On the RUN ++ o.p.e.n

[Captain Dagg'or Ardell]

the last time you cared about anything the last time you allowed yourself to be seen
SO PRETENTIOUS YOUR LIES UNRELENTING DISGUISE CREATING TEARS
in your eyes your mind withers and dies pretending to be something your are not
^{- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -}

Huffing and puffing, wheezing, battling to catch his breath and be silent he stopped and backed against the trunk of a tree. It was dark and the night would once again be his best friend. His only friend... Was he truly surprised by an of this? Frankly, he was... but not b all of it. He wasn't surprised to know there was a bounty on his head. He wasn't even surprised that he had been on the run for this long. The one thing that truly surprised the former Captain was the intense will to live he still possessed after all the thing he had done. It would have been easier to just give up and let himself be beaten to a pulp and dragged to the court before having to pay the piper with his head and yet, there was something... someone... who kept his body going even after all that had happened.

He had not seen or heard from either of them since the queens fall from grace. He didn't know if they were alive nor dead. But the small glimmer of that hope kept him running and surviving once more in the wild. Only this time around he was not a shadow, but a recognizable face. His sword lay heavy on his side but he would not part with it. He'd been reduced to nothing, none of the former glory of his title had stayed with him when she was done. Only a bounty for his capture and an even higher one if he were dead. But that's the price you pay when you make a deal with the devil and live to tell... but not for long...

The burning in his chest and lungs had subsided but a mere fraction as he heard them rearing on him once more. He would not await their arrival, he still had some value for his life so using the trunk as leverage he pushed off and sprinted once more through the Beruna woods. Woods he had memorized so well in his torrential reign. His goal was this, reach the river and get the hounds off him. That's all his wanted, if the hounds were off he'd at least be able to make it through the night. At least that's what his survival instincts where telling him. He had been just that, a survivor and a warrior and now reduced to this.

He continued to sprint, the clothes on his back feeling heavier as he grew tired and worn out from the run. But he had to push on... he had to push himself, this was his gift... his curse... Twisting and turning, jumping away from gnarled branches that seemed to want to grab him and swallow him whole in the dead of night. Paranoia had a paralyzing effect on many but in him, it just made him press on... just then he saw it, the cliff side. His ears sensed the waterfall and his mind knew of the treacherous rocks below. But he could not waste any time in thought for as he reached the cliff with all his might and speed... the man jumped....

Status:d.o.n.e / o.p.e.n
Lyrics: Hollowman by Trapt
Word Count: Lazeh
Credit: EPIC ESMÉ ?! @ Caution 2.0

[High King Peter Pevensie]

and i made up my mind
TO BREAK YOU THIS TIME
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Peter was dressed head to toe in armor. Not the sort one went off to war in, mind you, but if he was to be in a sparring match, or perhaps some light fighting, the hard leather would protect him. He sat atop a massive black stallion, one he had ridden into battles before. The horse was known as Fleetfoot, but preferred to be addressed as Flip. For a horse as large as Flip, he was quite nimble through the forest, and earned his name well. He made a magnificent war horse, and even when the other horses around him struggled, Flip appeared to have endless energy. There was a small army following him, five of Peter's very best men at his side armed with swords, with arrows, and in some of their pouches, chains and ropes, intended to be used tonight. They were silent, as Peter had instructed them to be. But a moment later one of the bloodhounds bayed, and took off. Peter spurred Flip into a full gallop, and the horse whinied his frantic reply.

It wasn't the first time Peter had sent out people to track down Dagg'or, but it was the first time the King himself was among them. He wanted to catch him once and for all. He hadn't the faintest idea what he would do with the man once he had him, but he had a dungeon cell waiting for him, and at a moments notice a gallows could be assembled. Peter lead his men, reins in hand while his sword bounced at his side. He could see the man running just before him. But Peter knew these woods as well, though certainly not as well as the man before him. Even then, he could hear the water, could hear the splashes against the rocks below. His eyes widened and his immediate reflex was to jerk Flip back, causing the horse to rear up with surprise. "DAGG'OR, DON'T!" Peter bellowed, but it was too late. He watched the man soar off the edge. For a moment he just breathed heavily, and then he kicked Flip into a gallop again, looking for a way down.

The hillside was steep, so steep that he had to let Flip take his time or risk the horse falling headfirst. His men followed suit, and gradually they made their way to the bottom of the cliff. Peter stopped at the base of the falls, scanning the rocks below. He didn't see a body, not yet, but it was possible the river had started to pull him down in the other direction. "Spread out." He ordered sharply, watching the men take off down the river to search for Dagg'or. He remained at the base of the falls, gazing at the water. He remained astride, but pulled one of the daggers in his boot out as a safety precaution. He had learned not to trust a man like Dagg'or.

WORD COUNT i don't care.
NOTES dun dun dun dunnnnn
TAGGED DAGGS
STATUS Finished
CREDITS Your Time Is Coming - Led Zep
by Doe-Eyed Harlot of Caution.

[Captain Dagg'or Ardell]

the last time you cared about anything the last time you allowed yourself to be seen
SO PRETENTIOUS YOUR LIES UNRELENTING DISGUISE CREATING TEARS
in your eyes your mind withers and dies pretending to be something your are not
^{- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -}

Hurling through the air and free falling he felt as though time were standing still. His life should it been ending would have flashed before his eyes and he found himself thankful for not seeing the faces of all he had slain. For he knew that would be enough to torment him in the after life, if he even believed in such thing existed. The thought was fleeting as he his the water feet first. The cold awakening this senses as he began to sink. Twisting underneath he felt himself begin to get dragged by the strong current. He felt himself rushing backwards and knew he had to twist his body into a proper position so he could navigate the treacherous waters. He had been lucky enough to miss the rocks, but if he didn't use all his sense to guide himself he would certainly drown. He didn't think any of the hunting part would enjoy him ending his life, after all what would be the fun in going out like that...

He used his hands to push away from rocks other jagged edges on the river. His rag, the one he was once more forced to use to cover his scar had fallen away from him and he mentally cursed himself for it. For the small scrap of material was enough evidence as to where he was ans whether he had survived the fall or not. Holding his breath he continued to navigate until his hand fell on a gnarled branch. It was exactly what he needed and using his strength he pulled himself up and out of the icy waters grip. His hair fell back, plastered against his face and his body felt heavier than it should due to the added weight of the water. It was enough to almost make the man give himself up to it's depths, but as he had decided before, tonight would not be his night to die...

He climbed up up until he was able to reach land. Aware of the hounds still around but not sensing him as before. He had been glad for the cover of night but knew that it would not last him for very long. Taking a mere moment to actually will himself to breath he turned to see how far he had been dragged and noticed it had not been far at all. Just a bit down stream, close enough to be able to see a lone figure on the river side. A figure he recognized all to well as a grin began to appear on his features. "Has the High king himself deem me worthy of a hunt..." he said in a loud voice keeping to the shadows as he did. He did not want to be seen, but his arrogant side certainly wanted to be heard.

Status:d.o.n.e / p.e.t.e.r.
Lyrics: Hollowman by Trapt
Word Count: Lazeh
Credit: EPIC ESMÉ ?! @ Caution 2.0

[High King Peter Pevensie]

and i made up my mind
TO BREAK YOU THIS TIME
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Peter's lips pursed with impatience as he watched the swirling waters. He didn't realize Dagg'or was nearly drowning, then on his way out. Instead he waited, Flip shifting his weight anxiously beneath him. He glared at the water, filled with mixed emotion towards the man that he was hunting. Dagg'or had stolen and tortured Lyanne. Dagg'or had held his family hostage in a putrid dungeon, depriving them of basic human needs. Dagg'or had taunted him until Peter was frail and ready to break. And yet... Dagg'or had shared an apple with him. Dagg'or had once been civil to him on the beach, with Thalia's guidance of course. There was no way the man was purely evil, and yet he had hurt everyone Peter held near and dear to him. Part of the boy wanted to kill him, to string him up and watch him dance for air. But the man in him knew he saught answers, and that he wasn't after Dagg'or purely for vengence. While this man was free, Narnia was still at risk. Peter had failed his country several times before, but he couldn't do it any longer. He had to find Dagg'or and make sure the man couldn't harm any one any longer. He would do whatever it took to keep Narnia safe, if that meant hunting a man down like a hind, so be it.

He grew impatient gazing at the water before him, and his attention drifted downstream. He could see his men in the far off distance, close enough in screaming distance, but hardly nearby. But Flip had started to fidget more urgently, and Peter was starting to wonder if the horse was picking up on something he could not. He discovered the truth when he heard a sinister voice from the shadows. He glanced in it's direction, mantaining a loose grip on the dagger. The man no longer frightened him, in fact, he never had. But the rage and annoyance Peter felt towards him, combined with the devil-may-care attitude of a trapped, hunted man, made him keep his grip on his weapon. He nudged Flip towards the direction the voice had come from, but he couldn't see any figure along the shore. "Are you flattered?" Peter barked in his response, his voice harsh with disuse in the night air. "You shouldn't be." He added, now dismounting from his horse. He kept the stallions reins in hand, walking cautiously in the woods.

"I came only to assure that you weren't killed." Peter commented to the dark night. He glanced towards his men again, wondering if they could hear him talking to this mysterious figure. None looked over- none came his way, so he assumed they couldn't. No matter. He wanted Dagg'or here, and he wanted to take him in alive. He rose his chin in defiance, his lips set firmly in a straight line. "Do you intend to hide in the shadows like a whelp all night, Dagg'or?" Peter asked, without a hint of taunting. He formed the question as if he was legitimately curious, although there was a slight tug on his lips as he did so. Peter had the upper hand in a relationship where he was often dealt horrible cards, and he was thriving on it.

WORD COUNT i don't care.
NOTES dun dun dun dunnnnn
TAGGED DAGGS
STATUS Finished
CREDITS Your Time Is Coming - Led Zep
by Doe-Eyed Harlot of Caution.

[Captain Dagg'or Ardell]

the last time you cared about anything the last time you allowed yourself to be seen
SO PRETENTIOUS YOUR LIES UNRELENTING DISGUISE CREATING TEARS
in your eyes your mind withers and dies pretending to be something your are not
^{- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -}

The grin ob his features began to grow as realization seemed to hit the boy head on. The boy, no longer but a man on a mission actually. He was fully aware of the price on his head and who else would or should be the one to capture him that the great and noble high king of Narnia. "Are you flattered?" the boy hissed in the dark to which his response was a laugh. A deep dark and menacing laugh that had not escaped his lips in so long it sounded foreign even to him."You shouldn't be." Of course he should not be flattered, but if all the kings horses and all he kings men couldn't hunt down the menace then certainly he'd have to do it himself...

"Flattered, hardly.... now amused.. greatly, high king..." His voice was low as usual and rather nonchalant. He wasn't trying to annoy the boy but rather buy time to recuperate before sprinting off into the dead of night once more. He knew he was running out of escape rout and as the boys body shifted he figured the guards were going farther away from them as they spoke. Good, if he was forced into hiding up trees and swinging from vines then he would, anything to survive while he continued his own search for them."I came only to assure that you weren't killed." Oh, so he wants me alive then... he thought with a bit of a smirk. "Now, why would you want to keep me, out of all your foes.... alive..." There had to be a logical reason behind it, after all he could have him killed at a moments noticed. maybe he wanted to put the man behind bars to fear for his life knowing it would be forfeit at any given glance.

Shaking his head his pushed the wet strands of dark hair away from his face. If Dagg'or was going to die there was no way he would do it in a cell. No... way... His eyes were trained on the king the entire time he thought and spoke, but he refused to budge from his spot. As the boys face moved to the side he followed the trail all the way towards the guards. His guess had been right, they are heading i the wrong direction. Good... he thought. "Do you intend to hide in the shadows like a whelp all night, Dagg'or?" The tone and utter defiance and a bit of gluttonous pride seemed to shine off the boy. He acted as though he had the upper hand, when the former Captain knew these woods better than anyone else in these lands.

The word whelp, however had struck a negative cord towards the elder man and he, even though it was a stupid move, he made it none the less. Taking a single step away from his hiding place he looked at him, a smile of triumph on his features. He imagined that he was closer than what the king had expected and thrived on getting a reaction. In the fain light his scar was quite visible and he was aware that hardly anyone except for Mirasia had ever seen it. Not even his sister had seen it. The flesh was raised over his face starting from his left temple and running jagged over his eye down to his cheek. His eye was pale and white and quite useless to boot. "As you can see I'm neither whelp no coward my dear king... so speak what you wish of me and lets be on our way..." he said while his mind thought... Check...

Status:d.o.n.e / p.e.t.e.r.
Lyrics: Hollowman by Trapt
Word Count: Lazeh
Credit: EPIC ESMÉ ?! @ Caution 2.0

[High King Peter Pevensie]

and i made up my mind
TO BREAK YOU THIS TIME
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Amused. Peter refrained from shaking his head in disdain of his target. A year had passed since he had last seen Dagg'or, and a year was long enough for the King to hold nothing but contempt for the man he was currently chasing. He would feign indifference until he died, his motives constantly questioned, playing a role that few wandered on. But the interesting thing was that Peter had deemed him unworthy of holding that role and that position. He should have died a year ago, and yet here he was, standing. He may as well return the favor to the other man, be it kindness or just incompetence. 'Believe it or not, you're still of some value, if not of some threat." Peter commented, his own light laugh resounding. He was amazed at his own steadfast calmness, behaving as if this were a dream and not a game of cat and mouse. Fortunately though, Peter was the cat. Dagg'or was alone, friendless, and Peter had cards he hadn't yet played.

The use of the word whelp was one of them. They were so similar that Peter knew a word that would strike him with annoyance and irritation would do the same to Dagg'or. He heard a shuffle and moved his head in that direction. He found a face looming out of the darkness, and his eyebrows rose at the position of Dagg'or. He snorted despite himself at Dagg'or's claim of not being a coward. "Spare me." He said, much more coldly then he had intended to. But still, he pocketed his dagger in his pocket, making sure it was avaliable if needed, but not residing in his hand obviously. "You know I can't let you walk away, Dagg'or." Peter said firmly, gazing at the face without emotion. "You have to come back with us. You'll have a fair trial, I guarentee it. But I can't let you go freely. For all my counsel knows, you are still a threat to Narnia, to me and to my siblings and those I care about. You have little in your defense to prove otherwise, and I have little reason to let you go after everything you've done." For the first time there was a note of irritation in his voice, but that vanished rapidly.

He exhaled, resting his hand on his horse, reins still in his palm. Peter glanced down at Dagg'or's feet, then back up at his face. "So what will it be, Dagg'or? We can chase you until you make a mistake and are either thrown in jail or killed, or you can come with me and spend a few years in the dungeon." He studied the man before him indifferently, ready to play his trump card if needed.

WORD COUNT i don't care.
NOTES dun dun dun dunnnnn
TAGGED DAGGS
STATUS Finished
CREDITS Your Time Is Coming - Led Zep
by Doe-Eyed Harlot of Caution.

[Captain Dagg'or Ardell]

\

the last time you cared about anything the last time you allowed yourself to be seen
SO PRETENTIOUS YOUR LIES UNRELENTING DISGUISE CREATING TEARS
in your eyes your mind withers and dies pretending to be something your are not
^{- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -}

Value... amusement... a captive of war.The great and feared Captain Ardell refused to nothing for all to see. He remembered not long ago when his presence brought fear to others but it never brought peace. Peace was a foreign concept to a warrior, it was not something he was born for, he lived for battle, for conflict and for glory. But he had other things to think about than himself. The first was the whereabouts of his sister. Fifteen years only to find her as fragile as a glass doll and now once more she was gone. The other great influence in his life was the silver haired goddess, Mirasia. She was also lost but inside he felt neither of them had died. He is sure he would have felt it if they had fallen.

Threat... now there was a part he lived for. He was threat, he had to become the threat in order to survive. It's a dog eat dog world and he had become the biggest and nastiest one in the bunch, the alpha male, so to speak. But even wounded animals, when caught in a corner where more dangerous than in their natural habitat. He had shown himself to the boy, but he was hardly trapped and yet,the man was still regarded as a threat. The witch had failed, their side had lost, was there really need to humiliate him as well just for the sake of the kingdom...

"You know I can't let you walk away, Dagg'or." He scoffed at the boy, in his mind he would always be that sniveling brat not the man but the scared child that held everything and lost it as well. "I would hardly call what we've been doing ... walking..." he said leaning against a tree, arms at his side ready for anything that would come. His body though, begged for rest but his will to survive would always keep him moving. After all it had helped keep him alive this long... had it not? "You have to come back with us. You'll have a fair trial, I guarantee it. But I can't let you go freely. For all my counsel knows, you are still a threat to Narnia, to me and to my siblings and those I care about. You have little in your defense to prove otherwise, and I have little reason to let you go after everything you've done."

"There is no such thing as a fair trial for one such as me and you know it, and I will not let them see me hang from the gallows... she's suffered enough..." he added quietly not caring if the boys mind began to race to conclusions of it's own accord. He did not want to risk her seeing him hang, she was much to frail to even bare it. At least she was in his mind... when he thought of Melisande, all he saw was the frail little girl. As for Mirasia, if he were hanged he was quite sure she'd make a fuss and get herself killed in the process. He couldn't risk it either way he lost..."So what will it be, Dagg'or? We can chase you until you make a mistake and are either thrown in jail or killed, or you can come with me and spend a few years in the dungeon."

The choice was his and he would not go down without a fight. "If you have to ask that High King then you hardly know me at all..." He already had his escape plan hatched. It would be quite simple, live today to be hunted another day... but at least he would still be a free man... for now...

Status:d.o.n.e / p.e.t.e.r.
Lyrics: Hollowman by Trapt
Word Count: Lazeh
Credit: EPIC ESMÉ ?! @ Caution 2.0

[High King Peter Pevensie]

and i made up my mind
TO BREAK YOU THIS TIME
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Touche. Peter thought to himself, acgknowledging Dagg'or's disdainful comment on his idea of walking. The man must be exhausted... Peter's men had been on the hunt non-stop since the war ended, and on this particular trail for a few days now. The man had probably spent more of his nights running, and Peter was surprised he didn't show signs of malnourishment or exhaustion. Perhaps there was a bit of tiredness in his gaze, but what Peter saw was a dog trapped in a corner, ready to bite if given the chance. He had to admire his strength even now, even if he loathed the man. His lips remained set in a cross line against his mouth, his expression unchanging when Dagg'or stated there would not be a fair trial for his likes. His chin rose a little when he said she had suffered enough, and his thoughts immediately went to the woman who had taken Lyanne from him years before. His lips curved slightly in a frown, and again there was a coldness in his tone when he spoke. "The witch underestimated me and my siblings, and now she is dead. If I say you will have a fair trial, I mean you will have a fair trial." Peter said sharply, narrowing his eyes. Again, he was doubted, again he was treated as a child. Those in Engand and those who ruled the Calormenes could do it all they wished, but Dagg'or had sat with him while his body rotted away and ate itself. He should know Peter better then that. He hated being underestimated, being seen as a child. It ate at him even more then being called a coward did, because Peter knew he wasn't a coward, but deep down questioned the ruling ability of what truly was still a boy in England.

Of course, it became clear they knew nothing about each other at all, Dagg'or even stated it aloud. He sighed, knowing Dagg'or intended to die fighting. Peter had hoped it wouldn't come to that point, but he had expected as much. He could call his men back, and perhaps they would capture the man this very night. Five horses could outrun a man easily, five swords would make a convincing case as to why he should return with them. But Peter had always been stubborn, and insisted on doing things his own way. To some extent, perhaps he wanted to get Dagg'or back for the years of torment he had suffered both from his own ordeal, his sibling's, and Lyanne's. The next words he spoke were quite possibly the cruelest things Peter Pevensie had ever said. "I don't want to get her involved. Dagg'or, but I will." He said, leveling his gaze with the man.

He stepped forward, which wasn't wise on his part, but Peter still had his weapons. He wasn't overly concerned. "We will hunt her the way we've hunted you. I haven't had good enough reason to send my men after her, but I can not risk Narnia's safety again. I know first hand what you're capable of." It was a faint note of not respect, but at least acceptance of the man's strength and personality. "Come with me. Give in. I swear on my own life the trial will be fair. I hardly think they'll have you hang for treason if I testify for you." There was a small amount of pleading in his voice, for Peter did not want to call the dogs on the woman. "I realize it goes against every bone in your body, but it's time you learned what sacrifice felt like." He added, waiting for a quick response, a flash of a sword or perhaps a fist headed towards his face.

WORD COUNT i don't care.
NOTES dun dun dun dunnnnn
TAGGED DAGGS
STATUS Finished
CREDITS Your Time Is Coming - Led Zep
by Doe-Eyed Harlot of Caution.

[Captain Dagg'or Ardell]

the last time you cared about anything the last time you allowed yourself to be seen
SO PRETENTIOUS YOUR LIES UNRELENTING DISGUISE CREATING TEARS
in your eyes your mind withers and dies pretending to be something your are not
^{- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -}

"Do you truly believe your people would want me to walk free... among them. Don't. make. me. laugh. I don't underestimate m opponents, I know quite well what you and your lot are capable of, my good king. Strengths and weaknesses... how to rise them up and watch them fall. It was my strength, my way, how I got where I did. No mere feat of chance but of pure and calculated steps to reach m goal intact, while losing everything I loved along the way. Men like me never have a fair trial we survive by the skin on our back and how hard our grip to this life remains." He didn't want a trial, he didn't want to be locked up in a cage, displayed like some kind of captured freak. Truth be told he didn't want to face his demons and he was well aware that should he be taken alive that's exactly what he would have to do. Face his demons head on and possibly live to tell the tale.

The thoughts had crossed his mind countless times, just how many had he sacrificed in the witches name and yet how many had he sacrificed for his own ends. In the years that had passed he had completely lost count, but the faces, the faces and sometimes the voices always remained. He knew he had become the same monster that had attacked his home as a child and he had relished every second of it. So the shame and the time for reckoning had not arrived for him, not just yet... "I don't want to get her involved. Dagg'or, but I will." Oh I'm counting on it... he added in his mind while his gaze lifted to the king. If anyone could get him out of a cell or harms way it was Mirasia... Then again, would he really want to risk her capture and her wrath set loose upon countless others, it was bad enough he had a body count to redeem himself for. She didn't need the nightmares...

"We will hunt her the way we've hunted you. I haven't had good enough reason to send my men after her, but I can not risk Narnia's safety again. I know first hand what you're capable of." His blank expression went back to amusement... "What I'm capable of... if you knew that you would have brought more men with you... then again we never had a chance to battle,someone always got in our way..." he added with a faint tone of remembrance of the brunette that had not allowed Peter to lop his head of in the sand when the boy still had a fighting chance at stopping the war. "Come with me. Give in. I swear on my own life the trial will be fair. I hardly think they'll have you hang for treason if I testify for you." Leaning his head back he let out a loud and barking laugh. Amusement mixed with glee and utter disbelief to be frank. He would have answered the boy with one of his trademark smirks and witty banter had he remained quiet. It was this...the final sentence that made the man revert into killer mode.

"I realize it goes against every bone in your body, but it's time you learned what sacrifice felt like." Sacrifice... A rather animalistic and threatening growl escaped the mans lips. His eyes screamed for blood at that about as hard as his muscles tensed. Sacrifice... he remembered this feeling, he had gotten it quite a few times in his lifetime and they always ended in blood shed. He felt it when he saw his sister in Telmar, just like he felt it the night his family was slaughtered without mercy. "You dare talk to me about sacrifice when our entire family and loved ones LIVE!" Outrage, utter contempt, anger...frustration and bloody murder where basically coursing through the man. "YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH I'VE SACRIFICE DHOW MUCH I'VE LOST HOW MUCH I'VE HAD TO ENDURE IN MY LIFE IN ORDER TO EXIST!" and now he'd lost an and all manner of calm he held to himself. the animal had decided to emerge and have a little visit with the king. In the back of his mind Dagg'or remembered that this king had never seen him like this, so he did not know what reaction he would have and at this point he neither knew nor cared.

"I HAD TO BECOME THIS OUT OF NEED, OUT OF SALVATION, OUT OF THE REFUSAL OF BECOMING A PITIFUL LUMP OF NOTHING LIKE MY FATHER I HAD TO BECOME THIS, I WAS FORCED FROM MY HOME THROWN INTO A WORLD WHERE NO ONE CARED AND YOU HAD TO EITHER KILL OR BE KILLED AND YOU TALK TO ME ABOUT SACRIFICE!" His hand quickly to the side as it found his sword and quickly unsheathing the still blood stained steal he pointed it straight at Peter's throat. "You want to learn about sacrifice... THEN HERE I AM HIGH KING, YOU WANT ME IN A DUNGEON THEN COME AND TAKE ME IN YOURSELF!" Adrenalin was pumping through the mans veins a mile a minute, any sudden move from the King and he would not hesitate in attacking him where he stood, regardless of the guards having heard his threats or not.

Status:d.o.n.e / p.e.t.e.r.
Lyrics: Hollowman by Trapt
Notes: Umm, uh oh...
Word Count: many
Credit: EPIC ESMÉ ?! @ Caution 2.0

[High King Peter Pevensie]

and i made up my mind
TO BREAK YOU THIS TIME
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

This was becoming a madhouse. Narnia wanted Dagg'or captured, Dagg'or quite naturally wanted to flee. Peter both wanted to cut off his head or let him leave... regardless he had no interest in seeing the man's face ever again. His duty was to his country and he knew that, but if Peter had his way Dagg'or would be long gone terrorizing Telmarines or whoever else he decided to attack. Unfortunately things didn't work out that way. He had to consider the idea the man may return to take Lyanne, Lucy. Maybe he would go after Raoul and Archenland, and once again Narnia would fall into a war. He had to bring Dagg'or back with him, and if it meant half-veiled threats to do it he would pull out all the stops. He could hear his men in the distance, still searching but on their way back to him now that their prey was no where in sight. And Dagg'or was still prattling on about how he wouldn't go, how Narnia would rebel against him. Peter had to wonder what sort of world Dagg'or thought this was, but instead he simply examined his enemy with quiet impatience.

He laughed softly when Dagg'or claimed he should have broughten a bigger army. "Believe it or not, I'm not half of the fool you mistake me for. I'm well aware of all that you've accomplished... your many feats." His lips curled in disdain at the idea of someone devoting their life to murder. "And I have my suspicions about the various murders that took place while I was kept locked away in a dungeon from my people. But then you were in your prime. I know you haven't recieved that much down time." Peter said, raising his chin into the air with confidence, confidence he faked this time. His trump card involving the witch had faltered. He hadn't planned on that. It seemed it would boil down to brute force, but Dagg'or seemed more keen to start that then Peter himself did.

In an instant the man became an animal, screeching in his face. Peter's look went from surprise, to confusion, to pure scorn within a moment of seconds. It was true, for a moment the logical side of Peter listened to the man's pained bellows, his story of being forced into a life of murder and rebellion. But the scorn remained, his eyes narrowed without a single ounce of pity in his gaze. The sudden withdraw of a sword didn't surprise him either- he had known it would eventually boil down to weapons. Behind him he could hear his men coming- Dagg'or's yelling had sent them into a panic and he could hear them drawing near with alarmed cries of "Sire! Is everything all right?" He dismissed them, keeping his attention on the man before him, the man who had his life in his hands. Yet again Peter pondered what it would mean if he was murdered in Narnia, whether he would see his mother on the other side, or if that was the end. But his annoyance and adrenaline were pounding too loudly in his ears to care.

"So you'd rather slaughter and torture the innocent then die yourself? And what does that imply about your character, exactly?" Peter snarled bitterly. "You'd kidnap a girl, you'd keep my family hostage and listen to my brother scream while your minions lashed at him, rather then die for a cause you believe in? Don't expect a sympathy vote here. Narnia may have fallen while I reigned, but I did what I thought was best for it every step of the way, and I'd sacrifice my damn life to do it." His men drew around them now, standing in a circle while they watched with wide eyes. Peter held up a single hand, a sign to wait and not to act rashly. "And I do it every single day while keeping the ones I love safe... as best I can." He added hesitantly.

He snorted suddenly, keeping his gaze level with the other man. "That is sacrifice. And you don't even have lives to protect while you go about your mission." Peter said, his teeth bared in a scowl. He gazed down at the sword, scoffing at it. "So kill me. Add another body to your record." Peter paused again, and his voice softened, just a little but noticable. "Or come with me. Edmund changed, and Narnia accepted it. Even if it's just a bloody act and you spend the rest of your life hunting me. It's not redemption but it's damn close enough. Unless you really prefer spending your life in a bloody, downward spiral, serving those who will always fall while Aslan stands." He held out his hands, looking at the sword once more before returning his gaze to Dagg'or. The men behind him had their swords out, each one staring at the scene they had walked in on with confusion and worry. "I don't have all night. Make your choice."

WORD COUNT i don't care.
NOTES hahahaa. oh man. they're insane.
TAGGED DAGGS
STATUS Finished
CREDITS Your Time Is Coming - Led Zep
by Doe-Eyed Harlot of Caution.

[Captain Dagg'or Ardell]

the last time you cared about anything the last time you allowed yourself to be seen
SO PRETENTIOUS YOUR LIES UNRELENTING DISGUISE CREATING TEARS
in your eyes your mind withers and dies pretending to be something your are not
^{- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -}

"Contrary to what you believe I am not after you..." he said as though the words in Peters mind had been spoken out loud. Dagg'or was not a mind reader nor would he pretend to be one but he could certainly read people. Fear, doubt ad possible peace was etched in the boys features and it annoyed him almost as much as his hesitation did. He remembered being on the other side of this madness. Remembered asking this pitiful excuse for a king help once and getting a brand new scar on his stomach for his troubles. He had promised himself not to trust him again.

"Believe it or not, I'm not half of the fool you mistake me for. I'm well aware of all that you've accomplished... your many feats." He smiled, "So I have made the High Kings bedtime story list after all..." It was true he had murdered, but all he killed deserved it in some way or another. Now whatever his men did, though despicable and in her name, he could not condone even if the blood was, in a way, on his hands as well. His anger, was still present as well as the still blood stained sword he held gleaming in the light, reminding him of the animal he was, cornered, trapped and with hardly a choice in the matter.

"And I have my suspicions about the various murders that took place while I was kept locked away in a dungeon from my people. But then you were in your prime. I know you haven't received that much down time." A chuckle was his response. "A wanted man has no time for himself or for loved ones if he wishes to survive... you, should know that better than any of them." He said keeping his sword trained on the boy for another moment before lowering it slightly. His anger diminishing, his training reminding him of his stoic pose ad need to remain calm. "Sire! Is everything all right?" Well At least he keeps the dogs in check... he thought watching the men's concerned faces ad not recognizing a single one but remembering what it was like to command such respect.

"So you'd rather slaughter and torture the innocent then die yourself? And what does that imply about your character, exactly? You'd kidnap a girl, you'd keep my family hostage and listen to my brother scream while your minions lashed at him, rather then die for a cause you believe in? Don't expect a sympathy vote here. Narnia may have fallen while I reigned, but I did what I thought was best for it every step of the way, and I'd sacrifice my damn life to do it.And I do it every single day while keeping the ones I love safe... as best I can." As long as the dogs were in check he could lower his blade. Now it was his turn to say his piece again..."The only mistake I ever made, was kidnapping your girl,mate. And as for the ones I killed... who ever said they were innocent, You do what you must no matter who's army you belong to."

"That is sacrifice. And you don't even have lives to protect while you go about your mission. So kill me. Add another body to your record. Or come with me. Edmund changed, and Narnia accepted it. Even if it's just a bloody act and you spend the rest of your life hunting me. It's not redemption but it's damn close enough. Unless you really prefer spending your life in a bloody, downward spiral, serving those who will always fall while Aslan stands." They were too stubborn to stand down. The both of them, Dagg'or paid for his sins ever single time he remembered how Mirasia was treated in the dungeons. Every time he was reminded of what had been done to Melisande, he remember his sins. But at least the boy could turn a phrase, he had sacrificed...

"Innocents... My innocents are safe, the few who still live that is and I am content with knowing that they will remain so regardless of the fact that I already forfeited my life with my questionable alliances. Now, dear king, you say you do the best you can. Anything to protect your own, correct?" He paused, waited for the king to reply to his question but got something else all together. "I don't have all night. Make your choice." Turning his eyes towards the men he counted, there weren't many. Prime or not he knew that he could take this smalls band alone, but there would be more and he would always have to run. Ignoring the nagging feeling of self doubt he turned back to the king.

"First, before I make my choice whether to fight or stand down... Answer me this, my good king.Would you turn against your own? If it was the life of your kin at stake, take this idea for instance,that you were not king but a mere pawn, that all you had was your siblings after years and year of accepting their fate you find they live, but the men around you were meant to destroy every last one... would you have lashed out at them, cut them down in their prime. People who held your trust, people who you knew would give their very breath to save you if only you'd say the word. Would you, for the sake of your kin, sacrifice them all simply to keep your loved ones safe?" His sword remained in his grip but he no longer wanted blood on his hands. His eye and instincts remained trained on the Kings men, should they try anything, he was sure that both his and their ow blood would be spilled on this night.

Status:d.o.n.e / p.e.t.e.r.
Lyrics: Hollowman by Trapt
Notes: Umm, uh oh...
Word Count: many
Credit: EPIC ESMÉ ?! @ Caution 2.0

[High King Peter Pevensie]

and i made up my mind
TO BREAK YOU THIS TIME
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Oh, how Peter wanted to believe that. But it seemed that when he got his hopes up, Dagg'or was there to throw them back down again. He had rescued Lyanne, all was well. But then Jadis came, Peter and Edmund had been taken, and Dagg'or was their guard. He could have handled that, but Lucy was thrown into the mix. He couldn't rely on Dagg'or simply saying he wasn't after him. If not Peter, who? Or what, rather? It was the bedtime story comment that nearly sent Peter snapping like an enraged dog, but he restrained himself, just barely. "Yes. I'm well aware of the hundreds of innocent families murdered under Jadis' reign. Of the deaths of men in Telmar. No proof to link you there, but... I'm bright enough to give my enemies some credit." He said, deflecting the disdain in his tone yet again. "A wanted man has no time for himself or for loved ones if he wishes to survive... you, should know that better than any of them." Again Peter shook his head. "I've learned something along those lines. A man has no time for himself or his loved ones if he wishes anyone to survive." He quoted, his eyes partly shut. When was the last time he had even seen Lyanne? A week? A month? Could it even be a year? He wasn't sure. He had devoted himself to protecting Narnia, and he had learned that when love got in the way Narnia suffered for it. Narnia had to come first. Surely she would understand that. Dagg'or seemed to.

Peter quirked an eyebrow. He admitted Lyanne was a mistake... but surely that was not the only time he had ever gone against what he thought was just. "And torturing my brother was no mistake, regardless of your side?" Peter inquired, leaving his own torture out. It was Edmund's he regretted, and the small portion Lucy had suffered. 'And those you killed... innocent or guilty there was no other way, no second path to keep your hands free of bloodshed?" He commented, without anger but instead with a strange patience. It was the sort of feeling he had when Aslan was near- bravery and confidence in his words. He spoke at sword point, ready for death in an instant, but he felt certain Dagg'or wouldn't strike him down. His men were forgotten, and the raised hand fell to his side as Dagg'or's sword lowered, but just slightly. He may as well have been alone with the man, ignoring his own troops the way Jadis ignored the piling carcases on the field near the Stone Table centuries ago.

He was frowning again, gazing at Dagg'or with confusion. Who could the man possibly know who was innocent? The witch he was with... certainly not innocent, but in no immediate threat. Peter wasn't interested in her, for to the best of his knowledge she had played a minor part in the war. He had been with Dagg'or long enough to feel certain the man had not married, and he had never striked Peter as being a fatherly figure or he would have had more guilt about keeping one as young as Lucy locked up. And yet, he said that his innocents were safe. It made no sense to Peter, so he pushed it to the back of his thoughts to focus on something relivant. When his mind returned to Dagg'or, he found the man's gaze was no longer on him, but on his men. The men were growing uncertain, restless as they watched the interaction. When the criminal looked at them, some moved forward with their swords raised and ready for action, but others remained as they were, hesitant to rush in to a situation that would put Peter or themselves at risk. Peter turned away from Dagg'or to eye them, to silently reassure them all was well and that they needn't fret over his fate. Then he looked back at the other man.

First, before I make my choice whether to fight or stand down... Answer me this, my good king.Would you turn against your own? Peter's first thought was no, certainly not. No matter what the cost, he could never bring himself to raise a sword to any Narnian. Every creature was his family, every tree a friend. But before that could leave his lips, Dagg'or was speaking again, and Peter listened patiently. As he listened, his face grew more and more tired under the moonlight. If it was the life of your kin at stake, take this idea for instance,that you were not king but a mere pawn, that all you had was your siblings after years and year of accepting their fate you find they live, but the men around you were meant to destroy every last one... would you have lashed out at them, cut them down in their prime. People who held your trust, people who you knew would give their very breath to save you if only you'd say the word. Would you, for the sake of your kin, sacrifice them all simply to keep your loved ones safe? Peter was silent for a long time, staring at Dagg'or while he tried to think of the right decision. He knew the right answer was still no, that he could never kill a Narnian for the sake of his sibling.

But he pictured Lucy at the end of a sword, Susan on the gallows. He remembered his brother in the cell across from his, so tired and frail and beaten. Even now he could feel the rage that had built in the dungeon, and he harassed it now. "Leave us." He commanded, turning away from Dagg'or to face his men. The sword no longer mattered. "Sire?" One of them asked, gazing at him with concern. Peter looked at him, studying his face in the night. He was a man who had rode with Peter into battles, into other countries. A man Peter trusted with his life. "I said leave us." Peter repeated, with a bit more of a snap to his tone. The men gazed at him anxiously, then at Dagg'or. Astride their horses they hesitated, looking between both men, not willing to leave. "It's a simple order." The men frowned, but obeyed, moving away until they were out of sight. Peter knew they were still close, for every so often he could hear the clip of a hoof or the soft whispers of the men discussing what was happening. But the point was, he could speak freely now, not as a King, but simply as Peter.

He looked back at Dagg'or, hesitating again. He recalled the face of the man he had addressed, a comrade of his. "I'd attempt to rescue them, as I did Lyanne. But if it failed... yes. I would kill my own men." The color drained from his face as he spoke, and he could no longer meet the man's gaze. For a moment he drifted off, trying to force the image of someone murdering Susan out of his head. But when he returned he seemed sturdy and determined. "But I hardly see how that applies here." But then, a moment later, he did. Dagg'or's innocent applied here. Some unknown figure he hadn't counted on existed, someone Dagg'or would do anything for to keep safe. He didn't know who exactly, or how they related to the man, but it was starting to make sense. "But I'd make sure they were safe, and then I would fight against whoever forced me into the situation." He added promptly, examining Dagg'or.

WORD COUNT i don't care.
NOTES hahahaa. oh man. they're insane.
TAGGED DAGGS
STATUS Finished
CREDITS Your Time Is Coming - Led Zep
by Doe-Eyed Harlot of Caution.

[Captain Dagg'or Ardell]

the last time you cared about anything the last time you allowed yourself to be seen
SO PRETENTIOUS YOUR LIES UNRELENTING DISGUISE CREATING TEARS
in your eyes your mind withers and dies pretending to be something your are not
^{- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -}

My how he knew how to egg the boy on. Self restraint must be an acquired ability for the boy certainly had begun to master it. Had it been the other way around,back in the cells he was sure that Peter would have lunged at him. But being there,before his men he was kept in check about as much as his dogs were. "Yes. I'm well aware of the hundreds of innocent families murdered under Jadis' reign. Of the deaths of men in Telmar. No proof to link you there, but... I'm bright enough to give my enemies some credit." He was amused once more by him, the anger gone his sword went back in it's sheathe in hopes that there were no fools among the would be heroes. "Give credit where credit is due I see..."

"I've learned something along those lines. A man has no time for himself or his loved ones if he wishes anyone to survive." Well at least he knew. Maybe they were more alike than it seemed after all... He understood, as his body relaxed slightly, muscles ached ad he was weary but alert. But as the mood had settles did it quickly turn once more. Ah, the ups and downs of a king..."And torturing my brother was no mistake, regardless of your side?" With a quirk of a brow he began to think, his brother, the king Edmund. He was quite sure that they had not even met, but he also knew who his jailer had been and smiled."I never touched your brother, he wasn’t even my charge but Christianne’s. You should know of her, your beloveds sister. My how she fell hard for the boy… almost cost her her life… she’s on the run too. But this is not her story nor her time to shine but mine."

He moved his hand as though this topic where of no consequence. After all it was him, he was the threat not a sniveling girl. 'And those you killed... innocent or guilty there was no other way, no second path to keep your hands free of bloodshed?" He gave the man a look. "It is war we speak of... is it not? Victory is a mere fleeting thing as In war both sides always lose and bloodshed is always inevitable…" The comments spoken seemed to be confusing the man and yet he found it odd that he would count the blood on his hands without even thinking of his own. "You can not tell me you have no blood on your hands sire, after all if half the stories of the golden age are true you are as much a killer as I..."

Now he had asked a question,something so close to home he had never spoken to another living soul until this moment he had hid behind his arrogance and sarcasm and now, in his own way he bared his truth to the world. It both soothed and comforted him in his ow way... "Leave us." Check... mate... Unconscious as it was he'd won what he had wanted. Understanding and a conversation actually worth having. Things to be on his terms ad his terms alone.

He awaited with a smile and once the men were at a distance leaned against a tree. In a relaxed and non threatening manner. The smile lingered on the mans lips as he awaited patiently for the words he wanted to hear. "I'd attempt to rescue them, as I did Lyanne. But if it failed... yes. I would kill my own men." The boy went pale before his eyes and he found himself looking as though it were a mirror image of himself. The right side of the coin that fate had tossed him. Not that he would have ever been king, far from it, but a just man he could have been, once. "But I hardly see how that applies here."

"It is simple, by your answer you have proven that you truly understand the meaning of sacrifice, and I admit… to have been wrong." Simple as that really. he wanted to see if they were the same. And in many ways they were, it should terrify the other to the core knowing he could have turned out this way should the roles bee reversed. "But I'd make sure they were safe, and then I would fight against whoever forced me into the situation." He nodded, "The people responsible have been dealt with... so they are of no consequence any longer. Now, dear king; I have a boon to ask of you and a secret to share… should you agree to it then I will go with you without second thought, hand over my weapons and not try anything foolish towards any of your men. No matter what they do to me. If there is something that I truly am, is a man of my word. Now, can you agree to a deal with the devil, my dear king. Or should I run to live another day as a wanted fiend in the dark?"

Status:d.o.n.e / p.e.t.e.r.
Lyrics: Hollowman by Trapt
Notes: Umm, uh oh...
Word Count: many
Credit: EPIC ESMÉ ?! @ Caution 2.0