Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Welcome to Na The Past. We hope you enjoy your visit.


You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.


Join our community!


If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
April 2008
Topic Started: Nov 5 2009, 10:37 PM (3,982 Views)
golden_trillium

Admin
Author: SarmatianKnight
Date: Fri Apr 04, 2008 12:37 am
Lucius


Lucius could not tell who finally reacted to the called name
because his own name was shout loudly. Twice. The Roman almost
jumped when he realised that he had been caught in doing
nothing but standing around, watching while others needed help
and things had to be settled. He felt guilty and slightly
abashed. It took some time for him to find the two men in the
crowd of people who shouted his name. The lifted hand of the
Optio helped a lot. With a recognising nod Lucius made his way
to his two superior officers, eagerly trying to follow the
undefined order as quickly as possible. He realised that
neither of them looked too happy. Slightly confused Lucius
wondered why... Commander Castus returned with his men, the
fort was still standing and the losses they suffered were sad
of course but not disatrously high.

"Sir...s." he added after a brief pause when he realised that
in fact he had to greet two officers with respect not just
one. "It is good to see you uninjured, Optio." It was not his
intention to imply that he did not care for Barbattus but
Amadeus had been very kind so far and his relief to see the
man uninjured after the fight was honest. Of course Lucius
saluted as it was surely expected from him. He was no dumb
fool who followed oders and ideals without thinking himself
but certainly he respected the hierachy - in the army as well
as in a family. It helped to keep things in order as long as
possible but a point could be reached when this hierachy did
not work anymore. Like in his own family. He pushed the
thoughts away and waited for instructions.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Kay
Date: Fri Apr 04, 2008 1:09 am
Guinevere


Merlin
 
"Guinevere, you will cease your insults to Ash
immediately if you want to save your friend!"


Guinevere glared at her father; her cheeks burning in shame
that he should chatiste her so in front of others; in front of
that hateful man.

She shot a quick glance in Ash's direction; his face betrayed
nothing, but Guinevere had lived with the man long enough to
know that he was laughing inside.

"I'm sorry, Father" she mumbled, balling her fists in impotent
rage.

Lourdes
 
“May I have a word with your daughter, if she doesn’t
mind."


Guinevere looked at her father; his face was set in a cold
smile.

Merlin
 
"Certainly, after we have finished discussing things
here. What do the three of you think of this plan?"


Guinevere was about to speak when Lourdes interjected:

Lourdes
 
"I think you putting Guinevere on the line like this is
cowardly on your part. Also not wise. Guinevere is
important; she is a daughter of Britain."


Guinevere smirked a little at the suggestion of her
importance, but she would not be left out of this.

Lourdes moved away from the group and Guinevere seized her
chance.

"Father" she hissed. "You cannot think it would be wise to
allow her to do this alone. I am willing to work with Ash if
necessary, but please let me have this chance to help Neeria"

Ash
 
"With your permission, Merlin, I will go and begin
preparing for tonight,"


Ash began to move away; Guinevere suddenly reached out and
caught his arm.

"I hope we can put our differences aside" she said. "For the
sake of our friends"

Guinevere hoped that this gesture would help her cause in her
father's eyes; she detested Ash with a passion, but she would
profess love for him if it got her a place on this mission.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
golden_trillium

Admin
Author: sabor ice
Date: Fri Apr 04, 2008 2:08 am
Alina


Galahad
 
"I'm so happy that you're safe! It was just awful out
there...Terrible. We lost ... "


Alina felt like a child enveloped in Galahad's strong arms.
While she felt comfortable enough to just stand there and bask
in his warmth, her mind couldn't help but to start to wander,
drawing comparisons between Galahad and Kolya, their
similarities as well as their differences. Galahad was far
more considerate than Kolya, although Kolya had shown her a
calmer side of himself once or twice. She could always wrestle
out of Galahad what he was thinking, but Kolya was like a
blank page, always keeping her guessing with his riddles. They
were both handsome in their own ways, but they both were able
to irritate her from time to time - Kolya more than Galahad,
though. She was not about to let her thoughts stray into
specifics concerning the 'bedroom,' although it had crossed
her mind. She already felt bad enough as it was, thinking
about one man when she was in the arms of another.

When Galahad had paused in mid-sentence, it caused Alina to
break away from her thoughts and suddenly focus upon him. Her
brow creased in consternation as he pulled her against him
again tightly, and she securely wrapped her arms around his
waist. Lost...?

Alina's gaze drifted over the courtyard's occupants.
Arthur...Gawain...Bors...Lancelot... She silently located all
of the knights one by one, her frown deepening as she found
them all, but she still felt like someone was missing. But
who? She scanned the area again until her brown eyes came to
rest upon a small group not far away: Derfel, Dagonet,
Linnesse, Linnette, Saoirse... And, then it hit her who was
missing. Surely she must've been mistaken, though, it couldn't
have been... He was so young and...no...it couldn't have
been...

With a tilt of her head, she looked up into Galahad's
sorrowful expression.

"Gedeon?" she whispered in slight disbelief, a hand already on
Galahad's cheek in attempt to soothe the blow of her inquiry.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Unicorn
Date: Fri Apr 04, 2008 3:21 am
Dagonet


Dagonet expected Saoirse to be angry at him... at others for
bringing him to her in such shape. He expected that look upon
her. But when she was so close to him everything seemed to
fade away for just brief second. Only brief moment of comfort.

There was no way to get rid of the pain he was feeling right
now. Gedeon was lost and Linnette without the news yet. It was
he, who have to say her of his death. He was the one, who will
bare the guilt for the rest of his life.

As he had said those hurtful words... Saoirse's eyes froze on
his face and he could not stop himself from leting another
tear roll down his face, and slowly he bowed his head in shame
and sorrow.

Saoirse
 
"Oh no... No."


Her gentle fingers reached out to his lips and he breathed in
a shaky breath. Gedeon was lost forever... he was dead. And
now the pain became more intense...

Gods! He asked them once more... why this have to happen to
him? To his loved ones? Why?

Saoirse said nothing more and bowed her head...

Derfel
 
“We got you, Dag…hang on to us…”


Dagonet let out a little hiss of pain as Derfel position
himself in different way to be able to help him walking.
Saoirse made the same movement and hopefully he will be able
to complete this last task. Before he took first step, Dagonet
gathered himself and breathed in deeply. He looked up and
wished that his face wouldn't be so teary right now. His eyes
searched for Linnette and found her just in front of him. He
tried to pull his face straight, not to show his painful
expression, deep frown of worry.... He tried but his eyes were
already filled with much sorrow.

As they were able to help Dagonet to walk few steps towards
Linnette, his eyes never left her face. Linnesse and Derfel
greeted each other, but Dagonet was not taking notice of this.
His eyes were set upon Linnettte... His heart crushing against
his chest with such force that it was almost impossible to
breath...

Linnette placed her hand on his shoulder and Dagonet's body
shuddered under this touch. The mask of assurance on his face
threatened to fall.

But still his eyes were locked into hers.

Linnettte
 
"Father...what happened? Where's Gedeon?"


There was panic creeping into her voice... worry. Dagonet
still held her gaze. He felt that Saoirse's grasp on the tunic
on his chest thightened... as his own chest also. His face was
stern as Linnette looked over his shoulder in this brief
moment of hope to see her husband behind Dagonet.
The tall knight felt tears filling his eyes... but forced them
not to fall. The way Linnette called him and questions which
she asked broke his heart, torn his chest and made him breath
out desperate sigh... his head went bowed and he could almost
feel loosing his courage to look up at her.

"Linnette...." he started, but words weren't willing to go
out. He swallowed roughly and very slowly looked up. He took
his right, bandaged in bloodsoaked cloth, injured hand and
reached for Linnette's cheek, making her look into his eyes.
"Forgive me...." he whispered. "I... I was not... strong
enough.... I couldn't.... I did not...." his words were weak,
shaken by emotions and he could not finish what he wanted to
say her. His hand left her cheek and went to the pocket of his
breeches. "He... wanted you to know that... he loved you... He
wanted...." he swallowed once more roughly this time his head
going bowed once more and he reached for Linnette's hand on
his shoulder put Gedeon's ring in her palm and his hand
withdrew trembling. "...you to have this..." he finished and
waited for her reaction.

Waited for anything... ready to hold her, ready to get a hit
to his face from her... for anything. But his head remained
bowed, he could not look up at her. Just couldn't! Tears
almost fell... Almost, cause he was waiting for Linnette. His
chest filled with so much sorrow that if he would look up at
her he would cry out loud and curse the gods for making him
endure this.

He was too weak...

He wanted to run away.... to escape... But he was too weak for
this also....
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
golden_trillium

Admin
Author: lady ione
Date: Fri Apr 04, 2008 8:32 am
Adian


The healer wasted no time in carefully peeling away the
deerskin tunic with the help of the other woman, casting it
aside, and taking a look at Adian's wound after cleaning it
out a good as she could. From what she could tell, the tip of
the spear barely shone through to the other side of his
shoulder. Hopefully, it missed the joint. Looking at her
assistant, then back at the semi conscious young man, she said
to him, "I will need to move you so that we can give you
something to sleep through the proceedur."

Adian looked at her as if to let her know that he understood.
right now, his life just seemed a blur, and he just felt
exhausted and in pain. Carefully, they manuvered him slightly
so he could drink the fluid, and when he was finished, they
placed his arm in such a way so as not to agitate the spear
tip much. He moaned as they made ready tend to the wound...

'...Thorn...have to find her....' he murmured before he
succumbed to the drought. As he slept, the healer and her
assistant began to gently remove the spear tip, and repair the
wound. After removing the spearhead, they saw that it had
missed the joint which was good, but the injury itself would
take some time to stitch as they had to place some stitches
inside then outside. As they worked, the one said to the
other, 'I have seen him in the tavern with that woman laying
over there...I wonder if that is who he is muttering about...'

The other looked up from her work, then back down, '..Also saw
him with another woman (Fiona) as well...' She looked back to
her tedious work and whispered, 'That woman over there was
pregnant when she was killed...' When he woke up, no doubt
someone would have already buried her most likely the other
man (Mirtha) who had carried her body into the infirmary and
left her there...

It was going to be a long afternoon, and possibly a long
night...
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Darya
Date: Fri Apr 04, 2008 8:54 am
Neeve


While Neeve made sure that Linnesse remained on her feet, she
once more scanned the crowded courtyard...and tried to read in
the mens' faces. Except for a battle always being something
unpleasant, the healer could not help the bad feeling she was
having about the situation. Frowning, the Briton slowly walked
behind Linnesse as the blonde staggered forward to greet
Derfel. Should her patient stumble, fall or find herself
exhausted, Neeve would be there to catch or hold her again.
And when the blonde finally reached her lover, Neeve assessed
the Saxon’s face for a long moment before her gaze shifted
towards the man he was supporting: Dagonet.

Oh no, not again..., the raven-haired thought when she looked
at the once more injured tall knight. Yet at least he was
alive... She would have hated to lose yet another old
friend...

Linnette
 
"Where's Gedeon?"


Now that question caught Neeve’s attention and she, too, tried
to make out the young knight’s form somewhere nearby. She was
sure that he would not leave his injured father’s side... But
there was no sign of him... And there it was again...this bad
feeling that made her guts churn... Clenching her teeth
slightly, the healer remained in the background...standing
behind Linnesse and Linnette...when...

Dagonet
 
"Linnette.... Forgive me.... I... I was not... strong
enough.... I couldn't.... I did not...."


Neeve’s lips pressed into a thin line, the only obvious sign
of the shock...the disbelief in what her old friend was just
telling a pregnant woman. The death of her husband, the father
of her unborn child. Silently, the raven-haired looked from
Derfel to Saoirse, who was of course near her lover...and then
to Linnette. How would the hot-tempered sister would react?
Unconsciously, the healer inched a step closer towards
Linnette...and waited...
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
golden_trillium

Admin
Author: lady ione
Daet: Fri Apr 04, 2008 9:31 am
Vanora and Bors


The red head noticed how Bors was standing, and looked down to
see that he was bearly placing pressure on the leg. "Bors? Do
you need your leg looked at?" Her eyebrow raised
questioningly. Bors looked back at her, "Aye...I should get it
restitched and cleaned. Just a minor cut though..."

Vanora scowled, "Minor my fine arse, Bors! You are bearly
placing pressure on it. Here let Fiona and I help you
there..." She motioned for Fiona to take one arm and she
took the other, and as they slowly began to walk, Vanora
looked at Fiona then Bors, "We have two people missing,
Bors...one is Javier...the other is Adian, the carpenter and
hunter. Did you see either of them out there after the
battle?" Vanora took #3 from Bors' arms, and said, "We need to
find Adian...the woman he was with...Thorn...is dead..."

Bors' eyes narrowed as he stopped them, and leaned against the
wagon Dagonet had been in. It hurt for him to place pressure
on it. 'I saw neither...there were so many bodies, I couldn't
have found them. Perhaps one of the wagons will have picked
them up...' He stopped and looked at Fiona, "You saw Adian
last...do you know where he might have gone? Hopefully he did
not go hunting prior to the battle..." Don't see Ione
either....nor Isolde... There were a lot missing from the
courtyard welcome. Bors had not asked her accusingly, but she
was the last one he recalled seeing the hunter with...

While Bors spoke, Vanora's eyes traveled to where she had
spotted Derfel and Dagonet moving toward Neeve, Linnette,
Saoirse, and Linnesse. He knew what was to come, and suddenly
he felt luckier than ever to have been able to come home from
battle...Gedeon had not been so lucky, and Dagonet would be
the one to have to tell her. The mood suddenly seemed to dim a
bit as his eyes met Vanora's questioning ones. The laughter of
the children had died off a bit as he hushed them, and was
about to address Fiona and Vanora in a low voice when he saw
Gawain approach.

Bors and Vanora had not seen Brianna for a long time, and
perhaps Fiona knew where she was as they seemed close and
would tell each other a lot. Bors and Vanora saw Fiona step
away a bit to talk to Gawain...

Vanora could not hear what passed between Gawain and the young
woman, but she wagered it was about Brianna. She raised an
eyebrow and looked at Bors, Gawain and then Fiona. Slowly, her
eyes drifted to the rather emotional scene that was building
not far off, and had noticed that Gawain had come from that
direction. She nodded in the direction Derfel and Dagonet had
taken to Linnette, Linnesse, Neeve and Saoirse, "What is going
on over there, Gawain? Bors? What has happened?" In truth, she
could not figure out what had changed about the group. She had
seen a new soldier riding into the fort, and that was new. Her
heart froze as she saw Dagonet addressing Linnette...

Oh please...not Gedeon....

Bors looked at her, then at Gawain. He never had liked to be
the bearer of bad news. As he shifted, he accidently stepped
wrong on his injured leg, and winced. The infirmary was not
far off, and he knew he had to get the injury looked after.
"Gawain was...I mean....well..." Bors could find no words to
tell what happened, and looked to Gawain for help.

Screw the bet he had made with Lancelot, they would all need a
keg a piece after all of this...
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Elessars Girl
Date: Fri Apr 04, 2008 11:24 am
Arthur


Arthur’s gaze lingered on the Optio just long enough to see
what at first appeared to be surprise…no, protest….in Amadeus’
steel grey eyes. A flicker of intensity rose up in Arthur’s
emerald eyes. Yet instead of questioning Arthur’s
pronouncement on doubling the guard, the other Roman
respectfully bowed and smartly turned to go and carry out the
Commander’s orders. Arthur was too exhausted and nearly
blinded by his own pain to actually read too much into
Amadeus’ expression just now. Good thing.

Arthur turned towards Lancelot and Tristan, noting the arrival
of Barbattus as well. Thus the Commander was certain the
captive girl would be taken care of properly until Arthur was ready to ride out again. His weary green eyes focused on Lancelot as Arthur awaited his lieutenant to accompany him to his quarters. Jesu, the pain in his side was almost crippling him now…Arthur once again placed his right hand over the wound and exhaled…..

Darya
 
“Arthur...”


His name was spoken softly, yet Arthur heard it…heard her. So
she had not been lost nor abandoned him in his absence….

Arthur slowly turned, not by choice but due to the pain in his
side. Brilliant green eyes focused on Darya’s pale features. A
gentle smile lit his craggy face and his eyes softened. But as
Arthur continued to soak in the sight of her, he noted how she
appeared to favor her arm and the blood smattered on her
clothing….and the gentle expression on his face gave way to
concern….

“Darya, have you been injured?” Arthur asked as he closed the
short distance between them. He reached out with his free hand
to gently touch her elbow as questioning green eyes searched
her pale face for the answer.









Derfel

Linnesse practically fell into Derfel’s embrace and he
squeezed his eyes shut as he half buried his dirty face in the
soft sweet locks of her hair. Despite never releasing his grip
on Dagonet, Derfel did all that he could to meld with his
lover’s slender shape. Gods, how he’d missed her.

Linnesse
 
"You smell,"


“Aye, I know luv,” Derfel gently whispered in reply, love and
affection flooding his expression as their eyes met. And as
Linnesse tilted her head closer to his, Derfel briefly brushed
his lips over hers tenderly and sweetly….

Linnesse
 
"I love you,"


“I love you too,” Derfel murmured into Linnesse’s sweet
smelling hair. But before he could completely rejoice in their
reunion…..

Linnette
 
"Father...what happened? Where's Gedeon?"


Derfel could hardly stomach to meet Linnette’s gaze as she
looked fervently from Dagonet to him and then back to Dagonet.
His grip around Linnesse’s waist tightened…and also his hold
on Dagonet as if silently giving Gedeon’s father as much
strength as possible. The knight briefly met Neeve’s concerned
eyes as well and attempted some sort of a silent greeting to
the healer as Dagonet began to speak….

Dagonet
 
"Linnette....Forgive me....I... I was not... strong
enough.... I couldn't.... I did not....He... wanted you
to know that... he loved you... He wanted.......you to
have this..."


Derfel pinched his eyes closed again while listening to
Dagonet’s pained voice. He pressed a kiss to the crown of
Linnesse’s head and braced for her sister’s reaction. Linnette
would need them all now….
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Darya
Date: Fri Apr 04, 2008 11:56 am
Darya


Dark eyes never left the Roman as he slowly turned around and
she could finally look at him again. Really look at him again.
The Sarmatian could not help but take a deep shaky breath as
she made a small step forward, too, to meet her lover sooner.
She let her gaze lock with his emerald one silently letting
him know just how much she had missed him...and how incredibly
relieved she was to see him again...

Arthur
 
“Darya, have you been injured?”


The dark-haired breathed a barely audible laugh and let go of
her left arm, lifting her right hand to gently place it onto
the Roman’s chest. “Just a scratch...”, she replied quietly
and tilted her head a little as she could still not bring
herself to break the eyecontact. “It’s mostly Woad blood...”,
Darya added honestly, knowing that there was no sense in
keeping her involvement in the recent fighting the Woads a
secret. Arthur knew her too well...knew that she would not
hide somewhere and sit things out. Not when it came to
battles. She was Sarmatian after all... And as if to prove her
words, the woman moved her left arm, too and cupped the
Commander’s cheek with her left hand. “And should I not be the
one asking you this question...?”, she then asked with a small
smile that had been meant to be somewhat...teasing...but did
quite hit the mark. Instead, the female Sarmatian lifted her
chin slightly and went on her tiptoes... Gods, how she wanted
to kiss him...if just to assure him that things were
okay...and that she loved him, no matter what...

...but from the corner of her eyes, Darya spotted Lancelot
again, who apparently was watching them...and she stopped her
subtle movement... For a long moment, Arthur’s lips were so
close that she could feel his breath on hers...but then she
retreated again and pressed her forehead against his chest
instead. “I have missed you so much...”, she whispered with a
sigh and closed her eyes for a moment, savouring her lover
being so close again...yet aware of the fact this would not
last for long for now; even though there was so much she had
to tell him...
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Pinkie
Date: Fri Apr 04, 2008 4:30 pm
Amadeus


Barbattus
 
"Yes, sir. Lucius!"


Amadeus' head snapped towards Barbattus, his grey eyes
narrowed. Did the man do that delibrately?! The Optio's nerves
and patience were at a painful stretch right now. Lancelot's
cursed words were sitting like a lead weight in his stomach,
it made him physically ill to think that that dog had spoken
so brazenly and Castus had not even lifted an eyebrow to it!
It took all of Amadeus' patience not to rip Barbattus' throat
out simply for having dark, curly hair like Lance-bloody-lot.

Barbattus was doing a mirror-image of Amadeus' squinty,
suspicious glower. Amadeus blew out an irritated breath and
turned to glare at Lucius. Oh he liked Lucius. But right now
he wanted to hurt someone, anyone. He had to be level-headed
about this though. Just keep calm...

Lucius
 
"Sir...s. It is good to see you uninjured, Optio."


Ah -- the respect that this young man showed acted as
something of a balm. That he disregarderd, in Amadeus'
opinion, Barbattus in favour of noting his health, the Optio
was somewhat appeased. But still, Lancelot's insubordinace
rankled. Amadeus took a deep breath, growling it out as he
shrugged his shoulder, giving Lucius a brief inclination of
his head, the barest of acknowledgements for his respect and
well wishing.

"It is good to be uninjured, Aquila. A man can do so much more
when unhindered with pesky injuries, is that not right
Commander Barbattus?" Amadeus growled, turning a wary eye to
the Roman captain. There was something infinitely unlikable
about Barbattus. Maybe it was just the Optio's bad mood now,
maybe it was because of his similar physical traits to
Arthur's pet, or perhaps it was because he was just a Briton
who wanted to be Roman but would never have that certain
refinied, panache that was inherent in true Romans. Like
Amadeus. Like Lucius.









Mari

Mari didn't understand the 'why' either. When Milan's
shoulders slumped so did hers. She didn't feel dirty with
Milan, she didn't feel threatened at all, or forced to talk
about what had happened. In fact, there was a part of Mari
that felt the overwhelming need to tell him precisely what had
happened. To relive it so that he knew precisely what had
happened to her and not have it hovering between them
unspoken. But she didn't know how to verbalise it to him right
now. She didn't know how to tell him that Mordred had covered
her mouth, how he had forced her up against the cold, damp
wall and hooshed up her skirt.

Someday she might have the words for it, but right now she
wasn't sure Milan would be able for it, and she wasn't sure
she wanted to speak such things so soon anyways.

But still, even speaking of the cruelty that befell her at the
hands of Mordred, Mari still did not know the why of it. Had
she insulted him somehow? Had she done something to make him
think she wanted it? Did she do something... to deserve it?!
Immediately Mari's mind scrambled to the lie she had told
Rafe, about how she 'knew' men better than he thought she did.
She thought of the 'tutoring' that she had sought from Rowan
with the intentions of seducing Rafe, of the dress that she
had been wearing when he had attacked her and... her cheeks
flushed red.

Milan's hand on her shoulder broke Mari out of the dark path
her thoughts had been led. She looked up at him with sorrowful
brown eyes, apologetic of all things. His gestures were easy
to read for her now and she understood that her pain was his.
A part of Mari didn't want that! She didn't want Milan to hurt
just because she was, but another part of her was relieved
someone else felt the pain that she did.

She cuold see herself reflected in his blue eyes and sniffed.
Tentatively, Mari stepped closer to Milan. Heedless of their
nudity, she gently, slowly waded her body ever closer. Her
head dropped and she placed her forehead against his shoulder,
wrapping her arms about his shoulders and pushing off into the
water. Weightless, Mari elegantly floated around so that she
was behind him, her cheek pressed against his, gently, her
body slowly falling down in the water so that her bare breasts
pressed against his back.

It didn't feel wrong, sordid or in any way sexual to her to be
like this with Milan.

"He hurt my body, Milan. But he never hurt my heart. He ...
scared me. He ridiculed me, he shamed me but you fix all that.
Just by being you, you help fix all that. Say my name... ?"
Mari's whisper was pleading, turning her face into his neck,
nudging her nose against his jaw lovingly.









Catherine

Ok, enough was enough.

Catherine was quite pleased with what attention had come her
way in the end. She had caught the tattooed Sarmatian looking
in her direction and found it created a tingling, excited
feeling in teh pit of her stomach. She recognised that as
attraction but the whore was quite adept at dismissing such
frivolous things. She never slept with a man for pleasure's
sake, because she wanted to. Her mother saw to that. If
Tristan offered her enough money then she would be in his bed.

The blonde also noted a man on horseback looking in her
direction and gave him a coy flutter of her eyelashes before
looking around a bit more.

But enough was enough.

The rain was not lifting and the clouds were turning darker.
Dagonet showed up eventually, wounded, and then accosted by
his lover. Catherine flinched when she watched their reunion,
noting the anger then the immense pain that suffused the two
of them.

It was then that the woman decided to bow out of there. She
was getting dirtier by the minute. Perhaps if she went home
now she would have time to fill a bath, even luke warm water
would suffice, and put on some lotions and perfumes before
heading to the tavern.

With a flick of her skirts, Catherine turned, walking with
seductive grace past the new Optio who was bristling next to
Commander Barbattus. As she passed she glanced over the
Optio's shoulder to see a handsome Roman male whose name she
did not know.

Picqued, Catherine fluttered her eyelashes at him,
'accidentally' brushing Barbattus' back as she passed behind
him and lifted a strand of golden hair to her lips, trailing
it across her mouth as she continued walking away from the
courtyard, smiling to herself, planning her outfit already.









Galahad

Galahad was watching surreptitiously as Dagonet, Derfel and
Saoirse approached Linnette and Linnesse. Seeing Linnesse and
Derfel's reunion was bittersweet as Linnette rose on
tippy-toes looking around. Galahad felt bile rising in his
throat and bowed his head gently, looking down at the back of
Alina's neck, the creamy flesh that disappeared under the
shoulder of her dress - using the sight of her pulse in her
throat as something of a balm to the pain of losing Gedeon.

Alina
 
"Gedeon?"


The young Knight had felt Alina's head move against his chest
as she perused the courtyard, searching for the missing face.
He was too weak to speak the name himself, to utter it - and
yet when she did it didn't seem like the world was trembling
the way it had when he had first been told about Gedeon's
brave but unfortunate death.

Alina's gentle hand was on his cheek. Galahad swallowed
roughly and pursed his lips, looking almost petulant as he
peered into her face. He looked angry, his brows furrowed, his
black beard practically bristling as he held onto the numbness
of losing one of his brothers-in-arms.

Quickly, he nodded his head and then abruptly disentangled
himself from the woman's arms. He took her hand and nodded for
her to come with him. He didn't want to be around to hear
Linnette's reaction. He also, selflessly, didn't want Alina to
hear it either. She had been through enough that involved the
deaths of Sarmatians lately, this was one painful scene she
had no need to witness. Clearing his throat, Galahad sniffed
loudly and clicked his tongue to his horse.

"Come on... maybe you can look at this." he offered, using his
elbow to push his cloak back a fraction to reveal the dried
blood about the side of his body armour from the wound he had
taken to the stomach. It wasn't serious but it would be enough
to keep both him and Alina occuppied.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Lancelot
Date: Fri Apr 04, 2008 4:55 pm
Lancelot


Despite not wanting to interrupt Arthur and Darya's "reunion,"
as it were, althought that's a giant lie, Lancelot, seeing the
pain on Arthur's face, did just that.

He noted Darya's hand on Arthur's cheek, the white, white,
pristine skin, and felt a sudden rage fill him that was
completely out of place. He had no right to Arthur - just as
Arthur had no right to him. Lancelot could do what he liked,
with whom he liked -

and why did that thought make him feel bad? And even more to
the point, why would Lancelot think he'd want a right to the
Roman? Gods. He shook his head. He knew that something was
healing between himself and Arthur - but that didn't mean
Lancelot was ready to just up and abandon the way he'd been
for so long...but by the gods, it was good to not feel the
pressing need to fight with Arthur 100 percent of the time.
And if that didn't say something, well...bah.

"Forgive my interruption," Lancelot spoke up, his gaze cutting
from Darya to Arthur, his tone indicated he wasn't too sorry
he was interrupting. "Commander, you need to get to the
medicus. And don't even think about arguing, unless you want
another semi-fatal wound on your hands." Lancelot smiled, but
it was a feral one and didn't reach his dark eyes. His arm
twinged and he flinched, pushing his hand against the arrow
wound harder. Fucking Woads.

"I gave that wonderful girl you picked up for us over to
Tristan," Lancelot added, a scowl replacing the strange smile
he'd just offered. "I'm sure she'll be more than fine with
him."

He glanced around, noting where each knight was and what they
were doing. All seemed well for now - and then he saw Dagonet
and his fierce red head standing with the Saxon and the two
sisters, one of whom was ... had been, Gedeon's wife.

Fuck. Despite not knowing Gedeon very well, or rather, despite
not having had the desire to know anything about Dagonet's
son, Lancelot felt poorly about the knight's death. It was
never good to lose a talented soldier, and besides...

it made Arthur guilty and mopey and smelling of incense and
that damnable church for weeks. Lancelot turned his gaze back
to the two in front of him, and his lips compressed into a
thin line.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Ranchera
Date: Fri Apr 04, 2008 6:19 pm
Connell


Connell carried the youth in his arms, the light rain dancing
about them both. He placed the young soldier’s body at
Merlin’s feet. He noticed Guinevere but just gave her the
merest glance.

“He’s not dead,” Connell said tiredly. “The lad is only
fainted with loss of blood and exhaustion.” His gray eyes
looked into Merlin’s face. “How many more of this generation
will die at their swords? How many more? I had no side in this
fight. I never chose sides, ever, but now—now I feel I must.
Neeria and the young girl, Eala—they are gone. Gone. I could
not find them. They must have been taken prisoner, surely.”

Connell looked at the boy on the ground again, the youth’s
eyes closed and lips parted in breathing. “What do we do,
Merlin?”
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
golden_trillium

Admin
Author: linnet
Date: Fri Apr 04, 2008 8:49 pm

Gawain


Fiona’s eyes met Gawain’s for only a moment before she turned
and moved a few steps away from Vanora and Bors. And from that
reaction to his question, Gawain clearly read that Fiona knew
where Brianna was. He followed her lead and stayed close to
her, watching her intently, waiting for an answer.

Fiona
 
"She's gone, Gawain. She went back home."


The young Woad released this information with obvious
reluctance. Gawain could see her discomfort. His brows drew
together in a frown and his eyes narrowed as he considered
Fiona’s words. But it was her nervous silence following the
words that told Gawain what he didn’t want to believe. Brianna
hadn’t simply gone home for a visit. She didn’t intend to come
back. Fear and anger tangled in Gawain’s gut, and he forced
himself to control his voice enough to not frighten Fiona. The
girl already seemed to be dreading his reaction. “Why?” he
said, fixing his eyes on her face. The word was spoken low and
soft, perhaps with a touch of menace, or perhaps a hint of
desperation.

Vanora
 
"What is going on over there, Gawain? Bors? What has
happened?"


Bors
 
"Gawain was...I mean....well..."


Gawain’s nerves were in no state to react well to any
interruption right now, and he silently cursed at having his
attention wrenched from Brianna’s sister. He hid his
irritation as best he could though, since Bors and dear Vanora
couldn’t know what was occupying him. He followed Vanora’s
gaze to Dagonet and the others. “Gedeon died at Segedenum,
Vanora,” he said quietly. “We never found his body.”

Casting another look at the heartbreaking scene, the blonde
knight understood his trouble was not of the scale of
Dagonet’s and Linnette’s. But it was trouble that had to be
faced, and right now he needed more information. He turned
back to Fiona who still fidgeted as though she wasn’t sure
what to do. “Why did she leave me, Fiona?” Gawain asked. This
time his voice had lost all its demanding insistence.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
golden_trillium

Admin
Author: LadyCastus
Date: Fri Apr 04, 2008 9:09 pm
Captain Barbattus


At the exact moment Amadeus and Malcus spoke at the same time,
Malcus finally decided that he indeed hated Amadeus. The
arrogrant little prick was now Malcus' enemy. The Captain
cleared his throat and softened his gaze on the smug Optio,
only out of respect of the higher rank and certainly not
because of the man.

Malcus took note as Lucius scurried like a scared rabbit out
of his corner in the stable and made his way over to Amadeus
and Malcus.

Lucius
 
"Sir...s. It is good to see you uninjured, Optio."


Good grief Malcus thought to himself, detecting a bit of
obsequiousness in the tone of Lucius' voice. Malcus also took
note that Lucius hadn't made such an observation of Malcus,
his captain. I will remember that, Lucius. Malcus thought,
making a mental note - something he did often and usually
found helpful later.

Amadeus
 
"It is good to be uninjured, Aquila. A man can do so
much more when unhindered with pesky injuries, is that
not right Commander Barbattus?"


"Ah, yes sir, that is very true," Malcus responded heartily,
"I, too, am glad that you are uninjured, but it is often said
that the true bravery of a warrior and the accurate assessment
of his manhood is apparent by the battle scars he bears for
they are the ones that tell the true story!" Malcus struck his
breastplate for added effect then bore his dark eyes into
Lucius.

"Make yourself useful, soldier. Report to the watch commander
where you be will assigned your guard rotation. However,
inform the watch commander that for your initial rotation, I
have ordered you to double watch duty for your lingering about
in the stable. Do you understand your orders, soldier?"

Turning back to Amadeus, Malcus saluted, "I must address my
men now sir, they are awaiting dismissal. They are wounded,
hungry and tired. I must now also post the double guard."
Malcus closed his salute and turned on his heel, hoping
Amadeus would just let him be. As he turned, Catherine brushed
past him. He felt the softness of her fabric slide gracefully
against his skin and the fragrance of her lotion wafted to his
nostrils. The Commander looked at her as she moved away from
him, a lock of hair across her face, and was instantly
aroused. Later.... he thought to himself and tried not to
smile.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
golden_trillium

Admin
Author: golden_trillium
Date: Fri Apr 04, 2008 9:47 pm

Linnette and Linnesse


Dagonet
 
"Linnette...forgive me...I...I was not...strong
enough...I couldn't...I did not...he...wanted you to
know that...he loved you...he wanted...you to have
this..."


"Wh...what?" Linnette closed her fingers around the object
Dagonet gave her automatically, before she even really
realized what it was, and the opened them again to look down
at it. His ring...Gedeon's ring. She knew it well- the ring
that did not fit him properly, the family heirloom that his
stepfather had worn, the one that was too small for the large
hands he had inherited from his true father, Dagonet. Linnette
blinked and looked back up at her father-in-law, comprehension
beginning to dawn, but resisted stubbornly to the last.

"No...no, you can't mean..." Linnette shook her head fiercely,
her yes growing wide with a palpable panic. Her breath came
faster- she felt closed in by all the people around her, what
seemed like dozens of people, all with the most morose,
heartbroken expressions on their faces, the faces that were
not buried in sadness against the chests of lovers, that was.
No- this couldn't be happening! She took a step backwards,
almost treading on Neeve's feet and jumping skittishly away
from the healer, and cast another panicked glance at the
dispersing column of men and horses. Gedeon was there,
somewhere...wasn't he? Wasn't he? But no, he wasn't...and now
her eyes spotted what they had not noticed before- Gedeon's
beloved horse, Tirgatao, being led away to the stables by a
stableboy, his saddle empty, his saddlebags bouncing just
slightly, the only visible evidence of her husband at all.

Linnette whirled back to face Dagonet; tears had popped into
her eyes, tears of frustration and desperation rather than
sadness; she still had the nagging idea that if she could just
look in the right place, could just see properly, she would
see Gedeon striding towards her, wounded perhaps, yes, she
could take that, she could even take it if it he was so
wounded that he couldn't stride but must lie in the wagon- but
she would see him, for God's sake!

"Where is he?"

Her voice was just a whisper, an intense, angry whisper, and
her hand clenched around the ring so tightly that her knuckles
went white. Why did they all have to look at her like that-
with such pity? Why did Linnesse not even seem able to look at
her, but kept her face hidden in Derfel's tunic, her body
trembling slightly, as if she were crying?

"Where is he, damn it? Tell me!" Her free hand- just the one,
she wouldn't let go of the ring!- shot out and grabbed the
collar of Dagonet's tunic, pulling his face down to hers with
a strength and a ferocity that she had never displayed in
front of any of them before. If she could have wrung Dagonet's
neck to get a satisfactory answer out of him, she would have
happily done it. She would have done anything- anything!- to
make those last words Dagonet had said to her not be true.











Tristan

Wordlessly, his face set in a grim expression, Tristan turned
from Lancelot, now back to chivvying at Arthur, and tightened
his grip on the now-conscious body of the Woad woman slung
over his shouldder. This was something he could take care of-
and if he was a little less gentle that perhaps Arthur would
have wanted him to be, the scout was not inclined to care
right now. He ignored her words, acknowledged her intermittent
struggling only enough to adjust his grip to prevent her
escape, and continued his inexorable march towards the
dungeons, and this bitch's place of habitation for the time
being. Fortunately- fortunately for her, that was!- she was
weak with her wound, and did not put up too much of a fight.
Tristan gained the dungeon entrance with little problem, and
stated his purpose bluntly to the guards.

"Some Woad bitch that Arthur wants kept. Wants her ready to go
out again in an hour." Tristan took leave to insert some
skepticism into his voice there. Arthur himself did not look
ready to ride out in an hour, in the scout's opinion- but
those were the orders. Tristan grunted what passed for thanks
as a guard walked ahead of him over to an empty cell and
unlocked the door with one of the keys from his big, rusty
ring.

"We'll give her one of the nicer rooms, then," the guard
smirked, and it was true, in it's way- the woman was getting
one of the temporary holding cells near the entrance, not one
of the colder, damper cells farther down the corridor. And
that was as much consideration as she could hope for. Tristan
stepped inside and began to lower her down onto the pile of
straw provided, not gently, but he did make an effort not to
damage her any further. Arthur would be displeased if he did.











Merlin

Ash
 
"With your permission, Merlin, I will go and begin
preparing for tonight."


Guinevere
 
"I hope we can put our differences aside for the sake of
our friends."


"Much better." Merlin nodded in satisfaction and allowed
himself a small smile at the sight of Guinevere making that
conciliatory gesture. Good. She would be fine, Merlin knew-
she understood what was riding on this, and when the pressure
was on, she would do whatever needed to be done. But...Merlin
cast a glance over his shoulder, checking that the Lady of
Avalon was indeed occupied in tending to the wounded, then set
a hand on each of the other two Woads' shoulders and steered
them a couple of steps away. When he spoke again, it was in a
very low, serious voice that did not carry beyond the confines
of their group.

"I do not know whether the Lady will assist our cause or not.
You remember what happened the last time she was here." Merlin
paused a moment, letting that point sink in, then continued.

"You are not to trust her. If she contacts you when you are in
the fort, let her think she is helping, and do not antagonize
her, but be wary of her at all times. She may play us false."
Merlin snuck another glance over his shoulder; beyond Lourdes,
who was still safely occupied with her patient, Juna was
bending over another, and Merlin felt the corner of his mouth
turn up wistfully despite himself. Reprieve- something gone
right for once. And if it please the Gods, let this rescue be
another. He looked back to Ash and Guinevere again, his face
falling once more into sternness.

"Go and prepare, Ash- collect as good a disguise as you can
and be ready to go to the fort at sunset. Guinevere..." Merlin
paused thoughtfully for a second; another thougth had just
occurred to him, an additional safeguard, perhaps.

"I think I will add someone else to your group- Connell. He is
a steady man, a good observer, and his skills may come in
handy." Yes- a healer might be just what they needed,
particularly if, as Merlin suspected, Lourdes proved more
loyal to her brother than she was to the rest of her
countrymen.

"Would you find him and fill him in on the plan, please? And
then the two of you prepare whatever you need to bring."
Merlin paused for a moment- then reached out for Guinevere's
shoulder as she began to turn away, giving it an affectionate
squeeze.

"I'm glad you're safe, daughter." He was only sending her back
into danger, true...but still, nothing could compare with the
relief of seeing his offspring unwounded after such a fierce
fight as they had suffered, after she had been such a long
time out of his sight. It was no less than a gift from the
Gods themselves. Merlin started to turn away, confident that
his will was being done- when he was confronted from the other
side by Connell, the very man he had sent Guinevere to seek,
who rather disconcertingly lay the limp body of a boy down at
the Woad leader's feet. Merlin glanced impassively down at the
still form, then cocked a questioning eyebrow at the healer.

Connell
 
“He’s not dead. The lad is only fainted with loss of
blood and exhaustion. How many more of this generation
will die at their swords? How many more? I had no side
in this fight. I never chose sides, ever, but now—now I
feel I must. Neeria and the young girl, Eala—they are
gone. Gone. I could not find them. They must have been
taken prisoner, surely. What do we do, Merlin?”


"We have a plan," Merlin put in placatingly- but then the
stress of the moment broke through the veneer of
inaccessability, and he bowed his head tiredly, scrubbing at
his closed eyes with the fingers of his unwounded hand.

"Just don't give me this nonsense about taking no side,
Connell. I need your loyalty now, not your arguments.
Guinevere will tell you what you must do." By all the Gods,
had his whole army turned against him this day? But
considering their losses, it was perhaps no more than what he
deserved. Merlin gestured towards his daughter, referring
Connell to her- then crouched at the side of the wounded boy.
Unconcsious- limp, but breathing. And right now, Merlin wanted
nothing more than to carry this boy to shelter, to prove in
some small way to Connell that he really did care- prove, in
fact, that this loss broke his heart. But he couldn't- he
couldn't. With his own wounded arm, he was incapable of
bearing the boy's weight. The Woad leader sighed heavily, ran
his good hand over the boy's forehead in a tender, sympathetic
gesture, then stood up and beckoned for a couple of the men
who sat near the fire, poking at the brewing stew there, to
come and carry the boy to one of the huts. They could take
care of it- and once more, Merlin found himself turning in the
direction he had last seen Juna, wondering selfishly if she
had a few minutes she could spare for him.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ZetaBoards - Free Forum Hosting
Enjoy forums? Start your own community for free.
Go to Next Page
« Previous Topic · Vincit Omnia Veritas · Next Topic »
Add Reply

Christmas Theme made by Pandorasaurus of Zathyus Network Resources and Graphic Force.