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| May 2008 | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Mar 18 2010, 02:23 AM (3,633 Views) | |
| golden_trillium | Mar 20 2010, 04:43 PM Post #121 |
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Author: Pinkie Date: Sat May 10, 2008 3:34 pm Catherine
Catherine's spread fingers came together slowly and she trailed them down to her chin where she gently cupped the side of her neck. She still looked nervous and embarrassed about what she had said, so revealing of her nature. The very nature that she tried to hide because it was not accepted for a whore to have dreams. Or knowledge. But she did appreciate his gesture, telling her she did not sound silly. Her bottom lip was caught sweetly between her teeth and she blushed - "I feel silly..." She whispered with a tiny laugh. The blonde lifted her hazy green eyes to Gawain and saw that he was smiling at her. This was new territory for Catherine. Normally she was being 'something' or 'someone' for men. She didn't get to be herself much at all. So much so that being herself felt foreign, it felt like an act.
Her laugh was louder now, her eyes glittering with amusement and relief that he was interested in hearing more. Now that she had started, the blonde was eager to continue. And yet she was also aware of the time - knowing she had an appointment with the Scout at noon. The woman looked up at teh serving woman who brought the tea, she smiled in thanks and wrapped one hand around the cup, the other still idly tracing faint lines on the Knight's hand. "Well... " Catherine began, taking a breath and getting more comfortably in her seat. She felt strange talking about such things - flirting came so easy to her because she had been using it for years. And she had learned all of this from men she had slept with - that was going to be embarrassing to admit but she would get to it. Narrowing her eyes, Catherine dipped her finger into her tea with a wry smile at Gawain, a sultry, soft set to her lips as she drew an odd shaped blob beneath where Britain had been on the table. "It's down here... Ahm, the Romans once attacked here.. I think it was here, well, anyway. The place was called Carthage. That is where the people have skin as dark as night." Catherine said, tilting her head to the side, a strand of blonde hair falling down over her shoulder. Her eyes had a far-away look to them until she shook her head, casting a wary look up at Gawain. "As for your eternal day and night-- that happens, I am told, " she added with an impish smile, " if you are in the extreme north, or south... " her moist finger trailed upwards and then downwards slowly, her green eyes watching the line it made. This was the harder part - though it should have been easy. "And as for how I know these things ... " Catherine laughed uneasily, flicking her fingernails against each other before lifting her hand to toy with her hair again, forcing herself to meet Gawain's eyes. But when she did, her tactics changed. Perhaps she chickened out... or perhaps she just wanted to give Gawain precisely what he asked. 'Show me'. Catherine's smile changed - it became softer, her eyes more hazy, hooded. "Tell me about your home Gawain... please? Tell me about Sarmatia... about your people?" the woman whispered, wondering if he would realise that these very tricks of beauty and seduction were how she attained all the information she had just divulged to him. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 20 2010, 04:45 PM Post #122 |
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Author: golden_trillium Date: Sat May 10, 2008 5:13 pm Linnesse
“Mmm…there’s water, right?” Linnesse raised her head from the pillow and craned in inquiringly around so that the pitcher on the dresser came within her line of sight, even though of course from the bed she could not see its contents. She thought she remembered there still being water in it this morning, though. Yes…she was sure that they had not used it up just yet. “That’s enough…’m not hungry…just tired.” Linnesse gave Derfel a sheepish smile as she lay back on the bed, squirming her body around a bit under the blankets, snuggling into the most comfortable position. Her head felt heavy and stuffed, but not with illness- just genuine, honest, fatigue. Derfel was right- sleep was what she needed. All else would have to wait- though she was determined to make that ‘proper’ welcome as soon as she possibly could. She opened her eyes- they had half closed without her even realizing it- and blew Derfel a kiss from across the room, a kiss of affection and thanks. “I’ll be here, love,” she assured him, before her eyes drifted comfortably closed again. Linnette
Linnette couldn’t help it; her mouth actually dropped open at that extraordinary statement of Arthur’s, the shock of it cutting through the near tears. Arthur- the Commander of the entire fortress of Badon Hill, a fortress at war, and on his convalescent bed to boot- lowering himself to do the ordinary, day-to-day record keeping of the tavern?? No- it was unthinkable! She shook her head mutely, forcing her mouth closed and feeling, on top of everything else, her cheeks starting to burn. To have Arthur Castus himself, wounded as she now knew he was, doing her work for her, was about the greatest shame she could imagine right now, and she silently swore to herself that it would not happen, even if she had to work all night tonight, even if she had to pry the ledgers out of the Commander’s hands herself. “No…that won’t be necessary, Commander,” she heard her voice saying, the words tight and forced. She shook her head vehemently again, unable to raise her eyes to look at him, dreading what he might say next. Fortunately, though- thanks to God for small blessings!- he made no argument with her refusal, only stepped past her to open the door. He might have said something more in farewell- Linnette was not even sure, she only knew that blessedly, he was not offering to do her any more “favors”. She, at any rate, could not answer him. Because now she had to walk the gauntlet of the men still waiting in the hall, and she needed all her concentration for that. She wanted to run, run as far and as fast as she could from all this, and to let the tears come and ease the ache in her throat, but neither was acceptable now. She kept her face determinedly down, eyes focused on the stones of the floor, burning with suppressed tears as she tried to push the shameful image of Arthur doing routine figures- her menial work- from her mind. It wouldn’t completely go, and it was all she could do not to quicken her pace too much, to keep herself to a dignified walk as much as she could. The shoes she was approaching now were Amadeus’s, she thought- and on the other side of the hall were two that must be Lancelot’s and those of the officer she did not know, and Drake’s beyond that. Just past all that, and around the corner, and she could be alone, let go of all this- that is, if nobody followed her. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 20 2010, 04:47 PM Post #123 |
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Author: linnet Date: Sat May 10, 2008 8:20 pm Gawain Gawain could see Catherine’s hesitancy begin to lift when he asked her to tell him more about the lands she dreamed of. She hadn’t seemed sure about sharing her feelings, repeating that she felt silly doing so. He didn’t find it silly at all. He wanted her to feel comfortable talking to him, because he believed she had much to say that was worth listening to. She interested him, and her dreams intrigued him. And her pleasure in listening to his words made him think they could be good company for each other.
Again he leaned over her makeshift illustration of the faraway places she described. He especially was fascinated by the idea of a land with eternal day or night. “We need to find a proper map,” he said as the tea countries spread beyond their borders and dried. He turned his attention from the table to Catherine, smiling as an idea came to him. “Arthur has maps. I’ll ask him if we can look at them sometime.” He had noticed the far-away look in her eyes as her elegant finger traced her longings. He knew exactly how it felt to dream of something at least different, if not better.
It was the drawn out begging “please?” that sent a deadening chill through the knight. At first he only felt it, without understanding. But as he watched, she transformed. Her unguarded friendly expression was gone. Every feature, every movement was sensual, seductive. His eyes narrowed and his body tensed as the realization of what she was telling him hit. This was how she learned about other places and people. She was a whore not only for money, but for knowledge. She had played him perfectly. She had gotten what she wanted, and without even having to lift her skirt or spread her legs. He must have been the easiest mark she had ever taken. She had no more interest in him than any passing traveler who could give her a good tale of adventure in exchange for her body. And if it took a little charade of shyly sharing her own feelings in return, well she could do that very convincingly. Gawain didn’t want to look at her, but his eyes full of hurt searched hers one last time. He withdrew his hand to the edge of the table and pushed his chair back. He stood and tossed a few coins on the table in front of her. “As for Sarmatia, I don’t remember a fucking thing,” he said in a low voice, looking down at her, before turning to leave. It was a lie of course. But she would not need to waste her time using him in the future. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 20 2010, 05:09 PM Post #124 |
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Author: Elessars Girl Date: Sun May 11, 2008 8:26 am Derfel
“Hm….should be,” Derfel answered and then stepped over to the dresser to inspect the pitcher sitting on top of it. Sure enough, it was still mostly full of water so he poured Linnesse a cup and handed it to her.
“Be sure to drink it all down, luv. If I remember right, you need to drink as much as you can to get better,” Derfel added with a concerned expression while bending to retrieve his sword belt from his pack on the floor. He had no real idea what to expect today…another Woad attack? Surely the Commander was taking care of that particular threat, but Derfel hadn’t spoken to any of his fellow knights yet this morning…so he felt completely in the dark about what dangers – if any – they still faced. Best to be prepared, he thought as he strapped Hywelbane to his waist and his dagger to his right thigh.
Sitting down on the edge of their bed, Derfel reached over and gently brushed a long strand of hair out of Linnesse’s face. He was loath to leave her…but Derfel felt he should look in on Dagonet and certainly repay Lucius as promised. “I’ll be returning as quick as I can. Sleep, luv,” Derfel murmured and then bent down to place a soft kiss on Linnesse’s lips. Her eyes were already closed and thus reinforcing the fact that she needed quiet in order to rest. Derfel’s presence would be of no real use to her for now. And if the fort did fall under attack again, Derfel would be required to fight again. He stood up from the bed and watched Linnesse for a moment longer, admiring her delicate features and beautiful golden hair. I am the most fortunate man alive. Derfel stepped towards the door and quietly slipped out of their room. And once out in the hall, he found Lucius leaning casually against the wall…presumably waiting for his promised ale. “Thirsty?” Derfel greeted the kind soldier with a pleasant grin and gestured for Lucius to walk with him. “I’m needin’ to look in on a friend in the infirmary…if you don’t mind going in there,” Derfel said in explanation of why he could not go directly to the tavern just yet. And he also knew many a soldier and knight that had a strong aversion to any houses of healing. So if Lucius was uncomfortable with it, Derfel would simply agree to meet the man later. “Come along with me and then I’ll make good on my offer in the tavern, aye?” Derfel added with a wink and a friendly nod. He had grabbed up his overcoat before slipping out of the room, and now began to pull on the garment as they walked. No doubt it was still raining outside. “You off duty for the day? Any idea what’s going on with the Woads?” Derfel queried, hoping Lucius had some news. Arthur The lady gave no reaction to Arthur’s hand on her shoulder, nor did she accept his offered arm as they walked towards the door. But the Commander took no offence as Linnette was in mourning and could not be expected to be herself.
Arthur’s eyebrows lifted at her refusal, but he would not press the matter for now. The ledgers for the tavern were of no real importance at the moment, he’d only hoped to give Linnette time away from her responsibilities to mourn properly; or in any manner she required. “Take care, madam…thank you for hearing me out this morning,” Arthur said quietly in parting as he opened the door for Linnette who immediately swept out of his quarters and past the men standing in the hallway. Arthur’s emerald eyes lingered on the back of the woman’s head as she walked away. Guilt at causing her so much pain threatened to choke him again…but he exhaled and quelled the emotion before turning his attentions to the men gathered in the corridor…thank God Arthur saw no indication of any further trouble between Lancelot and Amadeus. “Gentleman, thank you for waiting…shall we continue?” Arthur spoke in an authoritative tone; head held high despite the ache in his side and in his heart. That mask of ‘Roman Commander’ that he wore so eloquently was back place. He turned and stepped back into his chambers assuming the three officers would follow; his bare feet padding across the cold stone floor as Arthur moved once again to the long table near the hearth. His left hand never moved from over his stitches and he actually prayed the remainder of this meeting would go quickly and smoothly. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 20 2010, 05:11 PM Post #125 |
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Author: SarmatianKnight Date: Sun May 11, 2008 11:32 am Lucius Lucius waited indeed in front of the room, leaning casually and with crossed arms against the wall. He did not just wait because an ale had been promised by Derfel (but well, who was he to reject such an invitation?) but also because they had not said goodbye earlier and did not want to leave without such a word. Derfel was a kind man and deserved respect.
As he was addressed directly Lucius looked up and returned the smile while he joined Derfel on his way. "Always." This was not really correct: he did not drink that much. The conversation was not serious so who cared?
"Not at all. I was there already today..." Lucius stopped just in time to get out of the way of a feisty black cat crossing their path, avoiding to step onto it. "Infirmaries are interesting places, are they not? There is always something you can learn." He really meant what he said and when he realised that Derfel had just mentioned a friend was there he wondered when (if at all!) he would realise when he talked too much. Too much nonsense, to be correct. The other man found it surely not interesting to see a good friend wounded and hurt and in pain. Lucius tried to avoid Derfel's gaze and looked away, clearing his throat. "Your friend... was he wounded during the Woad attack?" This should have been the correct question. They stepped out into the rain and Lucius wondered with a curse where the hell he had lost his own coat as it was still raining and it was quite cold. He could not remember. Probably that was when people started to say that they were getting old. "That offer with the tavern sounds very promising, you know?" he said when they passed the building on their way to the infirmary.
In fact Lucius was not off duty at all. He should go back to the Woad woman and bring her clothes and food but surely the healers would keep her in the infirmary and he would check on her later. He would do it when they reached the infirmary anyway now. But he did not answer the question when Derfel requested some news about the Woads. Lucius let out a frustrated sigh. He was still angry about the way the had treated the prisoners. "Oh yes, I have an idea." He sounded slightly annoyed and did not realise that he was not answering the question from Derfel at all who had asked for informations about the Woads in general - surely. "They are treated like beasts, are kicked, slapped and hurt - oh, and fed, of course." |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 20 2010, 05:21 PM Post #126 |
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Author: LadyCastus Date: Sun May 11, 2008 1:37 pm Titrus and Neeria Titrus tightened his grip on the handle of his sword as he entered the small medical room. The wild girl had spun around and stalked, cat-like, back to the other woman, eating her bread and watching him suspiciously. Knowing the child couldn’t hear, Titrus knew from the other woman that the girl read lips. Even though he was still suspicious, Titrus made the decision to act as non-threatening as possible. Straightening his back, he placed his sword back into the sheath. Then he stepped fully inside the room and closed the door behind him. Ash! Neeria was watching Eala, trying to get her attention as Titrus opened the door when she saw her comrade through the small dirty window. It was Ash! Had he come to rescue them? Neeria, as hard as it was, didn’t show her enthusiasm and quickly looked back to the Roman soldier. Neeria watched with trepidation as he came into the room and closed the door behind him. She adjusted her thigh, making sure the large blade wasn’t visible. The woad prayed that Eala wouldn’t let on that Ash was outside, and fortunately the child turned around and saw Titrus before she had a chance to really react to seeing her fellow woadsman. “I asked, ‘what is she doing?’” Titrus said, directing his attention to Neeria. Neeria’s eyes grew wide. She hadn’t heard him ask the first time, she was so distracted at seeing Ash. She really did see him didn’t she? Her mind wasn’t playing tricks was it? The woman’s mind raced and came up with an explanation for Eala’s, (who had retreated back to Neeria’s side), strange behavior. The woad woman blinked and said “uh, she was just acting out a game that we used to play as children. I was trying to keep her mind off her pain and to keep her entertained.” Titrus narrowed his stare, not sure if he believed the woman or not. She was, afterall, a lying, manipulative woad and could not be fully trusted. The Roman took a step further, closer to the bed. Neeria slid her hand under her thigh just in case the man was planning to assault her. He was a filthy Roman and she hated the very sight of him. She would kill him, or at least try, if he tried to hurt either one of them. Titrus extended his palm to show he held nothing and walked closer to Eala. The child looked craze, but to the lieutenant, she was still a child. She was a victim, really, not of her own doing. Titrus had 4 daughters of his own and he knew how he would feel if she were his daughter in the same situation. Knowing he was taking his chances, he moved even closer to her and got down on one knee. Titrus, even though he was showing his humanity, would not hesitate to kill her instantly if she tried anything. He was hoping that she would not. “My name is Titrus,” said slowly. “I will not hurt you, if you do not hurt me. Do you understand?” Neeria’s mouth flew open. She had not seen kindness from a Roman yet this was the third kind thing this man had done. “She can read lips, well,” Neeria said. Titrus wasn’t sure if she understood or not but he rose from his knee and walked, with his hands behind his back, one hand clasped over the other, around the bed and looked at Neeria. “You both are looking much better. The nun served you well.” Neeria tried not to make a sound and she grabbed Eala’s skinny wrist and shook her head furiously. She placed her other finger up to own lips, indicated Eala to be quiet. Then Titrus walked over to the window and peeked outside. “It’s raining outside and rather cold. Be glad you’re in here and not those nasty dungeons. It appears you have been properly cared for. I’m sure Commander Castus will soon send word as to what is to be done with you. Until then, I suggest you continue to rest and heal yourself.” After a moment, the soldier turned back around to face them. His face revealed nothing. Neeria closed her eyes and silently thanked Orius that the Roman had not seen Ash. The lieutenant then headed toward the door. Mona Mona’s back was stiff so she stretched her legs and arched her back, lifting her arms high above her head. Guinevere had gotten up and was pacing around, looking like she didn't know what to do. You’re totally daft without your daddy here to tell you what to do, aren’t you? Some princess! You’re aren’t fit to lead the fleas in your bedroll! Mona stifled a chuckle at Guinevere's apparent ineptness. Finally, Guinevere stopped pacing and said:
Mona froze. Shiete!! That would ruin everything! Maybe Guinevere wasn’t as dumb as she acted. Maybe, Mona thought, she is suspicious after all. Suddenly the healer spoke up.
Mona could have clapped her hands gleefully and kissed the old fool. But she didn’t. Instead, she said, modestly: “Guinevere” with a soft chuckle, “for once I agree with the healer. Besides, Merlin entrusted this mission to just the three of us. Bringing in more people could be a serious mistake, not to mention a possible breach in security. We cannot put ourselves nor Ash at unnecessary risk." Mona almost purred, "We are more than capable of handling any forces against us. I don’t want my sister-in-arms to suffer not one minute longer than necessary. We are close to the wall, we will be there before dark or just after. We must be there to receive Ash’s signal.” Mona locked eyes with Guinevere, trying to look genuine. Whatever suspicions Guinevere had, Mona must thwart them and downplay her role. The woad got up from her place on the ground and approached Guinevere, feigning total innocence. “We are in this together, my sister.” With that, Mona touched her chin, thumped her chest and raised her arm to show her unity. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 20 2010, 05:23 PM Post #127 |
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Author: Pinkie Date: Sun May 11, 2008 3:12 pm Amadeus and Drake He was disgusting and filthy. By his very internal make-up, this man was disgusting and repulsive to Amadeus. He was a lesser breed of man. He was as useful as a rambunctious horse which, had Amadeus been the owner, he would have turned into steak long ago. To Amadeus Sarmatians were nothing more than utensils with mouths and minds of their own - and what use was a sword with a mind of it's own? No! Arthur's 'utensils' had been allowed do as they pleased for long enough - Lancelot would learn, be it the easy or hard way, who was boss. He wuold learn that Rome Ruled All.
No... No he had not known that Guinevere had been in the fortress! Arthur's careful covering of that fact had paid off seemingly - but Amadeus did not let the surprise show on his composed sharp face. He raised an eyebrow and that was all, hsi lips pursing in cool ambiguity as a response. "I would not known Merlin from Adam, Lancelot. I do not make it my business to consort with the enemy... at least not and let them live. Any woad that I encountered is laid bloody in the pile of corpses outside the walls." the Optio replied calmly. Now that he could see a way of utilising Lancelot's impetuous nature he was feeling... cocky, confident in himself. Arthur could not deny him some retribution - but Amadeus would wait to choose what time to demand such a thing. He would pick his timing carefully.... very carefully. And at that moment the door opened. The Spaniard was there all of a sudden, standing upright and attentive, looking down at Linnette. Once again Amadeus couldn't help but feel a little irked by the man's audacious behaviour. Clearing his throat, Amadeus, oblivious to Linnette's despair and need to be out of there, stepped forward. He nodded once at Arthur in apology and took Linnette to the side, a hand on her elbow gently. Leaning his head down, the Optio frowned, looking at her pale face. "Linnette, my dear, there is something I needed to say to you with immediate effect. I do apologise of the bad timing, however - with the barracks being destroyed we are in need of your quarters. Ahm... I can get my man to organise a room for you elsewhere if you wish. A smaller room... of course." Amadeus said with an ingratiating smile. He clicked his tongue and looked up above Linnette's head towards Arthur, impatient to be back to the meeting about Merlin. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 20 2010, 05:24 PM Post #128 |
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Author: sabor ice Date: Sun May 11, 2008 3:51 pm Ash Ash met Eala's gaze for the briefest of moments as she unexpectedly turned to face the small window. She thumped a hand against it - at the same time someone entered the room - and Ash dipped from sight. He crouched unevenly, back half against the wall, knuckles digging into the ground in mild support. The abrupt twisting movement sent a sharp pain to Ash's wounded side and silently he cursed. He angled one leg out, straightening his left side a bit in attempt to ease the strain on his flank. He closed his dark eyes and concentrated intently on the muffled voices inside, trying to decipher when the deeper, huskier one would speak. After a short while, the man's voice could no longer be heard, and slowly, cautiously, Ash turned to peer inside of the window again. The soldier had gone. Eala was slouched on the edge of Neeria's bed, and Ash slapped a palm to the window to get her attention. He knew there was not much time - that soldier or someone else would most likely return at any moment, and he himself could not risk dallying much longer outside the infirmary. The Woad pulled his face as close to the window as possible, watching as Eala mirrored him. For a moment he just stared at the girl, lips parting in a heavy, but relieved sigh to see her alive. Then, his features turned serious, to let her know to pay attention. "Yes, I've come for you," he affirmed when her eyes brightened expectantly, speaking slowly enough for Eala to read his lips accurately. "Can you get away at all?" |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 20 2010, 05:26 PM Post #129 |
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Author: Pinkie Date: Sun May 11, 2008 4:09 pm Eala He may have taken teh chains from her legs once, but there was no way of knowing if he would put them right back on again. Eala was unsure about him - and she was not about to go trusting him now just because he acted kindly. Her black eyes narrowed as he moved towards her, his hand outstretched. Her initial reaction was to reach for the knife, but when she took a step backwards away from him, she staggered a little and that one moment was enough to make her realise that now was not the time. The man got down on one knee and Eala stopped retreating. She stood staring into his eyes without blinking, her nostrils flared a little and her head pulled back.
The ten year old did understand. He made a point of speaking slowly, clearly, his lips forming the words carefully. Eala took in every word but did not answer him, instead watching him cautiously as he rose to his feet and walked to the window. She was just narrowing her suspicious black eyes at the peaceful man when Neeria grabbed her wrist. Eala looked up at the older woman swiftly, nodding her understanding before looking back at Titrus with wide eyes. "Ttttt..sss" Eala staggered the letter from her imperfect lips, her nose wrinkled up as if she smelled something bad - but it was just her effort to say the man's name. She sniffed, shrugged her little shoulders and turned her head away, leaning her cheek against Neeria's upper arm, her face towards the window, her hand unconsciously twined with the woman's. There was no rhyme or reasno for her trying to say Titrus' name, only the fact that he had taken such pains to tell her it. She felt Neeria moving beside her and looked up at the woman, then to the door where the soldier had left, then over to the window just as Ash thumped it. Eala grinned in wild delight, scarpering over to the window. She placed her hands up on either side of it, smiling out at Ash. Oh she had never been so happy to see anyone ever before! She scrunched her shoulders up and looked over at Neeria to see if she was as happy to see Ash! Quickly looking back to the window, the blonde noted the change in his expression adn narrowed her eyes on his lips, prepared for whatever he was to say. For once Eala felt useful. They could not talk through the window but she could read his lips and she could try make herself understood to him in turn.
The girl's nose twitched and she moved one hand from the side of the window to touch the window where Ash's lips were, her brain working frantically to put meanings to the shapes that his lips made. She got the message though and looked over at Neeria, realised she couldn't communicate with her then looked back at Ash irritably. Biting her bottom lip, Eala shook her head. Stupidly she didn't want to escape on Titrus' watch cause it would get him in trouble. But she had an idea. "Nigh!" she whined, attempting to say 'night' but falling a little short. The word even sounded awkward on her tongue, as if her tongue was too big for her mouth and she pointed up to the sky, then clasped her hands together, placing them by the side of her head as if she were sleeping. She snapped back to attention to look at Ash then made a movement against her stomach with a hand, making an ill looking face. She then pointed behind her, indicating, awkwardly, the door to the infirmary. Roughly translated - Eala intended to feign illness tonight so that someone would bring her and Neeria to the infirmary at which point Ash could intervene and save them. Her eyes brightened and she pulled the little knife from the place on her thigh, pressing it to the window with a loud clang, pointing at it with her other hand, a beaming smile on her face, proud as a lion. Catherine
Too good to be true! Catherine's eyes were practically glinting with amazement that Gawain would ask Commander Castus, or Arthur as he so casually refered to him, for a look at his map! The thoughts of being allowed near a real map that a Roman Commander might possess was like a dream for her. A dream that she dare not believe to come true. She breathed a laugh, giving her head a rueful shake before continuing with her explanation, knowing it would put a death knell on their conversation.
And whilst she knew it would be a death knell, she wasn't expecting the intense shame, embarrassment and woeful regret that filled her every pore when he stood up, obviously displeased at her. The blonde flinched as the coins hit the table, her shoulders jumping in surprise and the tendons in her neck straining against her pale skin in worry over what was to happen next. He was obviously angry with her, angry that she had deceived him, perhaps? His harsh words were met with a nervous movement of her hand, pulling a strand of hair forward over her chin as her fingers touched her upper lip nervously. Her green eyes were looking down at the coins on the table uncertainly and she could not bear to look up at his face, knowing that his face, which had been so attentive and pleased with her for knowing what she knew, and sharing it, wuold be furious and indignant. Catherine swallowed hard, her breath shaky and her swallows coming awkward, hard and noisily. It took a moment for her limbs to stop quivering and she felt tears prick the edges of her vision. That feeling of 'dirty' was so prominent in her right now, the feeling of being less than human was so strong that she almost upped and ran out of the tavern there and then. Yes, too good to be true. The blonde tensed her jaw and her shaky hand reached forward to pluck the extra change from the coins Gawain had tossed down. She felt so wrong for doing it, but she was a whore - he had used her time. She would give it willingly but she knew that her mother would find out of it sooner or later and demand to know why she had not gotten some coin from him. There was enough on the table for the food and drinks that they had had together. Catherine glanced over her shoulder just in time to see Gawain stalk out of the place and she groaned quietly, shutting her eyes and laying her head down on the table. "Mistake... bad mistake..." she whispered to herself. She then sat up, tossing her head back, her face immaculately composed. She had an idea... it would mean a loss to herself but it might mean she would be able to look at herself in the mirror without hating her self. For some reason this all felt very wrong. It felt wrong for Gawain to think that she had been using him. She had not been using him. And she would prove that. Taking the money, Catherine dropped it into her pouch and turned to see who had been watching the interaction. No one seemed intently interested so she decided to go take care of some other business before noon arrive. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 20 2010, 05:32 PM Post #130 |
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Author: golden_trillium Date: Sun May 11, 2008 4:19 pm Linnette Having to walk between all those men in the state she was in was enough of an ordeal in itself- but it seemed that Linnette was not even to be able to do that in whatever semblance of peace she could contrive. Behind her, Arthur was summoning the men in to his quarters again- and she could feel the presence of someone stepping closer to her on her left- but the touch on her elbow came from her right, from the owner of the boots Linnette thought she had recognized. Amadeus. No doubt he wished to make some sympathetic remark as well, and Linnette took a deep breath, fighting to get her scattered emotions under control before she looked up at him. It wouldn’t do any good to bite his head off, when he surely only meant well. He led her a couple of steps away, and she raised her eyes to him, still no doubt flushed and rather teary, but managing to hold it together for now, if only just barely.
What? Linnette’s face twisted up into a silent expression of horrified disbelief. She was losing her room, too, on top of everything else? Gedeon’s room? It was not enough that she had lost her husband, now she had to be insulted twice running, by each of the fort’s highest-ranking officers?? A smaller room…a smaller room, damn the smug way Amadeus had to say that! Almost as if to rub in the fact that she was a widow! Competent, but over-eager and a little naive, she had though him when they dined a few evenings ago; well that, she now thought savagely, had been much too charitable! The man knew nothing if he thought this was the best way to break such awful news- nothing! “I…I understand. Thank you.” She managed to croak the words, force them out without hardly understanding what they meant, before she had turned from Amadeus again and ran- this time literally ran- down the hallway towards the nearest corner. Away, away- she just wanted to get away. But there was no getting away- not really. Her responsibilities raced in circles around her mind, huge, overwhelming, threatening to drown her. The ledgers in the tavern- how much work had built up since the day before yesterday? She must keep Arthur from feeling he had to do them at all costs! And now moving her and Gedeon’s things, too- the sheer numbers of items overwhelmed her, everything in the dresser and the oddments scattered over the table, Gedeon’s weapons and armor odd bits and pieces, even the furniture, too…and where were they going, anyway? And she had to care for Linnesse, make sure her sister didn’t overexert herself, which she would very probably try to do. Too much, too much… Tears were flowing down her cheeks now, and she didn’t try to stop them. Her breath came heavier, in choked sobs, and as soon as she judged herself far enough away from Arthur’s quarters that the sound would not be obvious, she whirled towards the stone wall nearest her and slapped it, stingingly hard with the palm of her hand. It hurt, pain radiating up her arm, but it was not enough- not nearly enough. Crying openly now, she slapped at the unyielding wall over and over, forwards and backwards, eventually with both hands, as if it was everything horrible in her life and she could force it into submission, crush it into a pulp. She imagined Arthur working over her ledgers, Amadeus’s smug, hawk-nosed face, and she truly wanted nothing more than to kill them both, kill everyone who stood in her way. Well, there was one thing she wanted more than that- only one thing. “Gedeon, why the fuck did you leave me?” she sobbed pointlessly, and hammered her hands on the wall even harder- the pain was increasing, but still not enough, not enough to block everything else out, and that meant it was still not enough. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 20 2010, 05:33 PM Post #131 |
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Author: Pinkie Date: Sun May 11, 2008 4:34 pm Drake Drake didn't like the Optio. Not the way he looked at Linnette when she came out, not the way he took her off to one side. Drake stood frowning intensely in their direction. Arthur called the others back inside but Drake remained rivetted to the spot, fingers flexing into his palm. His saddlebags were still slung over his shoulder and he tightened his fingers about the leather uselessly. What was being said? Why did it have to be said so quiet? Why did Linnette look so surprised?! The Spaniard's breath was coming in long, deep huffs now, his jaw should have shattered all the teeth in his head so tightly was it clamped. She moved away so fast! Drake was aware of Amadeus going into the room after the other two before he realised that Linnette was running. "Shit!" he exclaimed under his breath. He heard the patter of her feet, moving fast and he set off towards them. He got so far, turned a corner and saw her - God he saw her standing, crying her heart out and slapping the wall as if it had mortally offended her. Without stopping, Drake threw his bags into a corner where they skidded to a halt, banging noisily against the stone wall. He was behind the auburn-haired woman in a flash, her pained words barely registering in his head as he grabbed her wrist hard, turning her around to face him. One look down into her tear-stricken face made him regret getting involved in this at all. It tore at what heartstrings he had left to see her so upset. And he couldn't look at her that upset. So he pulled her to him. Holding her wrist in his hand hard to stop her hurting herself. His arm wrapped around her upper body preventing her other hand from lifting. She was not to be taken so lightly. Drake struggled with her agony a moment, turning to the side and leaning his shoulder against the wall, allowing her to lean against it a little too as he tipped his head down, his cheek against the top of her head. "Shh -- shh.." he whispered, knowing her hot tears were soaking the front of his armour, knowing that his worthless efforts to ease her pain were probably making things worse. But what else could he do? He couldn't just turn and leave her. He couldn't pretend that he didn't care that she was hurting herself, or that she was hurting at all. She put on a brave face but she was human. And she was in pain. "Stop Linnette. Stop it.." he ordered her in a stern but quiet voice. "It won't change anything." the man said with a hollow, sad sigh. Seeing her this woefully distraught, Drake knew that if he could have he would have brought Gedeon back to life. Even if it meant that he would be on a horse to Jerusalem right now never to see her again. Anything that she wouldn't have to feel all these confusing, destorying thoughts. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 20 2010, 05:34 PM Post #132 |
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Author: Lancelot Date: Sun May 11, 2008 7:07 pm Lancelot The knight cocked a haughty eyebrow at Scipio - the man was remaining calm, Lancelot had to give him that. Unfortunately, Lancelot had sort of hoped that the Optio might have tried something...but then again, that would not be in anyone's best interest.
A dark smile decorated Lancelot's dirty face, although he wasn't familiar with this "Adam" person the Optio mentioned. "All the Woads you encountered? My, that's quite a feat for one man." One cowardly bastard. Lancelot shook his head, and despite his better judgment, opened his mouth to speak again, but the door swung open and Gedeon's widow exited. Lancelot met Arthur's gaze, and crossed his arms over his chest, his face flat - only his eyes showing his disappointment in having been relegated to second string out in the hall.
Lancelot pushed off the wall he'd been leaning on and followed Arthur back into the other man's quarters. He noted that Arthur still had his hand on his side, and a twinge of guilt at his earlier actions plagued Lancelot's tired head again. Amadeus had stopped to talk to the girl, and Lancelot took the brief opportunity to stand close by Arthur's shoulder, his body a mere breath away from the commander's. He didn't want anyone to hear him. Besides, he had to reassert his place here...or he had to find out if things had changed. If that was the case...well, Lancelot would go out with a bang, that was for sure. And then the officially recognized second in command could destroy Badon as surely as Lancelot would end up in the ground. The Sarmatian had a feeling Arthur wouldn't like that - but by the gods, things had been so strained and so strange between them - Lancelot had no idea what Arthur was thinking, let alone feeling about this whole situation. And that bothered the knight. More than it ought to. He canted his eyes to Arthur's wound, and then back up to the other man's face. The shadows under Lancelot's lids made his sharp face look almost like it had been carved from wood - almost unreal in its beauty and fierce exhaustion. "Is it manageable?" he asked. For I will not be responsible for you being hurt yet again. "If I need to get the healer...." |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 20 2010, 05:37 PM Post #133 |
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Author: golden_trillium Date: Sun May 11, 2008 7:39 pm Linnette "No...no, let me go!" Someone behind her had grabbed her wrist, pulled her away from the wall and tried to turn her around, but Linnette wasn't having any of it- she reacted out of instinct, struggling against the iron grip, trying to get back at the wall to continue beating it into submission. Whoever was behind her- it wasn't Gedeon, and it wasn't Amadeus either, that was all she realized consciously at first- held her back, nearly lifting her off her feet as she struggled, and eventually succeeded in turning her around, turning her to face him, one of her arms pinned under his. When that happened, she made a couple of unsuccessful attempts to hit him, flailed her freer arm towards him only to have it held back, but somewhere in the middle of all that, she realized that her captor, or perhaps rescuer, was Drake. Maybe it was the voice that alerted her- because he was talking now, even though she was not quite sure when he had begun.
"I know, damn it...I know." She aimed her hand, now balled into a fist, in a blow towards his stomach again, once, then twice, but he held both blows off easily, his balance wobbling just slightly as he absorbed the would-be impact with the muscles of his arm. Breathing out a loud, sobbing sigh of frustration at the futility of it all, Linnette subsided and twisted her hand out of his grip instead, and Drake, seeming to recognize the change in her intentions, let it go. Once it was free, she pulled that arm in next to her body, not even thinking about the fact that Drake was still embracing her tight with his other arm. Still sniffling with tears running down her cheeks, she looked down at her hand- the palm was bleeding, abraded from contact with the stones, and felt both painful and numb at the same time, if that were possible. The bones all along her arm, and the other one, too, felt jarred from the impacts. Stupid, stupid, pointless thing to do. Stupid, and now she'd be even more unhappy than she had been before this display. Unthinkingly, she laid her palm flat on Drake's metal armor in front of her, letting the coolness soak into the abused skin, and hid her face against his chest until her crying once more subsided. He had his cheek bent against the top of her head, she realized- and he badly needed to shave. "He...the Optio..." Linnette snifffed, finally raising her head and trying to explain, or begin to explain, what had precipitated all this. She had so much to do- so terribly, terribly much- but that overwhelming whirl had been pushed ever so slightly to the side just for now, displaced by the need to communicate, first- to share all that sorrow. "He told me I can't stay in my room. It's needed because of the barracks." She got that out in a remarkably coherent chunk, punctuated by another sniffing catch of breath, another swallowed urge to cry. "And I've got my accounts, and Linnesse..." she took a step backwards, lifting both her hands and gazing down at them, red with streaks of drying blood. They hurt. "I...I just don't know what to do anymore," she raised her eyes to Drake again, silently appealing him for anything, anything at all, that he could do. Not that there was much- most likely. No one could do much. |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 20 2010, 05:38 PM Post #134 |
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Author: lady ione Date: Sun May 11, 2008 8:33 pm Adian Thorn, I love you... The line drifted in his mind as he held Fiona close to him just as he had held Thorn the first time they had loved...and many times after that. All but one night when she had given her love to another. The days he spent with Thorn came back to him as he nuzzled his face into Fiona's sweet smelling hair...feeling her warm body so close. The grief he felt stabbed at him causing tears to flow, his mind oblivious to what he was doing to this young woman who had come to comfort him. Adian marveled at the softness of every strand of Fiona's hair, and hten the softness of her neck as he placed tear ridden kisses over the skin there. He sighed as well as he felt her face bury in his neck and sigh. In his mind, he could hear Thorn sigh and whisper endearments to him. Adian's body began to respond to the memory, and to Fiona's closeness. So young and sweet. Adain moved his kisses further up her neck to her chin. Fiona gasped making his wonder just want she was feeling right now....there was a deep breath....
As he continued brushing soft kisses over her neck and chin, she tilted her head to one side to allow him more of the tender flesh. Adian groaned and began to move her back toward the bed as if they were dancing slowly. He broke the kiss and looked into Fiona's eyes. She was lovely for her age as well as mature...perhaps... "Fiona," Adian whispered as he reached up and began to untie the ties to her tunic. He knew it was morning, but he wanted Fiona now... |
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| golden_trillium | Mar 20 2010, 05:38 PM Post #135 |
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Author: linnet Date: Sun May 11, 2008 8:39 pm Gawain When he got outside the tavern, it was raining and cold, and Gawain didn’t know where he was going. He started in the direction of the knights’ quarters, but without conviction. His hair quickly got wet. It smelled like a drenched dog, which he figured he probably looked like as well. He was having trouble getting rid of Catherine’s image as he had stood over her before leaving. She had been frightened, nervously flinching as though she expected him to hit her. Maybe he had wanted to hurt her, but only emotionally – never physically. It bothered him to consider that she might have thought he would harm her because it had happened to her with other men. But he didn’t want to think about Catherine and what a fool she had made him feel. He didn’t want to think about Brianna and how he had failed her. He didn’t want to think about the baby she would have, and what would become of it. He just plain didn’t want to think. It was too early in the day though to start blotting out his thoughts with alcohol. He felt completely aimless as he considered where to go. Unless he was going to sleep, his room was too empty. There was no reason to go to the stables. He didn’t need the baths since he’d been washed up except for his hair last night. The infirmary was a possibility, but he didn’t know if Dag was well enough for visitors yet. He’d spent enough time in the tavern for a while. He never would set foot in the chapel. He had no assigned duties, as Arthur was undoubtedly recovering, and Lancelot was holed up with him. And it was too cold and wet to go fishing. It was going to be a long day, he thought, turning finally toward the armory. Yesterday Jols would have taken the knights’ weapons that they didn’t always carry there. Gawain probably couldn’t clean those that were his very well with one arm in a sling, but right now it would be something to do, it was out of the rain, and weapons weren’t bad company. |
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