Another Make a Story Thread

[adymarie]

(I'll go again since we seem to have stalled!)

The massive fair tent was the cynosure of the field. All of the activity made Simone's imagination soar! She pretended she was in charge of the fair. She thought to herself " I can think of a modification or 2, but it looks wonderful"! She could only think of platitude to express how much she loved the fair. "There is nothing really I can can to do ameliorate this fair" she said to Hagatha. "I have a penchant to go to the fair and a see all the sights" she exclaimed excitedly.


escapade
temerity
rotund
aegis
quality
gadabout

 

[badhabit]

Hagatha smiled and tilted her head in the direction of the fair grounds. "Why don't we all go and enjoy the carnival together," Hagatha suggested with a wink. All four of them nodded simultaneously and together ventured towards the fair, all anticipating the escapade that awaited them.

Meanwhile back at town center Prep, the gourmet chef was up to his old tricks. While the townsfolks were placing their entries for the royal cat naming contest, Prep stood in the backround grinning as he eyed the beautiful girls from afar. To the average person, they'd think Prep had a great amount of temerity as he walked behind the girls, goosing them one by one then turning away as if he had nothing to do with it.

As he walked down the line of woman he was stopped short in his tracks by a rather rotund looking man with an angry scowl upon his face. Prep gluped down a breath of air and nervously smiled at him. Right about now he wished he still had the aegis from his brother but instead of running at the sign of trouble Prep stood up tall and cleared his throat. "Can I help you sir?"

Prep didn't have many but his best quality was that he was a good fibber and many of times it has bailed him from a sticky situation. The large man before him grabbed Prep by the collar of his shirt and pulled him closer. "I know who you are and where you come from little man. Just do this town a favor and stay far away or you'll have more worries than you'll know what to do with."

With that the man let go of Prep and walked away. All Prep could do was straighten out his collar and outwardly shrug it off. Who was that man? He looked strangely familar although Prep was such a gadabout in so many places he could have met him anywhere.


Floral
Membership
Horizon
Cruise
Special
Equity

 

[hissy]

Meanwhile back to the eclectic group in the forest......

Killarha and Princess Simone were gathering flowers unlike any floral patterns they had ever seen. They wanted to plait them into their hair to garner a festive touch and even dared to hope Hagatha might allow one of them to touch her white hair up with all these vibrant colors. All the while they were busy doing this, Princess Simone was fingering the medal in the pocket and wondering if maybe she should let the group in on her secret about her Membership of Royalty? She had glanced off in the distance earlier, towards the horizon and noticed a cloud of dust swirling impressively from the direction of the castle. She had a suspicion that her father had sent the royal guardsmen in search of his wayward daughter. She was also reasonably certain that her royal mount Cruise, a beauiful black stallion was included in this endeavor, because once Cruise smelled her scent he would let out a whinny the whole kingdom could hear and her secret would then be revealed. She needed some special help from her new friends if she was going to remain outside for much longer.

There would be no equity for her once she was captured and she would be whisked away in short order to be then shamed in private by her father who believed that Royals did not mingle with peons and vagrants but remained inside the castle walls, instructed by teachers and nannies and safe from prying eyes.




comfort
envy
performer
sulphur
prediction
middle

 

[adymarie]

Simone took no comfort in her father's love as she found it repressive having to stay in the castle all of the time. She loved her people and they loved her, but she felt envy in their close family lives. She was lucky if she got to spend time with her father as he was always busy - or at least it seemed so since her mther, the Queen died. While she was thinking things thru, their path brought them closer to the fair. Simone could see a performer practicing beside the tent. There was a smell of sulpher in the air. "Maybe they will be doing something with the new canonball machine I heard of" she said to her new friends. Hagatha exclaimed "I have a predicition!" They stopped in the middle of the path to hear what she had to say.

destiny
oracle
idea
code
circumstances
cucumber

 

[hissy]

Hagatha drew herself up in a haughty manner. Prior to this, she was just a hunched over wizzened woman, but when she drew herself up in an impressive manner towering above the entire group.

"It is destiny that has thrown us all together," she said quietly. "I have been a oracle for some time now, and I have an idea that this group is not all that it seems." With these words, she ceased speaking and looked meaningfully at Princess Simone and the old man. Then, with her voice booming like thunder, she turned her long, gnarled wrinkled hands in the direction of the old man and said. "You are not a commoner. You are of the order of Royal Blood! Your code is honor and your shield is hidden underneath that shabby cloak!" Her curled elongated fingernails caught the lapel of his coat and she swung her hand. The coat flew aside as if by magic and shattered when it hit the ground. Pestri squawking wildly flew up out of the pieces of the cloak and into the pine boughs high above. Under the present circumstances, the group now stood in stunned silence. Where the man's chest had been hidden from sight there was now a gleam of metal. Magnificently displayed across his chest was a breastplate of gold and silver. No wonder his movements on the journey had been so stilted and slow. That breastplate must weigh a ton! Princess Simone, shielded her eyes and peered closly trying to see past the brilliance to decipher the images engraved on the breastplate.

"Why you are Prince Hornbean!" she exclaimed. "Your kingdom is renowned for it's way with gardening and your cucumbers are coveted food in my castle." Suddenly, Princess Simone realized her error and she clapped her hand to her mouth, but it was to late.


fellow
milling
sure-footed
personal
meow
pine

 

[adymarie]

Her fellow fair goers ignored her blunder as they respected her wish to not be known. As they looked toward the fair, they could see the townspeople milling about. Good knight Hornbean said "please say nothing about my identity to the townspeople - I am here on a mission of great importance!" At this news Killara tripped over a rock and it was only the fact that she was normally sure footed that saved her from a nasty fall. Hornbean exclaimed "are you alright my lady". Killara had never had anyone call ber that before. She found this personal form of address lovely as most people called her wench. Simone thought she heard a meow, but it was only the bird Petri sounding like one. He was sitting in a pine tree near by and she exclaimed "why he sounds just like a cat!" Hornbean explained that Petri wanted to be a cat and not a bird, but there was nothing that you could do about nature.

historic
wonderful
aroma
cantolope
question
outside

 

[adymarie]

(I'll go again since we are stalled!)

It was an historic day for the kingdom. It was the 1st time that a fair had come to town and Princess Simone thought that it was wonderful. She sniffed the air and could smell the aroma of treats. Killara exclaimed "I hope they have some fresh cantolope pie at the fair!". Princess Simone looked at her with a question in her eye, she had never heard of cantolope pie before. They hade finally reached outside the fair grounds. Horn bean reminded them not to let his secret out as he pulled a new cloak out of his pack to cover his insignia.

specialty
chocolate
roast
information
material
flags

 

[valanhb]

The fair was truly a wonder to behold. Most of the town had never seen such things! There were specialty shops with goods they had never imagine. Foods fit for the gods - turkey legs, artichokes, corn on the cob, melted chocolate in bowls, and roast meats of every type.

The rag-tag group stopped at the information booth to see what all was at the fair, but the majority of them couldn't read. Princess Simone broke the silence after studying the map, led the group down the main "street" of the fair. They gazed wondrously at the costumes that the gypsys and fair workers wore - every color in the rainbow in exotic materials. And then, horse-back riders led a procession carrying flags from many towns and provinces. Prince Hornbeam quietly pointed out his flag to his companions, and they all cheered when their own flag went past.

equestrian
royalty
foliage
feline
judgement
crest

 

[hissy]

As the equestrian team passed, a striking black stallion in the line suddenly flared his nostrils and snorted. He skidded to a standstill and stood surveying the crowd until his eyes rested on his beloved owner Princess Simone. Cruise let out a sharp whinny, and Princess Simone cringed and backed away quickly. She knew her game was soon to end and her royalty would be announced. She had no idea how most of the crowd would react to her, and her eclectic band, as if reading her mind, carefully surrounded her and started making their way off toward the deep foilage that lay some distance beyond their immediate reach. But Cruise was riveted to the spot and he followed their progress with his intelligent eyes, then he squealed a high piercing squeal, rearing up and dumping off his rider unceremoniously into the dirt. Then he took off at a gallop, charging after his beloved mistress.

The group was no match for this black stallion so they stood helplessly watching those pounding hooves draw ever closer. When Cruise drew abreast of the group he executed a magnificent sliding stop and stopped just inches away from his beloved princess. Princess Simone reached out and lovingly stroked her mount's velvet nose and blew into his heaving nostrils. He nickered and walked closer, bumping her in the chest and sighed deeply. He had found her at last!
Simone looked sadly at her new group of friends, but seeing the Master of the Guard quickly approaching, she reluctantly started to put her foot into the stirrup. Before she could mount, she heard an indignant meow. Startled, she noticed the saddle bag at Curise's heaving sides was quivering. She opened up the bag and pulled out her feline, her beloved kitten who had no name as of yet. No Name was thrilled to see her lady and she snuggled down into Princess Simone's neck and her purrs rumbled throughout the land.

Some of the malcontents in the crowd who had become upset at the interference to the days festivities fell silent at the sight of the girl, the kitten and horse nestled together. How could they pass judgement on such a wonderous scene and start a riot?

Captain KitKlash the Master of the Guard finally pushed through the crest of the crowd that had gathered. His face was red from exertion and he knew that he had to get the princess and her menagerie back to the castle before something unpleasant happened.



check
month
sullen
hearsay
crowd
sleepless

 

[adymarie]

Simone drew herself up, no longer hiding. She had a good adventure and now was the time to resume her duties as princess. She had gained a new maturity thru this adventure and she would be forever changed. She did not need to check in a mirror to know she was a mess, but she was proud of how she looked. Her new friends stood behind her, not really knowing what was going on. It seemed to the crowd that a month had passed for the Master of the Guard to approach the strage group, although it had only been minutes. He had a sullen look on his face, as he hated dealing with the princess - he wanted the kingdom for himself, but was not beloved by the people. He thought that if the princess wasn't around then the king would name him heir as he was a cousin of the deceased queen. He was trying to spread hearsay about the royal family to discredit them. He needed to get the crowd on his side as now was the best time to do in the princess and achieve his rightful place on the throne. He had many sleepless night fighting his conscience and his ambition.
Natural
extreme
underhanded
extraordinary
perturbed
code

 

[adymarie]

Come on people - we have been stalled for 20 days! Lets keep this story going!
Captain KitKlash new that he had to act natural, or he would give himself away. He new that eventually he would have to do something extreme if he wanted to take over the kingdom. He would try every dirty, underhanded trick in the book to reach his dream. He would go to extraordinary measures to get rid of the pretty little princess! He was perturbed by the allies she had standing with her - she was supposed to be alone! He tapped his nose in a series of gestures to signal his accomplice in the crowd. He had to make sure his code got through!

elegance
hopeful
attitude
murder
spectators
sport

 

[jeanie g.]

"Your Highness," he exclaimed, as he bowed with what he hoped appeared as deference. "Forgive me for interrupting your holiday, but your father lies near death! You must return to the palace immediately, and you must come alone. It is good that you are not attired in elegance; it is best that you arrive incognito. There is evil afoot in the kingdom, and your presence is needed immediately. I am hopeful, nay, I insist that your friends say nothing to anyone, for fear the evildoers know the harm they have done!"

Princess Simone was anxious to reach her father and so hopeful that her presence would serve as a healing factor, that she overlooked this new, respectful attitude. Captain KitKlash had always seemed less than admiring in his treatment of her. He had tried to hide his true feelings, but even a young princess could read his heart. There was no question in her mind; she would return immediately. She mounted her beautiful steed, bid her companions adieu and cautioned them to say nothing of the attempted murder. The spectators in the village soon lost interest in the interaction and went back to their sport. But Hagatha stared after the princess and her elegant escort. "I fear our princess has been duped, my friends. That man has a heart as black as our young friend's steed!"

plan
arrogance
misled
hidden
aberrant
whistle

 

[adymarie]

the group huddled together to devise a plan to save their friend. Hornbean exclaimed "his arrogance will be KitKlash's downfall! He thinks he has misled us from his hidden purpose, but as friends working together we will overcome his evil plot". Killara thought his aberrant behaviour would make him feel overly cocky and then they would be able to trick him. Hornbean's little bird gave a little whistle of agreement!

size
understand
trophy
benefit
sickness
insurance

 

[hissy]

It was decided that because of Prince Hornbeam's size that he would be the one to ride after the Princess and stall for time. The Prince before he left wanted his newly found friends to understand the gravity of Hagatha's prophectic words and he cautioned them to make haste with whatever they finally devised to save the Princess. He knew that KitKlash only looked at the Princess as some sort of trophy to be bandied about and he feared for her safety once she got out of eyesight of the crowd. He quickly looked around the milling crowd for a suitable mount and asked his friends for some added monies to add to his pocketful of change so he could benefit the owner of such a steed. He quickly discarded one mare from any consideration at all because she looked as if a sickness had overcome her and was on her last leg. He needed the insurance of a swift and faithful steed and he searched the crowd for such a worthy animal.




boot
lowered
directly
double
sending
firmly

 

[jeanie g.]

Simone's black stallion quickly caught up to KitKlash and headed for the castle. "Your highness, stop a moment. My boot is loose and I must stop!" KitKlash lowered himself from his horse and stooped over as if to adjust his boots. As soon as the princess approached, he mounted again, and told her he knew a pathway that would lead directly to the castle. "Follow me, your highness, and do not get lost. This forest can be dangerous!"

The princess did as KitKlash asked, but instead of making the progress she hoped for, this path seemed to lead nowhere. "Perhaps we had better double back, Captain. We should be able to see the castle from here, but I see nothing but forest! I must get to father!"

KitKlash said nothing; he continued, but more slowly. Then he stopped. The forest was thick with trees. Twilight had come, and with it an eerie stillness. The trees seemed to glow as red as the setting sun, as if sending a message of danger. The captain pulled back on the reins and his steed obeyed. Simone finally realized that he had tricked her. "Please, Captain, my father needs...."

"Your father needs you for nothing, and soon he will have no need for anything. Nor will you, my haughty princess. Dismount," he ordered firmly.

Simone lowered herself cautiously, but KitKlash pulled her off the path with a rough hand, and led her to a dwelling carved from stone. He lifted the iron bars, and pushed the princess into what appeared to be a cave. "My friends will help me, KitKlash! Hagatha will know what you've done!" Her last words never reached him. He had galloped away with Simone's black stallion behind him, tethered to his own steed.

Realization
Magic
Plot
Transformation
Courageously
Handsome

 

[bundylee]

After futile attempts to free herself the princess came to the realisation that she had been extremely foolish to trust KitKlash but at the news of her father dieing had clouded her mind. "How stupid I am" she wailed. "It will take magic to release me from this prison". Simone became quiet, she wondered what evil plot KitKlash was concocting and why he wanted her out of the way, was her father really dieing? was he already killed? oh the frustration of being stuck here. Simone found Transformation from being princess to wench and then to princess again had been rather unsettling and not at all as she had imagined. Her thoughts turned to Prince Hornbeam, so kind and gentle, yet strong and dependable. He would save her. "Help me" she yelled. The silence of the forrest interrupted with the awakened burst of birds as they took flight at the disturbance.

Prince Hornbeam heard the cry for help and Courageously turned his steed into the forest towards the sound. The tree branches cruelly whipping his Handsome face as he rode towards his princess.

Grateful
Comical
Pain
Touched
Knife
Intoxicated

 

[adymarie]

The princess was so grateful to see Hornbean riding down the forest path to her rescue. His bird Pestri looked comical as he tried to stay on the saddle horn during the gallop to the rescue. Hornbean drew close to the cave and dismounted his horse. Simone gasped in shock, Hornbean had welts all over his face from the forest. "He must be in tremendous pain" Simone thought to herself. Her gallant knight took a closer look at the bars of her prison and as he did so, Simone touched his face and quietly said "thank you my friend". He blushed and said "I will try to get you out of here". He tried to dig out the bars with his knife to no avail. As the knife scraped away at the rock, a sweet smell came in the form of a mist, it intoxicated Hornbean and he passed out. Simone was in tears trying to wake him up, but he slept on. Simone remembered that her new kitten was in the saddle bag that KitKlash had left behind and she called softly to him hoping that he could waken Hornbean. The tiny little grey kitten crawled out of his safe nest and bounced over to his mistriss thinking that this was a new fun game she had to play with him. On his way thru the bars, he brushed against them and they magically opened! He had rescued her! She decided then, that she would name him "Rescue", but that she would still hold a competition for the townsfolk to pick a middle name for him. Everyone knows that a royal cat must have at least 3 names!

awaken
plot
control
hope
understand
cling

 

[adymarie]

Simone hurried to awaken Hornbean - they had little time to spare! "Awake sir knight, we have to plot how to save my beloved kingdom!" Simone declared. Hornbean sat up slowly and got control of his senses. Rescue brushed up against Simone and gave her hope that they would win the day. Hornbean said softly "I understand your concern about your father - we will safe him my lady"! With that thought to cling to, they set off towards the palace, riding double on the mount Hornbean arrived on.

moon
care
relieve
kitten
courtesy
capture

 

[jeanie g.]

The princess clung to Hornbeam's waist. It seemed strange to the young woman that such an old and grizzled man should have such a trim and muscular body. But, there was no time to dwell on trivial matters. Her father was dying, and the cool glow of the moon told her how much time she had lost.

"I'm sorry, Princess; I know your lovely face is being scratched by the branches." Hornbeam's voice was full of care, despite the fact that he had his horse galloping at full speed. He was a skilled horsemen; there was no doubt of that.

Finally, the castle came into view, and Simone was relieved-temporarily. Guards came rushing at the two, frightening Simone's kitten, who tucked his little muzzle even more deeply under her cloak. "We have been instructed to treat you with courtesy, your highness, but we insist that you dismount and follow us."

The first guard reached up to help Simone down, but Hornbeam's strong forearm pushed him away. "I will help the princess. Your highness, I believe these men have captured us." Then, as he lifted her down, he whispered, "Just follow my lead. You will be fine, and we will see your father soon." Despite the terrible scratches he had suffered in reaching her and traveling to the castle, Simone thought there was a glow about Hornbeam which had escaped her previously.

Bedside
Potion
Transformed
Magical
Vengeance
Golden

 

[adymarie]

They were led to her father's bedside. He looked so shriveled and unwell in the bed. Simone cried out and dropped to her knees beside her father. Hornbean turned to the guards and asked that they be given a minute alone with the king - there was nothing they could do now he told them. As the guards left the room, Hornbean withdrew a potion from his waistcoat. "Don't fret Princess" he said. " I have just the thing to help". With that said he twisted the top off the potion. A fine mist rose from the bottle and Hornbean and the King were transformed! Hornbeam's old and withered visage changed to a knight bold and beautiful of face. the King gained life and strength. Simone gasped "What is this magical thing that you do?" Hornbean replied, "Hagatha gave this to me before we left her to put things they way they are supposed to be before foul magic was worked upon them". The king sat up from his death bed, hugged his daughter and swore vengeance against those who had done this to him. Rescue the cat looked about him with his golden eyes missing nothing.

Plot
murder
understated
grotesque
mystify
beloved