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Game Master
(Rasgorn)
11/9/2010 1:23:17 AM
PostID: 383066
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OOC-The Abbey of Saint-Loup, Troyes was established in the ninth century to shelter the relics of bishop Lupus of Troyes, Saint Loup, the legendary defender of the city against Attila in the fifth century[1] and patron of the city. The monastic community was reformed in 1135 by Bernard of Clairvaux, when the abbot and his monks embraced the Rule of Saint Kargoth as interpreted by Pope Leo I and became Canons Regular. The Abbaye Saint-Loup has renowned library and scriptorium.
IC-Sir Alexandre Godarte is recovering from terrible wounds at the Abbey of St. Loup in Troyes. Lord Morwith regularly visits him to check on his progress and two of the Ten, well seven now, three died in that same battle and Alexandre hasn't found any replacements. He really hasn't had time or energy. He has nightmares and fevered sweats on a regular basis and his memory is fuzzy and indistinct about many things. It is all slowly coming back to him. Lady Joanna, once to be his Joanna, of House Attebury has stayed with him, often cleaning his wounds herself and washing his linen. She is usually brief and curt with him, rarely talking more than five or ten minutes at a time. She is always accompanied by another, it is not suitable for her to be alone with him. She has been the perfect picture of decorum and ladyship the whole time and he is uncertain how she feels. He himself doesn't remember too much of their earlier meetings. He does have one strong memory of her. She is riding through the heather, her long, lustrous dark hair gleaming in the sun's fading rays. She is smiling at him, smiling with those incredibly deep, soft blue eyes and playfully chiding him about something. He finds himself drifting off.
The hard clatter of hooves crossing cobbled stone woke Alexandre. He was sweating again, another fevered dream of the last battle. The Elf-Spear, his weapon leaned against the near wall. It was that weapon he used against the Lycans at the Battle of the White Lakes(Cote des blancs on the maps). He flexed his left hand again, looking at the fanged scars along the muscle rise and fall with his flexing. His right had no scars but trembled worse and sometimes it went numb and tingled. Both Hithnar and Father Martin agree the numbness is due to when Duchess Celicia bit Alexandre, her mouth covering all of his right shoulder and part of his neck and head. Those scars run deep and often pain him more than he cares to admit. Alexandre hasn't felt this weak since he was gored by a boar so many years ago. Ricula was there then. He hears she is up in High Vale now, fighting along the Marne river with Lord Morwith and others. The horse, he remembers it was a horse that woke him. He can tell it's one of the courier's he helped establish. Lord Morwith and Sir Halgon Sharp have much applauded him for that idea. The couriers have proven most useful. He most likely came from the north, with more news of the fighting. It was just two days ago they heard of Kree's death, killed by a Knight of the Horned Society. Would they wake him this time? He didn't know. They usually didn't out of concern for his health. He knew many thought he would never fully recover. He knew they were wrong. He was twice as strong now as he was a week ago. Still, he knew he had a ways to go.
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Alexandre Godart
(davwalp)
11/11/2010 4:33:09 PM
PostID: 383275
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OOC: OMG I have no idea where to begin! It's going to take a little bit for me to get back up to speed.
IC:
Alexandre wakes with a start, the fading memories of yet another fevered dream clouding his vision for a few moments.
Enough of this! he thinks to himself bitterly I am getting of this cursed bed TODAY!
Still, he is quite cautious as he swing his legs around to the floor, taking several deep breaths and waiting for the dizziness to pass...or at least lessen...
Slowly...slowly...he rises to his feet and staggers to the corner where his mighty Elfspear leans against the wall. To his unpleasant surprise, it takes the remainder of his flagging strength to simply grab his weapon in shaking hands and, using it shamefully as a makeshift crutch, hobble back to his bed where he collapses, panting and coughing.
He manages to roll onto his back, and, eventually pulls himself up into a sitting position with his back slumped wearily against the wall.
Closing his eyes against the pounding in his skull, he calls out, with as much dignity as he muster Attendant! For Orion's sake, bring me fresh clothes and hot food....and a proper walking stick!
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Game Master
(Rasgorn)
11/12/2010 12:13:12 AM
PostID: 383309
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OOC-I planned Alexandre's recovery with your getting back into the game. I figured that would be a good way to ease things along and have you catch up as he recovers, rather than just overloading you with everything at once.
IC-Rordune and Einji explode into the room, weapons out, eyes searching for danger. For a moment Alexandre only blinks at two of his Ten. Both men calm down and smile in happy surprise once they discern there is no danger present. Rordune looks at Einji,Einji, go bring Hithnar and Father Martin. Send for Lady Joanna and the others as well. Our Lord Alexandre has returned to us! My lord, we will see to your needs. Would you like a bath? I can have them start preparing the hot water. It's a fine thing to see you up and about. Einji leaves and after he is gone, Alexandre notices another man watching from the doorway. He looks like a priest, a flagellant actually. He is a thick, hamfisted man. Although he is only about 5-7, he seems taller due to his bulk. This priest is built like a bull. His arms sway away from his body due to the strength and power in his neck and shoulders. His dark, smoldering eyes watch Alexandre with keen interest. He keeps his dark hair cut short in a monk’s tonsure and he is remarkably clean-shaven. He doesn't come into the room though, remaining outside while Father Martin, Hithnar, Sir Rocio, Sir Noyes and Guthlac, old sergeant Guthlac, who was with him from the beginning and is now his seneschal, all try to cram into the room at once. He can see they are all surprised and full of joy that he is even awake and looking at them with some semblance of awareness. Alexandre looks at all of them, just waiting to hear more and shakes his head, noticing there is not a clean linen or walking stick among them.
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Alexandre Godart
(davwalp)
11/12/2010 1:49:44 PM
PostID: 383356
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Alexandre greets each man in turn with a hearty handshake and allows himself to bask in the happy chaos for a few moments before raising his hand.
The men quickly fall silent and look to him. I am master of my wits again, but alas, my body still betrays me. It shames me to admit that I have not the strength to properly walk, much wield a sword.
But the fight goes on, I presume?
I remember falling at White Lakes, but even that is a hazy memory.
How long have I been senseless?
What news since then?
I'll ask you men to speak plainly, for I suspect I have lost far too much time already.
Before his men can speak, however, Alexandre points to the priest in the doorway And you good Father, I do not suppose that we have been properly introduced. I am Sir Alexandre Godart.
OOC: How long was Alex out of commission in terms of game time? (Has been unconscious for most of the time since I left?) Should I try to get everything in-game v. how much do you want me to read up on the threads? I don't want to overburden you with exposition. Which threads should I be reading to get backstory?
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Game Master
(Rasgorn)
11/18/2010 12:44:12 AM
PostID: 383878
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Alexandre's friends are all clusterd around him, all impatiently waiting their turns to speak. The all stop murmuring and moving when Alexandre asks about the Flagellant priest outside. The priest stays outside, not wanting to intrude, knowing he is a stranger and waiting patiently for his turn. Alexandre's greeting catches the man by surprise. A quick flicker of a smile passes across his face,In this I have the better of you Sir Godarte. I am Father Hayne. I have had the great honor of helping tend to you these last few months while you sweated out the lycan Queen's poison. Brother Arn, who you knew as Bardolf before he took his oaths, asked me to stay and help. Brother Arn has gone north to High Vale and Chalon. Now that you are up and in good company, with your permission, I'll take my leave to look in on other patients.
Alexandre quickly discerns from the reactions of the others, that they all respect this man, but are leery or uneasy around him. Father Martin steps outside and calls for food, clean linens and a staff or walking stick for Alexandre.
Guthlac shakes his hand first, motioning towards Father Hayne with his chin,He has served you well, has served all of us well. It was Father Hayne who brought from death's door to the fevered sweats. We all thought you had died or would die. You lay motionless for several weeks, not responding to anyone or anything. We thought you would waste away. Bardolf, um Brother Arn and Father Hayen arrived. Right away they knew more about your wound and the poison than we did. More than even Miles the Judicator. Once they got here, Father Hayne had you up and able enough to swallow soup and thin stew in a few hours. If not for him and Brother Arn, we would have buried you. Guthlac's face tells Alexandre by expression alone that he doesn't like Father Hayne. He respects the priest, but doesn't trust or like him at all.
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Alexandre Godart
(davwalp)
11/18/2010 7:59:20 AM
PostID: 383926
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Alexandre nods at Guthlac's words Then I am surely in the debt of Brother Arn and Father Hayne...and all of you as well.
Now please, give your report my friend. How goes fight? What are our troop dispositions?
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Game Master
(Rasgorn)
11/23/2010 1:24:20 PM
PostID: 384462
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Guthlac's eyebrows arch back in surprise. Hithnar gives Alexandre a stunned look not sure what to make of this sudden burst of energy and request. Father Martin holds up his hands,Gentlemen, gentlemen, I'm certain you all have duties to attend and more importantly, spread the word Lord Alexandre is awake. Guthlac affirms that with a nod and starts sending men off, clearing the room of everyone but Father Martin, Sir Rocio and Hithnar.
Sir Noyes was caught between his reluctance to leave and his yearning to announce Alex's good health to all the others. He smiles and gives Alex a quick nod before leaving to send word Lord Morwith and all the others.
Once they have all gone, Sir Rocio sits down next to Alexandre and readies himself to deliver somber news,Alex, we don't have any troops anymore. Not officially anyway. Lord Morwith had no idea if you would survive or not and so transferred all of your commands except the remaining Ten and your household arms to others. Aldane and the surrounding areas of Fontenot are still held in your name. Aldane has come along way since you last saw it. Those dwarves and gnomes King Louis sent have done good work. Aldane is now a walled town. It is also prosperous and relatively peaceful and free of troubles. We also secured Sezanne and most of the smaller villages all the way to the Marne. The Forest though is still contested. Many areas, particularly around Swanrill Lake are still in evil hands. There is something dark in those forests, something that sickens the very trees and brush. Lord Morwith has chosen to encircle and prevent it from spreading rather than suffer the casualties of an all out attack. I agreed with his strategy. Duke Vintronus and Bishop Damon are just across the Marne, waiting for a moment of weakness to break the treaty. We give them a reason to cross the Marne again, we are all certain they'll come within an hour's time. And, we don't have the same eyes and ears out there we once did. Kree Quickshadow is dead. He was killed by a Horned Knight. Since his death and your sickness, his Raiders have not reported as often or as fully as before. We get the impression they don't trust most of the other knights besides you and Sir Halgon Sharp. We also lost the services of Lady Jenay. That was a hard blow Alex. She and her scouts gave the best reports of enemy strengths and movements of anyone I've ever been around. Unfortunately, Rocio reaches out to grasp Alexandre's hand,without your patronage, the other lords wanted little to do with her and very few of them recgonized the Knightship you granted her. I'm told she now rides for Jamie, the Red Witch of the Ardennes. I'm certain if you sent word, she would reconsider serving you again. Of all the lords and Knights I have met since our last battle, only Sir Halgon and Sir Alfred Nickerson of High Vale do I trust. Only they have shown true chivalry in their dealings with others. It's a wary time for us. King Louis is ill, and every word we hear tells of his health failing more everyday. Louis' Queen, 'your queen', Lucienne de Rochefort and her sons, the princes Roderick and Armand, press Vintronus' claims over Lord Morwith and the Revorns. There are also whispered rumours of your 'affairs' with the Red Witch and Lady Jenay and the use of the assassin Dybro to achieve your victories. I'm certain they originate with the Queen or her counselors. I tell you Alex, she is not to be trusted.
OOC-Sir Rocio is from Navarre and not Normandy, so Louis is not his King.
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Alexandre Godart
(davwalp)
12/10/2010 5:14:50 PM
PostID: 386344
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Alexandre's eyes harden at the news from Father Martin and Sir Rocio.
Kree dead and Lady Jenay in disgrace...hard blows as you say.
Indeed, we have much to do.
Send news to my Lord Morwith that I stand ready at his pleasure.
I will need to see Sirs Halgon and Nickerson at their earliest convenience.
If we have the means to do so, contact the Red Witch at once and tell her that I would have Lady Jenay as my eyes and ears once again.
Make it quietly known to the High Vale Raiders that I would put their talents to good use if they would follow my banner.
Looking to Guthlac What of my purse? Have we the means to support a field army?
Also, we must recompense the Abbey for their service...on that note, we must set up a proper headquarters. What say you men, do we stay here or return to Aldane?
A pause
And what news of my Lady Joanna...?
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Game Master
(Rasgorn)
12/17/2010 10:22:01 PM
PostID: 387277
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Sir Rocio and Father Martin look a bit uncertain when Alexandre mentions his 'readiness' to serve. He can tell they both think he is still too weak for traveling. Guthlac quietly ushers them out of the room before turning to Alexandre,They are all in the north, fighting along the Marne and near Chalon. We've not heard from Lord Morwith for several days now. Sharp sent a messenger last night, inquiring after your health and saying they are holding the line. He also mentioned gaining some vikings as allies. That's an odd developement, certain to bear some scrutiny and explanation. As for your purse, that's more troublesome. Seeing as many thought you wouldn't survive, Morwith divided the townships up among other Knights. He had plans for your return, but I was not privy to them. You should also know that Arch-Bishop Damon and the Lord Coucy's have pressured Lord Atterbury to marry Joanna to someone of their choosing and unite these troubled territorities. I don't know his thoughts on the matter. It troubles me though. We have both seen worse happen due to intrigue and political gain. Lady Joanna is still here. She is somewhere about...Guthlac stops talking when he hears slight footsteps in the hall and then the sudden intake of breath. Joanna is standing in the doorway, looking at Alexandre. Her eyes shine at seeing him awake, her cheeks suffused in a red blush. Her voice is quiet and gently commanding,Sgt Guthlac, if you would be so kind as to wait in the hall so I may discuss some issues of delicate nature with our Lord Godarte. Guthlac bows and exits without another word and Joanna slowly walks in, holding her breath, looking Alexandre over with a keen eye.My Lord, it is good to see you awake. Have you eaten yet? Shall I send for some soup? He can tell she has reached a decision and that she is far more weary and anxious than she lets on. He has come to know that Lady Joanna is very good at hiding her feelings and thoughts. She sits down heavily in the chair next to his bed,Oh Alex, I, I have spent my days thinking of you. Remembering how you smile, thinking that is all I would ever have. As Sgt Guthlac said, there is pressure on my father to marry me to a man of good fortune and better health. You know Alex, you know that is not my wish. Yet it may happen. It is not for me to decide. It is my father's choice and I must abide his decision. I have convinced him to wait on that decision until spring. We are to spend the Yule at our estate in Brittany. We leave in a few days. She has called him 'Alex' twice now. That makes three time since they have met. He can also tell she would invite him if she could, but again, it is not her place. I have to go now. Be well Alexandre and take care. The battlefield is not the only place where there is danger. She rises without saying another word, curtsies to him as is proper, before leaving.
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He can still hear the rustle of Joanna's skirts as walks down the hall when another woman steps into the doorway. She is wearing a badly fitting nun's habit. Her freckles stand out against the paleness of her skin. Her eyes look wan and drawn like someone recovering from a sickness or worse. She sniffles some,Lord Alexandre, may I come in? I am Jamie's friend, Lady Ellory Annwyn. She sounds shy and her hair is cut surprisingly short for a lady of station.
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Alexandre Godart
(davwalp)
12/18/2010 10:49:31 AM
PostID: 387321
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Alexandre stands momentarily amazed at both the full implications of Joanna's message and her quick departure, and it is several long seconds before he acknowledges his new visitor.
Come in, come in m'lady. Please, what news do you bring for me?
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Game Master
(Rasgorn)
12/18/2010 11:18:15 AM
PostID: 387325
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The young woman gives Alexandre a wan smile and sits down next to him, not at all concerned at their proximity or appropriatenesss,I bring you hope. I don't know you personally, but I have seen the results of your work. We also have an ally and hopefully friend in common. Jamie Boggett, the Red Witch is my dear friend. She is the one who rescued me from Aguila and his flagellants. She fluffs her hair with one hand and Alexandre can see a shadow of fear and hurt cross her face. Her voice warbles and breaks in a few places,Aguila captured me. They shaved off all of my hair and....enough of that. It's over. We should concern ourselves with the future. Lady Joanna and the Attebury's have long been my friends and my family's friends. I know Joanna loves you and I believe you should have that chance to prove it. I'm inviting you to my home for the Yule Season. My home in Brittany, which is close to the Atterbury's manor. If you accept, you'll will have to escort me home and stand as my champion if the need arises. Are you up for that? Do you accept my offer?
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Alexandre Godart
(davwalp)
12/18/2010 4:05:58 PM
PostID: 387340
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My lady, I shall see you safely returned home and will stand as your champion against all foes.
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Game Master
(Rasgorn)
12/19/2010 2:06:25 PM
PostID: 387446
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Ellory's sad eyes look at Alexandre. There is a solemn look and sound to her voice. Alexandre can tell she is placing her trust and her life in his hands now. This decision probably means his own life as well,You do know this decision puts you against the Queen and Princes of Normandy? If you don't already, you should know siding with me is a subtle declaration of rebellion against the Queen and Princes of Normandy. You stand the chance of losing all you have spent the last few years fighting to gain. I can promise you nothing in return.
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Alexandre Godart
(davwalp)
12/19/2010 6:41:40 PM
PostID: 387463
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If my Queen shall sees fit to disavow my service for following the dictates of my honor...then so be it. I shall stand with you my lady.
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Game Master
(Rasgorn)
1/29/2011 12:30:24 PM
PostID: 390293
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Ellory's face brightens, but she doesn't smile,Thank you Sir Godarte. I have no way of expressing what this means for all of us. Your joining, staying loyal to the King, may well turn out our greatest gift. In the coming days and months, many will choose sides of their own accord, for others, the choice will come wither they will it or no. Here in Ardsmuir, there are few knights and captains to answer either call. I trust you know them all well enough to speak on the King's behalf. Which do you think would gather to the King's Banner and rally to your standard? Of those, how many our men of true honor?
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Alexandre Godart
(davwalp)
2/1/2011 10:36:49 PM
PostID: 390634
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Certainly Lord Morwith still holds true...as do the captains under my banner...Guthlac, Noyes, Rocio, Sharp, Nickerson...and the Lady Jenay.
Several smaller companies have proved their worth as well...the Wolfstalkers, High Vale Raiders and Crimson Riders I can personally vouch for.
There are others who might not swear to the King's Banner, but fight with honor against our common enemies...Jamie, the Red Witch...Brothers Miles and Arn of the Judicators.
Unfortunately, I have been recuperating from a grievous wound these past months and cannot give a better accounting.
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Game Master
(Rasgorn)
2/12/2011 7:15:12 AM
PostID: 391404
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OOC-Leaping ahead to the days after Alexandre's wedding and short honeymoon at the Annwyn Estate near Brest.
IC-The wind was slow and cool coming off the sea, ruffling the mane of Alexandre's horse, blowing Joanna's hair loose from it's pins and fluttering it gently across her face. She casually brushes it away and smiles knowingly at him, no longer blushing about their intimacies. Farther down the beach ride Sir Guthlac, who acts as he always he has, despite his new title his squire Goswin, Sir Noyes, Captain Frobisher(leader of the Ten)and Goejten.
The chill wind feels invigorating and Alexnadre's strength and agility have mostly returned under the care and strict regimen of Father Hayne and Father Martin. These morning rides with Joanna, his lady, his wife, are some of the few times he is free of the stern priests. Joanna reaches out to him, leaning over in the saddle to give him a hearty kiss. He can feel her hair flowing across his cheeks. She too has helped his healing....
Are you troubled by thoughts of our return home? I'm looking forward to it Alexandre. Going to our home in Aldane and what they call the Blade's Forest now, in honor of Kree and the others who have fallen. She clasps his hands, steadily looking into his eyes,It is our home now, I love saying that. I'm looking forward to seeing it again.
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Alexandre Godart
(davwalp)
2/15/2011 5:05:32 PM
PostID: 391674
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Alexandre smiles happily at his bride I too long to see Aldane...it is as true a home as one could hope for.
He rides in silence for a few moments, not wanting to spoil the mood. But I fear that these times conspire against us m'lady. As soon as I can muster suufiecient troops, I must go on the campaign trail once again.
Sir Guthlac shall remain as our seneschal. He shall answer to you alone.
It pains me more than words can express to leave you once again...especially now...
Pray tell me, what can I do to to ease your burden in my absence?
This post last edited on 2/15/2011 5:07:06 PM
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Game Master
(Rasgorn)
2/15/2011 6:22:04 PM
PostID: 391681
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A stubborn,wild, defiant looks crosses Joanna's face,Your absence? Are you not coming with me and the others? I don't intend to leave you here Alexandre, nor do I intend to leave your side anytime soon. I ride where you ride. Would you deny me this anymore than you would Lady Jenay? or Ricula or Lady Amleth? They have all tracked the forests and endured hardship and foes. I intend to join them and you in these tasks. Something Jamie and Cyneburh and that wisp of an elf Kahvi Moonshade have taught me is this is all of our fight, our war. Now is no time for sitting in court or a drawing room waiting patiently for news, good or ill. No Alexandre, from this day forth I intend to ride into this maelstrom and quell it! She kicks her horse into a gallop and leaps away from him, riding easy and light in the saddle. To the Strand Alex! A race to the Strand!
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Alexandre Godart
(davwalp)
2/16/2011 5:17:26 PM
PostID: 391731
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As you wish m'lady!
Alexandre throws his head back and gives a mighty shout as he puts his heels into his steed and bends low to its neck. Pulling even with his lady, they ride neck and neck, laughing in the wind.
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