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| April 2008 | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Nov 5 2009, 10:37 PM (3,975 Views) | |
| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 03:59 PM Post #151 |
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Author: lady ione Date: Fri Apr 11, 2008 7:12 pm Bors and Vanora They had said their peace, and Bors had gotten proper help for his leg, whic, to him, was not feeling the best and would take time to heal, but now that things were done and the others had departed, Vanora turned to walk over to where Adian was sleep. Bors followed her, and stopped to look down at the young man in the bed. He was wearing woad clothes, and not the type that Bors and Vanora had seen him in other times. The knight was dying to ask him what had happened, but it was best to keep the young man asleep while his shoulder was healing. "Come, Vanora. The children need to be tucked in for the night, and you need to see to the tavern," Bors kissed her lightly and led her out of the infirmary and into the cold of the early night. It was snowing. Bors and Vanora walked through the courtyard that was being cleaned of dead bodies and such, and walked her to the tavern. Then, dropping her off, he moved on to the small house they shared with their small brood. Finally, Bors was able to spend time with the children, getting them all cleaned and dressed for bed. There was no need for them to be afraid for the night as he was home now. Once they were in bed, Bors moved over to the hearth and sat down to think of things that puzzled him: Where was Javier and where was Ione? He had not seen her since she had been rescued from the wreckage the last time the fort was attacked. As for Javier, Bors would not have concerned himself with the Southerner but that he had asked that he and Vanora be placed as 'guardians' to the young man after he had gotten in trouble with a Roman sometime back...so Bors felt responsible for what happened to the man. The weaver's shop was just a few houses down from where they lived, so he left Gilly in charge, and went to the shop.... ...He arrived in no time, but what he saw, made his heart sink: The door had been broken and a window. Cautiously, Bors stepped inside and looked about at the mess. The loom was untouched which was good, but the blankets and cloaks Ione made with skill and sold were lying about as though a struggle had taken place. Off the sales floor, Bors saw the small room door opened and walked over to investigate. There were two dead woads just inside the door, but no sign of Ione. Bloody hells! What happened here? And where is Ione, and had the woads taken off with Javier and killed him? Is she alright? The shop as a whole had sustained a large amount of damage.... Bors walked out of the shop and back to the small house not wanting to leave the children alone, and he sat at the hearth waiting for Vanora to return.... |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 04:01 PM Post #152 |
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Author: golden_trillium Daet: Fri Apr 11, 2008 7:50 pm Linnette and Linnesse
“Hmmm…I suppose so,” Linnette allowed, giving Derfel a look up and down his tunic- which, along with the rest of him, was admittedly filthy. She gave him a small grimace that might have passed for a sad half-smile, then awkwardly stepped around him, making for one of the simple wooden chairs that stood at the table. He had a point about Linnesse not being left alone, and as long as he was out of the room, she would sit with her sister- but being in such close quarters with Derfel, even after only a few minutes, was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. It wasn’t even so much him…or maybe it was. It was hard to say whether she would have reacted the same way to any man of her acquaintance right now, but right now, Linnette was positively squirming inside. The room they were in was, except for its orientation, virtually identical to the one she shared- or used to share- with Gedeon, the atmosphere of intimacy just the same, but it was all wrong- all so horribly wrong. This wasn’t Gedeon here with her- it was Derfel, whom she should look on as a brother, but whom she had to admit she did not, and the obvious tenderness between him and Linnesse, even with her asleep, was enough to make anyone feel superfluous, like an intruder. Linnette didn’t belong here- she belonged with Gedeon, but that would never be possible again. She was an outsider here. “I can wait with her until you come back…” Linnette occupied herself with pushing the chair over to Linnesse’s bedside, letting it go in front of her, clearing the way and allowing her to keep a bodily distance between her and Derfel, “and then I do want to…to go light a candle for Gedeon.” That was the first time she had said her husband’s name since she had learned of his death, and the name came out as a little sob, which she quickly swallowed as she lowered her eyes and became very occupied in adjusting the chair’s final position next to the bed. Tears stood out in her eyes again- tears she did not want Derfel to notice, though of course he would anyway. “I should do that,” she repeated softly, almost to herself, reaching over and stroking Linnesse’s hand lightly as she sat down. Her sister was already asleep, her breathing once more slow and even and not even a flicker of her eyes giving any wakefulness away. Merlin
“Well spoken, daughter,” Merlin affirmed in a solid, confident voice. He turned his head towards Juna and tossed her an encouraging smile, then detached his hand from hers and reached out to give Guinevere a proud, affectionate squeeze on the shoulder. “That is the most important consideration- and I am confident we will all remain united in this goal. Speaking of which…” he looked around the camp, then tilted his head to gaze up at the sky. It was darkening fast. “It’s nearly time for Ash to go. I’ll go see that he is ready. Guinevere, if your preparations are complete, you are welcome to help me escort him to the road.” The other Woads would stay well-hidden, of course, but someone had to go to the treeline, to watch and confirm that Ash got in safely; Merlin intended to do this himself, see it with his own eyes. “And Juna…I’ll see you very shortly.” He flashed her a smile which was almost boyish in quality, though fleeting. He would come right back to her after he saw Ash to the road, he thought- and then perhaps they could get some rest. They would have a long journey in the morning. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 04:02 PM Post #153 |
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Author: linnet Date: Fri Apr 11, 2008 8:32 pm Gawain Weariness was overtaking Gawain’s body and mind like a heavy shroud. Brianna was gone, and he was left with nothing but questions he might never learn the answers to. He felt a desperate need to see her, to have her explain to his face why she would rather live without him, raise their child without him. If she loved him as she’d claimed, and acted, then why would she choose to leave? Even if he couldn’t convince her to return, at least he could ask her to tell him how he had failed. He needed to see her one more time. His only link to Brianna now was her sister, and he hoped Fiona would know how he could let his runaway lover know he had to talk to her.
He looked at the young woman’s serious expression of willingness to help. He wanted to smile in appreciation, but he found it impossible in his nearly dazed state. “I don’t want you to put yourself in any danger, Fiona. But if you do think of a way to get a message to her, let me know.” The troubled knight looked around the area where he and Fiona stood. Everyone else had left. He experienced a sudden sense of isolation and lack of purpose, and the fact that these were such unaccustomed feelings only added to his worries. He wasn’t sure what to do or where to go. It had started to grow dark, and the cold was changing the light rain to flakes of snow. He decided he might as well go to his room. He wasn’t ready to face the infirmary yet. He had the tiny hope that Brianna had found someone to dictate a note to, which he would find in the room they had shared. He’d get someone to read it for him, someone who didn’t know him. Gawain turned his eyes toward Fiona again. She had patiently stayed with him and tried to be helpful. Now it was getting dark and she had to be cold. Seeing her, forced the fair knight to step out of his feeling of aimlessness. He welcomed the chance to do something useful. “Let me walk you to wherever you should be now instead of standing here in the cold with me,” he said to her, this time managing a slight but sad smile. “This place can get pretty dangerous after dark.” |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 04:03 PM Post #154 |
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Author: lady ione Date: Fri Apr 11, 2008 9:52 pm Brendyn After departing from the elderly man, Brendyn pulled the cloak further about his cold body. He shivered a bit and yawned. He did not want to seem weak, but he'd not slept well in some time, and his body ached from his injuries. The street was clearing as men and women went home for the night..or wherever they went. Brendyn turned the corner and saw the ramparts up ahead....Perhaps Malcus and Titrus were there. Slowly he made his way toward the wall. The second watch had taken their places, and Brendyn marveled at how disciplined the troops were here. Arthur and Malcus and the rest must be great to have troops so organized and well trained. He drew nearer to the wall wishing for food, drink and then sleep....plus talking and getting to know the men he'd be serving.... |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 04:08 PM Post #155 |
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Author: Darya Date: Sat Apr 12, 2008 2:00 am Darya & Neeve Darya’s dark gaze shifted from the strange healer to Lancelot and back. Why had the knight sent for this particular person? Frowning slightly to herself, the dark Sarmatian remained silent and just listened to what the First Knight would say in reply to the healer’s question, sorting the things the page boy had brought on the table as she did so…
While Neeve listened to Lancelot’s words with her typical calm, almost stoic, face expression, Darya almost dropped the small bowl with water she had used to tend to Arthur earlier. How on earth had a Saxon managed to get THAT close to the Roman? Close enough to stab him?! The Sarmatian’s hands tensed about the bowl and her dark gaze lingered questioningly on Lancelot. The First Knight prolly was the only person who could answer this question…and better yet: explain to her why he had not anticipated this from happening…
Neeve arched an eyebrow at Lancelot when the Sarmatian grabbed her arm and lifted her chin slightly. She did not like the details of the knight’s report at all. The fact that Arthur…Arthur…had stumbled was the worst news she had heard in years. “I have saved your soul from being sent to the Gods several times, Lancelot…I will do the same with his…”, the raven-haired then stated and let her crystal-blue gaze lock with his dark one until he released her arm again. Only then she assessed the knight himself for a moment…noticing, that he, too, was injured and not well at all. “And the way I see it, I will have to do what I can for you as well, knight…”, she added and gestured towards his bloodied arm, “...sit down somewhere and get that cleaned…perhaps the lady can assist you…” A corner of her mouth twitched slightly. “Unless of course you prefer to be sent to the infirmary…” Then Neeve sat down at the edge of Arthur’s bed and carefully examined the Roman…a frown creasing her brow as she did so… “I just cannot leave you alone, Artorius Castus, can I?”, she murmured quietly and checked on the patch up work Lancelot had mentioned before… Darya’s mouth had dropped open when that Neeve mentioned something about her assisting Lancelot. Not that she would not care for her fellow Sarmatian, but right now, her major concern was Arthur. The man who was her lover. The man who still had no idea that… The dark-haired closed her mouth again and pressed her lips into a thin line while briefly touching her belly with one hand. Gods, help me…, she thought and then watched the healer again. “Are you sure you don’t need someone to assist you…?”, the female Sarmatian said…but fell silent the moment the healer’s piercing gaze hit her. That look was answer enough alright. Darya grimaced slightly and then motioned for Lancelot to come over and sit on the chair next to the table that stood by Arthur’s bed. “I’m as much a medicus as he is…”, she muttered under her breath, but poured some water into a mug to offer it to Lancelot once he – if he – had done what that Neeve had asked of him…and got the cloth ready to do what she could for her kinsman… …her dark eyes, however, once more lingered on Arthur again. Don’t leave me…don’t leave me alone…please…, she pleaded silently as if the Roman in his feverish state could hear her thoughts… |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 04:10 PM Post #156 |
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Author: linnet Date: Sat Apr 12, 2008 1:04 pm Juna
That was over, Juna inwardly sighed in relief, while outwardly giving the young woman a slight nod of agreement. It had never been easy for Juna to admit she was wrong. But she knew that from Guinevere’s perspective, her tantrum had clearly been wrong. So the healer swallowed her pride in hopes of putting the incident behind them. She would try to remember to avoid setting torches to bridges unless she was sure there was nothing important to go back for on the other side.
Juna couldn’t help but return the man’s infectious smile. “Stay safe – both of you,” she said. For once she wholeheartedly believed in their mission, one of rescue rather than revenge. But any words to add letting them know, fell lame as soon as she tried to think of some. So she turned back to her shelter to gather her supplies again, feeling more need to busy herself than to watch the two go. It was becoming dark. She would head back to the injured, working by firelight. She would also watch Lourdes as promised so that there could be no chance of the priestess reaching the fort before Ash and Guinevere. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 04:11 PM Post #157 |
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Author: SarmatianKnight Date: Sat Apr 12, 2008 3:32 pm Lucius It looked like that at least the first part of what he had to say was accepted by the Captain when he nodded. Good. But when he continued the reaction of Barbattus let Lucius regret that he had started to feel more secure. Immediatly. The man's smile vanished and the look he received in return as a first answer was enough to make him wish for a hole he could drawl into and hide. The soldier swallowed roughly but now it was too late to stop because he had passed the point of no return and he had to say what was keeing his mind busy because it was indeed important for Lucius. When he had spoken about the female Woad Lucius recognised Titrus' reaction from the corners of his eyes and wondered how bad it could get with Barbattus after all he said.
I should be. That was the first thing he thought but of course he did not say it. If he did not want to go through hell the next days, weeks, months probably he knew he should avoid any answer like this. Lucius was clever enough to read the signs and realise that the open conversation was over now as he had seen the permission to speak earlier.
"Yes, Sir." Lucius confirmed and almost saluted when he tightened his muscles as expected from a soldier who talked to his officer. He had seen how the Roman army worked (how every army in the world worked - as far as he could tell from the countries he had visited with his father) and he had certainly no intention to learn more about the pain of not following such instructions and orders while he tried to avoid following such things blindly.
And without any doubt the man meant what he said. Lucius knew that disobedeince was met with sever punishment but so far he had not learned it the hard way. He began to question if it had been a good idea to say what he was thinking about all this. Sometimes it was good to sit on his mouth, really. But then Barbattus surprised him.
Before Lucius answered the Roman officer sneezed. Trying to be helpful and kind Lucius said: "You should take care, Captain." Maybe not the best thing to say so he added: "She is no concern of mine in fact but..." - what could he say? - "... a woman, being captured, treated like a piece of meat and hit by man, three times stronger than she is. Also enemies can be treated with respect... Sir." Lucius almost forgot already that he had been informed that the moment of speaking openly was over. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 04:12 PM Post #158 |
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Author: Starbelle Date: Sat Apr 12, 2008 7:43 pm Jols Once back in the fort, Jols took charge of his and the knight's horses, making sure that they all were led to their stalls before removing their tack and getting a good brushing down complete with a warm blanket placed over their backs. Before leaving them, however, he made sure that there was water in the troughs in the interior of each stall. A sugar cube for a treat was their reward for being patient. Once each mount was seen to, the squire locked the doors and began looking over each of the knights' weapons, deciding which ones needed to be looked at by the smithy and which ones he could take care of himself. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 04:14 PM Post #159 |
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Author: LadyCastus Date: Sat Apr 12, 2008 7:44 pm Malcus Barbattus Malcus wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and cursed violently under his breath. He was disgusted at the thought that he may be coming down with a cold. He made up his mind right then and there that he would not. He pulled his leather tunic up around his neck tighter and adjusted his cloak.
"Yes, Lucius, I should," Malcus replied, trying not to snap at the soldier's seemingly genuine concern. "But don't change the subject. What about that woad creature?"
Malcus stared at the young man in front of him. Jesus! He was compassionate! Compassion could get a soldier killed! But Malcus knew that a soldier without compassion was dangerous and made that soldier nothing more than an animal. An unreliable, lying, trecherous animal at that. The Commander made a mental note to spend more time with Lucius. He wanted to know more about this soldier. Malcus wanted to know if he should beat the other man unmercifully within an inch of his life for his insubordination or whether he should take Lucius under his wing. He'd been looking for a trustworthy soldier - someone who stood out - to mold and shape into a fine officer one day. Like Malcus had done with Titrus. "Well, we'll not discuss that issue tonight," the commander said at last. "I am tired and thirsty and in need of food, drink and possibly a plumb, randy wench. Soldier, you are dismissed for the evening. You have served enough of my sentence, inform the watch commander." Malcus turned on his heel as Lucius appeared to want to speak. "Don't press your luck, soldier!" he yelled, "I said, dimissed!" Lucius saluted and waited until Barbattus descended the rampart steps before he left his post to report to the duty watch commander. Malcus and Titrus left the ramparts and headed toward the commons. Fortunately, the tavern wasn't that far away. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 04:15 PM Post #160 |
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Author: Starbelle Date: Sat Apr 12, 2008 8:12 pm Tatiana Before uncurling her lithe form out of the position that she'd chosen to use for security and following Vanora out of the tavern and down to the stables to report to Mirtha, she decided to take her used dishes over to the washbasin since it all seemed very quiet and planned to wash them off before being used for another patron as the young girl had been taught to by her Mother. Once they'd been cleaned, dried off and put away, Tatiana headed out of the safety area. A double-checking of the passage way to make sure that it was really all-clear. Tilting her head to briefly listen to the quiet absentness of the thunk-whap from the woad's weapons, a relieved grin appeared on the girl's face. 'Thank goodness that that's done with' She thought thankfully as she stood momentarily in the doorway before heading off. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 04:15 PM Post #161 |
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Author: lady ione Date: Sat Apr 12, 2008 8:26 pm Brendyn He lifted his face to the wintery sky as if seeking wisdom before meeting with Malcus and Titrus. Brendyn shivered which made his arm ache, and he felt light headed from lack of sleep. He was headed toward the ramparts, and carefully searched the dispersing crowds for sign of the men he was to have met up with. His wet cloak hung about his body, but it did offer some warmth...more warmth than he had experienced earlier without one. He began to move again, lowering his eyes to watch where he was going.... ...His stomach rumbled. Brendyn was almost to the foot of the ramparts, when he saw Malcus and Titrus descending the steps. With a heavy sigh and a slight cough, the young soldier made his way toward them. The Commander had wanted to talk with him, and he did not want to be late for the further instructions. Antonius had always told them never to let sickness stand in the way of duty, so though he was near exhausted and shivering, Brendyn still felt he had to meet the man to find out his orders for the night. The Commander at Aesica had been a good Commander, but never believed that sickness was an excuse for no duty. Also the theory that letting a soldier sleep before a battle would make him harder to "warm up" before fighting, so he had woken the men very early, before dawn, the morning of the battle. Brendyn had tried to sleep the night the battle ended, but all he could see were his dead friends and Commander. It was in this, that most of the men secretly felt the Commander was a bit "fanatical" about training both mentally and physically and less sleep and relaxation. Not that that was bad, but an exhausted soldier on the battle field was a dead soldier on the battle field... Brendyn's hand went to rest on the sword at his side. As Malcus and Titrus left the last step and began to head toward him, Brendyn approached the two men. What a sight he must have looked: dripping wet from the snow and rain, pale and trying to hide the fact that the cold was bothering the injuries on his arm making them ache... He saluted them, and said, "Sir, you wanted to see me in order for me to receive further instructions after seeing the medicus." In his mind, he felt Antonius would not have looked kindly on a soldier that looked weak, so he did his best to look strong and ready for work. The Commander looked over the soggy soldier before him as snow had melted and was running down the young man's face. Looking over at Titrus, then back to Brendyn, Malcus gestured toward the tavern, and the two men followed eager to get out of the snow. Flagging a wench, Malcus gestured for Titrus and Brendyn to sit down so they could get at least some food and drink. He eyed Brendyn and noted the young man was doing his best to look healthy... |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 04:16 PM Post #162 |
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Author: sabor ice Date: Sat Apr 12, 2008 11:44 pm Ash This was a horrid experience for Ash in its entirety. He didn't know what was worse: smelling like a Roman from the Roman clothing he wore, mingling among his enemy while pretending to be one of them, or allowing their people to tend to him, when all he wanted to do was rip out each and every one of their throats. Ash felt abashed, naked, without his personal effects. The Woad had to continuously remind himself just what his purpose at Badon was in order to keep his composure. The men that had hefted and hauled him to the infirmary had been mildly suspicious of his story, however; his excuse of amnesia had seemed to quell their doubts a bit. They had asked him the most mundane of questions over and over again, but never once had Ash faltered in his answering. He had seemingly been consistent enough that it had satisfied the already distracted soldiers and convinced them that he was temporarily inept, and they had eventually let him alone in the hands of the nearest capable nun for mending. Ash hissed at the nun a couple of times during her ministrations, but each time she dismissed his reaction with a tut of her tongue, as if it had been a kind of regular occurrence at the infirmary. She had no idea what truthfully fueled his fire, nor would she - no one would - not yet. When the wretch finally left his bedside, the Woad shifted uneasily, eventually managing to prop himself up into a reclining position, his arms crossed over his chest. His brow frowned in consternation, and his lips pouted pensively. He lazily tilted his head back against the wall, as his gaze inconspicuously shifted about his new surroundings. Ash, of course, did not expect to see Eala nor Neeria, but as for the vulture he had seen swipe up the girl at the gate, he would ceremoniously keep an eye out for him. Ash would wait until full cover of darkness, once most of the fort had settled in for the night, and then like smoke through a fence, he would slip out of the infirmary and infiltrate the fortress in further attempt to locate his comrades' whereabouts. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 04:20 PM Post #163 |
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Author: Elessars Girl Date: Sun Apr 13, 2008 8:43 am Arthur Arthur was struggling to focus on any one thing. Lancelot was knelt before him tenderly - tenderly? - wiping away the blood from the wound that pained him while Darya gently wiped a cool cloth on his fevered brow. How ironic and surreal that both cared for Arthur at once….another sharp pain in his side flooded his senses and reminding the Commander of his duty. He had to face Merlin….focus, damn you. And then the healer came.
Arthur had opened his mouth to answer, yet it was Lancelot to actually give a reply. And considering the level of pain the Roman was feeling right now…that was best. Besides, Neeve would see right through any attempt to hide it the moment Arthur would speak.
A retort for Lancelot was on the tip of Arthur’s tongue, but he thought better of it. Lancelot was injured as well and the Roman had not the strength for even the smallest of wordplay with his lieutenant right now. Arthur sat his mug on the corner of the table closest to him and then finally bothered to look down at his wounded side. He visibly winced at seeing the bloody mess surrounding it and knew instantly that he’d require more than stitches. Arthur’s vision wavered again and he reached up to press a hand over his heated brow. Weary emerald eyes looked up at Neeve as Lancelot stood and gave way to the healer. The Commander had known Neeve for many years and knew the Briton would be undaunted by his injury…and perhaps most importantly not intimidated by his rank. She would do what must be done and tolerate Lancelot’s curt demeanor as well.
A small tired smile as Arthur’s green eyes met Neeve’s familiar piercing gaze. “Perhaps this is all an elaborate ruse that I had constructed in order to gain your attention,” Arthur said dryly, doing his level best to make light of his injury. But he was no fool and realized that his condition was grave. He felt the heat radiating up from the wound and knew that he’d gone without proper care for far too long. But he had led them all home and he had repelled the Woad attack….the Roman Commander had completed his mission with success….despite the physical pain Arthur endured.
“I will be fine, A…Darya,” Arthur said softly to Darya, encouraging her to do as Neeve instructed; catching himself before addressing her intimately in front of the others present. He then briefly turned a concerned eye to Lancelot….the knight would also require tending and Arthur was tempted to order the other man to the infirmary…but knew better of it. Besides, Neeve had quite innocently instructed Darya to tend Lancelot….yet Arthur’s pride had him attempting to watch how the two Sarmatians interacted. Thoughts that should have been long forgotten crept up in his mind….arguments long since settled and accusations long since explained away. Perhaps it was ‘fever’, but Arthur sensed something was off…something in the way she moved and something in the way he had been tending Arthur moments ago. The Roman slightly shook his aching head and lifted a hand to pinch at the bridge of his nose. I cannot do this now. Arthur then returned his focus on the healer before him. “I suspect the blade may have been coated with a poison. I should not feel this weak….I have been cut numerous times before and not been affected so acutely and so quickly,” Arthur reasoned; keeping his voice low as he wished to not alarm Darya or Lancelot. Neeve would know what to do and do it with discretion. “Neeve, I have urgent business….do what you can as quickly as you can…and then please see to Lancelot,” Arthur continued and again kept his voice low enough that he hoped the two Sarmatians would not overhear. The Commander knew both would only argue and he had not the strength to fight them. Derfel
Derfel watched Linnette with concerned eyes as she seemed to accept what he’d asked and went about settling a chair next to the bed. Her voiced cracked with emotion as she’d spoken the latter part…and Derfel was almost certain he’d seen the glitter of tears in her eyes as Linnette had turned her gaze from him just now. He swallowed roughly as he stepped to the small dresser containing his clothing. He wanted to offer Linnette some words of comfort, but had no idea what to say really. Gedeon had been his closest friend among the knights and Derfel already missed him terribly and mourned his loss. But he could not fathom how Linnette must be feeling right now. He clumsily retrieved a clean tunic and worn deerskin trousers from the top drawer and turned towards the door when Linnette’s soft voice caught his ears again.
Derfel’s hand was on the door when he turned back enough to look at Linnette. He exhaled while trying to think of something he should say before leaving….but nothing made any sense. “I’ll be quick….thank you for staying,” He ended up saying and then slipped out of the tiny room and headed to the bathhouse to clean up a bit. Derfel visibly shivered as he made his way across the courtyard through the icy mix of snow and rain now falling on the fortress, he’d forgotten his overcoat in his haste to get on with his task. He’d also forgotten his shaving blade. Damn. So that would have to wait until tomorrow. The knight found the baths quiet, noting the presence of two people on the far side and not warranting a greeting. Thankfully so, as he wished to get back to the sisters as quickly as possible. And every moment away from them had Derfel anguishing over how to manage Linnette…what to say and how to help her. At least those thoughts kept Derfel from thinking on his own loss. Upon Derfel’s return to the small room he shared with Linnesse, he found Linnette still sitting in the chair by the bed gently rubbing her sister’s hand as she had been when he’d left. Derfel deposited his filthy clothing in the small linen basket next to the table and then approached Linnette. The fire in the brazier was still going strong and casting a warm glow on the side of her face….yet all it did was intensely illuminate the sadness Derfel could see in her downturned face. He raked a hand through his damp hair and then brought that hand to Linnette’s shoulder. “Linnette, I….I would feel better if you’d stay here tonight…for Linnesse of course,” Derfel said softly while looking over Linnette’s shoulder to Linnesse’s sleeping form on the bed. But what would he do if she refused? |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 04:22 PM Post #164 |
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Author: Ranchera Date: Sun Apr 13, 2008 10:15 am Connell Connell had departed to tend his animals and came back to the Woad encampment in time to see Guinevere transform herself into a tattered vagabond. He watched Guinevere approach Merlin and Juna and he almost smiled. Guinevere seemed nearly ready to leave, and Connell would accompany her. He would have no disguise-- he needed none. He stood and awaited Guinevere, allowing the light flakes to fall upon his shoulders. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 04:25 PM Post #165 |
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Author: golden_trillium Date: Sun Apr 13, 2008 11:36 am Linnette and Linnesse
Linnette raised her head and looked up at Derfel, a bit startled. Unconsciously, the muscles of her shoulder contracted, shying away from the touch, though not actually brushing it off. Beside her, on the bed, perhaps reacting to Linnette's sudden tension, Linnesse stirred again and blinked her eyes open, a sleepy smile spreading across her face when she saw Derfel- but then as she realized that all was not well with Linnette, she looked anxiously to her sister, beginning to struggle up to a half-sitting position. Linnette dropped her gaze from Derfel and solicitously pushed a pillow into place for her sister, then stood up and pushed her chair back with a sigh, looking from Derfel to Linnesse. "Stay here? There's no room." Linnette gestured bleakly around the tiny bedroom, then shrugged sadly. It would have been cramped quarters even if she had wanted to be here...and just as before, it felt terribly awkward to be. "And besides, you want to be...alone." She added that in a softer voice, once more dropping her eyes and making another vague gesture. Linnesse, with an effort, sat the rest of the way up, clear worry written on her face. "Linnette, no, we're not..." "You do." Linnette stated that baldly and firmly, leaving no room for arguments. She drew herself up, took another deep breath, quickly exhaled, and made another attempt at a brave smile. “I’ll come by first thing in the morning. Good night, sister.” She bent and kissed the still rather-bewildered-looking Linnesse on the forehead, then turned back to face Derfel, feeling awkward once more. No, she didn’t belong here- not in Linnesse and Derfel’s tiny room, where they deserved their privacy. She was extraneous, outside of this, part of another couple that didn’t exist anymore. “She’s really doing much better, Derfel- she just needs to regain her strength.” She paused for a moment, unable to think of what else to say. It seemed like there should be something- but nothing came to her mind. Once more, and for no particular reason, tears pricked the back of her eyeballs, and she dropped her gaze again to the floor. “Good night,” she murmured, stepping around him to get to the door. Merlin Well, that was done, and done well. Against the odds, perhaps, Ash had pulled it off- he had gotten inside, presumably carried off to the Romans' infirmary to have his wounds cared for. With a small smile of satisfaction on his face, Merlin wriggled backwards on his belly, retreating from the clump of bushes just beside the road where he and Guinevere had hidden themselves to watch Ash's attempt to enter the fort. An attempt which had been quite successful, happily. He kept down flat to the ground- his cut arm aching even though he tried not to use it much, though that didn't concern him excesssively- until they reached the shelter of taller trees, and then it was once again safe to stand up and to speak in very low voices. The distant guards on the Roman walls could not see or hear them from here, not in the near-darkness. "That went well- Ash has a good sense of deception," Merlin remarked to his daughter as they started down the faint, but to them obvious, path back to the camp. The thought of a warm fire and his bed of furs in his tiny hut was beckoning to Merlin, a blissful anticipation after a long day. And at this hour, surely the Lady Lourdes would find it expedient to simply stay the night? Another relief- much better for their plan. "You must stay well-hidden, daughter, but Ash may well depend on your knowledge of the fort. You probably know many of the hidden crannies." Merlin turned to Guinevere with a rather odd smile on his face, a slightly uncomfortable one. Yes, Guinevere's knowledge of the fort would probably prove invaluable- but the very reason for that knowledge, her having lived in the fort for so long last summer, was still a source of chagrin to Merlin. She had renounced Castus and his ways, and come back to be fully Woad again- but still the thought that for so long she had been within those walls, not to mention the fact that Fiona, her younger sister, was now, could not help but rankle. Woad women should not have to shelter in the fortresses of the enemy! "Ah- there's Connell, waiting for you," Merlin added in a more contented voice, seeing the healer who would join Guinevere standing near the edge of the camp, heedless of the snow falling gently on and around him. |
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