Blood and Snow

[Constance]

Timestamp: Fall 10th, year 505 AV The sun had already set, but since it was fall, that was no surprise; at the end of the year, days always seemed shorter; with the sun setting early and rising late. While animals and creatures of the day retreated for the evening, the more aggressive, sneaky, scary creatures and animals of the night started to emerge from there hideaways. The large moon had already made it rise up into the northern sky. Its light, casting eerie blue hues over the sparkling snow, and deep blue shadows under the trees. Below and around the moon, colors moved threw the sky in falling curtains. The Aurora Borealis danced in a beautiful silence of greens, reds, purples, and blues. On the currents of a gentle breeze, no clouds were carried and so, snow did not fall. The wind only pushed over and threw the bare tree limbs and green pine trees, creating the music that the colorful curtains seemed to be dancing to. Amongst all of the dark, cool colors of that snowy night, a bright orange fire burned brightly. It concealed itself in a forest valley, the silhouettes of trees were set hard against its radiant glow. The trees shadows danced and mingled as the fires flames danced and moved to its own song, the fires energetic song of popping and sizzling. At the lights edge, a figure sat, hidden within the shadow of a tree, and the dark cloak and hood it wore. Then still further back, stood a Avanthalian Sleigh Horse which had been tied to one of the trees. It bit at the snow dampened bark in hopes of finding something to lessen its hunger. It also pawed at the snow with one of its front hooves, ether our of boredom or maybe trying to fend off a chill. Every now and then it would make a snorting noise. Leaving the horse to its own devises, the cloaked figure sat still in a spot where the snow had melted due to the combination of hot fire and body heat. Tilting its head back to seemingly gaze up at the stars and colors, the hood fell free from atop the persons head. The colors that filled the sky, also filled its eyes, but the reflection could not dispel the unnatural gray hue that destroyed the vividness. The fire light revealing that the mysterious person was female, her long dark hair cascading down her back and over her shoulders. In her lap she held an instrument. Without diverting her eyes as they gazed upon the sky, she began creating a quiet and soft melody. The sound disrupted the natural music of the breeze and crackling fire, due to the many mistakes she made. It was painfully obvious she was a novice when it came to using the instrument, but at least she was practicing. But when frustration set in, she decided to give it a rest and try and make something to eat. Pushing herself up onto her feet, she carried the instrument with her as she walked back towards the horse. Leaning against the tree, was a case wrapped in otter skin to keep the containers contents dry. Picking it up, she opened it and set her instrument inside with careful motion. Once everything was secure, she shut it tight, and then secured it to the horses side. With the instrument safe from the elements, she turned her attention to the other bags the horse carried. Feeling along the seems of each pouch, she stopped at a particular one and opened the leather flap. Then after rummaging around inside of it for a bit, she pulled out a tin case full of dried food, one could assume. In her relaxed state, little did she know how that night would unfold. OOCHere is what the instrument sounds like when played correctly. But this is not the song she's trying to play. It starts at 10 seconds.

[Cade]

Constance's music playing caught the ears of five deadly predators of the two legged variety. The creatures had surrounded her position, keeping their distance so they not spook the horse and in turn spooking their prey. Cade the Falyndar Barbarian, a half blood Myrian savage from Taloba, was one of the predators creeping upon Constance. The young man was only the age of nineteen and hooked up with this motley crew of pirates and raiders while traveling north from Falyndar seeking his own destiny and far from the jungles he once called home.

The leader of this small party was a human male, same height as Cade but heavier in frame. His Name was Noird, a Slaver from sunberth in the ages of forty from what the young savage could tell. Noird's crew consisted of two red headed twins from Wind Reach, small in frame but excellent archers. The last of the crew was a new addition, a pirate not of Noird's command but a liason set with them to ensure his Captain's assets were all in order. Cade was hired on as the muscle for obvious reasons.

The crew were in position and moments later two arrows flew striking Constance's horse in the throat. That was the signal and instantly the others rushed their prey weapons not drawn for live capture was the order of the day. She was to be taken, and sold into slavery for her beauty will be her curse.

[Constance]

All was silent and peaceful that chilly evening, even her ill preformed music couldn't ruin that. And although the night was enjoyable, and the fire warm, she had little to choose from when it came to food. She didn't know very much about cooking, but she struggled threw, surviving mostly on dried foods that wouldn't spoil and didn't need to be heated. Only a few night ago had she depart from the great city of Aventhal and she already missed the good food you could simply buy from a vendor, already made and ready to eat. Slim fingers reached into the canister of dried berries, sifting threw them a little before picking one out that seemed larger then the others. These wouldn't last long in her stomach, but she would need to make due while she worked on her survival and hunting skills. Of course, she knew she was being brash and foolish for leaving so unprepared and hoping things would still work out in her favor. But what came next, she couldn't have ever imagined, it never crossed her mind. The forest was silent except for the crackling fire and the quiet sound of Constance hands going threw bags and tins of food. But even so, she never heard the approach of her captors, the predators that sought to destroy the life she knew for a few measly coins. Without warning, two arrows hissed past her ear and stuck, almost completely threw, her faithful steeds muscular neck. The force and velocity of which each arrow was delivers, pushed the strong horse back, taking away any slack the lead rope had given. Before Constance had time to react, the horse was in a frenzy of pain and fear. It knew its life was coming to an end, and yet it still fought with all its remaining strength to try and escape. The enhanced strength and numbing effect that adrenalin had on ones body, left the horse kicking and pulling away from the tree that held it in place. Blocking out everything except fear, the heavy beast knocked Constance on her back. Her vision was poor in that moment and prevented her from moving from dangers way. The loud screams that announced the danger was cut short by a loud snap when it pulled once more away from the tree, its neck breaking, then hanging limply from its shoulders. The sound made Constance stomach turn, she could taste bile building up in her throat. If only her escape hadn't been delayed, she wouldn't have heard that vulgar noise, she could have been on her feet and running from her invisible pursuers. It was too late now though; bitterness filled her mouth and left her throat burning as that evenings dinner spilt out onto the snow. Feeling light headed, she couldn't find the strength to stand and run. Her body felt heavier then normal, like an imaginary weight held her there. All she could do now was wait, and hope things wouldn't get too horrific.

[Cade]

The half blood barbarian was the first to reach the forsaken girl, coming to an halt a few paces from her position. She was not resisting and Cade thought there was no point in roughing up the goods if they need not to. His hand rested instinctively on the hilt of his longsword, ready for the girl to lash out like a cornered animal with no hope left sides from fighting to the end. " Foolish girl" Were the only words that Cade greeted Constance wtih before Noird and his crew finally arrived , encircling her.

"Bhuahahahahaha" The old man Noird bellowed in victory as he slightly bent down to look the girl in the face "I love it when they know whats best for them". Cade knew for sure the old man was seeing if the girl was worth a taste before selling her off to the pirates. " How old are you?" He questioned, daring to bring his hand close to her face and using his fingers to lift her chin for a better look at they catch. " I said, How old are you?".

Like it mattered, from where Cade stood he could tell she was a handsome girl and would fetch a fair price on the market. A sad fate indeed, but it would be easy coin in his pocket, tho he still had troubles with his conscience on the fact he was enslaving girls for the sex trade. He thought he be raiding merchants, and now this girl..... this beautiful girl ended up being a crime of opportunity and him associated with it.

[Constance]

Constance heard one set of footsteps approach her, but they stopped short, leaving a fair distance between her and the mysterious stranger. The halt of footsteps was fallowed by a mans voice claiming she was a 'foolish girl'. Why? Because she couldn't find the strength to stand and run? Maybe, but that didn't mean she wasn't planning on fighting back. She just wasn't one to rush into a battle in foolhardy manor. Preferring small blades that could hide easily and strike quickly, and unexpectedly. It was true, she wasn't very skilled with daggers yet, but she had been learning quickly when she was under the tutelage of her father. Only seconds after she had been called a fool, several other pairs of foot steps were heard approaching and surrounding her. Was that how they trapped their victims? A wall of muscles to thwart any attempt to escape? It seemed so, and Constance didn't doubt its effectiveness. She wouldn't have much luck getting past a bunch of burly men. One of them burst out in a menacing laugh as he approached the hunched over girl. Presumably, it was the groups leader. "I love it when they know what's best for them," he proclaimed, continuing with a question. "How old are you?" Extending his arm and hand, he used his thumb and forefinger to force Constance to look up at him. "I asked, how old are you?" She wouldn't answer the question. Whether out of fear or disrespect, she couldn't find the words. While she was forced to face her captor, she couldn't meet his gaze, her eyes only seeing blurs. And even the blur was starting to fade to darkness; the medicinal salve's effectiveness beginning to wear off. The color the towering man would see, is a dark red tint to her clouded eyes. The colors of black and red representing intense angry emotions among other things. Thankfully she was trained to fight, not only by sight, but in blindness as well. Sometimes it seemed that her skill was even better when she couldn't see, depending on feeling and sound alone. If her opponent had a particularly strong odder, she could use smell as well. Planting her hands in the snow, she pushed herself up from her hunched over position. While doing so, she shook her arms ever so slightly, as if she were frightened or weak. This was her inconspicuous method of trying to loose the sheathed Sgian Dubh dagger she had hidden up one of her long sleeves. The snow cushioned its fall and eliminated any noise it might have made when hitting the ground. Then digging her fingers further into the snow, she found its handle and the base of its sharp blade. Even in her careful effort, she cut her fingers; not too deep, but enough to start turning the snow near her sliced fingers, red. She was not used to handling the dagger in threatening situations like this, it would take some getting used to, and redoubtably, many more cut fingers. It was painful, but she tried hiding it by biting down on her tongue in hopes to not bring attention to the weapon she held now. The cold snow gave no pain numbing relief to her fingers, and the flow of blood continued, but she would hold fast. Taking a trembling deep breath, she closed her eyes for a moment, then made the first attempt at defending herself, yelling out in fear. "Get away!" Her words were short in that outburst of energy and fear. Slicing outward in a horizontal arch, she wasn't sure if she was aiming for anything. She just hoped it would hit something vital. Though the chance of that was slim. From where she sat, the only things in reach would have been the mans legs, hand, and part of his arm. Holding her breath, she wondered if she hit anything, and if her attack was effective at all. OOCIn your next reply, feel free to abuse Constance a bit. I know her outburst will upset the leader, and I expect he'll probably want to beat her at least a little. I wont be upset if you don't give me a chance to counter him ether. After all, he is a big strong burly man, surrounded by other, equally, big strong burly men. Her chances of fighting back effectively is pretty slim, and I figure that might give you a bit more to work with. XD

[Cade]

The old man Noird was fast gripping the frighten girl's bladed hand before she could do damage. He twisted her arm while bending her wrist with one fluent but vicious movement knocking the dagger from her grasp. Noird bellowed a laugh at her defiance while he still had the young girl restrained by one arm. "A feisty treat I have here boys" He continued to laugh. " You will make great sport, great sport indeed!" Noird teased as he licked her face, exposing the girl to his awesome foul breath while he enjoyed the taste of her. The old man tossed the girl to Cade as he rose up from his kneeling position. " Pat her down for any other surprises, Boy!...... then tie her up and ready her for travel?"

Cade had Constance in his grip knowing full well what Noird ordered him to do. He was to prep her for travel for they could not stay in this place for long. The old man wanted to set up camp soon, so he could have a nice warm fire and tent to take his prise in comfort and with out the northern breeze crippling his manhood. He might even let his crew have a turn after he was done.

Orders were orders and The young barbarian was going to fulfill the task at hand as he forced Constance to brace herself against a tree, face first. He quickly patted her down, leaving no surface of her attractive body untouched as the other men around watched and laughed. The young Cade was pleased in more ways then one with the frisk but the job was not done yet. Cade pulled his dagger out as he backed a foot away from her. " Lose your clothes" He softly ordered, excited to see her fully. Sides from the view this would portray, this was the only way to make sure the girl was safe for travel and other activities. '" YOUR CLOTHES NOW, GIRL!" His deep aggressive tone hinted with impatients.

[Constance]

Constance heart began to race, and stomach churn, when her attempt at defending proved to be ineffective. It was easy to see, even for her, that her skills were no match for the opponent she faced. She cursed herself for not honing her skills more, and also for how easily she cracked when push came to shove. What good was knowing how to wield a weapon, if you froze up whenever danger approached? An easy victory for the opponent-- a prize not won, but handed over without a fight. Her thoughts of self loathing were interrupted by the sharp pain of having her wrist bent in an unnatural direction, which resulted in the lose or her dagger. "A feisty treat I have here, boys," her captor bellowed, whilst continuing his fit of laughter. "You will make great sport, great sport indeed!" Then he brought his face close to hers and pressed his tongue against her cheek. As soon as he opened his mouth, the foul smell was overpowering. Furrowing her brows, she held her breath to avoid the stench his breath carried. Then, before she could react or protest, the man practically threw her over to one of his lackeys, yelling, "Pat her down for any other surprises, boy!... Then tie her up and ready her for travel." In Cades firm grasp now, she could tell this particular henchman was strong. Even stronger then the leader of the group. Then why was he working for that guy? That question crossed her mind only for a split second though; that wasn't her concern. All she needed to worry about was trying to get away. But accomplishing that, in this situation, was something more easily said then done. Although the odds were against her, she would try. First she took a moment to listen to the voices of the other men in the group, their voices told her that Cade was at least a good ten feet away from the rest of the men (that's what she guessed at least). She could use that to her advantage. Then her thoughts returned to her current holder. She couldn't get away using strength; she was far too weak compared to his bulging muscles. Maybe she could talk her way out of trouble, using Cade as her shield. Without saying a word, Cade made her to turn, then pushed her forward, forcing her to brace against the tree in front of her. It was surprising, but even something like this, she could use to her advantage. With her back to the gruff looking men, her face was hidden, which would allow her to speak quietly without alerting the leader. It felt as though her stomach was climbing up her throat, and all her muscles were tense. Biting gently on her bottom lip, she closed her eyes and took in a deep but silent breath threw her nose. She needed to strengthen her reserve and remain calm if she wanted this to work at all. When he started patting her down and searching her person, she willed her limbs to stop shaking; she knew that her body would prove her words to be a hoax if she hadn't. "Lose your clothes." Those words made her stomach turn once again. But when he spoke, his voice had been gentle; maybe he felt pity for her? Going off of the chance that he might pity her, and leaping at any strand of hope that presented itself, she spoke. "What do you get from this? Coin? Food? Action? Whatever it is, I could give it to you several times over..." Her voice was quiet, calm, and even a little confident. Her confidence in that moment of uncertainty came from the knowledge that her race cared greatly for their own people. In most circumstances she believed that they would also reward those that saved one of their people. Maybe even give them riches, food, and a wife. Her thoughts and scheming were interrupted when Cade spoke again-- this time with a loud annoyed voice. "Your clothes, now girl!" Perhaps his sudden change of tone was caused by her trying to talk her way out of this, or maybe her words had made him thing about helping her while his emotions were mixed. She would try again. "Your so strong... why waste your time with these pigs?... Act as my shield, or let me escape, and your will be thought a hero among my people. Given all that you desire." Her words were quiet and her mouth hidden from view, masking her words. She might have been exaggerating a bit, but it was true that he would have been rewarded handsomely. OOCIf my words would really sound convincing to Cade, then let Constance escape, or help her fight the guys off. lol Please don't think that regardless of what my character says or does, her demise is unavoidable. XD I know I said that I wanted this to happen earlier, but I think it would be interesting if she was able to talk her way out of this mess. But of course I know you want to play up your "bad" side. The choice is yours! It would be cool if she were able to escape and have her have another close call later down the line. :p

[Cade]

The Girls pleas were heart whelming, really, but fell on deft ears for one would have to have a heart to considering sparing her of what was coming. Constance's defiance and delay was aggravating the young barbarian to the boiling point of violence as he held the dagger closer to the girl. " TIME TO LEARN MANNERS, WHORE!" Cade raised his hand to strike her but before he could land a well deserved blow, his own face was smashed as his noise broke, gushing blood while he fell back. Noird, the leader of this motly crew gave the young man a quick back hand with enough power to do such damage.

" TEACH YOU PUP!!!!" The old man barked at the mountain of a youth " SHE IS MINE AND I WILL NOT HAVE MY TREAT BRUISED!!!".

Cade picked himself up from the blood spattered ground, inferno rage blazed in his eyes as his knuckles whitened around the hilt of his sword. Murder was in his thoughts, but survival instincts kicked in as he knew he was out numbered and would not be able to cut them all down for such disgrace. Instead he straighten his nose with a sickening crack, spitting blood onto the snow before him. His eyes no leaving Noird's as he moved himself a few feet back with out answering him.

" Thats a good boy" He laughed, adding insult injury as the old man's attention fell back upon the captured girl. "You will de robe yourself, in the confines of my tent to welcome the warmth of my hospitality" He once more chuckled signalling one of the twins to retrieve her. " Take her on your horse, Trath!" He ordered mounting his own steed.

The small gang and their captive mounted and moved off deeper into the northern reaches, away from civilization and away from possible saviours of this girl. Took about three hours of riding before the reached a suitable camp site. once there, it only took a few moments to set up camp, a Single tent for the lot of them.

Noird moved Constance into the tent as the rest of his men huddled around the fire. Her bounds were removed under threat of death if she tried to escape. " Come girl, it is time to show me what I have to work with" He ordered in a low, lustful voice of a old man in need of sex. He stood there unbuttoning his own gear, his eyes glued on his young price. " Well, I want you naked now girl...... don't delay if you know whats good for you!"

[Constance]

Timestamp: Fall 11th, year 505 AV When her words failed to reach her rambunctious captor, she could feel her knees buckle and give way to her own weight. His loud angry words pushed away what little courage she had, leaving her to slowly succumb to her fear. Was she giving in too easily to her circumstances? The slowly growing sting of the cold snow was the physical manifestation of the sting that came when she began accepting the reality of her situation. Expecting some form of violence to be directed at her, she flinched. Then she heard the groups leader speak, scolding the hot headed barbarian while also knocking him flat on his back. This was cause for some relief, but also for a new fear. If they didn't want to 'bruise' her, what were their plans for her? The word that frightened her the most, was... treat. The leader made it sound like knocked over the young barbarian was a simple task. Obviously he was not a force to be reckoned with, even with him being up in his years. When he commanded that she would still disrobe, just in a different location, her heart dropped again. Despair was slowly beginning to set in. When she heard that they would be moving further away from Avanthal she began panicking. She protested, trying to pull away from the men that approached and held her in place. Her efforts were futile against the brawny men. Leaving her with no choice but to let herself be taken away with them, she would wait until her next opportunity of escape showed itself. After several hours of travel, the group came to a stop in a small wood clearing. Constance remained bound and seated while the men went about setting up the camp and getting a warm fire burning. By the time everything was set up, the sun had begun rising over the horizon, the start of a new and terrible day. While the crew members gathered around the blazing fire, the leader took Constance roughly by her forearm and guided her over to the one tent that had been set up just below a trees bowing limbs. Having her head pushed downward, she stepped threw the small door and into the tent. She couldn't see how big it was, but there was a sense of space to it. Once the two of them were inside, the leader turned to close the door tight, sealing out the cold. Then, turning to her, he cut her ropes. But not until after he threatened her with death if she tried to escape. What would he gain from killing her though? He would be without any prize, nothing gained from his ventures into the chilling north. Because of this, she somehow doubted he would kill her, instead, he would probably give her a beating for refusing him and his guiltless pleasure. Turning her attention back on her situation, she heard the unzipping and unbuttoning of clothing. She would follow in suite, and use her body as a distraction while she made her move to to kill him. First came the thick fur coat she had been wearing the previous night. Letting it slide from her shoulders, a thin linen shirt and her buck skin trousers were the next layer. Being Vantha, she didn't need very much to remain comfortable in the freezing temperatures of Taldera. After shedding just that one layer, she could already hear a change in the mans breathing pattern. His hands had come to a still as he watched her, and his breathing was shallow. For a moment she thought about what might put him off guard the most, and she had a pretty good idea what would, but it was risky. The chances of her captor forcing himself on her was a likely possibility, but one that would still allow for defense. Turning her back on the lustful man, she leaned forward from her waist, the pants material stretching tightly over her figure, and bent her knees slightly as she carefully removed her snow boots. Making sure that the daggers she had attached to the inseam of them would remain hidden until she needed them. Knowing that words were useless at this point, she remained silent, bidding her time and waiting for her opening.

[Cade]

The fire danced in the cold night, keeping warmth to the young barbarian and the other three raiders while their captain played with his prize. Cade's nose still throbbed from the back hand he received from Noird, the young man's pride was bruised and his anger unchecked nor cooled. His blade layed across his lap, the edges being attended to by his care while he day dreamed of using the weapon to gut the old man. Day dreaming became a urge then a urge became a plan as the savage continued to sharpen his blade. His mouth formed a murderous grin as the lust for blood and revenge acked his body while his gaze rose from the blade of his exposed blade to the three men outside the tent.

Noird's men huddled around the flickering fire trying to keep warm from the northern elements, none of them had a clue that it was to be their last moments among the living. The young barbarian was quick, His blade decapitating the closes man with ease. The other two were just as quick for they froze in shock while Cade hacked them to pieces before they could even draw their weapons in defence. There was not much as a ground sides from the sounds of sword impacting on flesh and maybe a whisp of man's last breath for Cade's luck.

With in the tent Noird was to fixated upon his prize he heard not what was happening outside. The old man stood their nude with his loins wanting what laid before him. He moved forward towards the young girl to only stop as the flaps open with the cold air rushing through. The young barbarian stepped into the tent, his blade soaked in blood, his gaze lit with murder as he starred upon the man.

With out even a word, Noird jumped for his sword that layed with the rest of his clothing. Only took Cade two steps and clean over strike to end the old man's life, his head rolling to the corner of the tent as his overweight corpse bled out from the opened neck. The savage spat on the body in defiance and victory, his attention now falling upon the partially exposed beauty. The adrenline of the slaughter aroused other lustful intentions as his eyes ravaged the girl before him. He raised the bloody sword towards her.....

"Off with your clothes girl..... the night is not over yet" He growled slowly walking towards her as he unbuttoned his pants. She was a prize, as prize that belonged to him now.