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April 2008
Topic Started: Nov 5 2009, 10:37 PM (3,976 Views)
golden_trillium

Admin
Author: sabor ice
Date: Thu Apr 10, 2008 2:13 am

Cáel


Cáel had never been much for traveling. He found it to be
horrendously time consuming and bizarrely inconvenient.

And yet he pressed on.

He knew nothing of Gabe's former family except that their hair
was all blonde, as if each strand had been bobbed from a ray
of sunlight. He knew not what they looked like or how old they
were, with only their names and the place the children had
been born on the tip of his tongue. He made a treacherous and
possibly dubious journey all for the sake of a single
potential business investment.

And yet he pressed on.

There were two different men living from within Cáel. The
first was cavalier at times, and able to masquerade his
derangements with extreme merriment, cordiality, and general
good will toward others. The second was a ghost of its former
self, delving into odd moments of manic depression - moody,
fey, quixotic. The first was for prominent public display
only, while the second remained on reserve in favor of the
inner-workings of a madman. He was always in a coherent state
of mind; he had always weighed the pros and cons, the rewards
and consequences, the rights and wrongs, just like any other
person - and he had a conscience - but all of these things
were now virtually insignificant to Cáel. Greed had possessed
his mind long ago and he was too far gone to brave something
as trivial as morality. Money - there was nothing more
fulfilling nor sweeter.

Oh, how it brightened his day to dote upon the idea of the
money he might make at Badon, or if necessary, he would bring
the women back home to Eburacum where they would be sure to
fetch a daring price, provided they were all healthy, and
preferably pretty, that was. Exotic would've been even better.
Men liked to own exotic women, although it was no skin off
Cáel's nose if they turned out to be all three feet tall with
bellies like pigs and faces to match. Slaves didn't need to be
pretty to be bought and put to hard labor. No, the state of
Gabe's wife and children were not a concern, provided that
that state was at least alive and kicking.

"What's that then?" the Goth inquired of his silver and brown
gelding, as Betelgeuse's ears pricked curiously.

Cáel leaned carelessly out of his saddle, catching the corner
of the horse's eye as it nickered and watched its surroundings
intuitively.

"Oh, I get it, old partner - you smell it, too," Cáel grinned,
patting the animal companionably and properly adjusting
himself back into the saddle. He cocked his head to the side
as he viewed the road - the one that would lead him toward his
final destination - from beyond a snowy grassland and atop a
steep hill. The man's grin slipped into a sly remnant of the
expression. His dark eyes widened maniacally, and he breathed
deeply in and out through his nostrils. "Ah - money!"

The steed seemed to bob its head in approval of its master's
words. The Goth released a breathy chuckle, his iron-cold eyes
light with amusement.

As he allowed Betelgeuse to direct them down the safest route
of the hillside, Cáel straddled the horse with his thighs and
dramatically threw his arms up into the air, as if he was
getting ready to serenade an audience. With the sounds of
money registering in his every waking thought, as coherent as
the clippity-clop of Betelgeuse's hooves on the cobblestones
back home, Cáel felt compelled to sing openly with glee.
Unfortunately for any surrounding animals, they were now
forcibly subjected to the torrential torment of his drunkenly
gritty, occasionally jarring, and slightly off-key singing
voice for the next uninterrupted half-hour.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: lady ione
Date: Thu Apr 10, 2008 9:17 am
Ione


Tristan
 
"Hmmph."


Ione only offered a slight smile at the Scout's response. It
was so like him as he was always so quiet and set apart from
the other knights. It was rare to see him around anyone else
while in the tavern, or not. The one thing she did admire
about Sarmatian's was their uncanny ability to pick out just
the right horse that fit their own style of riding and
fighting. Ione thought back to when she had first met Galahad
in the stables...she had been petting his horse, a lovely
stallion the color of the moon. The young knight had explained
to her about the bond he shared with his horse, and said it
was the same with all of the knights.

The young woman felt that she probably looked like a fright as
she had been working since the mid afternoon settling the
horses and giving them water and food. Her dark auburn hair
hung loosly about her shoulders and she felt grimy...nothing a
good bath would not cure. Dark chocolate colored eyes watched
the two men move off to look at some horses, when they stopped
in front of one particular horse. The animal was a lovely
color with gentle eyes, and though it had been in battle, had
a lusterous coat and fine barrings...

Mirtha
 
"There... These have no riders...." "Maybe this one?"


Well, it was a nice choice, and Tristan seemed pleased after
looking the horse over. Granted the Scout never left out a
bunch of expression, but she could tell he was pleased with
the choice. Smiling to herself, Ione took a look at Mirtha as
if to let him know she was going to go back to work feeding
the horses, then she would clean what she could.

"I will be near if you need me for anything, Mirtha. I am
going to help finish getting the horses settled in...there are
only a few left," Ione smiled tiredly, and nodded to the
Scout, then went off to help a stable hand with the few horses
left. Out of the corner of her eye, Ione spotted Adian's
horse, Wogan. The black animal had been taken care of, and
Ione turned to the stable boy nearby, "This is Adian's
horse....when did he get back?"

"Back, miss? This horse's master never arrived on the back of
this animal. He arrived alone but with the saddle, some traps
and such. This horse has been here since the day before
yesterday....I think," The boy went back to grooming the black
coat of the horse, while Ione was left to wonder what had
become of her childhood friend....
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Elessars Girl
Date: Thu Apr 10, 2008 10:36 am
Derfel


Derfel briefly met Dagonet’s concerned gaze and returned a
silent answer that he would look after Linnette. He had
promised Dagonet and had every intention of keeping that
promise…for Dagonet and Linnesse’s sakes. And while Linnette
answered Dagonet, Derfel carefully drew Linnesse closer
against his side and placed a soft kiss on her brow. And then
with Linnette’s help, they lifted Linnesse up from the
mattress and prepared to go.

Vanora
 
"Derfel, I could help you if Linnette wishes to visit
the chapel..."


“Thank you for the offer, m’lady….but I think we’ll be fine
for tonight,” Derfel gave a gracious smile to Bors’ beautiful
lover; attempting to convey truly how much he appreciated her
offer. But Derfel’s purpose in specifically requesting
Linnette’s help was his way to ensure he could keep a watchful
eye on her tonight. Gedeon would want them to take care of her
in any way that they could…and he’d promised Dagonet he’d look
after Linnette until the older knight was back on his feet.
And Derfel knew that he could not simply tell Linnette what he
was doing or certainly she’d refuse his help.

Linnesse
 
"Let's go, sister- to our room, right?"


“Yes, luv,” Derfel answered quietly and then dared a quick
glance to Linnette. He then gave Dagonet a final nod while
beginning to lead the two sisters towards the infirmary door.

“I’ll look in on you in the morning, my friend,” Derfel added
as they passed the foot of Dagonet’s bed. Derfel was certain
that the tall Sarmatian was in fine hands. He had Saoirse and
Bors to watch over him and despite Dagonet’s apprehensions,
the infirmary was the best place he could be tonight.

“Come on, luv, let’s get you to bed now,” Derfel murmured to
his lover and then looked over at Linnette. “I can carry her
once we get outside,” He said with concern still filling his
expression. They reached the door and Derfel immediately held
it open for the sisters.









Arthur

Arthur had not bothered to look down at his abdomen after
Lancelot had cut away his blood-soaked tunic. He had no need
to see all the fresh blood that had pooled there as he had
felt it coating his skin the moment he’d been attacked back on
the road. And the instant cold air hit Arthur’s now bare chest
caused the Roman to noticeably shiver….despite the gentle and
warm touch of Darya’s hand as she mopped at his brow.

Darya
 
“Arthur, please…you must drink something…”


He was not thirsty, but if only to appease them accepted the
mug of water from Darya’s hand and drank…only flinching once
at Lancelot’s ministrations on Arthur’s wound. It hurt like
the Devil, but the Commander continued to mask as much of his
pain as possible. If Arthur hadn’t felt so damn weak right
now, he would halt Lancelot from tending him and insist that
his lieutenant rest and focus on his own wounds.

Darya
 
“Wine...there should be some wine...Not exactly the
drink with the most alcohol in it...”


Lancelot
 
"Well, considering I'm not going to drink it, that's
fine,"


Arthur was still quite certain that Lancelot would imbibe in
the wine as cloudy green eyes watched the other man use his
teeth to open the bottle. But for once Arthur was mistaken.

Lancelot
 
"Sorry, I'll buy you another,"


“I shall have it taken out of your pay,” Arthur quipped in
between clenched teeth and a hiss at the stinging the wine
caused as Lancelot wiped at the Roman’s wound again. Then a
knock came at the door. Arthur’s gaze flickered from
Lancelot’s face to the door itself. Arthur prayed it was not
one of his officers (wishing to not be found in his current
weakened state) or Jols with a report of another Woad attack….

Lancelot
 
"Darya, that'll be Neeve. Let her in."


Neeve. A healer and someone Arthur trusted. He prayed Lancelot
was correct. The Commander turned to Darya and gave a small
nod to indicate his request that she do as Lancelot had
instructed. But before Darya could move away, Arthur brought a
hand over and lightly touched her arm in silent appreciation
for her care. He wished to speak with Darya, but now was not
the time…..later.

Lancelot
 
"Are you functioning in there, old man?"


Arthur’s focus returned to Lancelot at the dark knight’s
question. If the other man was attempting to hide his
apprehension, he was failing as Arthur could see that Lancelot
was worried despite his bantering words.

I will survive this. You have no fear of being left alone here
without my protection.

He canted his emerald eyes briefly to Lancelot’s arm, noting
the blood staining the other man’s sleeve. Arthur’s brows
stitched together in concern. He coughed and then reached down
to grasp at Lancelot’s wrist halting the knight’s motions.

“Press the cloth to your arm there,” Arthur said and then met
Lancelot’s dark gaze again. “One of us will need to be strong
yet tonight,” He added quietly, not wishing to further alarm
Darya while she went towards the door. The stubborn Commander
had not given up hope on riding again this night….to seek out
Merlin and ensure the safety of the fortress before resting
again.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: SarmatianKnight
Date: Thu Apr 10, 2008 1:11 pm
Lucius


Barbattus
 
"Indeed,"


When the Captain confirmed what Lucius had said the soldier
thought for a moment that he had done perfectly well, hiding
his feelings and thoughts as wanted and expected. But then
Barbattus was not Captain because he was a fool. Of course the
man realised that something was not to Lucius' likings and he
realised it immediatly.

Barbattus
 
"Obviously there's something on your mind, soldier. You
have this one opportunity to tell me what it is."


Lucius blushed slightly when Barbattus asked invited, him so
directly to say what was on his mind. He felt caught
unprepared and red-handed although all he wanted to do was to
speak. For a brief moment Lucius pondered what he should chose
indeed to talk about: the fact that the Captain had the wrong
impression about the lurking situation at the stables or (no
doubt more important and not so childish) what he thought
about the Woads. A small smile tugged at Lucius' lips: if he
had learned anything from his father it had been talking.
Properly. So why not saying both in one go? He still hesitated
although the decision was made. He knew that not all superior
officers wanted to hear what their soldiers had to say, not
even if they asked them but Barbattus' body language spoke
about nothing but neutrality. So Lucius dared to speak openly.
Probably it was still a risk but, no risk no success. He took
a deep breath, eyes still focused on the horizon he had to
watch, the soldier answered:

"They will not return. Not tonight. Or have you ever seen a
defeated, wounded animal returning immediatly to attack again?
No. They always wait, recovering to their full strength before
they return for their final and smashing attack." He shook his
head to underline his words. "The men you use for the doubled
guards could be used somewhere else at the fort. Personally I
think it is a waste of time and power." Just then he turned
away from the horizon to make sure that Barbattus would get
the meaning of his words when he added openly: "And I do not
waste time normally. I just prefer to look where I am really
needed before I jump in... like when a man hits a woman." He
remembered that one of the knights had hit the female prisoner
and it was still not what he liked to see. Woad or not. He
could simply not understand who allowed such a thing.
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golden_trillium

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Author: golden_trillium
Date: Thu Apr 10, 2008 5:38 pm
Linnesse and Linnette


Bors
 
"I am not a prayerful man, Linnette, but I will send
thoughts Gedeon's way as well...and for you and
Dagonet..."


"Thank you...I appreciate that," Linnette murmurred in
response to the burly knight's condolences. Her voice was
tiny, sniffly with tears, but Linnesse, standing between
Derfel and her sister, could recognize the beginnings of an
icy coating beginnng to form over Linnette's emotions, a
solemn, almost expressionless manner that she had adopted back
when their father had died. Oh, there was grief there, of
course- devastating grief, if one looked but an inch beneath
the surface. But she was beginning to draw herself up, close
herself in, vow to get on with things and be strong, just as
she had done back then. That near-unresponsiveness might be
her public persona for some time now, and the thought that it
had to be so was enough to break Linnesse's heart. Why did
life have to be so cruel? Why had her own first husband, a
despicable man, lived on until forcibly ripped from this life,
while a good man like Gedeon slipped away mere months after
his marriage? It could scarcely be more unfair! She sighed
uneasily and inched closer to Derfel, sliding her arm further
around his waist- how close had it come to being him?

Derfel
 
“Yes, luv. I’ll look in on you in the morning, my
friend. Come on, luv, let’s get you to bed now. I can
carry her once we get outside."


Linnette nodded acquiescence, her attention mostly focused on
Linnesse as, farewells made for now, they made their slow way
to the infirmary door. Derfel held it open as the two sisters
walked through, and once they were back on the infirmary steps
and the door was shut behind them, he moved around and swung
her up in his arms. She sagged gratefully against his solidity
as Linnette fussily arranged her hood over her head and they
started to move down the steps. She had been nearly too tired
to walk another step, after her venture to the courtyard and
back- and it was sheer heaven, being able to just rest her
head against Derfel's shoulder and go along for the ride,
close her eyes and not have to think about anything for a
little bit. Beside them, Linnette walked in silence- or at
least she did not speak. She did sniff and wipe at her eyes
quite a bit, and she still twisted and rubbed that ring in her
fingers. Linnesse felt awful for not reaching out to her, for
not being able to do more to help- but just staying more or
less awake was now taking all her strength.

She hardly noticed when they entered the building that housed
the knights' quarters, heard the sound of the outer door, and
then the door of her room, only faintly. She did realize it,
though, when she was gently lowered from Derfel's arms onto
the bed- her own bed, their bed, at last!- and forced her eyes
open even as her body sank down into the drowsy softness of
the mattress. Linnette was crouching before the fire, her back
to Derfel and Linnesse; she must have gone straight there to
start a fire in the grate, while Derfel was getting Linnesse
settled. As Linnesse watched though half-open eyes, she
straightened up and turned around, her face reddened and her
posture speaking of an almost unbearable weariness.

"I...is there anything else you need?" she asked, looking
first to Linnesse, and then, perhaps deciding that her sister
might not be awake enough to give her a coherent answer, to
Derfel instead. The question inflection in her voice was just
barely there- her whole manner was dull and resigned and
tired.












Tristan

Ione
 
"I will be near if you need me for anything, Mirtha. I
am going to help finish getting the horses settled
in...there are only a few left."


Tristan looked up from his inspection of Tirgatao at those
words, watching as Ione- the tavern maid, or so he had
thought- made her way down the aisle away from Mirtha and
himself, her long hair swaying a little back and forth across
her back. Getting the horses settled in?

"She working for you now?" the scout asked Mirtha in a tone of
surprise, pointing over his shoulder at the erstwhile
server-of-ales. It seemed a rather odd change of occupation
for her, to say the least.






SUNSET (EVENING)

Weather: Rain has slacked off to a drizzle, but is now
changing to a light snow.

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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: lady ione
Date: Thu Apr 10, 2008 8:12 pm
Brendyn


He moved about getting a chance to see where everything was
located in the Roman quarters, and some of the other parts of
the fort. The smithy...good to know in case Tyranus needed
shoes replaced, or cleaned. As he walked, Brendyn thought of
his obligation to go to evening prayer, but he had also
promised to meet Malcus and Titus. Evening prayer would have
to wait. He raised his one hand to rest on his injured arm as
the cold began to bother it a bit. All total, he guessed that
he had around 15 stitches between the two arm wounds...He had
not thought them bad. Once again his thoughts went back to
those he had trained with and lost including the Commander,
Antonius. The man had been tough as nails when it came to
training, but tough training produced well honed skills.

The cold rain had changed slowly to snow, and Brendyn pulled
his cloak tighter about his trim body as he shivered. He had
not had a cloak since the night before, and had gotten quite
use to the cold...but now that he had a cloak, he began to
shiver. He needed something hot to drink....or perhaps it was
exhaustion? The young soldier walked in the dimming light of
the wintery day wondering what adventures would come while he
was stationed at Badon Hill. So far, the "welcome" had been
unsurpassed, and the men he was to report to were the finest he had seen in a while...of course, Antonius had told him that as had the Saxon he had befriended...Derfel as well as the two Sarmatians, Gawain and Galahad. How were their wounds? Most importantly...how were Artorius and Quintus? Arthur worried the young soldier most of all as he shuddered to think of losing a second Commander to severe battle wounds.

Another shiver ran over his body. Brendyn refused to think
that he had chills, but he had to get out of the sleet before
he did put himself out of service. As he walked, suddenly an
elderly man slipped on the wet ground as he pushed his wares
through the soggy frozen ground. Brendyn rushed forward to
help the man regain his balance. Thankfully the elderly man
was not injured, and stooped to pick up some of his lost
work...metal work it looked like. Brendyn helped him regain
his goods, and reached out to recover a dagger that was half
buried in mud and ice. He stood and inspected it while the
elderly man did so as well wondering what the young man was
going to do with it...

Bendyn smiled warmly at the man and handed the dagger back to
him, "Fine work, my friend. Where is your shop?"

The man did not trust Romans, or anyone in Roman guard that
much, but anything to make a bit of money was a good thing,
"O'er there, young lad." He brushed some of the mud from the
weapon while Brendyn marveled at the sheen on the blade. It
hardly looked damaged from the tumble...

"I would like to see what other weapons you make as well as
have my lance fitted for a new tip. The other is dull,"
Brendyn made ready to leave the man's side. The elderly man
didn't know what to make of him: He was new to the fort? And
from where?

"I'll be t' work in th' morn if ya want to see me about the
new lance tip..." The man walked off leaving Brendyn alone
once again....
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: LadyCastus
Date: Thu Apr 10, 2008 9:41 pm
Barbattus


Malcus shivered slightly as the soft wetness of a snowflake
splat itself on the tip of his Roman nose. He held back a
sneeze. Damn! he cursed himself and hoped the sneeze was not
the beginnings of a cold. Malcus hated being sick - it was a
sign of weakness - because there was far too much to be done
over the next several days. The Commander knew he had
surprised the soldier, Lucius. So Malcus gave the other man a
moment to gather himself. Finally, Lucius took a deep breath
and spoke.

Lucius
 
"They will not return. Not tonight.


Malcus' eyes flashed, but he didn't interupt the young man.

Lucius
 
Or have you ever seen a defeated, wounded animal
returning immediatly to attack again? No. They always
wait, recovering to their full strength before they
return for their final and smashing attack."


Malcus smiled and nodded his head. "Yes, they do," he said
softly. What is he getting at?

Lucius
 
"The men you use for the doubled guards could be used
somewhere else at the fort. Personally I think it is a
waste of time and power."


Malcus' smiled faded immediately. Who did this ... this ..
soldier think he was to question the orders of not only a
superior officer - but the orders of Arthur Castus himself!?
Malcus' black eyes burned into the soldier like hot lava.
Before Barbattus could rip Lucius a new ass, the soldier
whipped around and faced the commander directly! Just as
Malcus opened his mouth to give the insolent little prick a
sound tongue lashing, Lucius, as though trying to get the
words out of his mouth as quickly as possible, spewed

Lucius
 
"And I do not waste time normally. I just prefer to look
where I am really needed before I jump in... like when a
man hits a woman."


What? What the fuck is he talking about? That woad creature?

Malcus closed his mouth and squinted his eyes at the young
man. Titrus shifted uncomfortably next to the Commander,
obviously nervous about what was about to happen.

This soldier has spunk. I like that. Maybe a little too much
perhaps, but that can be molded and developed. Maybe he's not
a little slacker afterall Malcus conferred with himself.
Finally he spoke out loud.

"I'm assuming you're finished, soldier." Malcus stated not as
a question. The Commander relaxed his 'parade rest' stance to
indicate that the discussion was over.

"It will do you well not to question the orders of your
superiors. To do so could prove to be very painful for you,"
Barbattus paused for affect, silently communicating to Lucius
that this had been his first and only opportunity to do so.
"Should it happen again, I will flog you myself until the skin
hangs from your miserable arse." Malcus added just as calmly
as if he'd just asked if it were snowing.

"But perhaps I misjudged you," the Commander added, scratching
at the whiskers on his chin, "what concern of yours is that
woad woman?" And then he sneezed.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: sabor ice
Date: Thu Apr 10, 2008 9:43 pm
Milan


Mari
 
"That's easy for you isn't it? My name. I like that, I
like that it's easy for you to say my name. I think you
can be as comfortable with other words if we ... keep
trying them. Do you want to try? We can do colors! And
names, and things like ... like ... water."


He propelled himself with his legs a bit back from Mari,
playfully splashing her in return, laughing when she squealed
in surprised delight. Milan swiped a palm over his dripping
wet face - they were both officially drenched from head to toe
now. When he felt she had moved too far away, Milan reached
out for her hand and gently pulled her back to him, closing
the distance between them again.

Mari was the type to get way ahead of herself. She wanted so
much, especially when it came to others. Milan was certain
that if it were up to her, everyone in the world would have
all of their dreams and aspirations come true. With the snap
of her fingers or an adorable shrug of her shoulder,
everything that she wanted to be would be. The world was a
beautiful place when he looked at it through Mari's eyes. Even
now, optimism and acceptance beamed brightly through her every
pore, illuminating Milan with her life force, her beautiful
soul making him a believer that there was something greater
out there than merely going through the motions of everyday
life. She made it easy for him to smile, to breath a sigh of
relief, to think that just maybe everything was going to be
okay someday. Mari was the only person who had ever made him
feel like he mattered, to ever make him feel loved. Milan
never wanted the feeling to end.

Mari
 
"And you could teach me to read then... I would so love
to be able to read."


Milan didn't precisely acknowledge her words, as he had busied
himself with playfully nipping at her jawline and tasting the
salty skin at her neck. Far be it from Milan to deny Mari
something that obviously would make her happy - and he
wouldn't - but it did not mean that he was in any hurry. It
was a bit of a white lie, he supposed, to hold himself back
from learning to properly speak, but he was convinced it was
for Mari's own good - the last thing Milan wanted was for her
to ask him to read her Rowan's letter, or to have him teach
her to do so on her own. But could he really stop the
inevitable? Mari would learn about the letter one way or
another, but Milan only hoped that it would come later rather
than sooner.

The young man placed his hands on either side of her slender
neck, his thumbs brushing along her cheekbones as he looked
down at her with a boyish, lop-sided smile. He kissed the tip
of her nose tenderly, before pulling away, one hand dropping
into the water to give hers a gentle squeeze, and Milan
gestured with a subtle jut of his head toward the benches,
suggesting they should leave.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Darya
Date: Fri Apr 11, 2008 8:56 am
Darya & Neeve


Lancelot
 
"Well, considering I'm not going to drink it, that's
fine,"


The dark Sarmatian smirked faintly at Lancelot, yet her eyes
lingered not on his face but on his arm…where his tunic was
soaked with blood. And it was not Arthur’s blood. “You might
want to drink some once a healer will get her hands on you and
your injury…”, she said quietly…half joking, half
dead-serious. And for an instant, there even was a sparkle of
relief in Darya’s dark eyes when Arthur finally gave in and
accepted the water she had been offering him…and drank
something. That was a good sign, right?

Gods, she had almost forgotten what serious injuries could do
to a strong man. How weak they could make them…and make them
look. How helpless… It hurt to see her lover in such a way…and
it hurt even more that there was so little that she could do
to help him. Then a firm knock at the door and Lancelot’s
voice distracted her from her dark thoughts…

Lancelot
 
"Darya… That'll be Neeve. Let her in."


I assume that is the healer, the Sarmatian thought and
returned Arthur’s nod with a small one of her own. Then her
gaze dropped to the Roman’s hand as he briefly touched her
arm…and the dark-haired gave him a faint but loving smile and
covered his hand on her arm with her own hand for a moment
before she turned on her heels to walk over to the door. In
fact, she would be fine with any healer or nun…as so long as
that person would ease the Commander’s pain and make sure he
would be fine again in no time.

Then Darya opened the heavy door…and dark eyes almost
immediately locked with blue ones. The Sarmatian furrowed her
brow as she assessed the tall slender woman with the strange
haircut, that was standing right in front of her. Neeve arched
an eyebrow at the dark-haired female who had just opened the
door… She had seen her before…somewhere… But now was not the
time to ponder this. “The Commander is expecting me…”, the
healer stated and tilted her head slightly. Darya nodded and
stepped aside, gesturing for the other woman to enter. The
Sarmatian then took the bowl and all else that the young page
boy by the healer’s side was carrying and dismissed the boy.
She closed the door again and walked towards the table by
Arthur’s bed where she carefully put all the things in her
arms down…eyeing the strange healer a bit suspiciously while
doing so…

Finally the dark-haired made way for Neeve to enter. The
Briton gave the other woman a nod and then walked in. Her
crystal-blue eyes immediately took in the situation. She saw
the Commander resting on the bed…his bare chest bloodied…his
skin unhealthily pale. By the Gods…, the raven-haired thought
but as usual hid her true emotions well.

“Gentlemen…”, the healer then greeted Lancelot and Arthur and
approached the bed to stand by the First Knight’s side, “…may
I request a brief report on what exactly has happened, how it
happened…and what has been done so far?” It was a question per
se…yet the Briton’s tone was more that of an order. She could
be nice to people…but when it came to her work, she expected
them to do as she said, unless they were healers themselves…
The two men in the room should be used to this…but it had been
a while since she had last seen one of them in need of her
skills. A fact she was grateful for...from a healer’s point of
view. As a friend, she had missed them a lot. However, she
would definitely have preferred a more casual reunion…not one
that included work and injuries… Well, the Gods had decided
differently…and she would deal with it…
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golden_trillium

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Author: lady ione
Date: Fri Apr 11, 2008 9:50 am
Vanora and Bors


The knight felt he had to make it up to the newly widowed
young woman after the remark he had made. Linnette did not
seem to hold it against him though, so he left it as he had
said it...it had made her smile, though a bit tearful which
was to be expected. He placed an arm around Vanora's shoulder
as she spoke to Derfel. Bors had always admired Vanora for
being able to say just the right things, and Derfel and
Linnesse took what she said to them graciously. Linnesse had
grown thin and pale looking when last he had seen her, and he
wondered what had passed through the fort while they were
gone...

Derfel
 
“Thank you for the offer, m’lady….but I think we’ll be
fine for tonight,”


Vanora nodded, and understood somehow. To leave Linnette alone
would not be good for her, but the offer still stood.
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golden_trillium

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Author: Kayla
Date: Fri Apr 11, 2008 10:18 am

Fiona


Gawain
 
"What happened to her while I was gone? Did someone harm
her?"


Fiona immediately shook her head before continuing. Brianna
had said anything about anyone harming her at all while she
was behind the walls, so she assumed that nothing had happened
to her. They hadn't been together at all times but surely she
would have said something to her sister if something had
happened. The woad didn't want Gawain to worry about that,
though. "Nothing happened," she said, her voice calm before
she continued uncomfortably with the reason why her sister had
left. Right when she said them out loud and the knight closed
his eyes, she could sense just how much the words hurt him. It
didn't take much to realize that those words would hurt almost
anyone that cared as much as he did about Brianna. He didn't
speak for a moment and Fiona stood there, shuffling from foot
to foot with her hands clasped in front of her. The rain had
stopped a bit, so that there was only a light drizzle coming
down. She ran a hand through her dark hair, breathing out a
sigh.

Gawain
 
“I’ve got to talk to her, Fiona. How can I get a message
to her?”


Fiona glanced up at him, once again pushing her fingers
through her hair so that the strands were off of her face. She
contemplated his words, trying to think of how the knight
would be able to get a message to his lover. She had no idea
how Brianna would even react to it now that she was gone, but
the woad knew that Gawain was hurt by the news and she truly
did want to help him in any way that she possibly could.

The young woman was still on the fence in her thoughts when it
came to whether or not she was still welcomed back with the
woads. When she had seen Merlin during the attack, he had
asked if she would come back with him, an offer that she had
declined. She'd had her chance to go back and now, who knew if
she would be allowed back. It posed a problem when it came to
getting a message to Brianna, but she would try and come up
with a solution somehow. "I'm not sure," she spoke hesitantly.
"But, I can try to figure out a way, if it'll help."
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golden_trillium

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Author: Elessars Girl
Date: Fri Apr 11, 2008 11:23 am

Derfel


Derfel smiled down into Linnesse’s beautiful eyes once he’d
laid her down on their bed. He immediately pulled the thick
covers over Linnesse’s slender frame and lightly brushed the
hair out of her face. Neeve had instructed that Linnesse
should drink plenty of water….Derfel glanced over his shoulder
to see if they had any on the table. Linnette had not spoken
since they’d left the infirmary, and upon entering the room
had taken care of the fire in the brazier while Derfel had
gotten Linnesse situated on the bed.

Linnette
 
"I...is there anything else you need?"


Linnette’s voice was completely void of the typical strength
and character that Derfel was so accustomed to hearing. His
shoulders slightly slumped at the question as Derfel knew he
needed to answer with something to keep Linnette occupied.
She’d surely not accept his sympathy or attempts to comfort
her. Derfel gently patted at Linnesse’s shoulder then stood to
face Linnette. Derfel knew that there was nothing he could say
to ease her pain. Nothing he could do to comfort her. But
surely Linnette – pregnant with Gedeon’s child – should not be
left alone tonight. He rather nervously rubbed the palms of
his hands over the front of his tunic while trying to think of
something to say…..anything to help.

“What all…” Derfel started and then coughed as he took another
step closer to Linnette, which in this small room immediately
brought him within an arm’s length. He raked a hand through
his dirty blond hair and started again.

“…what should I be doin’ for her? Besides gettin’ her to
drink? And I’d feel a might better if you could stay?” Derfel
asked with as tender a tone as he could manage and slightly
gestured over to Linnesse as he spoke. All that he could hope
for was that Linnette would agree to sit with her sister for a
bit longer…and perhaps he could persuade her to remain here
tonight. But what about tomorrow and the day after that? He’d
think of something…Linnesse would surely know what to do.

“I should clean meself up a bit and I’d hate for Linnesse to
be unattended even for a second,” Derfel added attempting to
further justify needing Linnette’s company.
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golden_trillium

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Author: Kay
Date: Fri Apr 11, 2008 3:20 pm
Guinevere


Merlin held up his bandaged arm for his daughter to see.

Merlin
 
"Oh, yes- Juna has done an excellent job."


Her father glanced across at Juna with a smile.

Merlin
 
She will be staying with us after all,"


Guinevere studied the pair of them as they stood there and she
felt certain that there was something more to her father's
relationship with Juna, but she pushed the thought to the back
of her mind. She had to concentrate on the mission.

Juna broke into Guinevere's thoughts suddenly:

Juna
 
“Guinevere, I’m afraid I acted badly earlier today when
I refused to help your friend, Neeria. I was behaving
selfishly and unfairly. I owe you an apology, and Neeria
one when you rescue her.”


The dark Woad heistated before replying, not wanting to say
something rash that might upset Juna; it seemed to her that
there was a delicate balance in the situation.

"The important thing is" Guinevere said, after a pause. "That
we get Neeria and Eala back safely."

The sun was already setting and a light dusting of snow was
falling. Guinevere was aware that her heart was beating faster
as the time to begin the rescue drew nearer. She closed her
eyes, drawing on her reserves of courage to help see her
through this night.
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Author: Unicorn
Date: Fri Apr 11, 2008 3:54 pm
Dagonet and Saoirse


Dagonet watched Linnette sitting on the edge of the bed he was
on and fought back his tears once she looked into his face.
His pain was evident... His heart was too hurt to keep his
sorrow off his face. His body was too broken for him to even
care that his weakness was shown. His mind too troubled to
think straight.

Linnette's face was filled with sorrow also.... and Dagonet
was so sorry that he could not do anything... that he could
not be with her at this moment. He hated himself so much for
this... For not being able to do anything.

His gaze met with Derfel's and read an answer from the young
man's eyes. The confirmation of his ealrier promise. It
brought some comfort... He will be there for Linnette instead
of Dagonet. That was good... she will have Linnesse and Derfel
at least. Nothing more Dagonet could do.

Linnette
 
"I will, Father. I will,"


The way she called him, father made his heart stop for a
moment. She used to call him this way before, but in this
moment it had a special meaning... It was much more stronger.
Father... He was a father to nobody right now... his son was
dead... his daughter lost forever. He was a sorrowful look of
a broken man... of man who lost the most important people to
him... his children. The fact that Linnette, wife of his dead
son called him a father was very special.... was something
what really mattered.

She gave him the chance to be someone more than a broken
man.... She allowed him the chance to be someone close to her.

As she turned her face away from him and stood up, Dagonet
allowed himself this one more tear to go down from his eye,
down his scar.

Dagonet closed his eyes as Vanora and Bors adressed them...
Saoirse was not back yet.

Derfel
 
“I’ll look in on you in the morning, my friend,”


The tall knight sent a young man a shadow of a smile... In the
morning. The night will be the worst time for him... Will he
survive it? Will his heart beat in the morning....? ...or will
it broke under his sadness? Will he ever be able to live with
the knowledge that he let down all of his loved ones? Will he
ever to be able to live without Gedeon? With the feeling of
guilty and sorrow? Will he be able to live a normal life?

Everybody has gone... Neeve... Derfel with two sisters.... and
Vanora was going to leave soon as he saw her say something to
her burly lover. A deep frown appeared on Dagonet's brow and
he turned his head to hide his face from everybody... to just
look away from the world... Pretend that the world forgott
about him.

"Dagonet...." a soft whisper made him look back and saw
Saoirse returning with supplies. His lover cast a look at
Vanora and Bors before adressing the tall man and kneeling
beside his bed.

The wound was a nasty one, but hopefully Bors's stitches were
holding.

Dagonet tried to smile but in fact he could not... Smile was
one thing from many others, which he could not do now. His
eyes went to Bors as Saoirse started slowly and gently to
clean area near the wound... Dagonet nodded at his friend and
casting him the knowing look... full of sadness and regret of
not being able to do anything... Helpnesness... Bors would
understand that. Saoirse looked at the burly knight also but
her eyes were only betraying her worry about her lover.

While Saoirse cleaned the wound, Dagonet turned his head again
and looked at the wall in the far right of him. Focused on
staring only in that place. When the salve came into contact
with his side the tall knight winced and closed his eyes.

"Bandages..." murmured Saoirse and as she applied them her
eyes were running from Dagonet's wound to his face...

When she was done Saoirse sighed silently and with hesitation,
slowly put her hand over Dagonet's scarred cheek... smoothing
his wet from tears skin. His eyes did not move from the
wall... His expression was changing slowly... from sterness to
more hurtfull... His soul was melting... as was his heart....
Slowly his emotions were once more taking over him. Soairse
sat on the edge of his bed and her second hand came to his
chest. Then her head followed and sunk into his chest, a sob
was caught in her throat. After a second she laid her body
down and gently snuggled beside her lover, minding his wound.
When a sob shook his body Saoirse closed her eyes and
thightened her grasp on his cheek and chest. Tears were going
his face freely, from his oppened eyes.... He needed this...
Moment of peace... moment of grief... He needed Saoirse. His
weak arms went around her waist and his huge hand rested on
her back, while his heart was torn in pieces....

"I love you...." whispered Saoirse silently, while he cried in
short sobs.

He did not manage to speak up.... Saoirse put a hand over his
lips and let him give up to the sorrow.

"Don't say anything..." she whispered again. "I know..."

And with this Dagonet gave up completely and breathed in
shakily. He needed this... He needed to give up to his
weakness. As tears fell... his eyelids went closed... Sleep
claimed his weakened body and heart...

And Saoirse was beside him, watching over him... Watching his
sorrowful and teary face.... not moving... Leting him rest
finally...
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Author: Lancelot
Date: Fri Apr 11, 2008 5:16 pm
Lancelot


Darya
 
“You might want to drink some once a healer will get her
hands on you and your injury…”


Lancelot smirked darkly; he continued his work at Arthur's
wound. "That is the idea," he told the woman, and turned his
head only briefly as she went to open the door.

Thank the gods the page had found Neeve - not that Lancelot
didn't trust the other healers, but from what he'd seen and
heard, she was the best and the most efficient and thorough.
Besides, she could be trusted to keep her mouth shut if that's
what Arthur wanted.

Neeve
 
“Gentlemen…may I request a brief report on what exactly
has happened, how it happened…and what has been done so
far?”


Lancelot knew he wasn't a healer, or any kind of doctor. He
was a soldier who knew how to patch people up quickly, in
order to help them live long enough to get back to home base.
Usually. And yet...he found himself reluctant to stop what he
was doing. He continued his cleaning of Arthur's wound, but
raised his head and spoke to Neeve.

"The commander took a poke to the side from a nasty Saxon
blade," he said without preamble. "I've cleaned and patched it
as best I could, but as I said plenty of times before, I am no
medicus." He flashed a brief smile at the healer - it did not
reach his dark eyes. He canted his gaze back down to the
injury in front of him; it was still seeping blood, and looked
angry and painful. His hands shook once, but he squeezed the
cloth he was using and hopefully hid it.

I am the first knight. I do not fail. I was born to this duty
- war and pain and blood are what I know.

And yet...here I am, shaking pathetically at the thought
Arthur might not...

He stood abruptly, and wiped a hand over his face. "He's got a
fever as well, and stumbled earlier." He wasn't going to lie
to save face - he didn't care if Arthur was angry. The woman
was a doctor, and if she was to help the Roman, she had to
know everything. Grasping her arm, he looked into her eyes.
"Neeve. Do what you can. Please."

And I'll be damned if Arthur tries to ride out again today. I
will lash him to the bed if he attempts it. And I'm sure Darya
would help.

He let go of the healer's arm, and moved back a bit so she
would have room to work. He crossed his arms over his chest;
he was suddenly chilled without his gear on. Or perhaps that
was the loss of blood from his arm. Nevertheless, he kept his
intense eyes trained on Arthur and Neeve, hoping against hope
she could do something for him.

For his friend. His best friend, his worst enemy, the man that
had shaped his existance, whether Lancelot wanted to admit it
or not. For good or bad, the Sarmatian couldn't say.

He blew out a breath, and hoped he'd be given the chance to
figure that out.
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