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| April 2008 | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Nov 5 2009, 10:37 PM (3,972 Views) | |
| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 05:45 PM Post #196 |
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Author: lady ione Date: Tue Apr 15, 2008 3:13 pm Brendyn and Vanora As Vanora was ready to take her leave of the three men, another woman, Tatiana approached, and Vanora smiled at her, but all she got was a nod. She didn't let it bother her though for it seemed that Tati was more intent on the soldiers, so Vanora remained quiet...
...Vanora raised her eyebrow, and did not really want to wait around to see what Malcus' reply would be, so Vanora just nodded a good night to Titrus, Brendyn, and Malcus, then left the tavern to head for home ebfore it got any darker. Surely Bors would be worried about her, and she wanted to be with him tonight. Brendyn, on the other hand, turned to look at the copper haired woman. She was a pretty thing, but as much as he wanted to, he did not have time to get to know her as he would have liked. He did not have duties right now, but he did feel like shit and just needed to sleep...unless this woman had a cure for the common cold... Meanwhile, inside the tavern, Brendyn caught Malcus' gaze and saw that he had angered the Commander slightly as the man raised his voice to the young soldier. Brendyn only stood unflinchingly waiting for an answer...
By the Commander's reaction, Brendyn knew he had spoken without being asked to speak, but it was either that or be flogged for being late. His eyes turned to Titrus, and said softly, "Thank you, and good night, sirs." Brendyn watched Malcus rise from his place, and head over to a lovely creature that had entered the tavern, then turned his eyes back to Titrus, and in them was a sincere respect for the man. Brendyn turned, lay some coins on the table to pay for the drink, and turned to leave when he saw the copper haired woman who had joined the group. She had asked a question, had she not? Something about a nice evening or something... Well, Brendyn was not sure whether it was sarcasm which he was bad at, or she truely liked the lously weather... "Yes, it is nice weather, miss...if you like cold and wet," The young soldier met her eyes...and lovely ones at that. "Tell you what, I have to check the duty roster for tomorrow before I retire for the night. I am sorry you did not approach sooner so we could talk. Right now, I am afraid I am not good company as I am exhausted, chilled, and need sleep..." He walked toward the door taking one more glance at her. He did not know who she was, but he did want to meet her again. He had to go and get some sleep before duty tomorrow. Brendyn had never seen a more mysterious looking woman... Mysterious women had a way of working their way into one's mind after a while... |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 05:46 PM Post #197 |
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Author: LadyCastus Date: Tue Apr 15, 2008 3:48 pm Mona Now that Mona was that close to Merlin, she started having second thoughts as to whether she was doing the right thing. Merlin had a powerful presence about him that almost made Mona quiver. As she stood next to him, the leader squared his shoulder against her.
There was urgency in his voice. Any doubts Mona had no longer mattered, she couldn't change her mind now. "Merlin, when Neeria was captured," she began breathlessly, "I heard her tell Arthur that if he would spare her life, she would lead him directly to you." It was done. Mona lowered her head in shame. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 05:47 PM Post #198 |
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Author: golden_trillium Date: Tue Apr 15, 2008 5:59 pm Merlin
"What?" Merlin stiffened further, his jaw clenching, his voice dangerously soft. Neeria had said that? Treachery! At least...it appeared so. It was hard to imagine such perfidy from Neeria- she had always been a loyal and true warrior for their cause. And she had vowed so fiercely to kill Arthur Castus- could she really have buckled so easily? True, she had been wounded, but she had not been tortured, nor languished in the dungeons at the time that Mona had heard her say those words. Might they have been some sort of strategy- some ruse? Merlin wasn't sure- but for her to simply betray them did not really seem likely. The Woad leader took a deep breath, letting that initial burst of tension drain away from him as he considered the situation. He raised his eyes thoughtfully to the sky, leaden and nearly dark, then after a moment, looked back to Mona, his eyes dark pools, unfathomable. "She may have meant it or she may not have, Mona," he murmurred, calmer now- though inscrutable. As usual, his mind was both working fast and opening itself, trying to discern the will of the Gods in all this, trying to think it through. "I will think on this." He took another deep breath, glanced again over to the fire where Juna stood, a stiff, rather uncomfortable-looking figure. He wanted to go over to her, bend that stiffness to him instead. "Mona..." he returned his gaze to the warrior woman, tilting his head to the side as with a sudden thought. As happened when the Gods spoke through him, he was not sure what e was going to say until he heard it coming out of his mouth. "Assemble your battle things tonight, again- I may have a task for you in the morning." Yes...that was right. That, perhaps, was the missing ingredient in all this. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 05:49 PM Post #199 |
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Author: Elessars Girl Date: Tue Apr 15, 2008 6:33 pm Arthur
Despite his pain and weakened physical state, Arthur looked to Lancelot with an irritated expression that pulled his eyebrows tightly together. The presence of the two ladies spared Lancelot the curse that resided on the tip of Arthur’s tongue. Yet anger was good…it distracted the Commander from…oh fuck….the pain of the needle pricking at his already inflamed flesh. Arthur’s fingers flexed in Darya’s hand and his free hand grasped tightly at the edge of the bed; knuckles turning white at the force of his grip.
Arthur inwardly sighed at Lancelot’s further mockery. Why had the knight remained anyways? To torment me? Neeve and Darya could manage what Arthur required right now. But in truth, the Roman was grateful Lancelot had stayed. The man’s friendship and mere presence was a source of great strength for Arthur….and the Commander would need that strength if he was to go after Merlin yet tonight.
“Quite….” Arthur hissed again as Neeve continued her work. “...grateful,” He grunted and attempted to focus on the healer’s skillful hands….instead of Lancelot who had decided to help himself to Arthur’s clothing and promptly planted himself on a stool at the Roman’s side opposite Darya. Arthur’s vision blurred and he had to blink furiously to regain his focus. The Commander was finally… possibly….beginning to realize that he might need a little more time before he could ride again. Let alone face Merlin. Neeve was working quickly, thank God, but with each pass of her needle Arthur felt himself becoming weaker. Fever threatened to overpower his rational thoughts.
Darya’s angelic voice helped Arthur to focus again and he gave the beautiful Sarmatian a small appreciative smile. And then Arthur felt Neeve dab at his side with a cloth…his gaze flickered to his side to find the healer had completed her task of stitching the wound closed. It yet hurt….tremendously. Arthur briefly bit at his dry bottom lip and willed his body to relax.
Arthur heard the question, but did not immediately answer as Neeve’s voice seemed to echo in his ears. Strange. He also heard the crackling of the fire in the hearth…it oddly seemed to overpower all other sounds, even Lancelot’s steady breathing at his side. Arthur also felt Darya’s fingers gently squeezing his hand and tasted what he assumed was his own blood; a coppery flavor on the tip of his tongue as he swallowed. But he could not be sure….his world seemed disjointed, hazy and….. “I have felt better,” Arthur said at last before blowing out a breath and once again struggling to focus on Neeve’s angular face. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 05:50 PM Post #200 |
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Author: lady ione Date: Tue Apr 15, 2008 8:06 pm Vanora and Bors As she made ready to leave the tavern, she saw Alina enter and nodded to her nothing also how Malcus had moved over to her...none of her business. She gave last instructions to the wenches before she reached the door and passed Tristan as he came in. She nodded, wanting to talk to the quiet knight, but she wanted to get home to Bors and the children who she assumed were already in bed. The door shut quietly behind her as she stepped out onto the snowy early evening, thinking of how long of a day it had been for the fort as a whole: the return of Arthur and the knights as well as the legion, the woad attacks, the sick and injured the crowded the infirmary. She was lucky that Bors had returned with only a leg wound that looked like hell. Vanora's thoughts went to Linnette, and wondered how she could help the newly widowed young woman. She had also thought of Thorn's death, Adian and Javier's disappearances, and Ione? Where was she? And Fiona? Was she still talking to Gawain? Vanora hoped that all would come to light in the morning. White flecks of snow fell and landed lightly in her red hair, and her shawl as she neared the small house. She opened the door, stepped inside, closed and locked it then turned to Bors who, by now, was standing. She looked so vulnerable though Bors knew she wasn't, but just standing there and taking a long look at the woman he never thought he'd see again.... Bors pushed the thoughts from his mind as he walked over to her, took her in his arms, and without another word, picked her up in his arms, and kissed her passionately all the way to bed. Vanora murmured something passionatly as he drew the curtains around their bed for what privacy they could get... |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 05:51 PM Post #201 |
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Author: sabor ice Date: Tue Apr 15, 2008 8:32 pm Alina
Alina had been completely divulged by distraction. She hadn't paid much attention to those in her surroundings, and certainly she had not expected anyone to pay much mind to her, least of whomever owned the unfamiliar voice behind her. She had just been about ready to sit at the table in front of her to enjoy the stew the wench had brought when his warm breath caught a wisp of stray hair against her ear. She turned to face him, brows stitched in consternation. He was a soldier by the looks of him - hadn't he been speaking with Vanora and a few others only moments ago? - and he was much too close for comfort. Alina cleared her throat, shifting uncomfortably back a step. "Do I know you?" she wondered quizzically, absentmindedly pulling her cloak a bit tighter around her form. The healer racked her brain to place the stranger's face with a name, but she continued to come up empty-handed. Perhaps she had met him before, although she was usually pretty good about not forgetting a face. Still, she was tired, so it was possible she was inadvertently setting herself up to look like a fool. Alina didn't even notice the sultry way he looked at her. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 05:52 PM Post #202 |
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Author: LadyCastus Date: Tue Apr 15, 2008 9:20 pm Malcus Barbattus
Malcus was not amused. He was still enjoying the slight buzz he had from the spiced wine and he was not about to lose it over some woman. He was horny and in no mood to play games. He didn't play games when it came to women. He stepped back from Alina and gave her a long stare. Maybe he was wrong. It was a long time ago and he'd been quite drunk. But he could have sworn... "Maybe not, lady," he offered, shrugging his shoulders, "I beg your pardon. I thought we'd...met...before." Malcus turned his back to Alina and walked back toward his seat next to Titrus. On the way, he saw Tristan sitting in the back. Barbattus nodded his head toward the scout in acknowledgment. Moody bastard, Malcus thought to himself. As Barbattus reached his seat, Titrus had another mead waiting for him. The commander was frustrated and wanted to get out of there. His pre-arranged date was still serving her last customers. As he turned up his tankard for a drink, he looked back at Alina, knowing he never forgot a face. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 05:52 PM Post #203 |
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Author: Ranchera Date: Tue Apr 15, 2008 9:49 pm Connell Connell waited away from Merlin a short distance. He'd seen Mona approach, but given it little thought, until Mona dropped her head. It was hard to know in the darkness Merlin's reaction. He tried to rest, knowing what he and Guinevere must do tomorrow. How would they find Neeria? And what of the child, Eala? How did they fare? His hand touched the forest floor near where he sat, ducking beneath the fallen leaves dotted with snowflakes. He then pulled his cape closer and waited for first light, his hands pressed close to his body for warmth. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 05:54 PM Post #204 |
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Author: LadyCastus Date: Tue Apr 15, 2008 9:49 pm Mona
Suddenly, Mona quaked with fear. What have I done? she asked herself as she trembled, not knowing what Merlin would do. She was afraid to meet his eyes, but when she did look up at him, she saw the storm brewing on his face and she flinched. Mona didn't dare say another word as Merlin appeared to be having an internal conflict with himself. The female shifted on one foot while she waited. After what seemed like forever, the leader finally spoke again.
"Of course, my lord!" Mona said with a bow and turned to resume her place in the woods. But before she took a step, Merlin said:
"Very well, Merlin," Mona replied without questioning him why. She smiled, thinking that already, perhaps, Merlin was showing her favor. Mona happily rushed off to gather her things. Neeria The woad fighter pulled the blanket up around herself again and laid back down on the dirty straw. She'd just relieved herself in the far corner of the cell. She'd tried to hold it as long as she could and when she couldn't any longer, she tried to make it so it didn't run back down to where she had to sleep. In the dark and dampness and with so many horrid smells, Neeria couldn't tell if she'd succeeded or not. She was convinced that Tris-tan would not come back. She couldn't blame him and in fact she respected him. He'd been kind even though she knew that he hated her. But he was a soldier with orders and that, Neeria could understand. Despite herself, she smiled at the thought. The woad wondered if Merlin was planning to come for her. Probably not - it was far too dangerous and she knew her shan-ti well. He would not risk lives for the sake of one. Neeria sighed and drew her legs to her chest and laid in the fetal position. She was growing weaker from lack of food and water. She was also losing the will to live. "Mikel, I will be with you soon," she whispered into the darkness. Just then, a key slid into the lock and her cell door creaked open. "Hey woad!" Neeria squinted against the light from the open door. It was the guard. "I don't think that knight's coming back fer ya t'night. How 'bout you climb on me lak ya did 'im?" And then he laughed an evil laugh as he entered the small room. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 05:55 PM Post #205 |
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Author: sabor ice Date: Tue Apr 15, 2008 10:16 pm Alina
Alina just stood there looking slightly puzzled as Malcus stepped away, with a sour-puss look to him, as if he had just suddenly caught a whiff of something bad. He replied brusquely and then retreated back to his table without another word, leaving Alina in a stupor over what had just happened. What had that been all about?, she wondered. Arching a brow, she glanced after him a moment in consideration, half expecting him to return in order to explain himself further to her, but he just kept idly chatting with his companion and occasionally glancing her way. She dismissed the entire odd encounter and finally seated herself at her table, her back now to Malcus and the other soldier. After finishing her stew, Alina left some coins on the table, collected her parcel for Galahad, and made ready to leave the tavern again. It was only after turning around that she noted the soldier from before was still staring at her, his features unfathomable. Again, she dismissed his odd behavior, but as she tried to leave, Malcus strung his legs together across another stool in front of him, blocking her path. She pursed her lips. "Please. Just let me pass," Alina then said, with quite a civil tone to her request, although she was in no mood to play any games tonight. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 05:56 PM Post #206 |
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Author: golden_trillium Date: Wed Apr 16, 2008 7:36 am Merlin
She was gone off to prepare her things, a happy smile on her face, before Merlin could say anything more. There was one who was eager to do his bidding- a good thing indeed. Mona was a loyal warrior- as loyal as Neeria, he would have said only a short time ago. But was Neeria loyal? It was hard to picture her otherwise- her words, as reported by Mona, must be ruse, mustn't they? Merlin shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. It was all a complicated- and delicate- situation; but one thing that might well reveal all was the condition Neeria was found in when they Ash and the others- now likely to include Mona- found her in the fort. If was well-cared for, held in any kind of esteem, that would indicate treachery- while wretched conditions, while bad for Neeria, would probably indicate that she had been less than cooperative after all. But what did she hope to accomplish by all this? Merlin sighed, scrubbed at his forehead with one hand, and began to trudge over to the fire where Juna still stood. He was tired- he needed sleep. Sleep might very well bring enlightenment from the Gods as well- something that Merlin felt he sorely needed now. And Juna, his other source of enlightenment for the day, would be a very good addition to that sleep indeed. He was almost there now; a couple more steps and he came up behind her, wrapping an arm assuredly and silently about her waist, pulling her towards him. He bent his head to the junction between her neck and shoulder and took a deep breath of her always-slightly-medicinal scent. "Come to bed," he whispered in her ear, his breath warm and his rough beard scratching lightly against her smooth skin. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 05:57 PM Post #207 |
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Author: Unicorn Date: Wed Apr 16, 2008 9:19 am Mirtha
Mirtha nodded his head once more looking at the scout and left the stall as he saw the man reaching for a brush... Mirtha had more duty this evening yet. Some horses were really badly hurted. Some will never be able to ride to battle. Sarmatian's horses were in good state... tired but with water and some hay they will be just fine... Stable master went through the stables looking in the stalls checking if everything was in order. He will have to give his report to commander, he assumed, soon. His eyes caught Ione's for a moment before he went on... He sent her a hesitant little smile before moving on. Evening came swiftly... the day was full of work since the knights came back.. But it was coming to an end finally. Mirtha looked around deciding if it was ok for him to rest a little... If it was alright for him to take his hidden bottle of strong wine and get himself drunk. It seemed that almost everyone was out by now. It was late. His helps went to their rooms for rest... but Mirtha himself hadn't any mood for an empty room. He went to the stall with Tei inside... smiled upon his friend and patted his companion on the side of his large head. "Hello there, friend..." he whispered to him and passed his horse to the place where he hidden the bottle. Sighed as he oppened it and took large sip of liquid inside. It was strong.... good. He spent the rest of the time drinking that bottle... he noticed Tristan leaving the stables and soon after him Ione came to the doors. Not completely knowing what was he doing Mirtha came to stand in stalls door, leaning with his one arm over the stalls wall with bottle in his other hand... bottle was almost empty, only one sip of strong Roman wine left in it. "You're leaving?" he asked in his hoarse voice, making his effort not to sound too drunk. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 14 2010, 05:58 PM Post #208 |
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Author: lady ione Date: Wed Apr 16, 2008 9:58 am Ione After Tristan had left, Ione made ready to do the same....mainly because she needed to check on the Weaver's shop and assess the damage to the merchandise as well as the shop itself. She had her cloak on and clasped with the brooch Galahad had given her as a Winter Solstice. She heard Mirtha checking out the stables, and she looked up to see him give her a slight smile. Ione returned it, then went back to check on Tarik once more. With the mare pregnant, she wanted to make sure that she did not get ill.... ...Some time passed and the evening was getting darker except for the tourches that were lit outside. She came out of the stall, closed it, and said something to Tarik in Welsh. Looking around, she could hear Mirtha but couldn't find him. the stable master's voice seemed to come from one of the stalls though it was faint and she could not make out what was said. Ione heard other noises, but they were odd and undecipherable in the dimming light of the stables. The Weaver scowled, then just decided to head for the door anyway... Then stopped as she heard the noise again, and this time it sounded like the rustling of hay. Curious, Ione moved closer a bit, then froze as she saw Mirtha standing at a stall door leaning aginst the wall of the stall with a bottle in his hand. Ione took a step back slightly as she noted the odd look on Mirtha's face...One she had seen on some of the customers in the tavern. It was easier to handle men who drank alot in the tavern as there were the knights to protect her, but she had never... The first time Javier and I almost made love...in the shop...
Ione could not take her eyes off the man, and tried to assess what was best: He could outrun her no doubt, and screaming was not an option. Ione replied, keeping her voice calm, "Er...yes....it is late, Mirtha..." Protectivly, her hand went to her stomach inside her cloak so he could not see... |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 15 2010, 12:58 PM Post #209 |
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Author: Elessars Girl Date: Wed Apr 16, 2008 10:40 am Derfel Gods, how much he’d missed Linnesse’s beautiful smile and the sweet scent of her hair…and everything about her. Derfel groaned appreciatively as Linnesse pressed even closer against him.
Derfel gently stroked at Linnesse’s hair while intently listening to her explain the details about her illness. He silently thanked the gods for sparing his lover’s life and for Linnette’s devotion to her sister’s care in his absence. Had Derfel returned to find he’d lost….well, he refused to even think of such a tragedy.
“Leg is pretty good…didn’t give me any trouble,” Derfel answered the easiest question first. Physically, he had faired quite well on the mission. Just a few bruises and scratches that he’d mostly all but forgotten already…thus no need to mention. But how things went….THAT was a complicated and difficult matter to put into words. Derfel sighed through his nose and briefly dropped his gaze to follow Linnesse’s tiny fingers as she returned her hand to his waist. He then glanced over at the brazier and satisfied that the flames would keep the tiny room warm for hours yet, decided to stretch out in the small bed with Linnesse before he’d begin his long tale of discovery and loss. “Are you sure you want to hear all this tonight, luv?” Derfel asked while carefully shifting beside Linnesse; situating them both so that he could lay down flat on the mattress at her side. Derfel then pulled the blankets up to cover them and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “You need your rest….it can wait till mornin’…honest,” Derfel continued before pressing his lips to Linnesse’s cheek. “But if your up for it now….I sure do need help in making sense of it all….” His voice trailed off as he nuzzled against the side of Linnesse’s face. Gods…it would help to just get it all out, but Derfel was concerned that perhaps it would be better to encourage Linnesse to sleep first. A young stable boy had delivered Derfel’s saddlebags before he had even made it back to their room tonight, and with those things was Aelle’s sword still carefully wrapped in cloth. The necklace was still in Derfel’s overcoat pocket which was draped over a chair. And then there was all that his ‘brother’ had told him about their father….and the words Aelle had spoken to Derfel in the final moments before he had died. And surely she'd want to know all that he could remember about Gedeon....and that loss alone still brought a great deal of grief to Derfel's heart. He shut his eyes and tried to figure out where to begin even should Linnesse encourage him to talk about it now. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 15 2010, 01:00 PM Post #210 |
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Author: LadyCastus Date: Wed Apr 16, 2008 12:33 pm Malcus Barbattus He'd had enough. The commander looked out the small window of the tavern and noticed that it was snowing heavily, perfect for a nice cozy evening. Malcus looked across the tavern at his "date" for the evening and smiled again. Then, he turned his attention back to Alina who had finished her meal and was standing to leave. "Titrus, my good man, I must leave you now. Enjoy the rest of your evening as much as I plan to enjoy mine." "Oy, sir!" Titrus grunted, half drunk out of his mind. As Alina approached, Malcus stuck one of his long legs across the walkway to block her from passing.
Her lips were pursed and she appeared to be agitated. Malcus gave Alina a penetrating stare, lowered his leg and stood up, towering over her. Just then, the plump little wench walked up beside Malcus and whispered heavily, "I'm finished, Malcus." Still looking at Alina, Barbattus smiled and slipped his arm around the fuller woman's waist and softly kissed her on the mouth. When their lips parted, the wench gasped and clutched her bosom - her eyes wide with adoration. Barbattus looked back at Alina and said, "too bad you don't remember me, love," and winked at her before gathering up his cloak and walking out of the tavern, the young woman at his side practically running to get out of there. |
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