Stop, Thief! (Silvers Stable)

[+ Spiritedbrumby +]

This is a very special thread that started on Silver Stable and went on for months. People dont RPG much anymore on any of the sites and its a shame. This post ended up being over 20 pages long and only had three contributors in the end.

I've shrunk it down a little but it is all still there. WSB, Nazaldeuh, Meagan and myself are responsible for it and it makes me laugh how bad we were at it.

Started: 2003
Website: Silvers Stable
Type: Fantasy Roleplay

[+ Spiritedbrumby +]

Megan
WildSpiritBrumby
SpiritedBrumby
Karlyn
Nazaldeuh

Thundering hoof beats could be heard a mile away. A figure darted swiftly through the dense wood and was being sought after by a large being. The figure jumped into the clearing and onto the back of a quick Thoroughbred steed. Behind him was the source of that sound like thunder. It was a massive Fresian centaur, a woman with long midnght hair and dark almost black skin. A cloak of silver covered her arms and chest and in her thick powerful hands was a delicate, large bow. She fitted a pheniox feathered arrow to the bow and fired it after the male on the Thoroughbred. The male saw the attack and was able to avoid it. The arrow landed inches from his mounts side and burst into flames. Glaixa was most displeased and galloped after the two. Though a centauress she would eventually tire out. Her hooves fell slower though she willed them to go faster. Finally the male and Thoroughbred were out of sight. In a fit of rage she screamed angrily at the top of her voice, causing the birds to fly from their trees and the mountians to quake. The heavy Fresian legs bent and dropped the rest of Galixa's body to the ground. Angry tears filled her eyes and a sense of failure began to over come her. She shook her head and tried to get herself back on her hooves, but they wouldn't budge. She groaned miserably, her sides lathered with foam and her breath ragged and coming in deep gasps. She waited, it was all she could do. She sat alone in a large clearing staring off where the two had disapeared.
Hooves whistled through the trees, their manes snatching up loose twigs. Cleven galloped through the forest, dodging the large bark trees, holding a large stick in his thick hands. He stopped suddenly, causing the group of centaurs behind him to crash on top of his beautiful dark bay body. "Did u hear that?" he asked, tilting his head to the side, his hands on his hips. "That way!" he yelled at he got up off his knees and galloped on through the trees until he met a familar face. "The Centauress stuck out in the woods...alone!" yelled Darrex, a light grey male centaur with a rather stupid attitude. Erix and Larez came up to their sides and smiled at the fallen centauress. "Whats daddys little girl doing so far from home?" asked Eriz smiling to himself. His 17 years of age made no difference to his basic 5 year old attitude. Larez walked up to her, holding a large rock he had picked up and meant to throw at Cleven. He threw it at Galixa and sent the group of teenage males laughtning. Cleven looked on, a look of pity on his face but he did nothing to stop his friends from tormenting her. "Come on, lets go" he said quietly, walking away slightly but noticed his friends just stayed there, enjoying teasing and hitting the poor girl.
Challance galloped up, she was a beautiful Dapple Centaur with silver hair that flowed down past her back.
"Stop it you freaks!" she yelled angrily at them, she was Galixas 16 yr old sister.
"How dare you through rocks at her, just because shes not heir doesn'tmean she can't have you all killed once she gets older! Challance helped Galixa up staring at Cleven.
" I thought you of all centaurs would stop them, your just as bad as the rest of them!" she said angry that Cleven hadn't stopped them before she had.....
Cleven's face went from a look of shock to a look of anger. "Why am i suppose to care!" he yelled back. His dark brown hair fell nicely onto his face and he had a rather cute childish face. He was 16 years and of a strong build, his father being the best local blacksmith so he knew Challance and Galixa. Larex stared at Challance and winked at her then did a wolf howl making the others laugh, including Cleven. "Richeous talk....pity you are females, you have no fun" said Larex again making more of the other join and tease them.
Challance stared at Cleven she had always liked him since they had played together in the gardens as 5 yr old. He had always been her friend and helped her when royalhood had gotten tough. When he had joined these hoons he started getting mean and she resented ever letting him go with them
"Because you said you'd always protect me" she said in a low sad whisper so only Cleven could hear........
Clevens eyes dropped to the ground and he bit his lip. "Times have changed....i have changed" he said quietly to her only. Clevens attension turned to Erix who had unsheathed a sword. "Eriz what r u doing?" he asked his voice a little shaky. Erix smiled at him and put the sword to Challance's face. "Lets have some fun with the royalty now" he said smiling. He was 20 years old and was extremely skilled with the sword but Cleven knew he had a bad attitude with a sword and a no mercy attitude. "Eriz she's only a girl. Leave her alone, she's no fun" he said looking sideways at the two girls.

[+ Spiritedbrumby +]

Challance holds her breathe as the sword was held to her throat. She whispered to Cleven.
" I never thought you'd come to this, you used to be the world to me" she said a tear down her eye, she didn't care for the sword at her throat and ignored it the pain she felt for Cleven was worse......
Cleven felt his heart go out for her, he knew she liked him but continouly broke her heart, he knew. He unsheathed his sword and slashed at Erix's sword, leaving a tiny cut on Challance's chin. Erix stared at Cleven then began to swing his sword around, planting blows to Clevens sword. Clevens hands hurt trying to hold on to the sword, his strenght just didn't match up to the 20 year olds. He stopped and dropped his sword just as Erix slashed his word against his chect. Cutting his flesh and his shirt. He winched in pain, Darrex came up to him, "lets go" he said staring at Erix.
Challance looked around Galixa had fainted long before at the sight of drawn swords at Challance. Challance hurried over to Cleven.
" What were you doing, Erix could have killed you! She said sobbing a little as she looked at the cut on his chest. Ripping of Clevens shirt she tied it around his chest hopelessly fumbling all the time as she tried to avoid his eyes.....
Cleven wanted to push her away, tell her to leave but he coulden't. Instead Darrex said it for him. "Get lost you stupid female!" he yelled kicking at her. Cleven looked into her eyes and he saw hurt in her eyes and her face. Erix stood staring at them, "KIDS!" he yelled before walking away. "We don't mix with royalty, there rats gone retarted" spat Larex
Challance felt broken beyond repair, why couldn't Cleven make things better any more. Challance felt the kicks fly at her but didn't care. She kneeled down and put her hands over her face and cried slowly and quietly......
Cleven stared after her as he walked away with his 'friends'.

Later on that day back at the village.

Cleven walked into the blacksmith shelter, he recieved a couple nods from some of the blacksmiths other gave his glares or stares of hatred. He walked over to his father and grabbed a hammer and began hitting a shield he had started that day. He found himself visualizing Eriz in the shield and slammed down as hard as he could on the shield continously until his father had to drag the hammer out of his hand, all the blacksmiths looking at his like he was a weirdo. "Cleven go home" his father said looking at him with concern. He walked through the village staring at the other centaurs walking around, he noticed his 3 year old sister galloping around. She tripped over on her small black legs and Cleven trotted over to pick her up. "Cleven!" she yelled as she hugged him. Darrex galloped over to him, "There's a fight! in the royal court yard, come and see!" Cleven galloped with Darrex carrying his sister in his arms.
Challance had finally advanced in her sword skills and master Jaque had let her go one on one with one of the advanced guards with real swords. She cut high low high low left right right right left left right. Getting in a few blows but not enough to wound the guard badly.
"Stop playing with me... FIGHT!!!!!!!" she yelled at him sensing he was holding back as she lunged in and cut his hind leg. The guard got a little angry and started hacking at her dangerously hard.........
Cleven notice it was Challance as soon as he saw her. A look of pure shock was on his face as he watched her, slightly impressed but fearing for her safety all together. "Chally!" Screamed Layna, his younger sister. Darrex stared at him for a moment, "It's a crime to like royalty" he said quietly, "Especailly her" Cleven looked at him as though to say you joking. "I don't like her, my dad only works for them thats all" he replied.
Challance looked up and saw Layna and smiled at her. She saw Cleven out of the corner of her eye and turned her head immediately feeling sick in her guts. The guard cut a rip in her shirt exposing some of her breast but nothing to bad. She swore and saw the guard turn beet red blushing.
"You can hardly see anything don't worry about it" she saidf and spun around him cutting his shoulder viciously tring hard not to face Cleven and his friends. She had bruises all over her and her father had demanded to know what had happened an she had lied.......

[+ Spiritedbrumby +]

Cleven saw a smile appear on Darrex's face seeing her shirt rip he decided to ignore the cut, although it was hard not to look at the small gap. After the fight he wasnted to see Challance but the guards didn't allowed him to see her so he wandered home with Layna asleep in his hands. She was so tiny, so delicate, she made him realise he would do anything to keep her safe. When he arrived home his father and mother were talking....about him. He put Layna in her bed and went to walk off before they called him in. "We heard about what happened today Cleven" said his mother. He looked at the ground. "The king blames you for exposing your friends to his daughters" his father said softly. Cleven was filled with shock. "But i didn't do anything wrong!" he said pleading. "The king would like you to be in his service for a month, fighting in the barrack, blacksmithing and moving rocks" said his mother, acting like it took everything out of her to tell him this. "Under no curcumstances are you to see his daughters" said his father, acting very serious. "Yes father, and mother" he replied. "You start everyday at 4 o'clock and end at 5 o'clock. Do as he says, we are in debt to the king for him allowing us to have all of the things we have now" said his mother. Cleven entered his room, feeling sick in the gut and wanting Challance more than ever to be with him right then.
"It's my life, let it be!!!!" She screamed at her father, he had told her about his plans.
"It wasn't Cleven that cut me!"she said slipping.
"You said you got that in the fight along with those bruises!" The king roared at her..........

Challance galloped from the great hall straight to Clevens house. She barged in Clevens house, his parents stood bt she ignored them and cantered into Clevens room.
"He wants to send you to the dungeons! He wants you dead, he....he....he...." she cried helplessly dropping to the ground like she had that morning. She weeped uncontrollably.
"Im so sorry" she said unable to hold back the flood of tears. All she ever wanted was Cleven to know how much she loved him, to hold her, to love her. Challance cried the clothes she had worn that morning still on with the rip............
Cleven was shocked when he saw Challance gallop into his room, her eyes filled with tears. He put his arms around her and held her for those few precious moments. "It will be alright" he pleaded with her, trying to comfort her. A group of guards came barging into the house and Cleven heard his mother scream as pottery fell to the ground. A knight grabbed Challence around the waist and pulled her away while two other knights siezed Cleven. He knew not to fight, they were not their enemies and he didn't want to bring terror to his family, especially since his mother was in child. He wasn't suppose to know but he did and didn't want to cause anymore worry on his parents part. He was taken off into the castle, the two centaur knights very nicely protected and massive swords hanging from their sides. He was taken before the king, Challances father looked down at him, a look of disapointment rather than anger on his face. "I mist punish you Cleven, both my daughters lives you put up stake, they could have been killed. You will be in my service until i have decided you may leave. Under no circumstances may you see my daughters" he said making it very loud so many of the knights heard the warning. You may start by working in the blacksmithery. I need you to make 50 swords in the next 5 hours. Off to it" A knight came up to him with a knife in his hand. On his arm he carved *1 month* Cleven grinded his teeth but didn't cry out, he watched as it crached his skin and the blood came out. He was escorted to the blacksmith where he stripped his shirt and began working with the fire. After 10 minutes he had sweat dripping off him, his hands were hot and sore but he was use to it and he would do as he was told.
Challance ran to her chambers and bared the door shut. No one would enter this room unless they stormed it and it would take many knights to storm her room. Her father had designed it so it was impossible for enemies to get in if the Castle was attacked. Challance weeped uncontrollably thinking of all the horrible things that had happened to her over and over again until days past. She drank little water and no food, her father and mother along with her sisters and brothers had tried to get the door open but Challance ignored them........

[+ Spiritedbrumby +]

Cleven was greeted by a whole pile of knights fully armored. They grabbed him from the blacksmithery and escorted him to Challances door. The king stood there looking at him. "She will not eat or drink. Please do what you can to get her out of there" Cleven was left alone. He sat against the door. "Challance.....you know there is no point in crying. Were too different and were not suppose to be together. Locking yourself away like this is only going to make things worse than what they already are now. People are concerned about you and you shoulden't be acting like this. Your royalty, you need to set an example for your people. Acting like this will only show weakness and you will be a future leader to this village and you need to prove to people you can do things and handle situation to your best ability" He knew she ould be angered by what he said but it was the truth.
Challance only cried louder.
"Why are you saying this! I want Erixs head on a pike NOW!!" she screamed half mad with the guilt she felt for Cleven.
Challance got up from her bed and unbared the door rabing Cleven and pulling him in then baring the door again before the guards could get in. Once Cleven was inside she went to the balcony overlooking the courtyard and cried again.
"Fathers betrothed me to Aren of Lysastor, he keeps coming and knocking on my door asking if I would care to share a meal with him. Hes nice enough but hes not who I want!" she cried.
"DO YOU HEAR ME!!!!! I DON'T WANT HIM!!!!" she screamed to the courtyard, no one was there and Challance felt as if she was praying to the gods. Getting up on the rail she felt as if she could fly, outstretching her arms she wondered how far she wouldfly until she fell. Looking down again she saw her sister Galixa with a maid who was her friend.
"It's all your fault!" she yelled down at Galixa beginning to cry again............
The 15 year old centauress finally found her feet. Her large deep orbs stared unblinkingly at the boys and her sister. She sighed autoibly and slowly made her way back home. Her cheeks were still warm with her tears and her heart broken in two. She had failed her family and her kingdom. Her father's most valuable gems had been stolen by that human on the Thoroughbred. She didn't care right now about her sister's boyfriend troubles or the way stupid kids wished to torment her. She was beyond them in age, fighting skill and social postion. As she reached the castle she saw the knights and guards looking for her and for the missing treasure. She would have to explain to them what had happened and set up a search party.
The pretty chestnut centuar galloped up to her Best Friend Galixa. "Galixa! Galixa! Did you catch him? Did you get the treasure?" Crystalliya's questions coming fast. Noticing the look on her face. She knew she had failed. "Don't worry. We'll get them." her face somber, it suddenly changed as she switched the subject. "Your sister barred herself in her room again. She won't come out." Looking Galixa over. "Are you alright? Did you get hurt?"
Galixa smiled slightly and wrapped an arm around Crystalliya's. "Can't you stick to one subject at a time? Yeah, he got away, I couldn't keep up. I'm not a Thoroughbred you know." She glanced up at Challance's room. "She loves a centaur father does not approve of. Well, I unfortunately don't have time for that. We must get a move on before the human gets to far. No, I'm fine. Just exaughsted and a little peturbed by Challance's boyfriend and a group of dumb teens. I'm glad I'm no longer a teenager." She headed for the captian of the guard and gave him her report. He nodded grimly and chose his best warriors to accompany the two young women.
Smiling. "I hope they grow up, if we're thinking of the same teenagers. Now lets go catch that horse and human!" she said with a war cry! The young centuars auburn hair cascaded down her back and shoulders, covering her clothes, as she reared up.
Cleven jumped up from his seat on the ground and threw his arms around her waist before she fell. He spun her around sharply, "Stop acting like this! your not the young happy girl i remember seeing. Now pick up yourself and act normal and do as they say. There are levels of authority in the world and if we don't follow them we will be killed. Just hold your head up high and act proud" he said giving her a hug. He walked to the door and opened it. "I am going because i have work to do. I need to get on with my life and so do you. A human ran away with some of your family's jewels. I've been assigned to help them track him down" He took once last look at her then walked out.

[+ Spiritedbrumby +]

ooc: Ummm...... Megan Challance is heir to the throne and Galixa is her younger sister

ic: Challance watched Cleven go miserable he left her then she kicked the door open smashing a guard that was behind the door. mumbling a curt apology she trotted as fast as she could down the stairs and out into the courtyard. If she was going to be a ruler she was going to act like one. Challance had as much power as her father did, woman had more rights than men when it came to royalty but in lower centaurs it was the men who ruled. Challance was grateful, she cantered to the dressmakers room that the king kept inside the castle walls and nodded to her.
"Cassandra I want a new shirt, flowing silver satin, bare on one shoulder and held by a crystal gem at the other shoulder. The ends must be lined with small sapphires, I know you have them a new stockcame to the castle yesterday. I'll be here tomorrow noon to pick it up, thankyou Cassandra but I must hurry" Challance trotted out of the room then made her way to find her father her mother had died and he had not taken another wife so he was ruler. There was going to be a banquet Challance thought, once Cleven gt thehuman who had stolen the most precious jewels she would appoint him to a higher rank, at least then they would be able to see eachother. And father could not object because Cleven would have done a deed to the realm and have the right to it providing it was him who brought back the thief. Cleven had to bring him and the jewels back, no one else. Then Challance would start on the affairs of the realms defences as a to-be queen of Hidel and the 4 Kingdoms of Centaurs. She would appoint her sister Galixa the highest spot in the court to rule when Challance was away. There was no love lost between Galixa and Challance but Galixa was xtremely smart and deserved it. Challance thought of Cleven as she cantered to the throne room.
'He wants me to be an example, I'll be more than that, I'll be the queen that brings this realm back from the ashes!'.................
Cleven waited outside the city walls, fully armored and feeling extremely out of place. What was he doing? he was a simple blacksmith, not a knight fighting real battles and hunting down real theives. He spied Eriz across from the others, standing there alone, glaring at anyone who approached him. He suddenly felt anger towards him but decided to ignore it. Cleven wasn't easily angered and he wasn't about to loose his cool around the kings royal guards. He looked around and noticed a lot of teenagers around his age in the group, some were shaking uncontrolably. He stamped his foot on the ground bored of waiting and got an evil warningful glare from one of the more experienced knights. He saw a couple of knights, around his age break out into a fight. In the thick of it all he noticed his good friend Darrex. He cursed quietly under his breath and galloped towards the group of 10 boys fightly with their swords. They hadn't made much of an affect on the crowds but were causing a disturbance. He ducked as a sword slashed across his head, almost taking it straight off. He grabbed his sword and slashed at the sword, sending it to the ground. He needed to break up the fight but had no desire to hurt anyone. He noticed Darrex loose his sword so Cleven threw his towards him, he caught it gracefully and continued fighting on. Cleven dodged the swords, sending vicous kicks when ever possible. His armor proved an asset but not until a spear wounded his flesh on his side. He yelled out loud and ripped it out of him. Looking down he noticed the hole and realised what it was like to be wounded. By then the teenagers had decided that it had gotten too dangerous and had galloped off leaving Darrex and Cleven to face the wrait. He was excorted to a medicine centaur who closed the blinds behind him. "No one enters" he said sharply, "No one!" Cleven felt like screaming out loud when the cenatur applied the medicine. It must of hurt more that the actually spear. He remembered falling asleep on a purple silken sheet with the smell of sweet lavender surrounding the warm room.
Challance stormed down the hall towards the medicine chambers. A guard stood outside the door and as she went to enter he slid his spear quickly across the door and spoke.
"No one enters m'lady, orders of the centaur guard" he said gruffly.
"I spit on the centaurs guard, let me pass or i'll send for my own guard" she quickly glanced and her words slithered out of her mouth like serpents striking his brain repetively.
"Ah...of course m'lady" he said quickly then bowed and opened the door for her.
A servant was sitting beside Clevens bed as she entered and looked up at her about to speak.
"Leave us!" she commanded and the servant dared not defy her words. Nodding he closed the door behind him.
Cleven was still asleep and Challance stood beside him waiting until he woke up.......

[+ Spiritedbrumby +]

Cleven tossed around on the bed for a couple moment. A terrible dream in his mind, he opened his eyes for a moment but the pain was too great. He laid back on the bed, sweating heavily from the heated room surrounded by candles. His chest was stripped bare and leaves had been rubbed into it to relieve his breathing. He put his hands to his forehead and groaned lightly.
"Don't fail me now Cleven, you have to get better before they go to catch the thieves" she said wetting a cloth a placing it gently on his brow to cool the slight fever the wound had given him....
Cleven groaned loudly, "I am not suppose to be a knight! i am a worthless blacksmith not someone jumping around showing swords and chasing people who have stolen jewels!" he yelled. Overcome with the pain of the wound.
Challance held his hand.
"Fight it with all your heart, you are a knight, your my knight" she whispered close to his ear so he would hear it.
ooc: Bastard = person who stole treasure.

Cleven felt angrier than ever, he knew he wasn't a knight, he could never be and that wasn't where his heart was. He decided not to fight with Challance, she had gotten her spirit back and he didn't want to break it. He managed to sit up and bend over, "So where did the bastard go" he said smiling at her.
ooc: well, I'm lost anyways, I think I'll start another post with the same idea I had before, but different character, and go on with how you thought Galixa was in this one

Galixa smiled at Crystalliya and trotted into her room.
Challance sighed and hugged him.
"For a moment there I thought I'd lost you" she whispered.
"Rest now, get your strength back for the hunt." she said and rested her head on him while he slept.......
ooc: Were getting very lovey dovey here SB, lol.

Morning came and no one had disturbed the two of them. The king had seen his daughter and wasn't impressed but he was glad that she was happier, for the moment. Cleven woke and found Challance asleep on his chest. He began to stroke her hair with his face, "What did i ever do to deserve you" he whispered quietly to himself. He slowly got up and laid her down on the bed he had been sleeping on. He pulled up a thin blanket up to her shoulders. He found his shield, sword and all his clothing and protection there. He looked back at Challance, knowing he had to get dressed and hoping that she wasn't awake. He began to get changed into the armor and get himself ready to leave.
Challance woke up just as Cleven had finished dressing.
"Where are you going?" she asked sleepy.......
Cleven turned to face her, "'I must go with the knights and find the person who stole the treasure" he said calmly, grabing his shield.
Challance nodded.
"Yes, I must get going as well....Im preparing a feast for the capture of the thief, don't make me a fool Cleven....catch him." she said then trotting out the door she nodded to the guard.
"Good Morning" The guard seemed stunned that Challance was not throwing threats at him and smiled. Challance went to the dining room and nodded to her father the king who was a sit a long table eating his breakfast.
"I trust you slept well father?" she said taking a seat beside his......
The king sat on his high chair suspicious of his daughters behaviour. "Yes i did sleep well. I guess i cannot say so for you" he said staring at his daughter, a look of distaste on his face. "He is a blacksmith and i do not want my daughter sleeping with him" he said quietly as Glaxia entered the room to have her breakfast.
Challance gaped at him.
"It is none of your business who I sleep with, and for any sake I didn't sleep with Cleven last night. He was feverish, I only sat beside his bed and tended to his wounds all night." she hissed at him her words ran out of her mouth so quickly that he could not interrupt.
"I daresay you have heard that I am holding a great feast for the return of the jewels?" she said smiling......

[+ Spiritedbrumby +]

ooc: Because Megan quit do u want to make them humans cause i cant get it through my system that they are centaurs!

The king disliked his daughters tone of voice. "I say who u do and don't sleep with young lady" said her father getting rather angry. "What if they do not find the person who stole the jewels? a celebration for what? the person who stole it getting free? Challance sometimes you reach too high. They jewels will never be found, the stealer will never be punished" he looked down at the pork, "I have suddenly lost my appetite" he said bluntly before leaving the table and returning to his chambers.

Cleven mounted a chestnut destrier, the metal on metal clashes viciously as he managed to control the horse with the heavy armor. "Give it up kid, you ain't got it" said a knight, an older and more experienced knight. Cleven glared at him and spurred his steed into a canter. They traveled through the trees, following the knight in the lead. Cleven hadn't been out of the city walls since he was 5 years when he had moved here. It made him remember of when him and Challance were little and they would play around, avoiding and ignoring the stares of disgust. But now it was different, they were grown up and getting older. His birth date was coming up in a couple of days and he would have seen 17 years. He though of coming home on his birthday and seeing a young maiden in his room, his wife to be. For a second he saw Challance sitting there, calling for him but he pushed it away. She woulden't be his, not now not ever.
ooc: Sorry SB, i forgot he's a centaur! so much for riding a horse, lol.


Cleven saw an image in the trees, suddenly arrows began to fly out of everywhere. Cleven stopped one with his sword and cantered sideways. He say something shine and galloped towards it, there was a boy on a black thoroughbred, a neatly sealed box full of treasures in it. The boy noticed him there and galloped off. Cleven followed, he fumbled with his bow and arrow, aiming he released. He hit the 2 legged creature in the arm that he was carrying the treasures in. He reached down and grabbed the box, Cleven watched as the boy ripped out the arrow and charged towards him. He put the treasures in a bag and began to gallop through the trees. He could hear the heavy breathing off the horse behind him but he refused to stop. Cleven found a trail, it led straight back to the village of centaurs. He galloped towards the vilage at top speed, hoping the archers on the top would notice him coming.
ooc: No Megan is still playing.

Challance swore using a colourful art of words at her father. He had no control of her. A small centaur, her brothers squire came up to her.
"Begging your Pardon Mistress Challance, the jewels have been retrieved and the thief has been wounded and put in care of the healing master with guards." he said bowing low to her. Challance grinned triumphantly and yelled down to her sister Galixa.
"Sweet sister, There is a great feast to be held soon. You should pick out what you should wear." Challance couldn't stop erself smiling. Turning back to the squire;
"Could you be so kind as to send my father a message telling him that one point to me and that he should wear his best garments to the feast and that he ows me an apology" said Challance. The Squire bowed and cantered of..........
A knock came on the kings door, "Enter" he said quietly, coughing. The squire walked over to him. "The jewels have been returned and the prisioner is being treated by a healer. Your daughter, Challance she says that you owe her an apology" The kings face filled with rage. "I do not apolagize to my children" he yelled in anger. He coughed again, "My years are beginning to catch up with me i fear" he said breathing in loudly. "I want my daughter to have a 24 hour guard, even in her room. I do not want her watching him, she is to marry soon and i do not want the boys father to know that my daughter has been sleeping with a blacksmiths son" he said sterly. He dismissed the squire and went to his robe and grabbed out a dark blue laten robe.

Cleven didn't know how many times he had been slapped on the back but it hurt. They were all being nice to him now that he had returned the jewels but he didn't feel any more special. It could have been any of the knights that had found the boy. A squire walked in and handed him some clothes, a saten dark green tunic and some new boots. "Now you will look the part" said the squire placing then on a chair in the tent. "I do not want to wear these clothes...i am only" he was cut short by the squire. "I think the princess would like to see you wearing them" with that he left the room leaving Cleven to get changed.

[+ Spiritedbrumby +]

Challance sent out invites to all of the lords, ladies, knights and their servants. so far 200 had come back saying they were coming. Challance was beaming until she realised an hour later she was being guarded.
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!" she yelled at the guards.
"Sorry miss your father our king has commanded us to watch over you 24/7." said the lead guard hesitantly.
Challance fumed and threw a vase ion a stand at them.
" You dare not move one step more my way or i'll have you sent to the pits!" she yelled at them.
"Tellmy father you are useless to his commands, I am heir and female and have the same power as him by rights and that I'm not a girl anymore!" she said calmly trying to restrain her anger though her face was beet red with anger.
Striding down the hall she was satisfied when they did not follow her, going to her office she called to her scribe to send for Erix the one who had cut her that day.
The king heard from the guards what his daughter had said. He walked over to the barracks where she had been seen going towards. He found her in there with Erix, "Challance in your room now! he demanded. You are my daughter, i am king, i have all authority, until i give up the throne you have no authority and you never will. Your hushband will have it not you!" he yelled at her. He slapped her across the face, bringing great shame to her infront of everyone watching the fight unravel outside. "Shame on you" he said loudly.
Challance heard gasps, although her father was King Challance was female and females usually ruled this land. It was shameful for a male to act higher than a female even in royalty.
"DO NOT EVER TOUCH ME AGAIN!" she yelled at him and beckoned for a guard to come over.
"Take Erix to my office chambers and make him stay there until I come back." The guard bowed and took Erix away.
"I think your age has deafened your senses father, I suggest you think twice before you strike me again" Challance had the power to sentence him to death but although she hated her father at that moment more than Erix she still loved him. He was her father and he had brought her up lovingly until she threatened his authority. Challance turned and strode away as people averted their eyes. Yelling back to her father.
"You will be present at the feast the night 3 days from now." she said and then walked around a marble wall to her office chambers to talk to Erix........
The king stood there dumb struck, He turned and walked to his chamber, his temper fuming. He beckoned for a guard to come near, "Yes your highest" he said walking along side him. "Get that Blacksmith kid, i want him beaten, near death and thrown in prison" he said walking faster. The guard looked at him in surprise, "The child has done nothing wrong" he said in defiance. The king stopped and looked at him, "If u do as i say i will give you free service to my other daughter Glaxia. Only if you give me your word, men and swords" the guards eyes it up, "Of course your highest.

Cleven walked around the tent in the green colthing, he stripped it off and put on his normal clothes. He jumped as guards entered the tent. They grabbed his arms and he was dragged out. Cleven looked around, wondering what was happening. He found himself in the prison, a knight stood there, a crooked smile on his face. His hand armored with male. Cleven was repeatedly beaten, his lip was cracked and he lay on the ground unable to move, paralized and unable to talk, his face swolen and blood on the floor. The guards laughed at him and kicked him. Chaining his arms and legs to the wall they left him there, the only keys being returned to the king. They left the prison chaining the doors closed.

[+ Spiritedbrumby +]

Challances informer left Challance in a rage. She had ordered the guard who had pledged his alliegance to her father ofr a night with Galixa dead immediately. She had watched his blood spill over the dirt. Challance would not stand forthis. Teary eyed she called for her own knights who were sworn to her from birth.
" We are going stop my fathers madness" she said to them and stormed to his quarters. There were 4 guards at his door but they quickly resigned at the sight of her 50 knights all armed. Walking into her fathers room her knights surrounded him and barred the door 10 of them posted at the entrace of the door, 5 at the base of the stairs up to it and 5 in between.
"Now father why did you have to do that, I warned you I even took pity on you, you have 10 knights who will protect you. Thwe kingdom does not love you...you have treated our people as if they did not deserve to be looked at. You are blind to your mistakes and now I am going to have to end it" she said to her father sorrowfully. She spoke the truth, the King was not oved by the Kingdom and there were rumours the people called him The Dammed King. Challance spoke softly to him.
"Step down now father and give me the crown or I will be forced to have you killed, make no mistake there is no law that says I can't. Cleven was in my care as the kindom knew and you took him and beat him with no reason, the law says that anyman high or low is forbidden to have another man or woman punished without good cause, the punishment is death father but I am giving you the choice, give me the crown and live or refuse and you will die here and now and i will take the crown anyway." said Challance her knights hands on their hilts ready to strike the king if he refused to give Challance the crown......
The kings eyes went wide with surprise at his daughter, he was literally speechless and found it hard to say something. He hung his head in defeat, he sat down on the side of his bed. He removed his crown and stared at it before dropping it to the ground. He looked up at her once more, "Challance i never meant to hurt you, you know i love you very much" he said softly almost releasing a tear. He held his head high fighting back the tears, "At least let me stay in your mothers tower, it is smaller and further away from this main tower and is much smaller and easier for me to move around in" He didn't wait for her reply before he started again. "This boy, Cleven, he isn't for you. You deserve someone better, a prince who can give you everything you desire not a boy who can make you horse shoes"
Challance smiled and took the crown encrusted with Saphires and Rubies at the bottom and on the curved spikes the tips were solid diamond the rest was gold with intricate designs engraved.
"I am not here to shame you father, I am here to help this kingdom. You are to old to rule and it pains me to see the kingdom wilts away at your commands. You are still my father and you will be a member of my high counsel and your chambers will still be here. The only thing that has changed is that you are no longer king. It will be said that you handed the crown down to me for my birth date to come in a fortnight and no one will know of today" Challance said soothingly, her father looked so old now more than ever.
"I will leave you now father to rest.......Father I have all I desire the only thing missing is love and Cleven can give me that, it would not matter tome if he was a thief or a peasent servant, I love him and when we can finally be together I will be the happiest centaur alive." Challance said smiling at her father.
"My mother was fortunate that she was betrothed to someone she loved,now let me be with the one I love just as much as you loved her." Challance turned swiftly and walked out leaving a knight of her own to guard her fathers door. His guards had proved easy to overthrow and Challance would not have weak guards at her fathers door, the last thing she wanted was for someone to hurt her father and wound her deeper.....

[+ Spiritedbrumby +]

The king looked at his daughter, she had grown up and he could no longer hold her and guide her like he had once done. He could no longer hold her in his arms and call her his little princess. He watched as they left and he went to his window, looking out he watched the court yard where some knights were practicing their skills watched closely by their instructor. He had found himself to be lucky that she didn't sentence him to anything really bad but he still didn't approve of her sleeping with Cleven. His daughter was pure and he was not. He smiled slightly, he still had the keys for Clevens chains and they could not be removed by any other key but his. He clipped them on his belt and laid down on his bed.

Cleven sat in the dungeon his face muddy and sore. He could hear the drops of rain and that had been dripping the whole time. He striggled to fight the sound and found himself drifting in and out of sleep. His hands were almost raw from the over tight metal around his wrists and legs. He slammed his head on the walll and yelled out in pain and anger. It was cold and his shirt was soaking wet.

The king woke up with a start as he heard horns trumpeting from outside. He got up and ran to the window. It was prince Ronald, Ron for short. The knight who was to marry Challance. He throught through what he would do in his mind. Ronald had an army of about 700 men, the castle could easily accomodate all of the knights but Challance didn't wish to marry him but if she didn't a new war would rage and he would have a worse reputation that what he had now for going against his word. He walked down the stairs, getting strange looks from the guards, "It is curtesy to greet welcomers to the castle even if i am not king" he said to reasure them not to get in his way. "Tell Challance to look beautiful her future hushband is waiting at the gates with an army larger than ours and tell her not to be stupid. If she refused she could well sentence us all to death". He walked down and greeted the travlers at the gates.
ooc: I can't stand it anymore, can they please be humans?

Challance looked in wonder at the army that had come. She smiled at Ron, she was wearing a flowing gown of white and her crown sat atop her head with her hair doneup into hundreds of tiny squiggles done into a bun. She smiled again. His army had but a few knights, most looked like green boys that Ron had taken from training to impress her. She saw her father come down the stairs and as he passed she kissed him on both cheeks checking his pockets with her practised hands for the key to Clevens cell. She found it on his belt and tunred the key around and lifted it of talking to her father happily and introducing him to the lead commander of Rons army. Calling over a knight of her own she slipped the key into his hand and whispered.
" Go to the dungeons and unlock Clevens cell, take him to my chambers and fix him up, on your way back take Erix to a guest room near my own and make sure there is a guard post at his door so he does not escape." she said to her knight smiling.The knight nodded and walked of down to the dungeons, Challance a grin on her face.
"I see you have a brought your whole army to my castle Ron" she said to make sure.
"There is no need to fear an attack on my small kingdom.....you have been my mothers only enemy and now I am to marry you there is no need to fear taking all my army here and leaving my kingdom unprotected" he said smiling at her bowing to kiss her hand.
"Ahhh.....what a beautiful number together we shall conquer lands beyond what has been our reach for years and be known to the whole world" she lied courtseying.
Ahhhhhh dearest Ron your journey shall be cut short after your army has been pledged to mine. An accident hunting I should think. You are unwise to leave your kingdom to me for I am a blood enemy to you and no betrothment or marriage should ever unceal my hatred towards you and your family Challance thought still smiling.

[+ Spiritedbrumby +]

The king watched proudly as his daughter remembered her curtisies towards the new comers. He approached Ronalds father, "May i show you to the chamber you will be staying in and why, i have no problems if our two children, i mean young man and lady get married tomorrow. There will not be many things to be done for the great hall is already dressed for your welcome and fit to be of that of a wedding. The clothing has already been maid in advance and the cooks shall make the feasts over night for their is still day light left to hunt a deer for the wedding feast or shall they prefer cow" he said smiling with a slight laught. "The wars have seperated us but brother we come together in peace and allys sealing our differences as our offspring marry and produce children of their own" he patted the man on the shoulder and smiled back. "Guards, be sure to escort Challance to her chamber where she can prepare for the feast tonight in celebration of this wonderful event" the king coulden't contain his happiness. "Dearest Ronald, you are growing up stronger every day you look much better than when i last saw you. Come, you shall share the chamber next to mine. If you are to wed and bed my daughter there are certain things a young prince must know" he said smiling as the 3 of them disappeared to the castle.

Cleven saw light for the first time in what seemed like ages. He felt the chains unclock from around his arms and legs. In pain he managed to stand, he was guided towards Challances chamber where the servent girls undressed him and bathed him. Cleven was semi asleep and when he woke up and realised what was going on he yelled at the girls telling them to leave. They left giggling and laughting. He felt ashamed and got out of the hot pool and clothed himself before falling on the bed and sleeping.
Challance smiled as she entered her chambers. The guard went to leave but she held him back. Scribbling on a piece of parchment she wrote a letter to her father.
' Don't act the king father, you are not and you will be treading on thin ice. You knew you were defying me in the entrance hall, Don't do it again.' she wrote and sealed it. Writting a second she wrote.
'My dearest Ronald, my beloved Betrothed. It pains me dearly to say that I have just been informed that my brother Jeremy has left on a boat to the Autumn Islands. He will not be back until another week and a half. I am deeply sorry to also inform you that there has been a poisoned supply in the kitchen and the food would not be ready in any case. From your dearly Betrothed Challance.' Challance also rolled the parchment up and sealed it. Handing them to the guard to give. Lying on her bed next to Cleven she stroked his hair.
Cleven tossed around on the bed before waking up and finding Challance there above him. He managed to sneak in a hello through a mumbled yawn. He sat up and looked at her, his swolen cheek and black eye making him a strange site. He put his hand under her chin, "You know, you really are very beautiful" he said softly. He lean over and kissed her lightly on the lips.
Challance kissed him back wrapping her arms around him. Sighing she let go and curled up next to him wrapping his arms around her. She felt safe.
"Ronald is here, he has fallenmore in love with my father than me" she said whispering......
Cleven sat on the bed, his arms wrapped around her tighly afraid to let go and loose her. He laughted lightly at Challance's words about Ronald. He tilted his head forwards leaning on hers, He smiled and sneaked a kiss on her cheek. "Why did it take me this long to realise i really loved you?" he said quietly not wanting anyone else to hear. He laid backwards, draging Challance down with him until he was basically lying on top of her, looking into her eyes. He bent down and kissed her again.

The king sat in his room with Ronald's father talking and arranging things. A knock on the door came and he answered it. Taking the letter he broke the seal and read it. He threw the note in the fire and stood watching it burn. "Bad news?" asked Ronalds father. "Yes, the wedding cannot be tomorrow we are not ready enough for it. It will have to he later on but no worries. We have a lot to catch up on" he said smiling slightly. He put his hands on his hips and realised the keys were missing. "Where is Ronald?" he asked hesitently. "I believe he is on his way to see Challance in her chamber. Why do u ask?" he asked. "Oh nothing" he said a smile appearing on his face.

Ronald walked down the hallway until he reached Challances chamber. He moved the guards with a flick of his hand and knocked on the door. Cleven's head shot up and he sat up on the bed. He jumped down and hid underneath the bed, the long bed sheets making him invisable under the bed. After a few moments Ronald entered the room, "M'lady" he said bowing.

[+ Spiritedbrumby +]

Challance quickly made to look as if she had been sleepy. Rubbing her eyes.
"Oh, Ron you should have knocked, im allmessed up and....oh dear I must of drowsed of, I've had such a busy day, look nowmy hair has come undone." Challance said evenly with no hint she was lying. Challances silver locks of fair drifted down her and her crown was placed beside her table on a red velvet cushion. Challance picked it up and layed it on her head.
"Come now Ron, would you like to go for a walk, the moon is out and it's such a lovely night." Challance said happily looking as if she was madly in love with Ron but it was the thought of Cleven that brought the smile and glow upon her face and the thought of her wrath on her father that kept her from looking as if she was drunk. Walking out of her chambers she hissed at the guards.
"No one enters without some warning at least next time, now wipe that grin of your face Herran." Challance said sarcastically. Her knights knew of her love for Cleven they also knew they would have their heads cut of if they told her plans so their was a bond of loyalty, friendship but also knowing who was in command between her and her knights, they were all friends.
"I'll have you know Cleven is in a rather awkward position under my bed right now." she said grinning at him.
"Make sure he is escorted to a room close to mine while Ron and I are away." she said grinning.
"Of course Queen Challance, shall I give him the one next door?" he said stiflng a laugh. Challance poked her tongue out and then walked down the stairs with Ron when he came beginning a conversation about his and her army forming as one under her name until they were married................
Ronald watched Challance talking to the guards and wondered what they were talking about bujt he knew deep down that there woulden't be any secrets between him and Challance for he believed she loved him as much as he loved her. He escorted her down the stairs. "When we are married we can rule the lands together, just think the towns people are talking of us being the best future king and queen that has ever to be seen. Think about it, the love us already, as a couple, not as individuals. Already we have won the hearts of many" he said smiling proudly. "Shall we watch the fighting in the court yard, i always love to watch beginners, they are so clumsy and forget everything. Especially here in the north, men here are even more clumsy and have no idea how to treat women" he said proundly brushing his hand against hers.

As they approched the court yard where minature fights were taking hold Cleven snuck through the door way and went to join the other boys. "Cleven" asked Sir Henry, the fighting teacher. "Are you premitted to fight in the classes?" he asks questionily. "Surely the king woulden't send a green boy into battle without atleast some training to keep his head weged onto his neck?" he asks, smiling, knowing he had won. "Very true lad, verry true. You may fight.......Ahhhh! Sir Ronald!" he began walking over to Challance and Ronald. "My lady" he said bowing, "Sir" he also said bowing to Ron. "Sir Ronaly may i intrest you in showing some of these green boys some of the moves that make royalty such great fighters. Fancy fighting Cleven, he is young, quick on his feet and isn't as easy as the rest of the group" he said. Ronald looked at Henry, "Yea i'll give him a go" he says grabbing a sword. He turned to Challance, "A victory for my future wife and queen" he said holing up his sword. Cleven smiled at Challance and winked at her before walking towards the court yard arena to fight.

[+ Spiritedbrumby +]

Is Ron mad, the people here don't even know him and those who do think him an arrogant imposter. Southeners are not welcome here in the North ever! Challance thought still smiling. As they walked into the yard she saw Cleven and knew excactly what was going to happen. Cleven was a marvelous fighting and he had spirit as well as talent with a sword. Challance smiled at Cleven when Rons back was turned to her and winked back at him. As Ron turned and pronounced that he would win this victory for their love and marriage she smiled.
"Then I shall look foward to seeing no blood shed, my marriage will not be built on war and blood only on love." Challance pronounced. Ron smiled and bent to kiss her. Challance was rather taken a back when he took her suddenly wrapping his arms around her and kissing her on the neck rubbing his body up and down her and kissing her chest.
So much for treating woman with respect, he thinks of me as his common prostitute. Challance shot a warning glance at Cleven telling him not to look even mildly unhappy as Ron continued to kiss her all over her body and exploring her legs and thighs with his hands. When he finally stopped he lifted her head to his and gave her one last kiss on the lips this time fiercly his tongue exploring her mouth. Challance felt sick but made her own tongue escape into his mouth. Making sighing noises as she did so.
Im going to need to wash my mouth out with soap after this. I hate him even more now.
Finally he turned to Cleven.
"Nothing like a good expedition into a womans body to work up a mans apetite." he said smacking Challance on the backside. Challance went a little red with anger but sighed and smiled at Ron as if she loved him. Kissing him on the cheek she whispered into his ear.
"We shall have fun tonight Ron if you win, if you don't then you will not be permitted into my chambers until tomorrow evening." Challance said,Ron liked games and bets and he smiled at her.
"Then I shall win and share your bed restlessly tonight then." he said. The thought of Ron in her bed made her sick almost to the point were Challance thought she would throw up but she stomached it and whispered to guard his left when it should be his right he should be guarding.
I'll quite enjoy cutting this mans head of.
Walking over to Cleven acting as if she was giving him false hints.
"Don't let him win for it is you that I would want in my bed." she said frowning to give Ron the right impression.

[+ Spiritedbrumby +]

Cleven felt anger fuming inside of him, watching Ron's hand explore Challance. He gripped the handle of his sword harder than before and tried to hide the expression on his face. Some of the young knights had known of his love of Challance and looked questionly at Cleven as they watched the young prince, as through trying to learn some new moves. I would never embaress Challance like that in the open to eyes he through to himself, wondering how she must feel. Some of the knights were laughting and Cleven threw them a death threatning glare and they stopped. As Challance walked over to him he could not help but look away, he looked into her eyes as she talked to him and he knew he must win. Not just for her but for himself and to teach Ron a lesson or two about touching Challance. Before she had walked away, he turned and grabbed her hand, out of sight of Rons view, "Promise me you shall never bed him" he said before spinning around at Ron's call. "Enough, young fighter. I believe we are here to fight and not stare at one another" he smiled as he said it but Cleven could see something in his eye. He dropped his sword suddenly, "Fighting with a sword only shows who is stronger but a joust combines guts" he said looking at Cleven. "Can you joust?" he asked questionly. Cleven looked at Challance as through asking for a way to escape. "Of course i know how to joust" he replied in a stern voice. "Great, meet back in 5 minutes, get your steed, armor and lances, we shall fight in the main square where anyone can watch" he said turning away and walking toward Challance. He slipped his hand down her back and squeezed. "Come my precious, you may undress me and prepare me for my joust" Cleven had heard enough, "Sir Ronald, why do you treat your wife to be like a prostitute? isn't she worthy to be taken in private and treated with respect?. Why must she do the work of a servant?" he said gripping his sword tighter, Ron looked at him then smiled. "Why, a young green boy enjoys telling a price how to teach his lady" he said laughing. Cleven saw himself falling, "Prince Ronald, you are a very kind man but you are new here, the people, their hearts belong to Challance. It is Challance the people yearn for not a new prince who just arrived. Treat your lady with respect and you will win the hearts of the people" he said hoping he had said enough to satasfy the price. Ronald smiled, "Young knight, you are smart and i will take your word" he said before walking off, grabbing Challances hand, "My precious, take a seat in the stands. I will have servants at your needs" he said before leaving her with 'his' guards. Cleven half smiled and turned away, his eyes widened and he ran into the barracks. "Who hates Prince Ronald!?" he yelled. All of the young teenage boys cheered, "We do!" they yelled. "They help me beat the bastard!" he yelled. "I need the best mount you can find, tough lances to knock him clean off his horse and armor as hard as steal but as light as a feather" he yelled as a knight handed him a helmet. For the next few minutes it was chaos, knights were getting him fitted in armor others were finding lances and others were getting the chosen steed armored. A knight grabbed a red clock and draped it over his shoulders. "May the prince spill his blood to the crowd" he said smiling. Cleven put his hand on his shoulder, "Pray for me" he said before walking towards his mount. He walked out the barracks, a knight leading his horse and others carrying lances. When he approched the track he felt his heart beating at the amount of people there. He saw his mother running towards him, he belly much larger than when he last saw her "Cleven, for the heavens and the gods above, he is a prince not a training knight Cleven. he can have you sentenced if you win" he said grabbing her sons hand who was already taller than she was. "Mother, he cannot harm me" he replied as he continued walking. She ran after him, "Why are you so sure?" she asked. Cleven stopped and smiled, "Challance" he replied walking into the ring.

Finish later.