Abduction in the Desert!!

[geniios]

The mist lay heavy on the isle of Gobaith as a strange ship entered the harbor. With impressive stealth the party disembarked .. there were four figures in black capes. On the left breast is seen a single golden emblem emblazoned there. It is the crest of a certain Albarian noble.. Who could that be? The party was led by a lesser figure. This smallish guide was swift and led them even in the fog throughout the land, until the ground beneath their feet turned to sand.
Still the party moved swiftly and there they stopped..
For lying in the shadows they found her.. in the arms of a man they knew not. A tallish regal figure stepped closer and anger filled his eyes ..but alas they softened again at the sight her. Taking a deep sad breath he motioned for the unknown man to be bound and taken, which the other three did rather roughly. As he wrapped her in a cloak it was her brother who called her name.. Dedra, I have found you ..
And the party moved away stealthily as if they were pursued.. they reached the shore again and entered the stately vessel for a long journey home. There on the shore they left the informant and guide. He stood a while counting the golden coins left at his feet and a wicked smile played upon his lips.

ooc ((this topic is open for Harok and Dedra to post ..all others first please request from either of them before posting anything))

[Dedra De Ariaus]

Dedra awakes to the rolling motion of the sea and her heart begins to beat rather quickly. What has happened? And who has abducted her?
The girl has a faint memory of falling to sleep in the arms of her true love ..only to awaken in the night..? only not completely ..just enought o hear voices and among those voices one makes her heart skip a beat, from the past..was it her brother? It was deeper and even more mature than she recalls, but something faintly.. and he called her name..
Her thoughts race to Harok and she begins to panic wondering what has happened to him ..and where he is..
Dedra forces herself to rise and is suddenly aware that her legs are unsteady and with the rolling of the floor .. her stomach begins to churn and she becomes ill ..noticing a basin she uses it..
Later that day she is awaken by a cold soft rag pressed to her forhead and the smiling face of her brother greets her now..
Dedra begins to return his smile at the joy of seeing him and then she realizes all that has happened, to bring her here with him. "What have..have you done?
W-where is H-harok? Please tell me he lives and.. and you have not harmed him.."
Dedra tries agin to rise and is again overcome by nausea.. this time she does not pass out completely, but never the less she falls back down weakly..
"There there Dedra calm down.. it was clear to me when I found you this.. man.. meant something to you. So no he is not harmed .. much.. but I need to know, what the situation between you two is my dear. He is clearly rough in appearance and his position is.. no doubt beneath your own. " He pauses now and looks at her, his face is creased a bit with a level of concern, and if you look more closely you see that his eyes belie a gentle outrage..
"Roman.." she begins and speaks rapidly " you can never understand where I have been and the people and lands where I have sojourned.. you live under the shelter of our father's might and excess.. I do not, do not want to go back there ..and that man., that our father would have wed me to ..I will not have him.. " she begins to cry and is inconsolable..
Roman frowns a bit but as she pauses to sob.. he lays his hand gently on her head, he softly explains what has changed.. "Dedra when you left my father.. our father believed that you were indeed slain in the woods by some wild beast, we were all deeply grieved.. and once he even accused your betrothed of the deed .. was enough, to end their friendship and any business with his house, has become strained forever now.. I ..", here his speech stumbles a bit but he closes his eyes for a moment and he recovers, looking at the wall and not at her he reveals the reason for his emotions..
" Our father has passed away.. it was in his sleep and I don't know what caused it, he .. is gone" Roman pauses again .. then he continues
" I am now the head of our house and bear his title..Duke De Ariaus has fallen to me.. our mother seldom leaves her room and is cared for every moment in the upper floors of our estate." "Sheltered? uhm not so much as you were dear and not at all for a time now. Rufus, our uncle, has guided me to continue in all.. well most.. uhm, that our father had to that date taught me."
" But I.. like you, I am not enamored of the way our father lived and dealt with others." he continues, "I have not harmed.. this man, perhaps it shall remain so" his eyes smolder now, just a bit with a certain checked rage, but his demeanor is unperceptible and it appears he has no emotion on the subject, "We have questioned him and he seems to care for you, perhaps I will be grateful, in time for his care of you.."
Dedra watches and listens as her brother reveals all these things to her, she is taken by emotions of fear, relief, grief, and and uncertainty.. but his continued speech helps her to regain a composure and she struggles to consider how this situation may effect her future.
As he pauses again, she speaks softly now and cautiously, "Roman dear, please listen to me, I have changed a great deal. I do not believe I can be happy in the place where we were raised, The people of Albar, I agree with very little of what they believe. You must not take us there, it would be a disaster for you and me alike. You might one day be forced to fulfill your office where, as head of our family, where I am concerned. And brother dear, I must tell you, I would fight to the death beside him. "
Roman looks at her and his eyes soften a bit and his brow creases. "I am coming to realize that we may have to pause on our return .. I must consider how to preserve life.. and to preserve happiness for both of us.. and yet to remain in touch with you, I cannot ignore that you live and I cannot live without knowing how you fare."
"There may be a way, I will now speak with , ughm Harok you call him? And you will remain in here while on this ship. I am sorry but you must wait till we reach the shore to come out. And you must allow me to resolve this to our best interest. Please dear Dedra, trust me now."
He moves to the door and though she would follow him, her inability to
withstand the rolling seas and how that affects her prevents her from rising from the bed.
At the door he turns and gazes breifly at her. And for a moment she sees a gentleness in his eyes that her father never had, indeed she sees the kind eyes of her brother - her friend of long ago, before his training to rule over the family ever began.. it is enough to comfort her a bit and his words further do so.
"Dedra be comforted, I will not harm the man you would give your life to defend. Not without much reason to do so. And, I suspect the most reason not to, even now grows within you."
He sighs and walks out the door. She hears a decisive click, as a key turns in the lock outside. And her face bears a puzzled expression at the words he last spoke .. then nausea overcomes her again and she lays back to quiet her rolling stomach..

[Harald Hradradr]

Dicht lag der Nebel über Gobaith als ein fremdes Schiff im Hafen anlandete. Ungesehen ging eine Gruppe von Bord ... vier Figuren, gehüllt in schwarzen Mänteln. Die rechte Seite der Brust mit einem prächtigen goldenem Emblem verziert, das Wappen eines bestimmten albarischen Adelshauses...Wer könnte dies wohl sein? Angeführt wurde die Gruppe von einer kleineren Figur. Der geschickte Kundschafter führte sie sogar durch den Nebel rasch über das Land, bis der Boden unter ihren Füßen sandig wurde.
Noch immer bewegte sich die Gruppe behände bis sie schließlich stoppte ...
Dort, im Schatten liegend, fanden sie sie ... in den Armen eines unbekannten Mannes. Eine große majestätisch anmutende Person trat näher und Ärger füllte seine Augen ... Aber ach, als er sie erblickte wurden seine Augen wieder sanftmütiger.
Mit einem tiefen traurigem Seufzen bedeutete er dem Rest der Gruppe den unbekannten Mann zu fesseln und gefangen zu nehmen. Ziemlich grob kamen die anderen Drei dem Wink nach. Als er sie in einen Mantel hüllte, war es ihr Bruder, der ihren Namen sprach: „Dedra, endlich fand ich dich.“
Als würde sie gejagt werden, eilte die Gruppe rasch davon, ... bis sie wieder die Küste erreichten und das stattliche Schiff zur langen Heimfahrt betraten.
Dort, an der Küste ließen sie den Informanten und Führer zurück. Ein boshaftes Lächeln umspielte seine Lippen, als er noch eine ganze Weile dort stand und die goldenen Münzen, die zu seinen Füßen lagen, zählte.

((ooc : Dieses Thema ist offen für Harok und Dedra. Alle anderen, die gern etwas beitragen möchten erfragen bitte die Erlaubnis von einem der Beiden. // Dieser und nachfolgender Beitrag sind zunächst nur die Übersetzungen der ersten beiden Beiträge. // This and the following post will contain a translation of the first two posts only. ~ PO-Harok))

[Harald Hradradr]

Erwacht durch die schwankenden Bewegungen der See beginnt Dedras Herz ziemlich schnell zu schlagen. Was war passiert? Wer hat sie entführt?
Das Mädchen hatte eine schwache Erinnerung daran in den Armen ihres Geliebten eingeschlafen zu sein ... nur um mitten in der Nacht aufzuwachen? Aber nicht ganz, gerade wach genug um einige Stimmen zu hören. Eine der Stimmen ließ ihren Herzschlag für einen Moment aussetzen, eine Stimme aus der Vergangenheit. Ihr Bruder? Sie war tiefer und erwachsener, als sie sie in Erinnerung hatte, doch matt ... und sie nannte ihren Namen.
Ihre Gedanken rasten zu Harok, Panik erfasst sie, als sie sich fragt, was mit ihm wohl geschehen sei ... und wo er jetzt sein mag ...
Dedra zwingt sich aufzustehen, woraufhin sie gewahr wird, dass ihre Beine sie kaum tragen. Mit den wogenden Bewegungen der Planken unter ihren Füßen dreht sich ihr der Magen um und ihr wird übel ... ein Becken erspähend nutzt sie dieses ...
Bei der Berührung eines kühlen sanftem Tuches auf ihrer Stirn erwacht sie später erneut, gegrüßt vom lächelnden Gesicht ihres Bruders.
Die Freude ihn wiederzusehen lässt Dedra das Lächeln erwiedern, bis sie realisiert, was alles geschah um sie hierher zu bringen.

„Was has ... hast Du getan? W-wo ist H-harok? Bitte sag mir, dass er lebt und du ihm kein Leid tatest.“

Abermals versucht Dedra aufzustehen und wieder wird sie von der Übelkeit überwältigt ... zwar verliert sie diesmal nicht wieder ihr Bewusstsein, dennoch fällt sie schwach zurück auf ihr Lager.

„Beruhig Dich, Dedra ... es war mir klar, als ich Dich fand, dass dieser ... Mann ... Dir etwas bedeuten muss. Er ist also nicht verletzt ... nicht schwer ... Dennoch muss ich wissen, wie es um Euch beide bestellt ist, meine Liebe. Ganz klar ist er eine raue Erscheinung und sein Stand ... ganz Zweifels ohne unter dem Deinen.“

Er hält inne, sie ansehend. Seine Stirn in ist leicht in Falten gelegt mit sorgevollem Ausdruck. Bei genauerem Hinsehen ließe sich erkennen, dass seine Augen die leichte Empörung Lügen strafen ...

„Roman ... “, beginnt sie und spricht schnell weiter: “nie wirst du verstehen können wo ich war, die Leute oder das Land auf dem ich mich aufhielt. Du lebst unter der Obhut unseres Vaters’ Macht und Einfluss. Ich werde nicht, werde nicht dorthin zurückkehren ... und diesen Mann, mit dem mich unser Vater verheiraten wollte ... ich will ihn nicht ...“ Untröstlich fängt sie an zu weinen.
Roman schaut etwas düster, doch als ihr Schluchzen verebbt legt er sanft eine Hand auf ihren Kopf und erklärt sachte, was sich alles veränderte.

„Dedra, als du meinen Vater verließt ... unser Vater glaubte wirklich, dass Du tatsächlich von einer wilden Bestie in den Wäldern erschlagen wurdest, waren wir alle sehr bekümmert ... einmal beschuldigte er gar deinen Verlobten die Tat verübt zu haben, was ausreichte, um die Freundschaft zu beenden und jede Verbindung zu dem Haus ist seither sehr angespannt ... Ich ...“

Seine Rede gerät etwas ins stocken, doch die Augen für einen Moment schließend erholt er sich wieder. Zur Wand und nicht zu ihr sehend offenbart er den Grund für seine Emotionen...

„Unser Vater verließ uns ... es war im Schlaf und die Ursache kenne ich nicht ... er ... weilt nicht mehr unter uns.“ Kurz unterbricht sich Roman, fährt dann weiter fort: “Ich bin nun Oberhaupt unseres Hauses, seinen Titel ... Duke DeAriaus trage nun ich ... unsere Mutter verlässt nur selten ihr Zimmer. Auf der oberen Etage unseres Anwesens wird sich jederzeit um sie gekümmert.“
„Behütet? Nicht so gut wie Du, meine Liebe und schon für eine lange Zeit nicht mehr. Rufus, unser Onkel, leitete mich an alles weiter zu führen ... hauptsächlich ... erm, was unser Vater mir bis dahin schon beibrachte.“
„Aber ich ... liebe Dich und ich schätze die Art, wie unser Vater mit Menschen zu leben und wie er sie zu behandeln pflegte, nicht sehr.“ Weiter fährt er fort: “Ich habe diesen Mann ... nicht verwundet, vielleicht sollte das auch so bleiben.“

Seine Augen blitzen auf, nur ein wenig, unter kontrollierter Rage dennoch ist seine Haltung nicht wahrnehmbar, es scheint, als stünde er dem Folgenden emotionslos gegenüber:

“Wir verhörten ihn und er scheint sich um dich zu sorgen. Möglicherweise zeige ich mich erkenntlich, für die Zeit, in der er sich im dich kümmerte...“

Dedra hört ihrem Bruder aufmerksam zu, als er all dies offenbart. Sie wird von verschiedenen Emotionen ergriffen. Furcht, Erleichterung, Sorge und Unsicherheit ... seine fortgeführte Rede hilft ihr die Fassung zu bewahren, dennoch weiß sie nicht recht zu entscheiden, was all dies für ihre Zukunft bedeutet.
Als er innehält spricht sie sanft und vorsichtig:

„Teuerster Roman, höre mich bitte an. Ich habe mich sehr verändert. Ich glaube nicht, dass ich an jenem Ort, an dem wir aufwuchsen, glücklich werden könnte. Die Menschen Albars, nur wenig teile ich, woran sie glauben. Du darfst uns nicht dorthin bringen. Es wäre eine Katastrophe, für Dich, als auch für mich. Eines Tages magst du gezwungen sein deine Pflicht als Oberhaupt des Hauses zu erfüllen, was mich anbelangt. Bruderherz, ich muss Dir gestehen, an seiner Seite würde ich bis zum Tode kämpfen.“

Roman schaut zu ihr, einen etwas sanfteren Blick in den Augen, die Stirn gerunzelt.

„Ich komme nicht umhin zu verstehen, dass wir unsere Rückkehr etwas verschieben sollten ... ich muss überdenken, wie Leben gerettet werden können ... und einen Weg zu finden, dass wir beide glücklich werden können ... und trotz allem miteinander in Verbindung bleiben. Die Tatsache, dass Du noch lebst kann ich nicht ignorieren und leben, ohne zu wissen, wie es Dir ergeht, vermag ich nicht.“
„Es mag einen Weg geben. Ich werde jetzt mit, ähm ... Harok nanntest Du ihn? ... reden. So lange Du auf dem Schiff bist, wirst Du hier drin verweilen müssen. Verzeih mir bitte, aber Du musst warten, bis wir an der Küste sind, ehe Du diesen Raum verlassen kannst. Du musst mir erlauben diese Angelegenheit, in unser beider Interesse, bestmöglich zum Abschluss zu bringen. Teure Dedra, vertrau mir jetzt, bitte.“

Als er zur Tür geht versucht sie dennoch ihm zu folgen, das schwankende Schiff und wie es sich auf sie auswirkt lassen ihren Versuch sich vom Bett zu erheben scheitern.
An der Tür angekommen, schaut er sich kurz zu ihr um. Für einen kurzen Moment erkennt sie eine Gutmütigkeit in seinen Augen, die ihr Vater nie besaß. In der Tat, blickt sie in die Liebenswürdigkeit ausstrahlenden Augen ihres Bruders – ihres Freundes, vor langer Zeit, noch ehe sein Training über die Familie zu herrschen jemals begann ... Dies ist ausreichend, um sie etwas zu beruhigen und seine weiteren Worte beruhigen sie fürderhin.

„Dedra, sei unbesorgt. Ich werde diesem Mann, den Du mit deinem Leben schützen würdest, nichts antun. Nicht ohne einen schwerwiegenden Grund jedenfalls. Der Hauptgrund, ihm nichts zu tun, wächst gerade in Dir heran.“

Seufzend wendet er sich wieder um und tritt zur Tür hinaus. Sie hört ein leises klicken, als ein Schlüssel von außen das Schloss sperrt.
Ihr Gesicht, wird von einem fragenden Ausdruck überzogen, als er seine letzten Worte spricht ... Übelkeit überkommt sie wieder und sie lehnt sich zurück, um ihren rumorenden Magen zu beruhigen.

[Harald Hradradr]

((ooc a German version of this text below will be provided below))

Roughly he was awakened as a hand was pressed against his mouth. Harok was being dragged away from Dedra. Slowly his thoughts departed from the land of dreams and he found himself confronted with reality. The last days had been hard for him and he needed sleep badly. He had not slept much of late, as he had been looking for his own true love, Dedra. He had been a few days long searching. What was going on?
Several figures surrounded him. Three of them held him and a fourth was moving towards Dedra. Without success he tried to avoid the grab, but he had not gained control of his extremities yet. Desperately he bit a finger of the man which was closing his mouth. He wanted to yell, to alert her, but a heavy object hit the back of his head. Once again he was sliding into the world of shadows. He saw the fourth man wrapping a cloak around her and heard him softly calling her name…

Slowly he came back to consciousness. The ground beneath him seemed to roll. He knew that feeling, he was in a seafaring vessel! He tried to remember the last hours. Like flashes thoughts ran through his mind. Dedra! They taken her, taken her away from him. The figures!
While trying to move he became aware, that his hands were bond behind him. Pain flashed through his arms and legs. How long had he been bond in this position? He did not know. It was dark around him and there was no window nor other source of light.
Muted noises sounded from above, as if someone was descending stairs. A bar moved and the door opened with a creaking sound. The light dazzled him and he looked down to the wooden planks, he could see a few small shadows rushing away into cover. Rats! Without saying a word, someone came close to him and poured salty water over his head. The water hurt his face, his chapped lips when it splashed over him.

"Wake up, Gynkese!", a man was barking at him. Judging from his clothing,it was obviously a sailor. The dialect was typical for Albar. Squinting against the light, Harok lifted his head. Beside the contours of the figure, who now was moving to kneel down behind him, he could not see much. Glancing with peripheral vision, he watched the person as long as he was able.
He gritted his teeth as the man gruffly pulled at his shackles. Anxiously, he tried to calm down. With a broad grin the sailor appeared in front of him again, warning him not to "try dumb ideas", he kicked Haroks legs and left him again in the dark.
When the roughneck disappeared Harok tried to remember what had recently transpired again. Fragmented, more and more memories came to his mind. The man, who had wrapped a cloak around Dedra, that man was here. That man had spoken with him … questioned him. Harok licked over his lips, tasting salt and blood.
The man knew how to ask questions and without the shadow of a doubt that man was a noble. Harok concentrated on what he had said to that man.
Faintly he remembered, that the man was displeased with his answers. But when Harok began inquire about Dedra's whereabouts and condition, one of the men with the noble slapped his face.
This man did not delay his questioning, but asked about Dedra and Varshikar only. Harok tried not to say much, only what was absolutely necessary. Every now and then Harok paused when he spoke. He tried to ask questions himself, tried to get information. He needed to know with whom he was dealing here! Dedra had once spoken of her family, but it was long time ago. She had described how she had fled her father's house. Was that man a pursuer hired by her father? A Friend of the House De Ariaus? A member of the family? Or was he … her betrothed actually? At the end of this questioning - as if somehow he had a right to, Harok admonished that man not to harm Dedra. A smirk was the only response he had gotten but the man's eyes had narrowed a bit.
Arduously Harok was jerked out of his thoughts when the vessel slowed down. Orders were yelled above on the deck. What is happening now? Harok frowned as he recognized the voice of the man who had questioned him. Again the sound of steps came closer and the door was opened …

*

Unsanft wurde er geweckt, als sich eine Hand um seinen Mund schloss und er von ihr weggezogen wurde. Nur langsam kam er aus der Traumwelt heraus in die Realität. Die letzten Tage hatten es in sich für ihn und dringend musste er Schlaf nachholen, nachdem er seine Geliebte endlich wiederfand.
Was ging hier vor? Mehrere Gestalten waren um ihn, drei hielten ihn fest, eine vierte bewegte sich auf Dedra zu. Er versuchte sich loszureißen, sie zu warnen, doch noch war sein Körper zu schwach, seine Gliedmaßen wollten ihm noch nicht gehorchen. Verzweifelt biss er in einen Finger des Mannes, der ihm den Mund zuhielt und wollte schreien, sie warnen, als ein schwerer Gegenstand seinen Hinterkopf traf. Wieder in das Reich der Schatten übertretend sah er die vierte Figur, wie sie Dedra einen Mantel umlegte und sanft ihren Namen sprach...

Langsam kam er wieder zu sich. Der Boden unter seinen Füßen schien zu schwanken. Er kannte dieses Gefühl, ein Schiff! Er versuchte sich an die letzten Stunden zu erinnern. Wie Blitze durchzuckten Gedanken seinen Geist. Dedra! Sie nahmen sie, rissen sie hinfort von ihm. Die Gestalten!
Er versuchte sich zu bewegen und wurde sich dessen gewahr, dass er mit den Händen auf dem Rücken an eine Art Pfahl gebunden war. Schmerz durchzuckte seine Arme und Beine. Wie lange nur war er schon so gefesselt? Er wusste es nicht. Dunkel war es hier und weder gab es Fenster noch irgend eine andere Lichtquelle.
Gedämpfte Geräusche erschallen von außerhalb des Raumes, als wenn jemand eine Treppe hinabsteigen würde. Ein Riegel wurde geschoben und knarrend öffnete sich die Tür. Ein Lichtschein blendete ihn und er wandte seinen Blick nach unten. Kleine Schatten huschten über den hölzernen Boden. Ratten! Ohne ein Wort zu sagen kam eine Person zu ihm und schüttete ihm salziges Wasser in sein Gesicht. Es brannte, als das Wasser über sein Gesicht und über seine aufgeplatzte Lippe floss.

„Wach auf, Gynkese!“, herrschte ihn der Mann an. Von seiner Kleidung her offenbar ein Seemann. Sein Dialekt verriet seine albarische Herkunft. Harok hob langsam seinen Kopf und blinzelte gegen das Licht. Viel konnte er nicht erkennen, nur die Umrisse der Gestalt, die nun um ihn herum schritt und sich hinter ihm niederkniete. Aus den Augenwinkeln verfolgte er die Person, so lange er konnte. Schroff wurde an seinen Fesseln gezogen und neuerlicher Schmerz machte sich bemerkbar. Er kniff die Augen zusammen und versuchte sich zu sammeln. Mit einem breiten Grinsen auf den Lippen trat der Seemann wieder vor ihn und sprach eine Warnung an ihn aus nicht auf dumme Ideen zu kommen, trat dann gegen seine Beine und wandte sich wieder zur Tür zu.
Als das Raubein verschwunden war versuchte Harok sich erneut zu erinnern. Bruchstückhaft kamen weitere Erinnerungen hervor. Der Mann, der Dedra in einen Mantel hüllte. Er war hier. Sprach mit ihm ... verhörte ihn. Fragte ihn nach Dedra aus. Harok leckte sich über seine Lippen, schmeckte Salz und Blut.
Der Mann wusste Fragen zu stellen und, ganz ohne Zweifel, war der Stand dieses Mannes über dem seinen. Er konzentrierte sich an, was nur sagte er diesem Mann?
Dumpf erinnerte er sich daran, dass der Mann mit seinen Antworten kaum zufrieden war und als Harok begann seinerseits Fragen über das Verbleiben Dedras zu stellen schlug ihm ein Begleiter des Adeligen als Antwort einfach ins Gesicht. Der Mann hielt sich auch nicht lang damit auf etwas über ihn herauszufinden, all seine Fragen galten Dedra und Varshikar. Harok versuchte nicht allzu viel preiszugeben, erzählte nur das nötigste. Immer wieder unterbrach sich Harok und versuchte seinerseits Informationen zu gewinnen. Er musste einfach wissen, mit wem er es hier zu tun hatte. Dedra erzählte ihm vor langer Zeit von ihrem Elternhaus und ihrer Flucht. War der Mann ein Häscher, angeheuert von ihrem Vater? Ein Freund des Hauses De Ariaus? Ein Familienmitglied? Oder gar ihr ... Verlobter? Als wäre er in der Position gewesen Drohungen auszusprechen warnte Harok den Mann am Ende des Verhörs und erntete nur müdes Gelächter doch der adelige verengte seine Augen.
Jäh wurde Harok aus seinen Überlegungen gerissen, als das Schiff plötzlich an Fahrt verlor. Befehle wurden auf Deck gebrüllt und der Kurs des Schiffes schien sich leicht zu ändern. Was war nun schon wieder los? Harok runzelte die Stirn, als er die Stimme des Mannes erkannte, der ihn verhörte. Wieder kamen polternd Schritte näher und die Tür öffnete sich ein weiteres mal...

[geniios]

As severaal rough sailors descended the steps they were silent. They pulled Harok to his feet, a little less roughly than before. Then they told him to cooperate and he would soon be out of this. They untied his feet and led him from the hold, two above and two below him, daggers drawn. He was taken to a small enclosed area on the deck. There they left him, but they remained standing just outside the doorway. He could see the glint of the sun on many drawn sabres and scowls were upon their faces.
It wasn't long before Roman De Ariaus joined him. With a calm and even voice he spoke.. "I realise you have no idea what has happened to you Harok, I trust that you understand me well enough though." He paused a moment. "I am the brother of Dedra." again he paused to observe the effect of his words. "I am also Duke De Ariaus of Albar." His mouth became a thin line. " I am somewhat aware of the life you have been living, I should kill you for it. However fortune shines on you today, because I love my sister and will consider her future. So, today, for her sake alone, you will be given one choice."
He looked at him with steel blue eyes that were as cold as the winter sea, his face expressionless, "You will kneel on the beach this day,, swear allegiance to the house De Ariaus, the lands of Albar, and be knighted. You will then be sworn as her protector, after this you will return to this ship and be wedded to her, by its captain.. OR ..you will be slaughtered on this beach and left for the wild animals and the harsh elements to consume.. And then that child will be raised descretely ..this choice will be a shame our house and Dedra will be disgraced forever among her people."
As he made the last declaration, Roman swiftly turned his back and immediately walked away from him. Harok saw him descend over the side of the ship, to a small boat, as those sailors entered the alcove where he stood. They quickly cut his bonds away and with a line of drawn sabres, between which he must walk, they nudged him toward the other small boat.. He could see the sandy island shore and the boat wherein Roman sat, which was slowly rowing to that shore..
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And Then........
She had wandered a while in the sirani islands.. Joyiously flitting from flower to palm and playing ..dancing in the sand and surf. Chi was carelessly flitting from one Sirani isle to the next when .. she spotted something.. in the distance on the farthest isle, the tall mast of a ship loomed on the horizon..
Even more amazing, was that almost as soon as she saw it..she was transported.. unexpectedly to that island.. she found herself sitting on a coconut in the top of a palm tree observing two boats come to the shore..

First boat had several men in it.. tall and clothed in elegant fashion. As the next boat came closer ahe was puzzled and then anxious to recognize.. "Harok" sitting among many rough looking sailors there..

As Harok's foot touched the shore, she was surprised to see a flash of heavenly light and.. there beside him was a being ..of godlike purportions. Oh she was a beautiful creature and Chi was enthralled at the sight of her presence..
then a hush came over the island.. it was as if every creature was in a deep sleep and could not move where they stood ..
except for Harok.. seemingly unaware he continued to get out of the boat and to trudge in the sand toward the men in regal dress..
It was then that the heavenly being bent over and whispered into his ear. And amazingly Chi could hear her, as if to witness what would transpire.. she was hearing them like as if, she sat on his shoulder..
To Harok that is exactly what he saw, Dedra's friend, the tiny fairy being Chi, was perched upon his shoulder ..
Then appeared in the tiny hand a goblet of pure water, and a meal of meat and bread, she held these out for him to take. As he took them they took on purportions suited to his size instead of hers.
She now hovered in front of him just out of his reach. He also felt a shower of green, lovely green sprinkles raining down upon his head and his clothes and appearance became refreshed.
Chi hovered and smiled at him, as he consumed the food and water then..

This image of Chi was speaking to him now..
"Harok you have recieved a blessing from the goddess Sirani, she offers you rescue from these doings, At your request she will transport you from this island and create a great fear in these men to send them away.. However, the offer extends only to you, Dedra's fate will not be decided wholly by your actions, but rather could be that she would remain with her brother. These people mean her no harm and she is not in any distress for love sake, really. "
"While Roman De Ariaus has meant to force you, I as goddess of this isle shall offer you instead, free will. So tell me Harok Silversmith of Varshikar, do you continue in this possibly perilous journey or do you return to Gobaith to live out your life, as it was before Dedra came there?"

[Harald Hradradr]

((this is only the translation of the part above // dies hier ist nur die Übersetzung des zuvor geposteten Teils.))

Leise waren die Seemänner, die die Treppe hinabstiegen. Etwas weniger rau als zuvor zogen sie Harok auf die Füße. Dann sagten sie ihm, er solle kooperieren und bald schon wäre er hier raus. Sie lösten die Fesseln an seinen Füßen und führten ihn aus seinem Gefängnis. Mit gezogenen Dolchen, zwei der Seeleute vor und zwei hinter ihm, führten sie ihn zu einem abgeschlossenen Teil des Decks. Dort ließen sie ihn zurück, blieben aber gleich außerhalb des Zugangs stehen. Er konnt sehen, dass sich das Glitzern der Sonne auf vielen gezogenen Säbeln spiegelte. Finster blickten die Seemänner.
Es dauerte nicht lang, da sich Roman De Ariaus zu ihm gesellte. Mit ruhiger und gleichbleibender Stimmesprach er zu ihm:

„Ich weiß, dass ihr keine Ahnung habt, was mit euch passierte, Harok. Ich vertraue darauf, dass ihr mich dennoch gut genug versteht.“ Für einen Moment blieb er still. „Ich bin Dedras Bruder.“ Wieder unterbrach er sich um den Effekt seiner Worte zu beobachten. „Ebenso bin ich Duke De Ariaus von Albar“. Sein Mund formte einen dünnen Strich. „Ich bin etwas im Bilde über das Leben, welches ihr führtet. Töten sollte ich euch dafür. Wie auch immer, das Glück scheint euch hold heute, da ich meine Schwester liebe und mich um ihre Zukunft sorge. Heute werdet ihr vor die Wahl gestellt, um meiner Schwester Willen.“
Mit stahlblauen Augen sah er ihn an, kalt wie die winterliche See, sein Gesicht ausdruckslos.
„Heute werdet ihr am Strand niederknien und dem Haus De Ariaus Treue schwören und zum Ritter ernannt werden. Danach werdet ihr zum Schiff zurückkehren und der Captain wird euch vermählen. Oder ... ihr werdet an diesem Strand erschlagen und den rauen Elementen und den Wilden Tieren als Fraß dienen... Und dann wird dieses Kind, getrennt vom Haus, aufgezogen ... eine Schande für unser Haus und Dedra wäre auf immer Eine Schande unter ihren Leuten.“

Seine letzte Feststellung sprechend wandte sich Roman rasch um und entfernte sich augenblicklich von ihm. Harok sah ihn über die Schiffsseite zu einem Beiboot hinuntersteigen, als die Seemänner den kleinen Alkoven betraten, in dem er Stand. Schnell schnitten sie seine verbliebenen Fesseln durch und stießen ihn vorwärts, durch einen Gang, gebildet aus gezogenen Säbeln, zu einem weiteren Beiboot. Harok konnte die Küste der Insel sehen und das Boot, in dem Roman saß, wie es langsam zum Strand gerudert wurde.

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Sie wanderte eine Weile auf den Sirani Inseln, huschte vergnügt von Blume zu Palme, tanzte im Sand und auf der Brandung. Sorglos huschte Chi von einer Sirani Insel zur nächsten als sie plötzlich etwas sah, weit hinten, auf der entfertesten Insel ragte ein Schiffsmast am Horizont auf.
Weit überraschender für sie war jedoch, dass sobald sie den Mast sah, sie auf diese Insel transportiert wurde. Sie fand sich auf einer Kokusnuss hoch oben auf einer Palme sitzend wieder, zwei Boote betrachtend, die sich langsam dem Strand näherten.

Das erste Boot war von mehreren Männern besetzt, groß und elegant gekleidet. Als sich das zweite Boot näherte war sie verblüfft und wurde ängstlich, als sie jemanden zwischen vielen rauen Seemännern sitzen sah...“Harok“.

Als Harok Fuß auf Land setzte wurde sie von einem Blitz himmlischen Lichtes überrascht und dort ... neben ihm ein Wesen von göttlicher Ausstrahlung. Oh, es war eine wunderschöne Kreatur die sie dort sah und Chi war von ihrer Präsenz bezaubert.
Dann legte sich Stille über die Insel, als ob alle Lebewesen in einen tiefen Schlaf gefallen waren und sich nicht mehr bewegen konnten. Mit Ausnahme von Harok. Offensichtlich unberührt stieg er vom Boot aus und schleppte sich mit schweren Schritten zu den gut gekleideten Männern.
Es war genau in diesem Moment, da sich das himmlische Wesen zu ihm beugte und ihm ins Ohr flüsterte. Überraschender Weise konnte Chi sie hören, als ob sie davon zeugen solle was gesagt wird. Sie konnte sie hören, gerade als ob sie auf seiner Schulter sitzen würde.
Für Harok war dies auch genau das, was er sah. Dedra's Freundin, das kleine Feenwesen Chi hockte auf seiner Schulter.
In den winzigen Händen des Wesens erschien ein Kelch frischen Wassers und eine Mahlzeit aus Fleisch und Brot. Sie hielt ihr Händchen ausgestreckt, so dass er es nehmen konnte. Als er das Essen an sich nahm wuchsen die Gaben auf eine für ihn normale Größe an.
Gerade außerhalb seiner reichweite schwebte sie nun vor ihm. Ein Schauer von lieblichen grünen Tropfen regnete auf seinen Kopf herab, was seine Kleidung und Erscheinung erfrischen ließ. Chi schwebte vor ihm und lächelte, als er Essen und Trinken zu sich nahm.
Das Wesen, welches in seiner Erscheinung Chi glich sprach nun zu ihm:

„Harok, du hast Siranis Segen erhalten, sie bietet dir Ausweg aus dieser Situation. Auf deiner Nachfrage hin wird sie dich von dieser Insel holen und große Furcht über diese anderen Männer bringen um sie zu verjagen. Allerdings gilt dieses Angebot nur für dich. Dedras Schicksal wird nicht gänzlich durch deine Taten bestimmt. Vielmehr könnte es sein, dass sie bei ihrem Bruder bleiben wird. Diese Leute sind keine Bedrohung für sie und der Liebe wegen nicht in Not.
Während Roman De Ariaus vor hat dich zu zwingen, biete ich dir, als Schutzherrin dieser Inseln den freien Willen. Nun, Harok Silversmith von Varshikar, sag mir: willst du diesen gefährlichen Weg weiter gehen oder willst du zu deinem Leben auf Gobaith zurückkehren, zu einem Leben, bevor Dedra dort eindrang?“

[Harald Hradradr]

Sitting in the boat, he was thinking about that, what Roman told him. He was puzzled what he might have meant but felt relieved to recognize Roman as her brother and with him saying he now was Duke De Ariaus. However he could not decide yet, wether this was good for her and him or not. He sighed deeply and rubbed the weals on his wrists. His eyes were roaming now over the impressive Ship, he was looking out for a sign of her. But the vessel was too big and he did not know much about its construction. Maybe she was held somewhere, as he has been held under deck. More comfortable of course, a golden cage.

With a frown he glanced over his shoulder, saw Roman and the other regal dressed figures disembark and gather, at a certain point at the beach.

The drawn and to him directed sabres made him nervous and Harok prefered to watch the more direct threat so looked back to the sailors. As if he would attempt to flee, the roughnecks even wielded harpoons. Closing his eyes he thought about her and sighed as the boat landed in the sand. A sabre was swung right before his nose and then motioned to the beach in his back. With a grin on his face a sailer barked at him:"Yer destination, Gynkese, now get out o' here!" Suffering from his wounds and the lack of food and drink Harok disembarked jumping into the shallow water. It took him a brief moment to find a firm stance then he waded to the beach, headed to the figures wating for him. He did not recognize what was happening behind and around him anymore.

Suddenly he heard a whisper. Glancing around puzzled he saw Chi, sitting on his shoulder. He forgot about his surroundings, becoming fascinated by the fairy. She was looking much more beautiful than he remembered her. Wondering what she was doing here, he more automatically than conciously reached for the gifted food and drink. He took a deep breath as lovely green and warm sparkles hailed down on him. Feeling much more refreshed Harok begun to consume the food and drink offered to him. It was now that he recognized the silence that was lying upon the island. Chi hovered in front of him with a smile on her tiny face she spoke to him and he listened and careful he did.


„Is it that?", he stated with a gleam in his eyes. „An offer for the good of her and me? Her fortune already decided by now? Or is it just another trial?" But he could not feel any anger toward Chi. He smiled warmly at the beautifyl fairy being. Harok exhaled calmly but hearable.

„I am sure she will have a life, protected by her family, loved by her brother and loved by her betrothed. And mayhap, with time she will forget about that man, that ... smith, that once promised to be with her." He looked down to his feet, shoving a handful of sand from one foot to the other, then glanced to Roman. „I swore to defend her from her family, for the life of a noble is not the life she wanted to live." A sad quiet laughter came over his lips. „And now? Look at me, Chi. I stand here, surrounded by her family and its footmen. Taken in the night, not having been able to even alert her." He paused for a blink, trying to fetch a clear thought. As he resumed his speech he was looking directly at Chi. „And I could live there at Varshikar with my friends. Do, what I always did. Smith ... for the beauty of things and be happy for worshipping and praising Irmorom and receive his blessing." Once again he paused and his thoughts were drifting to a time several month ago.

„I once was walking with Leva, there at the copper mountains close to Goldburg. When we were resting for a while i found a blossom right beside my foot. A blossom which bears a special meaning to me." He fumbled for something beneath his shirt for a while and revealed a pink blossom. „It was one of these here.", he said with a gentle smile on his face. Unhasty swirling the blossom between his thumb and index finger Harok went on: "Mh, I loved Leva when i found it. But for the sake of its special meaning i was unable to gift the blossom to her."

Forming a thin line with his lips he thought a moment before speaking again. „A few days later I met Dedra again. Oh, nicely dressed she was and i was happy to see her, she saved my life after all. She was there for me when i was in despair and she gave me hope when noone else could. Well, that day she appeared much more as a young lady to me than a child. We were chatting a while till she went off to the field, for practicing her flute and i resumed to repair a few morningstars. I ... swirled one of them around to test it and the chain jerked, so a ball flew directly into her direction. Luckily she did not get hit, but it was an opportunity to meet her again. And again we were talking, and i ... as i did so often, refused her feelings to me. I was thinking that it just can not be, must not be. And once again begun to talk about friendship, conciously not responding to what she tried to tell me in a subtle way. It made her run off with tears in her eyes. That moment i realized that she ever has been speaking true to me, that there was more than friendship, that there was more than helping a smith. I tried to fetch her and luckily with success i did. It took some time for her to switch the fine blue dress with fighting armor. I made her halt close to the teleporter there at Varshikar. And unintentionally did something I had to think about after it happened. I ... gave her what i denied Leva ... the blossom."

Harok took another deep breath, shaking away the impressions of that day. After a while he briefly raised both his eyebrows.

„And i thought about everything that has happened between her and me to that point and i recognized that she conquered a small corner of my heart. The following days I figured that giving the blossom to her was a sign, a sign by Sirani. When i felt lonely the weeks before, i often prayed to her to give me a sign. And there ... it was. I saw Dedra in a different way, when i met her again. From that day on, we were a couple. And all the things we went through made me love her. Love her more than I ever knew I could love someone."
Tilting his head slightly he swallowed quietly and rubbed the root of his nose.

„You know, Chi. Another incident just happened recently. I was harvesting grain at night, when something strange was going on. Something I barely could see settled down in the ripe field. Anxious I was and ... it ... came closer to me. Till I saw a gleaming eye. I desperately produced my horn and tried to alert those, still awaken to...possibly aid me. A raven it was, in his beak a diamond, shining in the moonlight. When the raven flew away it left the diamond. I found...it was the most beautiful and precise cut gem i have ever seen. The very same night i went to the smithy and forged a ring, imbued the gem and with Irmoroms help I forged my masterpiece. That ring was intentionally dedicated to Dedra and I put it on her finger by myself. That day it was clear to me, that a life without her won't be possible anymore."

Motioning to Roman and his footmen he hardened his voice and a slight grim expression could be seen on his face.

„Today, Chi, i once more have to decide, once more have to fight. Maybe her brother will kill me, maybe he will hold his word and compel me into knighthood, then marry me with her and then ... most likely send me into a senseless war to get rid of me. I will bear that. I will fight. For her, for me for ... not going back to a life I just can not live anymore, a dull life, pale and shallow."

Harok sighed deeply and offerd the being a faint but warm smile when he turned to Roman again. Slowly walking towards him he made a fist around the blossom he held and murmured:

„Mayhap I will die. Right now, right here. Mayhap i will buy time and when the gods are with us, Dedra and i will find a way. For the sake of her love, for the sake of my love i won't break the word i gave her and will be with her, whatever will happen." Louder then, as he almost closed the gap between him and Roman:

„I reject...your offer."

[Dedra De Ariaus]

Dedra awakens to discover the ship has seemingly ceased its motions.. and her condition now is fine because of that. She rises from the bed and finding both a clean basin and materials to use she freshens up a bit. She then turns to the door and notices to the side of it a small window. Her thoughts are of Harok now and her heart begins to beat more rapidly as she worries a bit of what he is experiencing. In her mind is but to sneak about and check how he is kept ..perhaps to offer encouragement at his cabin door.
As Dedra moves to the window her gaze meets with a surprise and she hastily undoes the latch to open it. Thanks to her small size it is not so hard to pass through the window and she does so slipping behind a few barrels on the deck.
On the horizon she can see a few men at the beach and another boat approaching the beach.. The men on the beach are easily recognizable as her family.. and in the boat she sees mostly sailors but.. also a figure she cannot mistake.
Fumbling hastily in her bag she extract her poisin daggers and weilds them carefully as she moves up behind an unwary sailor. With a voice laced in steel she speaks to him now.. "If you value your life you will do exactly as I tell you." Against the cloth of his soiled shirt the side edge of her dagger lays (so not to accidently poisin him) I am Dedra De Ariaus and I have the ability to roast this entire ship in an instant .. to show him she is not bluffing she passes a small hand into his vision and summons a small fireball which sits there upon her flesh failing to harm it. With precision accuracy she tosses it with a flick of her wrist. It lands into the bucket he had been using to swab the ships deck. "Would you like a larger demonstration or can i have a boat lowered right now for my use?" in her tone is a mocking confidence he cannot mistake and he knows the question is no true question but rather a command.
Trembling now the sailor responds in a raspy voice.. "Ye be a witch then lassy.. I mean no harm by that.." he hastily stops his accusations.. "I serve the house of your father and by that of course serve ye.. let me go now and I will haste to do as ye bid.." With a smirk she releases the pressure of her blade and allows him to step away.. but in her hand she conjures a fireball, slightly larger than the one before, and holds it casually aloft while looking at him.
The sailors eyes widen as do those of a few more who now have gathered on the deck.. "Miss De Ariaus wants to join them on that beach lads, make haste to lower the boat for her .." as he shouts this announcement .. a few galley slaves peek out from an open doorway and both they and she recognize each other instantly.. they are her often playmates of years gone by and.. she makes then a hasty decision. "you there" she indicates two kitchen help that she favors most, "you will accompany me and row that blasted thing to shore... and so will you and you.." She points to the first sailor and one who stands nearest to him. Both of their eyes widen with hesitation but a look of resignation quickly replaces that. They have no doubts about who she is in their world. The two galley slaves have a much different response as they almost run to clamor into that boat and be off with her.. away from this place that holds no future they would desire.
She smiles slightly at the haste of her friends and snickers a bit but her gaze quickly returns to the sailors. The two she has indicated now move to the boat and one slips over the side after the slaves while the other waits to assist her and then to follow.
With as much commanding dignity as she recalls to show.. she strides to the edge of the deck and with a flourish .. while tossing the fireball unceremoniously into the surf .. she slips over the side and lands unaided into the waiting skiff. The sailor raises one brow but does not hesitate to follow her and at her command to make haste .. he and the other three take oars and use all due effort to get her ashore without delay.
As her attention turns back now to the shore she sees a strange sight .. all seems paused as not a sign of movement is to be seen. Clearly the second boat landed but her gaze takes a moment to spot him.. he seems paused, his attention on a small dot she cant quite distinguish.. as the boat draws closer she can see a small winged thing hovering in front of him.
Suddenly that winged thing fades and he begins to advance toward her family .. as he does so the entire beach comes to life. She now realizes that all have drawn swords to him and as he shouts something she can not hear she notices her brother's hand move to the hilt of his own sword.
Desparatly she realizes she is in range and issues a volley of fireballs.. which explode behind the heels of Harok. The superstitious sailors all draw back in fear, as all eyes turn to her approaching craft.
She issues another volley of three and the sailors all scramble again, further away from the four De Ariaus and Harok. Her small boat now makes landfall and she is the first to scramble out of it hastily running to Harok's side. With flashing eyes she looks at her family now.. her hand raises and a fireball stands on it, at the ready to be dispensed.
Every member of that group have not moved since the first volley was fired and stand now gaping in disbelief at what they see..
"Roman" she shouts "I warned you when first we spoke and I reiterate that now.. I stand at his side and should you dare to raise a blade to him .. you will also find my blade.. and other defenses are posed against yours.."
Realizing all the sailors cower in fear ..and that he truely does not know what defenses she may have at her disposal.. Roman lifts his hands into the air a bit and speaks as calmly as he can manage.
"Dedra.. I had no idea" "please allow me to apologize" "I only wanted what was best for.."
And with those words she interrupts him, "No Roman, you wanted what you decided was best for you and then for me. Now listen to what i say to you. This man is my betrothed, he is whom I shall marry. But on our terms not yours." "Now if you wish to remain in cordial contact with me, you will take these sailors and our beloved uncle, his sons as well, and go to your waiting ship without me." "I will send you a dove from time to time and perhaps we shall visit again under more pleasant circumstances."
She now indicates the two galley slaves who huddle a bit standing behind Harok and herself. "These two shall remain with me, consider it your wedding gift." As she speaks she offers a loving smile to her uncle and cousins and turns then a tender gaze upon her two friends. As her gaze returns to her brother she tosses the fireball harmlessly toward the surf and holds out her arms to him. "Come now and greet me as you really should have when your boots touched upon the shores of Gobaith."