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April 2008
Topic Started: Nov 5 2009, 10:37 PM (3,958 Views)
golden_trillium

Admin
Author: golden_trillium
Date: Tue Apr 29, 2008 2:24 pm
Tristan


Fiona
 
"But is it so wrong to want things to change? Why did
you let me go last spring?"


And she asked him about that, now, too- dredging up the past?
Why were women, girls, all females, always asking questions,
questions he had no answer for? Tristan's eyes slid away from
Fiona's, and he shrugged, a touch exasperated. Why did it even
matter? It was done, and surely Fiona did not wish it had been
otherwise. But the threat implicit in Tristan's earlier stance
was gone now; in fact he had half-turned away before he even
spoke, unworried, indifferent.

"You were a child. No more." It was true; when he had looked
into her face that day, he had seen a child, and one
ill-at-ease with her scouting duties, at that. She had been as
nothing to him. No threat then, as now. Impassively, Tristan
turned the rest of the way away from her and started down the
wall again, in the direction of the nearest stairs.










Merlin

Connell
 
"Perhaps it's time we depart, now that the sun has risen
and given us warmth and light to guide us. May the gods
of old be with you, Merlin, and also with us that we
bring Neeria back to you."


"Indeed." Merlin looked from Guinevere to Neeria, both of whom
looked as though his last words- about Neeria's fate- had made
them rather nervous. Well, in Guinevere's case, that was
clear. Mona's reaction was harder to interpret, but it still
seemed as if his statement about killing Neeria, should she be
a traitor, had given Mona a bit of a shock. Well, so be it.
They new what needed to be done; and they also knew that
Merlin was not one to shy from killing when he thought it
necessary, and treachery was one of those times. However,
ultimately, and until there was further evidence, he believed
that Neeria was not a traitor. He didn't anticipate any need
for killing- except that of Romans, a course of action with
which they could all four of them agree.

"I will leave five more warriors here in this camp to help you
take Neeria and Eala back to the village," he continued
crisply. "Otherwise, await Ash's signal, and then rescue the
Neeria and Eala by whatever means you can contrive. May all
the Gods guide your steps and your hands." Moving to Guinevere
first, then to Mona and then Connell, he laid his hand on each
of their shoulder's in a farewell benediction, and then
stepped back to let them get on with it. He himself would be
overseeing the retreat of the main group back to the village-
and there was still quite a bit to do if they wanted to be out
of here in good time.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: SarmatianKnight
Date: Tue Apr 29, 2008 2:27 pm
Lucius


Lucius waited in the infirmary. And waited. He could not see
Neeria anymore so probably the healer had lead her away to
look at her wounds. Or maybe things were worse than expected?
Quite alarmed he looked around but still, he was not able to
see her anywhere. He tried to ask one of the nurses but more
than a kind "Uhm, excuse me..." did not cross his lips before
the woman left around the next corner. He leaned slightly
forward, trying to see anything but without any luck. Should
he follow her? He did not. And waited again.

Nothing happened and he did not recognise Titrus or Barbattus
entering the infirmary too. After a while when he could not
fight the impression anymore that he was useless and hindering
the daily routine. Carefully he put down the food at the point
where he had left Neerie, hoping that she would return and
left the infirmary a second time.

He took a deep breath of fresh air when he stepped outside.
The typical smell of infirmaries reminded him of sickness,
sadness, hope that failed. Death. His family. He did not think
about the direction he was heading to, he just wanted to
stretch his legs and move. And in the next moment Lucius stood
in front of the small chapel he visited the day before
already.

So, why not.

He entered, closed the door behind him and stayed there. His
eyes focused on the cross, standing for God. The silence and
smell of wet wood returned. Something he started to like.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: golden_trillium
Date: Tue Apr 29, 2008 3:05 pm

Linnesse and Linnette


Derfel
 
“We’ll find her, luv. I promise. She will be fine…we’ll
see to it."


Linnesse nodded tensely and took Derfel's arm as they began to
make their way up the corridor and to the entrance to the
knights' quarters. It was raining outside, just like it had
been yesterday- a light, but cold rain that seemed to get into
everything. Linnesse pulled up the hood of her cloak as they
stepped outside, grateful for the shelter of Derfel's arm
around her and the deliberately slow pace he set. Though she
was certainly more capable than she had been yesterday, she
still felt an ache of tiredness in her bones that should not
normally be there, not after so little exertion as she had
made today. She prayed they they found Linnette soon- for her
own sake as well as for her sister's, because she was going to
search as long as it took.

Linnesse kept her head down as they made their way towards the
chapel, the better to keep the rain out of her eyes, and
Derfel was no doubt doing likewise- so it was really not
surprising that they did not see Linnette at first. In fact,
it was only a flash of red that caught the corner of
Linnesse's eye, and she turned her head idly to see what it
was- a soldier, probably, it was the right color- only to see
that it was really Linnette, emerging from a side street and
heading back towards the knights' quarters, incongruously
wrapped in a soldier's tattered cloak over her own, and with a
man who was likely the real owner of said cloak stalking
rather stiffly at her side. Linnesse tugged at Derfel's arm
and turned around, almost dashing off after Linnette and her
companion before she realized she didn't really have the
breath to dash.

"That's Linnette! There she is!" Linnesse exclaimed, now
fairly tugging Derfel back towards the knights' quarters.
Linnette and her companion were walking faster than Derfel and
Linnesse, and had their backs to them, so although Linnesse
was able to watch as the soldier opened the door for Linnette,
and extended his hand courteously to help her over a puddle,
her sister did not notice her yet, did not turn around.
Linnesse pushed herself to walk faster, now just this side of
running, and they finally caught up with Linnette and the
other man in the sleeping quarters corridor. The man was
saying something to Linnette- Linnesse thought she caught the
words "dry clothes."

And they were certainly needed! Linnesse nearly gasped with
horror when she got a good look at Linnette. She was soaked to
the skin, nearly, her hair matted and mussed about her face,
dripping on her cheeks, every inch of her looking lank and
depressed. Linnesse rushed forward, lent new strength by
worry, and arrived at Linnette's side so out of breath she
could barely talk.

"L...Linnette...where...have you...been?" she panted, coming
right up in front of her and fussily pushing back some of the
loose strands of hair that hung about her face.
"Are...you...all right? How good of you to help her inside,
sir!" That last was addressed to the soldier, of course, whom
Linnesse now recognized now that they were up close. Drake was
his name, she thought- the man who had made Kolya leave her
sick room the previous day. He was carrying saddlebags over
his shoulder and looked like he was going somewhere- what luck
that he had run into Linnette on his way out!

"Here, sister..." Linnesse dropped her gaze and her hands and
undid the clasp of the red cloak, then removed it from
Linnette's shoulders and passed it back to Drake with another
grateful glance. "Where have you been?" She asked the question
again, her voice tense with worry. Linnette actually felt a
little embarrassed by all the attention; she was no more than
wet, by Mary, and now three people were standing there looking
at her like she was dying or something!

"I just went up to the wall...and I've been summoned by
Arthur." A glance at Drake when she said that, slightly
pleading, in case Linnesse should require that he confirm it.
She clasped her hands together in front of her and rubbed a
little to start getting some warmth back into them; the small
warmth brought by Drake's touch as he helped her over the
puddle had seemed to stick there, and this motion was in an
inexplicable way like spreading it around.

"I should change," she added, pointing over her shoulder at
her door, not too far away, and Linnesse instantly agreed to
this.

"Oh, of course, of course- by Heaven, Linnette, you're
soaked...up to the wall? Why?" She took her sister's arm
unhesitatingly and began to walk Linnette over to her room,
completely disregarding the two men. Derfel would wait for
them, she knew, and Drake, no doubt, needed to get going.
Derfel would surely thank him for them again. She did notice
that Linnette glanced back over her shoulder as they started
for the room- but what she couldn't see was that Linnette
mouthed a silent 'thank you', and made a small, brave smile,
in Drake's direction.
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golden_trillium

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Author: linnet
Date: Tue Apr 29, 2008 7:14 pm
Mother Lavinia


On the way to the room where Lavinia had decided to place the
prisoners, she gave orders to the younger healer who followed
along to find some clean garments for the two Woads. The room
they entered was small and simple, with one bed, a single
wooden chair, a little bedside stand, and a larger wooden
stand near the wall. This stand held a generous pottery wash
basin and sizeable water pitcher. Two shelves beneath
contained neatly arranged towels, bandages, and an assortment
of medical instruments and supplies. The nun was aware of the
child’s mistrust and apprehension. She believed that any
attempt to even touch the girl would frighten her, in part
because of the situation, and in part because Lavinia knew she
could seem very threatening with her strange clothing and
naturally unfriendly face.

“If you will lie down, I want to treat your infected wound
first,” the nun said to the weak woman. “It will hurt some,
but try to keep the girl by your side and calm while I do
this. Then I will wash your body clean and give you something
to cover yourself. After that I will try to help the child.”
She gestured toward the bed for the woman to lie down. “What
is your name?” she asked, taking the blanket from the pale,
dark-eyed woman’s shoulders. There had obviously been a great
loss of blood, and now that infection had set in, the woman
was in danger of dying if not treated properly and quickly.

Lavinia’s hope was that the child would watch what she was
going to do for the woman, and come to trust the nun to help
her as well when the time came. In spite of what the
out-of-order soldier had said, Lavinia had no particular
sympathy for Woads. They were not Christian, certainly, and
had caused death and damage in their attacks. But there was
something about the fact that a woman and a girl, of whatever
background, had been so badly mistreated that galled the nun.
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golden_trillium

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Author: lady ione
Date: Tue Apr 29, 2008 7:40 pm
Adian and Vanora


He saw Vanora bring out the food and place it where he had
left his cloak over the table top. Ah, the smell of the food!
How long had it been since he had such a meal? And to be able
to share it with one so lovely....so innocent looking. Adian
looked about hoping to see Thorn dash out to greet him as was
her custom. He thought it odd that she had not done so yet:
She was not in their quarters, and something told him that she
was not here either. His eyes turned back to rest on the
feast...er...the young woman before him...

Tatiana
 
"Thank you. That was very nice of you I'd be glad to
join you for breakfast." "Its nice to meet you, Adian.
I'm Tatiana."


"It was my pleasure to buy you breakfast, Tatiana," Adian
bowed slightly in a courtly manner, but kept his eyes on her.
Vanora approached them, and asked, "Are you going to be
sitting here? Or are you going to sit there?" She eyed him
suspiciously. Here he was gone missing for a bit, then
returning with his arm wrapped and a scab under his chin from
what looked like a knife cut....Where had he been?

"I think We will be sitting where my cloak is..." His answer
was sort of stupid sounding, but he seemed to be lost in too
many thoughts. Why Thorn had not come to greet him, and why he
had never before noticed this lovely young lady. Where had
they been hiding her all this time? Before Vanora could get
another word in, Bors came through the door calling for
breakfast.

Vanora walked over to her lover and cuffed him a good one,
then said, "Can you be a bit more quiet Bors? It is still
early and not everyone needs to know you are awake." She
indicated a chair, "Now sit your arse down while I get your
food and drink." Vanora cast another glance at Adian and Tati
before scurrying off to find Bors some food....

Adian cringed as Bors called to him. He ignored it and went on
talking to Taitana. The hunter noticed that she was blushing a
bit...like a rose. She looked down and was biting her lower
lip. No doubt she had a boy friend somewhere. Adian was in no
hurry though. He felt like a cat with a mouse and he wanted to
tease his "prey" a bit.

He waited for her to follow him to the table....
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: linnet
Date: Tue Apr 29, 2008 8:31 pm

Gawain


Grace
 
"No. You are a stranger to me"


Strange woman, Gawain thought. She’d gone from nervous and
shaken a couple minutes ago, to pissed-off sounding now. He
scrutinized her face from where he stood, trying to get a read
on what her problem was. Even in his rather incapacitated
state, his notorious gambling instincts knew a bluff when they
saw one. Well, whatever their previous meeting had been, it
must not have gone too pleasantly, he surmised. Actually this
one hadn’t gone too well either.

His brain ached from trying to place her, and she wasn’t
willing to reveal anything, so he just gave her a sharp look
to let her know she wasn’t fooling him, and turned away toward
the real apothecary shop. On the way, he found himself
wondering exactly what the goofy woman’s hair lotion stuff
would do. Tough luck for her business. If he could be sure no
one he knew would see him, he just might have stopped back
there on his way to the tavern and bought a bottle. But he
wouldn’t bother now. The woman obviously had decided she’d
rather not deal with him, even to transact a sale. Gawain
wondered if someone had written the word “Unfit” in large
letters across his back.

At the apothecary’s he dealt with a much more normal woman who
didn’t make him feel like shit. After only a modicum of
confusion, she understood what he was looking for, and
prepared the remedies for him. When she figured the cost, he
told her to put it on Castus’s tab, which seemed only logical
since his suffering was all the result of his duty to Rome.
But the woman shook her head and laughed, so he dug out his
own coins.

He made a point of avoiding the lotions booth as he turned
back toward the tavern. When he arrived, he found a lone table
away from the few people who were there this early in the
morning. A serving girl asked what he’d like. He ordered bread
and jam, and tea. When it was delivered, he poured a goodly
amount of the witch hazel tincture into the tea, and dumped in
a bunch of whatever the powder was that he’d bought for his
headache. Then he sat drinking the tea, dredging pieces of the
bread through the jelly, wanting to be alone, feeling very
lonely.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: LadyCastus
Date: Tue Apr 29, 2008 8:36 pm
Neeria


Neeria reeled from dizziness and nausea as the room began to
spin around her. There were voices, male and female who all
seemed to be speaking at once. Neeria grabbed onto to Eala and
held her tightly. For all she knew, Eala was all that could be
left of her people who engaged in Merlin's last attack. Neeria
wished she could communicate with the girl better, but it was
almost impossible. They clung to each other, not trusting
anyone but each other. Neeria’s legs felt like mush and she
struggled to hold up Eala and herself. After talking with the
Roman who removed Eala’s chains, the nun then turned and spoke
to Neeria.

Mother Lavinia
 
Come along now, there will be no more time wasted in
getting both of you the help you need.


Neeria sighed heavily. Just taking in breath caused her great
discomfort but she looked at Eala and nodded her head to
indicate that it was okay to follow the nun. The older woman
looked at the child and tried to smile, pushing Eala’s dirty
blond hair from her eyes as they began to walk the short
distance between the row of beds. As the approached the small
room, Eala looked up to Neeria and tried to communicate with a
grunt and a nod of her head.

Eala
 
Nnnmph?


Eala appeared to be inquiring about Neeria’s condition. Neeria
smiled at her and shrugged her shoulders. Then the older woman
scrunched up her nose like Eala had done, stuck out her tongue
and rolled her eyes around at the young girl. Then Neeria
tightened her grip around Eala in a warm hug.

The room was very clean with various medical supplies; things
and professional cleanliness that Neeria had never seen
before. Her eyes widened at some of the equipment on the
tables and she hesitated with fear.

Mother Lavinia
 
If you will lie down, I want to treat your infected
wound first. It will hurt some, but try to keep the girl
by your side and calm while I do this. Then I will wash
your body clean and give you something to cover
yourself. After that I will try to help the child.


“Thank you,” Neeria said weakly. When she released her grip on
Eala, the child stiffened and became unsettled again. Neeria,
gently placed her hands on each of the girl’s shoulders. She
pointed to the bruise on Eala’s shoulder and then at Lavinia
and the medicines on the small table. Then Neeria motioned
like she was washing her face, trying to get the younger woad
to understand. When Neeria felt she could let go, she released
Eala and slowly eased herself onto the table. The movement
caused horrific pain and Neeria moaned loudly as pus oozed
down her side. Eala grabbed Neeria’s hand and rocked back and
forth, never breaking contact.

Mother Lavinia
 
What is your name?


Neeria felt light-headed and the room began to spin again.
Just as everything around her faded to black, she whispered,

“I am called Neeria.”











Mona

Mona was barely listening to the ramblings of the healer
standing to her. She could have cared less what he was talking
about. She was concerned if anyone had noticed her
indiscretion. Merlin glanced at her oddly and she wasn’t sure
what her face revealed. Nonetheless, the leader spoke in his
normal authoritative manner, telling Connell his intentions.

Merlin
 
I will leave five more warriors here in this camp to help you take Neeria and Eala back to the village.  Otherwise, await Ash's signal, and then rescue the Neeria and Eala by whatever means you can contrive. May all the Gods guide your steps and your hands."


Mona cringed at the thought. She didn’t want to bring Neeria
back to the camp. That would mean Mona would have to be
second…no THIRD again. That would never do. She stole a glance
at Guinevere who was glaring back at her. The part of Mona
that was repulsed by what she was planning, struggled to reach
her irrational mind. How could she even think about betraying
her childhood friends? Neeria and she had grown up together
and had fought side by side with Guinevere. But Mona wanted
the attention that Neeria got. She wanted the attention Merlin
gave to Neeria. She wanted to Merlin to look at her, to notice
her…to….

Mona’s thoughts were abruptly shattered when Merlin suddenly
touched her. The leader had touched the others, blessing them
on them their mission. But when he touched Mona, it was though
the lightening from heaven shot through her body. Her knees
threatened to buckle on her and she lightly gasped. She prayed
his fingers would linger on her skin, but he moved on. Mona
slowly released the breath of air she held.

Oh no, there was no returning for Neeria or Guinevere either
for that matter. And after those two, she would find a way to
rid Merlin of Juna too.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Eledhwen
Date: Wed Apr 30, 2008 2:41 am

Bors


Vanora
 
"Can you be a bit more quiet Bors? It is still early and
not everyone needs to know you are awake.


"OW!" Bors growled, rubbing the side of his head as he glared
at his woman, but there was the quiet glow of admiration
there, which no one would notice but she. "Gods woman! You'll
'ave me brains out of me 'ead one of these days!"

But he did as he was told, parking his backside in a vacant
chair close to the table Adian now hovered beside. He watched
the interaction between the two, then grinned slyly.

"S'awright, son," he announced gruffly. "I bet I know where
ye've bin, done it meself in the old days... out fillin' some
wench's belly and forgettin' the time..."

He chuckled, seemingly careless that he might be embarrassing
the young man intent on his next conquest.

"Not now though, eh luv?" he continued, grabbing Vanora as she
hovered between the tables, barely missing knocking the food
out of her hands as she placed it down. "Only one woman fer me
these days init darlin'?!"

He crushed her hips to his side briefly, and nuzzled his face
into her flat stomach.

"Now, whatcha got fer yer old man luvver?" he asked, leering
up at her. "I could eat an 'orse."
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Kay
Date: Wed Apr 30, 2008 7:18 am
Guinevere


Connell
 
"Perhaps it's time we depart, now that the sun has risen
and given us warmth and light to guide us. May the gods
of old be with you, Merlin, and also with us that we
bring Neeria back to you."


Guinevere was still reeling from her father's words, when the
healer cut into her thoughts. He was right, they should find a
suitable place to watch out for Ash's signal.

Merlin
 
"Indeed. I will leave five more warriors here in this
camp to help you take Neeria and Eala back to the
village. Otherwise, await Ash's signal, and then rescue
the Neeria and Eala by whatever means you can contrive.
May all the Gods guide your steps and your hands."


Guinevere closed her eyes as she felt her father's touch on
her shoulder. He then stepped away.

"The gods be with you, too, Father" she called to him, and
offered Merlin a slight smile and a wave of her hand. "Come"
she said, sharply, turning back to the others. "Let us find a
vantage point from which to await the signal"








Grace

Grace continued to glare at the man for a few moments. She
willed herself to hold firm under the weight of his gaze; he
seemed to be examining her features, but then his face changed
and his expression was sharp, almost critical. Then he turned
and walked away.

Grace let out a huge sigh of relief and felt the tension leave
her body; the encounter was over; he had gone. Suddenly, to
her horror, Grace began to shake uncontrollably; she closed
her eyes and tried to calm her trembling body, but to no
avail. Tears coursed unbidden down her cheeks and she cursed
herself for being so weak; she cursed the drunken man who
seemed determined to plague her and she cursed whatever germ
had infected her mother, for if it were not for that tiny
irritant, she would be warm indoors with her pots and pans,
making soaps and creams, not here in the damp air, shaking and
sobbing like a fool.
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golden_trillium

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Author: lady ione
Date: Wed Apr 30, 2008 9:06 am
Vanora and Adian


Bors
 
"OW!" "Gods woman! You'll 'ave me brains out of me 'ead
one of these days!"


Vanora saw the look in his eyes behind the glare he cast her
way. She loved him well enough, and last night was proof of
it! She had missed him while he was gone, and now that he was
back...well.. things were definitly back to the normal. She
watched as he parked his hefty arse on the bench near to where
Adian was still talking with Tatiana. Eventually, someone
would have to tell Adian what happened to Thorn. It had only
been herself, Ione, and Mirtha who had witnessed the tragedy,
and she couldn't just let him think that she was still
alive....

"Shut up, ye big lug! Put a cork in ti okay?" Vanora returned
a glance, but there was a hidden message in there as
well...one that plainly said that if she did not have to work
all day, that there were other things she'd rather do with her
'big teddybear". He was not handsome like Lancelot, but he was
a passionate lover, and she dreaded mornings ever coming
sometimes...."I'll go and get yer meal for you, Ya big
lummox." Vanora moved off to get the food he requested, which
left Bors talking to Adian....

Bors
 
"S'awright, son," "I bet I know where ye've bin, done it
meself in the old days... out fillin' some wench's belly
and forgettin' the time..."


Adian turned his attention from Tatiana, to the boisterous
knight, and just looked at him. Filling some wench's belly?
Forgettin' the time? Adian's eyes narrowed, and he stood and
turned to Bors, "And what if I told you that you were wrong?
That I have spent the last...who knows how many days
emprisoned in a woad camp, blind and feverish? Well, my
friend, that is what happened, so I thank you to shut your
trap.." He turned to Tatiana, and looked down at her where she
sat. His mind went back to the day he met Fiona....

..they had been sparring in the combat area, and she had
bested him. Plus it was the day he discovered that he might
also really like her. She was definitly not like the other
woads...so gentle and sweet...and fought like a cat! Adian
almost had to laugh at the twist of fate. The fact that he had
developed feelings for Fiona after he had discovered Thorn's
disloyalty to him with one other man (Lancelot)...

Vanora returned with the food, but almost lost her balance
with the trays as he barely missed knocking them out her her
hand while she sat them down...

Bors
 
"Not now though, eh luv?" "Only one woman fer me these
days init darlin'?!" "Now, whatcha got fer yer old man
luvver?" "I could eat an 'orse."


Vanora blushed as he pulled her to him with her hips meeting
his side, and nuzzling his face into his side. What I have I
can't give ya here, Bors...we'd have to go home for that.. "I
gave you what we have for now, lover. Food has been rather
short lately...not much to offer, so I found some eggs, meat
and bread..." She placed her hands lovingly on his bald head
and ran them over the surface meeting his eyes.

Meanwhile, Adian was still looking for Thorn. She was
definitly not here. Perhaps Vanora knew. He looked down at
Tatiana, and said, "I was suppose to meet my future wife here,
but it looks as though she is busy elsewhere." He was glad
Tatiana was near by though as it was good to have company.
"Well, let me go and get our food and bring it here....."
Adian got up and went over to the table where their food sat.
As he passed by Vanora, he asked, "Have you seen Thorn yet
today? She is not here, nor is she in the quarters..."

Vanora turned to the young man, briefly distracted by the
young man's question. She steeled herself, and looked to Bors
then at Adian and frowned, "Thorn is dead, Adian. She was
killed by woads while trying to save the life of a little
boy..." She looked down at Bors, then back at Adian whose face
had become ashen....deathly pale. He stumbled backwards, and
seemed to be renedered speechless not wanting to believe what
he ahd just heard. So while he had been held prisoner by
woads, Thorn had died...when he could have been here saving
her life...

Suddenly, he seemed to forget why he was here...he backed up
with tears in his eyes. Looking form Tatiana to the two
lovers, he mumbled, "no...it can't be true...it's not
true...YOU'RE LYING!" His hands swept the food he had ordered
for he and Tatiana onto the floor. "Stay away from me....all
of you!..."

With that he bolted toward the door....
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golden_trillium

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Author: Elessars Girl
Date: Wed Apr 30, 2008 9:12 am

Arthur


Arthur quickly tugged on the clean tunic Lancelot had
provided. His motions stiff yet, but he was able to dress
himself without aid. Both Neeve and Darya seemed to hover in
the event that Arthur would need assistance. He did appreciate
their concern, but Arthur was not so injured that he could not
dress himself.

Lancelot
 
"…Commander, your requested guest is here."


Unfortunately, Arthur had not had the time to properly wash up
or even get up off the bed before the door was opened allowing
his officers to gain access to their wounded Commander. Uther
had taught his son well in the years before his death: never
let those under your command see you anything but strong and
confident. Fortunately for Amadeus, Arthur was preoccupied
enough with hiding how poorly he still felt to not notice the
rather obnoxious look the Optio gave while presumably
assessing Arthur’s condition.

Amadeus
 
"Commander,"


“Optio Scipio,” Arthur greeted Amadeus while slightly
elevating his chin; the mask of Roman Commander fully into
place now. What discomfort and weakness Arthur still felt, he
could conceal for now while resting here in his chambers. And
for now, he gave audience to only one officer…..surely not too
difficult to hide his pain from Amadeus who knew Arthur very
little as of yet. Malcus would be a different story though.

Amadeus
 
"All quiet last night. The woads will be regrouping I
surmise. I doubt that we will have as quiet a night
tonight however. We must focus on squashing these
insurgents, Arthur. They must not think that they may
attack this noble fortress without there being a
substantial price to pay. Not from now on, at least."


Emerald eyes slightly narrowed at Amadeus while the Optio gave
his assessment. Arthur remained seated on the bed but did fold
his arms confidently across his broad chest. He pursed his
lips in thought once Amadeus had finished speaking; allowing
silence to fill the space between them for a moment.

Darya had quietly slipped off the bed and moved to stand next
to the window feeling uncomfortable with the Optio’s presence.
Neeve remained firmly planted in the chair at Arthur’s side.
She had met Amadeus’ imperious glance with unflinching blue
eyes. The Commander was her patient and the healer had no
intention of leaving the room unless Arthur ordered her to do
so.

Lancelot’s blistering gaze should have turned Amadeus into a
heap of black cinders on the floor. The knight was certain he
had heard hints of defiance in that bastard Scipio’s tone.
Lancelot arched a brow over at Arthur, fully expecting the
Commander to put the man in his place. And if Arthur was too
weak to do it, well Lancelot had a dagger within easy reach.

Arthur finally offered a smile at Amadeus, although it did not
reach his intense green eyes.

“Thank you for your assessment, Amadeus,” Arthur said evenly.
He brought a hand up to briefly rub at his stubbled chin
before continuing.

“Merlin has broken his word. Have there been any events that
have taken place in my absence, any confrontations to your
knowledge that might have provoked his attacks?” Arthur
queried. He wished to know anything and everything that had
taken place at and around the fortress while he and the men
had been away on the mission. Merlin was not one to act on
impulse….typically, the Woad leader had reason….a clear cause
And if these attacks had been in retribution for something
that his soldiers had done, and then Arthur would know better
how to approach Merlin. Also, Arthur still had no knowledge of
Amadeus’ abilities as a commanding officer. Did the man have a
clear understanding of how to manage a legion of Roman
soldiers? Had he stuck to Arthur’s way of overseeing the
fortress in the Commander’s absence?











Derfel

Derfel and Linnesse were almost to the chapel when she grabbed
at his arm and declared she’d spotted Linnette. Derfel
immediately looked to were Linnesse was pointing and indeed
caught sight of her sister being led somewhere by….another
man.

Linnesse
 
"That's Linnette! There she is!"


He was thankful they’d found Linnette, but who was with her
and where was she going? Derfel did his best to keep a
supportive arm around Linnesse’s shoulders while the two
hurried after her sister. The other two were heading back
inside the building that housed the knights’ quarters. He
reluctantly released his hold on Linnesse as she rushed to her
sister’s side once they were all inside the building. Linnette
looked terrible: soaking wet and miserable in Derfel’s
opinion. He frowned with worry but remained silent for now.

Linnesse
 
"L...Linnette...where...have you...been? Are...you...all
right? How good of you to help her inside, sir!"


Glad to be back out of the weather, Derfel raked a hand
through his wet hair to slick it back out of his face and gave
a courteous nod to the broad shouldered man who had helped
Linnette in through the door. Oh, he remembered this man’s
weathered face now…Drake was his name if memory served. Derfel
knew next to nothing about the man other than he was retired
from the Roman army and currently helped Arthur with the
training of new soldiers or something like that.

Linnette
 
"I just went up to the wall...and I've been summoned by
Arthur."


Up on the wall? Had she contemplated throwing herself off
despite her promising otherwise??

“Drake isn’t it?” Derfel extended a hand and a grateful smile
to the older man as the two sisters spoke to each other.
“Appreciate you looking after this one,” He gave a
tight-lipped smile as he gestured towards Linnette; concern
obvious on the young knight’s expression.

“We’ll be sure to get her to the Commander shortly, unless you
need escort her personally?” Derfel asked, certainly willing
to trust Linnette into Drake’s safe keeping if Arthur trusted
the older man enough to send him for her. The knight was
actually relieved that Arthur had not yet sent for him. Derfel
was not certain he was ready to face the man that had been
forced to kill his father…not just yet.

“How is Arthur?” Derfel could not help asking….he knew the
Commander was wounded and by Aelle no less. Gods…what a bloody
mess it all was.
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golden_trillium

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Author: LadyCastus
Date: Wed Apr 30, 2008 9:35 am

Malcus Barbattus and Titrus


Malcus’ mood didn’t lift any as he continued to make his way
through the common area. He expected to meet either of his
charges along the way, but so far he hadn’t seen any of them.


Once Lavinia had taken charge of the two woads, Titrus ordered
the other two guards, the regular sentries assigned
permanently to the infirmary, to stand next to the small room
and guard the door. No one, other than authority would be
allowed access to that room. Once he was sure the grunts
understood their orders, there would be hell to pay if they
did not, Titrus spun around and faced Brendyn.

“Ready for your chores?” he grinned.

Titrus led Brendyn outside into the increasingly dreary day,
pulling up his cloak when the cool air hit him. Just as they
rounded they corner, they literally came face to face with
Barbattus.

“Where in the hell have you two been?” the commander screamed.
Both men looked sheepishly at the commander.

Barbattus waited for a response, which angered him even more.
He rushed up to Titrus and got in his face. “What the fuck’s
wrong with you? Where’ve you been and where the hell are the
prisoners?”

“I’m sorry, commander,” Titrus stuttered. “We had a little
trouble with the little girl and getting her calmed down to
receive treatment. She’s fine now and the old nun is taking
care of them. They’re under guard and I will return there
shortly.”

That little woad bitch was treacherous but something didn’t
sound right to the commander’s ears. Barbattus eyed Titrus
suspiciously, “Where’s Lucius?”

Sheite! Titrus thought. He’d forgotten all about him!
“Captain, Lucius has gone to acquire food for the prisoners.
He should be back by the time I return.”

Malcus glared at Brendyn who stood there not saying anything.
Malcus started to say something when Titrus spoke up,
“Captain! Brendyn has volunteered to do latrine duty for the
next three days. He says because he is new, he wants to learn
all of the duties of the fortress, starting from the very
bottom.”

Malcus’ dark eyes turned darker. He was no fool. He knew they
were up to something but whatever it was, Titrus must have it
well in hand if Brendyn was doing latrine duty. Barbattus was
proud that he’d taught Titrus well. As long as the prisoners
were secure, who gave a damn if the grunt cleaned the shit
house?

“Very well. When you find Lucius, tell him I want to see him
later. He should find me.”

“Oy, Captain,” Titrus said and saluted. Brendyn did the same
but still did not speak. Malcus snickered and moved on.

As he left the two men, Malcus looked up ahead and spotted
Tristan. Barbattus quickened his step to catch up with the
scout to get debriefed
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golden_trillium

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Author: lady ione
Date: Wed Apr 30, 2008 11:48 am
Brendyn


Brendyn moved to follow Titrus while he ordered two guardsto
take their places at the door where the two woads and the nun
disappeared through. Once the guards understood their orders,
Titrus turned to Brendyn with a grin. The young soldier found
nothing funny about his punishment, but it was better than
having the shit beat out of ones self...

Titrus
 
“Ready for your chores?”


As Brendyn followed Titrus out of the infirmary, he looked
about for Tatiana, and was thankful when she did not appear to
be around. He did not want her to see him, or where he was
going for the next three days. In truth, it was better than
being beaten, but the risk of infections and illnesses of
every sort was very real. He only prayed that God would
protect him from these dangers so that he could return to
Tatiana well and healthy...if not a tad smelly....

Malcus
 
“Where in the hell have you two been?” “What the fuck’s
wrong with you? Where’ve you been and where the hell are
the prisoners?”


The young man startled when they suddenly came face to face
with Commander Malcus. He stood there, and looked at Titrus,
then back at the Commander. He was in enough trouble, but he
hoped at some point to explain what had happened: mainly that
the one woad woman had been allowed to run to their prisoner
when she had been entrusted in the watch of another guard
(Lucius) whom he did not know....or had he seen it all wrong
back at the dungeons? It had been as though her guard had
disappeared adding to the situation. The older woad had been
seemingly left unguarded from his point of view....

Still he had said enough and would not say anything until he
had a chance to talk with Malcus....or perhaps it was not his
responsibility to say anything. Now he was getting punishment
for trying to handle the situation the best way he had been
taught. A look of sheepish guilt was felt appearing on his
handsome face. Damn it all! He wanted to tell Malcus what had
happened, but he'd be speaking out of turn, and he had already
said too much...any more and he'd surely get a worse
punishment. He stared straight ahead as Malcus got in Titrus's
face,, and it was then that the man gave Malcus an answer....

Titrus
 
“I’m sorry, commander,” “We had a little trouble with
the little girl and getting her calmed down to receive
treatment. She’s fine now and the old nun is taking care
of them. They’re under guard and I will return there
shortly.”


Malcus
 
“Where’s Lucius?”


Titrus
 
“Captain, Lucius has gone to acquire food for the
prisoners. He should be back by the time I return.”


God above he wanted to come right out and tell him, but
Brendyn kept his mouth shut. What Titrus had told the angry
man was the truth, but Brendyn felt that it had not been in
the best interest of the situation to leave the woad
unattended to go out and get them food. Did woads even deserve
to eat? Anyhow, it had sure taken the man a long time to get
back to the infirmary, and Brendyn felt that he had to take
care of the other prisoner as well as the one entrusted to
them. By the time he returned? Surely it does not take that
much time to go and get food and come back. A servant could
have been sent to get that food, not a Captain entrusted with
watching a prisoner.... Brendyn caught Malcus's glare, and
held the look with a neutral look. He kept his anger bottled
up, and the latrines would be the way to release it. While at
Aesica, he had released his anger by using a whip on a
practice bag filled with straw. Toilets were different, but
still....as angry as he was those things would be so clean the
emporer of Rome would want to use them...

Brendyn continued to hold Malcus's glare, and saw that the man
was ready to say something when Titrus spoke up again...

Titrus
 
“Captain! Brendyn has volunteered to do latrine duty for
the next three days. He says because he is new, he wants
to learn all of the duties of the fortress, starting
from the very bottom.”


Titrus was true to his word, and had not told Malcus what had
happened. The young man saw the Commander's eyes grow darker
as if he had suspected something, and Brendyn almost held his
breath. A span of a moment passed, and it looked like Malcus
had accepted Titrus's report. Brendyn could not wait to just
get the hard labor over with so he could go on with the duties
he was trained to do, and that Antonius had written so well in
the transfer papers. The more he thought about it, then more
he began to see that at some point in the earlier careers of
these top men...well at some point they, too, had possibly had
to clean latrines or do some odd heavy labor for a wrong
doing. It was part of learning, he supposed....

Malcus
 
“Very well. When you find Lucius, tell him I want to see
him later. He should find me.”


Titrus
 
“Oy, Captain,”


Brendyn saluted the Commander as he took his leave of them,
and headed off. Once out of earshot, Brendyn turned his head
to look into the eyes of his superior. He had not been
addressed, but the look in his eyes was one he hoped the man
would understand....one that hopefully told Titrus how
greatful he was to the man for giving him another chance to
prove himself...that he wanted to be retrained in the ways of
this fort, as he was slowly beginning to see some of the
errors Antonius had made in training him...that he wanted to
make sure that Arthur, Malcus and the rest would never have to
be ashamed of his preformance...

And, most of all, he wanted Titrus to know that if he ever
needed anything...he'd be there for him.

Brendyn shifted as he felt the blood crust and cling to the
tunic he wore, though he did not want to appear weak in front
of Titrus, so he showed no pain. Perhaps the servant tunics
and clothing were more comfortable....
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Eledhwen
Date: Wed Apr 30, 2008 12:32 pm

Bors


Adian
 
"And what if I told you that you were wrong? That I have
spent the last...who knows how many days emprisoned in a
woad camp, blind and feverish? Well, my friend, that is
what happened, so I thank you to shut your trap.."


Bors raised an eyebrow and huffed a bit at this statement, but
it didn't have any sympathetic effect on him. He was too long
in the tooth and had seen too much to be embarrassed into an
apology for something as trivial as Woads.

He grinned up at his woman as she laid the meagre rations
before him, and patted her behind appreciatively.

Vanora
 
"I gave you what we have for now, lover. Food has been
rather short lately...not much to offer, so I found some
eggs, meat and bread..."


"That'll do for now darlin'" he muttered, drawing her close
before she went on her way. "I'll just 'ave ta fill up on you
later."

He grinned as she turned to face Adian and his awkward
questions, and turned to his food, mindful of filling his
belly and not of any tragedy which may have occured. Whatever
it was didn't effect him.

Vanora
 
"Thorn is dead, Adian. She was killed by woads while
trying to save the life of a little boy..."


Bors couldn't help but overhear, and while outwardly he
concentrated on getting as much food down his gullet as he
could, inwardly he did feel a twinge of sympathy at last. No
one deserved to lose a loved one, he didn't know what he would
do without his 'Nora. She was his life. He fixed his gaze on
his plate as Adian erupted, not wanting to get involved with
hysteria and not having the faintest clue how to handle the
boy in this state. Dag was good at this sort of thing, not
Bors. Dag would have quietly led the distraught young man away
and given him some calming tincture... Not Bors. The best Bors
could have done was to get him rolling drunk so that he forget
her, but even he could see that was not the way to handle
this.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: sabor ice
Date: Wed Apr 30, 2008 3:17 pm
Milan


Mari
 
"That feels so nice. I should talk to my father today...
explain to him what happened, what... explain me and you
to him. He's not going to be very pleased so I think i
should do it on my own. Do you? I don't want him
freaking out and trying to hurt you again, Milan. I
can't handle that.."


Milan took her uninjured hand, turning it over between his,
entwining his fingers with hers, idly studying every line and
every pore on her skin there. His eyes flickered to her face
when she mentioned her father; he held no fear within them per
se, just wariness, considering his last couple of encounters
with the man. The young man shifted onto his side, balancing
the side of his neck in the palm of one hand. His leg was at a
relaxed angle toward Mari. He reached out and began idly
plucking at her dark tendrils, his features contemplative.

He had been naive perhaps to think it possible that he and
Mari could just hide from the world, never having to face
anyone again, especially those that caused them pain. Milan
had seen the raving lunacy of Mari's father, had experienced
first-hand just what men like him were capable of, and he knew
he wanted none of it anymore. He wanted Mari to have none of
it, but it was complicated. Why did everything have to be so
complicated?

Releasing a heavy sigh through his nostrils, Milan raised his
understanding gaze to meet hers. He reached out and thumbed a
few stray strands of hair from her face as he peered down into
it. He was a bit apprehensive about letting her go alone, and
it showed, but he was not completely reluctant. After all, she
was going to see her father, not Mordred.

"Mm...stay...w...wait..." he murmured, gesturing to himself
and the bed, respectively, letting her know that he'd be
waiting for her.
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