The Court - Finished!

I looked into the fire, thinking back; back to before I was free, back when I had been a slave to the Rogue, when my will hadn’t been mine; the worst years of my life. Being a librarian and a storyteller, this should sound good. I remember it like it was yesterday. I took a deep breath and began.

“I was a maid for the Rogue. He trusted me once. I was scrubbing the floor of the kitchen when th’ messenger came. He was runnin’ and out of breath. “Maria, he wants to see you.” I stood up, shaking my skirts straight. “I’ll go there as quickly as I can. I know the way.” The messenger nodded and left. I walked to th’ throne room. The floor was black marble, as was the walls and the ceiling. There was a throne at the end of the room. I knelt at the foot of the throne. “Get up Maria.” His voice chilled me to th’ bone. It was cold as ice. I stood up, and stared into his brown eyes. I was one of the few who could do that without being killed. He stared right back. “Maria, I’ve been hearing reports.” He began. I shook. I’d been passing info on him and his forces to outsiders for a while. “Reports that, if‘re true, would give ya the death sentence.” He continued, smiling at my discomfort. I swallowed. “I assure you m’ lord; I’m nothing if not completely devoted to you.” His expression became angry.
“Don’ lie to me, Maria. I know you’ve been disloyal. You know what we do t’ traitors.” I swallowed. I did know. All traitors went through a slow an’ painful death by the hand of the Rogue himself. He smiled, like he knew what I was thinking. “Don’ bother tryin’ to talk your way ou’ o’ this one Maria. I’ve ‘eard enough.” I took several steps back. He stood up, with a sick smile on his face. I saw in his right hand, th’ ceremonial dagger, which he uses for every traitor that he weeds out. Two guards came from out of nowhere and grabbed my shoulders tightly. I couldn’ run. He raised the dagger an’ cut me everywhere. My arms, my legs, my face. The pain was more than you could ever think of. But I didn’t scream. I wouldn’t give ‘im the pleasure. Soon I was unrecognizable. Then ‘e cut my forehead. I screamed and twisted away from th’ guards. I ran and somehow escaped. I was foun’ by a healer a day later, ‘alf dead. The Rogue thinks I died escaping, though they never found a body.”

I stopped talking, and waited for someone else to say something.

KAYLA

My breath hitched in my throat. Would He recognize me today? Wuld he praise me again, tell me how much he cared for me. The Rogue, that's what he was called, and I waited every hour of my 'normal' job just to catch a glimpse of him. To hear his sweet, melodic voice whisper to me.

Kayla belted out the last note in her very last song and rushed out of the "club" without bothering to pick up her pay. She could get it tomorrow. She had waited too long to go see the man she loved. The Rogue. She needed to be near him. So badly...

Kayla had three encore's that night. Three! Still, she sang them to keep up her appearance. She shucked her dress quickly, and changed into her older, worn out clothes in the club bathroom. She always kept some extra clothes there just in case she didn't want to run back to her place first.

It didn't take Kayla long to reach him. Grayson was already there, like such a kiss-up, smiling up at him. He didn't have the reverence Kayla had for the Rogue. He was her everything. Her only love.

"Hello," Kayla breathed, smiling at him. She was described as pretty, still he never noticed. It often depressed her. What did he want from her? She could, no would, do anything for him. Anything.

"It's a pleasure to see you Kayla, as always," he smiled in a teasing matter. Kayla's heart fluttered and her smile grew wider.

"What would you like me to do? Anything. I am ready," she said, raising her chin ans squaring her shoulders. She would prove she was strong and beautiful. Just for him.

Lorraine
Rogue's meating. It was early and I had to go to a Rogue's meeting. Everyone was there or at least everyone I knew who was technically everyone. I looked up to him from where I was seating, crossed legged and saw this girl Kayla basically melt when she saw him. I mostly tried to do the exact oppposite make them melt when they saw me. And it was easy on everyone but the Rogue, not that I wanted to either for his was my boss.
"Good afternoon Lorraine" He said bowing and making a slight reverence while kissing my hand. I felt respected.
"Good Afternoon Gregory" i siad, sitll not getting up from my comfortable position in the chair.
I looked at thim with slight interest, waiting for him to give me further instructions about his plans.Killing, for me was like an ancient and respectful art; and that, he knew.
Everyone was eagerly expecting for something to come out of his mouth. But while we were waiting, I looked around and didn't find him, my filthy half brother was not there. I figured out he must have been dwelling with his demons and other's demons at the dirty bar he worked at. I was, in the other hand, was respectful but above all, worked for te Rogue.

*has the rogue appeared??

GRyk

This is just taking forever. My bussiness will lose money if this so called Rogue won't come out. I shoudl have known better not to join him but, however, what is better than to earn a little few cash.

I caressed my throat for a while feeling the metal against my skin. I look around to see the other people who were with the rogue around me. Heh...

when he finally came, he was much more respected that i first thought. Heh, first impressions...there was a pause before he showed us a long docuemt with a map and a plan.

*sorry it was short...i am in a hurry

Jas

The shadows of the torches leaped and darted along the stone walls like frightened alley cats as I strode along the hallway, boots clicking on the floor. Two of the Rogue's usual guards were lounging outside the door of his throne room, looking dangerous with their black uniforms and glinting knives.

"You'd better hurry," the guard on the right said. "Everyone else is already here."

"Wonderful." I paused for a moment in front of the closed door, carefully erasing all emotion from my face, before flinging the door open.

The Rouge was sitting in his usual throne, his servants gathered around him. Kayla was practically kneeling on his feet, her eyes shining. Stupid girl. She was too obsessed with the Rogue for her own good.

"It's about time," the Rogue said as I crossed the room to take my usual position behind him. Grayson made a small noise as I walked right past the Rogue without bothering to bow or kneel.

"This had better be good," I said, leaning against the wall with my arms crossed.

The Rogue smirked. "Trust me, the news I have is definetely something you're going to want to hear."

Dylan

He spoke up this time, wanting to get it over with. "I had just gotten back from my travels and training in the martial arts. And of course the rouge had heard about it. So when I was done performing for the day and headed home, his lakies attacked me and brought me to him. He asked me to join in his mission, but I refused. I woulndn't work with the likes of him. So he gave me an ultimatum: if I could beat him he would let me go free, but if he bested me I would have to serve him until he released me."

He shifted on his seat, remembering the intense battle. "He was an excelent foe, though, I had my two swords with me. I got in the first hit, which he matched me hit for hit. His endurence was longer than mine, and he cut me right above the eye," He touched his scar. "I had just enough strength to roll and run straight for the guards at the back of the room. I killed them and ran until I saw an opening to leave. I was running ever since."

He looked around the room. Every one was looking at him. He hung his head, This is why I learned to keep my mouth shut.

KAYLA

"You need to kneel before him," Kayla growled. "Jas, you are not worthy to be here."

Kayla spat at her feet and narrowed her eyes. She and Jas had always hated each other. It was just a fact.

Jas raised her chin a fraction of an inch, her normal reaction and Kayla laughed. "What? Do you think you are better than me? Than the Rogue? You are nothing but a child compared to him! Now kneel!" She shouted angrily.

She felt a hand on her shoulder and her cheeks glowed warmly. She knew who had just touched her. "It's nice to see who is truly loyal to me Kayla, but I don't need her to kneel. She has proven herself useful to me and for now, that's all that matters."

Kayla nodded and motioned for him to continue on with his news.

Lorraine
Great, Jas and Kayle always fighting, Jas for thinking she's superios and poor Kayla for being madly in love with the Rogue. Was I the only one that didn't think on making a fool of myself just to gain the Rogue's attention? Well, I stopped thinking about that and payed attention to what the Rogue was saying.
"Good afternoon my loyal friends" He began sying with his strange voice. "I am truly sorry to interrupt your activities, but this is an urgent meeting."
I didn't know what was happening, but I somehow felt it was important.

**sorry is so short**

The Rogue:

The Rogue smiled to himself as his loyal subjects scurried in one by one. Grayson had been first. The tall young man had always been loyal. The Rogue’s Birds had told him so, he was also a talented fighter. The young man was always early when he called meetings. Kayla ran in next, the girl always seemed frantic and wide eyed, at least as far as the Rogue had seen. Then followed Lorraine, Gryk and Jas. All three of them loyal, at least as far as he was concerned. He had big news to share today.
He stood up with the dignity a king would have.

“Now, I have the most interesting news my subjects.” He said with a grin. “Knights are coming into town for the festival in a few days, they will be in a large group but they will not be wearing any armor or carrying swords with them. This is our opportunity to strike and empty those bulging pockets of all their gold.”
The smile on the Rogue’s face was terrifying.
“I suggest a rooftop assault. Get your bows and arrows.” He said wickedly


** We aren't gonna start the assault on the knights where Krissy and her friends will intervene to save the knight. This will then anger the Rogue and the fun part begins! First let everyone finish their story.
Please try to mark if your character is at the underground court or at the camp outside of Montagi with Krissy.
I'm loving everyone's stories so far!**

Jas (Underground Court)


I groaned. "Oh, no, not this again! Remember last time we tried the rooftop assault?"

Gryk snickered and they all turned to look at Grayson. He winced. "Hey, it wasn't my fault that cat was there. And who knew that fat merchant would drop that kiwi at that exact moment?"

Everyone laughed except the Rogue, who only laughed when someone was being decapitated, and Kayla, who was too busy looking at their boss like he was the sun.

"Okay," the Rogue said smoothly as the laughter died away. "Maybe a rooftop assault won't be the best choice. Who wants to think of a second plan? Jas?"

Kayla narrowed her eyes, shooting me a look of pure hatred. I stuck my tongue out at her - Lorraine sighed - then turned to the Rogue. "That's a generous offer, but I'll pass. Lorraine?"

She nodded, brushing her long black hair out of her eyes. "Sure. Shall I get back to you tomorrow, Rogue?"

Lorraine.
I was supposed to make a plan, because some whiny people refused to do the assault that the Rogue provided. I thought that I might need my silly brother, he could get us through it and give us some nice information about what's going, but I had to prepare my pocket for that.
"Yes, Lorraine, we need a plan as soon as possible" the Rogue told me. My head had to think fast and I needed ideas. I had a show this night, it was unlikely I was going to make up something good. But I couldn't let the Rogue down, he was my boss and this my beloved job.
"May I say something?" I said, slowly.
"Yes" he answered. I swallowed hard and spoke.
"I know who can help us"
Everyone looked at me with curious eyes for they didn't know if involving someone else in this was clever or totally stupid. But, as always, the Rogue was the first one to speak.
"Who might that be?" he asked with obvious disbelief.
"My brother, Daniel Masen"

Natalie sighed. She might as well get this off her back now. Already, before a single word slipped through her lips, the memories were flooding back to her.

She took a deep breath and started, "I was six when I first met the Rogue. I lived with my parents and two older brothers in a small house on the outskirts of town. One evening, as I was chasing my brothers around the yard, Father came home looking scared and out of breath. He told us that one of his clients had been murdered before his very eyes. The Rogue had done it, sent an arrow through the poor guy's back. Father was the only person to see the murder and the Rogue would never let a witness live. The Rogue was coming after us and my family was completely helpless. Within a couple of minutes, we could hear the hooves of the Rogue's horses coming toward us. My parents had just enough time to throw me in a closet before the Rogue and his thugs broke into our house. I watched through a keyhole as they slit my family's throats. They ransacked the rest of the house, somehow forgetting my closet. I'll never forgive the Rogue for what he's done to me. Never."

Natalie stared into the fire, trying to forget the moment when she came out of the closet, sobbing hysterically. She had knelt down, begging her parents to wake up, only to get their blood all over her clothing. Natalie could still see the red liquid dripping off her fingertips as she looked down at her hands.

Natalie silently begged that the rest of her friends couldn't see the tears blossoming in her eyes. That was the first time anyone had ever heard her story.

Grayson looked at the girl, Lorraine. He still thought the Rogue's first idea would prove to be best.

Grayson had always been faithful to the Rogue. He and Kayla had both worked hard to be the best and often worked together.

Kayla was a nice girl, one of the only one's the didn't fall for his "charm." Most girls did. Still, she needed a reality check. The Rogue would never be hers.

Jas could be immature at times. Grayson didn't believe she had what it took to really fight out there. Sure, she was good at what she did, but she too needed a reality check. There was no need to always go at it with Kayla. Their lives were nothing compared to the Rogue's. At least Kayla knew that.

Lorraine, on the other hand, was very accomplished. She demanded respect and she had a way about her that just took control of a situation. It was a good quality and Grayson respected her for that. If he was ever stuck in a fight for his life, he would want Lorraine's help.

Gryk, well, he wasn't quite sure what to make of him. He seemed a little sketchy, but he seemed alright. He didn't know if he was truly loyal to the Rogue and that bothered Grayson.

Grayson listened to Lorraine continue on while she told everyone why they needed to trust this person and why they needed their help. He still thought the rooftop assault was the best way to go, but Jas had to mention the one time they failed, not just him. Of course the Rogue knew about that, but he still agreed the rooftop was how we needed to do it.

Still, Lorraine knew what she was doing. If she thought it was a good idea, Grayson might just go along with it.

Griery: (The Rouge) (Underground Court)

The Rouge frowned, he disliked it when people did not like his ideas.

"Daniel is a threat to this court Lorraine. Even though he is talented, he will not hesitate to share our attack secrets with these rich knights. I refuse to get him involved, last time, it almost cost me. If Grayson hadn't slashed that man's throat our plans would have been revealed.We will stay with the rooftop assault but this time. Only three of you will be on the rooftops. The others will attack from the ground, I will also create a plan a diversion to attract the attention of the knight to some other place."

The Rouge stopped for a moment, pondering the many possible diversions he could create. With a smile on his face, he says,

"How about a damsel in distress. Knights can't resist that, it will easily attract them to an alleyway. The darkness is where we have power."

The Rouge laughed wickedly.

"Now then, prepare your sword, your arrows and armor. We attack the day they arrive, in mid afternoon. Be prepared we want to have this one work out."






Krissy (The Forest)

Krissy sighed, she was thinking about her family. They must be turning in their graves while this man was still alive. Everyone had shared their stories and it made her heart heavy. Blinking back resurfacing tears she whispered,

"We enter the city tomorrow. With the knights and them outsiders, disappear into the 'em crowd. There'sa festival tomorrow so we'll act happy, natural-like. If we are forced to split up, we meet up at our usual bar. Be wary friends, you do not know what the Rogue has planned for the knights and them newcomers. Carry your weapon on your person, t'is could end badly."

Maria spoke up "It will, if I know anything about Griery"

Looking from face to face Natalie said softly. "If he does have something planned. Do we run or do we fight? I say, we fight. I know that if he has somethin' planned his loyals will be in the area, and I just can't wait to lay my hands on Jas or Grayson."

"If somethin' does happen, we fight. I think we have all 'ave a score to settle wi'h these loyals. If for a reason or another you must run, or somethin' goes wrong remember we meet at the bar." Krissy replied surely, looking at each nodding face.

I nodded. I couldn't wait to get my hands around the Rouge's filthy neck. Or any of his little minions. I saw that Krissy seemed a bit nervous. I put my hand on her shoulder. "We're going to beat them dearie, I know it. Then that filthy double-crossing man will get his come-uppance. Trust me." I touched the scar on my forehead. I'd never forgive him for what he had done to me. Not until I was laughing over his dead body.