Deception

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T

The Raven's Song

Guest
Original poster
Name: Madeline "Maddie" Dawson
Age: 19
Brief History: Madeline was seven when her parents were killed (by shades although she doesn't know that) she was to young to assume the throne so her uncle took over. He raised her to be a proper lady, keeping her like a little porcelain doll. When she was ten she befriended the kings retired army general, and he taught her how to wield and make her own long bow and arrows. He also taught her a few basic hand to hand moves.
Appearance:
2010-A-line-lovely-and-beautiful-princess-wedding-dress.jpg



Madeline couldn't take this anymore, she'd had enough of her uncle and his rules. He was not a cruel man but he insisted that she behave like a proper lady, she always must wear dresses, she must not fight, no riding unless she use's the side saddle it was never ending.

She had found a break from the usual monotony in her secret combat lessons with Brack, her uncles retired army general. Brack had taught her many things archery, horse riding, how to create her own long bow and arrows and some basic hand to hand and dagger combat. He said everyone should know how to defend themselves, regardless of their stature.

The lessons had to be secret for her uncle would never had allowed it, "why should you need to fight? You are a princess you shall always have bodyguards surrounding you." She could practically hear his lecture now, but as her lessons continued so did her skills.

Madeline soon became the best archer in the whole kingdom of Albion, and she was fiercely proud of that. Just days after her 18th birthday Brack passed on, Maddie was devastated but continue to practice. Not long after this her uncle began introducing her to princes of neighboring kingdoms, hoping to marry her.

Madeline had no interest in marrying those empty headed brutes, and finally fed up with her life she decided to run away. She knew it would be dangerous but she felt like a caged bird, she yearned to fly free and have a new exciting adventurous life.

She packed her most comfortable clothes, a large amount of gold and some preserved food in light traveling case. Finally she picked up her second most treasured possession, her oak longbow. She slung it over her shoulder and placed her arrows into the quiver on her back.

She waited until dusk then she slipped out of the castle and began walking, thinking of what she would do now. She could become a traveling trader, moving from kingdom to kingdom selling her wares. She wished for a horse, but she never would have been able to sneak one out unnoticed. She walked into the forest, taking one last look at the castle behind her.

Madeline suddenly froze as she heard noises in the tree's surrounding her, convincing herself it was nothing she walked on. As the sun set she began to feel nervous as the sounds grew closer, she strung an arrow in her bow and stopped straining to hear anything.

The forest grew unnaturally quiet, until suddenly a dark shape leapt from the trees and knocked her over. Madeline looked up into the face of what looked like a Wolf made of shadows, its horrible red eyes glowing fiercely as it pinned her to the ground. She barely held him back as he snapped at her face, it seemed to be playing a game of cat and mouse with her enjoying her fear.

Madeline knew with sudden clarity that she was going to die, her bow was lost in the darkness and the dagger in her boot was out of reach.
 

Running through the forests always put his mind at ease, it seemed.

A man cloaked with black rushed through the trees, metals from his weapons clanking against one another. From the shadows of his hood, an eye of green and an eye of yellow almost glowed. Anyone who saw him would assume the worst. Before they could guess if he was a bandit or some sort of fiend, they'd be dead within seconds. No ordinary person could stand up to a man who was only half human, after all.

Shadowy figures were spawning around him, snickering with mischief since nighttime was playtime. Above all, they were after a certain little princess who if they captured, their Lord would grant a handsome present. Unfortunately for them, Lord Teival was counting on Lance to be the princess's captor. She would not come easily, though. Lance planned to act as a hero, even a friend, and lead her to Teival. In exchange, he was promised immortality. He wouldn't have to be a half breed anymore...

In the distance, he could hear growling and the voice of a female. Smirking to himself, he ran faster through the forest, the sight of a woman and a wolf-like figure coming into view. His vision in the dark was better than the average human's, but not as superior as his brethren's. At least now, he could forge a plan in rescuing her.

Lance reached for a dagger hanging from his belt, the hilt of it being positioned in his mouth, which he considered to be more convenient. Gloved hands came springing from the cloak, effortlessly knocking the creature off of the damsel. The shadowy wolf snarled at him, wondering why he was suddenly attacked by someone of his kind, even if he was a half breed. Many of these evil monsters envied Lance, though. He had charisma and could resist the pain of light.

With the weapon still in his teeth, Lance wrestled with the beast, the hood flying off his head to reveal shoulder length golden hair and a lightly kept beard. He kicked the wolf and then leaped to his feet, taking the dagger into his hand so he could prepare another strike. A deadlier one, at that.
 
Madeline was surprised by the sudden appearance of a cloaked stranger, she was even more surprised when they pushed the wolf creature off her. She felt like laughing as the crushing weight of the creature was lifted, instead she quickly got to her feet. She scanned the forest floor for her bow, grateful for the moon's light. She spotted it a few feet away and raced to retrieve it, once it was in her hands she strung an arrow and turned back to the stranger, his blonde hair glowing in the moonlight.

Madeline pulled the string as far as it would go, she had to wait until she could get a clear shot she didn't want to shoot her rescuer. She aimed as best she could, the wolfs pelt was as black as night and he was fast. The only thing she could see clearly of it was it's blood red eyes, she aimed right between them hoping for a killing blow. As soon as the man and the wolf separated she let go, her arrow flew through the air and hit the wolf square between the eyes with deadly precision.

Madeline let out a deep breath and stepped closer to the man, "is.... is it dead?" She asked cautiously, her soft voice piercing the silence. Maddie felt foolish for asking, she had hit it in the brain it should be dead right? But this was not a normal wolf its pelt and its eyes, there was something strange about it. She shivered a little from cold and fear.

((Who's your pic of? He looks really familiar."
 
[I honestly don't know, though yes, he his familiar! I just thought he looked sexy, so I chose that picture. XD]

Lance gave her a look, clearly impressed with her marksmanship. The dagger he held slid back into his cloak, sheathed as well. A soft chuckle escaped him when she asked if it was dead. Somehow, he could tell that she felt moronic for asking that. People liked reassurance, though. This was no creature to joke with, after all.

"Aye, it's dead," he answered, his voice thick with an English accent. He watched as the wolf's body disintegrated, the shadows blending in the night. A sigh of relief was heaved before he extended out a gloved hand for her to take hold of and shake.

"My name is Lance. Are you alright, madam?" he spoke politely, making a smile. Madeline looked unharmed, but he asked anyway. Emotional harm could be more severe than physical, he learned. He could tell that this girl would be full of surprises... The fact she could wield a bow and arrow was already a shock. Not many women were even allowed to touch those weapons.
 
(( He is sexy XD He looks a little like Chad Kroeger.))
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Madeline was unaware of his laugh or his gaze, she simply watched mesmerized as the wolf disintegrated into the shadows. After it was gone she let out a deep breath and moved closer to retrieve her arrow. She was surprised to find no trace of blood, returning it to her quiver she turned back to Lance when he spoke. <o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>
He was very handsome and his voice soft, far to soft for a mere villager or bandit. He looked and sounded of one of noble blood, though if he was why was he out here in her forest? Whatever the reason, she was lucky and grateful he was.<o:p></o:p>
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Madeline started to reply, when his face suddenly became illuminated and she caught a glimpse of his eyes. She was taken aback, she had never seen eyes like those before. She quickly wiped the look of surprise off her face, although not quickly enough. No one in Albion had eyes like him, nor did the travelers from the neighboring kingdoms. She was intensely curious but she thought asking now would be rude, and she wasn't about to be rude to the man that had just saved her life. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
She looked at him a moment longer before replying "i believe so, though needless to say i am some what unnerved by that strange creature." Her voice was calm but her body was tense, on edge waiting for another attack. She gripped her bow so tightly, it looked as if it would snap. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
The fact that he didn't know who she was meant he was either a traveler or someone who paid no attention to the royal family. One way or the other, she found no reason to reveal herself. She smiled a little shyly and accepted his hand, shaking it softly. "My name is Madeline, and i am eternally grateful to you for saving my life Sir Lance." <o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
She was about to say more when a snapping twig made her startle violently, but it was only a rabbit. She relaxed slightly, but didn't loosen her grip on her bow. She blushed and stared at the ground 'sorry, I'm a little jumpy."<o:p></o:p>
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Lance had to resist the urge to smirk as she stared at him. That was common, yet to this day, people standing in awe still amused him. His eyes were unnatural, which was often the first thing people noticed. They were symbols of his mixed blood that some people knew to be wary of. Even though he was a dangerous man, he was also a fantastic actor. With his smooth talking and his charms, all people saw was a regular, good hearted man!

"Madeline," he repeated, letting the name roll off the tongue. This was the first time he learned her name... His Lord only called her 'the princess' in his presence. "What a pretty name!"

For a woman that was able to shoot a beast in the brain, she certainly was paranoid. Lance tilted his head, making a curious look as he watched her. Already, she seemed like an interesting individual. Madeline struck him as the type to only be brave when she really has to be. That was nothing to be ashamed of, though. It takes a lot of strength for a person to act so bold.

"What are you doing out here by yourself, fair maiden?" he asked, bringing his head from that tilt. "If you wanted to go into the forest, I don't recommend it...
 
Madeline looked embarrassed as he caught her staring at him, "forgive me for staring but I've never seen anyone with eyes like yours." She was intrigued by this man, he was very unlike the people from her court. She smiled when he complimented her name, others thought it strange and Brack was the only one who'd ever liked it.

Maddie knew the question of why she was here was coming, but she didn't really have an answer. "I was heading to the market to purchase a few supplies before i set off on my travels." She laughed when he recommended not traveling through the forest, "yes i see why although i don't know any other way of getting to town."

She looked at him curiously, " i don't mean to seem rude but why are you out here sir?" She relaxed a little and slung her bow over her shoulder, "do you just wander through the forest looking for maidens to rescue?" She teased.
 
"I'm used to it," he assured her, when she mentioned his eyes. Particularly, women were attracted to them and often fell in love with them. Unfortunately for them, Lance was a heart breaker. Most females couldn't accept who or what he was, plus they sought out marriage. Lance simply wasn't the type to engage in those religious rituals.

He made a nod when she mentioned the market, though had to wonder why she chose this time of night to begin traveling. The dark proved to be dangerous... Ladies as vulnerable as her should know better. He kept his opinions silent, though. She proved to be a potent fighter; head shots didn't come with pure luck!

"I'm a wanderer," he answered her. "I've yet to find a safe place to set up my camp. I got distracted when I spotted you and that shadowy demon." Lance nodded after his brief explanation, grinning at her. She even had an admirable sense of humour...

"Shall I accompany you? I know exactly where you're headed and I won't let a single one of those nasty monsters touch you!" he offered in a heroic fashion.
 
There are three main types of Shades, Wingeds, Wolfs and Shifters.

The Wingeds are basically shadow gargoyles, they have razor sharp talons and their fast, strong and quiet.

The Wolfs are shadow wolfs, they have enhanced hearing and smell and they can track their victims for days without tiring.

The Shifters are the most dangerous, they appear to be a shadowy skeleton. They can shift into a lost loved one of the victims, they can infiltrate their minds and draw them to them or make them stand frozen to a spot. Strong minded people can sometimes resist, when that happens they usually change into a lost loved one, or wait until their dreaming. Their real power comes from their eyes, which glow yellow.

Madeline was a little surprised when he offered to accompany her, she wasn't sure whether to trust him that much. Well if he meant her harm he could have done it already, or he could have just as easily left her to the wolf demon. He said he knew the way, and he could help her defend herself against the demons.

Maddie had never believed the stories about the demons or Shades that plagued the kingdoms, she had always thought them just that stories. But now after she'd seen that wolf with her own eyes, she had to admit that they were true. She was anxious for if the story about the wolf shades were true, then the stories of the winged and shifters must also be true.

She turned her thoughts back to the matter at hand, silently arguing with herself. Making up her mind she smiled at him, "alright if you don't mind of course." She bent to retrieve her small travel case, "I'd be glad of the company." She looked up at the dark sky and forest around her, "should we move on now or wait until first light?" She wanted to get going now but she didn't think that too wise, all it took was the moon to disappear behind a cloud and she'd be blind.
 
It relieved him to hear that she'd be allowing him to escort her. Otherwise, he'd have to stalk her! Trust could not be easily earned that way and he didn't like the idea of forcing a woman to go with him to a vile, demonic overlord. A beautiful woman at that.

"Aye, we should wait for the morrow," he answered, making a smile. That would definitely be safer, not to mention easier. "These creatures do not like sunshine. If you're in a hurry though, we can go."

Lance looked to the edge of the forest where he jumped out of, narrowing his eyes at it. To a regular person, he looked to be squinting to better his vision. In reality, he was glaring. He knew there was evil afoot, anxious to strike at poor Madeline. Some even wanted to get him for harming that wolf, but they were much too afraid to advance.

Then, something came to mind: "Are you cold?" He had to be a gentleman, after all! Which he did by his own choice. It came naturally for Lance, all in his personality. He was always glad to make a lady more comfortable.
 
Madeline shook her head, and set her travel case down "no i'm in no hurry." She returned his smile and decided she'd made the right choice in having him come, she wondered if he was alone in the world.

Maddie heard footsteps in the surrounding trees and she knew how close they were, their were a great many of them. Madeline found herself subconsciously moving closer to Lane's side, she didn't understand why the didn't attack. It was true they must be a little scared after she'd killed one of their brethren and by Lance's intimidating strength, but if they all attacked at once they'd be easy prey.

She rubbed her arms trying to fill them with warmth, she was freezing and shivering. She watched as Lance squinted into the trees, or so it seemed. She wondered if he knew the Shade's were out there, and was wondering the same about their reluctance to attack. She knew it was safer to stay put, but surronded by all those demons made her feel like a sitting duck.

She turned her head to study Lance, he was very handsome and she felt herself drawn to his eyes. He intrigued her, and she wanted to know more about him. He suddenly turned to look at her and she blushed, embarrassed to be caught staring. He asked if she was cold and she tried to say no, not wanting to be a bother but she was shivering violently. She managed to shrug instead and looked around the small clearing they where in, trying to find dry wood. When she spotted some she turned her gaze back to Lance, "shall we build a fire? Or would it prompt the Shades into attack?" She longed for a nice warm fire, but decided it was better to ask Lance if it was safe to do so.
 
Lance immediately noticed when Madeline began to shiver, answering his question the moment he asked it! Without hesitation, he removed his cloak to drape it over her shoulders. It could easily serve as a blanket for her, if she wanted. Lance could survive without it for tonight. He was dressed in some reliable linens to keep the cold from biting him so hard.

"A fire is doable. Those monsters don't have the guts to attack us," he promised, making a quick smirk. Those beasts underestimated the woman; they got intimidated by her head shot on that wolf. Plus, they were terrified of Lance. Some of them probably even gave up to go spend the night causing mischief.

Turning to face the forest, he bent over to begin collecting sticks from the ground. An arm load was dropped onto the ground before he disappeared in the thicket of trees, specifically searching for larger branches. "I'm not far!" he assured her, his voice still fairly close as he called out. Lance made haste in hunting for wood, for her sake more than his. Nothing in this forest frightened him.

In a few minutes, he returned with some thick branches for their fire. He set them on the ground and began arranging them for their campfire. "Know how to make fire?" he asked as it put it together, figuring she might want to help. Else, he'd gladly do it himself.
 
Madeline tried to refuse his generous offer but her teeth were chattering, and when she felt its comforting warmth she found it hard to say no. She shared his grin about the monsters but was still skeptical, what if they regain their nerve? She kept these thoughts to herself however, she didn't want to seem like a scared little girl. She wasn't afraid, but she hated not being prepared for something.

She set about collecting two thick rocks and some bark to make tinder, that they'd need to start the fire. She also collected some dry wood, but Lance already seemed to have that covered. She glanced up in alarm as he disappeared into forest, how could he go in there with all the Shades around? Couldn't he hear them? She was about to do something drastic when his assured voice floated back to her, she sighed in relief when he emerged from the darkness.

She watched as he arranged the sticks and branches, shameless admiring his strength and his cool headedness. She was glad when he asked if she knew how to make a fire, as she had been feeling quite useless. She nodded and knelt by the fire, she added a few more twigs making sure to improve his work not destroy it. She took her two rocks and held them to her tinder, striking them together to produce a spark.

It took a few tries but she got the tinder lit, she put in in the center of the fire and blew softly. Soon the sticks were alight and the fire was blazing, she sat back a little and smiled up at him. She felt a little bit proud, as it was the first time she'd successfully lit a fire and not in practice.

She patted the ground beside her and draw her knees to her chest, "Thank you for giving me your cloak you have a true gentlemans manners." She grinned at him "though i know most gentlemen hang out in the forest at night." She started to take the cloak off and hand it back to him, "i don't want you to freeze."
 
Lance watched with a smile as she prepared items to light a fire. The process took a while, but not as long as it could have taken. It only took her a few strikes to get the sparks going. Soon, a wonderful fire was born, instantly growing tall in the pile of wood. "Well done!" he complimented, clearly impressed. He'd travel with a woman that had survival skills over a helpless damsel any old day. Life was so much more interesting and easy when your companion knew a thing or two.

He sat cross legged at the fire, in the spot she patted. Before he could tell her she was welcome for the cloak, she was insisting he take it back. An advantage for Lance was he maintained a fairly warm body temperature. It took a lot for him to freeze! In fact, she'd probably be warmer snuggling into him instead of that cloak. He was like a living furnace; she was ice cold compared to him.

"I won't freeze," he said with a chuckle, but took the cloak back to not show any disrespect or impoliteness. Lance did scoot closer to her though, wrapping a strong arm around her so he could share his body heat. When he put his cloak back on, he had it wrapped around them like a blanket. All of that, plus the fire, would be enough to protect her from the cold.

"I hope you're comfortable. I know I am," he spoke gently, even genuinely. Lance couldn't remember how long it had been since he was this close to a woman. He was an appreciator of a lady's soft, curvy figure, as well as their caring, loving nature. Most women were that way, anyway. There were some encounters where a female was more a savage than anything!
 
Maddie grinned when he complimented her fire, she had been practicing a lot and she was thrilled she could actually accomplish it. Her thoughts turned to Brack and her castle, and she wondered if she was doing the right thing in running away. She told herself that she was cadged bird there, always being told what to do and how to act. But out here she could be or do or act however she wanted! And she didn't want to give up that freedom.

Madeline's thoughts turned back to the present, as Lance sat down beside her. She felt herself blushing when Lance put his arm around her, she hadn't been like this with a man for quite sometime not to mention such a handsome hero. She wasn't complaining and even found herself snuggling into him, she told herself it was because he was warm but the truth was she just enjoyed his embrace.

She rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes, enjoying his warmth and touch. She knew that this was a bit too intimate for two strangers to act together, but he was just keeping her warm right? And besides it felt oddly right. She looked up at him and smiled, "I'm very comfortable thanks to you."

Maddie wrapped her cold arms around him and grinned up at him, "you know your surprisingly warm I'll bet your girlfriend enjoys it." She said casually, hoping it didn't sound like a question. She didn't even know why she'd asked but if he had a girlfriend, she'd move away from him right now. She didn't have any romantic thoughts in her head, but she felt it would be like cheating.
 
Lance was looking at her with a bit of awe as she wrapped her arms around him. Madeline truly was a brave woman, wasn't she? A complete stranger wouldn't usually be this affectionate, let alone this close. He then smiled back at her, turning his head to look away so that he wouldn't seem like a creeper for staring.

A small chuckle spilled from his lips when she commented on how warm he was. That statement was all too common when someone was this close to him. "She would, if she was real," he replied. Lance was a loner for the most part. Life as a lonely servant to a dark overlord didn't hold much romance. He had unique eyes and charming looks, but wasn't exactly... Normal.

"Get some sleep now," he suggested, his muscles relaxing, a sign that he too would slumber. "I'm trained to wake immediately if anything dangerous is nearby, so don't worry about a thing."
 
Madeline was surprised that he was single, and found it a little hard to believe but she said nothing about it.She decided there was a lot of different and surprising things about this man, and she planned on finding out what they were. She nodded and stifled a yawn when he suggested sleep, she was quite tired and knew she would need her energy for tomorrow.

She let go of Lance, maybe a little reluctantly and layed down next to him. She had resolved to awake all night, just in case Lance tried to do something while she slept. She discreetly held her dagger in her right hand, and was going to ask what he meant by trained. However as soon as she layed her head down on the soft grass and the warmth of the fire made her very sleepy, within minutes she was fast asleep the dagger still gripped tightly in her hand.

It was happening again, she was relieving that horrible memory again. She was only seven, still naive to the dangers of the world but she heard them. She heard the awful screams of fear and pain, and she knew by the sound of them that something was horribly wrong. They were coming from the closed door at the end of the hallway, that's where her mom and dad had gone to investigate the clawing noises. She slowly walked down the hall towards the door, the screams got louder and more desperate. She reached out and gripped the doorknob tightly, the screams raised in pitch once more then suddenly stopped. She turned the knob and opened the door, and started to scream.

Madeline bolted upright screaming, it took her a moment to remember where she was and to silence herself. She quickly tried to wipe away the tears that were running down her face, and she gripped her dagger so tight her hand hurt. She felt the suns first rays on her face, it was just on dawn. She turned to look for Lance, hoping she hadn't woken him.
 
Sleep never did come easily for Lance, nor did he need much of it. Most of the night, he sat protectively beside Madeline, his eyes glued onto the crackling campfire. It was for the best, anyway. People were most vulnerable when they were sleeping, so he wanted to keep himself awake for their protection. Nothing dared creep near them, but there was no way of predicting the future!

There were times though, that he allowed himself to doze off for about ten minutes at a time. It helped to clear his mind, even relax himself. The experience of having your eyes closed was consoling, since all you had to see was the darkness of your own eyelids.

From where he sat, he watched the sunrise. It was a beautiful thing he never tired of. Lance was even tempted to wake up Madeline so she could watch with him! There was something romantic about the coming and going of the sun. Even if she was just a traveler he recently met--and a prisoner-to-be--he wanted to share the moment. He resisted, though. The poor girl needed her rest.

To his surprise, she shot up from the ground screaming! Crying, even! Instantly, Lance turned to face her, blinking his questioning eyes at her. A pang of sadness struck his heart to see her eyes so moist. There was no doubt about it: She had a nightmare.

"Hush, it's alright. You're safe," he crooned, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.
 
Madeline hastily wiped her eyes and released the grip on her dagger, she tried to stop herself from crying but it was difficult especially when he put his arm on her shoulder. She almost laughed at his words, "that's a nice thought but I'm not safe from it I'll see it all over again tomorrow night." She said quietly almost whispering, then she got to her feet "I'm sorry i woke you."

She smiled a little and started to walk off, "I'll be right back." She stepped into the trees and started walking, she felt no fear now that it was daylight. She walked until she found a small stream, satisfied that Lance couldn't see or hear her she let her tears come. After crying for a few minutes she felt better, she splashed some water on her face and then headed back to Lance. She tried to forget her dream but she couldn't, because it wasn't a dream it was real.

When she got back she discreetly slipped her dagger back into her boot, before she turned to Lance. She gave him a sort of sad smile and hoped he didn't notice her slightly red eyes, "so should we get going?" She wanted to change the subject, she didn't want to dump her problems on some stranger even one as kind as Lance.
 
While Madeline was away, Lance made certain that the fire was completely dead. He didn't sleep too often, so her having night terrors was nothing he'd dread. It was concerning, though. Did she get enough sleep every night? Did this effect her everyday habits? When those questions bounced around in his skull, he shook his head and wondered, 'Why the hell do I care?'

Just when she returned, he was standing up, readjusting his cloak. The hood was left down for the time being. No one in this area recognized him to be of the criminal character, unless a wise elder might be around. There were some old men who could identify all things evil, which often was an inconvenience. While he wasn't necessarily 'evil', his race was.

"Aye, let's go," he answered, turning to the direction of the forest. "As you might have seen, there's nothing to fear. We should be in the town you're searching for within a few hours."

With a smile and a nod, Lance offered his arm to the maiden, hoping she'd accept the gesture. It wasn't often that he got to be chivalrous, plus it would help them stay together.