For those who did not know, there was a murder in Stonegate a few weeks back. Briefly, one of Her August Majesty’s handmaids was found dead. It was soon determined she had been poisoned. The evidence pointed not only to a groom as the killer, but indicated Her Majesty, not the handmaid, was the intended victim. It was not long before the groom, John Obscure, was arrested and charged with the murder of the handmaid and the attempted murder of our Queen.
John confessed, in front of me and other witnesses, and that, along with the overwhelming evidence, left little doubt as to his guilt. He was subsequently condemned to die for his crimes. Extenuating circumstances, including a plea from his mother, led to several stays, but at last all hope faded and the day arrived. We gathered in the square at Wickford, and the crowd seemed in a festive mood. As the onlookers became restive, our Queen sent me, accompanied by a young guard named David, to fetch the prisoner.
John was at times morose, at times defiant. He protested his innocence, until I pointed out he had confessed. He claimed he had been drunk at the time, and I reminded him that the Romans, whose aqueducts and roads may still be seen, centuries after their departure, say “in vino veritas,” or, “in wine there is truth.” A wistful smile crossed his face as he asked if I thought the same held true for mead…
The back of his shirt was ripped and bloody by the time we reached our destination, I having needed to prod him with the tip of my sword in order that he not displease Her Majesty by tarrying. We arrived in the square and he was placed in the stocks as Allure spoke with him on last time.
It is said that in the moment of death the condemned’s life passes before his eyes. I cannot speak for his life, but here is a sampling of his last few minutes:
A villager takes a bite of melon from her picnic as executions always make her hungry.
A Lady smiles and greets another Lady
A princess closes her eyes, her body shivering at the thought, not wanting to watch
A Lady stands back, not wanting any blood on my dress
A Lady covers her mouth with her hand
A Lady starts to feel a bit woozy
A princess whispers to a Lady," So what’s going on?"
A villager looks away
Allure Somme looks at John, then gives him a wicked smirk, and then slowly raises her right hand high in the air.
John Obscure locks eyes with the Queen and gives a sweet knowing smile
Lord Albion says, “by your command, Highness”
A Lady grabs another Lady's hand to help balance and support her.
A Lady: whispers: thank you
Allure Somme sighs then looks at Zeb and briskly snaps her thumb down.
Lord Albion pulls the block loose, allowing the blade to fall
A Lady turns her head as the blade drops, unable to watch
A princess squeezes eyes shut tight, sticking fingers in her ears
A princess gasps as the man dies
A Lady stands close with her Queen
A princess gasps, a hand shooting across her opened mouth!
A Lady hears the blade cut through the neck and gasps
A princess cries: “oooo!”
A princess gasps
A Lady cheers
A groom stands, watching all the blood
A Lady swallows hard
A Lady shudders, the condemned's man's final words echoing in her mind
Allure Somme: “Its done, finally my maid can rest.”
A princess closes her eyes and sheds a tear
And so, in no more time than passes between heartbeats, passed a man, a mother’s son, perhaps a brother, perhaps a father, but in the end a traitor to his Queen. Let all who contemplate such treachery look upon the bloodstained platform in the Wickford Marketplace and imagine themselves kneeling as the blade comes whistling down.
~ Baron Albion
(Actual transcript of the event, all names omitted but Allure, myself and the condemned)
Showing posts with label Queen of Beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Queen of Beauty. Show all posts
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Fools Rush In
Fools Rush In….
I was showing a new Lady the slave quarters when I heard the screaming. Loosening my sword in its sheath, I cautioned her to remain there and dashed to the stairs.
As I drew nearer I could hear a commotion, and there in the entryway stood my Queen, a naked sword in her hand a pair of naked princesses cowering at her feet. There was shouting and at last I understood that what I had thought was a strong wind was roaring of a different sort. Barreling down the causeway as I drew my sword I encountered a guard. Before I could ask what was happening, he struck me in the face with his fist. As he was clearly not the source of the trouble, I laid him low with my forearm and continued around the corner. What I beheld next was nearly too much to believe.
With a body the size of a small house in Colchester, tail lashing like a giant whip and wings half-furled, the dragon turned its baleful glance in my direction. Perhaps I was partially concealed by shadows in the arch; perhaps it saw me as no threat. In any event, it looked elsewhere and I saw my chance. I glanced over my shoulder and saw the guard had regained his feet and had been joined by another man, perhaps two. Shouting, “Follow me,” I rushed to the attack.
The dragon’s scaly hide repelled my slashes, but the point as I thrust must have got its attention, for it knocked me to the ground. Momentarily dazed, I thought of Allure, thought of our first meeting, but two days before, and my utter embarrassment. I thought of the way that first sight of her had pierced my heart, how her tinkling laugh had warmed me, and I knew. I knew I had been rash in attacking the dragon alone, knew that doing so again might mean my demise. And I knew I could never look her in the eye again if I did not give it my all, even if it meant my death. Hastily recovering my sword, I again confronted the beast.
The stench of its breath was almost overpowering and the pain as its claws rended my chest may have made me scream – I do not know if what I heard was from my own lips or those of another. Then I was falling to the ground again and all went black.
(([11:59] BattleZone 1.0.2: Zebulon2 Albion has fallen in battle by Golden Dragon's final blow!
[12:00] Golden Dragon pokes Zelbulon's body a few times
[12:01] Golden Dragon sniffs him over.... then starts to munch on his arm
[12:01] BattleZone 1.0.2: Seth Hallstrom has hit Golden Dragon with their weapon. (HT 60% / DF 20%)
[12:04] BattleZone 1.0.2: Zebulon2 Albion has recovered and able to continue or flee the battle!
[12:06] You: what the hell...?))
When my vision cleared I saw the dragon, pierced by many arrows, rising slowly into the sky. I was alone. Having followed the dragon into the dike, where I now lay was out of sight of any. There would be no aid forthcoming, unless someone thought to search for me. I called upon the Goddess to blast the dragon and bless my Queen, then closed my eyes for the Long Sleep. I thought the pain would fade as my spirit departed, but it continued. My blood was not flowing as freely, and it became apparent I would not die this day. And before any could aid me, they would have to know I was in need.
Using my sword as a crutch, I regained my feet and managed to stagger up the ramp. Pausing at the castle entrance I pulled off the remnants of my bloody shirt before passing inside. I dimly recall sitting down, then all went black again. A sharp pricking sensation brought me to my senses, somewhat, and opening my eyes I beheld Lady Sienna stitching the edges of my wounds closed. I lost consciousness again, and when I awoke, my chest and arm were bandaged and the pain was now more dull than searing.
The mending took some time, and my Queen offered a reward to whoever might rid her demesne of the dragon, but although it was sighted twice afterward, it has not returned and to my knowledge the reward is unclaimed. If my arm is not so strong now, blame the dragon and its teeth; if I do not rush headlong into battle, blame the lessons of that day.
((And the lessons of that day are:
1. Do not attack a superior force without at least one friend at your side;
2. Do not leave your battle meter set on “Arena,” which will mean only you and your opponent will know there is a fight;
3. Make sure your weapon works with your opponent’s battle meter: I struck many blows and did no damage. Seth proved it could be harmed, so it had to be my sword that failed to register a hit.
4. Most importantly, never hesitate, within reason, to defend the things, places and people you value. It will be worth it in the end. I was a fool, but a bigger one than I would have done nothing.))
A wise man once said: “You are not required to complete the task, but neither are you free to refrain from beginning it.”
Baron Albion
I was showing a new Lady the slave quarters when I heard the screaming. Loosening my sword in its sheath, I cautioned her to remain there and dashed to the stairs.
As I drew nearer I could hear a commotion, and there in the entryway stood my Queen, a naked sword in her hand a pair of naked princesses cowering at her feet. There was shouting and at last I understood that what I had thought was a strong wind was roaring of a different sort. Barreling down the causeway as I drew my sword I encountered a guard. Before I could ask what was happening, he struck me in the face with his fist. As he was clearly not the source of the trouble, I laid him low with my forearm and continued around the corner. What I beheld next was nearly too much to believe.
With a body the size of a small house in Colchester, tail lashing like a giant whip and wings half-furled, the dragon turned its baleful glance in my direction. Perhaps I was partially concealed by shadows in the arch; perhaps it saw me as no threat. In any event, it looked elsewhere and I saw my chance. I glanced over my shoulder and saw the guard had regained his feet and had been joined by another man, perhaps two. Shouting, “Follow me,” I rushed to the attack.
The dragon’s scaly hide repelled my slashes, but the point as I thrust must have got its attention, for it knocked me to the ground. Momentarily dazed, I thought of Allure, thought of our first meeting, but two days before, and my utter embarrassment. I thought of the way that first sight of her had pierced my heart, how her tinkling laugh had warmed me, and I knew. I knew I had been rash in attacking the dragon alone, knew that doing so again might mean my demise. And I knew I could never look her in the eye again if I did not give it my all, even if it meant my death. Hastily recovering my sword, I again confronted the beast.
The stench of its breath was almost overpowering and the pain as its claws rended my chest may have made me scream – I do not know if what I heard was from my own lips or those of another. Then I was falling to the ground again and all went black.
(([11:59] BattleZone 1.0.2: Zebulon2 Albion has fallen in battle by Golden Dragon's final blow!
[12:00] Golden Dragon pokes Zelbulon's body a few times
[12:01] Golden Dragon sniffs him over.... then starts to munch on his arm
[12:01] BattleZone 1.0.2: Seth Hallstrom has hit Golden Dragon with their weapon. (HT 60% / DF 20%)
[12:04] BattleZone 1.0.2: Zebulon2 Albion has recovered and able to continue or flee the battle!
[12:06] You:
When my vision cleared I saw the dragon, pierced by many arrows, rising slowly into the sky. I was alone. Having followed the dragon into the dike, where I now lay was out of sight of any. There would be no aid forthcoming, unless someone thought to search for me. I called upon the Goddess to blast the dragon and bless my Queen, then closed my eyes for the Long Sleep. I thought the pain would fade as my spirit departed, but it continued. My blood was not flowing as freely, and it became apparent I would not die this day. And before any could aid me, they would have to know I was in need.
Using my sword as a crutch, I regained my feet and managed to stagger up the ramp. Pausing at the castle entrance I pulled off the remnants of my bloody shirt before passing inside. I dimly recall sitting down, then all went black again. A sharp pricking sensation brought me to my senses, somewhat, and opening my eyes I beheld Lady Sienna stitching the edges of my wounds closed. I lost consciousness again, and when I awoke, my chest and arm were bandaged and the pain was now more dull than searing.
The mending took some time, and my Queen offered a reward to whoever might rid her demesne of the dragon, but although it was sighted twice afterward, it has not returned and to my knowledge the reward is unclaimed. If my arm is not so strong now, blame the dragon and its teeth; if I do not rush headlong into battle, blame the lessons of that day.
((And the lessons of that day are:
1. Do not attack a superior force without at least one friend at your side;
2. Do not leave your battle meter set on “Arena,” which will mean only you and your opponent will know there is a fight;
3. Make sure your weapon works with your opponent’s battle meter: I struck many blows and did no damage. Seth proved it could be harmed, so it had to be my sword that failed to register a hit.
4. Most importantly, never hesitate, within reason, to defend the things, places and people you value. It will be worth it in the end. I was a fool, but a bigger one than I would have done nothing.))
A wise man once said: “You are not required to complete the task, but neither are you free to refrain from beginning it.”
Baron Albion
My First Sight of Allure
(The initial portion of this tale is embellished or entirely made up, but once my tour began this is the literal truth. As with many things that happened in Beauty, I could not have made up a better story than unfolded naturally...)
My first sight of Allure
When I was invited to Beauty, it was by messages carried back and forth by courier. I had heard of a young Queen by the name of Allure, and it was said she lived up to her name in every way. I wished to cease my wanderings, even if only briefly, so I called upon the good graces of a family friend to provide me with a letter of recommendation. I fretted and chafed, waiting for a reply, and at long last, it arrived. She accepted me, conditionally, as a member of her Court. I am certain my smile could not have been broader. I set out the next morning on the journey to Midian.
It was late winter and the roads were somewhat treacherous. Near Wick ford my steed had a bad fall and broke his leg. I did not enjoy ending his life but I was glad to end his misery. We had been through some rough times, and he had been a worthy companion throughout. So I slogged on, reaching the Queen of Hearts just before nightfall. I could see the vast bulk of Stonegate in the fading light, but I was roadweary and ever so muddy, so I decided to travel on in the morning, refreshed, and, I hoped, more presentable for an audience with a young, yet powerful Queen.
The Landlady provided me with a girl to scrub my back and ease other tensions. When I had cleaned up and relaxed I returned to the Common Room, and it was there I met the lovely Duchess Juliana, and her then pet, Jan. She welcomed me and asked me to break bread with her. Of course I gladly accepted. The conversation was scintillating and her bare breasts were giving me ideas, but the attention she lavished on her pet suggested I would get nowhere. Best not to risk giving offense in a new place, I thought. The bed was clean and fragrant, the same girl kept me warm and I rewarded her handsomely - both before and after we left the bedchamber. Donning fresh clothing, I set out for the short walk to my destination.
Upon reaching the gates, the guards were courteous and allowed me to enter. As I approached the entrance itself, I found myself surrounded by women, the aforementioned Duchess, a Lady of the Court, and several nubile princesses. I introduced myself, and we passed some time in pleasant discussion. Then two princesses offered to show me the castle. How could I refuse?
We traversed hall after hall until I was thoroughly lost. Coming upon a bath, the princesses slipped into the water and began cavorting, splashing and taunting me. Being only human I did not need a second invitation to join them. I shed my clothing and did just that. Not long after one princess hauled her glistening body out of the water and dared me to lie with her. So I did. Things were beginning to get interesting when the second princess called out that she had found a bed: why didn’t we play a while? Again, I needed no second invitation.
The three of us tumbled onto the bed, caressing and pinching and laughing. Somehow I found myself on my back as they began licking and suckling me. One princess straddled my face, while my fingers teased the other’s sex and plump, round bottom. At first, I tried to keep track of which tongue, which mouth was which. But as our moans and gasps mingled, it no longer seemed important. They were wriggling, and I was writhing.
Until someone cleared their throat.
One of the princesses uttered a startled “eep,” and both rolled to either side, forgotten, truth be told, leaving me face-to-face, nothing between us but my glistening sex, with the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. In that moment all the world faded – I saw and heard nothing aside from her. To say her eyes were blue is foolish, to say they were the blue of a summer’s morn barely tells the tale. Her skin was quite simply flawless, without a trace of blemish, her breasts proud and high, with a glimpse of ripe cherries as the edges of her nipples peeped out of the cups of her corset as her breathing caused them to rise and fall. Studying her for a moment as she was studying me, I saw a wisp of the hair adorning her sex, then my eyes traveled upward again. Her hair had the rich whiteness of honey as it turns to sugar, yet no trace of the rough granularity – I could see its softness and was about to reach out and stroke it, and invite her to join us, when one princess said “hello, your Majesty,” and my heart sank.
So much for a dignified first meeting! I knew my tenure in her court would be brief. I knew she would simply banish me and have done with it. The moments dragged by, and each seemed longer than the one gone before. I could see the thoughts passing through her mind, plans for how she might punish me for taking such liberties. When she asked if I found her bed comfortable, I groaned. Surely my fate was sealed – not only was I not kneeling, had not even bowed, I was naked as the day I was born, and my sex mocked the gravity of my situation by remaining stubbornly, flagrantly aroused. Perhaps she would make me a eunuch before banishing me? I knew y life was surely over…
Then she laughed.
Not a mocking, derisive laugh, but a laugh full of joy and merriment, the laugh of a woman young in spirit, yet secure in her power. The laugh of a woman who might have rightfully done all I feared, yet chose not to do so. The laugh of my Queen
I think at some point in the eternity that yawned between the first sight and the laugh I may have stammered my name, sought to introduce myself, but in truth I do not know. I only know that I have been in many courts, met or at least seen many Monarchs. Aside from my father, who died when I was yet too young to inherit his throne, I had never met one I would kneel to. Perhaps she would be the one.
In the days that followed, I was welcomed, properly attired, as a member of her court. When a dragon attacked her castle, I sought to lead a charge against the beast and nearly paid with my life. In the weeks that followed, as she showed concern for my welfare as I mended, we became friends. In the months that followed we became even closer. I delight in seeing her smile, especially at me. But just as on the day we met, when she laughed upon finding me in her bed, when she took one princess with her and laughed as she told me to continue sporting with the other, when I am in her presence she is the center of my attention. I think, although she is beautiful and majestic, what earned her my unswerving loyalty was that laugh.
Baron Albion
My first sight of Allure
When I was invited to Beauty, it was by messages carried back and forth by courier. I had heard of a young Queen by the name of Allure, and it was said she lived up to her name in every way. I wished to cease my wanderings, even if only briefly, so I called upon the good graces of a family friend to provide me with a letter of recommendation. I fretted and chafed, waiting for a reply, and at long last, it arrived. She accepted me, conditionally, as a member of her Court. I am certain my smile could not have been broader. I set out the next morning on the journey to Midian.
It was late winter and the roads were somewhat treacherous. Near Wick ford my steed had a bad fall and broke his leg. I did not enjoy ending his life but I was glad to end his misery. We had been through some rough times, and he had been a worthy companion throughout. So I slogged on, reaching the Queen of Hearts just before nightfall. I could see the vast bulk of Stonegate in the fading light, but I was roadweary and ever so muddy, so I decided to travel on in the morning, refreshed, and, I hoped, more presentable for an audience with a young, yet powerful Queen.
The Landlady provided me with a girl to scrub my back and ease other tensions. When I had cleaned up and relaxed I returned to the Common Room, and it was there I met the lovely Duchess Juliana, and her then pet, Jan. She welcomed me and asked me to break bread with her. Of course I gladly accepted. The conversation was scintillating and her bare breasts were giving me ideas, but the attention she lavished on her pet suggested I would get nowhere. Best not to risk giving offense in a new place, I thought. The bed was clean and fragrant, the same girl kept me warm and I rewarded her handsomely - both before and after we left the bedchamber. Donning fresh clothing, I set out for the short walk to my destination.
Upon reaching the gates, the guards were courteous and allowed me to enter. As I approached the entrance itself, I found myself surrounded by women, the aforementioned Duchess, a Lady of the Court, and several nubile princesses. I introduced myself, and we passed some time in pleasant discussion. Then two princesses offered to show me the castle. How could I refuse?
We traversed hall after hall until I was thoroughly lost. Coming upon a bath, the princesses slipped into the water and began cavorting, splashing and taunting me. Being only human I did not need a second invitation to join them. I shed my clothing and did just that. Not long after one princess hauled her glistening body out of the water and dared me to lie with her. So I did. Things were beginning to get interesting when the second princess called out that she had found a bed: why didn’t we play a while? Again, I needed no second invitation.
The three of us tumbled onto the bed, caressing and pinching and laughing. Somehow I found myself on my back as they began licking and suckling me. One princess straddled my face, while my fingers teased the other’s sex and plump, round bottom. At first, I tried to keep track of which tongue, which mouth was which. But as our moans and gasps mingled, it no longer seemed important. They were wriggling, and I was writhing.
Until someone cleared their throat.
One of the princesses uttered a startled “eep,” and both rolled to either side, forgotten, truth be told, leaving me face-to-face, nothing between us but my glistening sex, with the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. In that moment all the world faded – I saw and heard nothing aside from her. To say her eyes were blue is foolish, to say they were the blue of a summer’s morn barely tells the tale. Her skin was quite simply flawless, without a trace of blemish, her breasts proud and high, with a glimpse of ripe cherries as the edges of her nipples peeped out of the cups of her corset as her breathing caused them to rise and fall. Studying her for a moment as she was studying me, I saw a wisp of the hair adorning her sex, then my eyes traveled upward again. Her hair had the rich whiteness of honey as it turns to sugar, yet no trace of the rough granularity – I could see its softness and was about to reach out and stroke it, and invite her to join us, when one princess said “hello, your Majesty,” and my heart sank.
So much for a dignified first meeting! I knew my tenure in her court would be brief. I knew she would simply banish me and have done with it. The moments dragged by, and each seemed longer than the one gone before. I could see the thoughts passing through her mind, plans for how she might punish me for taking such liberties. When she asked if I found her bed comfortable, I groaned. Surely my fate was sealed – not only was I not kneeling, had not even bowed, I was naked as the day I was born, and my sex mocked the gravity of my situation by remaining stubbornly, flagrantly aroused. Perhaps she would make me a eunuch before banishing me? I knew y life was surely over…
Then she laughed.
Not a mocking, derisive laugh, but a laugh full of joy and merriment, the laugh of a woman young in spirit, yet secure in her power. The laugh of a woman who might have rightfully done all I feared, yet chose not to do so. The laugh of my Queen
I think at some point in the eternity that yawned between the first sight and the laugh I may have stammered my name, sought to introduce myself, but in truth I do not know. I only know that I have been in many courts, met or at least seen many Monarchs. Aside from my father, who died when I was yet too young to inherit his throne, I had never met one I would kneel to. Perhaps she would be the one.
In the days that followed, I was welcomed, properly attired, as a member of her court. When a dragon attacked her castle, I sought to lead a charge against the beast and nearly paid with my life. In the weeks that followed, as she showed concern for my welfare as I mended, we became friends. In the months that followed we became even closer. I delight in seeing her smile, especially at me. But just as on the day we met, when she laughed upon finding me in her bed, when she took one princess with her and laughed as she told me to continue sporting with the other, when I am in her presence she is the center of my attention. I think, although she is beautiful and majestic, what earned her my unswerving loyalty was that laugh.
Baron Albion
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