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May 2008
Topic Started: Mar 18 2010, 02:23 AM (3,640 Views)
golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Lancelot
Date: Fri May 02, 2008 7:16 pm
Lancelot


Oh, the cheek of the bastard Optio! Lancelot just loved that
the man totally ignored protocol - Scipio might not like that
Lancelot was Arthur's second, but that didn't change the fact
that he was. And yet here was the hawk-nosed fool, brushing
past Lancelot and speaking to Arthur as if no one else was in
the room.

Amadeus
 
"There was no provocation, Commander. This is just
evidence that you cannot, and should not treat with the
enemy. Ever. I do hope that this has put paid to any
more plans to negotiate with the woads, Sir? They cannot
be trusted, they have proven it so."


Lancelot barked a laugh. He couldn't help it. This man was
telling Arthur Castus how to deal with Woads? Hysterical.
Lancelot rested his hand on the butt of the dagger tucked into
a side sheath in his leathers, and waited with hidden
amusement for Arthur to spank the little bastard into next
week.

Amadeus
 
"Why did you bring that one back, Commander? The woman?
Why keep her alive? There are enough of our men dead to
make her life forfeit in retribution."


Hrm. Damn. The Sarmatian was loathe to admit it - actually, it
made him feel physically ill to admit it - but the fucker had
a point. A point Lancelot himself had tried to make, and
Arthur had ignored his sound advice. Catching Arthur's eyes as
the other man stood shakily albeit with much grace for one so
injured, Lancelot shrugged minutely and made a face as if to
say I'm not the only one who's thought it.

Arthur
 
The captured woman will take me to Merlin. Or she will sacrifice her life. That is the bargain I struck with her. She will most likely die either way if I know Merlin at all."


"Arthur," Lancelot interrupted. He couldn't hold his tongue
any longer, no matter who Arthur was actually speaking to.
"The Optio," he swallowed over the horrid taste that flooded
his mouth as he spoke the hated thoughts. "Scipio is right -
in this regard. The Woads are not to be trusted - or didn't
you realize this when they took me?" He ran a hand through his
hair, not realizing his fingers were trembling. He clenched
them into fists at his sides to hide the movement. He sighed
angrily. "I still think you need to allow someone else - if
not me, perhaps him," he jerked his chin at the hated
hook-beaked Roman, "to go to see the Magician. You are not
well."

His dark eyes would have burned holes in Arthur's skull were
that possible. He took an involuntary step forward, bringing
himself that much closer to Amadeus. He glanced at the other
man - he couldn't stop himself - and sneered without meaning
to at the Optio. "This is a fool's errand. And you, Artos, are
no fool."

The name Arthur's sister had called him slipped from
Lancelot's tongue without his thinking about it, but once he'd
spoken it, the feeling in the room changed for him. His eyes
locked with Arthur's, and something began to build - the air
felt thick, and Lancelot suddenly had a hard time breathing.
What would the man do? Lancelot prayed to whatever annoying
god was listening that for once, just once, Arthur would
listen to reason and do what Lancelot suggested.

Otherwise - and despite the fact that there were women present
- it might just get ugly.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: golden_trillium
Date: Fri May 02, 2008 8:02 pm
Linnette and Linnesse


Derfel
 
“Yes…yes, of course. I had it in me mind to pay a visit
to the chapel on his behalf today already, luv.”


He was calling her love? Linnette's nose wrinkled just
slightly; once more she found that his combination of rather
forced familial closeness and hesitancy- witness his hand that
had twitched toward her arm and then withdrew nervously-
annoyed her. And love? It was condescending, coming from him-
like he was speaking to a child. But he was giving in to her
admittedly silly, paranoid request- she couldn't be too upset
with him, though the sense of unease and discomfort remained.
She returned his half-bow with a rather frosty nod, having
fallen back on coldness as a defense mechanism against either
anger, or tears again. What other emotions were there to feel?

"Thank you- I'm grateful," she told him, and truly, she was.
She was very grateful- she did want that candle seen to, for
her peace of mind. But she didn't want to stand here and
endure Derfel's pity any longer, either. She raised her chin
and turned just a touch away, uncertainly, though the mask of
her face hid that nearly completely, as Derfel turned
solicitously to Linnesse.

Derfel
 
“Linnesse, luv, I will not be too long…you want to go
with your sister? I’ll catch up.”


"Well..." Linnesse tossed an anxious glance at Linnette as she
took Derfel's hand. She truly did not understand what her
sister was thinking now- she did not understand why she
suddenly seemed to be avoiding eye contact with her or Derfel.
But even though she craned her head a little, trying to catch
Linnette's gaze again, she got no response, except a tiny,
barely perceptible nod that might have said "go ahead".

"I...perhaps I'll come with you...say a prayer myself?" She
looked at Derfel for the first part of the sentence, then
aimed her suggestion at Linnette, almost pleadingly, searching
for approval, and she got it in a firmer nod, now.

"I'd like that, Linnesse- but be sure to rest afterwards,
won't you?" Linnette tried for a ghost of a smile, then,
though it turned out looking more pained. Tears, though they
did not really threaten to spill over, had made their presence
known once again at the corners of her eyes, and she turned
away again. She was not going to go see Arthur crying!

Drake
 
"You sure you're ready?"


The second voice was low, like a rumble suddenly beside her-
but Drake did not meet her eyes at all, only looked down
somewhere in the vicinity of her hands, clasped in front of
her as she had nothing else to do with them. Was she
ready...it looked, rather surprisingly, and perhaps
unnecessarily, like he was proposing to escort her to Arthur
himself.

"Yes," she replied to him gravely, simply, with a blink to put
back the vestiges of tears once again. She cast another glance
back at Derfel and Linnesse, a silent farewell for now, though
there seemed no reason to say anything else, and a risk of
crying if she did- the way Derfel was gently holding
Linnesse's hand right now, she and Gedeon used to do that- and
turned and started down the corridor towards where she knew
Arthur's quarters to be. Drake was near her- she knew it, and
even took a little comfort in it, but she gave no sign, not
looking at him as she walked, and keeping her chin up, her
lips together, and her face serious- oh, so serious- and,
inevitably, sad. Whatever Arthur wanted of her, there was
nothing to be but sad.

As her sister and Drake walked away down the corridor,
Linnesse bit her lip worriedly and glanced again up at Derfel
for reassurance, but said nothing as they once again made
their way outdoors into the rain. Linnette seemed so closed
off, as if she had built a wall around her soul. The way she
insisted on doing everything herself- was it normal, that?
Should she be more dependent? Or should Linnette, who had
always been as independent as she could be, not be expected to
change that essential characteristic of her in grief? What
could Linnesse do to help her, to help her have the best life
possible even with her beloved gone? Linnesse didn't have any
answers for herself- and decreasing energy to think about
them. By the time they got to the chapel steps, she was near
exhausted again, leaning on Derfel's arm almost as much as she
had done last night, her eyes weary and her head drooping.
Maybe this excursion to the chapel hadn't been the best idea
after all.








Tristan

Barbattus
 
“Fucked up morning, isn’t it? I need to know what
happened out there on that road. I lost eight men, god
dammit and nobody can tell me why. What of this
god-forsaken peace treaty of Merlin’s? What the fuck
happened? Then, of all things, Arthur brings along that
Woad bitch as a way to get to Merlin! She’s been nothing
but trouble since she got here! I beat the guard at her
cell door within an inch of his miserable life because
if Quintus hadn't showed up, that miserable piece of
goat dung would have gotten away with it! He tried to
take her, force her, right there in the cell, the
bastard! The healer never came last night so now she and
the rabid Woad child have been taken to the infirmary
under guard. What a pain in my arse. Arthur did not
receive visitors last night, which is not like him at
all. Nor have I seen Lancelot. I suspect the Commander
must have been injured more than I previously thought. I
will go call on him after I get something to eat.
Perhaps putting something in my stomach and fondling the
firm breasts of a wench will lighten my mood. Care to
join me, old man?”


Tristan gave a soft, amused snort at that. The Captain
couldn’t possibly know of his appointment with the blonde
whore after the noon meal, but he had ironically put his
finger almost exactly on the scout’s plans. Except that
Tristan wouldn’t be “joining” anyone- he didn’t share. Not
that way. Still, a little half smile tugged at the corners of
his mouth as he orgainzed an answer to the Captains's ranting
questions. Barbattus had never been one to keep his opinions
to himself for long- but even for him, he was unusually vocal
today.

"The road...who knows," Tristan gave a regretful, exasperated
shrug as they rounded a corner, leaving the side street and
starting to cross the main courtyard to the stables. Barbattus
seemed to be headed more or less there himself, and that suited Tristan very well.

"They came up so sudden they damn near shot me." Tristan shot
a grimace over at the Captain, then folded his arms grumpily,
looking down and kicking at a loose stone.

"Merlin's a devil, always will be. And that Woad woman-
fucking bitch. You said there's a child, too?" He looked back
at Barbattus sharply at that. He hadn't noticed a child-
certainly no child had been taking by Arthur's group. What in
the world would Arthur want with a Woad child? An
uncomfortable vision came to him then, of Fiona, whom he had
also thought of as a child, in chains in the dungeons. What in
the world was imprisoning a child supposed to accomplish?
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golden_trillium

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Author: linnet
Date: Fri May 02, 2008 8:28 pm
Mother Lavinia


Lavinia sent a silent thank you to Her Boss when she saw that
Neeria was regaining consciousness. Now that she had been
cleaned up, the Woad looked serene and quite pretty – a young
woman instead of a wild painted savage. Neeria still was weak,
but she gave her attention to the worried girl immediately,
before turning to Lavinia.

Neeria
 
“Thank you.”


The nun saw the tears in the woman’s eyes, but just gave a
little snort and a dismissive ‘no need to mention it’ wave of
her hand. Sentimental emotions were something Lavinia had no
room for. But someone looking closely into her tired old eyes
could see that Neeria’s gratitude had been appreciated.
Running the madhouse which was her infirmary meant that most
of the nun’s time was spent on administrative details and
supervisory duties. It was satisfying to once in a while
actually be a healer again.

Just as expected, the little girl wasn’t about to let Lavinia
treat her too. But after some skillful coaxing and
encouragement from Neeria, the child stomped around the bed.
Lavinia couldn’t hide a smile at the sight of the filthy waif
with the coal-black eyes, defiantly waiting for something to
happen. Well, it was back on her knees again, as Lavinia put a
clean towel into the basin of water with soothing powder,
wrung it out, and gently started to wash the small body. Under
the blanket which Lavinia took and set down beside them, the
child was stark naked. The nun tried to give special attention
to the bruises and scrapes, to get them clean without hurting
the girl too much. When the cleaning was finished as best it
was going to be, Lavinia reached to the supply stand behind
her and held up a soft white tunic, a child’s version of the
one Neeria wore. It was obviously going to be bigger than the
tiny framed Woad needed, but after the child eyed it
uncertainly, Lavinia set it on the floor right next to the
blanket. Then when the girl seemed distracted just a little,
looking at her choices of apparel, the nun took the injured
shoulder firmly in her hands and gave a quick twist to get it
correctly back in place. Then she stood and backed away a bit,
because she knew that would have hurt.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Ranchera
Date: Fri May 02, 2008 9:46 pm
Connell


Guinevere
 
"The gods be with you, too, Father. Come, let us find a
vantage point from which to await the signal."


Connell's hand came to the hilt of his hunting knife. He would
carry no sword, but it was a good weapon should he need to use
it. He glanced at Guinevere and Mona on either side of him.
The women were quiet now, perhaps each to her own thoughts,
but together they made their way towards the fort.

After walking some ways, Connell said, "It is wise that we
have sustenance. I am carrying some flatbread and seeds. You
don't suppose we might stop and eat? After all, you'll want
your strength when we reach the fort. And who knows how long
we'll have to wait?"
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: LadyCastus
Date: Fri May 02, 2008 9:58 pm

Titrus


As Malcus moved past the two men, Titrus turned, with a scowl
on his face, and looked at Brendyn.

“I don’t like lying to my superior officer. I will NEVER do it
again. Consider yourself in my debt. Now let’s move.”

Titrus walked briskly down the narrow passageway that led to
the small alleyway behind the fortress barracks. Before they
even got close to the latrines, the smell was unmistakable.
Titrus wrinkled up his nose and subconsciously slowed his
pace. Taking his cloak and placing it over his nose, Titrus
approached the door in an almost squat-like position akin to a
cat sneaking up on a mouse. Once he opened the door, he
involuntarily gagged. The lieutenant turned and looked at
Brendyn, speaking through the cloth covering his mouth.

“It’s nice and ripe for you! Now go get changed out of your
uniform and get your arse back here in double time. Move!”

Brendyn saluted and turned toward the front of the barracks
when he stopped suddenly and grabbed his side. When he looked
at his hand, there was blood.

“What’s the matter with you? You’re not getting out of…”
Titrus asked. Then the lieutenant noticed just how pale the
soldier was.

“Are you wounded, soldier?”












Neeria

Neeria laid her head back down on the bed when Eala finally
relinquished and moved toward the healer. Neeria lay looking
at the ceiling of the old infirmary frequently offering a
soothing touch or sound of her voice if Eala seemed to become
uncomfortable while the nun did her work on the younger woad .

”What am I doing here?” the woad warrior thought to herself.
So many things had happened in such a short period of time.
Not two days ago, she was filled with hatred for Arthur Castus
and she'd wanted to kill him. She should have killed the scout
on the road the second she saw him. Because she’d hesitated,
he’d been able to warn Arthur that they were coming. She
hadn't expected to see anyone. If she’d killed the scout, the
surprise of the attack may have been to her advantage. Neeria
had tried and she’d gotten so close. But she was badly injured
and Arthur was just too big for her take down from her
advantage point. He simply bested her. Was she a fool for
thinking she could have killed him? But she’d been so close.

She hated the Romans. They were responsible for the deaths of
her people. But her hate went no further. She didn’t hate the
Sarmatians – they were slaves like the native Britons.
Sarmatians , she thought. Tristan, the scout came to her mind
again. He looked so much like Mikel. Neeria thought of those
who were lost in this last attack – Serus and her beloved
Mikel.

She sighed out loud and pulled herself away from her thoughts.
They were too painful. Neeria was suddenly very tired and
sleepy. She looked over at Eala and the nun. The healer had
laid out a tunic for the girl to put on. Neeria closed her
eyes to go to sleep when suddenly she heard a horrifying
crrrrrrrack!. She opened her eyes to see Eala’s black eyes
fixated on the nun as though she were about to attack.

"Eala!!" Neeria screamed, ignoring the pain that exploded in
her side.













Malcus Barbattus

Malcus and Tristan turned in the direction of the stables. The
captain would check on his mount, Falco, before breakfast.
Malcus was feeling somewhat better having blown off some
steam. The prospect of fondling bosom over breakfast became
very appealing to him as the two men made their way. Tristan
didn’t respond to Malcus’ question about joining him which was
fine with the captain. That just meant more teet for him.
Malcus licked his lips at the thought. Tristan seemed focused
on the business at hand instead.

Tristan
 
The road...who knows,


Talkative bastard, aren’t you? Malcus thought to himself and
curled his lips. Tristan was a man of few words and Barbattus
couldn't help but wonder what lurked in that brain that was
well hidden behind those dirty braids. But much to Malcus'
surprise, Tristan continued. But only a little bit.

Tristan
 
They came up so sudden they damn near shot me.


Barbattus raised an eyebrow but didn’t interrupt the scout.

Tristan
 
Merlin's a devil, always will be. And that Woad woman-
fucking bitch. You said there's a child, too?


“Seems like that fucking prick Mordred captured her himself
when Merlin's runners rushed the side gate. What a big man
Mordred is! He beat the shiete out of a little girl. Big man.
Looks like he dislocated her shoulder, stomped her and the
Christ himself only knows what else. In addition, she’s as
naked as the day she was born. Damned animals those fucking
woads, all of ‘em! Men, women and children, it don't matter”
Malcus scoffed.

Just as the two men neared the stables, a young page ran up to
Barbattus and saluted. Barbattus tipped his head back to the
boy.

“Commander Castus has requested your presence in his private
chambers at once. SIR!”

It wasn’t the greatest timing, but the captain was glad he
would be able to see his friend, Arthur. “Very well,” he told
the boy. “I will be there immediately.”

The boy saluted again, “Yes sir!” and took off running in the
direction from which he came.

“Tristan,” Malcus said, turning back to the knight, “it would
seem that our talk has been interrupted. Perhaps we’ll meet up
later over a tankard of spicy mead.”

Malcus reached out again to shake with Tristan and turned away
from the stables, walking toward Arthur’s quarters.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: golden_trillium
Date: Sat May 03, 2008 7:30 am
Tristan


Barbattus
 
“Seems like that fucking prick Mordred captured her
himself when Merlin's runners rushed the side gate. What
a big man Mordred is! He beat the shite out of a little
girl. Big man. Looks like he dislocated her shoulder,
stomped her and the Christ himself only knows what else.
In addition, she’s as naked as the day she was born.
Damned animals those fucking woads, all of ‘em! Men,
women and children, it don't matter.”


"Hmmmph." Tristan gave a grunt of agreement to that. Woad were
animals, filthy, stinking animals who didn't even ride, but
crawled about in trees like spiders. And Mordred had captured
one of their little girls? Tristan couldn't imagine why, and
his mind once again shied away from the images that Barbattus'
words planted in his mind. But she was being cared for, as was
the other woman- Barbattus had said that. They both ought to
be dead, though, Tristan thought savagely. Dead, so they
couldn't wheedle Arthur with their false promises anymore.

They were just outside the stables now, and as Tristan reached
for the door handle, a page boy dashed up to them and
announced a summons for Captain Barbattus.

Page boy
 
“Commander Castus has requested your presence in his
private chambers at once. SIR!”


Barbattus
 
"Very well. I will be there immediately.”


Page boy
 
“Yes sir!”


Hmm...no summons for him, Tristan. The scout frowned slightly
as the boy dashed off. That meant they probably weren't riding
anywhere just yet- but that, in turn, probably meant no good
for the state of the Commander's health. He had meant to ride
out to Merlin yesterday afternoon- and now it was the next
morning and still no indication of any action being taken.
What could that mean except that Arthur was too wounded to do
what he had decided he would do. The pensive frown was still
set on Tristan's face as Barbattus took his leave.

Barbattus
 
“Tristan, it would seem that our talk has been
interrupted. Perhaps we’ll meet up later over a tankard
of spicy mead.”


"Yeah." Tristan glanced thoughtfully one more time in the
direction where the boy had disappeared, then turned back to
the Captain, with a deep breath for the unusually forward
speech he was about to make.

"Let me know how the Commander's doing. If you can. Sir." He
didn't report to Barbattus, and rarely had reason to talk
official matters with him, but the Captain outranked him, so
Tristan added the title as a rather awkward finish, feeling it
necessary if he was to make a request. Arthur usually did not
hide much from the scout- or at least, realized that Tristan
was going to see everything anyway- and clearly right now, all
was not well. And Tristan wanted to know the full extent of
it, all the bad news at once, so he could be prepared. Being
prepared was everything.

But for now, he sketched another salute for Barbattus and
ducked inside the warm stables, trying to push his worry to
the back of his mind and concentrate for a while on horsey
matters instead.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Unicorn
Date: Sat May 03, 2008 11:46 am
Mirtha


Vanora
 
"What can I get you this morning, Mirtha? All we have
right now is eggs, meat and some fresh bread..."


Mirtha was looking at Vanora talking to that girl (Tatiana), who sounded and looked familiar, but his mind was not so soon ready for any thinking. He was looking at the familiar woman with a deep frown. Who was she?

When Vanora approached and cheerfully told him about the food
situation his mood became even more dim. He looked up at the
tavern menager and rolled his eyes.

"Just water... and that bread..." he said and shook his head
murmuring something under his breath... Just fucking great.

He looked back at the woman and then her face took it's right
place in his mind.

"What the hell?" he murmured and stood up and walked towards
Tatiana and pointed a finger at her. "Are you not suppose to
be working now? What the fuck are you doing here, when there
is so much work in the stables?" his voice was at the start
deadly cold, but then it rised in anger. He rised his eyebrow
and waited for her answer.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Elessars Girl
Date: Sat May 03, 2008 12:05 pm
Derfel


Derfel had silently accepted Linnette’s words of gratitude,
but could not help feeling strange in her presence; her hazel
eyes uncharacteristically cold and closed off….he was certain
to be spending a great deal more time with the raven-haired
sister….so he’d best get used to it. He’d rather Linnette was
fussing at him like normal instead of this….but she was
grieving and each person dealt with loss in their own way.

Linnessse
 
"I...perhaps I'll come with you...say a prayer myself?"


The knight wrapped a protective arm around Linnesse and
glanced over at Drake for a moment longer. Derfel seemed to
see genuine concern on the older man’s craggy expression….not
typical of a Roman soldier in the young knight’s opinion…but
it seemed to ensure that Drake would indeed see Linnette
safely to Arthur.

Linnette
 
"I'd like that, Linnesse- but be sure to rest
afterwards, won't you?"


Derfel looked to Linnette again as if to offer his silent
reassurance that Linnesse would indeed be resting immediately
afterwards. He had opened his mouth to offer to fetch Linnette
from the Commander’s quarters, but thought better of it. She
did not seem to welcome Derfel’s support right now…not
unexpected either. But Derfel had promised Dagonet he’d see to
Linnette and by the gods he would. Whether she’ll allow it or
not.

As he began to lead Linnesse back towards the exit, Derfel
heard Drake’s voice as he addressed Linnette….

Drake
 
"You sure you're ready?"


….the older man’s words seemed to contain protective
undertones as if Drake had insight…..Surely he knows Arthur
would not hurt Linnette. I am reading him wrong…surely. Derfel
slightly shook his head at his own foolishness while helping
Linnesse down the steps and back out into the cold morning
rain. And by the time the two had actually made it to the
entrance to the chapel, Derfel could see the exhaustion in
Linnesse’s eyes and in her slumped posture. Perhaps he should
have insisted that his lover wait in Linnette’s room while
Derfel took care of the errand. He also thought to ask
Linnesse about how well she and Linnette knew this man Drake.
Derfel could not remember the man being around the family
before the mission.....but later.

“You will spend the rest of this miserable day tucked into
bed….ya hear?” Derfel gave his orders with a tone that brooked
no argument; expression full of concern as he nearly carried
Linnesse through the threshold of the chapel door. He gave a
gentle rub at Linnesse back as the two made their way towards
the front of the chapel.

It had been a long time since Derfel had attended a Christian
service….although Gedeon and Linnette’s wedding quickly came
to mind. Derfel had spent several years of his youth in the
monastery at Ynys Wydryn (Glastonbury), thus he understood the
teachings of Christ despite remaining a pagan. He still
remembered many of the old prayers he’d been instructed in by
the monks. Surely one would be appropriate for Gedeon.

As Derfel led Linnesse to the front of the chapel, he noted
that they were interrupting another person’s prayer. A man
(Lucius) in uniform…one of the Roman soldiers no doubt…was
knelt in prayer as they approached the altar. Derfel’s gaze
immediately went to the candles; searching for the one
Linnette had indicated…the one in front. It was still
burning….brightly.

“Forgive our intrusion, my friend,” Derfel quietly offered his
apologies to the soldier as he helped Linnesse to join him in
kneeling beside the other man.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Pinkie
Date: Sat May 03, 2008 12:54 pm
Amadeus


Amadeus would never admit it nor wuold he ever let it show,
but Arthur rising to his impressive height when so obviously
injured was ... disconcerting. It was not scary - it was just
unsettling. It was like looking at a corpe rising from the
dead. It was like slaying your enemy and taking a breath, only
to see him rise up stronger than ever, and angry for you
killing him.

The Optio ignored Lancelot's snort - he ignored Arthur's
gesture towards his first Knight. In fact, he was still
pretending that the two women and First Knight were not in the
room at all. They shouldn't have been there - this should have
been between Arthur and himself but the man insisted on
showing weakness, he insisted on letting his pets shit on the
carpet.

Arthur
 
“To address your first concern, Amadeus,”


Amadeus!!! The Optio practically shrieked in his own mind. Why
did Arthur insist on calling him by his first name in front of
the damn slaves?! What was wrong with him that he could not
recognise rightful rank and authority? Why did he insist on
undermining his authority so blatantly?

Arthur
 
“I have known Merlin for many years, sir, thus I do
believe that I am a far better judge of his character
than you at this juncture, And that brings me to your
next point of contention, The captured woman will take
me to Merlin. Or she will sacrifice her life. That is
the bargain I struck with her, She will most likely die
either way if I know Merlin at all,”


Amadeus remained quiet throughout Arthur's explanation. He
looked nothing like a chided subject however. He looked
vicious - his sharp grey eyes boring up at the Commander who
stood a few inches taller than him. He could have laughed at
Arthur thinking that 'knowing Merlin' for so long was a good
thing. It was abominable! He frowned at the Commander's
seeming caustic attitude towards the woman, his lack of regard
for her life. It was entirely uncharacteristic for Arthur to
be dismissive of anyone's life, even if it was his enemy.

Just as he parted to speak up, at least about the first issue,
turned to ash.

Lancelot
 
"Arthur, The Optio, Scipio is right - in this regard.
The Woads are not to be trusted - or didn't you realize
this when they took me? I still think you need to allow
someone else - if not me, perhaps him, to go to see the
Magician. You are not well. This is a fool's errand. And
you, Artos, are no fool."


The thought of his ideas running concurrent with Lancelot's
was even more disconcerting than seeing Arthur rise to his
feet. It made the bile rise in the back of his throat but
Amadeus kept his eyes set forward, boring up into Arthur's
without relenting. They flickered with surprise when Lancelot
suggested that he should go see Merlin. The potential for
control very near dazzled him completely but he did not react.
Not until he was certain Lancelot had shut his trap. But there
was more!!

Artos? Was that a pet-name or something?!

Amadeus frowned, turning his head sharply to glower at
Lancelot before whipping his head back to Arthur. He had
resolved to pretend Lancelot was not there, had he not?
He was intrigued as to this bit of information that slipped
from Lancelot about him being taken by the woads, When had
that been? What were the circumstances surrounding that event?
Amadeus put it to the back of his mind to enquire about this
event when he got the chance.

"As Rome's officially declared second to your command,
Commander, it would only be fit that I go to Merlin. Lancelot
is right. You are not a fool." Amadeus turned to Lancelot with
a devious smirk beneath his hooked nose - "And you are ill,
Arthur." he said with obvious relish in his eyes but lacking
it in his voice so that only Lancelot knew his enjoyment of
the Commander's condition.









Drake

Drake was not relieved to be left alone with Linnette, not
after seeing her reaction to her brother-in-law. It seemed
uncharacteristic of her though he could not say he knew her
character as well as Derfel might. The man took it well
though, bowing to Linnette and then taking his wife's hand and
leading her away. The Spaniard was not afraid of meeting
Linnette's eyes. He was just fascinated, once more, with her
hands. They were tiny hands, extraordinary that they were the
hands of a potential mother.

He waited patiently for her response, listening to the
footsteps of Derfel and Linnesse retreating.

Linnette
 
"Yes,"


Nodding his head, Drake turned to walk a pace behind Linnette,
still with his saddlebags slung awkwardly over his shoulders.
They brushed the walls every now and then, the only other
noise beside their footsteps. Drake watched Linnette's back,
the stiff way that she walked, uncertain. Did she knew that he
would ensure that she did nothing she did not feel ready to
do? Did she realise that he would stand guard by her door
without sleep if she needed him to? Did she know that he would
try to bring her husband back to life just to see her smile???

Stupid, foolish notions.

Drake snorted at himself, walking a little quicker to catch up
to Linnette. He had his chin lowered and his brow, eternally,
furrowed.

"If the world was perfect then no-one would die. People do die
which ... which leaves us left to hope that the world beyond
this is perfect." the Spaniard spoke uncharactertistically
profound words, the last coming out as a rush as he realised
how stupid he sounded. He tensed his jaw, glancing sideways at
Linnette to note her reaction, but also to ensure that she
could see the eternal hurt in his own eyes from having lost
his whole family, so that she might understand his need to
believe that the world beyond this one might be perfect. It
was not just his wife that was there, but his sons. His three
young sons.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: LadyCastus
Date: Sat May 03, 2008 12:54 pm
Malcus Barbattus


Malcus reached the entrance to the barracks and removed his
cloak. As he passed the sentry on duty, he nodded his head and
walked to his own quarters first before going to see Arthur.
The captain laid his cloak neatly on the back of a chair and
sat down on his bed. Barbattus looked down at his boots while
at the same time, reaching for a cloth that was laying neatly
on his bed table. He unlaced his boots, removed them and began
to wipe off the dirt and mud. When the gunk was gone, the
captain reached under the bed with one hand and pulled out a
small cup that contained congealed pork grease. Malcus dipped
the cloth into the grease and smeared it onto his boots,
rubbing it around so they shone. When satisfied with the
finish, Malcus pushed the cup back under his bed. The captain
then stood up and straightened out his uniform, smoothing his
hands down the length of body. He brushed off any loose
particals and straighted his gig line. Malcus was a devoted
military man and if he had orders to report to the fortress
commander, he would present himself as such even if he and
Arthur were friends.

Barbattus crossed the room and approached the very small
mirror hanging in his wash area and looked at his reflection.
Not bad, old man he smiled to himself. The chamber wench had
already been in to make the beds, take the dirty clothes and
replenish the wash basins. The captain dipped his hands in the
cool water and splashed his face, drying it on the clean
cloths the girl had left next to the basin. Then he ran his
still wet fingers through his thick black curly hair. He took
the mint stick next to the basin and chewed a couple of
leaves, swishing them around in his mouth then spitting into
the bed pan. Checking his reflection again and satisfied that
he was presentable as an officer of the Roman Army, Barbattus
made his way 'round to the other wing of the barracks where
Arthur's quarters were housed.

Malcus reached the outer door and heard voices inside. With a
smile on his face, he knocked loudly and waited to greet his
friend.
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golden_trillium

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Author: Pinkie
Date: Sat May 03, 2008 1:06 pm
Eala


Eala had never had someone to tend to her the way the old nun
did now. At first she was cautious, untrusting. Her black eyes
were unforgiving as they glared down at the woman washing the
scabbed skin about her knees, skin that had been stained blue
from many excursions with the warriors onto the field of
battle. Her untrusting bleakness was slowly, SLOWLY, being
withered away as each layer of grime and dust was removed. She
stood without shame in her naked state. She had been dressed
when taken to the cells - they had attempted to clean her the
night before, removing her clothes, but she had ensured that
they did not get close enough to wash.

The nun was almost finished washing her. Eala had a hand
lifted upwards, her brows furrowed as she looked at her clean
fingers in wonderment. Her painfully thin body was shaking
with cold, but she was quite adept at ignoring such trivial
things as body termperature. A white tunic was held up. Eala
slowly lowered her hand, glowering at the nun, her lips
twitching into a sneer but not quite making it yet.

Neeria touched her back gently, encouragingly. Eala's nose
wrinkled, she looked over her shoulder at the older woad and
then looked down at the tunic consideringly, chewing the
inside of her cheek. Distracted, Eala had just shaken to life
when the nun reached over, popped her shoulder and withdrew.
The initial rage that Eala felt, the untrusting fury that was
her nature when in the company of Romans, swelled in her
little chest. She did not make a sound, glaring at the nun,
crouching -- and then the pain struck. All thoughts of
attacking the nun were scuppered as the jolt sent Eala to her
knees.

"UHNA!!" she cried out, not hearing Neeria's call behind her.
The ten-year old twisted on the ground, crawling under the bed
and grabbed the tunic. She let out the most feral sobs as she
hid beneath the bed, scrambling to get teh tunic on. Once it
was over her head, she scrambled out the far side of the bed,
scampering in the direction of the shelf with utensils.
Lavinia was in her path however, and Eala stopped, hissing at
her before backing away, her feet crossing over each other
until she bumped into the bed.

The pain was still agonising and she turned, jumping onto the
bed and then slipping down to the other side. Her black eyes
were filled with tears of pain - but she looked more furious
than hurt right now, head whipping side to side for something
to defend herself.

Her hand flew up to her wounded shoulder and she let out a
sob, her bottom lip trembling. Her tortured black eyes turned
to Neeria and her mouth opened, moisture leaking from her eyes
as she gave another hurt groan before hunkering down onto her
heels, holding her arm in the hopes of stopping the pain.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: LadyCastus
Date: Sat May 03, 2008 1:13 pm

Mona


Mona's mind was racing trying to plan her next moves. She had
to be sure not to alert anyone to her plans. The three of them
- Guinevere, Connell and Mona - were moving through the woods
at a good rate of speed and at that pace, they'd make it to
the wall in no time. Mona realized that she didn't have much
time to plan her strategy. If she was going to take out both
Neeria and Guinevere, she'd have to do it before they got
together. If the three of them actually found Neeria, it would
be too difficult for Mona to take on both warriors at the same
time. Then there was that damn Ash to consider as well. Oh!
Mona didn't doubt her ability to kill either one of them. She
was quite confident in her prowessness as a fighter, but why
tire herself? No. She would take out Guinevere first then
Neeria. Afterall, Neeria would have no idea that Guinevere was
even involved in the rescue. But what to do about Connell?
Certainly he was no threat to her...that was ridiculous...and
would Ash buy into the notion that Merlin would have sent Mona
alone on a rescue mission?

As the woad was playing out the scenarios in her mind,
suddenly Connell spoke up.

Connell
 
It is wise that we have sustenance. I am carrying some
flatbread and seeds. You don't suppose we might stop and
eat? After all, you'll want your strength when we reach
the fort. And who knows how long we'll have to wait?


What the bloody hell? Mona said to herself, He wants to stop
and eat?!. Wanting to take out her dagger and stab Connell in
his throat, Mona instead, reigned in her anger and stopped
walking. She turned to Connell and said,

"If this mission is too strenuous for you old man, why don't
you turn around and go back. We haven't gone that far. You'll
be back at your farm before dark," Mona snickered then added,
"The princess and I will be fine without you."

As hard as she tried not to, her lips curled up into a snarl
and her blue eyes flashed dangerously.

"But of course, Guinevere, it is your decision whether we stop
or keep going."

Mona rolled her eyes at Connell and turned to look at
Guinevere.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Pinkie
Date: Sat May 03, 2008 1:23 pm
Mari and Kolya


"I... It isn't ... what you think it is .. it's ...
different." Mari tried to explain, tucking her hair behind her
ear constantly, her big brown eyes looking up at her father's
furious blue eyes hopefully. Mari was not one to be quelled or
scared by a furious look, not from her father. She had faith
that he would not be angry with her once he knew all the
story. So far she had gotten to the bits about it not being
Milan that had hurt her. She had told him that Milan was her
best friend, that he was more than her best friend. At which
point Kolya had gone stonily quiet. Seething.

"He's not bad, Kolya. He's a good man..."

"He's a fucking boy, Mari. He's a child. Just like you're a
fucking child who doesn't have a fucking clue -- " the male
growled.

Mari flinched at the language he was using but she shrugged
sweetly, her eyebrows lifting hopefully.

"Well then surely we are a good match... considering we are
both young... M..."

"Young and damn stupid! He only wants one thing from you Mari,
that one fucking thing that that other bastard took because
you wouldn't give it!"

"STOP!" Mari cried, suddenly angry that her father was putting
Milan into the same category as Mordred. It was horrid to
think it, it was wrong of her father to say it! "Stop it! He
is not like him - he's not like anyone! And most importantly
he's not like you! That's why I love him!" Mari declared in a
loud tone of voice, her pale cheeks reddening with anger, her
eyes beginning to water though not in sadness, more in anger.
Kolya stared at his daughter in wonderment. His daughter...
was she even his daughter? He waited for her rant to be over
and then lashed out himself.

"Love?! Fucking love ?! What the fuck do you children know
about love?!" the Sarmatian bellowed.

Mari wrinkled her nose and threw up her hands, turning on her
heel.

"More than you. You're incapable of love, father. And yuo make
it impossible to love you too." she said resolutely, slamming
the door as she left the room. She heard her father shout 'oy'
but he never came after her as she stalked down the corridor
and went out into the drizzling rain of teh morning. She took
a deep breath and realised she was shaking. The breath rattled
from her parted lips and Mari swallowed hard.

She had never, ever stood up to her father like that before.
It felt strange... but oddly good.

Puffing out her cheeks the young woman went across the
courtyard towards the tavern. She still had the pouch of money
that Amadeus had given her - she had not opened it yet, but as
she wandered towards the tavern, she pulled the strings apart
and looked inside. Then promptly fell into a puddle in
astonishment.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Kay
Date: Sat May 03, 2008 1:26 pm
Guinevere


Connell
 
"It is wise that we have sustenance. I am carrying some
flatbread and seeds. You don't suppose we might stop and
eat? After all, you'll want your strength when we reach
the fort. And who knows how long we'll have to wait?"


Mona
 
"If this mission is too strenuous for you old man, why
don't you turn around and go back. We haven't gone that
far. You'll be back at your farm before dark. The
princess and I will be fine without you. But of course,
Guinevere, it is your decision whether we stop or keep
going"


"I think it's an excellent idea" Guinevere said, smiling at
Connell and turning her back on Mona quite deliberately. His
words had made her realise just how hungry she was. "Wait here
for a moment"

She turned back and managed to commandeer some supplies from a
group of men who were carrying leftover provisions to the
baggage train, ready to go back to the village.

"Here" she said, dividing the spoils between herself, Mona and
Connell. "We'll need to keep some food back, too. We have no
idea how long the wait will be"
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: lady ione
Date: Sat May 03, 2008 1:44 pm
Brendyn


Aye, the lying to a superior officer could have gotten them
both in trouble. Titrus turned to meet Brendyn's gaze with a
scowl. Why had the man lied to Malcus anyway? Well, he was
ready for his punishment none the less. He felt the blood
under his arm crust over now, though there was still some
fresh liquid that seemed to be seeping from it. Brendyn felt
the pain and discomfort.

As Malcus moved past the two men, Titrus turned, with a scowl
on his face, and looked at Brendyn.

Titrus
 
“I don’t like lying to my superior officer. I will NEVER
do it again. Consider yourself in my debt. Now let’s
move.”


No, I am in your debt, Titrus. Brendyn followed Titrus toward
the area he was assigned for his duties. His eyes took in
every nook and cranny of the small ally way behind the
barracks, and it did not take him long to figure out just how
unclean these latirnes were, and as they approached he
stiffled the urge to vomit. He brought his cape up to his nose
as did Titrus, but he did so as the smells were almost toxic.
Once the man opened the door, all Brendyn could do was wish
that he had held his temper back at the infirmary, though he
was sorry about nothing he said. As he moved foreward, Brendyn
could feel the semi caked blood of his wounds sticking to the
fabric of his uniform. It was definitly tender and he had to
wonder that the medicus he had seen was so much in a hurry
that he had not cleaned it nor stitched it well. He winced as
he moved a bit more into the area, and felt the fabric pulling
away from it....it felt swollen.

Titrus
 
“It’s nice and ripe for you! Now go get changed out of
your uniform and get your arse back here in double time.
Move!”


Brendyn did not want Titrus to know of the wound and knew he
had to pay for his insolence. Should he lie, or should he tell
the truth? The young solder saluted and had turned to an area
where he could strip of his uniform and place on the woren
leathers and the torn tunic as well as a pair of boots. He was
not about to look like a weakling in front of a man who had
saved him form a good lashing. A sudden sharp pain came from
his side and he instinctively placed his hand there, and
winced as he bent over slightly...it felt swollen and crusted
over with what he could only guess. He brought his hand away
slowly and looked down at the blood that covered it. His
fingers had felt the gap where the sword had entered during
the battle, but there seemed to be hard crusted blood about
the wound and it continued to pull at the tunic. Brendyn
slowly met Titrus's eyes as the man looked back at him. It all
just was not good...

Titrus
 
“What’s the matter with you? You’re not getting out of…”
“Are you wounded, soldier?”


'Sir....I-I went to the medicus like...you said...they-he was
---very busy...more seriously injured he...had to tend to....'
Gods above he felt ill, but not just from the fumes. Brendyn
caught himself against the wall which he did not care to look
at what was on it, but it supported him. The wound on the
lower part of his arm brushed against it as he tried to right
himself. 'I am fine and I want to carry this punishment
out....sir...' He had been able to withhold the fact that his
wound had broken open in the dungeons, and maybe he could hide
it a bit longer. The pain was severe and Brendyn wondered what
it looked like. The soldier tried to look brave as he took
some more steps toward the area to change. He whispered,
'Antonius...always told us...nothing short of
death...should..keep-keep us from...our duties...' He felt his
legs become weak and he went down on one knee and looked at
Titrus ashamed. Titrus had lied to save Brendyn from the
lashes, and Brendyn thought that if Malcus did not see him
here working that Titrus would be questioned again... He did
not want to see Titrus in trouble on his behalf...

In his mind, all he could see was Tatiana with her coppery
hair catching the early morning light and sleeping next to him
with peace that he knew only angels had. The greatest part of
the day had been watching her awaken and look at him with a
smile....just as Veronica had so long ago....
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