The Book of Malrex

[Darrla Blackmoon]

((I decided to post these cause it kinda ties in a story and a big story line that ties into Darrla~ I hope it is okay with Malrex >.<))

The Thin Man
Synopsis: Malrex has not forgotten about the Thin Man and has tried to collect information on his whereabouts. His journey took him as far as Thorin's Gate, where he finally locked down the Thin Man's location--Trestlebridge. Other information collected included a name, Garfel Vole, and that he was an officer of the guards in Trestlebridge although he had raised to the rank very quickly.


Malrex journeys to Trestlebridge and goes by the name of Duncan, a hunter. He joins with a fellowship, which includes three hobbits, 1 dwarf, 1 elf, and himself. They are sent to the bridge to defend the town on a dark night against an approaching small army of orcs.


The Story:


The scent of blood and screams of the dying reached Malrex's ears as men and orcs clashed together on the bridge. The clang of weapons and war cries was almost deafening. Malrex observed his group of heroes and was surprised that they were actually holding their own, while the guards were not faring as well. In the beginning of the battle, Malrex had shot arrow after…well ok, one arrow as the bow string thwapped against the arm, creating a welt on his flesh. Not surprisingly as he had no skill in a bow. The others in the group were not very impressed, one even mumbling that he was the worst hunter he had ever seen, but Malrex ignored them…focusing his attention on the guards and officers.


Flaming pitch started to hit the bridge and guards started to form a bucket brigade, trying to put the flames out. Through the smoke, a few worgs and orcs poured against the defenses. Men clashed against the orcs and chaos erupted. Malrex's fellowship rushed forward and Malrex hung back, still looking for his target, Garfel Vole.


"Hurry up Duncan! Try to scare the worgs and cover our backs!" cried Hostalilly, the minstrel of the group.


"Ahh aye! It's hero time!" Malrex shouted, giving her a charming grin.


He moved forward but more slowly, ignoring the battle as best he could. Finally he saw the Thin Man bellowing orders. True enough, he had an officer uniform on. "You…" Malrex breathed the word and approached him. He was planning on just attacking him from behind and ending it quickly, but Garfel Vole turned around at that moment. The man's eyes opened wide, immediately recognizing Malrex.


"Guards, grab this man!" Garfel yelled.


Most of the guards looked at him in bewilderment, then continued to fight for their lives. But the two closest guards answered his call and came to his side with weapons drawn. "This man's woman has lived with orcs and has probably helped plan this attack. Sieze him!"


"My woman?" Malrex actually looked confused for a second thinking of Gliviel, but then figured Garfel was talking about his sister. How did he know his sister had lived with orcs. "That's a bold stateme…" He was cut off as he saw the guards rush towards him.


Malrex backed up with weapons in a defensive position. "No, this man tried to kill me in a alley, and I want to know why."


There was a lull in the battle and other guards started to watch the scene. Malrex fidgeted a little, not really wanting to cause a problem for the defending guards, they had enough on their hands. "Aye, we were trying to capture you. Once we have you captured, we can then focus on your woman."


"She's not my freakin woman, she is my sister, and keep her out of this," snarled Malrex.


The guards started to move in and Malrex studied his options. Orcs on one side, guards on the other. He started to think of his comrades….what would Isenramm do? Hmm, probably breathe liquor on them, make them drunk, then cut his way out-no good, he was sober. Malfrith? Hmm, probably start puking…he had been sick for awhile. Miss Sara?? Sigh, no, Miss Sara was too clever and scary-dangerous to get in a situation like this. Why him? Why couldn't things be easier, or perhaps better planned out?


"Idiot-go gut him, that's what you came here for."


The voice easily came to Malrex in his head. He knew that voice, the voice of one he had thought cared for him when he was a youth. A voice that came when he knew he had to adopt the personality of a killer to survive. No, he had to fight it, not the place or time.


"Fine, you got me, take me in and we can discuss this." Malrex dropped his weapons and the two guards immediately grabbed hold of his arms.


"Duncan? What's going on?" Hostalilly actually looked concerned.


Garfel gloated with a smug smile, "Good, we don't have time for this if you haven't noticed. We will detain you, then trap your woman and you will both be judged."


Horns started to blow and the guards began to take back their positions, holding a defensive line against the orcs.


"I said…leave my sister out of this!" snarled Malrex.


Garfel Vole kept smiling smugly. "Sorry boy, Jhalek wants you dead. And as for your sister? Well, I think we both know that she is not your sis…ooooffff!"


The name Jhalek chilled Malrex to the bone. He could not be captured if Jhalek was involved with this. And this Garfel knew too much somehow. That made him dangerous. Malrex snarled and managed to get his right arm free from the guard's grasp. He pumped his legs running towards Garfel as fast as he could. The guard on his left arm was startled but wasn't able to keep his footing and trailed after him still gripping his arm. Malrex hurled himself at Garfel and crashed into him, interrupting him. He put his right hand on his throat and continued moving forward. The three men crashed into the timbers of the bridge. The wood had been weakened from previous attacks and gave in to their combined weight.


Open sky met Malrex as he and Garfel tumbled over the bridge. The guard came to his senses and let go of Malrex, focusing his hands on gripping apart of the bridge, his body dangling. The two men fell, their cries creating a creepy chorus that may have made some singing minstrels jealous. The air rushed past Malrex and all he could see was a wide ribbon of blackness below him. He knew a river was down there, but how deep was it? He cursed and tried to stabilize his flailing body so his feet would hit first.


It seemed like several minutes, although it was only seconds, before both Garfel and Malrex felt the coldness of the river water. Malrex's breath was taken away as he plunged deep in the river, his feet eventually hitting the bottom after the water had taken away most of his velocity. He was immediately swept up in the current, and he flailed around trying to break the surface.


He broke the surface with a loud gasp, trying to get his bearings. He saw another flailing form in the water and he headed towards it. Garfel had survived the fall, but was still in a little shock. The two men tangled with each other in the water, trying to drown each other. Their struggle led them to a sandy bar and Malrex grabbed a stout piece of driftwood. Both men were gasping for breath but it was shortlived for one, as Malrex bashed in Garfel Vole's skull with the piece of wood.


Malrex sunk to his knees and focused on breathing. He looked at the corpse and cursed at it. How did this man know so much about him? His mind raced to Gliviel…she had been in Trestlebridge just a few days ago. She hadn't talked about it much as she said the place returned dark memories of her past. Could she have been supplying him with information? No, he couldn't….wouldn't believe that. Whatever was going on, he had to get back to Darrla and warn her!


He then thought back to what Garfel Vole had said. The name Jhalek and how he wanted him dead. He shivered a little, although it was probably just from the water. The voice in Malrex's head and Jhalek were connected….for Jhalek was his father.




But this little scenario was nothing for what faced Malrex back in Bree. The wrath of two women.

[Darrla Blackmoon]

Darrla


I knew their was a possibility that Darrla would remember her past, but I hadn't expected it so soon. She caught me completely offguard tonight when she confronted me, wanting to know the truth. I didn't want to share, and tried to get out of the situation, but it seemed the people gathered were more interested in hearing the truth as well, rather than helping me out. She wanted to know her last name, she wanted to know who I was….she even had drawn her sword at me.


I will never forget the look in her eyes then. I felt as if she actually had stabbed me in the heart. There was pain in my heart, a feeling I had never felt before. The one person I have trusted in my life had looked at me with anger, an accusatory glare that I had betrayed her….lied to her. She always said family was so important…but there she was, with sword in hand, and anger in her eyes. That one drawn blade severed the bond between us. I could sense it breaking, shattering all over the ground. Things would never be the same between us.


I had yelled at her to get out of my sight later. I was angry, but more at myself. I had taken care of her after rescuing her, helping her learn an honest way to live…well ok..a way of living anyways. We always shared our spoils, our food, even a blanket if our luck was poor that day and that was all we had for bedding to ward off the chill. We had worked good together, a solid duo. But I blew it. I doubt she will ever trust me again. I had wanted to warn her about our father...but I guess it's just my problem now..as its just my father.


Trust…the one thing I value the most, but severely lacking its touch. It can be stolen, but only briefly it seems.


No sooner did that storm hit me, Gliviel had approached me. "You lied to me." Her words still echo in my head. Just the other day I told her I wouldn't lie to her….trying to build up trust between us. A fine, sweet woman, who I probably didn't deserve. Her story is very unique and mysterious if she chose to share it. I was one of the lucky few. But another failure. What timing. She had observed the whole thing. I had told her I guessed it was over between us and walked away. What's the point of a relationship if there is no trust? My emotional level was too high, I didn't know how to deal. I still don't, but the bottle here seems to be passing the time.

[Darrla Blackmoon]

Drinking...most say it's a bad thing to overindulge, but it does pass the time, and sometimes time is what you need to think, to heal.

Mister Larkins has been kind to me lately. He dragged me from the taverns and took me shopping, giving me his input on suitable dress. I was usually happy to wear whatever I could find, so the first shopping trip felt a little awkward. I wouldn't let him pay for anything. I didn't want to pay for anything either, my hands were itching so bad, but I payed the shopkeep, not wanting to cause further distress on Larkins. He seems depressed lately, more than likely cause of Darrla.

Things have been getting better for me, well until I ran into Miss Fox. Another woman who decided to show me her blade up close--it looked sharp. Seems like that is happenning alot to me lately. She ran off in search of Darrla. I figure it's best to leave Darrla alone, she needs time to think....and I didn't want to come close to getting stabbed again by her, but Miss Fox believes she can help or at least find her and make sure she is ok--which I know Larkins and I share that same concern.

Speaking of getting stabbed, I'm pretty sure Darrla will stab me when/if she returns. Larkins wants me to tell her to come visit him...at the jail. Since Larkins and I were hanging out together that night, I'm sure she will believe it's my fault somehow that he was placed there. Why would she have any reason to believe anything that I tell her? I don't really want to tell her, maybe I should just send some mail? I curse at myself because now would be a great opportunity to steal from Larkins. I even started riding through the neighborhoods, seeking his home. After about the fourth house, I realized my heart wasn't into it. I sorta like the guy, he seems like a good companion. Perhaps I'm getting soft....

[Darrla Blackmoon]

Friendship....what defines friendship in a kin of bandits. Was it drinking partners? A chance to work together for a greater gain? comrades that would watch your back? Seems there is a variety of different thoughts on the matter depending on who you talk too. No, friendship in a kin of bandits was a very tricky thing. You can never quite trust the other, for if you are too successful, you may become the next target. And could you really trust them to come for you if you were in trouble?

I started to muse over these thoughts while visiting the four Wolds at the jail. I was using my cover as the Watch, gritting my teeth as I tried to follow orders of the bumbling fool Blakers. I had to chuckle a little when I made the big boss clean up vomit in the cell. Not out of spite, but rather because it was probably a once in a lifetime thing to happen and figured I may as well enjoy it before I felt her wrath later. I knew the prisoners had to get out of that cell soon...their injuries and the filth in the cage would equal problems for their health.

I had joined the Watch for several reasons. One, because of a job. The elf woman Sayenith had wanted answers on if the Watch was corrupt. She was fearful for her man, Kadren as well. I took the job because money is money, and when an elf says she would be eternally grateful to you, well that's a long time for them, and who knows if I could use her to get me out of a jam later. It seems alot of talk on the streets was that the Watch was somewhat corrupt. I have heard others were looking into the matter as well. So far, I've only came up with that Kadren may not be the best man for her to worry about, much less love.

The second reason, was mainly because of Leeta, when she had been captured. I had heard she was one of the finest combatants around, and I desperately wanted training from her before I had to face my father. Time is running out though, and I may just have to trust on my own wit to survive. She was finally set loose by the Wolds, but her freedom costed four to be captured.

Finally, the last reason. Boredom? thrills? Gaining knowlege of the enemy is never a bad thing. In fact, I had helped protect a caravan with them. I learned their route, how many guards they had, and learned some names of my enemies. But I believe they are suspicious of me. Forced smiles, darting eyes...and never sharing too much information with me.

I had hoped that my next plan would be simple. Obtain the prison cell keys, and bust out my comrades. Would they do the same for me? doubtful. But Camrin, the seductive manipulator was putting a wedge into my plans. I needed her to seduce Blakers and obtain the keys for me. I have followed the two of them before and knew they had some sort of relationship...wasn't sure what her angle was. But her price...gods, 1 gold for her to do the job. I had told her 50 silver would be plenty for such an easy job...hmm..an impasse. The lass intrigued me though, she reminded me of myself a little.

Luci seems to have escaped or transferred somewhere. She was no longer in the cell. My guess was that she was transferred for why wouldn't the others try to escape as well, despite their injuries. I do remember a Watch Captain or someone of rank from Trestlebridge the other night. Perhaps they had taken her? Why did things always have to be complicated?

[Darrla Blackmoon]

Malrex (Jones) and The Flame of Truth


Synopsis: Malrex heads to Thorin's Hall to seek information about his father from an old acquaintance from his past.


The enormous cavern seemed to swallow Malrex as he walked its streets. Homes had been carved into the rocks of the mountains and echoes of dwarves could be heard, either of them working or talking their rough language. He felt almost trapped, not being able to see the freedom that the sky can bring. He finally approached the home he sought, took a deep breath, took off his hood, and knocked on its solid door.


The door opened to reveal an old, grey-bearded, bald dwarf who's eyes widened in surprise upon seeing Malrex. "Lad? What? Git in here.."


Malrex entered the small home, glancing around quickly at its furnishings. The dwarf pointed at two chairs at a small table near the fireplace, and both made their way to them.


"You gots balls fer coming here lad…what in the hells are you doing?" said the old dwarf.


Malrex smiled, "well, I'll get right to the point Borgen, I ahh, umm need information about my father, and you are the only one I could think of that may provide it."


Borgen looked at Malrex quizzically, "what's this ahh and umm stuff eh? You never spoke like that before…"


Malrex chuckled "habit I guess, part of a disguise."


"Well you can't just barge in here seeking information…what happened to ya lad? Last I heard you were supposed to return the Flame of Truth! Can't believe you took it in the first place, fool boy" Borgen exclaimed while shaking his head.


Malrex sat back in his chair, his thoughts thinking back to that situation in his past. He had been in a small tavern with a lot of other young toughs, all looking to prove themselves. Rumors were a buzz about the orcs possessing some sort of treasure that they called the Flame of Truth. A lot of the young men claimed they would get their hands on it first, disregarding the danger of entering a large orc camp to receive it, not to mention, not knowing what it looked like. All were just trying to prove themselves with empty claims while drinking from their cups in the safety of a tavern. Perhaps it was the ale, or maybe the thrill of adventure, but Malrex had left that very night for the orc camp, determined to steal the Flame of Truth.


He remembered it hadn't been easy. His skills of remaining unseen were put to the test, especially against the many wargs that roamed around the camp. The wargs had feasted that night, as Malrex had brought a sack of meat to keep them busy as he explored the camp. Avoiding the orcs was a slow process but he had managed to scour the camp, coming up empty handed on anything resembling a treasure….except for the young woman. A cage had been erected near the middle of the camp, near the largest of the fires for the camp. Orcs were surrounding the cage, eating and drinking heavily that night. Malrex remembered examining the woman in the cage, her hair fiery, and her eyes sometimes wide-eyed with madness, and other times just merely a haunted expression on her face. The orcs seemed to hold her in high regard. He remembered being somewhat disappointed…could this be the "treasure"? He wasn't going to become rich from this treasure….


He had almost left that night with disappointment, but something had compelled him to stay. Who would believe him when he told the others that the treasure was actually a woman? No, he would pull this off and prove himself to the others, besides through the dirt and tangled hair, the woman appeared very beautiful. So he waited in the bushes, behind trees, behind tents…wherever he could to avoid the orcs and wargs. Finally, most of them had fallen asleep, their guards lax as the encampment was so large.


He decided to make his move and crept to the cage. Malrex picked the crude lock easily, all the while the firey haired woman stared at me in awe. 'Brother?" She kept saying...Malrex had no idea what she was talking about. 'You have come to rescue me? Oh brother! I knew you would come!" (Because Darrla had it in her mind, delusions and what not that she hadn't killed her family, and that eventually her brother would come to rescue her. But she would still put up a struggle...telling him that we should stay here with our 'new family'). Malrex had grasped the woman with one arm, his other hand covering her mouth. She immediately started to struggle and he tried to stifle her screams.


He shook his head as he remembered the escape from the camp….sloppy. The woman was half-crazed and kept struggling in his grasp, going on and on about something about her father and brother. He had finally told her that he was her brother which immediately seemed to soothe her, but made him curse to himself. There went his chances…but he managed to escape with her from the orc camp.


Malrex expected quite a different reception when he returned home to show off to his father what he had done. His father had been furious, beating him severely. His father ranted that his plans had failed, something about using the woman as a bargaining chip for the orcs…and something about the Dour Dwarves. Malrex didn't make sense of it at the time and still could hardly remember what transpired. But he had been ordered to take the woman back immediately. That day, Malrex defied his father, taking his new companion with him to flee into the unknowns of civilized lands.


Malrex glanced at the dwarf "well, I had changed my mind" and shrugged.


Borgen cackled, "you fell in love with her didn't ya! Risking it all fer love! Ahh to be young again."


Malrex chuckled "well, it didn't really ummm happen like that, we sorta became ahh brother and sister that night" then sighed, "you know me, I usually can pull off a plan, but it doesn't always work as expected."


Borgens stared at Malrex, studying his features. "But now you gots problems, don't ya boy, yer father wants you dead for what you've done. And I be knowin yer father…Jhalek is persistent. He gonna find ya lad!"


Malrex gazed at the floor, feeling the knot in his stomach tighten. Their discussion went for many hours that evening.