A Hero of War

[trojanquarterback-blog]

A wondrous land

@castilium

Do you ever, despite your better judgement, follow small animals around? Well, Hector did. A fancy dressed rabbit in fact, with a monocle and top hat. Without a word had it lured him deeper into the vegetation.

“Hey, wh.. .where did you go, little buddy?” Hector looked around. Unsure of where the fuzzy creature went, until he notices a small, open door. It was difficult to look inside of it due to the dazzling light.

“Did you go in there?” Walking closer to the door, he tried to look in but no the light was still too bright. Daringly, he stuck his arm inside, there was a sense of wind and endless space inside.

Curious about this pocket of space, he jutted his arm as far as he could. Much to his own mistake as he feels himself get sucked in through a door far too small to fit his entire body to push through.

Before the man could make sense of the situation, he found himself falling. Free falling, down the sky and into a vividly colored forest beneath. “Ah.. This is gonna hurt won’t it.” Embracing for impact, as he got closer to the crowns of the trees. The shock from the fall was completely absorbed by the branches, however they did not snap. They bend and flung Hector away, like a pinball he bounced from branch to branch until he got slapped down into the ground beneath.

The ground was surprisingly soft, the dirt was sweat and smelled of chocolate. Hector found this out due to half his face getting pushed into it. Groaning and looking up, the bright sun dazzling between the transparent, multi-colored leaves of the strange trees. He notices he isn’t the only person around however.

A woman was not much far away from his landing spot. Hector stretched his back, groaning in pain as he cracked his neck. He smiled at the girl, still being somewhat disconnected and dazed about the situation as he was he tried his best to put up a courteous appearance.

“Oh hello, sorry did I ruin your backyard just now?”

[trojanquarterback-blog]

formidablemudball:

“Taking classes,” Enkidu replied, puffing their chest up in pride. “I’m learning to read.” They didn’t seem the least embarrassed. Literacy wasn’t common in their time period, and they’d only spent a very short period of time around human beings. 

“I’ve learned about half the alphabet- and the knowledge from the Grail is helping a little. What about you?” 

“Eeeh, really huh? That’s impressive!” Hectors droopy eyes sparkled with honest interest along his crooked smile.“ Let me know when ya learned some reading and I’ll make sure to send you text message. And promise me you’ll send one yourself Enkidu-chan if you ever learn how to write, haha.”

Hector scratched his cheek. “When I’m not getting mangled by local wildlife I just laze around. Old man like me gotta rest whenever he can!”

[trojanquarterback-blog]

Tangled webs we weave

[trojanquarterback-blog]

deviloftherhine:

“ I doubt anyone would hah. “

My eyes turn upwards eyeing the rough ceiling of the tunnel. Maybe if I get lucky enough there’d be one fitting crack for me climb out. Naturally there’s none at the moment but I’m simply entertaining the possibility…. 

I try raise my hand to feel the air current as well.

“ Yeah, this is good news…. “

“ We lucked out… A shame we can’t just bust through the ceiling. “

“It’s a good idea but I’d be worried about the whole thing collapsing on us.”

He reached up with his spear and prod at the ceiling, fragments of earth falling down. “We have no idea how deep down under we are.” Hector sighted, he could really use a smoke right now. But it would have to wait until he got out of here.

“Can’t do much for now other than keep on walking.” A sudden, massive quake rumbled the cave, small bits of dirt and stone rolling off the walls.

“Wh- what was that?” Soon after, another ground pounding blow echoes through the caves. This is the kind of collateral effect that happens when people in Citta uses their powers unrestricted like this.

“Right, we better hurry.”

[trojanquarterback-blog]

formidablemudball:

Enkidu froze and considered. That was how rumors started. It was a joke, but the truth was that being their friend could be a bit dangerous, all things considered.

“It should be okay! He doesn’t have most of his powers for the time being, so you shouldn’t need to worry. Like you said, you’re a heroic spirit too. If you get taken out so early on, then there’s really no point, right? So it’s fine even if there are rumors.” 

“Haha, well if you don’t worry about it then I won’t either.” He waved the issue off dismissively. Feeling a little bitter, Hector pulled out a cigarette and lit it with his steel plated lighter. Letting the embers of the tip smolder as the gray smoke oozed off it into the air.

“What’ya been up to as of late? Been a while since the werewolf incident.”

[trojanquarterback-blog]

I figured it’s easier to stay active if I have more threads that I need to attend to.

So here’s Hector looking for new threads to work with!

[trecomics]

[trojanquarterback-blog]

Tangled webs we weave

[trojanquarterback-blog]

deviloftherhine:

Moving ahead I occasionally scrape the wall, if only a little, to mark the place. I don’t want to end up walking circles after all. 

Though it soon turns out to be lesser of of our problems.

“ Wh— “ 

I quiet down just in time to see why I’m suddenly pulled below his cape and my eyes widen at the sight. I might not have fear for spiders but needless to say one that is at least twice my size isn’t quite the same as the one’s I sometimes find from my office. This one, certainly, is big enough to send chills into my spine. 

Definitely not something I want to meet with my spells so limited as they are now..

“ ….too bad I don’t have pesticide with me”, I mumble, barely audibly staring as the creature moves out from the sight, “ let’s continue… I don’t want to stay to find out if there are more of those around here. “

“I rather not engage the creatures as well.” Hector nodded in agreement. Big as the creatures were, almost blocking off the whole tunnels with their prodigious size. It’s clear the underground of Citta was a way scarier place than on the surface. Feeling a faint grace of air brushing against the tips of his hair strands. “Ah, a draft, looks like we jumped into the right direction then! Let’s hope we can get through here without a second encounter.”

[trojanquarterback-blog]

Ol’ bucky

[trojanquarterback-blog]

ringlettine:

     “Is it not the duty of knights to spoil a Queen?… Ah, but that time has long gone by, hasn’t it? Fufu.” A hand waves off the antiquated notion before it covets her lips for another giggle.

     Despite protests for spoiling her, the man insists she partake in the last sweet on the table. A game of tug-of-war was an unnecessary venture, so Marie concedes early defeat and graciously accepts the pastry. “I’ll savor it, then.”

     Before consuming, however, a deal had to be made. A transaction of the flesh and soul, the most honorable of contracts and sacred of pacts: The pinky promise. Daintily she extends her own pinky, gloved in silky red fabric, wrapping it around Hector’s with a gentle shake to confirm.

     “Teehee.”

      “I look forward to it, Sir Hector. The day when I can pay you back for such kindness.” And with those final words, she unravels their hands and pops the sweet into her smiling lips.

“A little bit of Troy hospitality is the least the heroine of the day deserves.” Hector replied back. As the sweets ran out and the tea running cold, Hector pulled out his wallet and reluctantly pulled out the bills, a heftier sum than originally planned, and placed it on the tray.

“I suppose this would conclude our little rendezvous, lady Marie.” He clasped back the armor to his right arm and adorned his red cape. Pulling his chair out and got up, stretching his legs before offering to pull out Marie’s chair. “Allow me to escort you back to your quarters. It’s a wonderful, but dangerous city after all.” 

[trojanquarterback-blog]

formidablemudball:

“They’re just not used to humans. Most people here try to hurt them.” Enkidu said, amusement mixing with concern. “I don’t think that heroic spirits can catch disease, but we can certainly die from injuries. I can go with you next time if you’d like to pet them so badly. … But you should wait until after you’re healed. Have you tried to treat your wounds at least?”

“Haha, accompanying an old man like me? Isn’t that how rumors starts in this world?” Hector grinned and laughed, causing him to flinch and let out an ‘ow’ as he jerked his side. He shook his hand dismissively. 

“Oh these wounds are just surface deep. An old fox like me doesn’t go down that easily I’m afraid.” He reassured, brushing his left arm off imaginative dust. “And what about you? Making it just fine?”

[trojanquarterback-blog]

Tangled webs we weave

[trojanquarterback-blog]

deviloftherhine:

“ Thank you. “

Free to move my arms get up and make a good long stretch before proceeding to pick the sticky threads off my uniform. I don’t know what sort of creature created these and would prefer not to find out either. 

“ I’m fine, I softened my landing…  I’ll take your company of course.“ I say glancing around. There are few entrances but it’s hard to tell which one to take as I doubt phone’s navigator works.

“ …it’s trial and error then. No time to stand around, let’s take that one. “

I turn for the entrance expecting the man to follow.

“Hai, hai. Lead the way little lady.” With nothing to go on, one tunnel direction was as good as the other. The “pocket” they resided in was like a room that connected out to a tunnel network, not one that looked to be made by machines given the shape of the walls.

Hector followed right behind his partner, looking around for any signs that could help them out. As the tunnel they walked into split into two, the prince heard clittering sounds coming from a distance in the tunnel to the left, quickly he grabbed the girl by her nape and pulled her under his cape as he crouch against the walls to the tunnel of the right.

“Ssshhh.” He warns his partner. Hector would rather not confront the unknown with his limited arsenal at hand.

Soon enough, a hulking behemoth of a spider paced its way to the branching path. It looked compact like a jumping spider, but the small forward legs at its mouth had mutated into savage talons, seemingly dripping with unknown fluids. Undisturbed, it slowly moved through the tunnel where Hector and his partner had just left. They seemed to have manage to avoid confrontation for now.

[trojanquarterback-blog]

Ol’ bucky

[trojanquarterback-blog]

ringlettine:

     Another person who didn’t care for the high-volume buzz of a party atmosphere. Suppose she could have guessed from the entire cloud of fatigue that seemed to follow him, even in his smallest of movements.

     “Surely a mighty warrior worthy of lore can keep up with a little lady like me, non?” Teasingly she prods, dangerously bordering on flirtation if not for the effortless purity that exuded from her very core. 

     Taking a sip from her drink, eyes peer across the cup to Hector as he speaks. His words inspire a smile to be revealed upon setting the cup back down to the table, a genuine grin that spread from ear to ear. It had not been long since she’d known this man, but it was obvious he was as kind as he was easygoing. 

     “Oh, but what a lovely steed you make. And it would be hard to resist if every ride comes with the promise of sweets! Perhaps I might twist my ankle once again, should the day come…”

     She laughs lightly. Looking back towards the platter of sweets they split, the Queen notices only one left. There is no hesitation in her decision, executed with a soft push of the plate towards the old warrior. Smiling as always, her next words make it seem almost like a contractual action. “That is a promise, yes? Whatever festivity I decide to attend next, you will be by my side?”

“Oi, listen.” He sighted, yet couldn’t help but to chuckle along with her infectious laughter. “I can’t promise I’ll carry you next time you hurt yourself, lady Marie. If I’d keep spoiling you like this all kinds of rumors would start. What a pain that would be.”

Seeing the courteous offering of the final sweet being offered to him. Hector insisted and pushed it back to her. “No need for modesty. I’m the host for this afternoon tea, I should be the one showing modesty, haha!”

Of course, when prompted with such a darling question. How could a warrior like himself decline the proposal? A smile on his hollow cheeks as he put his arm on the table, not very courteous of him but with his pinky stretched out towards her he continued.

“Sure thing lady Marie, that sounds like fun. Pinky promise on it!”

[trojanquarterback-blog]

Tangled webs we weave

[trojanquarterback-blog]

deviloftherhine:

To soften my landing I once again activate flight spell. It’s not the most graceful sight but I’d like to avoid injuries of any sort. Now all that was left was to tear myself off from the sticky substance - it should be easy.

I start by trying to stretch my limbs while simultaneously trying to balance myself up somehow. This results a show I had wished to avoid - me jumping around like I’m practicing an dance only looking far from cultured, let alone respectable human being. 

“ …..excuse me would you care to— “

My boot misses smooth landing I now lose my balance too quick and clash against the ground - barely avoiding going face first. I really do miss having the full set of spells right now. 

“ ….I’d appreciate your assistance. “

I’m sure I’ll be able to focus on my dignity again once we’re out of this place. 

“Yes, yes. Right on it miss.”

Pulling off the remains of the web still clinging to him, gross as it was, Hector gladly walked over to the distressed girl.

Pulling off the webs from the outside without it constricting you was much easier. Of course, his companion was of a much smaller stature so it was logical this would be tougher for her more than him.

Once the webs loosened up enough from snapping and tearing off, it was a cinch to get out of the cocoon for the child.

“Alright, there we go. Is everything alright with ya or do ya need a piggyback ride out of here?”

So far the situation was stable, no need to rush things or do hasty decisions.  

[trojanquarterback-blog]

formidablemudball:

@trojanquarterback

“Lancer! I’m glad to see that you’re still all in one piece. Unless… Was your arm like that before?” 

“Haha, it has been a few times I guess! Y’know when yo- Ow ow ow!” 

The pain was still fresh as he used his trusty spear for support. Dropping his head in shame at the situation.

“Who am I kidding? An old man like me can’t even pet a creature without getting mauled it seems...”

[trojanquarterback-blog]

Ol’ bucky

[trojanquarterback-blog]

ringlettine:

     “Ahaha, you sound just like a certain King I knew.” A bit of nostalgic dryness could be heard in her voice, but she blows it away as she purses her lips before the scalding tea to cool it. In any case, Hector did not sound as dull as the long-since executed Louis XVI, hopefully that would continue.

     “But there is nothing wrong with taking it easy now and then, although I enjoy a fine party or ball too.”

     – And just like that, she seems to have gotten a shock of energy. Waving her hand with excitement she leans forward. “Oh, wouldn’t that be fun too? Do you like to attend parties? If so, it’s only right in the law of the universe that we add that to our regimen of relaxation and beauty.”

     Leaning back with a satisfied smile to offer herself an even more satisfactory bite of food, Marie has already made up her mind about everything.

     “Don’t be so mean to yourself, Sir Hector. As you say, there is much to experience in the world and we have all the time in the world yet… That is, now that we’re friends and can experience it together, everything will be three times the fun! You agree, don’t you?” Perhaps the old warrior’s jip about shopping, flower picking and bathing(separately, of course!) was said as a casual pass, but Marie already embraced it with her whole heart. This Queen was not one for solitude, after all.

Hector scratched his nose thinking it over. His droopy eyes closing as he delved into deeper thought. “Eh? Parties? Ah I don’t know lady Marie... They can be kinda noisy.” Wrinkling his nose and sighting. Certainly, as a prince he has been to one and another festivity out of obligation. 

Picking up a punsch-roll from the tray of delectables, chomping it in half and enjoying the sweet flavour mixture of marzipan and the mysterious brown mixture in the center.

Marie, being the energetic ray of sunshine that she was, kept chattering with glee. Hector did not mind, she had a good level of charisma with her persona and easy voice to listen to. Seeing her happy over the tiniest of things was infectious.

Swallowing the pastry, Hector replied in kind to her, his head tilted against the palm of the hand he rested on.

“Ah, of course! Of course. As long as I can keep up with you I’m sure we’ll figure out plenty of fun things to do.”

He put the second half of the punsch roll into his mouth and let himself enjoy its sweetness, Hector was normally not one who indulged himself in sweets but now when the opportunity was presented.

Finished the sweet in his mouth he gently tapped a hand against the table. “Well then lady Marie, then how about next time there’s some festivity going on we’ll meet there? Ah, if you can’t find an escort, as unlikely as that would be, this old man offers his services to pick you up.”

Given that he has already had her pressed against his back for several blocks giving her a piggyback ride, they’ve already been as intimate as two people can get. What harm would there be offer something as trivial as following the lady to an event if no one else wish to take on the role?

Elegantly picking up his tea cup, pinkie out of course, he took in the tea’s calming aroma as he took a hefty share of what was in it. “Although hopefully next time I won’t have to be your personal steed, hah ha!”

[trojanquarterback-blog]

Activity sure went out the window when sudden IRL things happens.

Anyhoo, I lifted up my hiatus and ready to get back into it.

Here’s an RP ad

No limit But I would love if only people intending to reply back would like, it does suck making starters that are left unanswered. 

[trojanquarterback-blog]

Tangled webs we weave

[trojanquarterback-blog]

deviloftherhine:

“ ….oh. “

“ Uhhhh, right….. “

Embarrassing. This is what you get from overworking huh… I’ve always thought it’s a faulty work model. I really need to get myself more workers but now’s hardly the time to think about that. Focus, major Degurechaff.

“ Krhm….. Well, in that case. “ 

I grit my teeth floating back up for speed trying while trying to maintain my dignity.  The situation in itself isn’t the best for that but even. As soon as I dissolve the spell letting myself rush down just as told before and slam right onto this guy’s side as told.

(Bitterly) I give him a grin as I swing back from the force of impact. 

“ Like that? “

From the collision Hecto swung back, the web attached to the cave ceiling and his cocoon twisting and outer layers of web snapping from the tension. “Hey look, it’s working! One more should do the trick!” 

Using what weight he could with most of his body bundled inside the webbed cocoon, Hector came in for a another bump with  great success. The white sticky ropes snapped completely and Hector fell ungraciously head first to the ground, one eye shut and the other wide open as he grit his teeth from the neck pain.

With some groaning and squirming, the webs starts loosening up quickly and Hector could tear up the contraption with brute force. 

“Eugh my neck...” He rubbed the sore spot with his armored right arm. “I’m gonna need an aspirin for this...” 

[trojanquarterback-blog]

Tangled webs we weave

[trojanquarterback-blog]

deviloftherhine:

Time to get down to business huh? My every logical fibre tells me this should still be easier than war. If I can take up a division then this should be nothing. Getting hung on feelings of frustrations helps no one, especially not myself. 

“ I have a tight schedule. This nothing but waste of time, indeed “ , I answer him in low tone as if listing points in presentation, “ bumping together you say? I have a better idea. “

I close my eyes as my operation orb starts up. Flight spell activates. I only have twenty minutes but hopefully I doubt I need more than that. All I have to hope is that the thread we’re tangled won’t stretch all the way down when tugged. 

“ Grab my arm I’m pulling the strings down. “

Looking a bit puzzled at the girl, not sure how he was supposed to grab her arm with both of them wrapped up into these cocoons except for their heads. Maybe all the blood going down to her brain is making her hallucinate.

“I’d love to, miss. But I’m kinda strung up to my neck here... But I’m all for you getting us down from here.” Hector replied in a heartfelt tone. Swinging slowly to and from the other’s cocoon.