[Mkguild] Dire Situation Part 4

[Kit]

Well that's easy enough to answer.
1- What was discussed in the chatroom was only the dire form, nothing to do
with species shifting at all. It's really nothing more than a bigger,
tougher form of the morph shape. I'm pretty sure I remember Misha thinking
that was a neat idea and allowable, but I won't put words in his mouth that
I'm not sure of. I'm not sure where Stealth went from there though so I
really can't say. *shrug*

2- We do have morphing armor, from anthro to morph, but nothing that fits
taur form. Something like what drift had in your story would make quite a
bit of sense, because after all, it's just cloth, doesn't weigh that much
and can just be sort of stored in the normal form. In a way it just spreads
the clothes out over more space. With armor however, that's a bad idea,
because thinner armor means less protection which is bad. Plus Stealth has
been working with a different kind of armor, one that is rather impractical
for the most part and Stealth's character is really the only one who'd
consider using the prototype form because he is a) accident prone and b)
susceptible to the cold. Furthermore, the previous morphing armor was mostly
leather, not made of metal and wasn't particularly widespread anyway. So
basically think of the armor Stealth is using as an upgrade with added
features that still needs bugs worked out due to the considerate increase of
mass. It's heavier, easier to overheat in, makes dexterity (an important
traight for the morphic form) harder, and a slew of other things.

2009/3/18 Hallan Mirayas <hallanmirayas at hotmail.com>

>  Something tells me I need to come on the IRC chatroom more often, if stu=
ff
> this big is discussed only there and not on the List.
>
> 1- A dire animal is not the same species as its normal-sized counterpart.
> That means a dire-shift would be a species shift.  Now, correct me if I'm
> wrong, but species shifting is not something described in the story unive=
rse
> before, is it?  Aside from when it's caused by a daedra lord or lady, that
> is?  (As seen in Raven's story "Rites of Ascendancy", daedra lords and
> ladies -can- alter the Curse.)  I don't recall the Curse allowing
> species-shifts.  Taurform, animal form, and morph form all stay the same
> animal.  Changing a cheetah into a dire king cheetah?  I could easily see
> that as being an interference between the Curse and enchanted armor for a
> hunting cat, but a new form within the boundaries of the Curse?
>
> 2- I thought we already had morphing armor.  It's been listed on the MK
> wiki for quite some time.  That's where I got the idea for Drift's
> shapeshifting clothes in Harvest Festival.
>
> Hallan
>
> ------------------------------
> Date: Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:50:19 -0400
> From: stormkit10 at gmail.com
> To: stealthcat15 at gmail.com
> CC: MKGuild at lists.integral.org
> Subject: Re: [Mkguild] Dire Situation Part 4
>
>
> Well it took me a while, but I finally managed to catch up on your flow of
> stories and I must say it's pretty good. I like the idea of your amulet a=
nd
> had actually been thinking of something like it myself for a while, but t=
he
> thing I like most about this story? You introdocued a new form! It's alwa=
ys
> good to see people experimenting and expanding the boundaries of limitati=
ons
> (you know... assuming they actually ARE expanding and not just shattering=
 it
> altogether) and it's kind of nice to see Misha get shown up. When the dire
> form came up in the chatroom (was that YOU who brought it up? I can't even
> remember anymore), I thought it was a really nifty idea, but I had no idea
> anything would actually be done about it, especially not so soon (no offe=
nse
> MK, but when one year of real time manages to barely make it through a
> season, you don't get rewards for speed :P). So now that we've discovered=
 a
> new form, what are the drawbacks? Obviously the pluses include greater
> strength and speed than the taur form, but minus the dexterity (look ma, =
no
> hands!). Seems like a relatively good trade, but you also need to consider
> that both these forms are way better than the two normal ones (and anythi=
ng
> in between, such as what Stealth exhibited near the beginning). Both do s=
ort
> of have the disadvantage of greater size meaning less maneuverability,
> greater target, etc, but it's not enough of a drawback to counter the
> extreme benefits. Taur makes up for this by being really hard to use. Aft=
er
> all, six limbs is really difficult to coordinate properly under normal
> conditions, let alone something stressful like battle or strenuous activi=
ty
> where you're distracted. Dire on the other hand has no such thing, it's j=
ust
> like the morph form, but bigger, better, and stronger, where's the flaw?
> Nothing kills a story faster than an overpowered character with no
> drawbacks.
>
> On another note, do you remember I told you once that an upcoming charact=
er
> of mine (and myself also to a partial extent) thought your suit was somew=
hat
> silly, impractical, and altogether needing a redesign? Well this was it. I
> like the new suit very much and my character Kit (like any self respecting
> scholar in this verse) will just be dying to figure out how it works. Hec=
k,
> he semi-specializes in power storage and could probably help out with the
> suit's problem of turning to lead without warning if you let him. Anyway,
> great story, I really liked it and look forward to more. See you in tonig=
hts
> chat (hopefully).
>
> Kit
>
> On Fri, Mar 13, 2009 at 11:04 PM, Stealth <stealthcat15 at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Last part
>
> =93Be patent and you will return to the keep =96 alive.=94
>
>     =93Ed, I know I=92m not a soldier but...=94 He paused, =93If I stay h=
ere,
> you=92re gonna die.=94
>
>     Edmund just looked at him for a long moment while his breath filled t=
he
> air between them. =93Have faith in me.=94
>
>     =93Maybe you should have faith in me.=94 Stealth answered. He was war=
ming
> to the idea that he could help defeat those thieves and assassins... =93I=
=92ve
> never done anything for you. Let me help you now.=94
>
>     The paladin looked at him for a long moment. His harsh gaze made the
> cheetah uneasy. =93All right but you need to understand just how deadly w=
hat
> we are doing really is. You need to do exactly what I say.=94
>
>     =93Fine.=94 Stealth answered sharply, =93But only in battle. I know t=
his
> armour and my new body better then you... I=92d hazard a guess that I
> understand what=92s going on better then you, no offence. You need to hea=
r me
> out; let me help you with any plan you make.=94
>
>     Edmund took a breath and nodded, =93Let=92s get to work.=94
>
> ------------------------------------
>
>     =93A paladin?=94 A well groomed mongoose asked. =93He must not be all=
owed to
> escape.=94
>
>     =93Escape is not his plan.=94 The man answered. =93I=92ll take care o=
f the
> filthy Follower, You will do away with the other one.=94
>
>     =93Done.=94 Regal answered, =93I took him out easy enough once. This =
time I
> don=92t think the boss will mind me killing him; not if I bring back some=
thing
> good.=94
>
> -------------------------------------
>
>     =93Then it=92s settled.=94 Edmund said as he looked over his sword on=
ce more.
> =93We will head to the far hill and take shelter behind the reverse slope=
.=94
> The paladin sighed before he continued, =93You will flank them and fell as
> many as you can with your bow but you will remain at a safe distance.=94
>
>     =93Understood.=94 Stealth scowled and shifted to his taur form and th=
en
> again to his new dire form. The armour melted and contorted into place
> though it staggered at times.
>
>     Edmund sheathed his long sword. =93You should use your normal full fo=
rm;
> you need your speed and agility to evade them.=94
>
>     =93Look around, Ed. I need good traction to do those things anyway.=
=94
>
>     Edmund just looked at him while he pondered, =93I=92d still prefer yo=
u to
> stay and remain safe, at least try to head east to Mycransburg.=94
>
>     =93Then why bother coming here to get this?=94 The large animal motio=
ned to
> himself, pointing out either his armour suit or new form or both.
>
>     =93To use when you are a better scout and fighter.=94 The knight coun=
tered,
> =93To use them when the time is right.=94
>
>     =93I can do this, trust me. You know I=92m not the bravest man around=
. I
> wouldn=92t do this if I didn=92t like my chances.=94 Stealth implored.
>
>     =93You=92re still training, you are wearing ancient armour and you=92=
re in a
> new form, neither of which you understand.=94
>
>     =93But you said I=92m here for a reason, you said I got this armour f=
or a
> reason. The suit will protect me and I=92ll run fast, I won=92t engage th=
em.
> They won=92t even see me most of the time.=94 As he said it, Stealth=92s =
heart
> beat faster then he could count the number of beats. He trembled with fear
> but he tried to control it.
>
>     =93All right...=94 Edmund said and controlled his feelings. This was
> nothing new to him; a rookie wanting to do something foolhardy with the
> likely hood of being killed. =93You will keep your distance from the assa=
ssins
> at all times. Do not approach the Daedraenlui. I must face him alone.=94
>
>     =93Fine, I=92ll peg them from a distance and keep moving. Now grab my=
 bow
> and quiver, tie them onto the back of my neck.=94 The animal said and poi=
nted
> a paw to his weapons.
>
>     The paladin quickly wrapped a leather band around the dire cheetah=92s
> neck like a collar but to it he equipped the quiver and latched the bow o=
ver
> it.
>
>     =93Good, now Ed, quickly jump on my back.=94 The dire animal ordered =
and
> kneeled close to the ground.
>
>     Edmund flinched and stared at the large feline. =93I=92ll use my moun=
t to
> run along side.=94
>
>     =93I need you to be able to keep up; you=92re no good to me trailing
> behind.=94
>
>     =93I=92m sorry, there has to be another way. I=92m not entirely
> comfortable...=94 the paladin explained.
>
>     The giant cheetah shot him a cold glare, =93How do you think I felt w=
hen
> you wanted me to disrobe in front of your people?! Our lives are at stake=
!=94
>
>     Edmund sighed. The idea of riding a friend just creped him out. But a
> part of him was interested in the challenge of riding a cheetah.
>
>     =93It will be alright.=94 The animal said.
>
>     The paladin quickly climbed onto the dire cheetah. He didn=92t sit up=
 but
> leaned forward and tried to gain his balance. This was vastly different f=
rom
> riding a horse and it took a moment to get a good seat. All the while he
> tried not to think about WHO he would be riding.
>
>     =93I am ready!=94 Edmund said and grit his teeth.
>
>     =93Good! Hold on tight, here we go!=94 The animal shouted and took of=
f like
> a bolt.
>
>     As the paladin bounced around he said a last quick prayer, =93Eli see=
 us
> through... and please don=92t let me fall off.=94
>
> -------------------------------------
>
>     As they approached the tree line, Stealth gasped at the weight of what
> they were doing. It wouldn=92t be the first time he=92s... killed someone=
 but
> now he was faced with true combat. All of his training would be put to the
> test and it would make the difference between life and death.
>
>     =93Ed...=94 He said in a huff, =93I can=92t do this.=94
>
>     =93Yes you can!=94 The paladin snarled. =93Now is NOT the time to loo=
se your
> nerve. Flank them! Flank them!=94 He pulled on the cheetah=92s neck and g=
uided
> it to the right. He guided his friend as he would a horse... =93As soon as
> we=92re past the reverse slope I=92ll drop, you just keep running!=94
>
>     With a feral snarl the dire cheetah ran faster and ploughed through t=
he
> snow. In the twilight he leapt over a snow bank then up the shallow side =
of
> a slope. Once past the reverse slope he felt a large weight drop from his
> back. Having deposited Edmund as close as he=92d dare approach, Stealth r=
an
> onward, while blocking out the hustling and confusion of the bandits he
> shifted to his full form. As soon as he reached a safe distance he stopped
> to rest. The feline shifted to taur form and reached for the bow now slung
> very loosely around his neck.
>
>     After reattaching the belt to his back he shifted to ordinary full fo=
rm
> and took off at another run. His pace slowed from the exertion earlier as=
 he
> ran low through the trees and snow banks. He stopped and shifted to taur
> form, notching an arrow in his bow. Stealth took a breath and loosed the
> arrow. As he shifted back to full form he heard a grunt but he was already
> running to a new location where he shifted again and shot another arrow w=
ith
> the same result.
>
>     As he ran about the pre dawn field he tried to ignore the shouts of
> alarm from fleeing bandits. They obviously knew they were under attack but
> had no idea at the location or number of assassins =96 perhaps the Keep w=
as
> onto them? Stealth shifted to taur form once more but paused in notching =
his
> arrow. Instead he shifted back to Dire form, his harness bunching up arou=
nd
> his neck again, and ran at several people he saw running.
>
>     Suddenly, like metal succumbing to years of rust in mere seconds, his
> armour ground to a halt and the animal collapsed in the snow.
>
>     =91No! No! Not now!!!=92 He willed the armour off and it promptly dro=
pped
> like scrap. As he shook off the unwanted weight, the cheetah caught sight=
 of
> something glowing.
>
>     Lying in the snow in the remnants was the dagger from the cellar. The
> dire cheetah took it hesitantly in his muzzle, feeling a strange warmth f=
low
> over him. He ignored the sensation and ran at the thieves as they galloped
> away.
>
>     Stealth reached them in no time and swiped the first horse=92s hind l=
egs
> up from under it. It=92s rider fell to the ground on his head with an aud=
ible
> crunch. He then turned to the next one and leapt, pouncing the bandit out=
 of
> the saddle. The dire animal landed hard on the bandit when they hit the
> ground. The thief=92s chest completely caved in under the weight of the
> feline=92s paws. Stealth then turned on another who currently rode direct=
ly at
> him.
>
>     The cheetah darted out of the way faster then should have been possib=
le
> in his large form. He reached out his razor sharp dew claw and sliced open
> the horse=92s foreleg as it ran past. The horse whinnied and crashed into=
 the
> one in front. The man, some sort of mongoose, slid into the cheetah=92s
> waiting forelegs. Stealth dropped the dagger in the snow near by, he lick=
ed
> his lips and craned his head down intent on crushing the man=92s skull in=
 his
> jaws.
>
>     The mongoose looked paralysed with fear but at the last moment he
> grappled the cat=92s neck and slid underneath him out of harms way.
>
>     Stealth hissed and turned about when he saw what he=92d been hearing =
the
> whole time. The dire cheetah saw Edmund clashing with the Daedra follower,
> around them three bodies were scattered. Stealth watched the Daedraenlui
> with a bloodlust he wasn=92t really aware of. The predator crouched low t=
o the
> ground and moved silently with intent eyes.
>
> -------------------------------------
>
>     After tumbling in the snow, Edmund stood up and quickly unsheathed his
> long sword. He spared a glance at Stealth and his friend was already raci=
ng
> off. The paladin ran down the slope swinging his blade, the first swipe t=
ook
> someone=92s head, the second cut into the chest of a companion, spilling
> entrails. Edmund thrust his sword forward at a third foe and skewed him
> instantly.
>
>     The cheetah paladin then reached the tent and sliced open the canvas.
> He looked inside, emanating a long and uncertain =91chirr=92. The Daedrae=
nlui
> was absent.
>
>     Edmund hissed and jumped back on his paws when a jagged blade swept
> past him. The knight turned to his right and saw the cold, empty gaze of =
the
> unholy warrior. The Daedraenlui stared at Edmund motionless and silent wh=
ile
> three more bandits emerged around him. The thieves looked at each other a=
nd
> the anti paladin uncertain until one of them bolted.
>
>     No sooner had the long tailed weasel moved the Daedraenlui merely
> stepped on said tail and jammed his serrated blade into the morph=92s bac=
k,
> lifting the sword like a crow bar and prying a portion of spine free.
>
>     =93Stand your ground.=94 He said calmly as the morph collapsed in spa=
sms.
>
>     The other two looked at each other with a great deal more fear and ran
> at the same time. The Daedraenlui instantly drew out a chain and twirled =
it
> about, it wrapped around and sliced open one man=92s chest and he cried o=
ut as
> he fell, the unholy warrior swung it about in the same instant, wrapping =
it
> around the neck of the second. With a simple tug, the chain drew back
> causing the morph=92s head to twist and spin free of his body.
>
>     The paladin hissed and drove his sword toward the evil warrior. His
> blow was easily deflected as was expected. Edmund used the momentum to sp=
in
> his blade about and try to take the Daedraenlui=92s head but his opponent
> ducked and they soon stood opposite each other. Edmund=92s ears twitched =
to
> the startled cries behind him. The knight seethed when he realised Stealth
> had ignored his order and engaged the bandits directly.
>
>     He blocked out the thought as he twirled with the Daedra warrior and
> exchanged blows. As Edmund countered attack after attack he began to tire
> but the =91anti paladin=92 showed no sign of tiring. The cheetah began to=
 loose
> ground and panted with the exertion.
>
>     =91Eli, give me... strength?=92 The knight=92s eyes widened as a gian=
t animal
> rose up behind his opponent like a wave and crashed into the Daedraenlui =
who
> slammed into the ground and slid to a halt at Edmund=92s paws.
>
>     The man was almost crushed under the weight of the dire cheetah.
> Stealth snarled at the anti-paladin, eyes wide with the thrill of the hun=
t.
> The giant animal craned its neck down and opened its jaws wide around the
> neck of the frightened Daedraenlui.
>
>     =93STEALTH! NO!=94 Edmund shouted at the cat.
>
>     Stealth jerked his head back and blinked, =93Oh, sorry. I forgot.=94 =
He put
> a heavy forepaw down on the man=92s back, restraining him easily. =93I ho=
pe you
> don=92t move; I haven=92t eaten today... I like to eat things that move.=
=94
>
>     That earned a chuckle from Edmund. The dire animal purred loudly but
> the Daedraenlui just shot the paladin an intense and hateful glare.
>
>     =93How did you fare in the battle, Ed?=94 The animal asked and looked=
 at
> the three bodies around them.
>
>     =93Oh, I didn=92t kill these ones, he did for desertion!=94 Edmund sa=
id to
> Stealth=92s other unasked question, =93I fared well; a difficult fight bu=
t I got
> thru it.=94 He answered. =93And you my friend?=94
>
>     The cheetah thought for a moment, =93I feel... different.=94 Looking =
back
> he did feel strange. Like he=92d almost enjoyed it... slowly the reality =
began
> to sink in and the thrill began to fade.
>
>     =93Are you alright?=94 Edmund asked softly.
>
>     =93No.=94 Stealth said without hesitation. =93What do you want to do =
with...
> this?=94 He asked and nudged their prisoner.
>
>     =93Hold him steady,=94 Edmund kneeled close to the ground and searche=
d the
> man for anything dangerous or interesting. He found a score of poison tip=
ped
> darts and the large chain. Ed could now tell the chain was covered in spi=
kes
> and they were marred with flesh and blood. Using a rope from one of the
> tents, the cheetah paladin tied the man=92s arms, legs and gagged him.
>
>     Once he was secured, Stealth removed his paw from the Daedra follower=
=92s
> back. =93Can I get the other ones now?=94 He asked eyes wide with the thr=
ill of
> the hunt again.
>
>     =93No, I need you here to help me take him back.=94
>
>     =93Okay. I=92m glad we survived...=94 The animal said.
>
>     =93We=92re not out of this yet,=94 Edmund reminded as he watched their
> prisoner =96 their only prisoner after the rest fled or died, =93but I am=
 glad
> to see you unharmed.=94
>
>     Stealth purred and rubbed against Edmund, causing him to grunt and fa=
ll
> backward in the snow. =93Ooof!=94
>
>     =93Are you sure you want to take him back with us?=94 Stealth asked a=
nd
> sniffed Edmund=92s nose.
>
>     =93It wouldn=92t be right to kill him like this. He should be tried f=
or his
> crimes.=94 Ed answered as he got back up and looked around. =93Forgive me=
 for
> asking this but may I sling our guest across your back for the time being=
?=94
>
>     =93Sure.=94 The animal said and waited patiently as if he were a draft
> horse while the burden was hefted over him like a sack of potatoes. =93I=
=92ll
> take him back to the Keep!=94
>
>     =93No, not without my guidance. He is too dangerous to be left alone.=
=94
> The knight ordered and turned to head back up to the tree line. =93Follow=
 me
> to my horse.=94
>
>     =93Ed, wait, my armour.=94 Stealth motioned behind him.
>
>     =93All right,=94 The paladin walked quickly past the splayed corpses =
and
> noted the arrows buried in their skulls. =93You did very well Stealth. Fi=
ne
> aim.=94
>
>     Stealth just mumbled in acknowledgment; he didn=92t feel all that pro=
ud
> of what he=92d done, just an unsettling craving... The thought was worse =
when
> he remembered almost crushing their skulls in his jaws. Perhaps he was
> feeling a little complacent and feral in his new form, Stealth wondered w=
ith
> trepidation if he had tried to kill the Daedraenlui... or eat him.
>
>     Halfway to the discarded pile the dire creature found his dagger in t=
he
> snow. He idly snatched it up in his muzzle and felt its warmth quickly
> fading away.
>
>     When they found the suit, Edmund didn=92t have the strength to fully
> repower it at that time so he just fuelled it enough to make it=92s weight
> bearable and then collected up each plate as well as the daggers into a
> gunny sack he took from the tents. It was a slow walk but they eventually
> made their way back to the horse. With renewed energy they then left the
> Haunted Woods (again) and stepped out into the sunlight of the new day.
>
> -------------------------------------
>
>     As they slowly headed south a distinct cloud of disquiet hung over
> them. They were victorious but neither would feel safe until they returned
> to the keep. The daunting choice of being trapped in the Haunted Woods or
> getting killed trying to leave was behind them but until the Daedra
> worshiper was out of their paws they wouldn=92t rest easy. Still, at least
> they were going home.
>
>     They forded the creek that once tried to eat Stealth=92s Yule tree.
> Though the stream was now frozen solid it was far more risky to cross.
> Stealth wanted to jump across but he=92d probably loose his load. He allo=
wed
> himself to be lead across by Edmund who held the cheetah=92s scruff in one
> hand and the halter of his horse in the other. During the crossing the di=
re
> cheetah wondered who was helping who maintain balance...
>
>     Edmund kept a close eye on the evil warrior on the cheetah=92s back w=
hile
> Stealth just lamented. A few hours past he felt thrill and delight which
> quickly eroded into despair and now he felt so shook up that he just want=
ed
> to go home.
>
>     =93You are very quiet.=94 Edmund spoke as they walked. =93Something w=
rong?=94
>
>     The quadruped opened his mouth to speak but faltered.
>
>     =93Amulet acting up?=94
>
>     =93No it=92s not that.=94 He said softly and swallowed a lump. =93...=
=94
>
>     =93Speak to me. Tell me what is troubling you.=94 The paladin ordered.
>
>     =93When I shot my bow and heard a scream...=94 Stealth began but lost=
 his
> voice.
>
>     =93I can understand how that would be troubling.=94 Edmund said and h=
uddled
> up in his coat. Now that the excitement was long behind them he was cold
> again.
>
>     =93I was happy.=94 He corrected and tried to look away.
>
>     Stealth only heard Edmund breathing, was he pondering? ...or was he
> judging? =93When I leapt and landed on someone... I was happy, happy that=
 I
> crushed him underneath me, happy that he died under my paws.=94
>
>     =93Are you sure?=94 Edmund asked.
>
>     Stealth blinked, he looked up at Edmund with an expression to emphasi=
se
> just what he thought of that question...
>
>     =93Well are you sure that YOU were delighted? Or the cheetah within?=
=94
> Edmund countered, =93Humans have always lost themselves in battle. Eons b=
efore
> the curses gave us new instincts to contend with, it=92s the way it=92s a=
lways
> been.=94
>
>     =93Then why do we always come away pained?=94 The animal whimpered in=
 a
> churr.
>
>     Edmund laughed humourlessly, =93Because we=92re not monsters.=94
>
>     =93I didn=92t think I=92d ever feel worse then the first time I snuff=
ed
> someone.=94 The feline said softly.
>
>     =93You acted in self defence that day, today you made a decision and =
took
> responsibility for your safety.=94 He placed a hand on his friend=92s sho=
ulder,
> =93It=92s not meant to be easy.=94
>
>     =93Thanks, Ed.=94 Stealth said and absently nuzzled the paladin=92s h=
and.
>
>     =93If there=92s one to bear the burden it is me; they did this to get=
 to
> me.=94 He said and huddled up more in the coat while the knight=92s tail =
wrapped
> around his legs.
>
>     =93Because of the Shadow?=94
>
>     =93No.=94 Edmund said bluntly. =93Daedra followers are evil but not s=
tupid.
> He knew I have no control over the spirit of the woods.=94
>
>     Stealth blinked, =93Then he told those people, all those people you d=
id
> just to...=94 The cheetah slowly turned his head to look at their prisone=
r.
>
>     The man bound and slung over his back could not speak but through the
> gag he seemed to grin.
>
>     Edmund=92s reaction was swift and unexpected. He lashed out with his =
fist
> and punched the man dead square on the nose. =93Your real punishment will=
 come
> soon enough.=94
>
>     The Daedraenlui grunted and choked a bit on his gag.
>
>     Stealth turned away and blanched. Edmund said that man killed his own
> people. And he lied to them to obtain their help in killing the paladin...
> They=92d not have been so helpful if they knew the Shadow was still a thr=
eat.
> Had they succeeded all of them would have naively gone to their deaths at
> the hands of the Shadow Fox. And he was proud of it! As troubled as Steal=
th
> felt at their fight that morning, it was comforting to know that at the v=
ery
> least he wasn=92t a sadist...
>
>     After the fist to their prisoner=92s face, their conversation died do=
wn
> again. Edmund pondered everything that had happened and everything that
> would need to be done. George will want a debriefing, those ashes in the
> cellar would need to be collected respectfully and he=92ll need to give
> Bridgette a big hug and kiss.
>
>     Another matter of concern was obviously the armour and =91dire=92 for=
m.
> However of more concern to the knight was Stealth himself. Edmund was a b=
it
> surprised and a little amazed that Stealth did so well. He did have a
> problem with following instructions but Edmund was already aware of that.
> What gave him pause was Stealth=92s attitude; he did almost falter but be=
sides
> that he seemed eager when at other times the feline acted much more timid
> and reserved. Perhaps the new form or suit had an affect on the lad.
>
>     =93Ed.=94
>
>     Edmund blinked out of his revere, =93Yes?=94
>
>     =93What was a Daedraenlui even doing here in Metamor?=94 The animal a=
sked
> as he navigated a large mound.
>
>     =93Good question. One that many people will want answered. Especially
> myself.=94
>
> -------------------------------------
>
>     It had only been just over a full day but to the returning cats it fe=
lt
> like weeks. Edmund and a score of his men escorted their guest to the
> dungeons. Stealth took the sack containing his belongings to the Guild To=
wer
> for recharge and analysis. The mages wanted to keep it in their possession
> for some time to understand its transformation but it refused to stay put
> and merely blobbed along the floor and back to its wearer.
>
>     Stealth shrugged and left, promising to return for them to study the
> new suit when he had the time to sit around. He left in his dire form =96=
 he=92d
> been in that form since early morning =96 and walked towards his next
> destination.
>
>     As the large animal walked through the halls of Metamor, people stoped
> to gawk. Some chuckled while others were gobsmacked. Some looked on in
> curiosity and made appraisals while others cowered in fear. To think, if
> he=92d been a normal, ordinary taur in a tunic people wouldn=92t even spa=
re a
> glance.
>
>     Late that day the dire cheetah in golden armour lined with black
> splodges slowly and with natural grace entered Long Hall. Misha spared wi=
th
> some of his fellow Longs in taur form, everyone stopped in their training=
 to
> gawk and the horse-sized feline.
>
>     Stealth turned his gaze down and saw a metallic animal standing in
> front of him.
>
>     =93Rawr!=94 The cheetah said to the metal fox.
>
>     Madog promptly =91yipped=92 and scurried to hide underneath Misha=92s=
 legs,
> peeking up shyly from underneath.
>
>     =93Hello Misha,=94 The giant animal said in hypnotic low hiss.
>
>     =93Stealth? Is that you?=94 The fox asked, confused.
>
>     =93Yep, I learned a new trick...=94 The cat grinned.
>
>     =93What happened?=94 Misha asked, unsure of how he should react.
>
>     The cheetah sat on its haunches, =93I went out to the woods the other=
 day
> and got a new suit. Then by accident while I was trying to get out of it I
> discovered a new forth form. I call it the Dire form.=94
>
>     =93Very impressive Stealth! You are some sort of mega sized cheetah.
> Almost like a throw back to some ancient long extinct giant cheetah!=94
>
>     =93Oh, yes. Now Oberon can be the little cat.=94
>
>     =93Can you teach me this new form?=94 Misha asked enthusiastically.
>
>     Some people around the taur rolled their eyes or sighed. They weren=
=92t
> all too excited about the idea of a bouncy dire fox.
>
>     =93I don=92t know; I don=92t really know how to teach people stuff.=
=94 The
> animal shrugged.
>
>     =93Stealth.=94 Said the taur and placed his hand on the cheetah=92s s=
houlder,
> =93You need to teach me new things!=94
>
>     =93Okay, I=92ll try, though I hope you don=92t mind loosing your uppe=
r half.=94
>
>     =93No problem.=94 He handed his staff to Georgette and removed his ve=
st.
> =93I=92m always happy to try a new form.=94
>
>     =93Good!=94 Said the dire cheetah. =93Now close your eyes. Picture yo=
ur own
> body...=94
>
>
> Dire Situation
> Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Michael Nastov
>
>
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>
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