EXCOLO

"It's better to have company than not, after all. Man wasn't made to live by himself."

There's more and I listen intently before saying, "Quite true but if you must choose to live with someone, next time pick a pretty woman." I turn the ring on my finger and I'm thinking of gleaming eyes and a sweet, sharp smile. "Mine is a beautiful woman, better than most, and she thinks the world of me." I grin again. "Find one like her and the rest won't matter anymore."

We've almost reached the clearing and already I see the path. I chuckle as he asks after the ballad and I begin the song in a clear tone.

Gather 'round, all ye whorey!
Gather 'round and hear my story!

When a man grows old, and his balls grow cold,
And the tip of his prick turns blue,
Far from a life of Yukon strife,
He can tell you a tale or two.

Following the path, I'm singing the song, immensely amused with myself. I look to Benedict, curious as to his reaction as I continue.

So pull up a seat, and buy me one neat
And a tale to you I will tell,
About Dead-Eye Dick and Mexican Pete,
And a harlot named Eskimo Nell.

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"Hah!" I laugh as he tromps on, catching his breath easily. "I've heard parts of that from my men," I tell him. "They're a rough bunch."

We forge ahead, taking turns leading, and when I'm behind I touch my knife, wondering when the right moment will come. I haven't felt it yet.

"Where's your wife then?" I ask him after a while. "Surely you aren't out here for your health." I grin at him. "In the doghouse right now?"

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I sing two more verses before I finish my song, chuckling as he recognizes it from his companions. I'm curious about him and I ask, "Your men? Between your former choice of company and your uniform, I'd guess you're a soldier. Am I right?"

The path snakes though the trees and I'd swear I heard something. Is that a horse...or water? I shake my head, unsure either way and I continue talking with Benedict.

"My sweet, sharp Glass is waiting for me, out there," and I gesture to the forest. "But she's not opposed to my wandering about. She knows I'm a curious sort, and as long as I take care of myself and stay true to her, everything's golden."

I chuckle at the mention of doghouses, saying, "No, those are for her father. My transgressions aren't the sort that get me sent away." Amused, I add, "It would be difficult to make up with any distance between us, don't you think?"

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I nod, fingers brushing the lines down the sides of my trousers. "I was - I am. We're a free and rough sort of the group, but it's a comfort to travel with them." I can hear what must be a stream in the distance, not too far.

He speaks of his wife, and I shake my head. "What do you mean, about her father?" I gesture at the woods. "Do you have a home here? The forest doesn't seem well populated. We've hardly heard a wood-cutter or charcoal-burner or hunter or band of dwarves," I comment, smirking inwardly. Stories always make it seem like one ought to be tripping over people in forests, but in my experience they're usually quiet and seemingly deserted.

Which is how I prefer it, of course. Should I eat him now, or wait until we meet up wit his wife? I'm more than just hungry, after all.

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ares-thracian.livejournal.com

Amused (http://community.livejournal.com/estdeus_innobis/405098.html?thread=10289514#t10289514), I laugh as I leap down from the still moving steed. "Hile, Gentlemen! It is good to see other souls in this land," I smirk at the mention of souls.

"This one speaks true." I point my sword to the one who spoke of Dwarves, a soldier in his own right by the look of it. “The little buggers are a cunt to kill. Short and sharp of tooth and weapon. But if you can protect your balls long and give them a good heave into a tree or a nice strong drink, they become docile enough,” I grin and give Mab a wink.

I laugh again, “So what brings you two to this fine land?” If they know of this place we'll find out soon enough, not going to admit I don't know myself.

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My horse races through the woods like there's nothing on his back, which suits me fine. Feels good to have the wind whipping through my hair, almost as good as the solid man behind me.

We ride for a bit, headed toward the woman's voice, and eventually the Tower when my companion --Anthony. No- Ares. You know his name-- leaps off from behind me and I realize that there are other men here. Rein in and circle around them, taking their measure before I halt behind Ares. I don't echo him in drawing my sword, but I rest my hand on the hilt.

The one man --Laughter. That grin. Know him-- looks fair enough. But the other makes my hackles rise, even in a higher position. He feels wrong, and even Ares winking at me doesn't fix that.

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mister-foxton.livejournal.com

The man who joins them is not a man, and the woman is...I am not sure. She has been touched by the otherworld, that much is plain.

Why are there so many souls on the inner planes tonight, wandering unprotected? The spirits of the living are of minimal interest to me, but the not-man is a power of some sort, and if it is not truly dead it is most certainly discarnate. I could make use of such a thing.

I am possessed of a moderate certainty that their weapons would not wound me here. This place, whatever it may be, seems woven half of belief, of perception. But I will wait until they have settled themselves, in whatever way they might, before I find a way to make my move.

Something moves under my coat, impatient. I must bide my time.

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Benedict looks a bit confused and he asks, "What do you mean, about her father?"

My eyebrows raise and I chuckle. Attempting to explain, I say, "He's not someone to meet in the dark." I look out into the forest and add, "This would be just the sort of place he'd like to catch someone alone in." I grin, "Good thing there are two of us instead."

"Do you have a home here? The forest doesn't seem well populated. We've hardly heard a wood-cutter or charcoal-burner or hunter or band of dwarves."

I shrug, about to say to point out the direction of my home when a booming voice says, "Hile, Gentlemen! It is good to see other souls in this land," I blink twice, watching the man's sword flash in the light as it casually points at Benedict. "This one speaks true. The little buggers are a cunt to kill. Short and sharp of tooth and weapon. But if you can protect your balls long and give them a good heave into a tree or a nice strong drink, they become docile enough."

There's a gorgeous redhead with him and he winks at her as he talks. I'm considering the flask of strong drink I have in my cloak and he asks, "So what brings you two to this fine land?"

Grinning, I say, "I'm to meet my wife but I seem to have lost my way." I gesture to Benedict. "This is Benedict and he's lost his way, and his companions as well." The sword makes me a bit leery but it's not pointed in threat so I continue cheerfully, "My name's Iago and I'd ask the same of you: what brings you and your lovely friend to these parts?"

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And suddenly there are horses and swords. I don't like horses and swords, not when I have neither, and at the least I wish I had my rifle. I flex my right hand out of sight of the jovial man pointing his blade at me. If I'm lucky, I can get cross-side and stick him so he bleeds, and then take cover in the brush.

"It's as Iago says," I tell them, my eyes flicking to the redhead behind the man. "I was separated from my companions, and ran into him not far from here." The cord hangs heavily on my neck, and I'm glad I had the foresight to tuck it under my shirt. I wonder if my neck is scarred?

It's going to be difficult to take all three of them, but perhaps I can enlist my newfound companion, if he can be convinced these newcomers are a threat. A pity he's so easy-going.

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ares-thracian.livejournal.com

Zeuse's balls, they're both lost. "You may call me Enyalius," I grin and give them a short bow. Mab's name is her own, and not one I could forget. She possesses something I do not give away at a whim. I don't recall ever meeting either of these two before me, and I don't like the look of the soldier, dead eyes on that one.

Backing up until I feel Mab's leg at my back, I lean against her mount and consider this unlikely pair. "Where were you to meet your wife?" I ask Iago. Perhaps we passed the meeting place in our travels. "And your company," I look at Benedict, "Where did you see them last?" That might give us a hint as to what led us here.

I glance down the trail they were on. Wonder where that leads.

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"You may call me Enyalius,"
Ares doesn't tell them his normal name. Not a bad idea in a place like this.

Iago and Benedict tell us about their companions that they are searching for, and Ares leads them for information. Let them speak together, since I don't have much to add, instead I try to get a feel for where we are. A little closer to the Center, but not nearly enough.

Feel something watching us. Not sure where it is, but its interested and I don't like that. Mentally will the two men to answer quickly so we can move on.

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Benedict looks nervous, and truly, if a sword was pointed at me, I'd feel the same. The sword-bearer looks to be in a good mood though so perhaps nothing will come of it. Benedict replies, "It's as Iago says, I was separated from my companions, and ran into him not far from here." I nod in confirmation and continue to smile as the warrior introduces himself, "You may call me Enyalius."

He's wearing new armor in an old style and he's cuts quite the commanding figure. Is he a soldier as well? Perhaps Benedict's uneasy because this man could call him back to service. Hoe depressing. Enyalious takes a few steps back, keeping close to the sexy redhead on horseback as he asks, "Where were you to meet your wife? And your company, where did you see them last?"

I shrug, continuing in a pleasant tone, "I'm not quite certain where she is, sir, but I know she's in the forest." Of course she is. Naturally, she'd be close to me. Why she's not with me, I can't guess. "I heard voices and perhaps a stream not far from here. I'm heading in that direction." I glance at the redhead, and I feel like I should recognize her. There's something familiar about the curve of her...well, her everything.

I grin and continue, "You're welcome to join us and I certainly wouldn't mind extra company." Addressing the redhead, I say, "Forgive me for not catching your name, fair miss, and may I ask if you're lost as well?"

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"You can call me Enyalius," the rider says, before asking after our own bearings. "And your company. Where did you see them last?" I smile tightly at him. "In my camp, by the roadside. I woke up in the forest." Better than falling from a tree like an over-ripe apple.

"Water makes for swifter travel," I suggest. "And we're more likely to find something following it than crashing through the forest."

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ares-thracian.livejournal.com

Neither of them know where we are or where they started. Both searching for something lost. Fortune pisses on me again.

"You're welcome to join us and I certainly wouldn't mind extra company. "Water makes for swifter travel, and we're more likely to find something following it than crashing through the forest."

A bit of sense to the suggestion of the river, however, I have a feeling this road or trail will lead to the tower. That and I am interested to know if his company simply abandoned him or killed him and left him in the woods. I also hear a baby crying in the forest down the way of the path.

I do arch a brow at the prettier of the two attempting to work his charms on Mab. I laugh, "We are on our own quest, however, you are welcome to join us if you wish. I lean back and wait for Mab's response. This should be good. Admittedly, I have missed my Warrior woman, it is not just her sword that is sharp.

Something is watching us and grip my sword tighter. I cannot tell if it is man or beast. The wood is too thick for me to catch a glimpse.

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mistresswanda.livejournal.com

Up (http://community.livejournal.com/estdeus_innobis/405098.html?thread=10297962#t10297962/) the path, there. I can see the horse first from the distance, then a flash of red hair. There's a cloaked highway-man, someone else keeping out of my eye-line and----

The grin splits my face wide. Even Rose stops fussing for a moment, sensing my excitement. Oh, I know that one, and I am feeling all the better for seeing him here.

"Great Ceaser's Ghost!" I call out, laughing. "They'll let anyone in this bloody place!"

And with that I am running up the path to tackle hug him the best I can with an infant on my shoulder.

Edited Date: 2011-03-20 01:41 am (UTC)

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Grin as Iago makes eyes at me. Memory hits me quick -flame jumping, lighting a cigarette, hands, knife spinning end over end, always laughing-

"We are on our own quest, however, you are welcome to join us if you wish."
Ares speaks again. I know the wrong one did, but his words don't matter to me. I see the way his weight shifts, and how Ares moves closer to me. Not only familiar, but wise. More defensive. About to speak when another woman comes running up to us, throws herself and her child against us -friend, fighter, dear to us, Wanda- and I do not know all of who I am, but I know what I am.

Wheel my steed around and lower my reins, putting Ares and Wanda behind me as I address the two men, "Iago, you are welcome to join us, but you- I remember you," If it was just us I might have let him come with us, if only to watch him. But now there is a child, and I can not let him near her, "You walk with the Living, but I know that you should not. I saw you climb the Gallow's Tree."

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A second redhead joins us, with a baby no less and it takes a moment for me to recognize them as Wanda and little Rose. Well, isn't it nice to see them in such an unexpected place. The first redhead's not introduced herself but it's not necessary. I've shifted a bit, moving closer to Wanda and from where I'm standing, the view of Mab's curves are clear. Ah, Mab...how could I ever forget you?

Mab looks first at me, saying, "Iago, you are welcome to join us." I'm about to thank her but she turns her gaze away and after looking Benedict over, continues, "but you- I remember you. You walk with the Living, but I know that you should not. I saw you climb the Gallow's Tree."

That's twice now that I've been invited to join them instead of them joining us. My choices fall to either staying with Benedict or traveling with two stunning redheads. It's quite clear which way the wind is blowing here and I grin at both women.

I take the last few steps that bring me next to Wanda and say, "Good to see you." I look to Rose, adding, "And you as well, little one." Turning to Benedict, I shrug in an easy manner and say, "I'm taking them up on their offer but no hard feelings, mate. Good luck on your journey."

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And another woman, a child, and this is all becoming too crowded for my liking. Too many people with weapons, as well. True, I might bring enough down to heal my own wounds, but it would be a dear waste.

"Iago, you are welcome to join us, but you - I remember you," says the woman who arrived with the man, riding forward. "You walk with the Living, but I know that you should not. I saw you climb the Gallow's Tree."

Iago steps away, wishing me no hard feelings, and I smile back. "None taken." A carrion bird, calling to me. I look to the woman who thinks she knows me. "I fell off it like fruit," I tell her, "and so I must be alive. And if I'm not, well, doesn't hanging clean all sins?"

I step off the path, behind a tree, and leave quick and low, keeping such things in my new path that they cannot follow on horseback. Let's see what happens when night falls.

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mistresswanda.livejournal.com

Ares is all smiles... and that's Mab! For a moment I don't think she knows me, but the light of recognition jumps into her eyes and she hugs me back. "You have no idea how glad I am to find both of you---"

Mab cuts me off in mid thought, placing herself and her horse between us and... "Iago, you are welcome to join us, but you - I remember you," Realizing she is addressing Benedict, I take a step back, holding Rose tighter to me while placing a hand on my sword hilt. "They will let anyone in here, won't they?" I mutter darkly to Ares, not taking my eyes off Benedict. I am more than a little relieved when Iago joins us greeting both me and Rose, and the dead man slinks off.

"Well, isn't this an interesting day?" I ask the assembled, arching an eyebrow at Ares, about to ask him if anyone else knows they are dreaming, but Rose whimpers again, high pitched and urgent, screwing up her eyes and balling her fists. "Oh, shhhh. shhh, love, I know. I know." I croon, wishing I could soothe her. Where the fuck is her father? How long have we been asleep? How long can a baby last without nourishment?

"We were heading towards the tower." I say miserably, nodding towards my bloodied footed companion. "Does anyone know how to get there?"

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