The Knight and the Mage w/ Chris12

Postby ManRandomThe » Tue Jun 12, 2012 4:10 pm

The following was a private message role-play session with one Chris12 turned into a full-fledged story. It is about and set in the Fire Emblem universe, specically the Jugdral continent. For those of you who have no idea about the setting, please check Serenes Forest for an overall page, a map, characters and artwork, among other things. Again, co-credit goes to Chris12.

It also should ne noted this is an alternate universe or "What If?" of the first generation where everything worked out well in the end. Oh, and many characters of the Fire Emblem series usually tend to have improbably hair colors, and males tend to be "bishonens", or pretty boys (If they aren't incredibly ugly otherwise). Guess we figured if we had to write about dudes, might as well go for good-looking ones, eh? Oh well, here goes nothing.

Characters:

Fin of Lenster: A Lance Knight who directly served under Prince Cuan during the Border Wars, he is a man of virtue and honor. He is blue-haired, of Mansterian-Lensterian descent and was 16 during the war and is 17 in the present.
**Clothes: Royal blue tunic with white trim, white riding gloves, royal blue cape, grey sash, royal blue breeches and custard yellow thigh-high riding boots.

Azel of Velthohmer: The younger half-brother of Duke Alvis and fellow Fire Mage, he is a shy, but kind young man. He is red-haired, of Grandbellian descent and was 17 years old during the war and 18 years old in the present.
**Clothes: Scarlet tunic with gold and black trim, brown sash, scarlet cape, white breeches, and red ankle boots.

Supporting Characters:

Cuan of Lenster: The Crown Prince of Lenster and brother-in-law of Sigurd and Fin's master. He is a brunette, of Mansterian-Lensterian descent and was 21 years old in the war and 22 in the present.
**Clothes: Black tunic with white and gold trim, white silk ascot, white riding gloves, black sash, white cape, black breeches and black flared-top riding boots.

Alvis of Velthomer: The Current Duke of Velthomer. He's Azel's older brother and has a aura of coldness around him. He is red-haired, of Grandbellian descent and was 23 years old in the war and 24 in the present.
**Clothes: Black tunic with gold trim, black sash, black breeches and black flared-top riding boots.

Midayle of Jungby: The direct bodyguard of Lady Adean, he too served with Fin and Azel during the War. He is green-haired, of Grandbellian descent and was 20 years old in the war and 21 in the present.
**Clothes: Red sleeveless tunic, grey shoulder pads, white forearm guards, white sash, white breeches, white knee guards and white riding boots.

Lex of Dozel: The bastard son of Duke Langobalt of Dozel, Lex is Azel's best friend, though currently in Dozel thanks to his father's death and part in the plot. He is blue-haired, of Grandbellian descent and was 18 years old in the war and 19 in the present.
**Clothes: Blue tunic with black trim, white undershirt, black shoulder pads, black belt, white breeches and brown flared-top ankle boots.

Dew of Verdane: A plucky, mischevious young thief who serves under Prince Jamka. He is blonde, of Verdanese descent and was 15 years old in the war and 16 in the present.
**Clothes: Orange sleveless tunic, black gloves, brown equipment, grey trousers and brown boots.
**Visual Aid:

Chagaal of Agustria: The former Emperor of Agustria, now forced to be his own smaller lord in a divided country. He is blonde, of Agustrian descent and was 27 years old in the war and 28 in the present.
**Clothes: Orange tunic with gold trim, black cape, black belt, brown breeches and black flared-top boots.

Veld of the Lopto Sect: A mysterious Bishop in the Lopto sect. He seems to be the one controlling Chagaal. He is bald, and both his ancestery and age are unknown.
**Clothes: Grey and olive green robe.

Gandolf of Verdane: A Prince of Verdane, Gandolf led the invasion of Grandbell with his brother Kinbois during the War. Killed in the war. He is brown-haired, of Verdanese descent and was 27 years old in the war and now dead in the present.
**Clothes: Black bandanna, black shirt, metal shoulderpads, black armbbands, black and metal gloves, black belt, black trousers and dark brown frontier boots.

Sigurd of Chalphy: The "Holy Knight", and a key figure of the Border Wars. He is the current Duke of Chalphy, after his father, Vylon's death. He is blue-haired, of Grandbellian descent and was 22 years old in the war and 23 in the present.
**Clothes: White tunic with blue and gold trim, blue sash, blue cape, white breeches and black riding boots.

Eltoshan of Nodion: The "Lion Duke of Nodion", Eltoshan is childhood friends with Sigurd and Cuan and a former knight of Chagaal, now his own lord. He is blonde, of Agustrian descent and was 22 years old in the war and 23 in the present.
**Clothes: Red tunic with black trim, white silk ascot, white cape, white breeches and white riding boots.

Trabant of Thracia: The King of Thracia, his nation is the enemy of Prince Cuan's country, Lenster. He is black-haired, of Thracian descent and is 27 years old in the war and 28 in the present.
**Clothes: Black tunic with lime green trim, lime green sash, red cape, white riding gloves, white breeches and lime green ridinf boots.

Prologue:

The "Border Wars of Jugdral", a.k.a., the time of the rebellion of Freege and Dozel that spun into wars between Grandbell, Verdane, Agustria and Silesia was now over a year since it's end, and two young men who became fast friends during it, Fin and Azel, are about to meet again, albeit like they didn't quite imagine...
Last edited by ManRandomThe on Tue Jun 12, 2012 4:26 pm, edited 2 times in total.

Re: The Knight and the Mage w/ Chris12

Postby ManRandomThe » Tue Jun 12, 2012 4:13 pm

*Inside the Duchy of Velthomer, the Kingdom of Grandbell*

In a small, scenic, countryside manor inside Velthomer, the duke's younger half-brother, Azel, a kind-hearted fire mage was studying inside the manor's library. While studying, Azel heard a lot of noise in the hallway, it somewhat sounded like a fight. Azel at the moment was wearing a scarlet tunic with gold and black trim, a brown sash, a scarlet cape, white breeches, and a pair red ankle boots.

The noise became louder and eventually Azel saw the door being kicked down by a group of bandits. Azel quickly reached for his spellbook, but it was too late. One of the bandits had grabbed the arm that tried to take the book while another bandit pushed a cloth to Azel's mouth.

''Mppph!'', Azel said as he started to get dizzy ''I-is this..chloroform?'', he thought before collapsing. "We got the brat. Let's go", one brigand said to another. When Azel woke up much later, he felt his hands and feet were bound. ''Mmpphhh!'', Azel said as he realized that a cloth was also tied over his mouth and he was blindfolded with another. While he didn't know it, Azel was being transported by the bandits in a carriage, one that happened to pass Fin's patrol all the way in Lenster.

Fin, a young, blue-haired knight with a slender, but athletic frame was doing his rounds, dressed in his usual uniform of a royal blue tunic with white trim, a pair of white riding gloves, a grey sash, a royal-blue cape, royal blue breeches and a pair of custard yellow thigh-high riding boots, he saw a carriage passing by. Minus the slovenly driver, for the most part, it looked pretty normal. Then, he saw in the window the face of a gagged young man.

"Crap!", he thought, preparing his Brave Lance. "You, there! Halt!", he commanded the driver. ''Mmphh!'', Azel couldn't see but he could hear someone ordered the carriage to stop, did someone find him? ''Huh? What's that?'', The bandit asked. ''I'm a busy man! Go bother someone else!", he said. "I demand to know about the young man tied up inside the carriage!", Fin said.

''Young man...Oh crap!'', the bandit said as he hadn't realised Azel was visible. ''Mmphhhhh! Nmph mpphhhh!'', Azel made as much noise as possible to alert Fin. Fin galloped on his horse to the carriage, and used his lance to wound the brigand and to knock him off. He then leaped onto the carriage, and pointed the pointy end at the other one who was readying a hand axe. "Don't", he warned. ''F-fine, just let me go and you can have the boy!'', the bandit said as was a huge coward.

Azel sighed of relief when he heard this, whoever this man was he had to be better then bandits. Fin wished he could have brought the two to justice, but time was needed. As the two ran off, Fin opened the door of the carriage to free the young man. He removed the cloths over his eyes and mouth and started to untie him. ''T-thanks sir'', Azel said as soon as his gag was off. ''I wouldn't know what had happened if you hadn't showed up''. Truth be told Azel was a bit ashamed of what had happened.

"It's okay, lad. You are safe", Fin said as he continued to untie Azel. Of course, Fin wasn't too much older, but still. "Say, you look familiar. Did you and some blue-haired guy with an axe come to help the Jungby's when a bunch of Verdane barbarian raided them?", Fin asked, referring to the prologue of FE4. ''Yes, that was us, me and Lex'', Azel said. ''And you are...Fin right? Lord Cuan's knight?'', he asked. ''I'm sorry you had to see me in that state'', Azel said and made a small bow in apology.

"Yes, that's me. And, it's quite alright, my old friend. Remember when between the time of the raid on the other castle, I got surrounded, and the fiends forced me off my horse and brought me to there? It was you who found me tied up in the dungeons alongside that horse archer. I'm glad you are safe and I repaid my debt to you", Fin said. Hearing Fin praise him like that caused Azel to blush heavily, In fact his face was about as red as his hair now. ''Uh...i-i...it was nothing'', he said.

Ever since his blindfold came off, Azel had been looking around to find out where he was, with little success. ''Say Fin, if you are here does that mean those brigands took me all the way to Lenster?'', he asked. "Oh, no, I was so embarrassed that day, since it was my first true battle. And there you were with the key to the cell door. So, you can consider us even", Fin said. And, uh, yeah, this is Lenster. I assume you were in Velthomer when they caught you?", he asked.

''Yes, which means I've been a captive for quite some time now...Alvis must be so disappointed'', Azel said. ''I might be asking too much Fin, but could you escort me back to Velthomer? or to Edda if Velthomer is too far away'', he asked. "No, it's quite alright, my friend. I'll just use the carriage to send a note about what happened to Lord Cuan so he doesn't fret. However, that means we have to share the horse. Are you alright with that?", Fin asked.

''Yes, I often ride from Velthomer to Dozel with Lex so I'm used to it'', Azel said. The land was full of bandits so the two young men were in for quite a dangerous journey. As Fin wrote the note and send the carriage off to the Castle Lenster, he helped Azel get on his horse, and he sat in front of him to guide it. It would be a journey, as they would pass through the small Kingdom of Melger and the Duchy of Edda before reaching Velthomer.

"Oh, and sorry for calling you a lad, Azel", Fin apologized as he rode. "I think we are about the same age, aren't we? I guess it's because my long legs make me kinda tall, no offense", he added. ''It's all right Fin, I know I don't look very imposing'', Azel said. ''Many people take me for younger then I actually am''. "I know what you mean", Fin said. He thought he still looked a bit too dainty for a proper knight, but he was trying. "By the way, I guess you don't have a tome on you, do you?", he asked.

''I had, but the bandits took it'', Azel said. ''I should have warned you of that when they ran off'', he apologized. Since Azel was gagged at the time he couldn't. "Well, can you use a knife? I have one hidden in my left riding boot just in case", Fin offered. "If not, if trouble comes, stay close to me, I'll protect you", he said. ''Um, thanks Fin, I mean first you save me and now...'', Azel started blushing again, He felt he had become a burden now.

"Ah, it's not a big deal, Azel. I'm happy to", Fin said as he reached inside the custard-yellow boot and pulled it out and handed it to Azel. "That's the one good thing about these babies besides looking fashionable, huh?", he somewhat jokingly said. ''Fashionable...well, I don't know, I guess'', Azel said in thought, as he never was much of a fashion man, nor did he ever wear boots those long. ''Oh, thanks Fin'', Azel said as he took the knife. "It's fine Azel", Fin said. That said, ever since the War ended, things have been pretty peaceful, so he doubted he would really need it.

As they were approaching the Lenster-Grandbell border, Fin turned to Azel. "Do you still remember the day we met? I think that was the first time we were in full-swing war".

*One Year Prior, The Duchy of Jungby, The Kingdom of Grandbell*

Fin was so nervous, he thought his lance was going to fall out of his hand, it was shaking so bad. Although the fort between Chalphy and Jungby was freed and Fin had killed several enemies, the actual Castle of Jungby still remained, and it's lady, Adean and her bodyguard Midayle were believed to be captive.

As he rode out, he saw a Verdane soldier and quickly lanced him, but he was soon surrounded by seven more. "Oh no!", he exclaimed. ''Hahaha! Awwww, so green!'', one of the Verdane soldiers gloated. ''Let's find out if the rookie here will be a good bargaining tool!'', as the soldiers grabbed Fin and dragged him from his horse. When Fin was on the ground a short struggle began and eventually he was held down by two soldiers while a third held an axe to his throat.

"Urgh", Fin said. He was so ashamed of himself. The barbarians tied his hands in front of him and then bound his thighs together so he couldn't run and then over-the-mouth gagged with him with a bandanna they had on them. Fin struggled against his bonds and groaned into his gag, but the Verdane soldiers didn't care about his plight. He only hoped that someone else was around.

The Verdane soldiers just laughed at Fin's struggle. ''Let's take this boy to the castle'', the commander said emphasizing the word boy. ''Lord Gandolf will want to see him'', and then the soldiers grabbed another much longer rope and tied it around Fin's already bound hands. Then the commander took other end of the rope and climbed up on Fin's horse. This allowed them to ''gently'' drag Fin to the castle at a faster rate.

From the north, Azel and Lex were advancing. Like Fin, Azel was incredible nervous, however his love for Adean and his fierce trust in Lex helped him overcome this. From a distance, Azel saw the captive Fin being dragged toward the castle but there was nothing they could do at the moment. Fin could only be saved if the castle was liberated, and Azel decided to do just that! For both Adean and Fin, azel would charge the castle. Fin felt so utterly humiliated by this display. He almost wished he died then bear the shame of capture. Yet, he was and was forced to live it. Thankfully, it wasn't too far to the castle. After being taunted by Gandolf, the leader of the forces, Fin was dragged to the dungeon. He was tossed in and and then his hands were untied, only to be forced behind him, then tied once more, and another coil of rope lashed his ankles together.

He also noticed a androgynous, green-haired young man clad in a sleeveless red tunic, and white gauntlets, a sash, breeches and boots was there too. His hands were chained above him and his ankles were clamped together by one in the wall, and he too was gagged. Fin guessed he was Midayle. At least he wouldn't suffer alone, he thought as hoped Sigurd's forces would liberate the castle soon. 'Nnhhhmph!'', Midayle groaned. It was a sad sight to see Jungby's strongest knight like this and to make things worse Adean had been captured because of him. He was also greatly worried the two would be presented as hostages, thereby further delaying his lady's rescue.

''Fire!'', Azel yelled as he burned trough the ranks of the Verdane army. He had to free the castle, he had too! And with Lex by his side, it looked like he was actually going to do it. Fin struggled like a madman against his bonds. "Mmmmpgh nnnnpgh!", he moaned into his gag. "MMMMMPGH!", he yelled, but suddenly, he thought he heard footsteps in the dungeon.

Midyle's struggling was a bit more reserved. He hoped that if he acted calmly he could break the lock on his chain. Suddenly, the footsteps were so close, and the figure came close. Fin didn't recognize him, but he sure didn't look like a Verdane soldier. Having played a mayor role in the taking of the castle, Sigurd granted Azel the honor of freeing the prisoners.

''Midayle! Are you all right?!?'', Azel asked in worry. Since Azel personally knew him, he rushed to his side first and used his key to unlock his chains. ''I'm fine Azel but Lady..Ada..tsch!'', sctually Midayle was anything but fine! ''I know'' ,Azel said thoughtfully. ''But we have to patch you up first! If you head outside, you should find a healer at the end of the hall", he told him. Then, Azel's attention then went to a boy that looked only slightly older then he did. ''Hey..I saw you, you weere being taken by Verdane troops'', he said. ''Here let me get that'', Azel said as he knelt down and removed Fin's gag.

"Thank you,", Fin said as Azel helped untie him. "I am in your debt, though I wish you hadn't seen that shameful drag to here", he lamented. "I am Fin of Lenster, may I ask your name, sir?", he asked. 'I'm Azel of Velthomer'', Azel said, like always a bit embarrassed when praised. "Thank you, Azel. I swear I shall repay your kindness and valor someday", Fin said as the flashback was over. "And sure enough, it finally had", he said in real-time. "Ah, although I wish the circumstances were different, I am glad I met you Azel", Fin told him.

''I'm glad to have met you as well'' Azel said ''After all I....oh, dear'', as his face suddenly became red again, this time a bit different when his stomach made a loud noise. The bandits hadn't fed Azel the entire time. "Oh, are you hungry? Let's stop and rest for a while", Fin said. "I have some provisions that you can have", he offered. ''Uh, y-yes thank you'', the still blushing Azel said got off Fin's horse. ''T-this might be a weird question but...uh did you ever get in trouble again after that time?'', he asked.

"Did you?', Fin asked as he got some bread and cheese ready for Azel. ''In the invasion of Verdane, I tried to challenge Prince Gandolf for all the things he did'', Azel said. ''But I was no match and ended up imprisoned in the dungeon''.

"Oh yeah, I think I remembered that. I was sad I couldn't have been the one to free you that time, as I had to deal with a wave of barbarians", Fin said. "As for me, when I was back in Lenster, a Thracian Wyvern Knight used his beast to grab and carry me off. Thankfully, I had captured King Trabant's nephew earlier and there was a exchange", Fin said. Were you tied up in the dungeons, too?", Fin asked. ''I'm afraid so'', Azel said. ''They wanted to put me up the castle wall that way to lower Lord Sigurd's morale''.

"Bastards. At least Pr....sorry, King Jamka was a better man then them", Fin said. "Thankfully for me, conflict between our nations is pretty standard, so I just got hogtied", he said. ''Hmmm, I'm a bit surprised about that'', Azel said. ''According to Alvis, King Trabant will use any advantage he can get, so using the trick Gandolf tried to use sounds just like him'', Azel said. Of course Azel had only his brother's word for it who's opinion of Trabant was low.

"He was pretty quick to learn his nephew vanished. He's a bastard, sure, but he values his family. He didn't risk anything on him by mistreating me", Fin said. "Anyways, that's all in the past. After I get you back home, take a month or two to relax, then get someone to come with to Lenster, or vice-versa, so we can truly have some time to relax", Fin said. ''I'm sure Alvis will receive you as an honored guest. In other words, you won't be leaving anytime soon!'' Azel laughed.

"I bet", Fin said. "Anyways, how's the bread and cheese? Not much, admittedly, but I hope it's enough to keep you going". 'Its....good''. As a noble, Azel was used to much better but he didn't want to be ungrateful and he was hungry enough. ''Shall we resume our journey?'' Azel then asked. Agreed", Fin said as helped Azel climb onto his horse, and he did the same. "I think we are just at the border of Edda, so it's not too much further, Azel", Fin then said.

''........'', Azel didn't seem all that happy at the news. His brother was sure to scold him for getting kidnapped. ''Uh, t-that's good to know'', Azel finally said. "Azel....Are you worried about Lord Alvis?", Fin asked. He himself only met him once, and he knew instantly that he wasn't just some ordinary Fire Mage. ''Well....I wouldn't call it worried'', Azel said. Terrified was more like it. ''I just think I've let him down, which he will definitely agree to!''. While Alvis was a good brother, he was terribly strict.

"Then I'll be there to tell him how you once saved me, and I was just doing the same to you. Might not work, but I'll stick with you for it", Fin said. ''Thanks Fin'', Azel said, a bit moved. ''Are we stopping at Edda for the night or will we go straight to Velthomer?'', Azel asked. "Algrim here is a tough old bastard. He can make it to Velthomer, but it's up to you, since you are my guest, more or less", Fin replied.

''I want to rest for the night'', Azel said. ''It's been a rather long day for me'', he added. "All right, we'll pull off the road, and set up camp", Fin said. Azel got of the horse started helping Fin set up as best as he could. Fin didn't want to say anything, but he had to admit, he was pretty tired himself. But, he had to make sure Azel was unaware, else he get scared.

''Goodnight Fin'', Azel said as he lied down. "Goodnight, Azel", Fin replied back. He had his lance nearby just in case, but he hoped no one would come as he was still kinda tired. Azel quickly fell asleep. After a few hours of sleep, Azel's eyes shot wide open, as he heard two man coming toward them. These bandits weere fleeing from Edda's troops after their raid had failed, but they hadn't noticed the two yet.

Fin was partially awake, but was unaware of the two brigands. ''Stupid knights!',' one of the bandit ranted. ''If we don't do something quickly, they will hang us!'', he said. ''We'll figure something out boss'', the other bandit said. His eyes then fell on Azel and Fin. ''Well, well, what do we have here!'', as the bandit now had the perfect plan to escape justice. Fin thought he heard something. "Huh...Azel?", he asked, still groggily. Fin unfortunately was a heavy sleeper, and once he fell asleep, he definitely was.

''Fin! Fin, wake up!'', Azel said as he started shaking him. Azel's fire tome was gone and Fin's lance was much to heavy for Azel to wield, so there wasn't much he could do. ''Hahaha! Your friend sure is a heavy sleeper!'', the bandit smiled and walked toward Azel. Fin was conscious enough to grab the Lance and clipped the brigand coming towards Azel in the side. But, as the other one screamed in pain at being shredded, the other brigand punched Fin, and wrested the Lance out of his hands. "Azel, run!", Fin told him.

The bandit grabbed Fin and forced him face-down to the earth. ''B-but I can't..your...I'm sorry!'', Azel said as he started running to get help with the second bandit on his heels. "Just go!", Fin shouted as he felt the brigand tying his hands together. He was trying to resist, but it wasn't working too good at all.

The bandit then hogtied Fin. ''Open up boy', he ordered and took a scarf out of his pocket. Azel kept running, he could see fire light and he could see houses, he could seek help!!, Azel thought happily. This hope soon vanished when Azel tripped over a vine. The bandit seized his chance and quickly grabbed Azel, making sure he had his hand firmly over his mouth ''Don't make a sound!'', the brigand said threateningly.

Fin said something that was really rather rude to the brigand, but all he heard was a "Mmpgh" or two, as one cloth was stuffed inside his mouth and another tied around. The bonds were tight, and wounding one of them was sure to piss them both off, but as long as Azel made it out okay, he could know he did his duty as a knight. The other bandit returned forcing Azel along with him, his hand still over Azel's mouth. ''I got the other kid'', he said. ''Give me some rope", he ordered. ''Mmphhhh'', Azel made a muffled apology to Fin. Fin groaned internally at hearing Azel's voice muffled. So much for that. But, the brigand who had bound Fin gave the rope to the one who had captured Azel. He forced him to a small tree, put Azel's hands behind it, and tightly bound Azel's wrists, and then he then tied his ankles down too.

''What are you going to do to us!'', Azel demanded to know. ''Let us go!'', he ordered as he acted a lot braver then he felt. The other brigand just grabbed two cloths and shoved one into Azel's mouth, then tied around it. "That's what we are going to do", he coldly said. "Nice area you two little pretty boys have. I trust you don't mind we use it until the heat dies down?", he said sardonically. ''Mmphhh mmh!'', Azel struggled glancing over to how Fin was doing. ''The blue one here is obviously a knight'', the bandit said while putting his boot on Fin's back. ''But that younger boy looks a bit like a noble'', he then said.

Fin said nothing, but made a very slight hand gesture to Azel. It was like he was gripping something, then stabbing it downwards, then he pointed at Azel. What he meant was the knife Fin usually had in his right boot, and that Azel still had it. He then gave a wink to him. He wasn't too scared at these two ugly bastards as long as Azel had the knife. ''Mmph!'', Azel nodded. He frantically started moving his hand around, hoping it would eventually reach his pocket.

''Come on! Come oooon!'', Azel begged himself. ''Almost there, almost!'', he mentally pysched himself. The bandits started to use their campsite to drink, leaving them more and more unaware of what the boys where planning. Fin wad coaching on Azel through eye blinking, head nodding and hand motions to make sure the brigands didn't suspect a thing. Eventually, Azel managed to reach for his knife and after a lot of trial and error, managed to free himself after some time. Hoping the bandits still wouldn't notice, Azel sneaked toward the bound Fin.

Fin guessed that the brigands were getting way too drunk to notice Azel's footsteps, so he motioned him forward. When he was close, Azel used the knife to free Fin of his bonds. ''Are you all right?'', Azel whispered to Fin, which he nodded yes. He then motioned to Azel to hold the knife, as he grabbed his lance. He then motioned his head toward the brigands.

With a sudden movement, Azel held the knife to the bandit's throat, but he didn't cut though. Fin then kicked out one of the other brigand's legs out and held the lance to his throat. "Nice area you two fat slobs have. I trust you don't mind we use it until the night is over?", Fin asked, in a echo of reversal.

''We should tie them up and alert the knights'', Azel said. ''I don't want to kill them if we don't have to. but just leaving them is bound to bring trouble to the people'', he then said. "Agreed", Fin said as he used the pole to strike the back of the brigand's head, knocking him out, and the moved his lance to the other. "Azel, can you fetch some rope?", he sasked. Azel went to the tree and where Fin was previously bound, picking up what was left of their bonds ''These will do right?'', Azel asked.

"Sure. Actually, I can take care of these two, if you want to find that knight they were running from, that would be useful", Fin said. ''All right Fin'', Azel said and taking Fin's horse, he rode toward Edda castle. "Hey, he's getting pretty good at riding", Fin said to himself, as he tied, gagged, and blindfolded the brigands. He then arranged them so he could see what they were doing at all times.

After a while, Azel returned with about 10 knights he received from Duke Claude. ''Father Claude immediately gave me his best soldiers'', Azel said a bit proud. "Well done indeed, Azel", Fin said as he turned to the knights. "These are the rogues in question, sirs", he added. ''Yes, sir!'', the head knight saluted. ''We thank you for capturing them!'', he said as the bandits weere dragged toward the castle.

As the knights and brigands vanished into view, Fin spoke to Azel. "Are you all right, Azel?", he asked. ''Yes I'm fine''. Azel said. ''And you? You are not wounded are you?'', he asked. "No, I am also fine", Fin said. "I would also like to apologize. I was quite a bit more tired then I lent on, as I wanted to get you back to safety as quickly as possible, then sleep it off. So, when I didn't and feel asleep tonight, it was much more then I usually do", Fin then said.

''D-don't worry about it, it was me who wanted to camp out here'', Azel said. "All, right, fair enough", Fin replied. "So, would you consider this to be a mutual rescue, then?", Fin asked as he began to get everything ready. ''Yes, no debts this time''. Azel smiled.

"Nice. Well, Im' going to have to remind myself soon to get a new one, because I'd like you to keep that knife, if anything as a token of our friendship", Fin said. ''Wow t-thanks!'', Azel said a bit moved. He didn't have all that many friends so he was very happy to hear that. "It's no problem", Fin said as he grabbed Algrim's reigns. "Ready to ride again?", he asked.

''Yes, I don't believe its a long ride now'', Azel said as he climbed on the horse. "Great", Fin said as he sat in front of Azel. "Hold on tight, because it's going to be a fast pace". Azel kept a tight hold of Fin's cape as they rode. Thankfully, the ride in between Edda and Velthomer was devoid of any more trouble. The lands of Velthomer were very close to the Yied Desert, so this made the climate hot and humid.

''Ah, I can see Velthomer Castle!'', Azel pointed to the horizon. "Oh yes, there it is", Fin said as he made his way there. "Once we get there, would you like to talk to the guards? They might be a bit thrown off seeing a Lenster knight ride up to them", he then said. When they reached the gate, two guards dressed in red came to meet them. ''Halt men'', Azel commanded. ''I'm Azel, the duke's younger brother''. Seeing this, the guards hastily made a respectful bow.

Fin and Azel then dismounted off Fin's horse and then he held the reigns. "Well, home sweet home, huh? Minus that bit of trouble, you are safe now", Fin said. ''Yes, thanks to you'', Azel said ''Please come on in!'', Azel offered. "Well, I can't refuse an act of hospitality, can I?", Fin said as the two walked into the castle grounds. ''Should I show you to your room or should we go meet my brother first?'', Azel asked.

"Hmm, I think we should see Lord Alvis first. I'd imagine since it's been a few days since you were gone, he must be quite worried", Fin said. Then he whispered, "And I'll stick up for you if things go bad", he added. ''Which it will definitely go'', Azel said nervously. ''But you are right, I can't make Alvis worry any longer''. In the meantime, Alvis was reading in his office. "It'll be okay. He'll probably will berate you, then admit he was worried", Fin said he handed the reigns and his lance to an attendant. "All right, let's go, Azel".

They made their way to Alvis' study. ''Uh, good day brother, I've returned'', Azel said nervously. ''Fin here saved me'', he added. ''Ah, Aze,l it's good to have you back'', Alvis said, looking up from his book. There always was an aura of coldness surrounding Alvis, making it hard to judge how he felt. ''I must say, you caused quite an panic here in the castle'', he added. ''I'm sorry brother'', Azel replied timidly. Fin gave a bow to Alvis to show respect. He could see where Azel was coming from, he definitely gave off an aura of intimidation and coldness. Alvis merely offered the knight a small nod before turning to his brother again.

''I want you to understand Azel that I'm not angry, just disappointed'', Alvis said which made Azel feel much worse. ''You won't be punished but we'll take some measures to ensure this doesn't happen again. Firstly, you'll start training with me twice a day and your trips to Dozel and Freege will be put on a hold, at least for a few months until the recent plague of bandits is solved'', Alvis said. Azel wanted to point out that this was just as bad as a punishment but decided not to, ''Yes brother'', he repeated obediently. Fin winced at this. First, at the disappointed line, because he knew that would hurt Azel and at Azel's response. Not knowing that to do, he stood close to Azel, hoping that it could help support him, even just a little.

Alvis now turned his gaze toward Fin. ''So, Sir Knight, I understand your name is Fin and that you are a servant of Prince Cuan'', he said. ''You have my thanks for saving Azel for me, if there is any reward you desire....?'', Alvis offered. "Oh no, Lord Alvis, that won't be necessary", Fin said. "I just did what I hope anyone would do in my situation. Plus, Azel once rescued me during the Battle of Jungby over a year ago, so I consider him a good friend and I was glad to help him" he added. ''I insist'', Alvis said in a voice that made clear refusing would be very unwise. ''So Azel saved you? That's good to hear''. The tone of his voice didn't change but he was glad Azel found a friend. Azel's face had grown at least twice as red as his hair when he heard that.

"Yes, sir, I will humbly accept whatever you deem acceptable. And there was also a small bit of trouble in between here and Edda, and he showed now only great courage, but also skill in helping me defeat a small band of brigands with just a combat knife. I am honored to have met him and consider him a friend, Lord Alvis", Fin said. He left out the part of them being tied up, for obvious reasons. When he heard of a knife-wielding Azel, Alvis became a bit skeptical but didn't question it. ''We have a silver lance down at the treasury'', he told Fin. ''Feel free to take it with you to Lenster..and give me regards to your king'', always the diplomat, Alvis never passed on a chance to get in touch with other rulers. ''Now if you excuse me, O still have work to do'', Alvis politely requested them to leave. ''Azel! Remember! Your training starts in exactly two hours! Don't be late!''

''W-wow that went...good'', Azel said once they were in the hallway. He had been shaking the entire time. "It's all right, Azel. It's done", Fin said trying to calm him down and consoled him. "Still, I know you mean, he didn't seem bad, but yes Lord Alvis carries himself well", he added. ''A bit of an understatement'', Azel said. ''I expected much worse but he actually seemed a bit relieved'', he then said. "Well, he still is your brother, after all. He's probably glad on the inside that you are safe and sound", Fin said. "So, it looks like we have a couple of hours, huh?", Fin added.

''Yes, allow me to show you to the treasury'', Azel said and guided Fin to his reward. "Well, if you insist", Fin said as they made their way there. ''Ah, here it is'', and with some effort Azel moved trough the piles of gold in the treasury to reach the silver lance and handed it over to Fin. "Thanks", Fin said. It really was quite a weapon. Not only was it shiny, but a quick test proved it was sturdy. Fin also noticed the crest of Velthomer was insigned on the base, and then he thought of something. "Azel, this seal here is the official one of Velthomer, isn't it?", he asked.

''Yes it is'', Azel said. ''Here in Grandbell, we call it the Fire Emblem'', he explained. "I just thought of something. Now, when we first met, I sent the carriage back to the castle with a note explaining my absence, right?", Fin started. "But when I come back, if I show Prince Cuan this, if he doubted me before, he would have to believe me, wouldn't he? I mean, you wouldn't find this kind of ensigned lance in a local armory or in the hands of a Brigand", he further said. ''Yes, yes he would have to'', Azel said. ''But why would he doubt your story Fin? You are his trusted knight''. "True, Prince Cuan is most reasonable and I think he would like to hear his knights helping those who need it, but I wonder. Do you think Lord Alvis might have thought something similar and that's why he gave this specific weapon to me?", Fin said.

''Beats me, I've long since given up on understanding how he thinks'', Azel said, ''But it does seems likely that he would reward you with something that's both practical and proof of your deed''. "Well, I have a new respect for Lord Alvis", Fin said as the two left the vault. Fin was wrapping the lance in cloth to hide it's shape and looks. ''Well, Fin you're my guest so is there anything I can do for you?'' Azel asked.

"I don't know, Azel. What would you like to do?, Fin replied. ''Well I spend most of my time in the library but i don't think that's a place for you'', Azel said. ''I also would like to travel again but I'm currently banned from doing that'', he added. "Hmm, well, I believe earlier you asked to show me to my room for the night. I suppose we can go there, right?", Fin said. ''Oh, yes the guestroom'', Azel said. ''Just follow me''.

The guestroom was colored in Velthomer's red and had luxury most palaces could only dream to have. It had it's own bathhouse, library, weapon rack and there was fresh food on the golden tables at all times. "Oh my Goodness", Fin could only say in awe of the room. While the knight's quarters wasn't a shack or anything, he'd never been in such a bedroom. 'Huh? What's so strange?'', Azel asked. ''It doesn't hold a candle to my or Alvis' rooms and I'm sure Cuan's quarters are bigger then this as well'', Azel said. "Well Azel, it's just I've never resided in such a beautiful room such as this", Fin said. Despite being a knight, Fin was the son of a commoner, albeit a highly-respected one.

''Well this one is yours as long as you like'', Azel said. ''I highly recommend the baths, the cold one has water imported from the frozen lands of Silesia while the hot one has water from Thracia's's southern lands''. "Ah, thank you truly, Azel. But, I can only spend the night here, as I must head back to Lenster", Fin said in truth. ''....Oh'', Azel said a bit disappointed. ''Well, if you think that's best'', he added. "Yeah, I know. It's my duty as a knight to have me go back", Fin said. "Which is why we should use the time here to enjoy our company", he then added.

''Yes I agree'', Azel nodded. "So, anything you want to do?", Fin asked. ''Well you could try out the baths'', Azel said. "Ah, but we have under two hours until you go train?', Fin pointed out. "No use getting all clean if you just are going to get dirty", he said. "True, although magic training doesn't get you all that dirty'' Azel said. ''Well..that was my idea, what is yours then?'', Azel added. "I'm kinda at a loss, myself", Fin said. "I guess we could talk or something, but other then that, I'm drawing a blank".

''Uh Fin, I might have an idea but....i-it sounds really ridiculous'', a red-faced Azel said. ''W-well you are a knight and I'm a noble so the chance of ending up as prisoners of war does exist'', Azel rambled nervously. ''S-so maybe we should practise to escape from being tied up'', he explained. Fin was kinda taken aback by this at first, but after the thing with the brigands, he realized Azel did have a point. Plus, Azel was gentle enough, and what else did they have to do? After a bit of time, he answered. "Well...okay. I think we'll do that. Just make sure the doors are locked", Fin said.

Re: The Knight and the Mage w/ Chris12

Postby ManRandomThe » Tue Jun 12, 2012 4:14 pm

''Trust me. The last thing I want is someone walking in on this'', Azel said as he locked the door. ''Uh..c-could you start?'', he asked not feeling comfortable with doing the tying himself. "Okay, if you insist", Fin said as he grabbed some rather convieant rope from the room. "Well, let's start simple. Could you put your hands behind your back, Azel?", he asked.

Azel obeyed and put his hands behind him. ''Anything else?'' he asked. "Not right now", as Fin used the rope to bind Azel's wrists together. He made sure it wasn't too tight to hurt him, yet not too loose. "Well, our first step", Fin said. ''Y-yes the first step'', Azel said not feeling very comfortable. He moved his arms a bit to test his bond. Fin guided Azel to the bed, and gently laid him down upon it. He then grabbed another rope and tied his ankles together. "Oh, and just in case, someone somehow enters, I think it's best we use no gags", Fin said.

''Uh okay but why?'', Azel asked, as he struggled around on the bed for a while trying to get loose. "Well, I guess if we then could both say something, but if you would like one....", Fin trailed off. ''I'l lgo with whatever you decide'', Azel said. ''...Wow it's pretty strong'', he blushed when he had made no progress of getting free. "Well, if you insist", Fin said as he tied a soft, silken cloth over Azel's mouth, making sure not to trap his hair inside. "Oh yeah, if you feel like you can't escape, click your fingers twice and stamp you feet, and I'll untie you", he added. ''Mmph'', Azel nodded.

The young noble once again started rolling around, wriggling as much as possible making all kinds of movements to get out. The effort he put into this made him groan lightly into his gag. "Oh yes, if you can't escape in an hour, I'll free you none the less", Fin said. "But, I don't think it will come to that". ''Mmphhhh'', Azel struggled and struggled some more but just wasn't strong enough to loosen the ropes on his own. After a while he gave Fin the signal he gave up.

"Well, as you wish", Fin said as he untied Azel. ''Thank you, Fin'', Azel said. ''It looks I just have to try better next time'', he added. "Well, don't sell yourself too short. I thought you did a good job. Plus, time wasn't on your side", Fin said. ''Hahaha, you are really nice'', as a smiling Azel bowed his head. ''Okay, your turn!'', he cheefully declared. "Well, I suppose it is", Fin said as he crossed his wrists together. ''Wait I want them in front of you'', Azel said. ''And I need you to sit on the ground too'', he then said. Fin was puzzled, but did what Azel asked without a complaint.

Azel used a rope to bound Fin's hands in front of him and another for his feet. ''Now if this get uncomfortable I want you to say so'', Azel said and took a third rope, tying it around Fin's bound hands and feet which attached them to each other. "A forward hogtie then", Fin noted. "And no, the leather of my gloves and boots is protecting me well, Azel", he added. Azel inspected his tie. ''Mmm it seems tight enough''. he noted. ''You don't want a gag right?'', Azel asked.

"Well, if you want, obviously I am in no position to resist", Fin said. Azel then took a purple scarf from a drawer and tied it in between Fin's teeth. "Mmpgh (Tight enough)", Fin gag-talked. ''Good, now try to escape''. Azel said. ''Oh...uh sorry if this displeases you'', as he then gave a short tickle to Fin's ribs. "Nnnnpgh!", Fin laughed involuntarily at the unexpected tickling. Well, he hoped any of his potential captors wouldn't do that to him. ''Hehehe, s-sorry'', Azel said and stopped, watching how Fin would get out of this.

Fin was rather surprised to see how well Azel had bound him. Various forms of struggling proved rather futile, and time went by without any progress. ''So do you give up?'', Azel asked with a hint of pride in his voice. Fin breathed in and nodded his head yes. Azel untied and ungagged his friend. ''Gee, I can't say I was expected it to hold you'', he said surprised.

"Well, they way I was tied, I probably could have just ungagged myself and used my teeth to gnaw at the ropes, but I felt that would be cheating", Fin said. "Still, you tie a surprisingly sturdy knot", he then said. ''Thank you! I've...read that...in...a...book'', as Azel's voice trailed off when he realized how that sounded. ''In any case, we both wouldn't get out without outside help it seems'', he added. Fin chuckled at Azel's book comment. "Well, it seems we are at one fall apiece. I'd wager we need another round, but I guess after your lesson with Lord Alvis", he said. ''Y-yes it appears so'', as Azel gulped not particularly looking forward to it. "Just stay calm, Azel. Remember, you aren't as unskilled as you seem to think you might be. You will do just fine", Fin assured him. ''It's true I don't think highly of my powers as a mage but when facing Alvis I'm more concerned about the power I know he does have''. Azel said. While Alvis training did always make Azel stronger it mostly consisted of Alvis blasting him off his feet and scolding him for what he did wrong, followed by a small compliment.

"Again, just do your best, Azel. I believe in you", Fin said. "Now come, it's almost time for you to go meet him". Alvis was waiting for his brother in the throne room ''There you are Azel, I hope you are ready'', he said. ''I am, brother'', as Azel nodded although he really wasn't. ''You can watch us from that bench over there Fin'', Azel said. Fin then sat down and quietly watched. The two brothers put on quite a display of Fire Magic between them. While performing quite well it was clear Azel was outmatched by his brother. ''You are doing quite well Azel but..." *Blast* ''Your stance is wrong!'', Alvis said. ''Ahhh!',' Azel was blown of his feet. ''S-sorry brother'', he said and quickly stood up again. ''You are thinking too much while casting'', as Azel was blown away again which made him apologize a second time. This repeated itself a few times but after Alvis had pointed out every tiny flaw Azel did perform noticeable better. As the lesson winded down and Alvis bid the two farewell, Fin brought Azel back to the guest room. "Well, that wasn't too horrible, was it?", Fin asked.

''S-speak for yourself'', Azel said. The numbers of times Azel had been blasted left quite a few bruises. "Sorry", Fin said. It wasn't much longer they arrived at the guest room. Thankfully, no guards were around it for quite some time, like before. ''S-so what do you want to do know?'', Azel asked. "Well, we could have at least one more session", Fin said. "If you aren't too sore, that is", he added. ''I'm sorry Fin but as you said I'm still a bit sore'', Azel said. "No problem Azel, you've been though a lot these two days, Take some time to rest ", Fin said. 'Thanks for understanding'' Azel told him. "No problem at all", Fin replied. "Well, I think I can find it from here now, thank you, Azel".

*After a certain point in time later*

After some time Azel returned to the room ''Is everything to your liking Fin?'', he asked. "Oh yes, Azel, this room is absolutely wonderful. I wished I had more time to stay", Fin said honestly. ''That's good to hear'' Azel rpelied. ''I'm pretty rested up now so if you still want that session'', he offered. "All right, please come on it", Fin said as made sure no one was around. "Well, we were about even last time, so I think we will do something to tell who gets this one first. Any ideas?", Fin asked. ''I know this sounds childish but how about rock paper scissors?'' Azel offered.

Fin shrugged. "Well, why not? Ready? 3...2...1...Rock!", Fin said. Azel had thrown paper. ''Looks like I win, Fin''. as he smiled. "Blast. Well, indeed you did. What would you like to do to poor little old me?", Fin said, in a somewhat joking manner. ''Could you put your hand in front of you again?'' Azel asked, taking a rope. Fin did exactly what Azel had asked with no complaints. Azel tied his arms together and used another rope to tie it to the bedrest, then he took another rope and bound his feet and another to tie it to the other side. ''Okay Fin, open up again'', Azel said took the purple scarf he had gagged Fin earlier with.

Fin was surprised to see how well he was tied. He was wondering if Azel was thinking of this beforehand. "As you command", Fin said, and did so. Azel gagged Fin with the scarf again. When he saw Fin like this the young mage couldn't help but smile. His childhood friend Tiltyu had tied him up that exact way once and had then preceded to tickle him to death in that state. Fin tested out his bonds and gag. All of it held secure. He laid back, waiting to see what Azel would do next.

Azel was a bit hesitant, should he tickle Fin? The tie had proved the be perfect for tickling before. Eventually Azel decided to just do it and started to tickle Fin's exposed ribs. After last time, Fin was partially expecting to be tickled again, but was helpless to avoid it. "Mmmmpgh nnnngph!", he groaned into the cleave gag. Azel kept going. He would stop if Fin made any sign of discomfort however. The bonds keeping him vertical could only make Fin wriggle and writhe against Azel's tickle torture and laughed, though not too loud still.

''Um, I can go on right?'', the still tickling Azel asked. ''You don't seem to be upset by it''. Fin nodded yes as best he could. Seeing as Fin had no trouble with it, Azel increased the speed of his tickling. Fin continued to bounce around and helplessly laugh into his gag. Sure, this was unbecoming of a knight, but it was actually kind of fun. ''Uh, mind if I lift your tunic up?''. Azel asked. ''I believe it makes the tickling worse''. Even if Fin didn't want to, he obviously couldn't resist. So, Azel gently lifted it up. With Fin's tunic lifted, Azel started tickling Fin's exposed ribs and belly.

''Wow Fin, you are really strong and all but..you are actually quite skinny and thin'', Azel said, not that he was one to talk. "(But, well-toned!)", Fin tried to say through his gag as the tickle intensified. ''I can't quite catch that'', as Azel laughed. ''I'll ask it again when you can speak again". After tickling for about as long Azel thought Fin could take, he stopped and ungagged him. "I was....I was saying, but still well-toned", Fin said as he calmed down from the involuntary laughter.

Azel wished he could say the same about himself. He did notice Fin did have that slim, athletic frame. ''Hehe, are you?'', he asked teasingly. He moved to untie Fin. "I must say, you are a surprisingly good binder and a tickler", Fin said. 'Yes, well I know a certain girl that's very good at it'', Azel said. ''I must have picked it up from her'', he added. "Hmm, is that so?", Fin asked. "I may need some practice at inflicting tickle torture myself then", Fin said.

''Y-you do?'', Azel asked suspecting where this was going. "Oh yes. I couldn't even think of escaping because I was so busy laughing and wiggling. Oh, if I only had a volunteer. Someone kind and gentle and....red-haired", Fin said. ''A-and...what if you didn't?'', Azel asked nervously. "Well, then I might grab him by the arms and asks if he submits", Fin said with a slight smile. ''Uh....I don't really like the sound of that!''. as Azel knew he would be no match for Fin. "No, but...I noticed, you are indeed very kind, quite gentle and just happened to be a redhead", Fin said with a more-mischievous smile. ''Uh...um...uh...oh, dear'', Azel sighed nervously.

"Relax, I wouldn't dream of really hurt you", Fin said as he grabbed Azel kinda like a hug, and brought both down on their sides, he then hooked Azel's left arm with his own and held on to his right with his own, too. ''W-w-what are you doing!'', Azel said as he struggled but being a mage (With a grand 0 in strength) meant he had no chance of breaking free. "Just doing what I said earlier", Fin said. "Do you surrender, Azel?", he asked. ''Considering you're fairly strong hold on me I have no choice'', Azel said. ''So...yes i surrender''. He was so glad his brother wasn't around to witness this. "Okay, Azel, hands up front", Fin said as he let him go. Azel obeyed Fin.s instructions ''Am I to be bound in the same way as you?'', he asked. "Why yes you will be, Azel", Fin said as he finished tying Azel's wrists together. He then gently helped lay Azel down on his back and grabbed another coil of rope to bind his ankles together. ''Nghhh aghhhhh!'', Azel groaned as he tested his bonds out.

Seeing them hold make Fin happy. He then grabbed two more coils and connected the bindings on Azel's hands and ankles to both sides of the bed. He then grabbed the purple scarf. "Ready?", he asked him. ''I'm just going to say yes'', Azel said. ''Um...that isn't the thing I bound around your mouth right?'', he asked. "Oh yeah, that wouldn't be very hygienic, would it?", Fin said. "Is there another one?". ''A black one in the third drawer'', Azel pointed with his head. "Thanks", Fin said as he went to go get it. He then climbed back up on the bed and tied it around Azel's mouth. "Well, are you comfy?", he asked. ''Mnphhh nmmmh!'', as Azel made some muffled noise. "Er, maybe shake your head yes or no?", Fin said. ''Mmphh nphh mmphh hhhmph!'', Azel nodded.

"Ah, good", Fin said as he put a pillow under Azel's head. "Well, let's begin", as he then began to tickle Azel's armpits. ''Mmmmmphhhhhhhh!", Azel immediately let out some high-pitched laughter. He was very ticklish so even something with little ''Tickle experience'' could easily torment him with it. Fin stayed one hand trained on Azel's armpit and the other on his stomach and gently tickled him in both places. 'Mmmmhahahaaaaamphhhhhh!'', Azel's laughter became quite hysteric now. He wondered if Fin would pull up his tunic like he did to Fin's own tunic. Speak of the devil, as slowly, Fin indeed did lift up Azel's tunic and continued to tickle his exposed skin there. While he did want to say Azel was even scrawnier then he was , he thought that would be rude and so, didn't. ''Hhhhhhmph! hahammph nhhhmph!", this was the last straw before Azel was reduced to tears from laughter.

Fin then stopped tickling Azel, and began to massage his shoulders to calm him down. "Sheesh, I didn't think you were that sensitive", Fin said. ''Mmphh hhmph'', Azel apologized but then started blushing heavily when he was being massaged. "Ah, sorry. Only way I could think of for you to calm down at that moment", Fin said with a very slight blush of his own. He then waited a moment before he went back to tickling Azel, this time aiming for his lower back. "As said, when you want to stop, just click your fingers twice and stamp you feet, and I'll untie you". ''Mmmhhh hhmmpphhhhh!'', the laughing and wriggling Azel frantically made the signal.

"Oh, okay", Fin said as he quickly untied and ungagged Azel. ''Uh...hehe s-sorry for this shameful display'', Azel said as nervously wiped the remaining tears from his eyes. "No, it's fine. You showed mercy on me when you could have easily kept going, and so I did the same to you", Fin said, giving Azel a reassuring pat on the shoulder. ''And thank Fala for that'', Azel said. ''As you saw I wouldn't been able to...em yeah'', Azel trailed off. "Well, neither did I. I guess we'll have to settle this some other time, huh?", Fin said. ''Yes'', Azel nodded. ''Do you want me to stay here a little longer or do you need some rest?'', he asked Fun. "Well, it's up to you, Azel", Fin replied ''It's getting late'', Azel said. ''So I'll make sure the servants will fill up your supplies and go to sleep'', he told him. "All right then, Azel. Good night", Fin said. ''You too. Sleep well'', Azel said and left to order preparations to be made.

The following day when was both Fin and Azel were woken up by the warm sun shining through their windows, they were in for a surprise. After the war, Agustria was re-organized into a Confederacy of Lords, but Chaagal, the former Emperor, had gathered his forces to strike at his former knight Eltoshan, now his own independant lord. The Lion Duke has called for aid to the Kingdom of Grandbell and the Manster District, and among both countries, the Duchy of Velthomer and Kingdom of Lenster went to aid them. Soon, both Fin and Azel were brought into the traveling forces there.

However, both would be in two small, but elite forces. Azel among a band of Axeman that would be among the Vanguard to protect Nodion Castle and Fin, in a band of Lenster cavalry, led by Prince Cuan himself would be dispatched at any time to aid whoever. The events that happened were so sudden, Fin barely had time to register. But, within a day, he was back in familiar company of the Lance Knights of Lenster with Prince Cuan himself leading the brigade. As Prince Cuan met up with his squire as he trained, he said to him, ''Your lancework had gotten good Fin. I truly picked the right knight to take with me''.

As the battle soon started, somewhere further at Nodion, things were going quite well. The enemy had lost half their troops and the vanguard had joined up with Eltoshan's knights. And Cuan's small strike force was in the area too. ''This is going well! We're actually winning!'', Azel thought to himself. His optimism quickly vanished however when a small, but powerful brigade of armor knight appeared. The Armor Knights had the lance-wielding ones in front and the bow-wielding ones in back. They fired off a volley of arrows at Azel's squad. A lot of the Axemen with Azel were either hit by the arrows or forced to flee. Azel got shot in his knee and his side, not seriously but his wounds did prevent a flight. ''N-no!'', Azel groaned as they where so close to victory. Azel looked toward the enemy and saw the lance knights advancing in his direction.

''Lord Sigurd is counting on me! I won't let you take Nodion!'', Azel then took out an Elfire tome and created a wall of fire around the knights. Azel managed to defeat a few of them but he was too wounded and outnumbered to win this. One threw a Javelin at Azel, which he then dodged, but he fell, and as he looked up, was surrounded by some of the knights. Before he knew it, Azel had a lance aimed at his throat, leaving him unable to resist. Azel was roughly pulled up from the ground and had his hands forced behind him. ''Wait they aren't finishing me...Am I being captured?'' ,Azel thought was the knight started to chain his hands together.

Elsewhere on the battlefield, a small cavalry unit led by Prince Cuan was striking against some magical forces. A bishop and many thunder mages, in this case. ''This isn't good'', Cuan said. ''The vanguard seems to be falling apart and we can't advance like this''. While he along with Sigurd and Eltoshan was undoubtedly the best fighters in the army, Cuan was never good at fighting mages. Cuan spurred his horse to avoid the many lightning bolts. If only he had the holy Gae Bolg, then this wouldn't be a problem. ''Fin, I'm going to charge in and take out that Bishop, I know I'm asking a lot here but I want you to distract the other mages'', he ordered. What Cuan didn't know was that the Bishop possessed the powerful Thoron tome.

The chained Azel was gagged over-the-mouth with a cloth and forced by his captors to march toward castle Agustria this way. His chains where heavy and the road the Agustria was long. ''Mpphhhh!'', he groaned. At first he tried to struggle, but he soon realized that escape was futile and resigned to his fate. ''If only this won't inconvenience the others more then I already have'', he thought bitterly.

As Cuan advanced towards the Bishop, Fin noticed that he and him were soon surrounded completely in a circle by a band of Thunder Mage Fighters, cutting both off from everybody else. "This isn't good, Lord Cuan!", Fin said. ''Fin look out!'', Cuan barked as all mage's aimed their lightning spells at Fin. His worry for Fin distracted him long enough for the Bishop to blast him with the Thoron. ''D-damm....sorry Eltoshan'', as the defeated Cuan moaned while he fell from his horse. Both Fin and Cuan fell from their horses, defeated, but still alive. The Mage Fighters grabbed both and began to carry them off as prisoners of war. The two's hands were bound and like Azel they were marched to Agustria Castle. The mages where incredibly proud of their capture of the mighty Cuan.

Although neither knew it due to arriving at different times, and being in different blocks, both Fin and Azel were in the same castle at once. For Fin, he and Cuan were in the same cell. Both were bound back-to-back, their hands tied together, two coil sof rope lashed around both of their stomachs and shoulders kept them close to eachother. Forced to sit down, their legs were brought Indian-style and their crossed ankles tied. Two cloths tied over their mouths gagged them.

''Nghhhh!'', Cuan groaned into his gag. His behavior as a captive was pretty reserved but the man was furious that this wasn't how a prince of Lenster should end up. ''Ngghm mmph!'', Cuan mumbled as tried his best to rub his bonds against his armor, hoping there were some sharp pieces that would help him cut through the rope.

Azel was confined in a cell at the other side of the dungeon. After his captors had brought him to Chaagal, he was questioned which to his great shame Azel was forced to answer to thanks to a dark mage that Azel believed to have been among the Lopto Sect. When all the useful information was extracted from him, Azel was thrown in a cell. His hands were bound above him and attached to the wall with a chain, his feet where also bound with chains and he still had the cloth tied around his mouth. The cloth was bigger then Fin's and covered the entire lower half of his face, from his nose to his chin.

As Fin was bound tightly to his elder knight and lord, he began to remember a little bit about his session with Azel the other day. He had an idea. Clinching his left hand into a fist, he put the fingers of his right together, and began to slide, with the leather of his gloves holding against his bonds. ''Nghhhm dmph'n?'', Cuan tried to ask as he could feel Fin's movements to his back and wondered what he was doing. ''Is there anything I can do to help?'', Cuan asked muffled. "No, my lord", Fin muffledly replied. The tight leather of the glove held against the bonds and allowed Fin's hand to finally slip out of both the glove and the rope after a while. ''Mpph!'', Cuan cheered, having felt it. With both him and Fin free they could rejoin the battle soon enough.

With one of his hands now free, the bindings around his other were now very loose and they fell off. Fin then untied his ankles and ungagged himself. He also undid the rope binding both together by the stomach and shoulders, and then untied Prince Cuan's hands and ankles and ungagged him. "Are you all right, my lord?", Fin asked.

''Yes Fin, thank you'', Cuan said. ''I'm amazed you were able to get out of that''. ''Now...to get this cell door open'', Cuan said. ''I got an idea'', as he got an arrogant smile on his face. ''What are you doing, knight?!? Stand down!'', Cuan yelled and punched against a wall. ''You will OBEY! your prince! Even now!'', as he then gave Fin a small nod to go along with this. His idea was making the guard think they were in a fight and when they moved in to take them apart, they would attack the guards and steal their weapons. Fin was a bit surprised at this, but it wasn't too bad of an idea. "Well, I'm ever-so-sorry your highness! Sorry I had to get captured thanks to a fool like you!", he mock-shouted with a wink back as he could hear the armor of the guards rangling closely.

''I only have one thing to say to a failure like you!'', Cuan yelled as the door opened ''...FOOL!'', as he attacked the unsuspecting guard and quickly knocked him out taking his spear. "Huh, that was a clever plan, my liege", Fin said honestly. "Should we scour the dungeons for more weapons and anybody else that might have been captured?", he asked. ''A good idea Fin'', Cuan said. ''A lot of Eltoshan's men should be in here''."Of course, I will do so at once, Prince Cuan", Fin said. He went to the storeroom to find a lance and the keys to the cells.

''Mmph...mphhh'', Azel made some weak moans. When he first heard armor rattling he thought Agustrian troops would be coming to do god knows what to him, but then he heard voices...the voices of Fin and Prince Cuan. ''Hhhhmph! Mmmphhh! MMPHHHHHHHH!'', Azel screamed as he tried to make as much noise as possible. As Fin was doing the rounds, he heard the loud sounds of muffled shouting. "I know this voice...", he said as he quickly rushed over. He saw Azel chained to the wall. "By Saint Heim's beard! Azel! Hold on just a second!", Fin said as he began to unlock the door.

'''Mmphhh...mphhh'', a blushing Azel looked away, he knew he looked downright pitiful and the fact someone as important as Cuan saw him like this wasn't helping. Fin rushed in and began to unchain Azel's hands and feet and ungagged him. "Azel! Are you all right?", Fin asked as he helped him up. ''I'm...sort of fine, at least my wounds seemed to have been healed'', Azel said. ''But I feel horrible! I told them every detail of our plans! That lopto mage used some kind of magic on me...it felt terrible'', he added. "A Lopto Mage....", Fin solemnly said. "Well, you will have a chance for round two", he said as he remembered finding a fire magic tome which he handed to Azel. "Come on, let's wreck some havoc from within", Fin said.

''That sounds good'', Azel nodded. ''To make up for my failure, I'm going to give it my all in order to take this castle!'', he swore. ''That goes double for us Fin'', Cuan said. ''In order to make up for our defeat we are taking Chaagal's head!'', he yelled. ''I wouldn't be able to face Sigurd and Eltoshan if we didn't!'' As the three plus other prisoners rushed out, Fin came side-to-side with Azel. "Don't beat yourself up too bad, Azel, Me and Prince Cuan got caught too. The idiots bound us with rope", he quietly said. "Those sessions paid off", Fin added in an even quieter tone. ''Oh..w-well I'm glad I could help'', Azel said a bit dumbstruck after hearing that.

Most of the Agustrian army was off fighting Sigurd's forces leaving Chaagal mostly alone in his throne room. ''So you three dregs managed to escape'', the former Agustrian emperor said, amused. ''Hahaha, excellent! Your heads will serve to break Grandbell's morale!''. Of course Chaagal was as horrible a fighter as he was as a person, but he wasn't alone. ''Veld! I need you! Kill your masters enemy's!'', he shouted.

A dark priest in purple robes appeared from behind the throne. ''Of course....my lord'', he said in a way that made clear to everyone that wasn't Chaagal that he was the one pulling the strings. The way the dark priest spoke just sent shivers down to Azel's spine. Fin and Cuan saw two of Chaagal's generals, Phillip and Bordo, and engaged them, leaving the dark mage to Azel.

''....So you are one of Fala's descendants then?'', Veld said to Azel ''I must say I'm a little...disappointed, you are nothing like Alvis at all'', as he showed a burn scar on his neck. ''Don't you even dare mentioning my brother!''. Azel said angri;y and shot a blast of fire from his tome at Veld. ''Humph, ungrateful boy!'', Veld countered with the powerful Jormungand spell. ''Who do you think convinced Chaagal to spare you pathetic life!'', he sneered.

''My name is Boldo of Harheim! Do your best, child of Noba and make of this a most worthy of battles!'', Boldo bosterously said. Unlike his master Boldo was actually a pretty nice guy. ''I'll grant the first strike to my....junior'', he said. "Oh, well thank you very much", Fin said as he spied the general's inside of his thigh was unarmored. He the stabbed him there, and knocked him down.

Both Azel and Veld displayed impressive magic. Veld was the better mage by far, being a ranked Bishop of his cult but he hugely underestimated Azel and had...reasons to make sure he didn't kill him just then as he wanted to slowly kill him as revenge for his scar he recieved from Alvis. These two things gave Azel a huge advantage and he even managed to make a few fine hits on the lopto priest.

''Hahahaha very well done child of Noba'', Boldo laughed despite his wounds. ''You'll pay for that!''. General Philippe charged at Fin with his blade at seeing Fin's attack. Fin swiftly dodged that, and let Cuan take him. He then disarmed Boldo. "Sorry for that, but time is of the essence. Though play your cards right and things might work out for you, as I doubt you want to die in such a unneeded way", he said. Boldo let out a humorless laugh as he used his bare hands to try and punch Fin in the stomach ''My, good boy! I'm a general of Agustria! This unneeded way is the only way I want to die!'', he said. Cuan easily defeated his opponent, destroying him actually.

In the end, Veld landed a hit on Azel with his Jormungand tome which brought the boy to his knees. ''Hehehe, don't act so scared boy, I won't slay you just like that'', Veld laughed evilly. "Bringing you before your brother so I can burn you in front of him would be the perfect revenge!". ''Heeeeeeeeeeeey!'', a way too cheerful voice sounded trough the throne room surprising everyone, even Veld was too dumbstruck to deliver the final blow. The voice belonged to the young thief Dew who had ''given up'' stealing. ''You three! Lord Sigurd thought you needed some help, so when I totally stayed away from the Agustrian treasury, I found this baby!'', Dew said as threw a spellbook at Azel.

''T-this is a Bolganone!'', Azel said surprised. It was the most powerful fire tome around save from the Falaflame. "This should be enough!", he said. As Boldo looked at Dew's sudden arrival, Fin grabbed his lance and speared him in his exposed neck. "What a waste. Chagall didn't deserve a general like you", Fin said as Boldo began to crumple. ''Hehehe! You got a new tome!'', Veld mocked, ''It doesn't matter! You are nothing like Alvi-arghhhh!'', as Azel did not wait for the dark priest to finish and fired his spell. The very ground beneath Veld opened and an eruption of fire engulfed him. ''Argghhhh! You will pay for that you insolent little brat! Hela!'', Veld finally lost his temper, but just as he tried to unleash his Hela spell on Azel, he was stabbed by both Cuan and Dew.

''He's open! I'm gonna do it!'', Azel cheered himself. ''Bolganone!'', as a new eruption of fire was unleashed upon Veld, defeating him and setting his robes on fire. As he was defeated, Veld let out a terrible laugh. ''Ha, I underestimated you, boy! Maybe you...have something of your brother in you'', as he turned to his ''master'' Chaagal. 'You have been a good puppet but your use has run out''. he smiled. ''If I may offer some advice...make peace with Eltoshan...he will...do anything you say...and so will Sigurd!'', and with those final words the wounded Villain teleported away in a wave of runes.

All four quickly came up to Chaagal, who quickly gave up without a fight. ''V-v-veld...d-d-desserted m-me....S-s-Sigurd is coming for me! E-Eltoshan has d-defated me!'', as the ''great'' ex-emperor of Agustria seemed to have a nervous breakdown. ''Chagaal on behalf of the people of both Grandbell and Agustria, you are under arrest!'' Cuan said. ''I won't forgive you for what you've done!'', Azel said angrily. '''Hihihi, he's totally shaking! What a sorry emperor!''m Dew giggled. ''He's got nice jewels on him though...can I have them? Can I?'', he childlishly begged. As Fin manacled the former Emperor of Agustria and led him out of the palace, most troops that weren't being assaulted by Sigurd's main force were surrendering. The battle was over, and the santicy of the Federation was secure.

*Later, at a private tent in camp*

''I wanted to thank you two for what you've done today'', Azel bowed to both Fin and Dew. ''Fin, you and Lord Cuan freed me and Dew, if you hadn't showed up with that tome I wouldn't be here right now!'', he said. ''Hahah! Nah! Not at all! Sigurd deserves the credit'', Dew laughed. ''If he hadn't send me to the castle, I wouldn't have been able to enter...that place that isn't the treasury!'', as the kid's pockets were full of gold. though. ''Oh, Fin right? I found your two lances in there'', as he handed Fin both his brave lance and the lance he received from Alvis.

"Thank you, Dew", Fin said. "And no problem Azel. After all you, were the one who drove that sorcerer away. You deserve credit, too". ''Um I-I really don't think I...'', a blushing Azel stammered. ''Awww he's selling himself short again!'', Dew giggled. ''Honestly you did great out there kiddo!''. Having the younger Dew call him kiddo only made Azel blush more. ''T-thanks guys''. "It's no problem, really. Ah, may you excuse us, Dew? I want to tell something to him alone, if we could", Fin politely said. ''Whaaaaat? Now that isn't very nice'', Dew pouted but did as Fin said. ''Mhhhm....he's a funny kid'', Azel said. "Indeed", Fin said. "So, Mr. Hero, how is that medal from Lord Eltoshan treating you?", he asked, remembering that both got some acknowledgment from the battle. Hearing about the medal sent Azel straight into blush mode again ''I-it really doesn't feel right! I got captured after all and Lex didn't got one a-and....'' Azel made some more nervous ramblings.

"Well, I got one too, but I also got caught too remember? I mean, I untied Prince Cuan when he was also captured and all, but I have you to thank for that with those sessions we did, so don't feel in my debt for this, okay?", Fin said. ''It was nothing...I'm surprised it was so useful though'', Azel said and drifted off in thought again, ''Mmm, Chaagal's forces made peace with Lord Eltoshan and Grandbell....we got to keep half of the country...but,the lopto mages...I give Chaagal a year before he loses it again'', he calculated. "Hmm, we'll see", Fin said. "Oh yes, by the way, when Prince Cuan is making his way back to Lenster, it seems we are stopping at Velthomer along the way", he added. ''Of course you will'', Azel said matter of factly. ''It's the last stop you can stack up supplies for the Yied Desert...oh, wait you meant to spend time there? My apologies'', Azel rambled.

"Yes, for a day or two. As the Desert is indeed quite hot", Fin said. ''Is it? Oeople say that a lot but...'', as a member of the Fala bloodline and as a fire magem heat didn't phase Azel. Cold on the other hand....... "Which means Azel", Fin said getting back on track, "We will have a full day to ourselves". ''Yes'', Azel said, ''Wait, yes I suppose it does!'', he said a lot more cheery. "Ah, now you get it. Well, all the forces will be heading home tomorrow morning, so it's likely you'll get to there faster then us", Fin said. ''I suppose so'', Azel said. ''I'm taking the troops back home with Lex soon so when I reach Velthomer, I'll prepare for your arrival''. "Great", Fin said. "Well, time for bed. Good night, Azel". ''Sleep well Fin'', Azel said as he went to his tent.

*Some Time Later, At the Gates of Velthomer Castle*

When he heard Fin and the Lenster knights were coming, Azel rushed to the gate to greet them. Fin was happy to see his friend rush so enthusiastically towards the gate. He dismounted his horse. "Ah, hello Azel. Can you tell the guards, Prince Cuan of Lenster and his guards have arrived?", he asked. ''Way ahead of you'', Azel smiled. ''My brother's scouts already saw you coming so we already prepared food for your horses and beds for you men'', he said. "Wonderful. Prince Cuan, after you, of course", Fin said as Cuan and his small band of men made their way in. After making sure his men had checked in, Cuan went straight to Alvis. ''Those two probably have a lot to discuss!'', Azel said. ''Let's not bother them". "I agree. I think the rest of my fellow knights are being led to their rooms", Fin said. "I guess the attendants think that since I've been here before they know I can find my way around?", he asked.

''Well it's true right?'', Azel said. ''Oh, I also prepared the guestroom for you again. Most of the other knights sleep in the barracks", he added. "You are too kind. Thank you very much, Azel", Fin said. ''Don't mention it'', Azel said back. ''And like I said before, I'd really try out the bath if I were you'', he told Fin.. "Oh, I did that night not too long after you left. And yes, it was really extremely soothing", Fin said.

''That's good to hear! So, what do you want to do now you are here in Velthomer?'', Azel asked. "Well, I'm sure we will be able to think of something sooner or later", Fin said. ''Yes, there are a lot of things to do here'', Azel said. ''We could go to the lake, go to the practice range, walk through the castle town, and other things'', he added. "Yes, I look forward to enjoying this lovely place", Fin said as they approached the guest room.

''Well here we are again'', as Azel opened the door. ''I'l help you clear your stuff''. "Again, thank you very much, Azel", Fin said. That said, like most cavalry officers, Fin carried rather light, weapons not included. Mostly a spare uniform, some emergency rope, provisions, things of that nature. ''Why do you carry rope with you?'', Azel asked confused. "Oh, well, it's quite useful, you see", Fin started. "For example, if your horse strays too far from you, you can use this to lasso him back to you. You can use it to restrain prisoners of war, tie it around the base of the blade of a lance for maneuverability, all sorts of things", he explained.

''Wow I never knew that'', Azel said. ''To me, it wouldn't feel right using it to take prisoners though''. "Well, usually, for that, it's either in the middle of the battle and you need them subdued quickly, or if they surrendered, yet still act ornery", Fin explained. 'I see'', Azel said. ''Okay, l'll keep that in mind. "Well, it's usually something you don't always do", Fin said. ''We could do that...um that session again'', Azel blushed as he sugegsted that. ''But with something to make it a bit more interesting'', he added. Fin grinned. He had an idea this was going to pop up sooner or later. "All right, Azel. I am interested", he said. ''Well we start at off as a fight and the winner ties up the loser'', Azel said. "As you wish", Fin said. He prepared to grab him. Azel prepared to counter it but Azel being Azel, that ended with predictable results. Fin had grabbed Azel just above his elbows, and pinned his arms to his side. "Well, do you give up?", Fin asked.

''N-no, I'd rather not!'', Azel said and struggled for a bit. Fin made sure that his grip wasn't too tight so he really wouldn't hurt Azel, but enough so he couldn't wiggle out. "Just a question in advance, how would you like to be tied?", he asked. ''Well, I'd like to be comfortable so if possible I want to be tied on that chair over there'', Azel said, "That's an good solution, Azel", Fin said as he dragged him to the chair. He then positioned him onto it. Just to put up a bit of a show, Azel struggled a bit, and tried to get off the chair. "Oh ho! Some fire from the Hero of the Battle of Nodion Castle!", Fin played along as he grabbed Azel and some of his rope and bound his wrists behind his back and the chair. "All right, what would like done to you?", Fin said as he began to tie Azel's ankles together.

Azel blushed again at being called a hero ''Uh, 'like' is too big a word but...you could tickle me'', Azel suggested. "Anything else?", Fin said as he rifled through the cabinet for a scarf. ''Uh last time you did a massage to help calm me down'', Azel said. ''....You could do that again, if you want''. "All right then, that's one tickle and one massage for the great war hero", as Fin gently cleave-gagged Azel with the scarf. "Okay, now let's begin", he said. ''Mphhhhh nph'', Azel nodded a tad nervously. "Relax", Fin gently said as lightly tickled Azel's lower thighs. "This won't hurt a bit". ''Nhhhhhhhhmh!'', and like before even gently tickling was enough to make Azel's voice incredibly high. Fin chuckled inside of hearing poor Azel's whimpers. He deduced he could take tickling, but Azel couldn't do it as well, he decided on a method of tickling Azel in a spot, then a soft massage to follow up. Even when Fin stopped tickling, Azel kept on giggling, until the massage, then he started blushing.

Fin made sure for the tickle and then the massage was gentle and calming enough as he moved to Azel's shoulders and worked there. He figured Azel would just lose it way too quickly if he just went all-out in a tickle assault like last time. Even though Azel wasn't comfortable with it, it still felt kinda good. Fin made sure Azel was comfortable by doing gently, but skillfully tickling, then massaging his back. "Is this to your liking, Azel?, Fin asked. "Or should I try a different method?", he asked. ''Mmhhhph'', Azel nodded. "Good. You are too ticklish, so I can't keep just doing that alone or else you will just lose your mind again", Fin said, as he masterfully tickled then massaged Azel's stomach, as he made sure that he was keeping Azel in in a uproar then comfort, to keep him on his toes.

"When you want to stop, give the signal", Fin told him. ''Mmnhphhh'', as Azel gave the signal several minutes later. Fin quickly untied and ungagged Azel. "So, what did you think about it?", he asked him. ''A bit weird but...enjoyable'', Azel said. "Well, back home, there's another fellow knight, a female, named Selphina, that I learned my craft with and from", Fin said. "Often, I was her practise dummy, until I could get my turn on her". ''It's my turn now right?'', Azel asked. ''Could you lie on the ground?'', he further asked. "All right, if you want", Fin said.

''Okay and if I do this...'', as Azel then hogtied Fin on the floor with a black cord-like rope. Instead of gagging the young knight, Azel blindfolded him. "Hmm, this is quite unexpected", Fin said. "May I ask what you plan next?". ''I guess I could tickle you...or I could get some ice from the baths'', Azel said. "Hmm, I see. Well, it's not exactly like I'm in a position to resist", Fin said, not liking the sound of that ice idea, but putting up a brave face. ''Ice it is then!'', as Azel went to the bathroom to get a handful of ice and then dumped it into Fin's collar.

"Gehaaahhhhhh", Fin moaned as the ice well down, chilling him to the bone and causing almost his whole body to shiver. Maybe he should have just said no to it in the first place. ''Here's another couple loads'', Azel laughed and dropped one more handful into Fin's breeches this time along with two separate handfuls in each of his boots. Now his whole body was shivering. "N-n-n-n-n-n-ot v-v-v-v-vv-rt n-n-n-n-nn-i-i-i-i-ceee", Fin said through chattering teeth. ''Uh, I don't catch that Fin'', Azel said. ''I'll start tickling now''. Like he said, Azel started tickling. The ice had a unintended side-effect of making Fin's nerves that much more sensitive. Which means he had to hold back his laughter a bit, since he was ungagged. Thinking the rather reserved laughter meant Fin wasn't feeling it, Azel started tickling faster.

Fin was trying really hard to hold himself together, as he didn't want his laughter to be too loud, in case someone outside could hear it, but the still-chattering teeth made that very difficult. ''I think I know what's wrong'', Azel smiled. ''Fire!'', Azel said as he used a light fire spell to warm Fin up. Fin almost instantly became warm. "Ah, thank you, Azel", he said in earnest. ''Don't mention it'', Azel said. ''Wanna get out?'', he asked. "At least perhaps into a slightly more comfortable position. And no more Ice, please", Fin said. ''Okay, wait just a little bit'', as Azel took a knife and cut the rope that bound Fin's legs to his hands.

Thanks", Fin said, remembering his time being bound like this by the Brigands during their trip to Velthomer. ''I want to try something out on you that Lex often did when we were younger'', Azel said. ''Can I do that?'' "If you wish", Fin said. Azel lifted Fin's tunic up again and started giving a pink belly. Fin wasn't quite expecting that, but thankfully, Azel's....not exactly Herculean strength made the following strokes a bit easier to take after the surprising first couple ones.

''Wow I'm not all that good at this'', Azel said. ''Maybe if I go a little faster!'', as he did exactly that. "Well, how do you like that?", Fin said with a cheeky smile. "I give you a massage. You give me ice and a pink belly". Fin had felt worse, but was still a bit surprised. ''Oh, shut it!'', Azel blushed. ''I don't get do to stuff like this often so when I do.....'', he trailled off. "Ah, come on, Azel. You are better then that", Fin said. ''I'm being fairly gentle....right?'', Azel asked. ''Besides its all in good fun...I think'', he said. "Well, you are, and it is, but that seemed a bit petty coming from such a kind, young man", Fin said. "But, I guess for the time being, I am your captive, and it not much of a place to disagree". ''S-so stop doing that then!'', the flustered Azel said. ''...but I guess I could give you a we-n-no nevermind'', as he went on with the pink belly.

Fin sighed as he laid back for the pink belly. After a while, it didn't really hurt that much, but it was kinda like that fly on you you couldn't get. ''Phew! I'm getting a bit tired'', Azel said, stopping his pink belly ''You are okay?'', he asked. "Yes, but a bit sore, though", Fin said. ''Here, let me get you out of this'' Azel said and untied him. "Ah, thank you Azel", Fin said. ''You are welcome and sorry if I was tou rough'', azel said. "It was fine. I just like giving you a hard time occasionally", Fin replied ''How very knightly of you'', Azel joked. "Well, you know...", Fin trailed off.

And so, Azel and Fin enjoyed the rest of the time they had, walking by the lake, enjoying the scenery of the castle town, learning archery at the range, and other things along with a few more tie-up games between them. It was soon next morning, and the Knights had to leave, Azel came to Fin's room to say goodbye. ''So...iIguess this is goodbye''. Azel said a bit sadly. "Aww, don't sound so glum, Azel. While a few months may pass after Lord Alvis' punishment, I have been informed by Prince Cuan that an agreement by Velthomer and Lenster for a training partnership, among other things has been made. So, we'll see eachother more", Fin said. ''Oh, now that's good to hear'', Azel said more cheerfully. ''So here's to the friendship between our lands! And between us as well'', he added. "Of course. No matter what happens between us, I will always consider you a truly great friend, Azel", Fin said. Like with all praise before, this flustered Azel greatly. ''T-thanks Fin that means a lot to me'', Azel said. ''And I see you in the same way'', he added. "Thank you. And now I must go", Fin said as he gave Azel a small hug farewell, as he began to go find the rest of his fellow knights. Azel waved the knight goodbye as they rode away.

And so it was. Though Azel would miss a few months under Alvis's strict training regime, he and Fin would soon see eachother soon. The two would remain fast friends, both at home and in battle, and still remain so to this very day.

The end.

Re: The Knight and the Mage w/ Chris12

Postby ManRandomThe » Tue Jun 12, 2012 4:17 pm


Re: The Knight and the Mage w/ Chris12

Postby ManRandomThe » Tue Jun 12, 2012 4:18 pm


Re: The Knight and the Mage w/ Chris12

Postby ManRandomThe » Tue Jun 12, 2012 4:18 pm


Re: The Knight and the Mage w/ Chris12

Postby Chase Ricks » Wed Jun 13, 2012 12:46 am

Very good.
From whence I came and whence I went heaven said I was too evil and sent me to hell. Demons and devils succeeded in breaking my soul.

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