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[JMDavis ((Silver))]

Alexander struggled through the woods, panting heavily with each step. His eyes were wide with fear as he heard his monstrous pursuers following him. Their loud roars echoing through the woods, bouncing to his ears to drive him faster. He cried out in surprise as he fell to the ground, tripping over a fallen log. He scrambled to try and get up, wincing in pain as he looked down at his ankle, his foot was bent completely the wrong way and a piece of bone was sticking out of the flesh. He didn't feel the pain, the fear overpowering it. Looking up he saw the first of his hunters smash through the brambles and brush, the orc was huge, the trees cracking as he shouldered through. Heavy plate armor with large spikes decorated his body, two giant axes gripped in the paws of his hands.

It's dark red eyes focused upon Alexander, its maw stretching into a toothy grin as a snort of hot steam burst from his nostrils. "Ukthar! Mok'tak ugar!" He roared into the sky, the sound of heavy footsteps smashing through the thick brush of the forest echoing from all around. Soon Alexander was staring at the malevolent smiles of nearly twenty orcs, all focused intently upon him. One stomped forward, it was nearly twice the size of the others, with even larger weapons and heavier armor with great chains locked across its armor. As it's fur-lined boots resting infront of him as it came to a halt. It's lip was curled back in a sneer revealing yellowed fangs, with a few missing in the front. Its rumbling voice destroyed the silence as broken common streamed forth, "You human stel from Spirit Wolf Clan. We no like that, me no like that. Me seek death for you, me get what me seek." With a grunt he lifted one of his massive weapons, a giant mace, and let loose a guttural roar. When four arrows streaked from the surrounding wood, plunging into the orc's neck, but not sinking far. The orc gasped and jerk at the sudden attack, spinning around as he looked for the offender.

Shadowy blurs rushed among the branches, their numbers uncountable from their shadows. More arrows slashed through the trees, peppering one orc warrior to send it toppling to the ground. The huge orc looked around, his eyes darting. He saw one rush behind a tree and threw his heavy axe toward it. The blade destroyed the tree where it struck, and the resounding gurgled gasp let all knew one foe was dead. A slender figure dropped to the ground, the huge axe buried so deep it almost split him in tree. Its blue eyes were unseeing, its slim lips flecked with blood. The elf slumped lifelessly on the ground. One of the orcs ripped the blade free, and tossed it back to their leader who caught it deflty. Glaring about he roared out, "Come out and face the Spirit Wolves!" The large orc boomed.

One by one slim shapes dropped from the branches of trees, they numbered only five in all. Each held a long bow with an arrow nocked and ready. The orcs laughed at the elves, the leader still not having removed the arrows. "Puny leetle elves, you think you beat Spirit Wolf warriors? Ha! Spirit Wolf warrios don't get beat by elves, elves get beat by us!" With that the heavily armored warriors charged the slender rangers. Each of the five let loose on more arrow before drawing forth long curved blades. Running to meet the charge they struck and fought the orc warriors, the speed and size of the elves making them a match for the savagery and strength of the orcs.

Alexander watched in fascination at the battle around him, then a fresh stab of pain rushed through to his head. The fear no longer around to dampen the agony he should've felt. His head began to swam, and darkness closed in. The last sounds he heard were the angry roars of the orcs, and the battle shouts of elves. Then all went black, and sound died away as the pain washed all away.

Voices, speaking fast and fludily like a song, surrounded him. Anger tinting one while worry and defiance the other. Words began to bubble forth as his coma began to clear, though he could not understand the words.

"... zhu'lect a eroln! Udos shlu'ta naut izin ukta ulu sevir xuileb udossta kyon!" Shouted one of them, a female voice gentle but strong and angry.

"Uk zhah natha rivvil! Uk uriu tsak udossta orthae thac'zilen xuil nindyn tonaik klezn wu'suul udossta thac'zil! Udos zhal'la luth ukta feir tarthe dal ghil lueth ori'gato fuer'yonii doer reztorm ulu mylthar ukta lu'ori'gato ukta el!" Shouted the other, male and clearly the one that was truly angry.

"Qualla... Ori'gato uns'aa plynn kyon d'ukta hwuen uk zhah al," said the female voice, pleading.

"Ves al," said the male followed by the sounds of departing footsteps and a shutting door.

A sigh escaped the female's lips, followed by the sound of a body falling into a chair. Alexander slowly opened his eyes, staring at the form next to him. Long raven hair hung down like an obscuring cloak. Hiding the face of the women, the pointed tips of two pale ears poked from her locks, slightly red. "Nindel xsa fa'la zatoast, zuch er'gles uns'aa!" She snarled in frustration. Scrubbing at her hidden eyes she looked up and gasped in alarm as she saw Alexander's open eyes.

Alexander stared, his breath leaving his body as he saw the woman before him. Her skin was slightly pale, but he realized it was natural not from lack of light, her eyes were a beautiful turquoise that seemed to shimmer in the light. Her lips were a deep ruby red, and slightly parted. He saw that she wore armor, though it looked like it couldn't protect from a small breeze much less a weapon. He gulped, blushing fiercely and turning away as she shifted, confirming the fact that it would protect her from nothing at all in battle. "You wake!" She said, her voice filled with cheer. She moved to where he was looking away, standing in front of him with a wide smile. She knelt by the bed, grinning wide. "What's you're name? I'm Lani Anoron," she said, her words almost flowing together to be undecipherable.

Alexander blinked, "I-I'm Alexander Dannoth." He said slowly, trying not to stare at her, or more accurately what her armor revealed.

"Nice to meet you!" She said, slowing her voice some so he could understand a bit more. "I shall run off and get you some food to help you recover some more!" She rose and rushed off, causing him to look away again as a full view of her body became clear. He was only fifteen after all, he had never seen a naked human woman, and especially not a nude elf woman!

[JMDavis ((Silver))]

Alexander looked up and quickly looked away, the elf named Lani was coming back. But her armor was gone, "wha-what are you doing?!" He asked, his voice pitched slightly high from embarrassment. His cheeks were so red it was surprising he had blood anywhere else. He felt a hardening and his eyes widened even more. he moved a pillow covering it while trying to cover his eyes.

One of Lani's eyebrows rose, "What? It is custom for my people to not wear our armor when we do not have to." She was quiet for a moment and frowned, her eyes widened, "Ah! Taht is correct, humans wear clothes if I remember." She gave a mischevious grin, "I also remember that men cover those places when they find someone attractive." He didn't hear her draw closer but felt slender hands wrap around him slowl. "Do you find me attractive Alexander Dannoth?" She whispered in his ear.

He yelped jumping up and falling back onto the ground to look up at a laughing Lani. "Such fun! You are so easy to unnerve." She said in a playful tone as she stood. "If you wish it I shall find myself some form of clothing, but you'll have to get used to such things while you stay here." She said turning and walking off.

Alexander stood slowly, moving over to the tray of food she had left. It was mainly fruits and vegetables, with a bit of bread, and some sort of fish or animal. With a shrug he started eating the food in silence, finidng one of the swollen citrus fruits to mainly be juice, and the juice to be the sweetest thing he had ever tasted. Drinkg down the juice and eating the pulpy meat inside, he soon filled himself up. Cleaning the plate. With a contented sigh he leaned back,, closing his eyes. Here he was safe it seemed, the elves seemed to hate whatever things those were chasing him enough to attack them for being in the forest. His eyes popped open as he rememebred the item he had taken. His eyes earched the room before resting on his pack. Standing up he rushed over, digging inside and almost collapsed in relief as he saw it.

Slowly he withdrew the item, it was a strange symbol, appearing to be a Twisted claw the gave off a soft red light. He held it by a long chain carefully, thorny protrusions extending from the metal as runes raced across it, giving off a strange warmth. "When I get back home you'll sell for enough gold for me to have a good life." He was so mesmerized by the item he didn't hear Lani enter, though he wouldn't normally, until she spoke.

"I managed to find a robe, I hope it is concealing enou-" Her voice cut off as she saw the pendant, and her eyes widened in fear before narrowing. She lunged at him, knocking him down while at the same time moving to rise. She planted a foot hard on his throat, barely allowing him to breathe as the pendant slid across the floor. "What are you doing with a Pendant of Grim Goraz?" She hissed, her words holding a venom to them Alexander would not expect from the so far kind elf. "Speak quickly, we only need your corpse to answer our questions." As she said this she pressed her foot down hard.

He gasped, trying to draw in breath before speaking, "I... found it... and.... took it from.... those... those things!" He wheezed, his face slowly starting to turn blue. "Did... Didn't know.... know what it... it was." He gasped, his eyes bulging some. Lani removed her foot slowly, allowing him to take in shuddering rasps of breath. He looked up and saw her dark look was replaced by a frown.

"Forgive me Alexander." She said slowly, bending to help him up. "I should've guessed that humans do not know about the Pendants of the Nine." She said softly, her eyes wandered to the pendant and she shuddered as the glow faded and the runes cooled. "It has lost contact with a body, hopefully I knocked it from you soon enough so it couldn't send forth a beacon." She whispered. Shuddering again. "Please. Sit and I will tell you the tale." She said gently, ushering him to the bed where she sat next to him.

Clearing her throat she began. "Long ago, before the age of men or elves there were the beasts. Tribal beings known as orcs, goblins and giants. These ruled the ground, claiming it by blood and honor. Then there were the dragons, mighty creatures who soared among the skies. They were a great worry among the tribal beings, for their power was so great no weapon seemed to be able to stop them. The tribes used their shaman to commune with their dark gods, Nine of them in all, and bestow their power upon the mightiest warriors of each god. Making them avatars. Their malefic benefactors agreed, and thus the Nine Grim weren born.

"These Grim were great protecters of their tribes, able to best a dragon single-handedly, causing the great monsters to fear confrontation with the tribes. Thus so the beasts fled from the tribes' territories, going high off where they could create those who would fight with them. Using magic they created the first creatures not shaped from the beginning, they were squat and tough, as quick as an elf but strong as an orc. The dragons made many of these warriors, outfitting them with great armor and weapons. They attacked the tribal creatures, and a war ensued. But the dragons could see they would still lose and recalled their armies. Fleeing once again, the Grims' proving too strong still.

"The dragons decided they could not kill the Grims so they would imprison them as best they could. One-by-one the Grims' succumbed to the magic of the draconic magi, being locked away at a high cost to their foes still. When the dragons had finished their work they numbered only a few dozen. Locking away the Grims deep in the earth they were able to cease the rowdiness of the tribes. The dragons still hunted them, leaving their creations forgotten and probably destroyed since none have seen them since then. Soon the races of elf and man were born, we encouted each other much, but did not begin to intermingle until four centuries ago.

"The Nine Grims were as followed. The weakest of them was Grim Irgurz, Grim Yktrav, Grim Uhgrt, Grim Erfhgt, Grim Drywi, Grim Vigeth, Grim Asvwir, Grim Puyoti, Grim Devytr, and Grim Goraz the strongest of them all. Grim Goraz carried three titles that were prized above all else. Dragonsbane, Deathbringer, and Chosen of Ytrev. He proved these titles worthy too many times to count." Looking him in the eyes she said softly, "And you hold a pendant that can awaken him."

Alexander had been enraptured by the tale, and at her last statement all the blood washed from him, as he turned whiter than the sheets they sat on. "I carry an item that can awaken a demonic creature that would be able to destroy everything?"

Lani gave a nod, "Yes, but it seems that it will be a little safer in your hands than the orcs. Though they were probably just holding onto it until the Champions of Grim could arrive to awaken their lost master."

He blinked, "Who?"

"Ah, the Champions of Grim are an order of corrupted knights, humans and elves among the orcs, who fight to try and release the Grims from their prisons. While the orcs, goblins, and giants were the original Grims, their power has tempted many into walking the path. They are no longer normal though, their corruption is plain to be seen in many ways." She said, a hurt tone in her voice. Standing slowly she looked down at him, "Wrap up the pendant so you do not touch it."

"Why?" Alexander asked, taking the sheet to comply with what she said, yet still curious.

"We go to seek the council of High Elder Noldo Enna." She started walking, "My father."

Alexander stared before hurrying after her.

[JMDavis ((Silver))]

They moved quickly through the elf city, Alexander learning the truth of Lani's words as he saw male and female elves walking along the streets with no clothing. Though the guards seemed to be an exception, wearing the armor Lani had worn when he had first seen her. They as well carried strange blades, looking like two swords fused together at the hilts. He stared at everything, the elves had large buildings that seemed to be natural, made from wood and stone as if the two grew together.

Lani lead him on a long twisting path, Lani getting polite waves and words from some, while Alexander was being stared at it with undisguised curiousity. Some got closer and Lani had to push them away and pull Alexander closer to her. "My people have never really seen a human before, so they see you as an interesting creature." She gave a small giggle, "And some more than that."

Before he could ask what she meant she spoke again, "We're here." He looked up and stared in amazement. A large building decorated in swirling colors rose before them. Flowers and fruit grew thick from its eaves, while long branches and vines seemed to move and continue building upon it. "Come." She whispered, walking quickly and dragging him along. The two passed through long hallways quickly, more elf guards standing at doors and at intervals along the hallway. The two quickly arrived at a pair of large double oaken doors.

Lani continued going quick, pushing the doors open to the protests of the guards as she dragged Alexander in. Infront of them nine elves were seated, all had long white hair but looked no older than Lani. Though a few faint lines were traced across their facce, but were otherwise unblemished. The one in the middle rose, his eyes as blue as Lani's and as he spoke he knew this was the elf who had been arguing against him staying there. "Daughter! What is the meaning of bringing this human among our council?" He asked in a deep voice, anger barely in check.

"Father," Lani said, her voice tight with barely concealed hate, "I have found an item in his possession that I thought should be brought to your attention." Turning to Alexander she gave him a small nod. Alexander frowned in worry but slowly unwrapped the sheets he carried. As the pendant was exposed. Gasps echoed from the Elders. "As you can see, he carries a Pendant of Grim Goraz. This pendant seems to be one imbued with the power to actually release the demonic orc."

The Elders began to murmur to one another, the room abuzz with their voices. "Silence!" Noldo boomed, his eyes like twin flames. His glare trained upon Lani, "I told you we should have let him die! He is a spy! The orcs used him to get inside to summon forth the Champions to destroy us!"

"Father! Listen to your words! Why would the orcs bother with this when they could just summon Grim Goraz and be done with us that way! Surely they wouldn't just rely upon the Champions!" Lani cried, her anger starting to break free.

"Lani Anoron, you dare speak against the High Elder!" He said, his voice a harsh yell. "If we kill him now then he cannot summon forth the Champions!" At these words guards began to walk in, blades ready.

Alexander looked around in fear, beginning to tremble some.

Lani stood in front of Alexander protectively, looking worried for both her and her new found friend. The guards drew closer when an elf rushed in, panting heavily. "Lord Noldo! Orcs are attacking! They used a shaman and are summoning forth the Champions! They want the boy!"

The Elder blinked in some surprise, he frowned clearly hating that he had been wrong and turned to the guards. "Cease your advancement, go and repel the invaders." He said, his voice extremely tight. The guards stared before saluing and rushing off. He turned toward Lani and Alexander. "It seems I was wrong," he said slowly. "But I feel that the lad is still a danger to us. You are no longer my daughter Lani, and as such you have brought forth a danger into our home. You will have the commodities of two horses and supplies for the both fo you for a week. As of now you are exiled. That is all."

Lani stared in shock, before her eyes narrowed and she stomped off. Alexander quickly following behind her. Noldo sighed as he watched her go, unshed tears sparkling in his eyes. "Be safe my daughter." He whispered before turning to the other councilors. "Grab your weapons and armor, we shall join our people to repel the foul orcs." With that, the Elders left their room to grab armor and weapons.

Lani was sprinting along, Alexander having trouble keeping up. "Drop the sheets and just carry the damn thing!" She shouted back at him. Alexander fumbled before gripping the chain and winging as thorns dug into his skin. Lani lead him into the armory, grabbing some armor and the same blades the elves had been wielding, as well as a bow and four quivers of arrows while Alexander found a normal sword which he took. Grabbing a sack she pushed all the equipment she could in it, before grabbing another sack and rushing into the nearby kitchens. She stuffed fruit and vegetables inside before running off to the stables, Alexander following her every step of the way.

Arriving in the stables Lani threw off her robe and climbed ontop of one. Alexander stared in shock, "This is no time for embarrassment! Mount up and lets go!" She shouted in anger. Alexander hurried, climbing ontop of another horse. With a short word from Lani both of the horses rushed out of the stables and past the battle. What they saw brought an unnatural fear over them. Orcs and elves fought one another, but something else fought alongside the orcs.

They appeared to be humanoid, standing on two legs and moving like an elf or human, but thats where all similarity ended. One of them had part of his face rotting away, showing all inside of his mouth, long black fangs gnashed tightly together. Another had long tentacles writhing across his body, each ending in a claw that gripped a weapon to fight with. It noticed them and gave a strange shriek, but both were soon away from the terrifying seen. Plowing through the forest with unnatural speed. Lani looked back, hearing the sounds of battle dying away. Tears running down her cheeks.

The two broke the woods and began to thunder across an open plain, Alexander looked toward her tear stained face but said nothing. He looked away and ahead, seeing mountains off in the distance. "Is that where we're going next?"

Lani was silent for a moment before saying in a tear-choked voice. "Yes. We'll find a place along the way to rest for the night. Hopefully no pursuit will be able to find us until we'll be well on our way away from here." Alexander gave a nod.

The two stopped along the way and made a small camp, not risking a fire. They ate in silence and curled up to go to sleep. As Alexander's eyes closed he heard soft sobbing and raised his head to look over at Lani. He stared a few quiet moments before moving over to her and wrapping an arm around her. He felt her stiffen before falling into more sobs as she curled tightly to him. He held her gently whispering to her softly to comfort her. Soon both fell into an uncomfortable sleep.

[JMDavis ((Silver))]

Alexander was awakened by the frenzied shaking of Lani and the sounds of tormented howls. "Awaken Alexander! We must flee to the mountains, the orcs have sent out worg riders!" She said urgently, moving away when his eyes had opened. She was packing up their camp when the howls came again, causing a shiver to race down his spine.

Moving to his own mount he asked, "What are worgs?" He dreaded an answer but had to know. Looking over to Lani when he heard no answer he saw a pained look to her face. "What's wrong?" He questioned.

"Mount up, and I'll tell you." She whispered, climbing onto her steed. Alexander followed her lead and the two were riding off, the tortured howling of these worgs keeping pace. "When the orcs first found the woods and plains they came across wolves, they saw the beasts as perfect hunters and how they revered the strong and destroyed the weak. The orcs took this farther, using their fell sorcery to cause the wolves to become malformed beings.They grew to the size of a horse, their ferocity increased tenfold, and they seem to have an insatiable bloodlust.

"Of course the orcs immediately took them as their mounts. These worgs as they called them became an elite group of warriors yet no elves have ever faced the riders to tell of them. Safe to say they may be a more fearsome for than their riders." She said. the end of her statement punctuated by a snarling roar that caused both to turn and pale.

The huge things loping after them looked like something from nightmare. Two foot long fangs almost formed a cage around their snouts. A sickly green puss ran from between their yellowed fangs. Blood red eyes with yellow veins shot through them glistened wetly. One of them let loose a blood curdling howl as it charged forward, it was about to pass the lead worg when the huge wolf swung its head around and almost bit away the ear of the overeager animal. The worg yelped and fell back behind the leader.

Alexander and Lani turned their attention ahead once again, they reached the foot of the mountains and galloped up a path carved into the mountain, looking back every now and then to see the monstrous worgs and their riders following. As the two neared the top they came to whatseemed a dead end. Both turned thier mounts around to see the orcs slowing their own beasts to sit before them, wicked fanged grins on their faces. "Give us da ooman, we kill ya quick den!" The leader snarled, the grin never leaving.

Lani moved her horse infront of Alexander protectively. "I'd rather die than allow your filthy claws to touch him!" She hissed, even though she seemed confident Alexander could see her shaking as well as a slight trickle of sweat running down her spine. Pulling forth her blades she hunched in the saddle, "You'll have to kill me to get to him!"

The lead orc laughed and turned to his cronies. "Lykk sju ukv nyspj, sjub sju nai. Pjyuv zykk nu cku-"

"Vog sje qzagfet ov sje xoubsaibt! Vog xy pkab!" Roared a voice which cut off the orc leader's snarls and grunts. As the orcs turned their eyes skyward a small shape was sailing downward. Wild-blue eyes glaring downward from a face covered in a red hair and beard. As the diminutive figure was nearing the ground he spun, swinging a giant hammer to smash into the face of the orc and send it sprawling while a heavy bladed axe clove the worg's skull in two. The creature landed snarling more than the orcs.

"Qzogv! Qzogv!" One huge orc shouted angrily, not caring their leader was probably dead. "Ossopl!" He roared charging at the small creature. A spinning hammer ended the orc's wild charge as it caught him in the throat and sent him flying backward to land hard against the rocks. It's mount kept running though, it's jaws opening impossibly wide. When four crossbow quarrels pierced it. The thing continued its charge for a few steps before sprawling onto the ground, sliding to a stop an inch in front of the red-haired warrior.

"Assapl!" He boomed, from all around the rocky outcropping more warriors of his size streamed downward. Heavy armor and weapons glinting in the sun. They fell upon the orcs and their worgs, butchering them. When the fighting ended they turned upon Lani and Alexander. The red-haired warrior stomped forward, covered head to toe in blood, none of it his it seemed. He wore a battered helm, chest plate, and leggings. He stopped in front of Lani and Alexander looking each over before hocking a loogie. "Why is the lass more naked than a newborn babe. And why are them toads chasing ye?" He grunted bluntly.

Lani and Alexander blinked. Slowly Lani answered, "It is custom among my people to not wear clothing, it also hinders the position on the saddle of a horse."

The creature blinked, spitting again before saying. "Uh-huh."

"And they are chasing us because," she bit her lip trying to think of a reason. She almost groaned in anger when Alexander answered.

"Because I accidentally stole an item of Grim Goraz from their clan." Weapon ends were quickly pointed at their throats and the red-haired warrior glared at them.

"Take them away till more proper questionin' can be done." He said before stomping off, walking through the rock wall on the far side of the outcropping. Before Alexander or Lani could move both were tackled to the ground and bound in heavy rope and metal, their horses were removed of all items and sent off down the mountain by their captors. The diminuitive men lifted each up and carried them after the red-haired warrior. Taking them into the very heart of the mountains...

[Eliphas]

Awesome. Although the council scene is a little too fast, the rest is great.

[JMDavis ((Silver))]

Heh ^^ Thanks. I really should write more of this but.. I'm not sure where I want to go with the dwarves line of questioning.

[Eliphas]

I've been wait, what, 20 days for a reply? And all I get is a measly 'thanks'? THIS IS MADNESS!

Jk. But fo realz, you gotta write more! It's great.

[JMDavis ((Silver))]

Hehe, sorry bout that! =p I get preoccupied on the WoW forums and this gets shoved to the back of my mind.

I'll get around to the questions sooner or later >.>

[Eliphas]

It better be sooner... All the stories I've been following have either been forgotten about or the writers are currently occupied with RL stuff.

[JMDavis ((Silver))]

Both Alexander and Lani were greeted with darkness as they passed through the stone. Though Alexander could not see that well, it was as bright as day to Lani. The elf saw smooth walls of stone that had pewter veining rushing through the rock. The veins polshed to the point where they would shine like silver in light.

Runes were inscribed upon the walls, though their meaning was alien to her. The form of language older than the elves, possibly as old as the beast tribes. Bending her neck she saw Alexander looking around worried, his breathing fast and rough. She wanted to comfort him, but was afraid of the reprecussions from their captors.

But this march gave her the chance to survey them a little bit better, each warrior stood only three or four feet tall, but twice as wide as a human, almost three times as wide an elf, at the shoulders. Showing them to be as formidable as many of the beast tribes. Though full helms obscured many faces, some were open revealing quashed faces with eyes that sparkled every shade of gem, the slate grey of stone, or the gleam of precious metal. Thick beards and mustaches were seen on all those with the open helms, apparently even those with the full helms from the stray, thick, tangles of hair that peeked out.

One of them, though, wore slightly less plate than the other captors. Wearing heavy chain mail in a long robe that made a scraping sound against the stone with each step. In one meaty hand the small man, no, woman having slightly wider hips and a pronounced bust as well as a shorter beard and no mustache, carried a heavy mallet, while in the other has a wicked looking stave forged of pure obsidian that seemed to absorb any light that was in the long tunnel while giving off it's own dark glow. Just bright enough to let the captors see, and Lani, but not Alexander.

A sudden shift signaled that they were passing through stone again, and out into the bright light of the sun and a wind that would freeze fire. Lani and Alexander each gasped, shuttng their eyes tight, both having had their eyes grow accustomed to the dark. Raucous laughter came from their captors, with taunts thrown in. "Aw, did the wee babies want a warnin' when we came into the sun?" or "Hey, look! The lass must be cold!" when that had been shouted out the woman captor brought the hammer down hard on the offender's head, though it only seemed to stun him for a moment before he was spluttering and shouting at her for hitting him. Ignoring the large dent in his helmet and the trickle of blood that ran down his face.

The other dwarves laughed at their companion as the woman wallopped him on the head again with her hammer, "why if ye weren't my wife I'd-!"

"You'd what!? Actually save me some mead for once!" The female shouted, her voice only an octave lighter than the men, and slightly less gravelly. "Maybe I should go and tell me mother how ye're treating me and yer boys and gels! Not saving them any of the honey mead!"

The small man's eyes widened, "Oh no! We left that fat sow on Dagger Peak for a reason dear!"

"What did ye call me mother?!" The woman bellowed, her fist tightening around the haft.

"I mean! I mean, ye and the kids can have all my mead at dinner for the next century!" He said, shrinking away.

The woman smiled, "that swhat I thought ye said!" She was off again, and walking beside the column, her husband falling into step with the rest, getting mocked by some and pats of understanding from others. The small woman looked up at Lani. "Here's a type for ye and yer man, lass. Always make sure to carry something heavy around to hit him with, and always threaten to invite yer mother over. He'll walk through toad land just to please ye!"

Lani blinked, "my man?" She asked curiously.

"Aye, that young lad thats barely bigger than a froggy, guessing ya picked him so you could really handle him, eh? Smart thinkin' there! Wish I had talked to ye before I picked my lazy husbad, though ye were probably a babe when I was havin' me first twins!"

Lani blushed, "he, uh, he's not my man." She murmured, "and I think I'm older than you by a good few years mrs...?"

"Helda Rockjur. And I don't know lass, I've been around for a long time now. Well before ye elves and humans were around!" The woman said.

Lani frowned and then her eyes widened as she realized what these creatures were. Just as she was about to ask the red-haired leader bellowed. "Welcome to Thunder Ridge, home of the Ironshale Clan of the dwarves!"

The red-haired warrior turned to see their reactions, Lani's was one of wide-eyed fascination. Alexander's one of confusion.

"Well... least one of ye have heard of us," he muttered before turning and walking off again, leading the procession through town. "Gonna be a long day," he muttered under his breath, running a hand down his face. "Long helluva day."

[Eliphas]

Yay! Another part! Any idea when to expect another?

[JMDavis ((Silver))]

Sept 4, 2008 17:35:28 GMT -5 Eliphas said:

Yay! Another part! Any idea when to expect another?

nope.

[Eliphas]

Dang... I'll keep an eye on this then.

[JMDavis ((Silver))]

The procession continued through the dwarf town, men, women, and children staring in fascination at the captured human and elf. One thing Alexander noticed though, which he found very odd, everyone had a beard and mustache in on state of growth or another. Which lead to the point where he could only tell men from women because the women had no mustache.

He looked around and saw four of the girls, the dwarves, who were apparently young pointing and giggling at him. They all had short beards, but beards nonetheless. Alexander twitched locking eyes with the girls before he looked away, but that didn't stop the girls who ran over, walking on either side of the column, and beginning to talk to him.

"Ye're a cute 'un," one of the girls said to him. "My names Reja, and these are my friends. Beadine, Gredy, and Lundr. What's yer name?" The lead one questioned, this dwarf having long red hair and a short red beard. The other three, in order, had long blonde hair, short braided brown hair, and one with her hair in a line of spikes across the center of her head.

"Uhm, I'm Alexander." He murmured, trying to look uncomfortable to see if he could end the conversation there.

"Ye're a cute one!" Chimed in the one named Beadine, who gave what must have been a girlish giggle for a dwarf girl.

"A very cute one, ye must be some kinda hero to get the attention of Chieftain Ironshale." Gredy said, giving him a small smile.

"Nah ye git! The way he's trussed up he must be some sorta villain!" Lundr said, looking him over, Alexander grumbled to himself. He wasn't a villain. "Which makes it all the more excitin' to have him here!" She said, giving him a wide grin.

Alexander could only blink in shock, looking at all four girls who were looking at him with batting eyelashes and wide grins. Dwarves weren't subtle, "Alexander, do ye be havin' a woman of yer own yet?" Reja asked curiously.

Alexander blinked, "well... uh," he said, trying to think of something to say.

"Ye don't, do ye!" It was more a statement than a question. Reja grinned, "well then, I'd be the woman for ye! Just look at these hips! Ye'd have a lotta boys and gels if ye were with me"

"What?" Alexander said, staring in shock.

"Ha! Ye? Ye're an only child! Alexander, ye should pick me. Me mum's given birth to forty boys and gels! Its in me veins to have children!" Beadine said, making Alexander's mouth drop as he was suddenly lost in squabbling girls.

"Nah! Ye don't want her! Ye be wanting me Alexander! Ye'd have all the mead ye'd ever want with me! And be treated like a man should, as a king!" Gredy said, drawing angry looks from the other girls.

"Alexander, ye be wantin' me! I can do things these other gels would never think of doing!" Lundr said, making him stare at her in gaping amazement. As well as making the other girls start to yell at one another.

Helda tapped Lani on the should with her staff, the metal hot to the touch, "lass, I think yer man has been spotted by some young gels who want to be wed..."

Lani sighed, "Helda, he's not my man." She said again, watching as the girls kept yelling at each other. She twitched a little and passed it off as their petty squabbling getting annoying. "Helda, would you mind getting rid of them though?"

Helda gave her a grin, "sure lass. Whatever ye say." She walked ahead and cleared her throat. "Hey! Clear outta here! Ye're disturbing the procession of Chieftain Ironshale!" Helda boomed, her voice magicall amplified.

The girls jumped in surprise, looking at the priestess and then at Alexander. Torn between getting a man a exotic as he was, or facing the priestesses wrath.

Helda narrowed her eyes, "did I stutter?!" She boomed again, the girls scurrying off to hide in a nearby home. The priestess dropped back to walk alongside Lani. "There, yer man's safe."

Lani rolled her eyes and gave up arguing the point that Alexander was not her man to the older dwarf priestess. Though she did feel something other than the relief of silence from the girls after they left. "How much farther till we're questioned?" She asked.

"Two hours. We need to march through the city and then to Ironshale's hut. So best get some sleep now." Helda said.

Lani rolled her eyes, "yes, sleep, while I have a bunch of men holding me."

"Just imagine its yer man holding you then!" Helda said with a cackle and a wicked grin.

Lani let out a frustrated sigh and glared at the dwarf priestess who was grinning with mirth.