well isn't this lovely (C)

[hobbit]

Tracking down a woman in a red dress was not that difficult. The color stood out like a ladybug among beetles, so why had the five men not returned? They would not have been too bad of a loss, as the positions they held were easily filled and not of great importance, but if they had succeeded in tracking the woman down, they could have gained valuable information. Okay, that was highly likely, as the man was quite certain their IQs were equal to that of his horse, but at least he would have five more men. Even if they were not high of rank, they were still men, and he needed loyal men more than anything else. Generally, Rashok held the belief that if one was too stupid to get out alive, they didn’t deserve any assistance. Ever. However, the current state of the land demanded that he at least attempted to find these men. That was why he was walking through the swamp, which stank of feet and barf.

The blonde general had intended on setting out on horseback, but upon realizing that he would probably venture into the swamp, decided that it would be best to leave his mare in the stables. The last thing he wanted was a fall off a horse. However, he had still gone out with the proper supplies. His Morning Star had been left behind, replaced with lighter weapons. He held a spear in one hand; a crude weapon, but it gave him extra reach and was difficult to hack at. In all the years he had used it, the weapon had only received a few deep marks. He had three daggers hidden on his body, and had gone out with no armor, as it would simply weigh him down. The man simply wore a tunic and some trousers- not the best clothing for hiking, when one thought about it.

Rashok cursed as he moved through the land near the swamp, struggling to keep his boots from being sucked off by the tenacious mud. His green eyes narrowed as more and more muck covered his clothing, some of it spreading to his face and giving him the impression of a grown (and now blonde) Jack Merridew. One that did not know the land may assume that he was in the swamp, but Rashok knew better. This swamp did not have much water, and what it did have one would be wise to avoid. No, for the most part, it contained lava and geysers. Joyful things, right?

Another half hour walk, most of it spent grumbling about the mud drying on his clothing, took him to the swamp. He was greeted by fire rushing up from the ground. Surprised, Rashok jumped back, narrowly avoiding being scalded by the hot smoke. “Those fuckers better be seriously injured, or dead, otherwise I’ll give them something to whine about,” the general growled to himself as he continued onward. The further he walked, the quieter he fell, concentrating on not getting killed. This was a dangerous land, and while Rashok had made it through many times, he was not cocky enough to think he was immune now.

While approaching the outer edges of the swamp, Rashok happened to look to his left, and what he saw caused him to freeze. Surely he was imagining things…but, no, it was a woman. Why the fuck was a woman here? Frowning, Rashok moved behind what little cover there was: a burnt tree, directly in the woman’s line of travel. The closer she came, the more her features became revealed, and a light grin tugged at the man’s lips.

Oh, this day was turning out to be marvelous.

[Jotari]

Tryphena hummed as she gathered the pretty spring wild flowers. She was in love, helplessly and hopeless head-over-heels in love. The youngest princess had not been with the Grellon for very long at all, only for about a month, but Tryphena was in love with the minotaur, Asterion. Asterion was an outlaw, in fact he was the second-in-command of the Grellon, but she didn't care. In her world, he was absolutely perfect. Quiet and even a bit scary at times, but kind and gentle. Not to mention he certainly wasn't hard on the eyes. The bull's head sat on top of a very pleasing, well-muscled body. Tryphena often looked more toward the personality of a being, but Asterion's looks were a special bonus.

Black Star had allowed Tryphena to remain with the Grellon, more for Asterion's sake then anything. The outlaw leader had never quite opened up to the princess after that first night. Tryphena had made the fatal mistake of trying to impress Black Star by being commanding. That attempt had very nearly cost Tryphena her blood. The outlaw queen did not allow others to rule within the realm of the Grellon. Tryphena still knew very little about the Grellon's leader but suspected that Black Star was not simply a low-born village girl. She was to skilled and walked with to much of an air about her.

But Tryphena had mainly focused on Asterion, simply being careful to stay out of Black Star's way and wrath. The princess wore a simple yet pretty dress which went well with her lightly sun-kissed skin, intensely blond hair, and enormous dark blue eyes. Her frame was very fine and all together she was a very beautiful young woman. Black Star had been rather moody that morning, even a bit snappish, so Tryphena had quietly left the camp to give the outlaw leader some space. Black Star had not actually been insulting, just overly tired.

Tryphena could use to extra exercise anyway. Picking the flowers with graceful and gentle movements, she had made quite a bouquet. She came right to the edge of the Pungoi swamp. Though she had been warned to not go into Murate, the naive and kind girl desired some of the strange looking flowers to add them to her little bunch. She did not see the man. Going a bit into the swamp she knelt down to start picking the flowers. These would be lovely! It was like fire taken the form of a flower, with various colors and curling petals. Surely these would make a gorgeous banquet.

She never expected it.

[hobbit]

Tryphena- that was her name, right? Yes, the man was quite certain. The other princesses were incredibly ugly compared to this one. She dressed plainly, but Rashok had never paid much attention to a woman’s clothing. What did it matter, after all? Clothing only ended up on the floor in a corner. He watched the woman closely as she approached, chuckling on the inside due to her activity. Who collected flowers? Here? This was a swamp full of lava and fire, for goodness sake, and here was this naïve princess gathering flowers as if this was mummy’s garden. A kinder soul would have let her go on, an even kinder soul would have warned her of the dangers, but only a fool would bother to describe Rashok as kind.

He waited, tense, until she knelt down to pick some of the more strange flowers. Green eyes flashed as Rashok moved out from behind the tree, holding his spear easily, though in a manner that suggested he was not afraid to use it. Although, to be honest, he doubted he needed a weapon to overcome this girl. She was small, and there didn’t seem to be anyone around to help her. Pity- Rashok would’ve liked a bigger fight.

“Well, well,” Rashok paused before the princess, looking down upon her as a wolf would look at its prey, “Didn’t your mummy ever teach you not to wander, princess?” the man asked, tilting his head for a moment before suddenly moving forward. One hand wrapped around her upper arm, hard enough to get a good grip, but not hard enough to bruise. If all went well, the beautiful princess would not be scarred.

“Should’ve listened, m’dear,” Rashok leered, looking her up and down before continuing, “Course, your ignorance works in my favor. You see, there are things I’d like to know. And, why, you can tell me them. If you do, I’ll let you go, and you’ll leave with only a memory. However, if you decide to be difficult, well…I’ve had no trouble killing woman and children before this…”

Despite the manner in which he spoke, more free and malicious than usual, the manner in which inexperienced people spoke, it was clear that Rashok did have experience on his side. Even if people didn’t know who he was, the way he moved, the way he looked at others (as if thinking of how to chop them up best) screamed to a more primal part of them that danger was near. The leer faded from the man’s face as he suddenly yanked on the princess’ arm, pulling her into a standing position. Silently, the man pointed at a boulder near the dead tree.

"Sit."

[Jotari]

The immense shadow darkened where she sat and for a mere moment she suspected that a Grellon member had found her. Black Star was going to kill her if the outlaw queen ever found out that Tryphena had left the mountains for the swamp. But Tryphena looked up and stifled a scream. She tried to back away but was grabbed and pulled to her feet. Though the princess had absolutely no fear for a minotaur, her eyes silently screamed pure terror for Rashok. She made a feeble attempt to pull away but was petrified and helpless under Rashok's lustful leering.

There was a tiny spark that was ignited when he said he wanted information. She didn't know what he wanted but she was not going to tell him anything. Her voice shook a bit, "I'll never tell you anything!" But at the same time she was forced to sit down. Her enormous blue eyes were full of fear and her body was tense. But if he wanted information about the Grellon or about Ellsinora, Tryphena was determined to keep her mouth shut. Ellsinora was her kingdom. The Grellon was her new family. Tryphena was scared witless but she would never give up the information.

Tryphena desperately hoped to see someone coming as she glanced toward the nearby mountains. Asterion was always there, protecting her. But she did not see his wonderful strong frame. Black Star was protective as well, cold yes but never heartless, and perhaps the outlaw queen would come to the rescue. Perhaps Orion with his charming wit would come hunting her down. But no, no one came. Tryphena was determined to now give away any knowledge, but still she was trembling and pale. This man was obviously Muratian and from his clothing she guessed he was a higher ranking man.

What was he going to do to her?!

[hobbit]

A sneer passed over his face for a moment. Her bravery was nothing to be admired; it was false, brought on by a woman that thought herself to be…no…his gaze followed hers for a moment and he could almost laugh again. Her bravery stemmed from the fact that she thought someone would come to the rescue, but this was not Daddy’s kingdom. And who would think to look for the princess here? Not even common folk often wandered into the swamp. Rashok pointed with his spear at a geyser, only about seven feet away from the boulder. While he pointed, he fixed his gaze on Tryphena. A light rumbling sound reached their ears, and the ground seemed to shake for a moment, and then fire erupted out of the hole in the ground. Even from where he was standing, Rashok could feel the heat.

“If you do not answer my questions, Tryphena,” Rashok muttered, bringing his spear back to his side, “I will conduct a little experiment. I’ve always been curious to see how long it takes for a geyser like that to kill somebody,” he sniffed before carrying on, “I seek information about your kingdom and about the outlaws lurking around in it. We shall start with something easy. Open ended questions. I won’t limit you yet, because I’m feeling nice,” Rashok added, “I know you know something about the Grellon. Your father would not dare to send his troops this far out, not unless he wished to rage war. However, the Grellon do tend to lurk nearby. Think us Muratians stupid all you like, but I received an education. I know you look to the mountains for help. So…to start with: tell me all you know about the Grellon. And remember: you’re not the first person I’ve talked to. I know enough to tell when you’re lying about them,” he growled before lapsing into silence.

The man kept his gaze trained on Tryphena, waiting for her to speak. While he waited, Rashok stuck his spear into the ground, softened from the light shakes the geysers caused. He pulled out one of the daggers, making sure she saw it. He was not going to bloody her with the spear; it’d do too much damage. But daggers…they hurt like a bitch, and they weren’t always fatal.

[kite]

A s t e r i o n

Asterion was besotted with the young Princess for the human that had stollen his heart with a mere smile and glance with those sapphire jewels that were her eyes. And he had sworn to protect her in the silence and reverence of his soul, for she was a curious thing, young and naive, unpracticed in life and at time a little foolish, but she was as sweet and brave as any, and her heart was as soft as her golden locks. Yet this picture of perfection, this vision of pure youthful beauty was hidden from him. She was nowhere to be found. Why had she strayed? He knew they were to meet very soon to practice her combat skills.. Or at least the development of them. She was nowhere near possession of skills yet, but she was learning, and they supposedly had time on their side. But if she was not here, how could she learn? So he searched for her. Weaving in and out of the shacks and caves, winding through the small back alleys, questioning every soul that he saw, but none could say they had seen her, until he reached the foothills. The watchmen had seen nothing, but a few small children with dirt on their cheeks said they had seen her with a few wild flowers scooped in the crook of her arm. Finally relieved he had found her, his brow, contorted in fear, relaxed into a thankful smile, but as soon had he had dared relax, the scream faintly wafted from near the boarders of the putrid swamp of the dark Lord and his heart sank with dread.

No sooner than her cry had been heard, the huge minotaur was charging down the foothills, barrelling down to the swamps, his nostrils wide and flared, snorting with rage at whoever it was that had the balls to pluck a cry from his beloved's voice. His bare feet, wide and steady pounding against the soil, causing the earth to tremble, yet as he neared the swamp, the soil softened and he slowed slightly, but with the skill only a warrior could muster, he pulled himself from the soggy mud and leapt to the boulders, throwing himself from one to the other.

The scene came into view.

The man was marked with death in the minotaur's eyes, and with a huge amount of energy and strength propelling him forwards, he charged towards his Princess's attacker, horns lowered, fists clenched and thighs pumping. Though he was prepared. His eyes watched with trained observations; his spear, his stance, his closeness to Tryphena. In his mind he calculated the responses needed to counter any defence or offence he chose the react to his charge with.

He was not Black Star's right hand bull for nothing.

[hobbit]

The slut had kept quiet. Rashok didn’t exactly need Tryphena to say anything; she seemed too innocent, too naïve, to know anything of great importance, but he had always loved interrogation. And torture; the two usually went hand in hand. Deciding that being nice may assist him, Rashok had repeated the question. Her silence was met by his low snarl, and with a quick flick of the wrist, the man drew his dagger across her cheek. “Don’t make me scar such a pretty face,” he had murmured as he drew the dagger away, watching the blood flow. It was a slow dance down her face, and Rashok repeated the question, his voice softer. While he spoke, the man reached forward, wiping away the blood with this thumb, as a parent would wipe muck off a child's face.

Once more, she was silent. This time, Rashok cut her, dangerously close to her eye, grinning as he did so, enjoying whatever pain she was feeling.

Each and every time she kept silent, he damaged her. Usually he cut her with the dagger, alternating between marks on her face and swipes at other parts of her body. Sometimes, however, he switched it up and simply hit her. A punch, a slap, it didn’t matter to Rashok, so long as it hurt her. (Though he did enjoy twisting her arm; it only made her skin red, but it hurt like hell) Simply striking the woman had become boring, though, and while Rashok didn’t feel pity for her, he didn’t enjoy marking up such a beautiful face. Even with the markings of the dagger and his fists, she was still a pretty lady. That was when the gleam came to his eyes. The man had leaned forward, tracing the outline of her jaw, “You know…” he murmured softly, “We are alone in this swamp, princess,” his eyes had roamed hungrily over her body, “And, let’s be honest: we’re both adults. We both have…needs, and I daresay a young princess such as yourself hasn’t had these needs met. I do know what you'd like, princess, even if you won't admit it out loud..."

And with that, the man had pulled her up, kissing the woman before moving his lips to her neck. He did not care if she fought back- he was stronger, and he would get his way in the end.

Rashok certainly hadn’t been kind; he had treated her as if he had pulled her off the streets, a whore worth nothing, cheap thrills baby, and when he was through the man stood back and eyed the woman, head tilted to the side, “Would’ve saved a lot of trouble if you had just answered the damn questions,” he snarled. That, however, was all he had time to say before he became away of something approaching.

A curse slipped from the man’s lips; he could pull his spear from the ground, and fight, but the minotaur didn’t look happy and angry minotaurs were vicious. So, Rashok did the next best thing. He took the princess by the arm, and pulled her to him, holding a dagger near her throat. He did not speak. He simply stood there, grinning slightly. Even if the minotaur decided to rush anyway, and take a chance, Rashok would be able to finish off the princess without a weapon. They were standing in a field of fire, after all.

[Jotari]

Tryphena never said anything, but it cost her everything.

The princess flinched with every little cut and cried out with every hit. But she never told Rashok anything. She couldn't, the Grellon was now her family. She could not tell him anything. Black Star and the others would be killed, Asterion would be hurt and maybe even murdered. Tryphena could not tell, she could not open her mouth and let words spill out. He wrenched her arm behind her back and it made tears fill her gentle blue eyes. But that was nothing to what he did next. That wasn't suppose to happen to any girl, to be stripped of her innocence. But he didn't care. It started with his hand on her face and then she was pulled up and felt his hands everywhere, running along her skin. Tryphena was mercilessly raped to her pure terror and agony.

Tryphena had never felt so much pain and suffering. Her eyes dulled and her breathing was shallow. The princess never spoke though, never gave him that satisfaction albeit she had certainly made enough cries and even a single scream of pain. The blond hair was full of the pumice and ash that was lying around. Her porcelain skin was badly beaten and there was blood that covered her entire person.

He suddenly yanked her back and placed a dagger at her throat. Tryphena was actually happy for this move, now he could end her pitiful misery. But the princess managed to look up through the haze that was covering her mind and see Asterion. The blue eyes shimmered with a slight bit of hope but she could feel the sharp metal against her delicate blood-stained throat. Tryphena weakly attempted to struggle, she knew Asterion would help her. But her struggled did almost nothing.

Tryphena was going into shock.

[kite]

A s t e r i o n

The minotaur was met with a strength he could not face. The strength of his love for Tryphena, for this poor excuse for a human being had turned that love against him, making it his weakness, for as soon as he was announced to the couple, his beloved was thrust behind her captor's blade and her throat cried crimson red in response, but only a scratch so far. He could do much worse. The beast in turn swallowed his heart into his throat and felt his chest contort into a terrible knot and in a single motion, threw his axe behind him, plunging it into the ground and with his grip unmoving, allowed the pull to slow him until he stood a few lengths away from the hostage situation.

His mighty chest, wide and broad heaved as he panted with a rage, a desire to rip into the man that held his dear Tryphena's life against his blade. The look in those sweet blue eyes, the desperation - the hope! He could not let her down! But to continue his attack would mean her death, yet to cause her death, the man would automatically cause his own. For the second she dropped, the minotaur would call on all his animalistic, inhuman strength, and the seven foot beast would crush him and kill him in the slowest and most tortuous way he could fathom.

He was not above revenge, nor was he above violence. Both would please him disturbingly well.

So, with every inch of his body roaring to attack, Asterion buckled down his arms, moving both limbs to the side of his body, clenching his fists - one to his axe and restrained himself. But the murder in his eyes told that this could only last so long. The carbon dioxide billowed about his nostrils, and his terrible voice, deep and booming like thunder rolled from the depths of his belly.

"Release her."

Asterion murmured. Funnily enough, the tone was without command, without threat, it was spoken like a statement, for it was the only logical next step to take, assuming this piece of shit wanted to leave with his life. Though if Asterion was to find out that he had deflowered his maiden... There would be no room for negotiation.

[hobbit]

The woman’s struggle was something Rashok found comical. He chuckled lightly as he looked down at Tryphena, easily keeping her in his grasp. Her struggle was, after all, quite weak. The princess was not in the best state of health- or mind, he imagined. The blonde man turned his gaze back to the Minotaur; the monstrous beast had come to a halt, his arms held at his side. Rashok could see the murder in the other’s eyes. Oh, yes, he had assumed that this beast wanted him dead. It had seemed that this thing enjoyed this woman’s company; whether they were friends, or lovers, Rashok did not know, nor did he care.

The other’s words caused laughter to escape Rashok. “Release her so you can kill me? No, no thanks,” Rashok chuckled again as he took a step back, “Course, I can work this out. You get your princess, I get my life. S’long as you stay where you are,” he added, his voice suddenly lowering into a growl, all humor fading from it as he pressed the blade up against her throat. Despite his words, Rashok did not turn his back on the Minotaur. He could not trust the monster, after all, and he was not going to die now. Not when there were still plenty of things he had to do.

The man’s backward travel took him to a geyser. Rashok paused near the hole on the earth’s surface, before continuing on behind it. The beast would be too far away to feel it, but the ground was rumbling just the slightest bit. Rashok moved to a few feet behind the geyser, eyeing it before looking up at the minotaur, “Let’s test your speed, okay?” he tilted his head to the side before counting, “One. Two…Three,” Rashok dropped the princess, just as the fire erupted forth, spewing out smoke and ash. While (he hoped) it would appear that the princess’ head had just been engulfed by the fire, Rashok had taken care in ensuring that she did not fall into it. He wanted to get away, and something told him that roasting this woman’s head would not help.

While the smoke and ash spread throughout the air, creating a thick haze, Rashok sheathed his dagger and was gone, disappearing into the dead and live trees of the swamp as easily as a thief disappears into the night.

Yes, for once, Rashok was running. However, he still considered himself the winner. Because, let's be honest, Rashok did get what mattered most.

[Jotari]

Tryphena was pretty numb through this entire episode. Her mind had gone into a state of shock when Rashok had really been vicious and she certainly wasn't going to just snap out of it. The princess just simply followed Rashok and obeyed every move. She simply could not fight him. When he started moving back, there was absolutely zero resistance on her part. She felt a slight rumble under her feet and her mind drifted in that direction. What made the earth do such wonderful thing as shoot fire geysers? Why did fire hurt when you touched it? Was that why the earth tried to get ride of the fire, because it hurt?

Suddenly there was intense heat around body and then she was dropped. Luckily, Tryphena was not burned. The gentle damsel simply slumped to the ground and a nearly unconscious state. Her glazed blue eyes snapped open as she attempted to move, where was Asterion? Tryphena did not blame anyone else for what had happened except herself and Rashok. The outlaws had warned her several times to stay away from the fire swamp.

All the demure lady wanted right now was her body to stop screaming in pain. The pain started to be noticed by her numbed brain and tears filled her eyes as she realised just what Rashok had done to her. She was a ruined woman, even worse she was a ruined princess of Ellsinora. Her family would never understand and what if they blamed the Grellon? But Tryphena didn't want to deal with that right now. Her mind was filled with the fears and terrors of Rashok coming back. She looked at Asterion, " Please, never let him near me..." Her voice drifted off as her head dipped down from where she was sitting, knees pulled to her chest. Tryphena wept.