|
Post by melmac on Jul 6, 2006 1:20:43 GMT -5
Well, as per the idea of Derek and with Miss D's blessing, I decided to post Pam's dream story from the "Dreams of the Concussed Mind" series. While the entire series (with Ralph and Bill's dreams too) is on fanfiction.net, this is her story only in its entirety. The next post is the story. Hope you enjoy reading it. (ETA, I have also found out the maximum number of characters allowed in a post is 25Kb, or 25,600 characters (about 4,000-5,000 words). That's why it's in two parts.)
|
|
|
Post by melmac on Jul 6, 2006 2:05:41 GMT -5
"A Californian in King Maxwell's Court"
-----------------------------
It was a warm spring day and Ralph and Pam were walking around the mall and enjoying the day off. Ralph told Bill to not bother the two unless is was an absolute emergency... as in it could destroy California or the world.
Ralph turned to his wife and smiled. "So, where do you want to go now," he asked.
"Well, I thought we could go ice skating," said Pam. Seeing Ralph wince, she smiled. "I mean you have the suit on, so you shouldn't worry about falling down all the time."
The blonde-haired man chuckled. "OK, I'll admit that I have fun skating, but it's always better when you try to help me up," he said giving a wink.
Pam laughed, only to stop when Ralph stared at a store sign. She could tell it wasn't because he was interested in the items inside. "Ralph, what is it hun? Are you getting a holograph?"
"Yeah, that store's being robbed," said Ralph as he ducked into a side hallway and started unbuttoning his shirt to change into the jammies. Just then, a man ran out of the store and into the hallway, gun drawn. A woman saw the scene and screamed, while other mall-goers started running around.
The gunman started shooting several shots into the area. Pam, worried someone would get hurt, picked up a baseball from the sports store and threw it at the man. The throw hit the gunman's arm as he fired a shot. The bullet broke a support wire to a dragon display near the kids' playground about 15 feet away from him. Realizing who the thrower was, he turned to aim a shot at Pam.
Ralph, trying to take off his shirt, decided enough of the suit was showing, ran through the hallway and crashed into the gunman before he could fire. The gunman's head struck the floor, knocking him out.
Ralph looked up and frowned. "Pam, I know you want to help, but this was one time you shouldn't have done that," he said.
"I know hun, but he could've hurt someone, especially a child here in the kids' play area," said Pam as she stood near the playground. There were a couple of kids hiding in the tunnels, crying for their parents but all right.
"True, but still I have the suit and would be protected. I don't want you to get hurt," he said as he saw the security guard come up and took the gunman into custody.
As Ralph and the security guard talked, Pam started to think about what Ralph said. 'Huh, I know he has the suit, but he doesn't always have to be a knight in his funny armor,' she mused. Pam woke up out of her thoughts when she heard a groaning noise and a snap. Turning around, she saw the head of the dragon start to tilt at an odd angle. Hearing another snap, Pam watched in horror as the head started to swing down toward the ground. A man was standing underneath, oblivious to the danger.
"Look out," Pam screamed as she ran over and shoved the man away. Pam felt a sharp pain in her head before the world grew dim and she fell to the ground...
Ralph saw Pam receive a glancing blow from the fairly heavy fiberglass dragonhead and fall to the ground. "Pam!" he shouted and ran over to her motionless form. Kneeling, he checked Pam's pulse and breathing. Lifting an eyelid to look into her eyes, Ralph frowned when he saw they were rolled into the back of her head. He became more worried when she wouldn't respond to his shaking her shoulder or vocal commands.
Ralph looked up at the man Pam shoved out of the way, who was shaken but unhurt. "Call the paramedics," he said.
The man nodded and Ralph turned back to his wife. "Pamela, this is no time to take a nap... Come on honey wake up... Pam... " he kept urging...
-----------------------------------
Pam felt a warm breeze caress her cheek as she slowly opened her eyes. Wincing at the bright light and the slight pain in her head, she frowned. "Ralph, hun what happened," she said groggily. Sitting up, Pam was shocked to see that she was not in the middle of the mall, but a field.
"What..." she said dumbfounded and rubbed her eyes in disbelief. "How did I get here? If Ralph decided to fly us to some exotic location while I was asleep..."
Her thoughts were stopped when she saw a man running from a distance. To her surprise, he reminded her of the person she shoved out of the way... when did she shove someone, she thought... and was wearing green tights, a long gray tunic and a belt.
"Milady are you all right," said the man. "We saw you fall down and we were afraid you were unwell."
'Great, Ralph decided to bring me to the Renaissance fair,' she grumbled to herself as she stood. "Uh no, just tripped over my own two feet like a normal klutz," she chuckled. Seeing the man's puzzled look, she sighed remembering that the actors tried to keep in period language and get patrons to do it too. "I am well," she said. "I think."
"I am glad. My master, he is a knight, was concerned you might've been injured. May I ask what your name is fair maiden," he said.
"Well, I'm Pam, er Pamela."
"I am Derek of his majesty King Maxwell's court," he said. "Come, prithtee, to where my master is."
"Your master," she chuckled. "Come on, no one else is here, you can talk to me about the real world. So, how do you think the Dodgers will do the rest of the season?"
"I beg your pardon?"
"You know the Dodgers, the baseball team? They're right now playing the Astros and then they have to play the Mets before the All-Star break. Well, that's what I've heard anyway from my friends."
"Milady are you sure you are well," he said. "I don't know anything about these 'Dodgers' or 'Astros.' The only 'Astros' I have heard is our 'astro'loger and healer."
Pam looked at the man to see if he was just trying to keep in character, but she noticed from the look in his eye that he was very serious in his comments. She started to think about what she was seeing. There were no booths, no jousts, nothing that resembled a fair. 'This isn't a Renaissance fair,' she thought, frowning. 'This is real, but I don't see Ralph. Where is he?'
She started to say something as she saw a man wearing some sort of suit of chain mail armor and draped with a black cloak with red trim come riding in on a white stallion. "Milady, what brings you to our fair land," he said as he dismounted.
Pam blinked in surprise as she took in the man's appearance. He was fairly tall, lean, had soft blue eyes... and blonde, curly hair. She started to say something when the world started to spin and grimaced as she felt a pain in her head.
The man, seeing her sway, frowned. "Are you all right milady," he started.
Pam nodded weakly, but the dizziness and pain in her head increased and she started to topple over. She felt strong arms catch her, and her last thought before passing out was what was Ralph doing here in the Middle Ages too... but not know her.
-------------------------------------
Derek watched in concern as he his master lowered Pam to the ground. "Sir Ralph, what is wrong with the maiden," he asked.
"I am afraid Derek she had a bit of a fright and swooned," he said gently patting Pam's hand. Pam stirred and looked around, seeing Ralph's doppelganger offer her what appeared to be a canteen. "Milady are you well? Here, have a sip of wine."
Pam shook her head, trying to clear her head of the cobwebs. "Fine, I think I just fainted," she said as she sat up and accepted a sip of the wine. "I'll be all right soon. What is your name?"
"I am Sir Ralph, and I am glad you are feeling better," said Ralph. "My page and I were headed toward the castle to participate in a tournament when we saw you fall down in the meadow and a horse running off. As it appears we cannot retrieve your horse, would you like to join us on our trip there?"
Pam smiled. "I'd like that, thank you." Sir Ralph nodded and picked up Pam in his arms. Noticing her questioning look, he smiled. "Sorry for assuming, milady. I did not want you to swoon again and as such wanted to help you get on my steed."
Pam, not really used to this sort of babying, only chuckled as she was placed on the horse and Sir Ralph mounted, sitting behind her. When Derek after he retrieved his horse, Sir Ralph clicked his tongue and his horse started forward.
As they rode to the castle, Pam winced and rubbed her head. Sir Ralph frowned. "Milady I believe we need to take you to a healer," he said.
Pam shook her head. "No, I'm sure I am well, it's just I'm trying to remember how I got here," she said. "I remember was I was in the mall and I shoved someone away from something..."
"I do not know what this 'mall' is, but it is not wise to tax yourself with worries, as it will only make you ill again," he said. "However, I must confess that I do have a worry myself, and it concerns the tournament."
Pam was going to ask, but they arrived at the castle. The guardsmen, obviously knowing who this Ralph was, lowered the drawbridge and the group crossed. Once inside, Ralph dismounted and helped Pam off the horse as well. "Milady..." he started.
"Please call me Pamela," she said, realizing for certain now that Pam would probably receive an odd response. Sir Ralph nodded. "As you wish. Lady Pamela, I will talk to one of the servants and see if I can get you more proper attire. We are going to attend a feast with the king and it would be unseemly to be wearing men's attire."
Pam made a face, but realized that he did know best in this case. "All right, I will wait here with Derek for you," she said.
As Sir Ralph turned to head inside a building, the group heard a shout and the beginning sounds of sword fighting.
"Damn," said Sir Ralph and blushed, remembering Pam was there. "Sorry, milady. I must head over there and help... apologies for what I'm about to do next."
Pam was confused at his comment, but then she saw Sir Ralph pull off his cloak, revealing there was more to the chain mail than she thought. Sir Ralph was wearing a suit of armor, but instead of all silver, was also red and black and had a familiar symbol... just like the jammies. Sir Ralph then ran faster than a train to the fight. Derek and Pam followed and, ducking behind a cart full of food, watched the melee. Pam was surprised to see that this Ralph dispatched the swordsmen just like her Ralph did... by throwing them around. After a few minutes, the swordsmen were lying around in various states of injury or consciousness. Smiling, he turned around and noticed Pam and Derek looking on. "Lady Pamela, I hope I did not startle you," he said.
"No, you just remind me of someone I know," Pam said wryly. "Who were those men?"
"My guess is they are Giles Arseen's men," he said, frowning. "They have been trying to take over King Maxwell's kingdom for some time. I have been bequeathed with special powers to fight them off... Well, I can explain better later on. As of now, we need to head back to where we were so you can change your clothes and we can join the king for his feast."
The trio departed, not noticing Arseen following their every moment. "Well now, you think you can defeat me Sir Ralph," he said. "Just wait until the tournament. I will make sure it is a tournament you never forget... in the hereafter."
------------------------------------------------
After about a half hour having maidservants fuss with her, Pam walked out in a rose colored gown and met Sir Ralph and Derek. They walked to the king's throne room to be greeted with a feast. Pam's eyes widened when she saw Bill on the throne... well apparently here King Maxwell. She stumbled a bit, only to have Sir Ralph steady her. "I'm all right, I just stumbled," said Pam, blushing slightly.
Sir Ralph nodded and grinned as the three walked up to the king, bowing. "Your Majesty, Sir Ralph and Page Derek at your loyal service," said Sir Ralph. "And may I present Lady Pamela of..." He turned to Pam. "I didn't ask where you hail from, Lady Pamela."
"Uh, California," said Pam quickly, hoping it sounded somewhat believable to the group.
"Lady Pamela of California," said Sir Ralph.
The king nodded. "It is indeed an honor to meet you Lady Pamela, please join us for dinner. We will have entertainment shortly."
Pam sat down looking at the food layout. There was every type of food imaginable, and some things that she had never seen before. As they ate dinner, a group of entertainers entered and bowed. Rolling her eyes, Pam started chuckling. The minstrels looked like Cyler, Rhonda and Paco. The fourth, a jester, looked just like Tony.
The king smiled. "Proceed with your song," he said.
Cyler and Paco took out a lyre and a small drum and began playing as Rhonda started singing. "Alas, my love you do me wrong..." she began.
Tony decided to take the moment and start talking in the middle of the song, upsetting the king. "Be silent jester," he said. "You will have your turn to entertain once the minstrels finish their song."
"Good sir, it is just that I have a very funny joke I would like to say right now and..." he started only to be stopped when Rhonda kicked him in the seat of his pants. The jester frowned while Rhonda looked around as though she didn't do anything. This charade allowed Cyler to give him a kick as well, much to the amusement of the court.
Tony, however, was not amused. "All right, if you the three of you are quite done with your humor, perhaps I can sing..." He started to sing, only it was off key. The audience, not enjoying it, started to throw food at the man and he ran out. Being gently waved away by the king as well, the minstrels bowed and exited.
Maxwell laughed. "Well, that ends that portion of the entertainment," he said. "Now, Lady Pamela, what brings you to our fair lands?"
"I'm not too sure, I remember being somewhere else helping someone and then waking up here," she said.
Sir Ralph frowned. "Lady Pamela, you did not mention waking up in the meadow earlier," he said. "Were you thrown from your horse some time before we saw you and it fled when we arrived or do you think you someone might've tried to kidnap you and you escaped?"
"I don't know Ra... I mean Sir Ralph. My head does hurt however. Maybe I hit it when I fell down. ..."
"I think that might have happened milady," he said, though he still was concerned. He then turned to Maxwell. "Your majesty, I did not want to worry you, but I had to fight off some men who were attacking competitors in tomorrow's tournament. They have since fled to wherever they came from. But I have my suspicions that they might have been followers of Giles Arseen."
The king frowned. "Arseen? He dare not show his face here after everything that happened. ..."
"My dear majesty, I can appear anywhere I want to," said a new voice. The group looked toward the door and saw Arseen standing in a suit of armor. Pam gasped when she saw the man looked familiar as well. ...
"What are you doing here, Arseen," growled the king.
"I am here because I want to participate in the tournament, and as such needed to pay my entry," said Arseen with a smirk. "Also, I want to challenge your best knight ... Sir Ralph."
Before the king could respond, Sir Ralph stood. "You have no right to be here or to challenge me. You betrayed your kinsmen and were banished."
"But my dear Ralph, I have all the right in the world," he said as another knight brought in Cyler. "I have captured your musicians and jester. Either you accept my challenge or they die starting with this one."
Maxwell frowned. "Touch one hair on their heads and you will die," he said motioning for his knights.
Arseen grinned and drew his dagger, about to slit Cyler's throat. He was surprised when he was broadsided by an apple hitting his head. The man dropped his weapon, while Cyler opened his eyes surprised he was still alive. Arseen turned and found Pam standing with another apple poised to throw.
"A woman?" the man chuckled, only to receive another apple to his head. He growled and went up to Pam, striking her. As she staggered, Sir Ralph stood, grabbing the man by his collar and picked him up to where his feet didn't touch the ground. "I suggest you not strike the lady again," he growled.
Arseen, realizing he found the blonde-haired knight's weak spot chuckled. "I will not harm a hair on her head or my captives... so long as you accept my challenge."
Pam could see Sir Ralph ponder the proposal. "Very well, as I do not want to see harm come to Lady Pamela or anyone here," he said, resigned to the challenge. "We will meet at the jousting fields tomorrow at the appointed time."
"I would like it to be the first joust," said Arseen.
"I have no quarrels with the choice."
"Then it is agreed. Now, I will let this one stay here with you but the other three captives will remain with my party until the joust. That way, you cannot deny me of the challenge." Arseen left, and a collective sigh was heard around the room.
Maxwell frowned at Sir Ralph. "Knight, you know that it is considered unseemly to accept challenges from banished members of my court," he said.
"I know, your majesty, but unfortunately Arseen threatened several lives, and I cannot allow that, traitor or no," said Sir Ralph, slightly ashamed. "I will use the scrying power of my armor to keep watch over the other three until the tournament. I cannot risk their health by challenging Arseen's knights tonight."
"Very well. Now it is late and I am sure Lady Pamela is tired after her trip to my kingdom. I will give you a room here to sleep in and you can join us for the tournament tomorrow. Sir Ralph, will you escort her to the guest rooms?"
Sir Ralph nodded and offered his arm to Pam. "Thank you, Bi... I mean your Majesty," said Pam as she accepted the offer and the two left the room.
As they were walking, Pam started to see an image form in front of her eyes. She realized it was a holograph when she felt Sir Ralph's arm tense up in embarrassment at possibly frightening her. "Don't worry Sir Ralph, I've seen scrying before," she said, smiling at the memory of the first holograph her Ralph shared with her.
The knight smiled. "I do apologize however. It appears that Arseen is back in his quarters talking to his men. He is now checking on the other three entertainers, and they appear to be unharmed," he said. "I will have to face him tomorrow, as per my promise, but I will also watch over and take care of the minstrels as well."
They arrived at the room and Pam started to give Sir Ralph a kiss. He placed a hand on her mouth, shaking his head. Pam, realizing her error, grinned sheepishly. "I'm sorry Sir Ralph, it's just you remind me of someone and I thought for a moment you were him."
"I understand, and given your day it is possible you were as confused as a lark," he said smiling. "I will have my page stop by at dawn and bring you to the tournament. I would be honored if you would visit me in my tent before I have to face Arseen."
"I'd be honored too, Sir Ralph. Goodnight," she said as she entered the room. As she sat down on the edge of the feather bed, she started to think about her day and kept trying to figure out how she got into the Middle Ages. All she knew for sure was that her head still ached and Arseen looked familiar. Sighing, she turned her mind to the tournament tomorrow and worried about the three entertainers who were being held captive. Pam smiled when she remembered Sir Ralph coming to her rescue and accepting the challenge to save the three others. "He does seem to be my Ralph, right down to the 'armor' bit," she said, suddenly wistful. "Right now, though, I need to rest so I can go to that tournament and keep an eye on everyone."
Before long, she nodded off and started dreaming a strange dream about ice skating, dragons and Ralph shaking her, insisting she wake up. Pam woke up abruptly, shaking her head in confusion. "Something's not right," she said to herself, but she couldn't figure out what it was. "Ralph keeps calling my name. I need to find a way to get out of here and back to him before something happens."
-------------------------------------------------------------
Arseen was in his tent when he saw a man enter. "Ah, Nigel, thank you for coming."
"Milord, I received word that you needed my assistance."
"I do," he said as he picked up a bottle off his table. "I need you to put a few drops of this in Sir Ralph's drink tomorrow, about a notch of the sundial before the joust."
"What is it?"
"Let's just say that it's a way to lull our esteemed knight into a state of insensibility, or at least enough that he loses the joust," said Arseen.
"As you wish, milord. I will do this before his page is aware of your plan," said Nigel, leaving.
As the man left, Arseen grinned. "By this time tomorrow, I will have what I want. Sir Ralph will be dead and I will send my knights in to take over Maxwell's kingdom. I will be the king."
|
|
|
Post by melmac on Jul 6, 2006 2:06:03 GMT -5
---------------------------------------------------------------
The morning came surprisingly early for Pam as she heard a knock on the door. Climbing out of the bed and wrapping the blanket around her shoulders, she opened the door to see Derek outside. "Milady, you are not dressed. Are you still unwell?"
Pam smiled and shook her head. "No, I'm normally not up when the chickens are on a Saturday." When she saw the man frown, she sighed. "Never mind, it's just humor among a friend of mine. I will be ready shortly."
Derek stood outside the door as he waited for Pam to change. Once she was ready, the door opened again and she walked with Derek. "So, what is Sir Ralph doing," asked Pam.
"He is at prayers currently. You will be able to visit him once he is in his tent," he said, then cleared his throat. "I have a confession..."
"What is it, you can tell me," she said.
"I fear that Sir Ralph's life is in peril. He is a good fighter, but Arseen seems to be too conceding to Ralph's request to not harm you or the others."
Pam frowned. "You know, I had the same feeling myself last night. I'm going to look around the tournament to see if there's something strange is going on just to be on the safe side."
"Lady Pamela, I have been ordered by Ralph to keep an eye on you."
"All right, but you better hurry," she said as she darted through the tents. Derek started to follow her, but realized that he was lost in the maze of similar tents. He sighed and decided to find a way to reach Sir Ralph and tell him what happened.
As Pam walked around the tents, she stopped when she heard a man talk to Arseen. "So, Nigel, have you completed your task?"
"Yes, milord. I put the potion in Sir Ralph's draught and it should arrive at his tent within a short time."
"Good, once he drinks it, it will be only a matter of time before he begins to feel giddy. By the time he mounts his horse for the joust, it should be moments before he falls insensible," Arseen said. "He should fall off the horse during the joust and it will be easy for me to beat him and kill him. Once King Maxwell concedes defeat, I will send a message to my knights to invade the castle. Soon, the kingdom will be mine. Now, wait a while and then go into Sir Ralph's tent to make sure he drank the draught."
Pam walked away and blended in the crowd just before the two men entered the area. She felt a tap on her shoulder. "Lady Pamela, you shouldn't have tried to hide from me," said Derek, frowning. "You could have been hurt."
"I'm sorry Derek, but we need to get to Sir Ralph's tent and now," she said grabbing his arm.
"Have you gone mad now," he said pulling his arm away. "Our laws say you have to wait until he allows visitors. You are unwell, I will go summon a healer and ..."
"Derek, listen to me, your fear was right. Sir Ralph is in danger. I overheard Arseen talking about knocking him out. ..."
"Knocking him...?"
"Sorry, rendering him unconscious..." she said, and the man still had a blank look. "Swoon... fall insensible?"
"Curse that man," said Derek, finally understanding the reference. "Come on, we need to speak with Sir Ralph posthaste."
--------------------------------------------------------
Inside his tent, Sir Ralph was putting on his suit of armor. He shook his head, sensing something might be wrong, but was unable to see a vision. Just then, he heard footsteps outside. "Sir Ralph, may we enter," said Derek. "It is I, your page, and Lady Pamela."
"You may enter," he said as he went to pick up his drink. Gasping, Pam knocked the goblet from his hands, making the knight upset. "Lady Pamela, are you sure you are well? Maybe you should have stayed in the castle and..."
"Sir Ralph, with all due respect, you need to be quiet and listen," said Pam. "Your drink was drugged with a sleeping potion. Arseen was trying to knock... cause you to completely lose your senses so he could defeat you in the joust. He plans on killing you and then sending his knights in to the tournament to take over the kingdom."
Sir Ralph growled. "That fiend. I might just not wait until I face him in the joust," he said as he heard another noise at the door. Turning, he saw Nigel enter the room. The man was stunned to see the blonde haired knight standing there, completely alert, and the goblet's contents spilled on the ground. "Y-you are well," said Nigel, stammering.
"Yes, no thanks to your master," said Ralph as he advanced and they started to fight. Derek tried to help, but Nigel threw him. The page's head hit a tree stump, stunning him. Sir Ralph was having trouble, as he did not have the entire suit of armor on, and Nigel gained the upper hand.
He cornered Sir Ralph on the ground and brandished a dirk. Just before Nigel was able to stab the knight with his knife, Sir Ralph heard a dull ring as Nigel's eyes closed and he slumped to the ground. Looking up, he saw Pam holding his heavy metal shield. "Lady Pamela, I had the man where he would be unsuccessful in his attack," said Sir Ralph, frowning as he made a move to kneel. "There was no need for you to hit him with my shield. I was going to defeat him. ..."
Pam held on to the shield as she stood it with its edge on the table. "Gee, that's a great sexist remark," said Pam grumbling. "You were about to be stabbed and your page is lying here insensible. I was the only one who could help."
"I understand, milady, but you should not take risks of the sort. Then again, you seem to be more than any woman I have ever met," said Sir Ralph as he leaned over to tie up Nigel. As he was doing this, Pam turned away in frustration, taking her hand off the shield. Realizing her error, she turned around only to see the shield fall on Sir Ralph's head with a ringing thump. The man dropped on his elbows and shook his head, then turned around to look at Pam.
Worried, Pam started to help Sir Ralph to stand to get to a chair. "Oh no, I'm sorry, are you all right Sir Ralph?" she asked.
"I have a sore head, milady, but I will be al..." he words faded as his eyes rolled back into his head and slumped toward the ground again.
Pam helped lower the man to the ground as gently as she could and checked his pulse. At the same time, Derek stirred and opening his eyes, saw Pam leaning over Sir Ralph. "Lady Pamela, what happened," he asked as he stood and walked a bit unsteadily toward the scene.
"Well, we were able to stop Nigel from killing Sir Ralph... but, I accidentally dropped the shield on his head. He'll be all right in a few moments ... I hope."
The two heard the trumpets and Derek grimaced. "Lady Pamela, those trumpets signaled the first call for the knights. Another one will be called shortly, and Sir Ralph will have to appear. If he doesn't, Arseen can claim that he has won the challenge."
Pam frowned and tried to revive the knight. Sir Ralph groaned slightly, but didn't open his eyes. "Derek, I don't think he's going to wake up anytime soon."
"What are we going to do?"
"Well, how about taking his place."
"No Lady Pamela, I cannot as I am not a knight... Additionally, I am too tall. They would know I am not Sir Ralph."
Pam's eyes widened as she started thinking about what this suit had done so far. She wondered, and then grabbed the extra shirt hanging in the tent. "Derek, get the suit of armor off Sir Ralph. I'm going to wear it," she said as she started to change into her tights and the shirt.
"Milady..." he said, shocked as he turned away from Pam changing.
"Listen Derek, I know that this isn't proper around here, but your master is unconscious and judging by the estimate you said to me, it doesn't look like he'll wake up before the second trumpet call," she said growling. "Now, either you help me put the armor on, or Arseen could destroy this kingdom."
Derek, realizing the implications if she didn't help out, nodded and turned back around to start removing the few pieces of the suit Sir Ralph was wearing. He then helped Pam put on the suit, which for some reason seemed to fit like they were made for her. She then tied her hair up in a bun and after covering her head with the chain mail hood, put the helmet on.
Derek handed her the shield, guided her to Sir Ralph's horse and helped her get on. "Lady Pamela, please be careful," he said softly. "When Sir Ralph recovers his senses, I do not want to tell him that you were killed trying to save his and other people's lives."
Pam smiled. "I understand, Derek. If he asks what happened, tell him it was an accident. Also, keep the other knights out of Sir Ralph's tent. If they find him there, they'll be after me."
Derek nodded and Pam headed toward the tournament field. As she rode, Pam started praying that the suit would let her joust in this case. The fate of many people's lives depended on her.
---------------------------------------------------
King Maxwell stood in his viewing area and looked at the scene before him, frowning. Arseen was waiting on his black stallion for Sir Ralph to appear. He knew that if Sir Ralph didn't arrive soon, the challenge could be declared a forfeit and the man would win.
"King Maxwell, concede defeat," mocked Arseen. "Your knight will not come here to fight. He must be a chicken."
"Now see here Arseen, just because..." he stopped when he saw a knight in red, black and silver ride up. "He has arrived. Now, fair knights, I am sure you both have fought in jousts before. You will go to opposite sides of the lane and you will receive your lances. When the white handkerchief falls, you will head toward the other in an attempt to knock your opponent off his horse. Now, to your places."
Pam and Arseen went over to opposite sides of the field. As Pam was handed her lance, she was surprised that it felt light as a feather... especially since it was made of solid wood. 'Must be the suit adapting to me,' she mused. 'Just hope it decides to show me how to joust.'
She looked up and saw that Arseen was also ready. Turning her head, she noticed Maxwell lift his hand up, holding the handkerchief, and drop it. Pam clicked her tongue and the horse started running forward at a canter. Arseen's horse did the same. When the two jousters collided, the lances struck them and both fell to the ground.
Dazed, Pam stood up and looked over to where Arseen was lying. Nearing, she was shocked to see him pull a sword from his belt. She drew her sword too in self-defense and the two started fighting again. Arseen was surprised to see that "Sir Ralph" was still fighting strong. "Ralph, you think you can still beat me," he mocked, lifting up his facemask. "In a very short time you will be insensible and I will defeat you. This will only expedite the situation."
"Don't think so pal," Pam said lifting her facemask. Arseen surprised, drew his weapon back, only to see it shatter in two when Pam swung her sword right at the middle of the blade. She then picked up Arseen and threw him. The man flew into a pile of wood and struck his head, knocking him out.
Pam turned around and faced the king, who was frowning. "You are not Sir Ralph," said Maxwell. "Who are you?"
When Pam pulled off the helmet and lowered the chain mail hood, the group gasped. "Your majesty, I apologize that I had to play a ruse on you. Sir Ralph is injured, but should be all right. Arseen tried to deliberately sabotage the joust by trying to drug Sir Ralph with a sleeping potion. Now he didn't drink it, and Nigel, sorry Arseen's accomplice, found out and tried to attack him. Sir Ralph was able to defeat him, but shortly after the fight, a shield fell on Sir Ralph's head and he fell to the ground insensible."
Pam coughed as she heard the guards shackle Arseen. "His page and I tried to revive him, but he didn't wake up. We realized that if you didn't have Sir Ralph in any form here, Arseen would declare a win by default and have his knights attack the castle."
Maxwell, hearing about the knights, started shouting orders. "I want all guards and knights to search the area for Arseen's knights and capture them," he said, and the guards nodded and went on the hunt for Arseen's knights.
At the same time, Derek appeared assisting a slightly groggy Sir Ralph to the jousting area. They had also found and freed the three remaining entertainers.
Shaking his head to clear it, Sir Ralph turned and to his surprise, saw Pam wearing the suit. "How did you wear my armor, Lady Pamela?" he asked, dumbfounded. "The people who gave it to me said it would only fit me."
She smiled. "Well, given the situation that we were in and knowing that the suit lets you see visions among other things, I figured that it might let me wear it while you were out cold."
"I am outside but not cold," said Sir Ralph, confused.
"Milord, if what I understand of her language is correct, she means while you were insensible," said Derek, and Pam nodded.
Sir Ralph nodded as well and put a hand on Pam's shoulder. A brief flash later, the suit armor returned to him and Pam was just wearing the shirt and tights. Pam smiled, realizing Ralph was supposed to wear the suit, whether this one or hers.
Maxwell laughed. "I have never seen the armor do that before, but the people who gave it to my knight said it had unusual properties. Lady Pamela, I want to show you my gratitude for saving my kingdom," he pulled a ring off his finger which contained a red stone and crest. "I would like for you to have this."
Pam took the ring and smiled. "Thank you your majesty. It was an honor to help you out as well."
The king smiled and turned to the audience. "Ladies and gentlemen, we will hold off on more jousting events for a while to make sure that all of Arseen's knights are gone," he said with a booming voice. "Until then, please enjoy the other activities at the tournament."
The groups dispersed and Pam turned to the other two. "I don't know about you, but I'd like to see everything else here."
Sir Ralph chuckled. "Very well, Lady Pamela. Come Derek, let's head over to the silk booth so she can choose material to make a fine dress."
Derek was surprised at the sudden interest in Pam. "Sir, isn't it unwise to give gifts of that nature to a lady unless you intend to court her?" He noticed the look in his master's eyes and realized it was a silly question.
The three laughed and turned to head toward the shop. Pam straightened her right arm and made a face when she felt a sharp pain in the crook of her elbow. Sir Ralph noticed her reaction. "Are you feeling well?" he asked. "Holding a jousting lance can hurt after using it, even with the suit."
"Well, I'll admit my arm's sore, Sir Ralph," said Pam chuckling. "Listen, I think it might be best if we go to that healer you've been trying to get me to."
He nodded and they walked over to the healer. The man looked at the two and smiled. "Sir Ralph, an honor to have you visit my tent," he said. "How may I help you?"
"My gentle man, Lady Pamela has a pain in her arm and I was wondering if you have a salve that will help cure it," he said.
The healer nodded and picked up several bottles to create the mixture. As he was turning, one of the bottles fell and struck a rock. The bottle shattered and gas escaped into the air. Pam smelled a strong odor, making her dizzy. Sir Ralph, seeing her stumble started to steady her, only to catch Pam as she fell to the ground...
Pam again felt strong arms catch her and she heard voices speak to her, "Lady Pamela, are you all right... Lady Pamela speak to me..."
---------------------------------------------------------------
"Pam, come on hun speak to me... is she coming to..."
"Sir, I understand you're concerned, but you need to get out of the way," said another man gently as Pam again smelled a sharp odor. Coughing, she stirred and tried to shove it away with her right hand, only to feel another hand hold it down. "Ma'am, if can you hear me, please don't move your right arm, there's an IV in it. Can you tell me who you are."
"I'm Lady Pamela from California, healer," said Pam groggily as she opened her eyes a fraction.
Ralph frowned and turned to the paramedics, giving a questioning look. The paramedics shrugged. "We can't be for certain, but she has a mild to moderate concussion, and given she was hit by a fiberglass dragon, it's possible that caused the comment," said one as he checked her eyes. "But, it looks like she's regaining consciousness."
"Can you healers be more careful with your potions?" said Pam, still confused as she turned to the paramedic.
"Pam, those were spirits of ammonia," Ralph chided gently, relieved Pam was coming to. "Come on wake up, it's Ralph, you're back."
Hearing Ralph's voice, she blinked her eyes again and looked around. She was lying on the floor in the mall with Ralph and two paramedics kneeling next to her. The paramedics were treating her, one checking her vitals and the other shining a penlight in her eyes again, making her wince.
"Ralph, what's going on? I could've sworn I was in the Middle Ages. .."
The blonde-haired man looked at the paramedics for permission to tell her what happened. When they nodded, he turned to Pam. "You were hit over the head by a falling fiberglass dragon's head while shoving a man out of way. You've been unconscious for about 10 minutes," Ralph said softly.
Pam frowned and groaned. "No wonder I kept thinking you were a knight and Bill was a king and... " looking at one of the paramedics, "why I thought you were an healer. Sorry."
The paramedic smiled. "Don't worry, I've been called a lot of things that being called a healer can be considered a compliment. Listen, we're about to put you on the gurney and take you to the hospital for a full exam."
Pam groaned. "Come on, I feel all right," she said starting to sit up. A wave of dizziness washed over her and she lay back down.
Ralph put a hand on her shoulder. "Uh huh. Pam, I think they're right. Besides, this way we know that you're all right and won't decide to start fighting dragons again. If they'll let me, I'll ride in the ambulance with you too."
"All right, hun, and given what happened, better to be safe than sorry," said Pam as the two paramedics lifted her onto the gurney. Before they started taking their patient to the ambulance, a fourth gentleman walked up to the gurney. "Uh, hi, my name's Derek Thallium," said the man. "I wanted to say thank you for saving my life. If it weren't for you shoving me out of the way, I would have been killed. I just wish you weren't injured in the process."
Pam smiled, but decided to keep the comment about him being a page in her dream to herself. "Thank you, Mr. Thallium," she said.
The man turned to Ralph. "Sir, would it be all right if I gave your wife a kiss as a thank you?"
Ralph nodded and Thallium kissed Pam on the cheek. "Get well soon," he said and stepped back.
Pam smiled and the paramedics took her to the waiting ambulance, with Ralph in tow. As the ambulance sped off to the hospital, Pam began to think about her dream and how much of it was influenced by the real world.
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Counselor, can I come in?" said Bill as he knocked on the door to Pam's room at the hospital, carrying flowers. Pam had stayed in the hospital overnight for observation and after the doctors gave her a clean bill of health, said she could be released in the afternoon.
"No Bill, give us five more minutes then you can see us," said Ralph from the other side mischievously.
Bill started to blush when he heard Ralph and Pam chuckle. "He's just kidding Bill, come in," said Pam.
"Well, Counselor how are we feeling today," said Bill as he entered her room and handing her the flowers.
"Better, thank you," said Pam. "Not nearly as dizzy as I was yesterday... in all uses of the word."
Ralph chuckled. "Nor dreaming about bashing me over the head with a shield again," he said.
"I didn't bash you over the head," said Pam making a face. "...It fell on your head when I let go of it."
"Still, remind me not to get anywhere near you while cooking for a while. Last thing I need is for you to 'knight' me that way."
"Not a problem, Sir Ralph," she said, chuckling.
Bill rolled his eyes. "Sir Ralph? Sounds very silly, what did you dream I was, a jester?"
"No ... that was Tony. You, Bill were a king... King Maxwell."
"O-Oh, a king huh? Bet I was a noble king."
"Yes you were, but I talked to Ralph and Derek more than the king." she said. Seeing Bill's frown, she chuckled. "Don't worry, I promise you were a good king in my dream. And that villain, Giles Arseen..."
"Giles Arseen," said Bill surprised. "How did you know the gunman's name?"
"Well... it's odd, but that was his name in my dream. We were able to defeat him thanks to the suit of armor... which looked like the jammies."
Bill rolled his eyes. "The jammies were a suit of armor? Come on, next thing you'll say is that you had to wear them when ya knocked out the kid in your dream."
"I did," said Pam simply. "And, I kicked Arseen into next week. Have to say it was a very strange dream, with the two of you in there along with Tony, Cyler, Rhonda and Paco. I mean, they looked like you, but weren't you. Still, considering I hit my head, it was good to have close friends while I was dreaming."
Ralph smiled. "True, but I'd much rather you don't get your dreams from fiberglass dragons," he said chuckling.
Pam returned the chuckle. "Yes, and I'm sorry I made you mad, Ralph."
"Well, you do need to be careful when you try to help, Pam, but I did find out you saved several people's lives when you hit Arseen with the baseball. Not to mention Derek's life when you shoved him away from the dragon. While you got a glancing blow from the head, Derek was tall enough that his neck could've been broken if it hit him. He would have been hit with the full force regardless. You saved quite a few lives, my dear Lady Pamela."
"And you do all the time, Sir Ralph," she said chuckling as she saw Bill roll his eyes again. She stopped when she saw a box near her table. "Ralph, where did this come from?" she asked.
"Oh, that was found near where you fell after being knocked out, must've been part of the display. The mall owners saw it and thought it'd be an appropriate get well gift for you after everything that happened."
Curious, Pam picked it up and opened it. Inside was a ring with a red stone and a crest.
Pam's mouth dropped open. "Ralph, this is the same ring I saw in my dream."
Ralph shook his head. "Come on Pam the chances of everything you saw in that dream being in the real world. ..."
"Ralph, I know... I'm just playing, but still..."
"Will you two quit with this knights in armor stuff," groaned Bill. "Listen, I'm going to go get a cup of coffee before we get ya outta here Counselor. By the time I get back, do ya think you two can stop with the Knights of the Round Table stuff? Last thing I want to hear is more of this mumbo jumbo..."
Ralph and Pam watched as the door closed. "Gee, you'd think that he thought you weren't concussed. I have to admit, you had an interesting dream," said Ralph.
"Maybe, but I did realize one thing while I was out cold."
"What's that honey?"
"That I like the real Ralph a whole lot better than Sir Ralph," she said and gave him a kiss.
He smiled and gave her another one. "And I like a healed Pam better than injured. Come on, we'd better get your stuff together so we can go home and let you rest. I even rented a movie... 'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court.'"
"Ralph..."
"Just kidding, Pam," said Ralph. Pam chuckled and gave him another kiss. It was good to be back in present day, she thought.
|
|
|
Post by melmac on Jul 6, 2006 18:01:06 GMT -5
Also... I do have another story idea for Pam in the works, just right now I'm working on the new Aidan one when I can (Pam's helping more in this one too). Any comments, ideas would be appreciated.
|
|
|
Post by HoudiniDerek on Jul 6, 2006 20:35:42 GMT -5
Not a bad story overall, but I don't like Derek's work in the story. HE shouldn't get lost. Pages are used in jousts all the time and there is only so much room to set up. Plus, your ring at the end idea was predictable...steal that from MACGYVER did you? Good story overall, but I think it should be explained more HOW Pam can use the suit. How did Sir Ralph get it, etc? Where is the exposition?
|
|
|
Post by melmac on Jul 6, 2006 20:50:45 GMT -5
Not a bad story overall, but I don't like Derek's work in the story. HE shouldn't get lost. Pages are used in jousts all the time and there is only so much room to set up. Plus, your ring at the end idea was predictable...steal that from MACGYVER did you? Good story overall, but I think it should be explained more HOW Pam can use the suit. How did Sir Ralph get it, etc? Where is the exposition? Thanks, HD. It was my first attempt at a solo Pam one, so not too bad. I kept it where Derek was too tall to go in place of Ralph, and wanted Pam to be more in the center of the action. Didn't MacGyver receive a necklace with a map or something and exchange with with a Swiss Army knife for Merlin? I don't remember a ring. I kept the bit about getting the suit vague in all three. As far as why she can use it... well... it's her dream. Derek didn't get lost... no wait, he did. As far as changing space, well... Pam's dreaming this so some facts would be muddled anyway. I had to be careful with Bill's story with dates in particular given how the bad guys capture Ralph.
|
|
|
Post by HoudiniDerek on Jul 6, 2006 21:11:37 GMT -5
True...the fact that it was a dream helped...although I still don't think Derek should get lost. And MACGYVER traded his knife for some trinket, yes, but just like your story, it was his in the present time frame somehow. How did a dream item become real after all? You are influenced by greatness.
|
|
|
Post by HoudiniDerek on Jul 6, 2006 21:27:58 GMT -5
Another thing I found ironic was how Bill was the king in this. It seems odd that Pam would put him in the power position. And why was the Arseen character banned from Bill's court? Bill Maxwell had probably not heard of this normal street hood since he was not part of the federal bust. It just seemed odd.
|
|
|
Post by melmac on Jul 6, 2006 21:29:38 GMT -5
True...the fact that it was a dream helped...although I still don't think Derek should get lost. And MACGYVER traded his knife for some trinket, yes, but just like your story, it was his in the present time frame somehow. How did a dream item become real after all? You are influenced by greatness. True, and in Ralph's it's a brooch and Bill's a bullet. Now Bill's, however, isn't from the gun he used either. Could be worse, could've had it where the ring save's pams livfe when Giles tried to stab her (I know, didn't use it, but still). And... it was fun to have Derek get lost. Personally, I thought you'd be a little more upset with me having Nigel toss him and he ends up knocked out. And... have to admit, I enjoyed having Pam drop the shield on Ralph's head.
|
|
|
Post by HoudiniDerek on Jul 6, 2006 21:32:56 GMT -5
I wasn't happy, but hey, I'm a lover, not a fighter. And I wished she would have banged him on the head...what a weenie...got a shield barely banging him and out he goes...geez. I still don't like the lost bit...that is why I am the navigator everywhere I go. I don't get lost...my geography minor helps assure that.
|
|
|
Post by melmac on Jul 6, 2006 21:55:12 GMT -5
I said it was a Heavy Metal shield (and hit him with a ringing thump like Nigel got), and Pam was mad at him in real life before her accident, so she'd probably thought "take that Ralph." But I'll confess in Bill's case Ralph's ethered and doesn't really put up a lot of a struggle. (Bill's even worse with a delayed reaction to ether). One idea I've toyed with is having her slug Ralph in a story and knock him out, but don't know when I'm going to use it. I have to admit, it was fun clobbering your namesake when I did the same to Mac in the thrid story of this series. Lauren's namesake (a bad guy) also suffers the same fate.
|
|
|
Post by melmac on Jul 7, 2006 1:24:30 GMT -5
Another thing I found ironic was how Bill was the king in this. It seems odd that Pam would put him in the power position. And why was the Arseen character banned from Bill's court? Bill Maxwell had probably not heard of this normal street hood since he was not part of the federal bust. It just seemed odd. Well, and I know I'm potentially contradicting myself with this, but it's possible Pam briefly came to around that time and heard the Arseen's name in reality before slipping back into unconsciousness. As far as the banning... just a way to move the story along. I still right now see arseen as Robert Delgado's Master in "Doctor Who" (I know, you haven't watched it, but if you ever do, rent a third Doctor one with this guy as the adversary and you'll see my point. ) I couldn't have two jesters (which would fit Bill with Pam's ideas), and as Tony made the best fit, I put him in that role. Tony's also a gangster in Ralph's story, but Bill's I didn't use the kids. The king was the only place left, so I put him in there. If I wanted to go further along, I'd had it where he made a dunderhead move or something Pam would like to see him goof on.
|
|
|
Post by HoudiniDerek on Jul 7, 2006 6:58:36 GMT -5
You could have made Carlisle the King and Bill was his magician or something...stopping palace coups with Sir Ralph and his magic armor. Haven't you read any King Arthur? Geez.
|
|
|
Post by melmac on Jul 29, 2006 22:51:40 GMT -5
Yes, actually I have. I could've put Pam in a Logan's Run type story and really driven you batty. If you've ever seen the movie, the female lead (come to think of it, the women) wore these sheer gossamer outfits that were pretty interesting. The downside is that she'd had to be 29 and running away because she was turning 30. (well, based on the movie. Book it's 20).
|
|