"The markings allow one to control certain areas. I've had most of your body covered and you see how effective that is hmm? Now can you imagine if your very bones were etched with those symbols?"
As if in response to the question Dewach moaned loudly. His weapon rose slowly though he obviously did not want this. He large legs moved back awkwardly step by thundering step.
"Now Dewach is in my complete control. Right down to his very bones." The wizard twisted his hand slightly and Lucian watched in horror as the large creature's forearm began to bend unnaturally. Dewach moaned in pain but could do nothing to prevent it.
"But that isn't what makes him so special. Oh no! He..." The wizard paused and slowly a dark smile peeled across his face. "...well why don't you just find out for yourself, eh?"
With that the wizard waved his hands. The ink covering Lucian began to crawl and melt down his naked body. It didn't leave a smudge or stain on him but instead trickled across his pale flesh like black mercury.
As it reached the dark soil at his feet it simply faded, either into the soil or away he could not tell.
It was at this moment Lucian became aware of his freedom. He was suddenly aware that the muscles he had been straining to back away...were able to now do so and he staggered backwards awkwardly as if his limbs were asleep.
"Now Lucian," came the wizard's voice " let us see how well you do in your current position against my newest play thing." With that he waved his other hand.
Dewach, now free of restraint slammed his blade forward into the ground sending dark soil flying explosively.
Lucian took a step back.
Dewach took a step forward. His mouth spread in a hideous sharp toothed grin.
Lucian stood there naked and unarmed.
His mouth spread in a cynical smirk.
Unable to move his body, his mind jumped from thought to thought. He knew the wizard wouldn't simply let the beast kill him outright. But that didn't mean he wouldn't let Dewach do plenty of damage before intervening. Should he use his new abilities or save them as a trump card? Should he trust his instincts and let the creature come?
As Dewach roared forward he swung the hefty poleaxe around his head again and again.
Lucian could hear the deep rush of air as the weapon slashed its huge circular path over the beast's head. He stared at the creature thundering towards him certain the wizard wanted further entertainment than a simple execution.
He was certain of it. The creature swung the massive weapon back in a lower arc.
He was certain...
Dewach was close enough to connect and he roared furiously as he brought the blade from behind him straight down at Lucian's skull.
...certain...
Lucian didn't even blink as the blade screamed towards his face.
There was silence.
Lucian thought for a moment that the weapon had connected. That his brain had simply...stopped in its final moment. He then realized that by thinking that...then in fact he was still living.
Suddenly there seemed a rush of sounds. A distinct gasp Devlin. His own breathing. The roar of frustration as Dewach realized that he was no longer able to move....
And then...the annoyingly light laughter of the wizard filled the arena.
"Ah Lucian," giggled the wrinkled man "The look in your eyes!! How I will cherish that after you are dead."
"I'm sure you've been wondering about the markings I've placed upon your flesh. Hmm? It's a new type of necromancy I've discovered and adapted to use with the living. Yes! Amazing I know."
"The markings allow one to control certain areas. I've had most of your body covered and you see how effective that is hmm? Now can you imagine if your very bones were etched with those symbols?"
As if in response to the question Dewach moaned loudly. His weapon rose slowly though he obviously did not want this. He large legs moved back awkwardly step by thundering step.
"Now Dewach is in my complete control. Right down to his very bones." The wizard twisted his hand slightly and Lucian watched in horror as the large creature's forearm began to bend unnaturally. Dewach moaned in pain but could do nothing to prevent it.
"But that isn't what makes him so special. Oh no! He..." The wizard paused and slowly a dark smile peeled across his face. "...well why don't you just find out for yourself, eh?"
With that the wizard waved his hands. The ink covering Lucian began to crawl and melt down his naked body. It didn't leave a smudge or stain on him but instead trickled across his pale flesh like black mercury.
As it reached the dark soil at his feet it simply faded, either into the soil or away he could not tell.
It was at this moment Lucian became aware of his freedom. He was suddenly aware that the muscles he had been straining to back away...were able to now do so and he staggered backwards awkwardly as if his limbs were asleep.
"Now Lucian," came the wizard's voice " let us see how well you do in your current position against my newest play thing." With that he waved his other hand.
Dewach, now free of restraint slammed his blade forward into the ground sending dark soil flying explosively.
Lucian took a step back.
Dewach took a step forward. His mouth spread in a hideous sharp toothed grin.
Lucian stood there naked and unarmed.
His mouth spread in a cynical smirk.
Hunted Part:7 3/2008
As the guards carried him down the long dark corridors his mind worked feverishly. It was obvious the dark symbols were something he had taught her. The style had his look to it...the soft curves even appeared sharp as they swirled and spread across his skin. But how did they work?
He didn't bother to try and figure out where he was being taken, he was already fairly certain he knew.
Suddenly his movement stopped and a loud *THUDTHUD* was heard from the guard at the front. The dark hall was flooded with light as they continued through a doorway.
The arena they entered was sometimes called the black pool. The soft dark earth beneath their feet was often so soaked in blood that it could only be called black making it appear as a giant ink filled pool.
As the guards placed him on the soil, no matter what position they left a limb in it stayed as if frozen though each part moved freely when they touched him.
He couldn't see much as his head was left facing down but he didn't need to see to know this place. He had spent the first 20 years of his life in this ring. Honing his skills. Killing as he was told. No spot of the field had not been kissed by the spray of his enemies blood. The ring was oval 30 yards wide and 50 yards long with the corners severely rounded to prevent anyone from using the corners to climb out to what they thought might be safety.
The walls themselves were 15 feet high and there were four archers always waiting for the signal to take anyone foolish enough to try for the climb.
As he lay in a crumpled heap he could hear footsteps. Closing his eyes he pictured eight disks out from his awareness. Listening closely he placed the sound in one of the disks. Knowing where he was he could now at least tell where the sound was moving to.
Suddenly unseen hands jerked him to his feet onto his toes. His head jerked around to try and locate who was doing this but there was no one...at least no one near him.
"Ah! Lucian I see your surprise at my new little trick. Do you approve?"
The voice of his tormentor called out to him from a raised chair at one end of the wall.
Lucian's eyes burned at the wizard. Lucian willed his eyes to be daggers, arrows, dragons to fly and kill the wizard but....nothing.
Lucian watched the man flick his finger...a simple gesture but with it came understanding. Gut wrenching understanding. As the finger moved so did Lucian's arm. And so it was clear. He had come all this way to simple become this bastard's puppet once again.
Another large door suddenly boomed open and Lucian watched a large manlike creature squeeze through its archway. One would have called it an Ogre but it had a certain something about it that simply spook of a more cunning evil. Dragging behind it was a poleaxe, large even for this creature. It wore no shirt nor shoes but simply wrapped its waist with some sort of hide. Chains were attached in various places and from them dangled the skulls of various races...of various ages. And tucked into the creature's chains, like a simple dagger, was Lucian's own blade. Even across the arena he could feel/hear it call to him.
"Lucian, I'd like you to meet my newest project. His name is Dewach. He's by no means as graceful or precise as you were but he has his own talent and charm. I admit he seems a step down but once you left what was one supposed to do, Hmm?"
At the sound of his name Dewach beat his chest and yelled as he swung the poleaxe about. In order to do so he had to get his weight under it and power it into motion. Once there it was simple to keep it going....and woe to that which tried to stop it.
"Now Lucian are you ready for some long awaited fun? I'm sure you are."
The wizard's smile was cold and unfeeling as he spoke. He slowly moved his fingers down and Lucian could do nothing but watch as they slowly forced his arms to his sides.
Dewach roared and begin thumping his feet forward while swinging the poleaxe round and round.
This was not the fun Lucian had been hoping for at all.
He didn't bother to try and figure out where he was being taken, he was already fairly certain he knew.
Suddenly his movement stopped and a loud *THUDTHUD* was heard from the guard at the front. The dark hall was flooded with light as they continued through a doorway.
The arena they entered was sometimes called the black pool. The soft dark earth beneath their feet was often so soaked in blood that it could only be called black making it appear as a giant ink filled pool.
As the guards placed him on the soil, no matter what position they left a limb in it stayed as if frozen though each part moved freely when they touched him.
He couldn't see much as his head was left facing down but he didn't need to see to know this place. He had spent the first 20 years of his life in this ring. Honing his skills. Killing as he was told. No spot of the field had not been kissed by the spray of his enemies blood. The ring was oval 30 yards wide and 50 yards long with the corners severely rounded to prevent anyone from using the corners to climb out to what they thought might be safety.
The walls themselves were 15 feet high and there were four archers always waiting for the signal to take anyone foolish enough to try for the climb.
As he lay in a crumpled heap he could hear footsteps. Closing his eyes he pictured eight disks out from his awareness. Listening closely he placed the sound in one of the disks. Knowing where he was he could now at least tell where the sound was moving to.
Suddenly unseen hands jerked him to his feet onto his toes. His head jerked around to try and locate who was doing this but there was no one...at least no one near him.
"Ah! Lucian I see your surprise at my new little trick. Do you approve?"
The voice of his tormentor called out to him from a raised chair at one end of the wall.
Lucian's eyes burned at the wizard. Lucian willed his eyes to be daggers, arrows, dragons to fly and kill the wizard but....nothing.
Lucian watched the man flick his finger...a simple gesture but with it came understanding. Gut wrenching understanding. As the finger moved so did Lucian's arm. And so it was clear. He had come all this way to simple become this bastard's puppet once again.
Another large door suddenly boomed open and Lucian watched a large manlike creature squeeze through its archway. One would have called it an Ogre but it had a certain something about it that simply spook of a more cunning evil. Dragging behind it was a poleaxe, large even for this creature. It wore no shirt nor shoes but simply wrapped its waist with some sort of hide. Chains were attached in various places and from them dangled the skulls of various races...of various ages. And tucked into the creature's chains, like a simple dagger, was Lucian's own blade. Even across the arena he could feel/hear it call to him.
"Lucian, I'd like you to meet my newest project. His name is Dewach. He's by no means as graceful or precise as you were but he has his own talent and charm. I admit he seems a step down but once you left what was one supposed to do, Hmm?"
At the sound of his name Dewach beat his chest and yelled as he swung the poleaxe about. In order to do so he had to get his weight under it and power it into motion. Once there it was simple to keep it going....and woe to that which tried to stop it.
"Now Lucian are you ready for some long awaited fun? I'm sure you are."
The wizard's smile was cold and unfeeling as he spoke. He slowly moved his fingers down and Lucian could do nothing but watch as they slowly forced his arms to his sides.
Dewach roared and begin thumping his feet forward while swinging the poleaxe round and round.
This was not the fun Lucian had been hoping for at all.
Hunted Part: 6 2/2006
As she crawled up his body, pressing hers close to his, her mouth left soft kisses from point to point. Parts of him twitched at each touch of her lips despite his attempts to control himself.
"Why did you leave me here when you left?" Her voice sounded light and carefree as if she were asking for something to be passed across a dinner table but at its core was the cold hard edge that only a woman's voice can hold. Like a razor hidden amongst rose petals...
Almost his entire body remained in complete control as he felt himself tighten around her words. As he focused on what she said parts of him began to lose interest in the conversation.
She moved her hands to his groin and began softly kneading him while she brushed her cheek against him moving her mouth just beyond reach.
"I can't explain. I doubt you would understand or even believe me anyways." his voice was soft but carried a hard smooth coldness that only a man's voice can hold. Like words carved in marble...
"You can't explain?" Devlin's voice rose slightly, "You left me hear with him...alone...no rhyme or reason and you can't explain?!" Her hand squeezed tighter around him and he grunted.
"It was for your own good. I did it for you." he said knowing full well where the conversation was heading but unable...or unwilling to turn it aside. Despite his attempts at silence a part of him that had been aching to explain was freed somehow and it would not be denied.
"For me?!" again her voice rose in both pitch and volume. "You left me here and without you he focused on me. On ME!" her nails dug slightly into the soft flesh of him but he made no sound. "You were free to run around the world while I spent day after day and night after night under him. And yes I mean "under him". Without you his anger and pleasure became the same and they all fell on me. But what did you care? You were free. It's always been about you hasn't it?"
His eyes grey distant and cold as if he were thinking to times gone by. And while it was soft his voice clearly cut through the room. "If I had stayed here...if I had not left when I did...he would have used you against me. Used you to get to me. Used you as a way to break me. And whatever you went through while I was gone...it would have been worse had I stayed. And at the very least you are still alive." his eyes focused on hers sharply, "But like I said...you wouldn't understand or even believe me. So what do you want from me Devlin? Huh? What do you want?"
Her grip relaxed on his groin and tears threatened her eyes like dark clouds with rain. "What do I want? What I've always wanted. I want you to call out my name with feeling...with passion. I want to know that you feel for me...care for me...like I've cared for you."
Somehow something large had become stuck in his throat but painfully he spoke around this...
"I can't. I can't let him use that...use you against me. I'm...I'm sorry Dev."
"I'm sorry too." her voice almost a whisper. She stood her fingers the last thing to leave off from his skin as she stood by the bed. She turned away from him and wrapped a large piece of silk cloth about her body. That done she looked over at him and for a moment...her eyes looked as if the storm might break. But she turned and pulled a large knotted cord that hung from the ceiling.
A moment later her door opened and two large armored brutes stepped inside. Each grabbed an arm and a leg and he easily came away from the bed. They held him like a trussed up deer and waited for a moment.
"I'm sorry this had to go this way Lucian." she said not turning around, "I guess getting what we want isn't in our cards."
"I've learned something Dev. No one ever gives you what you want...you always have to take it." with that the guards dragged him from the room the heavy door closing loudly behind them.
"You always did say the dumbest cliches." with a sniff she lit a candle and began to dress for what was to come.
"Why did you leave me here when you left?" Her voice sounded light and carefree as if she were asking for something to be passed across a dinner table but at its core was the cold hard edge that only a woman's voice can hold. Like a razor hidden amongst rose petals...
Almost his entire body remained in complete control as he felt himself tighten around her words. As he focused on what she said parts of him began to lose interest in the conversation.
She moved her hands to his groin and began softly kneading him while she brushed her cheek against him moving her mouth just beyond reach.
"I can't explain. I doubt you would understand or even believe me anyways." his voice was soft but carried a hard smooth coldness that only a man's voice can hold. Like words carved in marble...
"You can't explain?" Devlin's voice rose slightly, "You left me hear with him...alone...no rhyme or reason and you can't explain?!" Her hand squeezed tighter around him and he grunted.
"It was for your own good. I did it for you." he said knowing full well where the conversation was heading but unable...or unwilling to turn it aside. Despite his attempts at silence a part of him that had been aching to explain was freed somehow and it would not be denied.
"For me?!" again her voice rose in both pitch and volume. "You left me here and without you he focused on me. On ME!" her nails dug slightly into the soft flesh of him but he made no sound. "You were free to run around the world while I spent day after day and night after night under him. And yes I mean "under him". Without you his anger and pleasure became the same and they all fell on me. But what did you care? You were free. It's always been about you hasn't it?"
His eyes grey distant and cold as if he were thinking to times gone by. And while it was soft his voice clearly cut through the room. "If I had stayed here...if I had not left when I did...he would have used you against me. Used you to get to me. Used you as a way to break me. And whatever you went through while I was gone...it would have been worse had I stayed. And at the very least you are still alive." his eyes focused on hers sharply, "But like I said...you wouldn't understand or even believe me. So what do you want from me Devlin? Huh? What do you want?"
Her grip relaxed on his groin and tears threatened her eyes like dark clouds with rain. "What do I want? What I've always wanted. I want you to call out my name with feeling...with passion. I want to know that you feel for me...care for me...like I've cared for you."
Somehow something large had become stuck in his throat but painfully he spoke around this...
"I can't. I can't let him use that...use you against me. I'm...I'm sorry Dev."
"I'm sorry too." her voice almost a whisper. She stood her fingers the last thing to leave off from his skin as she stood by the bed. She turned away from him and wrapped a large piece of silk cloth about her body. That done she looked over at him and for a moment...her eyes looked as if the storm might break. But she turned and pulled a large knotted cord that hung from the ceiling.
A moment later her door opened and two large armored brutes stepped inside. Each grabbed an arm and a leg and he easily came away from the bed. They held him like a trussed up deer and waited for a moment.
"I'm sorry this had to go this way Lucian." she said not turning around, "I guess getting what we want isn't in our cards."
"I've learned something Dev. No one ever gives you what you want...you always have to take it." with that the guards dragged him from the room the heavy door closing loudly behind them.
"You always did say the dumbest cliches." with a sniff she lit a candle and began to dress for what was to come.
Hunted Part: 5 11/2005
He could feel a soft cool breeze blowing across his bare skin as he lay upon...what felt to be grass. It smelt like grass with deep rich soil beneath it. Faintly flowers could be detected but nothing else.
His skin also felt the brush of burning heat which only came from the sun. Through his closed eyes he could see the red of his blood as the light hit him full on.
Putting his hand between the source of light and his eyes he slowly opened them. Everything had a blue tint, an effect caused by his eyes adjusting to the red while closed.
He was on a hillside. As far as his eyes could see green grass with softly colored flowers spilled over hill after hill.
He felt calm and his wounds were no longer visible. No other person could be seen or heard anywhere. He felt calm and at ease without a care in the world. Which could mean only one thing...
"This isn't real."
As soon as the words left his lips the world around him fled being replaced by a darker place with walls. It took a moment for his eyes to re-adjust to the lack of light.
"You couldn't just accept the illusion while you healed could you? You never were a very good patient." a familiar female voice spoke.
"Well you know Devlin" his head turning to where he felt her even though he could not see her yet, "if you didn't make them so perfect...too perfect..I might be willing to fall for them." He smiled knowing she was smirking back.
He reached his hand up to brush some stray hair from his face and he felt his arm stop dead. No chain, rope or strap held his arm. He forced his eyes to adjust quickly the surface of them swimming for a moment. Looking at his wrist with his newer eyes he could see dark symbols painted into his flesh. They seemed to stand out above his skin and yet were very clearly on it. As his wrists strained to move the symbols pulsed and flexed.
"It's for your own protection Lucian. I didn't want you to hurt yourself thrashing around." she finished wiping something from her hands with a rag her back to him.
"I wasn't aware that I was thrashing while you healed me." Lucian said his voice cold and calm...testing.
She turned around a sly smile forming across her face. Look upwards at him her eyes met his and a predatory light danced between them both.
"You weren't. I meant now that you're healed and awake."
Her hand went to some lacing at her throat pulling it free. As she slowly stepped forward her gown slipped from her shoulders to the floor leaving her body bare.
"I see. My mistake then," he chuckled and settled back against the bed. His voice sounded light and playful but deep inside he tensed waiting for trap to be sprung.
His skin also felt the brush of burning heat which only came from the sun. Through his closed eyes he could see the red of his blood as the light hit him full on.
Putting his hand between the source of light and his eyes he slowly opened them. Everything had a blue tint, an effect caused by his eyes adjusting to the red while closed.
He was on a hillside. As far as his eyes could see green grass with softly colored flowers spilled over hill after hill.
He felt calm and his wounds were no longer visible. No other person could be seen or heard anywhere. He felt calm and at ease without a care in the world. Which could mean only one thing...
"This isn't real."
As soon as the words left his lips the world around him fled being replaced by a darker place with walls. It took a moment for his eyes to re-adjust to the lack of light.
"You couldn't just accept the illusion while you healed could you? You never were a very good patient." a familiar female voice spoke.
"Well you know Devlin" his head turning to where he felt her even though he could not see her yet, "if you didn't make them so perfect...too perfect..I might be willing to fall for them." He smiled knowing she was smirking back.
He reached his hand up to brush some stray hair from his face and he felt his arm stop dead. No chain, rope or strap held his arm. He forced his eyes to adjust quickly the surface of them swimming for a moment. Looking at his wrist with his newer eyes he could see dark symbols painted into his flesh. They seemed to stand out above his skin and yet were very clearly on it. As his wrists strained to move the symbols pulsed and flexed.
"It's for your own protection Lucian. I didn't want you to hurt yourself thrashing around." she finished wiping something from her hands with a rag her back to him.
"I wasn't aware that I was thrashing while you healed me." Lucian said his voice cold and calm...testing.
She turned around a sly smile forming across her face. Look upwards at him her eyes met his and a predatory light danced between them both.
"You weren't. I meant now that you're healed and awake."
Her hand went to some lacing at her throat pulling it free. As she slowly stepped forward her gown slipped from her shoulders to the floor leaving her body bare.
"I see. My mistake then," he chuckled and settled back against the bed. His voice sounded light and playful but deep inside he tensed waiting for trap to be sprung.
Hunted Part: 4 10/2005
Padding along the cold wet stone floor Lucian moved from shadow to shadow as a ghost. He had been here before and knew his way well but details had changed and movement often caused his heart to stop as suddenly as his body.
Ahead he saw the stairwell leading upwards towards his goal.
Torches set in sconces lit the area in front of the stairs but flooded the stairwell with inky darkness. Making sure no prying eyes were about he sprinted the short distance towards the steps. At the last instant he noticed something moving towards his head. Moving too quickly he couldn't stop nor drop to avoid the blow so he raised his arm defensively.
Flinching his head away he saw sparks as a heavy blow landed against his arm and glanced off of his skull. He felt a sharp awkward pain in his forearm and heard an audible snap from a bone breaking as he fell to the side. Rolling as best he could he still managed to flop like a rag doll onto his side.
He lay there a moment trying to be aware of the world around him as lights danced before his eyes. He was aware that his attacker was stepping from the shadows and prepared himself for a fight.
"Lucian?" a female voice spoke with surprise. "What the hell is wrong with you?!" the voice belonged to a somewhat curvy lady wielding an impressive and very hard staff. She wore simple clothing consisting of pants and a large billowy shirt. Her bare feet showed her toes as they scrunched and wiggled in anger or excitement.
"What's wrong with me? I'm pretty sure you broke my arm." Lucian retorted. He remembered her now...but wasn't entirely sure due to the dancing sparks and ringing in his head.
"Hmm. Well I WAS trying to kill you so I suppose things could have turned out worse for you." the lady leaned on her staff and shook her head in disapproval. She seemed honestly disappointed in her failure to kill him.
"It's nice to see your taste in clothing hasn't changed much. But let me see if I can't do something about that arm so you don't cry." She reached her hand out while stepping forward.
"That's alright. I can tend to it myself. I've picked up a few things since my last visit." Lucian retorted.
As he cradled his wounded arm he closed his eyes and began to speak softly. Soon it seemed as if his arm were becoming hidden in a shadow that grew deeper and darker until at last his entire arm was hidden in a black inky cloud. As his words finished he shuddered and with a soft *whoosh* the cloud of darkness flew apart leaving his arm whole and healed.
The lady whistled a longish low note of appreciation. "Wow. Dark healing magic huh? I guess you did learn a thing or two." she leaned on her staff and stared at him. "Yer not very good at it if you can't even care for all those cuts on your chest and stuff. How's about we get those taken care of...and maybe find you some pants or something? Lunch is soon and I want to keep my appetite."
Lucian smiled at her playful jibes and pulled himself up to stand. "You know what Devlin? It's good to see you again....and I might just take you up on those offers."
With that he swayed over towards her, the room spinning. His last thought before watching the hard stone floor rush at him was that perhaps his head had been struck harder than he first thought.
Ahead he saw the stairwell leading upwards towards his goal.
Torches set in sconces lit the area in front of the stairs but flooded the stairwell with inky darkness. Making sure no prying eyes were about he sprinted the short distance towards the steps. At the last instant he noticed something moving towards his head. Moving too quickly he couldn't stop nor drop to avoid the blow so he raised his arm defensively.
Flinching his head away he saw sparks as a heavy blow landed against his arm and glanced off of his skull. He felt a sharp awkward pain in his forearm and heard an audible snap from a bone breaking as he fell to the side. Rolling as best he could he still managed to flop like a rag doll onto his side.
He lay there a moment trying to be aware of the world around him as lights danced before his eyes. He was aware that his attacker was stepping from the shadows and prepared himself for a fight.
"Lucian?" a female voice spoke with surprise. "What the hell is wrong with you?!" the voice belonged to a somewhat curvy lady wielding an impressive and very hard staff. She wore simple clothing consisting of pants and a large billowy shirt. Her bare feet showed her toes as they scrunched and wiggled in anger or excitement.
"What's wrong with me? I'm pretty sure you broke my arm." Lucian retorted. He remembered her now...but wasn't entirely sure due to the dancing sparks and ringing in his head.
"Hmm. Well I WAS trying to kill you so I suppose things could have turned out worse for you." the lady leaned on her staff and shook her head in disapproval. She seemed honestly disappointed in her failure to kill him.
"It's nice to see your taste in clothing hasn't changed much. But let me see if I can't do something about that arm so you don't cry." She reached her hand out while stepping forward.
"That's alright. I can tend to it myself. I've picked up a few things since my last visit." Lucian retorted.
As he cradled his wounded arm he closed his eyes and began to speak softly. Soon it seemed as if his arm were becoming hidden in a shadow that grew deeper and darker until at last his entire arm was hidden in a black inky cloud. As his words finished he shuddered and with a soft *whoosh* the cloud of darkness flew apart leaving his arm whole and healed.
The lady whistled a longish low note of appreciation. "Wow. Dark healing magic huh? I guess you did learn a thing or two." she leaned on her staff and stared at him. "Yer not very good at it if you can't even care for all those cuts on your chest and stuff. How's about we get those taken care of...and maybe find you some pants or something? Lunch is soon and I want to keep my appetite."
Lucian smiled at her playful jibes and pulled himself up to stand. "You know what Devlin? It's good to see you again....and I might just take you up on those offers."
With that he swayed over towards her, the room spinning. His last thought before watching the hard stone floor rush at him was that perhaps his head had been struck harder than he first thought.
Hunted Part 3 2/2005
The ape-like man approached holding his glowing poker like some sort of prize or very painful flower being delivered with glee. His leather apron flapped against his legs as he almost skipped towards his goal.
"So you got a name pretty boy? Or should I just call you pretty boy?" Lucian let his brain go on its random planning while his mouth bought him some time. It's amazing how much you can say when you don't have to think about it.
Looking around he spotted a bucket of murkish water with a rope handle near his feet. Perhaps that was there in case he suddenly burst into flames during this little party? Either way an idea presented itself. He just had to make it work.
He started shaking his hands in an attempt to free his chain from above. "Pretty boy" laughed through his tombstone like teeth wetly, drool spilling out. He enjoyed the struggle and paused for a moment to enjoy it.
Meanwhile Lucian snaked his toes out and wrapped the rope around his foot tightly. He stared into his captors dull eyes in turn capturing his attention.
As the large man shuffled forward he held his poker outwards like a secondary penis chuckling to himself. As he got got close he slowly raised his tool upwards it's cherry color now dulled to a low red.
"Do you like to dance pretty boy?" Lucian asked his voice slightly nervous sounding. The brute paused and cocked his head to the side looking slightly confused.
"Not sure? Then let's dance and see how you like it." Lucian raised his legs quickly bringing his knees upwards. Sensing an attack the ape-man brough his elbows in and down brutishly blocking the attack with a smile.
His smile quickly faded in a cloud of surprised steam as the bucket of water flipped upwards dousing his brand. As the steam rushed upwards it hit the man full in the face and he fell backwards clutching his scalded eyes. As he fell over he slammed his meaty skull on the brazier and fell to the floor silent as the contents flipped onto his naked back with a smokey sizzle.
"Well that worked....grosser than I expected."
Looking upwards Lucian started walking his hands up the chain. It was attached somehow at the center beyond his sight so it didn't simply slide back and forth in his grasp. As he got closer to the jutting ledge that held him he puled himself up and bent at his waist. He pulled his legs and hips over the ledge above him and then let the larger weight carry him the remainder of his distance. A dull crude peg of metal gouged his stomach as flipped upwards.
The chains at his wrists were joined together with a large ring. This ring in turn was looped over the peg. Pulling his chain from the peg he knelt and looked around from his perch.
"Well the easy part is done. Now to kill that wizard."
Landing softly from the ledge he jogged off in the direction his prey had taken his bare feet padding lightly into the darkness.
"So you got a name pretty boy? Or should I just call you pretty boy?" Lucian let his brain go on its random planning while his mouth bought him some time. It's amazing how much you can say when you don't have to think about it.
Looking around he spotted a bucket of murkish water with a rope handle near his feet. Perhaps that was there in case he suddenly burst into flames during this little party? Either way an idea presented itself. He just had to make it work.
He started shaking his hands in an attempt to free his chain from above. "Pretty boy" laughed through his tombstone like teeth wetly, drool spilling out. He enjoyed the struggle and paused for a moment to enjoy it.
Meanwhile Lucian snaked his toes out and wrapped the rope around his foot tightly. He stared into his captors dull eyes in turn capturing his attention.
As the large man shuffled forward he held his poker outwards like a secondary penis chuckling to himself. As he got got close he slowly raised his tool upwards it's cherry color now dulled to a low red.
"Do you like to dance pretty boy?" Lucian asked his voice slightly nervous sounding. The brute paused and cocked his head to the side looking slightly confused.
"Not sure? Then let's dance and see how you like it." Lucian raised his legs quickly bringing his knees upwards. Sensing an attack the ape-man brough his elbows in and down brutishly blocking the attack with a smile.
His smile quickly faded in a cloud of surprised steam as the bucket of water flipped upwards dousing his brand. As the steam rushed upwards it hit the man full in the face and he fell backwards clutching his scalded eyes. As he fell over he slammed his meaty skull on the brazier and fell to the floor silent as the contents flipped onto his naked back with a smokey sizzle.
"Well that worked....grosser than I expected."
Looking upwards Lucian started walking his hands up the chain. It was attached somehow at the center beyond his sight so it didn't simply slide back and forth in his grasp. As he got closer to the jutting ledge that held him he puled himself up and bent at his waist. He pulled his legs and hips over the ledge above him and then let the larger weight carry him the remainder of his distance. A dull crude peg of metal gouged his stomach as flipped upwards.
The chains at his wrists were joined together with a large ring. This ring in turn was looped over the peg. Pulling his chain from the peg he knelt and looked around from his perch.
"Well the easy part is done. Now to kill that wizard."
Landing softly from the ledge he jogged off in the direction his prey had taken his bare feet padding lightly into the darkness.
Hunted Part: 2 10/2005
*drip*
"Lucian"
*drip*
"Lucian"
*drip*
"Luuuciaaaaan"
*drip*
"LUCIAN!"
Snapping awake he knew he wasn't dead. If you felt this badly you weren't dead...maybe dieing...wishing..but not dead. His head swam with dark images and sparks for a moment as he found his bearings.
He took in his surroundings though he already knew their layout by heart. Nice to see things hadn't changed since his last visit.
Dark and dank were useful to describe his current home. A dungeon of torture. Fires burned in useful spots for ease of torture, water dripped in various spots for ease of torture, devices were placed about the room for...
well you get the point.
His wrists were clasped in irons and held above his head. A chain, most likely attached to a larger centered ring, stretched above him and out of sight over a large beam. The cuffs were welded shut to prevent him from picking the locks. More than likely the chain was looped over a hook or peg so that he could be moved while unconscious without having to rely on locks and keys.
His feet dangled above a grate in the floor...looking down he noticed his clothing had been removed. And a number of cuts bled freely explaining the dripping he had heard earlier.
In front of him stood two people. Ok. One person and one large hairless ape. He knew both.
The taller one was the same wizard he had been trying to kill. He was dressed in white, the color of death, from head to toe and he managed to stay spotless even in this local.
The large ape was dressed in a leather apron and boots....one hoped there were pants beneath the apron. They both smiled...the wizard with little warmth and the ape with wicked glee.
The wizard spoke smoothly. A light accent flowed and mingled with his words. "Lucian. Welcome back. You have been..." at this he reached out and dug a nail into one of the cuts. "...sorely missed."
A wince climbed up Lucian's face and his body pulled away from the nail.
"Did you notice what I did there? I caused you pain while referring to your absence as being painful. I'm learning to be funny. Don't you approve?"
Lucian raised an eyebrow slightly, "Were you? I hadn't noticed."
This brought another fierce dig of the nail.
"Ah Lucian. Always the wit. Perhaps you will lose your tongue waggle once we've burned the insolence from your eyes? Hmm?" The wizard nodded coolly to the ape-man who drew a large red hot iron from a brazier located within ease of reach.
Lucian sighed, "I wouldn't bet on that. I'm fairly mouthy and lack verbal self control."
With a smirk the wizard turned and walked away his voice echoing slightly through the darkness...
"We shall see Lucian. We shall see."
"Lucian"
*drip*
"Lucian"
*drip*
"Luuuciaaaaan"
*drip*
"LUCIAN!"
Snapping awake he knew he wasn't dead. If you felt this badly you weren't dead...maybe dieing...wishing..but not dead. His head swam with dark images and sparks for a moment as he found his bearings.
He took in his surroundings though he already knew their layout by heart. Nice to see things hadn't changed since his last visit.
Dark and dank were useful to describe his current home. A dungeon of torture. Fires burned in useful spots for ease of torture, water dripped in various spots for ease of torture, devices were placed about the room for...
well you get the point.
His wrists were clasped in irons and held above his head. A chain, most likely attached to a larger centered ring, stretched above him and out of sight over a large beam. The cuffs were welded shut to prevent him from picking the locks. More than likely the chain was looped over a hook or peg so that he could be moved while unconscious without having to rely on locks and keys.
His feet dangled above a grate in the floor...looking down he noticed his clothing had been removed. And a number of cuts bled freely explaining the dripping he had heard earlier.
In front of him stood two people. Ok. One person and one large hairless ape. He knew both.
The taller one was the same wizard he had been trying to kill. He was dressed in white, the color of death, from head to toe and he managed to stay spotless even in this local.
The large ape was dressed in a leather apron and boots....one hoped there were pants beneath the apron. They both smiled...the wizard with little warmth and the ape with wicked glee.
The wizard spoke smoothly. A light accent flowed and mingled with his words. "Lucian. Welcome back. You have been..." at this he reached out and dug a nail into one of the cuts. "...sorely missed."
A wince climbed up Lucian's face and his body pulled away from the nail.
"Did you notice what I did there? I caused you pain while referring to your absence as being painful. I'm learning to be funny. Don't you approve?"
Lucian raised an eyebrow slightly, "Were you? I hadn't noticed."
This brought another fierce dig of the nail.
"Ah Lucian. Always the wit. Perhaps you will lose your tongue waggle once we've burned the insolence from your eyes? Hmm?" The wizard nodded coolly to the ape-man who drew a large red hot iron from a brazier located within ease of reach.
Lucian sighed, "I wouldn't bet on that. I'm fairly mouthy and lack verbal self control."
With a smirk the wizard turned and walked away his voice echoing slightly through the darkness...
"We shall see Lucian. We shall see."
Hunted 10/2005
The rain fell gently against the outstretched leaves gathering size but losing speed as they fell to the forest floor. As they passed other leaves they *tic*ed and *tak*ed against them covering most soft noises in a grey mist of sound. When they rested against the forest floor they made soft the dry and thirsty leaves making foot falls, for those who knew how to step rightly, no louder than a falling rain drop.
Perched along a thick limb masked by clumps of leaves lay a figure. Though, unless looking straight at him while you carried a lamp, all you would see would be an oddly lumped limb with one rather straight branch...ending in an odd shaped leaf.
He carried his bow at the ready an arrow nocked another held in the same hand that held the string. His legs ran the length of the limb arched slightly over each side...his thighs squeezing from time to time to adjust his balance...but only slightly...and rarely.
He almost dozed but not quiet. His eyes were closed, since the dark of night hid him from most eyes and the storm clouds stole what little light remained he waited listening. When the time came he would see enough.
He ran through small plans in his head though he made sure to not like one more than any other since plans...like life...often changed in ways one did not expect.
His cloak, tucked against him, helped smooth his form making him less likely to be spotted. Its special fabric helped keep most water out though that had become moot long ago. His light leather armor had become soaked leaving a cold and clammy feeling against his skin when caught in passing breezes. It would be easier to move being softer when wet...but heavier as well. A balance he could live with.
Under his cloak, against his back, his sword lay like a dead thing. Smaller than most blades of its style it was never the less his weapon of choice. Coupled with his knives he felt more than ready.
His heart stopped as did his breathing. He could hear the soft stepping of a small number of horses. Down the leaf covered trail they made little noise save the occasional *hruuf* of dislike for the rain and a small jingle from their tack.
Three horses. As they came closer their hooves could be heard pressing and stepping carefully in the dark and wet. They were about twenty yards away...a long shot with a bow in day light. A little more time would be needed.
He opened his eyes looking in the direction of the sounds. Having been closed for so long his pupils were dilated allowing for more light to enter. This helped but he needed to see more.
He felt his eyes shifting slightly...blending...moving..changing. As they did this his vision changed...more colors bled in with the purples and greys of night. He could also more clearly as his new eyes focused on the riders.
The central rider was flanked by two large men who were obviously guards. They concerned him very little as his target was far more dangerous than any brute force could muster.
His target was dressed in long robes hidden under a cloak. He appeared old but also very fit for his age. Water could be seen glistening on his horse...but the man appeared dry. He seemed to be saying something to his guards...or mumbling to himself the way the old or thoughtful sometimes do. Just then he motioned with his staff towards the man in the trees.
The man in the tree felt the hairs on his neck stand on end as his heart squeezed a lump of adrenalin into his system.
Point of interest...
When a bolt of lightning strikes a tree you happen to be in...
you will not hear it land.
Perched along a thick limb masked by clumps of leaves lay a figure. Though, unless looking straight at him while you carried a lamp, all you would see would be an oddly lumped limb with one rather straight branch...ending in an odd shaped leaf.
He carried his bow at the ready an arrow nocked another held in the same hand that held the string. His legs ran the length of the limb arched slightly over each side...his thighs squeezing from time to time to adjust his balance...but only slightly...and rarely.
He almost dozed but not quiet. His eyes were closed, since the dark of night hid him from most eyes and the storm clouds stole what little light remained he waited listening. When the time came he would see enough.
He ran through small plans in his head though he made sure to not like one more than any other since plans...like life...often changed in ways one did not expect.
His cloak, tucked against him, helped smooth his form making him less likely to be spotted. Its special fabric helped keep most water out though that had become moot long ago. His light leather armor had become soaked leaving a cold and clammy feeling against his skin when caught in passing breezes. It would be easier to move being softer when wet...but heavier as well. A balance he could live with.
Under his cloak, against his back, his sword lay like a dead thing. Smaller than most blades of its style it was never the less his weapon of choice. Coupled with his knives he felt more than ready.
His heart stopped as did his breathing. He could hear the soft stepping of a small number of horses. Down the leaf covered trail they made little noise save the occasional *hruuf* of dislike for the rain and a small jingle from their tack.
Three horses. As they came closer their hooves could be heard pressing and stepping carefully in the dark and wet. They were about twenty yards away...a long shot with a bow in day light. A little more time would be needed.
He opened his eyes looking in the direction of the sounds. Having been closed for so long his pupils were dilated allowing for more light to enter. This helped but he needed to see more.
He felt his eyes shifting slightly...blending...moving..changing. As they did this his vision changed...more colors bled in with the purples and greys of night. He could also more clearly as his new eyes focused on the riders.
The central rider was flanked by two large men who were obviously guards. They concerned him very little as his target was far more dangerous than any brute force could muster.
His target was dressed in long robes hidden under a cloak. He appeared old but also very fit for his age. Water could be seen glistening on his horse...but the man appeared dry. He seemed to be saying something to his guards...or mumbling to himself the way the old or thoughtful sometimes do. Just then he motioned with his staff towards the man in the trees.
The man in the tree felt the hairs on his neck stand on end as his heart squeezed a lump of adrenalin into his system.
Point of interest...
When a bolt of lightning strikes a tree you happen to be in...
you will not hear it land.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Past writing
Included below is a link to a livejournal where I've done writing before. Some of the content is adult in nature and it should be flagged as such but be warned.
geschrammt livejournal
geschrammt livejournal
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