Foreword: This story is a rough retelling of events that occured during the period of May 22, 1998 to May 27, 1998. The events are both ingame UO events as well as COB Tavern events. I would like to especially thank Viona's player for her part in this story. As is always the case, without other players, there would be no stories to recount as we alone do not exist well in this RP world till others join together and bring the world to life. Vlad Talon

The large oaken door burst open with a shudder. The oil lantern on the table next to the door rattled and shook as Vlad walked heavily into the cozy loghouse, his booted feet stomping madly against the timbers of the floor sending seismic shivers thru the sturdy built cabin. He was cut and bruised, painful reminders of the 4 murderers that had surrounded him and Viona no more than 20 minutes earlier catching them totally in unawares. He muttered harsh words under his breath as he rummaged thru his armor chest, pulling out none to lightly pieces to a newly crafted battle suit. Damned woman! Should have recalled as soon as them brigands jumped us! That bullish mind of hers gonna be the end of her one of these days! He stripped off his worn and battered battle gear and threw on the fresh pieces. Though he spoke of her with such strong words, it was really the anger of having allowed unwanted ruffians break up their night together and separating her from his side. He stopped in the mirror for a moment, 300 pounds of pure, steeled muscle looking back at him, cold blue eyes shining grimly of revenge if there was any to be had. Finally, he grabbed a halberd and a fresh, carved yew bow, saddled his horse and galluped swiftly to the woods of Shame.

Vlad rode at a frenzied pace thru the mountain pass, his dark brown hair flying behind him much like the mane of his swift steed. He slowed to a cantor, then a trot and finally a slow, cautious walk as they neared the area of their demise. Carefully they moved thru the trees, only the sound of soft treading hooves being heard above the waves of the nearby water lapping the shore and an occasional bird flying overhead. Despite the constant noise from the nearby waters, there was a uneasy stillness that hung about the forest like a dark shroud, smothering all life that tried to exist in the area.

Vlad and his steed made their way slowly till the entrance of the dungeon Shame could be made out thru the tree branches. To his relief he saw friends: Ilina, Umberto and Ereb as well as a few others he did not recognize but obviously friends as well. And finally his grim, wary eyes caught sight of the beautiful Viona. She had lost her lavendar dress by now, but, somehow even in the mismatched armor she was wearing, her rosy stranded hair and shapely body still would be hard for any man to resist and would make even a woodland nymph jealous of such perfection.

Vlad rode up to the rescue party and halted his horse within a few feet of Viona. He started to bend down to kiss her and ask her how she was when suddenly a murderer jumped from his hiding place and started to flee. Vlad looked at Viona for a brief moment, his eyes blazing, then set off after the running man. He pulled out his yew bow and notched an arrow as hooves pounded the dirt. Within moments, the bone clad murderer was in sight and Vlad let his bow sing with deadly accuracy. *twang* The shaft pierced thru the man's thigh, causing him to stumble a bit, but he managed to stay up and keep on running for his life. Several more piercing shafts faltered his progress, and the murderer started to mutter words of healing power. Vlad's horse bore down on the man, running him over, hooves biting into his neck and back. The sound of bone crushing underneath rose sickeningly into the air as Vlad's horse shattered the man's armor, stomping him into the ground. Vlad whipped out his halberd with amazing agility, looked briefly into the murderer's eyes, his own eyes burning straight thru, before bringing his halberd down for the final blow.

The boat rocked gently in the morning waves. The sun peeked just over the horizon, and a warm breeze blew in across the water and over Vlad and Viona. He sat upright, back against the mast of the Silver Crest while she lay curled up between his legs, head resting softly against his massive chest, her rosy hair laying all over his chest and thighs in a relaxed, comfortable array. His hand ran slowly up and down the side of her body, feeling her supple curves, amazed at how such a petite figure could exhibit such erotic power and passion as he and her had engaged in no more than a few hours before. He gazed over the glistening water, enjoying the view, enjoying the warmth of her body against his, enjoying the peacefulness that only a warm morning after a passioned night on a boat can bring to one's being.

Unfortunately, his stomach was not quite so sated, and Vlad started to stir, testing just how deeply asleep Viona was. She barely moved, only murmuring a bit, her fingers clenching at him as he moved. Carefully he picked her up and placed her on some furs as well as placed a couple furs over her to keep from from getting chilled. The breeze was warm now, but, experience had taught him the ocean can change its mind quickly. Within moments, Vlad had the Silver Crest heading for the Britain Bay port. The sturdy craft skimmed playfully across the surface, and Vlad could not help but look back occasionally at the sleeping Viona and smile broadly to himself. He scribed a quick note to her to tell him where he was and to come meet him.

Vlad entered the Tavern, walked over to the well stocked groaning board and spoke with Maureen in a booming, cheerful bassy voice.

Maureen! When ye gonna learn to stock for the other patrons as well?

Vlad let out a merry laugh, filling his plate heaping full with various treats, then sat under his favorite window that overlooked the springs below. As he sat eating, wondering how Viona was doing on the boat, a cold blade suddenly came across his throat and he could hear a hissing voice from behind

I have my eye on you, Vlad Talon! Keep away from Viona! I have plans for her and I and would not be wise to interefere with me

Vlad froze for a moment, then spoke softly yet assuredly

I assure ye, whomever ye are. Should ye decide to use that knife, I will certainly have enough life left in me body to throttle ye to a pulp before I leave this world. Tis yer choice, 'o hissing one

There was a long pause and silence, then, almost as sudden as the blade had appeared, it was gone. Vlad turned quickly around to find who had spoken so sourly to him, but could only catch the fluttering cape of a dark figure heading out the door at a fast, stealthy pace. He looked around some more then shrugged and returned to eating and looking out the window.

Hi Vlad!

The sweet voice of Viona broke thru his thoughts and his eyes lit up almost instantly, completely forgetting the previous incident as he looked at her, watching her sit down in front of him. He felt a sudden spark erupt in him, and his eyes looked playfully at her.

Ye sleep well?

Vlad chuckled softly as a smile crossed her face and she looked at him with those soft gold-green eyes, a coy look of her own meeting his.

Aye, I did

Vlad could feel her dainty foot touch him and travel up his leg under the table, her coy smile spreading brightly across her face as she watched his reaction. His body quivered from the touch and he reached down with a long arm and stroked her leg a bit, feeling her thru the thin fabric of her dress. She responded positively to his touch by bringing her leg as far up his leg as she could reach, and he slipped his hand under her dress and slowly moved it up the front of her shin towards her knee. She squirmed with a little excitement at the feel of his hand on her skin again and placed her own hand on his thru the dress, persuading it to not stop its journey up her leg. Vlad sat forward as far as he could on the edge of his seat and slowly ran his hand over her knee and up the front of her thigh, her dress sliding up along with him as he slipped further up. Viona closed her eyes, enjoying the the warm feeling in her body as his hand moved along her leg. Finally his fingers touched where her thigh and abdomen came together and she shuddered a bit, suddenly realizing just how far up her dress he was. Viona smiled dreamily as his hand lay still a moment, then slowly and with deliberate motion, curled around to her inner thigh, just grazing her silky panties, causing her to let out a quick breath from the intimate touch. Her eyes opened and he could see a heat in them as well as feel his own arousal from the silky touch. He slowly withdrew his hand, enjoying the tingle of her skin on his fingertips and smiled warmly at her, almost apologetically and spoke softly to her.

I should not be leading ye on like this, though ye are hard not to want to enjoy every minute of the day. I have things I must be attendin' to and fear I will be gone for several hours after this here breakfast

Viona smiled back, her look cooling as was her body and touched his hand.

Aye, I will miss you while you are away, but, I have potions to mix as well, so do not worry for me

The two talked for a while, eating and laughing, occasionally touching each other, eyes meeting often in long gazes. Finally, Vlad rose from the table, kissed her lightly on the cheek, picked up his heavy axe and strode from the Tavern. A merry tune whistled from his lips and his axe swung lightly in one hand as he disappeared around the bend.

-Vlad Talon

Other Vlad Talon Stories:

Reflections in the Wood - May 11, 1998
Lost Sheep - May 13, 1998
Revelations: Eagle or Trout? - May 14, 1998
The Seed that Blossoms - May 18, 1998
Tomes of the Soul - May 20, 1998
Chestnuts and Ebony - May 21, 1998
Bow and Daisy - July 9, 1998