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April 2008
Topic Started: Nov 5 2009, 10:37 PM (3,978 Views)
golden_trillium

Admin
Author: LadyCastus
Date: Mon Apr 07, 2008 8:50 pm
Neeria


Neeria banged on the door and screamed after Tristan and the
guard until she was hoarse. The woad was finally convinced
that the scout had left her and the guard would not come to
her, she put her forehead against the door and cried. She
rolled her body until her back was against the door and slowly
slid to the floor, not bothering to attempt to hold back the
tears that burned her tired eyes. The warrioress buried her
head in her knees and squeezed her eyes shut so she wouldn't
have to stare out into the darkness that consumed the small
stinky cell. "Mikel," she whispered in the dark as she choked
back her emotions. Terrified of ghosts and evil spirits that
may have been contained in the cell, Neeria began to pray to
her god, Orius, that he comfort her. This was the fault of
Arthur Castus. He was the reason she was here! But as much as
she wanted to hate him, she would give anything to get out of
her prison hell. She had nothing left to fuel her hatred.

Neeria hugged her knees and cried. She held out hope that
someone would come to her.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: linnet
Date: Mon Apr 07, 2008 9:04 pm
Juna


Merlin
 
"The priestess... She claims she wants to help us free
the prisoners, but I'm not convinced she's trustworthy.
..Ash is going to try to enter the fort in disguise
about sunset. I don't want Lady Lourdes leaving the camp
before then. Right now she seems occupied with the
wounded, but I wondered... If it looks like she might
leave, could you try to delay her? …..I don't know if it
will be necessary- she seems occupied now- but could
you, if it is?”


Picking up on Merlin’s lead, Juna shot a quick glance at
Lourdes, while listening to his plan. She was cold and tired,
and had hoped to dry off and warm up a while before setting
out to tend anyone not yet cared for, and to re-visit those
who needed additional attention. Merlin’s request meant she
would have to constantly be aware of where Lourdes was, and
ready to act at the moment the woman appeared about to leave.
That in turn meant she wouldn’t be able to concentrate as well
as she preferred on the people she would be treating. But Juna
very much wanted Merlin’s plan to rescue the prisoners to
succeed. She wanted Eala safely back where she belonged, and
she wanted any chance of betrayal under pressure eliminated.
And of course, she knew that she’d probably do anything Merlin
asked of her, as long as she believed he wasn’t merely taking
advantage of her feelings for him. So really, there was no
need to think this over.

“Yes,” she said, smiling, “I could.” She moved her hand to
allow him to take it. “I’ll watch her surreptitiously, but
like a hawk. And I’ll intercept her if she starts to leave.
But you’d better have a backup method ready in case I can’t
hold her long enough.” She saw the tiredness in Merlin’s face,
and was about to ask if they had time for her to check out his
arm before she had to start her watch. Before she got the
chance though a mysterious, ragged, non-Woadish person
approached them.

Guinevere
 
“Father. Is this disguise sufficient, do you think?"


“Guinevere?” Juna said amidst her amused laughter.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: golden_trillium
Date: Tue Apr 08, 2008 6:55 am
Merlin


Juna
 
“Yes, I could. I’ll watch her surreptitiously, but like
a hawk. And I’ll intercept her if she starts to leave.
But you’d better have a backup method ready in case I
can’t hold her long enough.”


"Oh, there's a backup method, all right," Merlin answered
grimly, his jaw tightening as he gestured in illustration at
the guards keeping watch over the perimeter of the camp. "It's
just a last resort." He shifted his gaze over to Lourdes
again, then back to Juna, his look softening now. Her hand
felt very nice in his, and he rubbed his thumb idly over the
skin there.

"I'll have a few of the kids keep an eye on her, too- so they
can give you some warning." He smiled at her, squeezed her
hand lightly, then heaved another sigh, starting to think
again about what else might need to be done- when the
scarf-wrapped figure of his daughter dashed back up to them, a
bit breathless from a jog across the camp.

Guinevere
 
"Father, is this disguise sufficent, do you think?"


Juna
 
"Guinevere?"


Merlin gave a small laugh himself- Guinevere seemed almost
childlike in her eagerness at that moment- a mirror of how she
had been when she was a young girl, playing in their village,
not yet hardened by war and death. It was rather bittersweet-
but also, Merlin recognized, a good sign. She was ready for
this mission, excited about it. He took a small step
backwards, looking her up and down critically.

"It's good, good," he concluded with a satisfied nod. She had
managed to drape herself in such a way that it obscured her
body well, and her face was covered, too, all but for one eye.
It might do for mixing with the crowd at the marketplace,
something like that- but still, she should not trust it too
far.

"Still, daughter, I trust you will take the utmost care in the
fort, will you not?" Merlin's expression became more stern
now, warning. "There are many who might recognize you- and no
disguise is perfect."
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Unicorn
Date: Tue Apr 08, 2008 9:18 am
Mirtha


Mirtha with Ione beside went to the courtyard, while the
knights and rest arrived on the place. Mirtha was not
specially interested in men, who arrived as he did not really
know many of them... Only that man, who he had met on the
first evening here and his blond haired friend... Gedeon and
Derfel... Mirtha didn't know nobody else from Arthur's elite
group of knights.

He was much more interested in their animal companions...
Horses were tired, need of feeding and water. It was plainly
visible.

Ione
 
"We should go and await them in the stables and prepare
for them."


He nodded his head and without further looking at the arriving
company Mirtha entered the stables with Ione close by. The
place was a bit messy... A bit was too small word for it! The
attack had their effect on the building... He should be here
during the attack!! There were marks of fire on walls and in
some place people still fought to put out the flames. There
was smoke... Thank the heavens for rain!

Ione
 
"What would you like me to do?"


He looked back at Ione and sighed slightly frowning.. What
could she do? Before he could speak she went to the horse in a
nearby stall..

Ione
 
"Mirtha, this is my mare, Tarik. Tarik, this is Mirtha."


Mirtha smiled as the mare tugged his pocket in searching for
food... Normaly he would have something to give him, while
working in this place. But not today. It was a hard time for
them all right now, after the attack.

"Nice..." he said and patted horse on it's neck.

In the moment he wanted to say something more... he heard
noices just outside. The men arrived finally at the place and
were dismouting having them brought to the stables.

"Hey!" he shouted at the group of stable-hands nearby.. "Help
with the horses outside!"

He smiled back at Ione and gave Tarik one more gentle pat on
the neck..

"You can help with giving the horses water.. okey?"

Then he himself moved away with murmured sorry and inspected
each horse... If were they injured or any need of any special
help. It took time... Some were injured, some were exhausted
to the limits.. the one carrying heavy or injured people,
carts... were overburden.

Time passed on hard working right now... Soon he noticed a man
standing near by (Tristan). Mirtha remembered him seeying
returning from the mission with others. He rised an eyebrow at
him.

"Anything you want?" he asked.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Darya
Date: Tue Apr 08, 2008 10:19 am
Darya


The dark Sarmatian thoroughly ignored Lancelot’s snippy tone
even though she wished he would for once spare her with it.
But on the other side, she knew the First Knight well enough
by now to dismiss his words to her as his usual way to deal
with uncomfortable and unpleasant situations...

...and this situation was not only unpleasant but also
shocking...scaring. Darya only reluctantly let go of Arthur’s
hand to open the door to the Commander’s room as Lancelot had
'asked' her to do...and what she would have done anyway. Her
dark eyes never left the Roman while the First Knight more or
less dragged him into the room. Darya supported them as best
as she could...yet always afraid to hurt her lover even more
as she did not know where exactly he was injured. To not feel
completely useless, the woman hurried over to the fireplace
and lit up a fire to warm the room...again and again glancing
over her shoulder at Arthur as she did so...

Lancelot
 
"I'm getting your armor off you, and then I'm calling
for a healer. Do not try to argue with me, or you will
be dead faster than you can say 'Lancelot.'"


Arthur
 
“Do not worry, my friend…I am not going to die,”


Darya winced unconsciously when both men suddenly mentioned
the word 'death' and she shut her eyes for a moment until she
was sure a steady flame would bring light and warmth to the
quarters...as it would certainly do good to Arthur...Lancelot
and herself. No cloak had sheltered her from the persistant
drizzle outside...and she was freezing badly, but still did
not care. Not now... Chewing the inside of her cheeks, the
dark-haired moved over to the wash basin and filled a small
bowl with water. Then she grabbed a small clean cloth and
joined Lancelot by the bed...yet hunkering down opposite him.
A bit hesitantly, she began to dab the soaked yet warm cloth
over Arthur’s pale skin...attempting to wash dirt, rain and
blood off wherever she could without causing him any more
pain...

Arthur
 
“Darya, are you unwell?"


The woman lifted her gaze and looked at her lover from under
her dark eyelashes. The question had caught her a bit off
guard and even though there was a lot she had to tell him,
Darya was not sure if now was the right time. After all,
Arthur’s life was at stake here... Yet should he not know
exactly for this reason?, she thought but quickly forced
herself to dismiss any idea of the man she loved not surviving
the day.

“I...I’m just tired...and exhausted...nothing serious...”, the
female Sarmatian attempted to assure the Roman and even
managed a small smile, “...the Woad attack came unexpected and
lasted longer than the last one... I guess that is why...”
With that, Darya cautiously mopped up Arthur’s brow and could
not help but wonder just how much of the thin wet film on his
skin was rain...and how much was sweat... Cold sweat due to
heavy blood-loss. A symptom she knew too well herself... Then
her gaze lingered on Lancelot’s hands fumbling with the laces
of their Commander’s armour...and she noticed the blood on his
arm...and hands.

“Let me help you...”, she said firmly, put the bowl aside for
a moment and started to unlace the other side of the armour,
“...and even though you will not like this, Lancelot, but you
should see a healer, too...” She paused and let her gaze
shifted from her fellow Sarmatian to Arthur and back. “And how
about you not arguing about it this time either?”, Darya added
and finished unlacing her side of Arthur’s armour. Her small
fingers were cold, too...but still worked deftly... She casted
a meaningful, perhaps slightly warning glance at her fellow
Sarmatian before focussing on Arthur again. Darya was by all
means not in the mood to argue with Lancelot – again and
especially not now – but they had one thing in common now: the
justified concern for Arthur’s health...his life.

“You should drink something...”, the dark-haired quietly
addressed her lover and met his weary emerald gaze again...
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golden_trillium

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Author: golden_trillium
Date: Tue Apr 08, 2008 10:35 am
Tristan


Mirtha
 
"Anything you want?"


"Aye- a horse." Tristan answered as straighforwardly as Mirtha
had asked his question. The stable manager was a direct, blunt
man, not one to beat around the bush, and Tristan appreciated
that- he really did. Some people, he knew, found Mirtha rude
and hard to approach, but then again, those same people found
Tristan impossible, a brick wall when came to communication.
In reality, they both had the same style- they just said what
they meant, when they meant to say it.

"I lost mine in the battle," Tristan explained further,
shrugging to indicate that that was a shame, then reaching out
to lightly pat the neck of the horse in the stall next to him,
who was standing right next to the partition and in easy
reach. It was an idle gesture, almost automatic- Tristan knew
that that particular horse already belonged to one of the
fort's minor officers, but the brief touch of smooth fur was a
comfort, somehow.

"What's available?" He pulled back his hand from the horse's
neck and folded his arms before him, then glanced up and down
the nearest stable row, almost as if the animals that were
ownerless might suddenly make themselves known to him.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Darya
Date: Tue Apr 08, 2008 11:10 am
Neeve


The Briton’s blue gaze shifted from one person to the other
once the small group slowly made its way into the infirmary.
She would not feel okay until they all were inside...where
other healers could help her should someone collapse... She
was somewhat relieved once she could close the door behind
them and watched Derfel and Saoirse maneuver Dagonet to the
next empty cot. Luckily, the fire had not destroyed many beds
so that the infirmary should still have enough space for more
ill and injured people... No doubt, several soldiers would
show up soon...those who had fought the Woads...

Derfel
 
"Neeve, he's got some stitches in his side that might
need a look...."


The healer lifted her chin and hurried over to Derfel to see
what he was referring to. “I have to cut off your shirt,
Dag...”, she addressed the tall knight and her eyes silently
asked him for his permission to do so, “...you know the
procedure...” She gave the Sarmatian a wry smile...yet there
was sadness in her voice. She had seen Dagonet way too often
in the infirmary...too often for her taste... Then her gaze
was on Derfel again. “How was he injured and who has done the
stitching?”, she asked quietly as those were information she
needed to prepare for her check-up on the injured knight.

Linnette
 
“How did it happen? Do…do you know?”


Linnette’s broken voice then caught her attention and she
glanced at the redhead. She hoped that someone could answer
the question...because Linnette deserved to know the truth. To
live on without knowing what had happened was bad...and
painful. She knew it too well... And while Neeve brought her
small knife up with one swift movement of her hand, ready to
tend to Dagonet once she was allowed to, she once more eyed
Linnesse...searching for a hint of the blonde needing some
rest...
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Elessars Girl
Date: Tue Apr 08, 2008 11:48 am
Derfel


Saoirse
 
"Dagonet, lie down..."


“He’s going to be fine…he’s as strong as an ox, strong as they
come, lass,” Derfel gave the redhead a reassuring smile while
they both helped Dagonet to settle on the cot. The younger
knight knew Dagonet disliked the infirmary, all the Sarmatians
seemed to have an aversion to the place, but he needed tending
to and thank the gods for Saoirse’s presense. Certainly she
was the one person Dagonet needed the most now….and with that
thought, Derfel glanced over to have a look at his own lover
again to reassure himself that Linnesse was alright. She had
Linnette pressed to her side as Neeve came to Dagonet’s aid.
All were close at hand as if clinging together in their
sorrow.

Neeve
 
“I have to cut off your shirt, Dag....you know the
procedure...How was he injured and who has done the
stitching?”


“Bors did the best he could last night,” Derfel answered Neeve
with a small nod and then stood from the bed to give the
healer all the room she required. Saoirse’s gentle touch would
certainly be a more welcome comfort than Derfel’s sword
caloused hand in steadying Dagonet as Neeve began her work.

Linnette
 
“How did it happen? Do…do you know?”


Derfel thought that Dagonet should be the one to explain, thus
he remained quiet for the moment….but prepared to give
Linnette the details should the Sarmatian be too exhausted and
pained by the memory to answer. Derfel moved to Linnesse’s
side and wrapped an arm around her slender shoulders. Even
though his lover had attempted to reassure him that she was
better now, Derfel still looked down at Linnesse with concern.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Unicorn
Date: Tue Apr 08, 2008 12:56 pm
Dagonet and Saoirse


Derfel
 
“He’s going to be fine…he’s as strong as an ox, strong
as they come, lass,”


Saoirse's eyes were not leaving her lover's full of sorrow and
pain face. She knew that... she knew Dagonet was strong and
that he was going to be fine. She could not imagine other
possibilities.. In fact she dared not to think of anything
else than being with Dagonet right now. The redhead bit her
lower lip... It must have hurt him so much. His heart probably
was now beating so hard and painfully. Her hand slid slowly to
his chest and felt rapid beating of his heart.

Dagonet oppened his eyes and looked with his weary eyes upon
his lover. He longed to be alone with her.. he longed to just
let his tears and give up to his sorrow. He so longed for
silence and darkness of his room.

Neeve
 
“I have to cut off your shirt, Dag... ...you know the
procedure...”


Dagonet moved his eyes to meet Neeve's... The corners of his
mouth twitched as he saw her wry smile. But it was too soon...
Too soon to smile. Too soon to be relieved of anything. His
body was tense and hardened. Saoirse did not look at the
healer as she came... She watched only Dagonet tired
expression. That Neeve again! But it did not matter right
now... Anything to wipe away this exhaustion and pain from his
face.. Anything. Even Neeve's help.

Dagonet swallowed and nodded his head slightly. Now.. this
might not be pleasant. But necessary.

Neeve
 
“How was he injured and who has done the stitching?”


Derfel
 
“Bors did the best he could last night,”


Bors? Could he sew? Had he done this right? Saoirse thought
with a little panic. Dagonet was the one to mend everybody's
wounds on missions.. while he was injured they all had to take
care of him.. The tall knight did not like that. Being injured
was the worst thing... He did not like to burden others. He
hated in fact.

"New wounds, over the old ones..." he said to Neeve looking
into her eyes avoiding Saoirse's.

Linnette
 
“How did it happen? Do…do you know?”


Dagonet's eyes went to Linnette as she suddenly asked the
qustion. How did it happen? This was painful... Was she
prepared enough to know. Dagonet took a deep breath in, while
Saoirse moved to give Neeve acces to his side and her hands
caught Dagonet's large hand, smoothing it's skin and squeezing
gently.

"He..." it was so hard to speak of it. "...fell... From high
wall... I..I.. did not see... Gawain did" he spoke up after
long moment of silence.

And watched Linnette's face...
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: LadyCastus
Date: Tue Apr 08, 2008 1:15 pm
Barbattus


"Dismissed," Malcus said to the watch commander. The young man
saluted and left the room. The Captain sat back in his chair
and sighed heavily now that the double-watch schedule had been
completed and handed over to the watch commander who would
disseminate the orders to the squad commanders who would post
the rosters in the barracks for the soldiers. Barbattus
reached inside the drawer of his large desk and pulled out a
flask and drank the warm water inside (he never drank spirits
while on duty) but wished it was something a lot stronger.
He thought the day would never end. After drinking his fill,
the commander closed the drawer, stood up and walked out of
his office. He walked down the long narrow hallway headed
outside when he met Titus.

"Walk and talk," Barbattus said, not breaking his long,
rhythmic stride.

"Commander Castus has been sequestered in his quarters, sir.
No one seems to know what's going on."

Malcus glanced at Titus sideways but did not reply. That
wasn't like Arthur at all, the captain thought, and that
behavior confirmed that perhaps Malcus had been right in his
guess that Arthur had been injured. Damn! Barbattus thought to
himself, hoping that his friend was being taken care of. At
least Lancelot is with him. Of that I'm sure.

"The young man, Brendyn is with the medic, sir. He will join
us as soon as he is released," the lieutenant continued.

"Very well," Malcus replied, quickening his pace. "Let's head
to the ramparts and make one last check of the dutymen. I want
to make see how Lucius is faring at his post," he added with a
smirk. "Afterward then Titus, you're dismissed." Malcus said.
"And because of that, let's head over to the tavern and have
an ale."

"Oy, sir," Titus replied with a smile.

Both men approached the main gates and climbed up the grueling
steep steps which led to the ramparts. After a quick discourse
with the duty watch commander and making sure all soldiers
were where they were supposed to be, Barbattus spotted Lucius
and headed toward him.

"How're faring, soldier?" Malcus sarcastically asked the other
Roman and awaited his reply.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Lancelot
Date: Tue Apr 08, 2008 1:57 pm
Lancelot


Lancelot continued to unlace the sides of Arthur's cuirass;
together, he and Darya managed to get it off the Roman.
Lancelot cursed loudly at the sight of Arthur's tunic, soaked
in blood. Not wanting to deal with niceties, and not wanting
to make the commander lift his arms, he pulled his dagger out
of his boot and simply slit through the man's shirt and tore
it away.

Darya
 
“Let me help you...and even though you will not like
this, Lancelot, but you should see a healer, too...And
how about you not arguing about it this time either?”


"Not right now," Lancelot answered, his voice distracted as he
peeled the old dressings off and examined Arthur's freshly
opened wound. The thing looked bad - angrily red and weeping
blood and pus. "Mithras, Arthur," Lancelot sighed, his stress
and worry making him revert to cursing the old Roman soldiers'
god, and stood. "I'm going to call for a healer, and then
we're going to clean this up."

Darya
 
“You should drink something...”


Lancelot looked over at Darya. He was struck suddenly with how
tired she did look. He stepped to her and took her arm in his
hand, gently. "Get him some water... please." He gazed at her
for a moment, and then crossed to the door and opened it,
snagging a conveniently passing page by the collar. "You. Boy.
Go get Neeve from the infirmary, if that's where she is. If
not, find her. Commander Castus needs help, now." He released
the boy and shoved him in the direction of the courtyard.

Lancelot shut the door again, and turned back to the injured
Roman - his friend, his only true friend in all the world,
even if he was an annoying, self-sacrificing, stubborn, too
trusting bastard - and shook his head. He shed his leather
jacket and metal hauberk, tossing them to the corner, and
washed his grubby hands in Arthur's shaving water. He got most
of the muck off, and, dragging the pitcher that still had some
liquid in it, knelt next to Arthur again.

Grabbing one of Arthur's spare tunics from the clean pile of
laundry - it was the closest thing - the knight began to wipe
the excess blood and nastiness off of Arthur's wound.

"Darya," he said while still cleaning, never wavering his gaze
from his task. "Is there any alcohol here?"
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: lady ione
Date: Tue Apr 08, 2008 3:51 pm
Ione


Ione looked up from Tarik who seemed to be infatuated with
Mirtha's tunic and pockets begging for sweets as usual. She
hoped the man did not mind the horse's teasing and begging.
The horses that were being led in were tired and exhausted,
and some in bad need of attention and rest. Around the stables
were signs that it had been hit with spots of fire which made
Ione shiver a bit as it reminded her of the building
collapse...had there been a fire? She could not recall, only
the face of Javier when the rubble had cleared...

Tarik's soft nickering broke Ione's thoughts, when she
realized that the mare was warming up to the man rather well.
Mirtha gave Tarik a good pat on the neck as the mare shifted
her weight contentedly....

Mirtha
 
"Nice..." "Hey!" "Help with the horses outside!"


Ione turned to the sound of men riding their horses into the
stables and dismounting while stable boys rushed over, at
Mirtha's command, to take the nearly spent animals to their
stalls for some much needed care. Tarik's ears perked foreward
as if looking for her mate: Maelwys. Ione felt for the mare as
she, too, had half expected Javier to ride in....but it was a
pipe dream. She stroked the mare's neck to calm her as her big
brown eyes looked over the other horses that arrived. Mirtha
gave Tarik one more gentle pat, to which Ione smiled. There
were few men the bay mare liked, so it was rare that she was
begging for food from Mirtha...

Mirtha
 
"You can help with giving the horses water.. okey?"


Ione looked at Mirtha, spoke something welsh to the mare, then
turned back to the stable master, "It looks like they could
all use a good drink. I will do that then." She cast her cloak
over Tarik's stall door, and rolled up her sleeves. The young
woman walked over to where a bucket was waiting as well as
some stable hands ready to assist her in the duty of watering
the animals....

Time passed for Ione as she worked to water the animals,
then went through with Mirtha to check over some of the
horses, while some of the stable hands assisted with other
duties required. Magnificent creatures some of horses were!
Some were high bred, and their barrings showed it. Some of the
horses required a few stitches, or wounds cleaned, but there
were some that Mirtha, she knew, would have to take care of
for they had gone lame on the battle field or had injuries to
their legs which none could help or heal....

The young woman shuddered to think of what needed to be done
to those, and she kept on working. Having finished with most
of the work, Ione stood and stretched her back a bit. Out of
the corner of her eye, she saw someone standing a bit near to
where she and Mirtha were. Ione turned to see Tristan standing
silent close to them, and she gave him a slight, but tired
smile, 'Tristan, it is good to see you have returned
safely...' Though she and the scout had not spoken much...if
ever...it was still good to see him as it was all of the
knights.

Mirtha
 
"Anything you want?"


Ione frowned as it seemed there was something bothering the
Scout, But before she could ask him, Tristan was already
responding...

Tristan
 
"Aye- a horse." "I lost mine in the battle," "What's
available?"


Ione felt for the scout as seeing a Sarmatian without a horse
was like seeing a sky without the sun. "Tristan...I am sorry
to hear that..." Ione said. There were a lot of horses around
to choose from, but her father had always told her that a
horse chooses it's own master...that there had to be this bond
like she and Tarik, or Arthur and his horse. Ione stood
silently waiting to see what Mirtha would do or say...
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Elessars Girl
Date: Tue Apr 08, 2008 4:22 pm

Arthur


Darya had returned to Arthur’s side and while Lancelot worked
to remove his armor, she brought a cool damp cloth to the
Commander’s brow. He offered a small smile in appreciation
that did not quite reach his eyes. Both Sarmatians were doing
all that they could to help him and thank God it had been only
them when Arthur had faltered….but the Roman still felt
ridiculous and shameful at needing their care. He was the
strong one….it was his task and responsibility to watch over
them both….the two that had a hold on his heart.

Darya
 
“I...I’m just tired...and exhausted...nothing
serious....the Woad attack came unexpected and lasted
longer than the last one... I guess that is why...”


Arthur attempted to search Darya’s dark expression for any
hint of her true emotions as he sensed that she was
withholding the complete truth…..and his only guess was it had
something to do with Lancelot’s presence…the three of them
alone in Arthur’s quarters. But the Roman could not focus on
Darya long enough to ‘read’ her as Lancelot had begun removing
the bandages bringing on another wave of pain. Arthur bit at
his bottom lip in obvious discomfort and silently cursed the
damned wound. He had his duty and he knew that he must yet go
after Merlin…..Arthur’s chin dropped and he allowed his eyes
to shut again while he prayed for the strength to overcome
this. The Commander simply had no time for dealing with an
injury.

Darya
 
“You should drink something...”


Arthur slightly shook his head in refusal. Instead bringing
one hand up to rake through his damp hair, then scrubbing over
his eyes while attempting to focus on anything other than the
scorching pain in his side.

Lancelot
 
"Mithras, Arthur, I'm going to call for a healer, and
then we're going to clean this up."


The Commander voiced no argument; Lancelot’s tone making it
quite clear he’d hear none of it anyways. Arthur momentarily
thought to further question Darya while Lancelot stepped to
the door…but failed as his side twinged again. There were
several things he wished to say to her, things that had been
on Arthur’s mind since the battle at Segedunum. But it would
have to wait. Not only did Arthur need all of his strength to
harness the pain he was experiencing, his immediate focus had
to be on reaching Merlin and ensuring the safety of the
fortress. His private life would have to wait.

“You will have that arm examined,” Arthur said, with as much
of an authoritative tone as he could manage, to Lancelot as
his lieutenant returned to his side. He briefly glanced to
Darya with a silent insistence that she see to it that
Lancelot would be treated for his own injury.

Arthur hissed in pain as Lancelot began to wipe at his angry
wound. His head was swimming again and Arthur had to press the
palms of his hands down on the surface of the bed to steady
himself.

Lancelot
 
"Darya, is there any alcohol here?"


“I need you sober, Lancelot,” Arthur retorted, a momentary
hint of clarity in his deep green eyes as he attempted to
focus on Lancelot. The Commander still intended to ride out to
Merlin and he’d need Lancelot to oversee things here in his
absence; especially should he not return this time. His
inability to comprehend the real reason Lancelot had requested
alcohol only further indicated the true severity of Arthur's
condition. But stubborn as he was, Arthur fought to keep in
control.

Arthur quietly cursed in Latin as Lancelot brushed over a
particular sore area. Despite the knight’s gentleness with the
cloth, it hurt each time Lancelot wiped at any portion of
Arthur’s open wound. Had Aelle cut the Roman with a blade
coated in poison? The thing was becoming one of the worst cuts
Arthur had ever suffered in battle….and that was saying much
as his body was riddled with scars from various injuries.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: golden_trillium
Date: Tue Apr 08, 2008 4:51 pm
Linnette and Linnesse


Dagonet
 
"He...fell...from high wall...I...I...did not
see...Gawain did."


Linnette nodded her understanding, tears leaking from her eyes
again. She wanted to acknowledge Dagonet's words with words of
her own- just 'I see' or something like that- but no words
could come out of her tight-choked throat. The lump that
seemed to have taken up permanent residence there was as large
as her heart.

It was better to know what had happened- better not to be left
wondering- but it was hard to, nonetheless. She couldn't help
but picture Gedeon, toppling from a battlement that must be
very like the ones here at Badon on which she had stood so
many times, nothing but empty space before him, nothing to
hang on to, nothing but death on the ground. She seemed to see
him falling as though from very far away, a distant figure-
very far from any help she or anyone else could have given
him, beyond her reach.

Fallen. Gone. Never coming back. Nothing left. Not even a sad
corpse to bury in Badon's cemetary with his brothers in arms.

Sobs welled up again, fresh, wet ones, though not terribly
loud, that Linnette did not attempt to stem. Was there
anything more pathetic than the thought of her husband's body
lying somewhere, unfound by those who loved him, with no one
to know who he was or care what a good man he had been? She
turned her face away from the others again- she couldn't just
cry barefaced in front of the whole infirmary, and once again
hid it in Linnesse's shoulder; Linnesse, snugged neatly in
between Linnette and Derfel on the bed, had one arm around
each of them and now threw Derfel an anxious glance as she
rubbed Linnette's back with the other hand. He was still
looking very concerned for her.

"I'm all right," she whispered again, though in truth, she was
growing increasingly tired- she could have just lain down and
slept for the whole night right now! But not while Linnette
needed her- she had to stay awake for a while for her sister.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: lady ione
Date: Tue Apr 08, 2008 8:29 pm
Bors and Vanora


Bors eyes could not help moving to the group surrounding
Dagonet's bed. Yes, he was concerned about Adian, but he felt
he had to say something to Linnette. Something meaningful,
though he was not a thought provoking conversationalist.
Vanora stood next to him, and he knew she was thinking as well
about what to do or say. This kept his mind destracted while
the healer removed his stitches, drained the injury, cleaned
it, then put a hot compress on it to draw out the infection.
He squeezed his eyes shut and muttered a good, "Shit that
bloody hurts!" The healer only smiled, and left the hot pack
on the wound for a while. Bors had to admit it felt ten times
better the more infection that drew out of it.

He opened his eyes again, and saw them still gathered around
Dagonet's bed like a "wake" of some sort...minus the ale. The
healer took off the hot pack, and placed an herbal patch over
the wound then wrapped it tightly but comfortably. "All better
now, Bors," The healer said smiling slightly.

"Better for who...." Bors retorted. The healer shrugged and
cleaned her area, before moving to another patient. Bors
looked up at Vanora, "I need to say something to her, 'Nora.
Bloody shame to lose someone you love..." He could not imagine
his life without Vanora, but he'd have the happy memories...

happy memories....

Bors thought for a moment but could only think of one instance
where he had given advice to the nervous groom on their first
wedding night together. It was the only memory he had that
made him smile at least, and perhaps that was something
Linnette needed right now.

A good memory....

Slowly, Bors got to his feet with Vanora's help as she
whispered, 'Now Bors, say something from the both of us, and
make it nice will you?', then moved over to the crowd. "You
know me,' Bors whispered back.

He came to stand by Linnette and looked at her still not quite
knowing what to say....after all he was a warrior, and was not
skilled in the art of compassion or meaningful sayings.
Finally, Bors cleared his throat, ready to make the
meaningfyul phrase he had come up with. His eyes looked from
one person to the other when he said, "Ya know, I remember the
day you and young Gedeon got married. He came to me asking
what he should do on your wedding night," The phrase came out
so casually that Bors just stood there as though it was all
part of the conversation....

Well, at least it sounded good...

Vanora jabbed him in the ribs, and glared at him....







Brendyn

By the third mug of the nasty tasting tea, Brendyn was ready
to leave the gradually crowding infirmary. There were things
he had to do other than drink tea and warm up...he needed to
report to Malcus. Tyranus was already settled in for the stay,
and he had no doubt that the stallion would be well taken care
of by the well trained stable hands. Slowly, and with some
pain, Brendyn sat up on the edge of the bed and began to put
on his tunic with the help of an aid. He could not raise his
left arm very high as the pain there was sharp....

"Well, despite your injuries, I should think that light duty
for a while would be a good thing....if they can spare it,"
The medic said as he approached the bed. The young man had
numerous cuts on his legs that would ache a bit, but his left
arm needed time to heal. Brendyn stood up from the bed, and
looked at the medic who had done a quick efficient job of
tending to him. The medic handed Brendyn a small clay jar of
healing balm to apply to his wounded arm with instructions on
how to care for it. Brendyn nodded his thanks to the medic and
his aide, then headed out into the cold of the late afternoon.
The first thing in order was to find facilities to relieve
himself after all of the tea the medic had given him. He found
one, and did what was necessary, before moving on. It was a
good time to get to know his surroundings. So far he knew
where the infirmary and his quarters and the stables were, but
where was the chapel? It would soon be time for evening prayer
and to remember those he had lost. His hand went to his ex
Commander's sword as the man's words floated through his mind
if you should find me dead on the battlefield, take the sword,
and put it to good use...better than having it rust and become
a treasure for the enemy...

The medic and his aide watched the young soldier as he stepped
outside without a cloak on...both shook their heads and
returned to work. If he did not take care of himself, they'd
see him back in the infirmary soon enough...

Getting his barrings, Brendyn looked about, and found the
place for aquiring a new heavy cloak. He got one, and closed
the Roman designed clasp letting it drape warmly about his
uniformed body. He stopped outside the doors, and made a
mental note of things he had done: Reported in, settled
Tyranus into his new surroundings, aquired a bed in the Roman
quarters, and saw a medic...now to report to Malcus. Carrying
his helmet under his good arm, He made his way to where he had
last seen the two men, Titus and Malcus, but neither were
there. As he searched, he pulled his cloak about him by
holding the sides and pulling them in together to create a
shield of sorts against the cold rain and wind. Brendyn had
not had a cloak for a while until now, and the heavy cloth
made him feel warm though his skin was cold...

It was going to be a cold night again.

He was hungry after seeing to Arthur instead of eating a good
meal. Brendyn could recall only having the stew that the
squires had made the night before. His new Commander was
important though. Antonius had always told Brendyn that some
of his decisions were foolish and irrational, but in this
case, it was either eat, or tend to the Commander, which never
happened because the man refused help, then he had been sent
to meet with the Centurion. Brendyn continued to walk through
the slowly disipating crowds in search of the man he was to
report to. His stomach rumbled in protest, but he did not want
to seem lazy and not report before sitting down to a meal....

It had been a long busy day, and all he could think of was
sleep and food. He had not slept well the previous night as
faces of his dead comrades filled his mind every time he
closed his eyes. The last time he could recall a good night's
sleep was a day prior to leaving for battle. He had to look
alert and awake, and he forced himself to be so....
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