Terminus: *gulp* *holds Shawn tightly* *shakes head* No! I will not let her go!

Me: *head/desk* For a second there I thought you wou-

Terminus: Hush up!

Me: *thwacks Termy*

Terminus: *glares at me and does not react to thwack*

Gavin: (@Seymour) *pulls sword back* Oh, shut up! My tone has nothing to do with you!

Me: O'really?!

Gavin: Yes, really! *swings sword at Seymour's shoulder* *ignores comment about being proud* *mumbles something* *swings sword at Seymour's neck*

Jay: *thwacks Terminus*

Shawn: "My hero- ow! That hurts!" *can't glare at Terminus*

Terminus: *glares daggers at Jay* Would you like me to cut your little girlfriend in half? Because I would not hesitate to do so.

Me: I'm going to be over here...where nobody can blame me creating such a sadistic, cruel character... *hides behind Avneet*

Avneet: *chuckles* Silly author.

Me: "Lovely."

Jay: "I'd really rather you not."

Shawn: "You know, I'm going to have to agree with Captain Obvious over there."

Me - Bethany, your characters have the best one-liners . . .

Thysal - (Growls at Pirzak) You're not dead . . . yet. Just don't move. Terminus, if I were you, I'd let go of the girl and live to fight another day.

Niarah - (Watching Hetsila) How does she do that?

Rahor - It might have something to do with the cobha of her world . . . Although I'm sure she could easily beat Zurik without any supernatural assistance or weapons.

Zanya - I'll say! Well, I'm not quite human . . . but not elf or animal either. Felanai have growth spurts, but not like that.

Ashrai - (shrugs, and barely winces as his flank is slashed) I'm dying anyway. Who dies first doesn't matter. (Glances down at Raczr) He's joining us? Very well, he can die too. (Springs at Mordir, slashing at his face and chest with his claws)

Me - Oh, Ananthi . . .

Niarah - (Watching the struggle with mixed feelings)

Ember - Villains. Don't they ever learn?

Raven: (@Alianna) How...can that be? That is impossible.

Carter: (@Terminus) A hero? I would not call myself that. *points to Raven* She's the one that rushes heedlessly into battles to save people.
Raven: Carter Daubeney! I-
Carter: *chuckles* I know, I know. You saved Robin and I was the one that taught you how. *eyes sparkle*
Raven: *shakes head in amusement*

Carter: (@Jay) I am sorry, my friend. I do not speak grunt. I cannot tell if you are grunting for help or grunting to tell me to mind my own battles.

Me: Carter is funny, Zoe. (@Ciela) They do? I've never noticed. *looks at snarky characters* Yeah...they probably do.

Terminus: (@Jay) Good, then mind your own business and leave me to mine. (@Carter) Hero or not, I do not like you.

Me: (@Rae) Thank you!

Carter: (@Terminus) I believe the feeling is mutual. Any man who would hurt a woman is no friend of mine.

Me: (@Rae) *whispers* You forgot Alianna.

Me: Ohhhh, I knew I was forgetting someone!

Alianna: (@Raven) I don't know if it's impossible...it's possible on Earth in the twenty first century... It is actually quite common to own a cell phone.

Terminus: (@Carter) And any man who would stick his nose in another's own business is no friend of mine.

Jay: *wry look* "Neither, sir."

Shawn: *is getting ticked*

Me: "Oh dear..."

Terminus: *yawns* I wonder what I will do with Shawn once I win this battle...dungeons are nice places to keep hostages.

Me: Bad Termy! *hits Termy*

Terminus: *is hit* *glares at me*

Jay: "If you win... mollusk."

Me: "What, you like calling people names now?"

Jay: "What? He's a villain! Besides... villains are shellfish."

Me: "Ouch."

Jay: "What, not very punny?"

Me: "Please, stop. Just... stop."

Jay:

Shawn: "This would be easier if there wasn't a knife at my neck."

Pirzak: "Life generally is."

Raczr:

Me: "Oh, you guys are just hilarious."

Terminus: *glares at Jay and pushes sword tighter against Shawn* What was that?

Shawn: *cries out and grabs at Terminus' arm* "Please!"

Jay: "Let her go. Now."

Me: *feels bad for not giving her characters continual weapons*

Jay: "Now."

Me: *reforms*

Terminus: *moves sword slightly so it isn't cutting Shawn too much, but Jay can't realize it* What if I don't feel like letting her go?

Jay: "You're slightly outnumbered, don't you think? Or do you think?"

Shawn: "Jay..." *would headdesk if she could*

Me: "Will do." *headdesk* *headdesk* *headdesk*

Shawn: *arcs an eyebrow*

Me: *sigh*

Terminus: *turns red* *hand tightens around sword* I would not suggest that you insult the man who holds Shawn's life in his hands.

Jay: *breathes softly* "You wouldn't dare..." *looks at Shawn, only his eyes showing any worry*

Shawn: *stiffens, her jaw clenched defiantly*

Terminus: *grins* Do not tempt me.

Jay: *steps forward* "What do you want?"

Shawn: "Jay, don't."

Terminus: *thinks* Anything I want...you will get me. That is the terms.

Jay: "Could you be a little clearer? I don't speak-"

Shawn: *glares*

Jay: "Er... villain. Very well, anyway."

Me: "Niiiice."

Terminus: *smiles* Good. Then, I want Emuna's necklace. Get it for me and you can have... This back. *moves sword slightly to motion to Shawn*

Jay: "You want me to steal from a girl? Why don't you do it yourself?"

Shawn: "Don't do it, Jay."

Terminus: Yes, I do and I do not do it myself for multiple reasons, a couple being; why should I steal when I can take a hostage and have you steal? And...my author put up an invisible barrier... I can't get near Emuna... *resumes to push sword against Shawn again* Hush up, girl.

Avneet: *watches silently*

Jay: *blinks* "What makes you think I can get through it?

Shawn: *struggles not to cry out*

Jay: *looks at Emuna and raises an eyebrow* Can you work with me on this?

Thysal - Why don't we look at all this from a diplomatic perspective? Say you do actually hurt Shawn, Terminus, mortally or not. Then you'll have two dragons and a furious MC trying to dismember you. However, if you let her go unharmed, I can let Pirzak go, and you can try again later?

Me - Yeah, good idea. He won't listen, Thysal.

Thysal - Avneet? Any ideas? I'd attack him, but that would jeopardize Shawn. And I have Mr. Pirzak to take care of (drums her claws on his chest)

Terminus: (@Jay) Oh, I don't think you can get through, but I think it would be humorous to watch you try. (@Thysal) *rolls eyes* Later doesn't work for me...now works. My schedule is free now.

Emuna: *looks at necklace then looks at Jay* I...I don't know how...I'm sorry... *looks down solemnly*

Avneet: (@Thysal) Ideas?...no...no ideas come to mind currently. I'm sure an opporutiny will arise in due time, though...patience.

Terminus: Ha! Like the stupid, peace-loving dragon is going to help you...weak-minded fools.

Avneet: *growls at Terminus* I'd heed your own warning if I where you and prevent from insulting others.

Amos: Here. *hands Aelynn the string* Just let it out when you want it to go higher and pull it in if you want it to dive a little. Just don't let it get too close.

Stellwento: *pops back out*

Trevelian: *comes to the crowd and begins looking to strike up a conversation*

Tanner: *leans against Malcolm and just hangs out*

Zurik suddenly whips end over end, bringing his head crashing against a rock.

Enough force to knock him out, not enough to kill him. Though I expect a nice concussion. And silence.

Wow. That's...wow...

Rodash: *looks shakily at Terminus and then at Shawn and then at the sword. He feels his own neck and then turns and runs*

Me: Of all the cowards...you even beat Gavin...

Chayn: [Bursts into a snarl, unfurling her wings slowly, her eyes narrow, and her tail whips the air] Let her go!!! [Poison starts dripping from her mouth, burning the grass into black crisps]

Seymour: [Moves sideways to avoid Gavin's slash to his arm, but his neck gets cut] Gavin, have I offended you?

Rowen: I don't think dragons are supposed to grow that much so fast.

Me: Yes, I'm impatient.

Mordir: To me it does. That way I can watch you die. [Ducks as Ashrai springs. Winces with the movement as he tries to remain conscious] This isn't good.

Aelynn: [Looks at the string for a moment, then carefully unravels a bit more] Oh, this is amazing. It's almost like flying!

Me: Ummm.... OK?

Zurik: [Collapses, unconscious]

Cassie: [Squeals in alarm, but soon calms down] Wow, that was amazing!

Mordir: Anyone could have beaten Zurik if you get him angry enough.

Me: You just focus on your own death. Just quit now, actually.

Mordir: Uh, no thanks.

Tynx: I'm bored.

Me: Go talk to somebody then.

Tynx: Who?

Me: Trevelian looks like he's bored. Go on over.

Tynx: [Walks over to Trevelian] Hello!

Tynx is a fox right now right?

Trevelian: Greetings. *acknowledges Tynx with a small bow*

Raven: *looks at the cellphone* *shakes head* I'll stick with a messenger, thank you. *smiles* *carefully draws one of her swords* *hold it out with the point facing away from Alianna* Do you know what this is?
Carter: Do you think that's wise?
Raven: She's older than Geoffrey, and Geoffrey used one at five.

Carter: (@Terminus) *wry smile* We are in agreement then. Though I am sure it is the only time we ever will be. Though I do not know how you live with yourself if you cannot be friends with yourself. (@Jay) Well then, was it-
Raven: Carter! Now is not the time.
Carter: *eyes twinkle* Beg pardon, my lady.
Raven:
Carter: *begins to draw his sword*
Sir Guy: If you interfere, I'll have to deal with you myself.
Carter: *mockingly* Careful....or you won't get to be Terminus's friend either.
Sir Guy: *dark frown* I don't befriend people. I use them.
Raven: Oh? Did you use your little sister then?
Sir Guy: *sorrow flashes across his face* Do not speak to me of Sylvia!

Carter: *whispers something to Raven*
Raven: *nods and hands him something*
Carter: (@Emuna) *softly so no one else hears* Does that man know your necklace well by sight?

Me: Carter, how smart to decie...

Rodash: *puts hand over my mouth* SSSSSHHHHHHH!

Me: *looks around* oops...

Rodash: *shakes head* Authors...

Me: *is relieved that I did not just die of new posts*

Alianna: *stares, wide-eyed, at sword* Woah...those are, like, ancient! How did you get one?!

Emuna: *whispers back to Carter* I am afraid that he does...why?

Raven: *chuckles* Practically everyone has one where I come from. Carter and I even have two each. *motions to her other sword sheath that still has a sword in it* Would you like to hold it?

Carter: *shoulders slump* *whispers* I was hoping we could give him a decoy necklace.

Alianna: Oh! Yes! Yes! Yes! May I, please??

Emuna: *thinks* Hmm...I may have an idea...

Me: Oh! Forgot Termy.

Terminus: *looks at Chayn* No.

Raven: Certainly. *hands Alianna the sword, hilt-first* Careful, now. Don't go poking people's eyes out. *winks*

Me: (@Rae) You forgot Emuna

Alianna: Oo... *studies sword* So...how do you fight with it?

Me: (@Zoe) Hmm...no, I wrote her in there...she needs a few posts to get her idea together...er...or maybe it's me who needs to get her idea together.

Raven: I can teach you if you like.

Me: (@Rae) *headdesk* Sorry. For some reason I replaced "Emuna" with "Me."

Carter: Would my assistance be an asset in that idea, my lady?

Alianna: O! Yes! Yes! I love to learn new things!

Me: Your brother would argue that learning how to use a sword for self-defense is primitive...

Alianna: Well, Dimitri isn't here! So it doesn't matter! *pouts*

Me: (@Zoe) Haha, I do that sometimes.

Emuna: (@Carter) Hmm...perhaps...we shall see.

Me: Now I have to try and remember.... *brain gears whirl*

Raven: Very well. Sidesword fighting is made up out of eight basic moves. *draws her other sword and stands beside Alianna* This is move one. *holds her sword out straight in front of her at shoulder height* *brings it down diagonally so that her hand ends up by her left hip* Now you try.

Carter: *bows* I shall leave you in peace to think then. *watches Raven and Alianna*

Alianna: Erm...okay. *clumsily holds sword in front of her* Like this? *moves sword diagonally, almost drops it, but catches it and ends in the same position as Raven*

Me: *shakes head* Well...I suppose...for a ten year old...er...she did better than me.

Emuna: *smiles at Carter* *walks over to Brian and whispers something to him*

Brian: *nods and hides behind Avneet so no one can see him*

Emuna: *watches Terminus and Shawn silently*

Raven: Close! Make sure your hand and the blade are diagonal. So if you had a square around your blade, the edges would be in the upper right and the lower left corners. *demonstrates* Now try the diagonal strike again. Slowly.

Me: (@Rae) Haha. Did you try?

Alianna: *attempts diagonal strike again, is still clumsy, but does it better this time* Like that?

Me: (@Zoe) Hehe, with my dagger, yes, I do it pretty good. But I have picked up a real sword before and they are heavy... No way I could do it with a real sword.

Mordir: Of course. Carelessness is a foe by itself.

Tynx: Yep, I'm a fox. [To Trevelian] Are you a human?

Chayn: [Looks at Bethany] Can I please eat him?

Me: Chayn!

Tesmir: Let her! I wanna see him get eaten!

Tounon: Or back down out of fear.

Mordir: It could probably go either way.

Seymour: When will he die?

Me: Soon. I've never known you to say something like that.

Seymour: I know. He's just been stabbed in the heart, and he's still breathing-

Me: Oh, just be patient. Focus on your duel.

Me: Wait...Terminus was stabbed in the heart? *should really try to avoid scanning posts* (@Chayn) Sure. (@Lady Aris) Wait...I forgot Gavin's duel didn't I?

Gavin: (@Seymour) Offended me? No. Where would you get that impression? I am not offended easily. *does not pause when Seymour is cut and thrusts at his shoulder, pulls sword back and swings at his stomach*

Me: (@Rae) No, Terminus wasn't stabbed in the heart. Mordir was. As far as swords go, I'm not sure what kind you tried, but sideswords actually aren't too bad. They weigh approximately 2.5 pounds, and they're only 38 inches long.

Raven: Better! Keep doing it until you get the hang of it.