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May 2008
Topic Started: Mar 18 2010, 02:23 AM (3,638 Views)
golden_trillium

Admin
Author: LadyCastus
Date: Sun May 04, 2008 10:29 am
Titrus


Titrus groaned and rolled his eyes to the heavens. His face
clouded over as he stared at Brendyn who had suddenly fallen
to his knee and seemed to be struggling to breathe.

Brendyn
 
Sir....I-I went to the medicus like...you said...they-he
was ---very busy...more seriously injured he...had to
tend to....'


The soldier flinched and held his side tightly.

Brendyn
 
'I am fine and I want to carry this punishment
out....sir...Antonius...always told us...nothing short
of death...should..keep-keep us from...our duties...'


Why me, Lord?, Titrus shook his head. The lieutenant rushed
over to Brendyn and grabbed the man's elbow, helping him to
stand to his feet.

"Why didn't you tell me you were still injured, boy?" Titrus
admonished. "Here, lean against me," he said as Brendyn rose,
Titrus draped one of the other man's arms around his neck and
extended his hip to support the soldier's weight.

"At least we aren't far away," the lieutenant said with mildly
disguised disgust. Titrus' morning was rapidly going downhill,
spinning out of control it seemed. So much for being leniant.
He'd never make THAT mistake again he thought to himself.
Malcus would be furious now surely and that could mean
punishment even for Titrus at this point.

For the second time that morning, Titrus and Brendyn entered
the doors of the infirmary.

"We need a medicus!" Titrus yelled out and gently placed
Brendyn on a wooden bench that was near the door. The place
was quiet, quieter than usual. The guards were still standing
outside the prisoner's room. Titrus nodded in their direction
and waited for someone to come.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Ranchera
Date: Sun May 04, 2008 10:35 am
Connell


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."


Connell stared at the young woman. She was actually rolling
her eyes at him.

Thankfully, Guinevere spoke up.

Guinevere
 
I think it's an excellent idea. Wait here for a moment.
Here. We'll need to keep some food back, too. We have no
idea how long the wait will be."


"With gratitude, lady," he said to Guinevere. Then he eyed
Mona again. "I am not always a patient man. You'll find, girl,
if you live so long as me, preparation and planning will work
to your advantage. We are in agreement to rescue Neeria. If we
keep our wits about us, we'll find her and get safely out. We
need each other, unless you think you can do this by yourself.
I don't think you can."
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: lady ione
Date: Sun May 04, 2008 10:43 am
Adian


His whole world felt like it was falling apart. There seemed
to be nothing to look forward to now that Thorn and the child
were both dead. Adian heard the door shut as Fiona stepped
inside latching it behind her. He felt dangerous right now,
and he knew she was a woad....if it had been any other woad,
he would not have hesitated to kill her there and then...but
Fiona was different right? Had she not told him she didn't
like to kill? He did not look up as she drew closer to him...

Fiona
 
"I don't, -" "I don't know," "I'm so sorry,"


Adian brought his eyes up to meet hers knowing she was right
in a way: Who ever knew why things were the way they were, or
why things were done, or had to happen? Blessed bloody hell!
The way Fiona spoke, he could almost hear the sadness there as
well. Aye, he and Thorn had become friends sometime back.
Slowly, he got up from where he sat on the bed, and went to
Fiona pulling her close to him gradually. Was there any need
for her to apologize on behalf of her people? He just held her
and brought her head to his shoulder. They both needed time
for this grief to pass...

'I did not mean to yell at you, Fiona...' He murmured into her
soft hair....
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: golden_trillium
Date: Sun May 04, 2008 10:59 am
Linnesse


Derfel
 
“Forgive our intrusion, my friend.”


Lucius
 
"Quia tuum est regnum, et potéstaset glória in sáecula.
Amen. Is everything all right?"


Peering around Derfel, Linnesse met the soldier’s eyes with an
attempt at a reassuring smile and nodded, but in truth she did
not feel all right at all. The kneeling bench before her
seemed to swim in and out of focus, but she recognized its
hard surface as a potential rest from the standing position,
and nearly fell forward onto it, slumped and leaning her arms
on the rest provided with much more of her weight than was
really intended. She felt lightheaded, even a touch dizzy; she
had overexerted herself badly in the last half hour or so, she
realized that now. With an effort she lifted her gaze to the
cross at the front of the church and crossed herself, as she
should when entering the Lord’s house, but the cross seemed to
be double before her eyes, and the candle flames round, blurry
balls of glow. Feeling a little sickened, she squeezed her
eyes shut and laid her head forward on her arms, caring little
for the formalities now. If she could just rest a bit, she
would be all right…eyes still closed, she reached out for
Derfel’s arm and wrapped her fingers around his wrist, just
reassuring herself that he was still there.











Linnette

Drake
 
"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."


Linnette blinked and turned her head towards Drake, surprised
at his uncharacteristically philosophical words. He was
looking at her, too, she saw, just sideways, out of the corner
of his eyes, a little expectantly, as though to gauge her
reaction, but sadly, too, full of his own sorrow. His own
family was dead, she suddenly remembered. Wife and children,
dead. He was, or had been, even worse off than she was.

The words the priest had spoken to her last night came back to
her- God shall wipe away all the tears from their eyes…there
shall be no more death…neither shall there be any more pain.
Gedeon was in that place, now, that place of no tears and no
pain. He was happy, surely. No more battles, no more hurts. No
more worries. No more sorrow. He, at least had had the tears
wiped away from his eyes- as had all in heaven. Even if those
left on earth had not.

She turned her gaze back to the front, once more unwilling to
baldly show the moisture that beaded in the corners of her
eyes- but without looking at her companion, she reached out
sideways until her hand touched his. It was his injured one,
wrapped around with bandage and undoubtedly painful, so she
did no more than lightly squeeze the fingers and then drop it-
but it was enough. Enough to serve as a symbol of their shared
sorrow right now, even if hers was new and his was old. Enough
to be a sort of bridge between them.

“It is,” she answered, with a certain new confidence in her
voice. She sniffed once, driving back the threat of crying
once again, and now they were rounding the last corner and the
door to Arthur’s quarters was before them. They weren’t the
only ones there, either- a dark-haired army officer that
Linnette knew by sight, though not certainly by name- stood
there, his hand just dropping from having knocked on the door.
Giving him a faint, sad half-smile of greeting, Linnette took
up a place silently behind the to the side of him, waiting,
like him, to be admitted to the Commander’s quarters. There
was a call from within the room, telling them to come in- but
Linnette still hung back, behind the officer, who had, after
all, arrived first.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: LadyCastus
Date: Sun May 04, 2008 11:22 am
Malcus Barbattus


Malcus stood outside the door, smoothing down his uniform
again, wondering what in the bloody hell was taking so long
for them to answer the door. He pressed his ear to the door
and still heard voices. One voice was clearly Arthur's but
Malcus couldn't tell who Arthur was talking to or what they
were talking about. A young woman rounded the corner just
then, a lovely woman that Malcus didn't recognize. He nodded
to her in greeting as she came closer. She looked very sad as
she smiled at the captain, but Malcus didn't inquire anything
from her. The woman moved silently behind him as they now
formed a queue to gain access to the comander. The captain was
just about to knock again, thinking his first knock went
unheard, when he definitely heard Arthur's command for him to
enter.

Arthur
 
Come!


Malcus smiled, turned the doorknob, pushed the door open and
walked into Arthur's quarters. The captain's smile immediately
faded upon seeing the optio in the room. Malcus' intuitive
eyes scanned the room quickly to assess what was going on.
Lancelot was standing not far from Arthur, his dark eyes
flashing. Malcus knew the dark knight well enough to know that
the man was fuming. The optio stood in front of Arthur,
looking as smug and arrogant as he usually did. Malcus gritted
his teeth upon seeing the rat-looking man, despising the very
sight of him. Two women were present also - Malcus recognized
Darya and nodded at her respectfully. The other woman Malcus
knew was a healer, but faile to recall her name. He nodded at
her as well.

"Good day, ladies," Barbattus said respectfully.

Finally, the captain's eyes shifted to the commander himself.
Malcus narrowed his eyes looking for any tell-tale signs of
Arthur's condition, but Arthur showed nothing. Even after
knowing the other man practically all of his life, Barbattus
still could not read him entirely. Malcus wouldn't dare
question the commander in the presence of anyone else -
especially rat boy.

Malcus snapped to attention - facing Arthur, purposefully
standing at an angle so that the optio caught only his profile
- and smiled.

Closing the distance between the commander and himself, Malcus
said, "Artorius! Welcome back to the keep. It is good to have
you back safely with us," and extended his hand. Then he
turned to Lancelot, "Lancelot, we meet again," he said,
searching the First Knight's dark eyes with his own, trying to
silently inquire as to what was going on. Barbattus only
nodded at Amadeus.

"I was summoned saying that you requested my presence,
Arthur," the captain said slowly, then added, "but it appears
that my timing may have been off. Have I interupted
something?" Malcus was no fool. Something was going on and no
doubt that the rat, Amadeus, was behind it. Whatever it was,
the captain was loyal to Arthur. Period. Barbattus rested back
on his heels and waited for the fur to fly. Maybe this morning
wouldn't turn out to be so bad after all.
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golden_trillium

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Author: golden_trillium
Date: Sun May 04, 2008 12:00 pm

Linnette


The door to Arthur's quarters was opened, and the officer
moved in ahead of her and greeted several people in a loud,
cheerful voice. Edging forward to the doorpost after a quick,
involuntary glance at Drake, Linnette saw that the bedroom was
fairly packed with people- rather overwhelming in such a small
space. Not only the Commander and the officer who had just
entered, but Amadeus, Lancelot, the healer Neeve, and Darya
all stood or sat about the room, and there was a certain air
of tension among them, as if some argument had been taking
place. Linnette remained where she was, not wishing to
interrupt anything, but she craned her neck slightly, trying
to discreetly catch the Commander's eye to let him know of her
presence. She turned her face proudly away from Darya, though,
after her initial scan of the room- Darya had once threatened
Linnesse, and Linnette would never, ever, forgive her for
that.







Merlin

The Woads were packed and ready to go. Guinevere and her
companions had separated from the group, off to find a vantage
point from which to await Ash's signal, and the once massive
camp had been broken down, leaving behind only a couple of
shelters and one fire to house the five warriors who were to
await the rescue of the prisoners. Everyone else was moving
west, deeper into the woods, towards the village. It would be
a long journey, and it was a miserable day with the rain, but
they went in good spirits, mostly, which encouraged Merlin in
the thought that he had made the right decision. They would
rest and recover themselves for the rest of the winter, and
then they could resume the struggle in the spring. That was
the right thing to do.

"Look, what a funny man!" The delighted, laughing shriek of
one of the young boys caught Merlin's attention, and he turned
his head, wondering what occasioned it. He could see nothing
from where he was, but more laughter was issuing from the
trees to his left, and with a quick gesture to those nearest
him to keep on, he broke from the column to see what it was.
Ducking under a low-hanging branch and pushing through some
bushes, he came out by the side of a little-used road- not the
main one, but a smaller one which joined the main one about a
mile away- to see two of his scouts, and the boy he had heard
before, almost rolling on the ground with laughter- and though
they were trying to suppress it, it still came. The object of
their laughter was clearly evident- a man, black-haired and
thin and obviously terribly drunk, was riding a horse down the
road in the direction of the fort- backwards. He faced the
horse's rear end, and slapped it as one might a horse's neck,
apparently totally unaware that he was going to meet his
destination back-first.

"Sir..." one of the scouts scrambled belatedly to attention,
seeing Merlin approach. The man was obviously prepared for a
reprimand, but Merlin, amused himself and still feeling in a
magnanimous mood, merely shook his head, a small smile on his
face.

"If this is who the Romans have coming to assist them, they
will be easy prey once the spring comes. Let him go- but get
back to your posts." A small laugh escaped Merlin's lips as he
waved for the scouts to get back into the trees, and they did,
as the boy dashed back to join the column. A small spot of
entertainment in the day already- yesterday had terrible, and
the Woads had many wounded and a long way to go- but maybe
things would look up for them soon after all.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: LadyCastus
Date: Sun May 04, 2008 12:40 pm
Mona


Guinevere
 
I think it's an excellent idea, wait here a moment


Connell
 
With gratitude, lady,


Mona snickered. She was well aware that Guinevere had turned
her back without responding. It was of little consequence
though, Mona had made her point. Guinevere went to meet the
small caravan, leaving Mona and Connell alone briefly.

Mona tossed her hip, slinging her flask in front of her. She
pulled it off from off her back pack and opened it. She took a
long swig and afterward, wiped her mouth with the back of her
hand. She dropped the rest of her gear and stretched, reaching
her arms over her head and stretching her long legs. She
purposefully ignored Connell as long as she could and took
another drink, not offering any to the healer. The woad
finally glanced over at the man and he was staring right at
her.

Connell
 
I am not always a patient man. You'll find, girl, if you
live so long as me, preparation and planning will work
to your advantage. We are in agreement to rescue Neeria.
If we keep our wits about us, we'll find her and get
safely out. We need each other, unless you think you can
do this by yourself. I don't think you can.


Mona's ocean blue eyes flashed at Connell and she gritted her
teeth. "What makes you think I don't have a plan or haven't
prepared, hmmm?" she spat at him. "You under-estimate me,"she
said with a wicked gleam in her eye, careful not to say too
much. "it is certain that we will rescue Neeria. That is, of
course, if she's still alive." Mona pursed her lips into what
was supposed to be a pout but looked more like a smile.

Before Connell could respond, Guinvere came back with rations,
evenly dividing them among the three of them.

Guinevere
 
Here. We'll need to keep some food back, too. We have no
idea how long the wait will be


"You are wise, Guinevere, much more than I. Yes, we should eat
to maintain our strength," Mona said with her eyes downcast as
she reached for her food.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Kayla
Date: Sun May 04, 2008 1:19 pm

Fiona


Adian
 
'I did not mean to yell at you, Fiona...'


Fiona knew what it was like to lose someone - she had lost her
mother when she was very young to the war that Merlin raged on
with people who weren't for his cause. It was difficult
knowing that she would never know the woman that had given
birth to her and only had very vague memories. She didn't know
what was worse - a person losing a parent that they barely
knew and desperately wanted to know, or losing someone that
they had known for a long time, whether it was a parent,
lover, wife, husband, anyone. Death was a natural thing but it
didn't make it any easier and it certainly didn't stop the
woad's questions to herself as to why people died.

Fiona still felt uneasy, even after her apology to him. She
didn't know what had made her apologize, maybe just for the
simple fact that Thorn was gone and she didn't like to see him
sad or maybe it was for a worse reason, the fact that the
woads had killed her. Whatever it was, it didn't lessen the
urge that she felt to turn around and walk out, leaving him
alone, since she thought that that might have been what he
wanted. Why would he want her standing there, witnessing the
tears that were rolling down his face? He could barely even
look at her, until then ... his eyes lifted to meet hers and
he got up from the bed that he had been lying on. Fiona cocked
her head to the side for a moment, her curious and sad eyes
watching the man as he stepped closer, wrapping his arms
around her and pulling her into a hug. She relaxed, letting
him and put her arms around him as well, wanting to offer as
much comfort as she possibly could.

"It's alright," the woad said in reply to Adian's words. She
knew he was grieving and anything that came out of his mouth
was to be expected, so she didn't hold it against him that he
was upset. "Is there anything I can do?" Her words hung in the
air, almost feeble compared to the silence that drifted
between the two, wrapped in a comforting hug. It was a strange
feeling, almost, as she usually did not get this close to
anyone in general but if it made him feel better, then it
didn't bother her.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: lady ione
Date: Sun May 04, 2008 1:38 pm
Brendyn


Damn but he felt embarrassed! And more than that, despite his
feeling a bit ill, he knew of the reprocussions that would
come to he and Titrus if Malcus did not find him
here...working. Right now, though, he was just plain not
feeling well, and the area under his arm was hot. He saw the
look on Titrus's face. Deep inside he tried not to think of
what Titrus was thinking right now...surely they were not the
most stellar thoughts. Brendyn tried to get up, but the room
kept moving slightly. He brought his hand back up to the wound
under his arm and flinched a bit. How he must have looked like
a weakling there on the floor on his knees...

Brendyn saw Titrus move over to help him get to his feet. He
had never wanted t be a burden to anyone, and he had succeeded
in most likely ruining everyone's day just because he was
stubborn and didn't like to admit that he was not okay....

Titrus
 
"Why didn't you tell me you were still injured, boy?"
"Here, lean against me,"


'I felt...my stitches pop while in the dungeons...and I didn't
want to...look weak in front of the Commander...' He took in a
deep breath as Titrus offered to support a bit of his weight.
The injured arm that hung to his side seemed to the point of
falling off as it just felt bulky and puffy. 'I-I want...to
do...this punishment as I deserve to...I don't...want to
appear weak...not the sign of a good soldier...' Though what
he had said was very contradictory: he did appear weak, and
finished it off with an admonishment of himself. That he was
not a good soldier....that everything Antonius had taught him
had not been right. His heart went out to the fine man who was
now helping him to the infirmary. Why had this fine man been
stuck helping out a stubborn soldier such as himself? God
bless the man however you see fit.... Titrus was the type of
man Brendyn would fight to the death for and defend even in
battle...

Titrus
 
"At least we aren't far away,"


Brendyn ignored the tone of Titrus's voice as they walked
toward the infirmary. The man had lied to save his sorry ass,
and now things didn't look good for either if Malcus found
out. Before they got to the infirmary, Brendyn asked, "Sir, I
know you meant well, but why did you lie to save me from
punishment? It is not that I am ungreatful, but now...it could
mean trouble for you as well..." With another flinch, Brendyn
spoke softly, 'I--tried so hard to...make a good impression,
and all I have done is make a mess of things...I did not want
you to be ashamed of me...' Brendyn fell silent as they
entered the same infirmary they had left a half an hour
ago....slowly, he blacked out as the soldier felt Titrus place
him on a wooden bench near the door. Unconsciously, Brendyn
rolled over so that his injured arm was dangling over the edge
of the bench. In his mind, he felt that this would cause the
infected blood to run away from his heart and not to it....

Titrus
 
"We need a medicus!"


...'Titrus...for the kindness you have shown...me...I am
forever in ....your ..deb..t,' Brendyn whispered bearly
audible, but he hoped Titrus would hear it for what he had
said was the sincere truth. 'I...I am scared....' His eyes
opened as he looked at Titrus....
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: linnet
Date: Sun May 04, 2008 1:43 pm
Mother Lavinia


Titrus
 
"We need a medicus!"


Lavinia had just settled down from her trial with the Woad
child, and was making additions to the long list of supplies
to be ordered. At the call for help, she took a deep breath,
set down the list, and went to the door of her office to see
what the latest emergency might be. Lo and behold, there stood
the handsome Roman lieutenant who had only recently left. He
looked in perfect health. Next to him, however, slumped on a
bench, was a soldier who was definitely not in perfect health.

A very faint smile crossed the old nun’s face. What were his
exact words? Something about not caring if she was the Pope of
Rome? You are badly mistaken nun? I will report you for
breaking Roman law? Lavinia cast a quick look heavenward and
winked. Then she went back into her office and closed the
door. Someone else would have to take care of this crisis.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Lancelot
Date: Sun May 04, 2008 6:14 pm
Lancelot


Lancelot met Arthur's raised eyebrows with cocked ones of his
own when he casually referred to the commander as Artos. He
saw Arthur's questioning look, but wasn't about to say
anything now. He was deadly serious, however, about keeping
Arthur in the room. He silently thanked Neeve for her words to
Arthur.

And then...

Amadeus
 
"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. And you are ill,
Arthur."


Rome's officially declared second to your command??????

If Lancelot had been speaking these words, his voice woud have
risen so high the fortress dogs would have been set to
howling. His rage boiled over, and he stared at the Optio, who
was looking at him with a curious little grin on his face. The
bastard was trying to let Lancelot in on something - and
Lancelot had a bad feeling it wasn't something that would be
good for Arthur.

The first knight took a step forward, his grip on his dagger
tightening, his teeth grinding so hard he thought they'd
break. His eyes would have shot fire if that were possible,
and he began to speak, but his mind was such that the first
few words were in his native tongue as he threatened to remove
Scipio's gall bladder with his bare hands.

Perhaps thankfully, another knock at the door interrupted
Lancelot's stream of conscious cursing. Despite the request
for entry, Arthur stepped forward to Amadeus, ignoring the
door, his quiet danger filling the room with its presence, his
annoyance almost drowning Lancelot's own anger.

Arthur
 
“One more word in indignation, and I will have you placed in the stocks for insubordination. Are we clear? Choose your next words…carefully,”


Lancelot could barely discern what Arthur was saying to the
bird-man; rather, the Optio's words were still echoing in
Lancelot's head, a mocking refrain that sounded in the dark
haired man's voice, taunting and teasing and making Lancelot's
ears want to bleed.

Rome's OFFICIALLY declared second....officially
declared....official.

Lancelot allowed his eyes to close for a moment when Arthur
stepped calmly back from Amadeus. The first knight was
interested to see how the Optio would react; that would most
definitely give Lancelot more clues to the other man's agenda.
But...Lancelot really didn't feel like he needed to see what
it would be. The Optio did not like nor respect Arthur, in the
Sarmatian's opinion, and thus, he was summarily dismissed in
Lancelot's mind as one to not trust.

crack. Lancelot's jaw popped, and as Scipio's words still
reverberated in his mind, he saw Arthur, holding at his side
as the Roman called for whomever had knocked on the door to
enter. He looked at his friend, and saw a man who'd never done
anything but to be kind to homeless boys dragged to this
shithole, despite the fact that Arthur was too trusting and
too naive for his own good (in Lancelot's rather humble
opinion). He looked at the Optio, and saw a man being a
bastard for his own gains...perhaps...and lights exploded
behind his eyes with blinding fury.

Malcus
 
"Artorius! Welcome back to the keep. It is good to have
you back safely with us. Lancelot, we meet again...I was
summoned saying that you requested my presence, Arthur,
but it appears that my timing may have been off. Have I
interupted something?"


A wordless noise escaped Lancelot's throat. All the exhaustion
and, yes, terror, from the battle of a few days before, of
seeing Arthur taken down when Lancelot wasn't there, all the
thinking Lancelot had been doing lately - his and Arthur's
friendship was complicated, gods damn it - suddenly burst from
his brain. Without acknowledging Barbattus' words to him, or
even Arthur's look of warning, Lancelot launched himself at
the Optio, hands bunched into fists.

He wasn't sure what he was expecting to accomplish, but by
Hadrian's balls, he was tired of being treated like a dog at
heel by the man. He didn't care what the consequences were -
he was beyond caring by this point.

Somewhere deep in that area of his brain reserved for
embarassing and emotional things, Lancelot fervently hoped
someone - Arthur - would stop him before he did something he'd
fully regret.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Elessars Girl
Date: Sun May 04, 2008 7:40 pm

Derfel


Derfel thought he caught a few of the words in the other man’s
prayers…although it had been years since the young knight had
spoken the Christian tongue. Derfel would attempt to remember
an appropriate one for Gedeon nonetheless.

Lucius
 
Is everything all right?"


Derfel gave a gracious smile at the courteous man….who seemed
to be kindly offering the bench for them to sit. And the
question had been innocent, of course, yet the true answer was
quite complicated. Derfel moved in support of Linnesse as she
plunked herself down on the bench…no doubt completely spent
from the mornings physical exertions she’d endured.

“Ahh…just wet…and well,” Derfel found himself stumbling over
the words. He felt Linnesse’s fingers grasp at his arm and he
glanced down at his lover with concern. He reached over to
smooth at her hair with his free hand before continuing.

“…come to say a few prayers for someone we’ve lost,” Derfel
finally explained to the soldier with the kind expression. The
knight offered a smile, yet it did not quite reach his crystal
blue eyes. Derfel wanted to ask about the attacks, assuming
this man was a Roman soldier and here serving under one of the
Roman captains or something. Derfel simply had not seen the
man’s face before so he gathered this one had not been on the
mission….but no matter either way. There were a bunch of
soldiers running about the place anyways and not likely any of
the knights would know the half of them. Then the knight
remembered his manners and extended his hand in a proper
greeting.

“Name’s Derfel…and again…beg your pardon for the
interruption…won’t be but a few moments here, friend,” Derfel
offered in a near whisper as this was a house of worship after
all….and not the tavern. His gaze then fell to the row of
candles, eyes searching again for the one Linnette had meant
for Gedeon. A tall one right up front…burning brightly. That
had to be the one. A small heartbreaking smile graced Derfel’s
scruffy expression. He reached for Linnesse’s tiny fingers and
gently squeezed her hand for comfort…hers as well as his own.
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golden_trillium

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Author: linnet
Date: Sun May 04, 2008 8:45 pm

Gawain


Catherine
 
"I ... I do. North. It's cold up there….That is
Britain.. Hibernia here... Jutland is ... up here...
with land all h... why do you want to know this?"


Gawain saw the surprise in her eyes, and the amusement in her
smile. It would be understandable if she had stood and backed
away, having determined he was near deranged. She didn’t.
Instead she answered his question, and in a manner that
totally engaged his attention. As she spoke and laid out the
tea-drop map, it was as if her exquisite carefully studied
moves and expressions fell away long enough to allow something
of more substance to show. Gawain found that glimpse of her
natural character every bit as appealing as her perfect image.

A shadow of disappointment crossed the knight’s face when she
said that Jutland was cold. He followed her geography lesson
carefully, however, leaning forward to study her handiwork.
When she hesitated and asked why he wanted to know this, he
looked at her closely. He was smiling, pleasantly surprised
that she had indulged his curiosity. But he wasn’t sure if she
would really be interested in why he wanted to know.

“The day before yesterday, we were at Segedenum, trying to
keep the Saxons from getting a foothold on this lousy island,”
he started, pointing to the mostly evaporated blob of
Britain.”It was a hell of a battle, neither side really
gaining an advantage. Some of us, well one of us at least,
were starting to get our butts kicked,” he added with a little
grin, glancing at his messed up arm. He watched her expression
to see if she seemed to want to hear more, but kept talking
anyway because it felt so much better than sitting alone
thinking. “All of a sudden, there was a loud horn signal that
could be heard across the entire battlefield. The Saxons just
stopped fighting and withdrew. Nobody knew what was going on.
An officer, Hengist, from the Saxon forces approached Arthur
and told him that the Saxon leader wanted a truce conference.
But he also said that it was a trick, and that he and his men
would fight with us against the Saxons. Turned out Hengist and
his men were Jutes. I just thought maybe Jutland would be a
nice place to visit if I ever make it out of here. Don’t think
I’ll go if it’s cold, though.” He felt rather embarrassed for
going on so long with war stories no less. He smiled
apologetically and looked down, before raising his eyes almost
shyly and asking another question. “Do you know any good place
to see that isn’t cold, and isn’t Rome?”
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Pinkie
Date: Mon May 05, 2008 2:18 am
Amadeus


Amadeus was amused at how the healer babied Arthur. He glanced
over at her once, almost shaking his head at the peculiar
characters the Commander kept around him. This one spoke with
a British accent yet she acted like any of the other Sarmatian
dogs that Arthur kept at his heel. And distracted by the
healer and silent pretty that stood back by the windowsill,
Amadeus was at a loss to note just how worked up Arthur had
gotten over what he said.

He delibrately took no note of Lancelot. Unless he said
something that the Optio could use.

Arthur called for the ladies to leave...

Finally

A knock on the door...

Oh bloody hell! This is worse than a damn circus!

The Optio was glaring balefully at the door, irritated at
another intrusion on his important meeting with Arthur, when
said man padded quietly towards him. Amadeus looked up at
Arthur, brows twitching in confusion but lifting in quickly
squashed surprise when a steel like grip clutched onto his
shoulder. What was the man thinking!! This was how he treated
those that Rome sent!? This was the ... blast him!

Arthur
 
“I am glad that you recognize that I am no fool, Optio
Scipio. You would do well to remember who is in command
here, sir, One more word in indignation, and I will have
you placed in the stocks for insubordination. Are we
clear? Choose your next words…carefully,”


If there had been any doubt in Amadeus' mind thus far on
whether Arthur was suited to this task of running Badon Hill
then it was wiped with those words. How dare Arthur threaten
him! How dare he threaten him in front of a Sarmatian slave!
Amadeus tried to convince himself that Arthur was not serious
in his threat but alas, there was nothing in his stony gaze to
suggest otherwise. A modicum of fear ignited in Amadeus' belly
and he had no choice but to incline his head, for relief of
the pain from Arthur's grip as well as to hear the whispered
words from the Commander.

No... not whispered, more uttered in a low tone of voice, a
low, threatening tone of voice.

Amadeus was not chastised by the words, however. He was
warned. He now warned himself not to trust in Arthur's ability
to see reason. He was warned not to believe that Arthur would
ever chastise Lancelot. He was also shown that what Lancelot
could say, no one else could either. Lancelot was the prized
damn pup and Amadeus Scipio? The famed ancestor of Scipio of
Carthage?! Well, he was nothing but a tetchy little upstart!

The Optio forced an ingratiating smile onto his face which was
lined with pain. He was concerned now - he was concerned that
he had moved too quickly. He did not need nor want Arthur's
anger and suspicion directed at him. He needed Arthur's trust
and somewhere along the way he had lost it. Had he not just
said what Lancelot had said? This would never do - he needed
to speak with Arthur alone, to speak reason to the man and
hope that there was some way of retrieving this .... this ...
a wry smile curled his lips, this fool's errand from it's
descent into darkness.

Malcus
 
"Artorius! Welcome back to the keep. It is good to have
you back safely with us, Lancelot, we meet again, I was
summoned saying that you requested my presence, Arthur,
but it appears that my timing may have been off. Have I
interupted something?"


Amadeus staggered a step when Arthur released him. He lifted
his chin and looked straight ahead as if nothing had happened,
though inside he was positively screaming to get out of teh
room. To get a moment to think. A man entered the room on
Arthur's order and the Optio glanced over to him. Ah - this
was Barbattus, the Tribune. Grey eyes narrowed at this man,
suspicion seeping from his every pore, a reflex from Arthur's
threat perhaps?

IT would do Amadeus' plight well to have such a man as Tribune
Barbattus on his side, but looking at how the an greeted
Arthur, and Lancelot, with only a spare nod of his head for
Rome's official Optio, the grey-eyed male could only presume
that he could count on this one to stand against him in the
coup.

Auburn hair behind the man made Amadeus look a little harder
and he noticed Linnette.. Linnette... oh God he had not made
that conclusion! Gedeon was Linnette's husband, she was ...
she was widowed... ? The immediate sorrow that Amadeus had
felt for his childhood friend was rather overshadowed by a
thought, a consideration.... a possibility. But now was not
the time to persue it.

Remaining silent, Amadeus looked straight ahead, his body
unnaturally stiff. That is until he saw a too-quick movment
from his left. He turned his head and gasped, staggering
backwards away from Lancelot's attack. His hand lashed to his
hip for the sword that lay on his bed back at his room and he
cursed under his breath. Arthur had, admirably and
surprisingly, stepped in between them with such speed that
Amadeus was looking at the back of his head instead of
Lancelot's furious, feral brown eyes.

"What is this?!" Amadeus cried out, gaining his footing and
looking at Lancelot over Arthur's shoulder.

Oh this was wonderful! This was perfect! Lancelot, Arthur's
pet, had just launched an attack on a superior. This was
bloody perfect for Amadeus' planned strategy! This foolish act
by Lancelot would make it easy, a walk in the park, to gain
Arthur's favour back. The Optio delibrately stood still,
delibrately did not look to attack Lancelot back, but, behind
Arthur's back, he gave the Sarmatian a quick flash of a smirk
before letting his expression fall back into stunned,
righteous bewilderment with this unprovoked attack.

How could Arthur threaten him with the stocks for
insubordination when his First Knight had just tried to attack
Rome's officially declared second at Badon Hill?! This was
perfect.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Kay
Date: Mon May 05, 2008 3:33 am
Guinevere


When she arrived back with the supplies, Guinevere immediately
sensed tension in the air between Connell and Mona.

Mona
 
"You are wise, Guinevere, much more than I. Yes, we
should eat to maintain our strength,"


Mona was attempting to look innocent, almost coy. The Woad
princess narrowed her eyes in suspicion, something was not
right here. Connell sat quietly, eating his breakfast.
Guinevere sighed and slumped down on a fallen log; she broke
off a piece of bread and began to chew; all the while she kept
glancing from Connell to Mona, who seemed to be ignoring each
other.

"We need to be united in this mission" she said, suddenly.
"There can be no room for squabbles or the whole plan will
fail"

She left the statement hanging in the spaces between them,
waiting for either of the two to speak.
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