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June 2008
Topic Started: Mar 23 2010, 07:18 PM (3,697 Views)
golden_trillium

Admin
Author: golden_trillium
Date: Sun Jun 22, 2008 8:58 am
Merlin


Juna
 
“It’s good that the gods keep them. Thank you.”


"For what?" The spell broken, Merlin turned back to Juna with
a shrug and a small, amused, but affectionate smile. What had
he done that she should thank him for? Given reassurance,
maybe...but he hadn't thought he was offering a great deal of
it, truthfully. Though if it made her feel better, he could
scarcely argue with that.

He took a breath, intending to say something else, perhaps to
elaborate on that topic, but the words died on his lips- one
of the scouts detached himself from one of the tree limbs
nearby, jumped to the ground, and ran up to the Woad leader,
an urgent expression on his face.

"Merlin..." he paused a moment, waiting to be acknowledged,
his breath coming hard and fast. Merlin, his body tensing in
sudden worry- were they being followed, then?- stepped once
more out of the column to the side of the path so they
woulnd't impede others, and nodded for the man to continue.

"Speak," he ordered tersely, and the man anxiously began to
deliver his report.

"Merlin...four riders have left the fort. One of them we think
is the slave scout, the other three we're not sure. We only
saw them at a distance." The man paused for a moment, eying
Merlin a bit hesitantly, and Merlin knew that this was not the
most worrying part of the report. There was more coming, and
it was something that made his scout very anxious indeed.

"They..." the scout swallowed apprehensively, and Merlin gave
another impatient nod, encouraging him to go on. He didn't
need prevarication- he needed to know what was going on! The
scout sensed Merlin's impatience and continued, his words now
flowing out in a rush.

"They have Neeria with them, sir. She rides with the scout.
And they're headed towards the camp."

The scout backed up a step, as the words fell like a rock
sinking into deep water into Merlin's heart. So it was true-
Mona had been right! Neeria must have betrayed them- she was
leading them towards the camp, and it was only by the
fortuitous designs of the Gods that Merlin and all his people
had already left! Though...if the whole group had still been
there, they could have taken care of four riders and one
traitor relatively easily, but now...Merlin's stomach sickened
when he remembered who was still left in the camp- the five
warriors he had ordered to stay behind and support Guinevere,
Ash, and their party. For that matter, any or all of the
rescue party might or might not be in the area, too, either
not gone into the fort yet, or already out after having
rescued poor Eala. And five warriors, or even eight, one
healer, and a possibly wounded girl, were no match for four
horsemen if they were taken unawares.

The whole situation was dangerous. Something had to be done-
and fast. Merlin could only pray to the Gods that it was not
already too late to help.

"Thank you- go back to your post and keep watching. Let me
know at once if anyone else rides from the fort. Nolan!"
Merlin was already whirling into action, making small 'hurry
up' gestures to some of the wounded walking past as he made
his way over to the other side of the column and some ways
back, to where his trusted lieutenant walked.

"We may have a problem. Four riders, and Neeria with them,
going towards the camp." He paused just a second, letting
that- and the significance of the now-very-likely-traitoress-
sink in, before continuing.

"The majority of the people must keep going. They must try to
hurry as much as possible." Merlin glanced uneasily at the
marching column, the slowness of it, the many bloody bandages
in evidence. Damn.

"I want you to take twenty of the most able bodied. Backtrack
along the trail and try to cover our tracks as far back as you
can. Once you get within sight of the riders, wait to see what
they do. If they want to talk, I will talk." Talk might clear
up some things about Neeria's involvement, if it were
possible- though Merlin did not hold out real hopes for her
innocence now.

"But if they offer you a fight- kill them. All of them." The
words fell like a hammer blow on Neeria's fate, though Merlin
did not mention her explicitly. Nolan would know what he
meant. A traitor deserved no better than death, and often a
whole lot worse. Though...it was so strange- she had never
been anything but loyal to the cause before.

"I'll follow you shortly with a few more warriors," Merlin
concluded, glancing again uneasily over his shoulder at the
painfully slow progress of the column. He would have to chivvy
them along a little- put someone in charge- then he would set
off after Nolan's group, and meet these four riders where the
rest of his people would be safe.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Elessars Girl
Date: Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:13 am
Derfel


Linnesse seemed quite pleased with Derfel’s response; however
his focus remained on her sister. And while he awaited
Linnette’s reaction with gut-twinging apprehension, Derfel had
not noticed Drake’s gravelly and assessing stare. Once again,
the younger man had overlooked the Spaniard’s presence as this
‘family’ matter was being discussed.

Linnesse & Linnette
 
"It would, wouldn't it?"

"Well...I wouldn't want to be a... I suppose it might be best. For now, at least."

"Oh, good! And it will be no trouble at all, Linnette- none. Never think that. Goodness, this will be a big
job,"


Derfel finally breathed again quite content that Linnette
seemed to welcome the idea. And only then when the focus was
not so much on his own concerns was it that the younger man
noticed Drake again. And he saw the Spaniard’s hand touch
Linnette’s shoulder presumably in platonic support. Just when
had the two become ‘friends’? No matter…first things first and
that was getting the three of them settled into new
rooms…together.

“No trouble at all,” Derfel echoed Linnesse’s words in a
genuinely kind tone. He and Linnette had had their differences
in the past, but he was willing to put all that aside now and
do what was best for her and the baby. And Derfel thought
Dagonet would be pleased about the arrangement as well.

Derfel reached for his mug and took a rather large gulp of ale
then and thanked the gods there had been no argument between
the sisters. He wiped at the excess liquid on his lips with
the back of his hand and glanced back over his shoulder to be
sure Lucius was still about. If Derfel had to ‘move’ the
sisters this afternoon, he’d need some help and it didn’t
cross his mind to think of Drake.

“What would needin’ to be done first? Do we have to speak to
whatever Roman officer is in charge of the housing?” Derfel
asked while setting his now empty mug back down on the bar and
motioning a serving girl for another. Probably not too wise to
drink so much ale so quickly on an empty stomach, but
considering what the knight had just agreed to do….well,
Derfel figured he could use it right now.

Would Gedeon approve? Derfel prayed to Bel that he was doing
what his best friend would want. And by the gods….a baby.
Derfel’s eyebrows rose nearly up to his hairline as he briefly
had a flash of what the summer months would bring; newly
married and providing for not only his wife, but her sister
and child. May the gods give me strength.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Unicorn
Date: Sun Jun 22, 2008 10:48 am
Dagonet


Lancelot
 
"My love, you cannot deny that he is my elder, can you?
But ah well, And don't you worry about Arthur giving
orders any time soon. If that 'eejit' tries to get out
of his bed, he will be lashed to it quick as you can say
'bondage. No worries, lamb. Dagonet will stay here for
as long he needs to. And speaking of - "


The slight sigh and wink from Lancelot almost made Dagonet
smirk at him. Elder....!! What was the man trying to imput?
Dagonet listened to the way Lancelot used the same word
descibing Arthur and gave the man a little shake of his head.
Both Lancelot and Saoirse had their tongues... hot tempered
and always ready to say what they wanted to say. It was good
to hear that none further orders are coming up soon. Dagonet
really needed rest... Also he needed some more time to mend
his broken heart, if it ever was possible. Pain of loosing
Gedeon fresh and breathtaking. Dagonet felt Saoirse's hand
thightening about his own and looked at her for a second
before turning back to Lancelot... It was obvious the words
spoken by Lancelot made her somehow uneasy or even slightly
angry.

He was not aware of Saoirse studying Lancelot closely, but
something in the First Knight's expression caught Dagonet's
attention. Plainly Lancelot was worried about something... His
face weary, even if he tried to keep it inside him. Dagonet
could see this.. but dared not to ask.

As the tall knight spoke up about being good soon, Lancelot
assesed him and Dagonet saw disbelief in his eyes. Well maybe
he was not feeling good enought to stand by himself, but there
was too much proud inside him to admitt it himself.

He felt Saoirse thumb stroking his cheek and it brought some
more comfort, but his eyes were upon Lancelot as he talked.

Lancelot
 
"You'd best do whatever you need to to make sure that
does happen, friend. I'd rather not have to tie you and
Arthur down."


Gentle touch of a friend upon his arm and his words were the
things he expected from Lancelot... But the intense look
Lancelot gave him was unexpected and sudden. His dark eyes
looked deep into his and told him more than any word could
ever say. Compation and understanding... readiness to help in
any way. Dagonet silently nodded his head with serious
expression, understanding the silent message from his friend.
Besides vision of being tied to the bed was the worst Dagonet
could imagine. It would be foolish to leave the bed now, as he
did not feel strong enough to do so.

Lancelot
 
"Ah, Bors. And here I'd thought I might have won our bet
by default."


As his attentions were upon Bors, Lancelot spoke up to Saoirse
and Dagonet didn't catch the sense of the words. And only the
sound the dark knights made turned Dagonet's eyes back to him.
Lancelot laughed at his own words and stood up.

Lancelot
 
"Dags, I'm going to report to Arthur that you're
functioning - but listen, old man, if I so much as hear
a whisper of you out of this bed before the warden
there, tells you you can, you'll have me to answer to.
And I'm not as nice as Arthur."


Old man...

Lancelot was not pushing his limits... Dagonet was used to it
by now. Bors was the eldest one here within the knights, but
Dagonet was not much younger than him and add to this his
sizes and the way he acted made the other Sarmatian see him as
the old one. Strong and more expirenced than others maybe.
Lancelot was acting sometimes like a child in Dagonet's
eyes... but he was a good friend and a good knight. He had
potential in him that not everybody could see in him... But
Arthur did it many years ago.

Once more Lancelot reminded the tall knight that he was doomed
for this bed again... That he was helpless about the
situation.

Saoirse
 
"No yer bloody not - an' yer manners are about as
refined as a hangman's."


Dagonet shook his head at both Lancelot's and Saoirse's words,
before looking deep into Lancelot's eyes and nodding his head.

"You can't intimidate me, young one..." he warned Lancelot. He
briefly looked into Lavinia's direction. "...but she certainly
scares me off!" he attempted a little joke, even if he himself
didn't smile.

Then Lancelot crouched beside him... Dagonet observed him with
stern look.

Lancelot
 
"I am sorry for your loss."


Words spoken to him silently... only for him. Dagonet's heart
beated a little harder against his thight chest and he
swallowed roughly as he watched Lancelot walking away. He felt
that he could again. To surrender to the grieve once more...
and forgett about the things he said. About going on without
his son.. about trying to live a normal life... about his
promise to get well.. and just let his heart break and die
broken.

Saoirse
 
"If he was a colt y'd have sent him off fer meat by
now."


Dagonet felt Saoirse's warmth closer as she laid herself down
closer to him, her head in the crack of his neck, felt her
warm breath upon his neck and the way her hands held him
gently. He closed his eyes in pain and gathered his strenghts
to dismiss his dark thoughts. His arm went around Saoirse
slender form and weakly held her clolser.. breathing in the
scent of her hair.

And he realised that all he needed was to feel her so close.
That it will bring him comfort. Only this.. Nothing else and
nobody else could mend his broken heart and soul.

He did not even listen to her words. Mere presence of her was
enough.

He was silent... lost in a moment. Forgetting about even Bors
next to him. HE wanted this moment to last forever. A lonely
tear rolled down his cheek as Gedeon's face came to his mind
and exhaustion with pain caught his whole body... He tensed a
little and felt his heart beating hard.

Gods, keep my son safe in your arms... keep my daughter safe,
wherever she is...
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: TwistOfShadows
Date: Sun Jun 22, 2008 12:36 pm
Eyla


Oh, Eyla was not interested in war! She was merely interested
in conversation, and perhaps gaining his trust. The Roman was
clearly cautious of his masculinity around Eyla, and it amused
her greatly. Most men would have submitted by now, and thrown
caution to the winds. Where was the harm in achieving such
peaks of pleasure? Apparently it damaged a Christian’s soul,
but Eyla did not believe such nonsense. If their God truly
existed, then he was a cruel and merciless creature with a
talent for dishing out despairs. Why worship such a hideous
deity? Eyla loved her life because she was not tied to
loyalties or commitments; it was easier to love oneself and
no-one else. It was more satisfying, and regained a sense of
control. Eyla would never be a naïve woman who sought
desperately for a husband and protection, because she did not
want for it. The whore would live a sinful and gratifying
life, and die surrounded by…pretty things. Bangles, coins….and
perhaps a few books? The thought brought an amused gleam to
her dark eyes, and her lips lilted into a smile. Did Artorius
know that she read his scriptures and parchments whilst he was
away? Did he know that her mind was ruled by curiosity? She
was interested in his more…serious affairs, because it was a
world she didn’t understand. And if she aimed to gain his
trust and take advantage? Well…a little research could do
little harm…

Could Eyla prove to be his distraction? Truly yes. The woman
was stunning, and she used vanity as a weapon. The woman’s
dark hair curled with a passionate luster, kissing her skin as
it draped down her arms and back. Her small and delicate
cheekbones bestowed a strange grace to her features, and it
was disarming to most. She could play innocent, she could play
wicked. It was the game of seduction that excited her, and she
yearned to discover every man’s wants and needs. It was a goal
of sorts, and a shallow one…but why not? It was fairer than
war, and positively harmless in her opinion. Her eyes sparkled
in the firelight, and cast dancing shadows along her slim
arms. Her bangles glittered vehemently, and she crossed her
legs comfortably.

Was she not wanted in here?

She did not care.

Arthur
 
“War is not a suitable subject for casual conversation,
Eyla. And I am quite certain that I would bore you with
its intricacies,”


Surely? Eyla laughed, and patted his hand affectionately. Oh,
but it was the intricacies that appealed to her, that made the
world seem less boring in apparel. The woman raised one hand
into her hair, and pulled a dark curl out straight. She
blinked lazily, her eyelashes brushing against her cheekbones.
The Roman did not know her at all, and that suited her fine.
Eyla was her own person…almost private in truth, but she liked
to talk about anything. She had listened to grown men cry for
their dead sons, she had kissed anger from violent lips. Eyla
would adapt to any mood, any situation, but Artorius did not
give her the chance. Yet. The woman knew he was troubled, and
about what?

In truth, she did not even consider Lancelot. The First Knight
was…delicious, but to even consider the possibility of him and
the Roman Commander? Eyla was not naïve, but she was ignorant
to that truth…

Arthur
 
“Why do you solicit payment for pleasure…from me, hm?”


The Roman smiled, and Eyla tilted her head flirtatiously. His
words were amusing, and indeed, there were many answers to it.
Why did she solicit payment for pleasure? The woman enjoyed
it, and she craved the human body. She loved nothing more than
witnessing the feral need and arousal in another’s eyes, and
knowing that it was her they wanted. Oh, it was a sweet
moment, and Eyla could almost taste it on her tongue. Payment
was a bonus, but it was not always demanded for. She had not
charged Lancelot for their last encounter, but then…he was
quite adept at making it worthwhile. And others? Eyla was not
easily satisfied, because she lived for the satisfaction of
others…and so she demanded payment. It was simple. Husbands
could not achieve such sensuous peaks with their wives, and
soldiers could not find it in innocent festival maidens. Eyla
was needed here, and that delighted her. She had found
her….talent, and it served her well…

…But from Artorius specifically? Eyla parted her lips to
answer, but felt his strong fingers flex around her own. She
glanced down to the touch, and then looked up through thick
and sultry eyelashes. He was…humouring her attempts at
seduction, and Eyla felt the excitement flow in her veins. She
leant closer to him, and felt her breasts push harder and
fuller against her tight bodice.

“Do you really want to know…Artorius…?” She whispered, her
voice dripping with honey and sweet promise. Her small fingers
wrapped tighter around his hand, and she leant closer still,
parting her lips wantonly. “…And what would you do if I told
you? Hmm?” Eyla glanced down to the Roman’s groin, and lifted
an eyebrow cheekily. She would not tell the Roman such
secrets, because it made her…open to interpretation. And that
would never do. She spoke again, her voice lower in tone.
“Would you touch me for it? Would you give into my attempts at
seduction? Would you…take me now?”

She pressed one nail into the inside of him palm, gently and
sensuously. She blinked lazily, and her lips parted more
fully. She breathed a laboured sigh close to his face…before
moving away. Eyla sat up straighter, and lifted one finger to
him. She laughed, and it was a playful rebuke.

“Come now, you know me better than that…but I adore your
technique…”

In truth, she was impressed. The woman’s eyebrow remained
raised, and she pouted coltishly at him. Perhaps they were not
so different? Ha! Indeed, they were very different, but the
thought brought another laugh to her sweet lips. She could
play with Artorius for hours on end, it made no difference to
her…and in truth, he was more interesting than most…
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Pinkie
Date: Sun Jun 22, 2008 12:53 pm
Galahad


Galahad managed to focus his blue eyes on her face intently -
not allowing his gaze to waver in the slightest. He looked
like he was examining her reactions, checking her expression
for any hint of a lie but in truth he was just staring at her
without thought. He was too wound up to focus on anything so
specific as a facial expression!

Alina
 
"Please believe it had nothing to do with you, I was
with Kolya,"


The young Knight continued to stare at the young woman as if
she had not spoken. His brow twitched, then smoothed. He
tensed his jaw and lifted his hand to his beard, scratching
three fingers down his chin before grasping his neck and
rubbing as if intensely itchy. He breathed out a stunned,
rasped laugh and slammed his two hands down on the table,
knocking the tankard to the ground. His head wobbled on his
neck as he looked down at the spilled ale on the ground.

Sniffing, Galahad looked back at Alina, his head tilted to teh
side, eyes narrowed to blood-shot slits. Inside his head he
was trying to figure out what exactly Alina had meant. He knew
what the words meant, but what did she mean by saying
something like that? It made no sense... It made all the sense
in the world, but not when she said it. Licking his lips,
Galahad blew out another rasping laugh and shook his head.

"With?" he asked in a hoarse voice, lifting his head, watery
blue eyes, "With?" he changed the tone, making it match the
way she had said it. Another, a third and final rasping laugh
ripped from his lips and Galahad launched to his feet, a hand
to his head as he staggered back a step, fell backwards over
the bench he had been sitting on and clattered to the floor in
an ungraceful heap.

"I'm fine! I'm fine!" he shouted out, scrabbling to his hands
and knees, looking down at the ground. He sat back on his
heels and looked up at Alina pathetically. "How ... how can
you tell me that this had nothing to do with me?!" he snapped,
trying to scramble to his feet.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Starbelle
Date: Sun Jun 22, 2008 1:19 pm
Tatiana


Adian
 
"Come into the water, so that I can bathe you first. I
promise I will not take advantage of you....I only want
to hold on to our deal..."


Hearing and feeling the water move as he came over to her, she
looked up into his heather grey eyes with her own emerald ones
and was instantly hypnotized and mesmerized by them.

"Alright, Adian. A deal is a deal, after all." Tatiana replied
feeling her cheeks heat up slightly as a soft grin appeared on
her lips too. Feeling the towel being gently removed by his
large fingers, she now knew what a present felt like when it
was happily unwrapped by a person.

Slipping carefully with his hand holding onto her tiny one,
into the water just enough to get her skin wet, she was
surprised to feel how warm and relaxing the water actually was
as opposed to the quick cold water ones that she usually took.

"This feels nice and comfortable." She commented shyly.
Tilting her head sideways, she added playfully "Ok, Adian..I'm
all yours."

Her long hair floated like a coppery lake in the water around
her neck and the tops of her shoulders.

I wonder if he's ticklish? When its my turn..I'll try to find
out and toss in a back rub while I'm at it.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: TwistOfShadows
Date: Sun Jun 22, 2008 1:25 pm

Nolan and Ceinwyn


Nolan had no patience for the news to come. The military
lieutenant was still seething from their retreat, and had
remained silent for most of the track back to camp. His strong
and bloodstained ankles were sodden with mud and scratched by
brambles, and his green eyes stared intently ahead. His dark
hair was matted thickly, and tangled with leaves and twigs,
but he paid it no heed. He had no time for that either. His
strong hands were curled around the bone of each of his two
daggers, and his thumbs pressed relentlessly into the blades.
He had drawn blood from his skin…and had not realized. It
trickled down over his strong knuckles, the warm liquid
cooling the tension from his bones. Where had they gone wrong?
Indeed, it did not matter. The gods were on their side, and
their vehement strength was not defeated. Not yet. The Woad
army would regain their victory, because Briton was theirs.
The trees, the crevices between rock and mud…it belonged to
them, and let them destroy anyone who sought to steal it.
Theirs was a sacred ground, blessed by the very Pagans who had
tended to it. And the Romans? Fools. Nothing but precious
metal armour…and little worth. They fought for nothing, merely
a greed for territory and blood. Oh, they would see blood…and
it would be their own…

The Woad’s eyes flicked momentarily to the front of the
columns, taking in the wounded and hopeless. His green gaze
almost pierced, its intensity was stronger than ever. His eyes
rested on the form of Ceinwyn, and his jaw tightened angrily.
She did not walk with the others, not truly, she dawdled and
pitied herself…pathetic…

Merlin
 
“Nolan! We may have a problem. Four riders, and Neeria
with them, going towards the camp."


Nolan’s head snapped upwards sharply, and he spun quickly on
his heel. He saw and heard Merlin approach, and listened. Four
riders? Four Romans or Sarmatians perhaps? And…Neeria? The
treacherous bitch? Nolan’s lips tightened into a hard line,
and he nodded succinctly. Nolan did not take the time to
befriend his comrades. Theirs was a world of war and threat,
and everything else seemed somewhat…pointless. They had lands
to reclaim, and Neeria? She would be punished for her
crimes…and harshly. She was leading them directly to camp?
Nolan saw the severity in Merlin’s eyes, and knew what that
meant. She was helping them hunt down Britons…

The man’s fingers flexed around the hilt of his dagger, and he
lifted his chin…almost aggressively…

Merlin
 
"The majority of the people must keep going. They must
try to hurry as much as possible. I want you to take
twenty of the most able bodied. Backtrack along the
trail and try to cover our tracks as far back as you
can. Once you get within sight of the riders, wait to
see what they do. If they want to talk, I will talk. But
if they offer you a fight- kill them. All of them. I'll
follow you shortly with a few more warriors”


Oh, Nolan knew. Merlin’s words were heavy with threat and
intent, and the Woad nodded in obedience…and determination.
Covering their tracks would be easy…but finding twenty
able-bodied men? Many were injured, many were tired…and some
minds were already breaking. The man’s eyes flashed, and he
turned to survey the marching woads. He would find twenty, and
they would serve Merlin well. They would confront the
enemy….and Nolan hoped they wished to fight. He hoped they
truly ruled by violence and anger…because they would die in
the bloody hatred they had invoked. Nolan looked back to
Merlin, and spoke through gritted teeth.

“It is done.”

Nolan did not speak anymore. He walked forwards into the
ordered columns, parting them with his height and status among
the clan. A brisk wind bit at his strong cheekbones, and he
parted his lips against it, breathing the soul of Briton. He
placed a firm hand upon the shoulders of his chosen group, and
nodded his head to them, beckoning them to fall back from
their people. They did as ordered, and Nolan looked to Merlin,
for approval. The chosen were tired but strong enough to
endure the mission ahead, and Nolan would lead them well. He
did not suffer failure easily…Indeed, he had almost turned to
address the Woads, when he heard a female voice behind him. A
voice that made his blood boil.

“I will come with you. A traitor knows a traitor…” Ceinwyn
spoke boldly, having listening upon their conversation. This
was her chance perhaps? To prove herself? The Woad woman stood
alone, aside from the marching columns, her fingers twitching
at her sides.

But Nolan did not turn. He merely looked to Merlin, and then
spoke gruffly.

“Then you will learn for your mistakes.”

It was a reluctant agreement. He awaited permission to leave.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: sabor ice
Date: Sun Jun 22, 2008 2:19 pm
Alina


Galahad
 
"With? With? I'm fine! I'm fine! How ... how can you
tell me that this had nothing to do with me?!"


She gave a start when he slammed his palms onto the table, and
his tankard tumbled to the ground. Even above the normal hum
of the tavern, the noises had seemed menacingly piercing to
her eardrums. Every time a raspy, disbelieving laugh escaped
his lips, Alina winced. Her face dropped, her brow creased
into a deep frown. Her shoulders slumped inward, high nearly
to her ears. She looked utterly tiny in her seat, a pint-sized
miscreant awaiting consequence for deeds gone awry.

Her lips parted into a tiny 'o' and she snapped her head up
when Galahad launched to his feet, tripped in his drunken
stupor, and crumpled to the floor. She edged forward in her
seat to peer over the table, but quickly sunk back when the
knight declared he was fine and began struggling back to his
feet.

Had something like that happened any other day, she might've
laughed at his unsteady antics, offered to help him, and then
led him to bed to sleep it off. But, instead she stared
blankly at him, and gave a burdened sigh. She rubbed a hand
along the crease of her forehead and down her face, subtly
flinching when her fingertips grazed the bruise on her jaw.

Apologetic brown eyes swiveled back in the knight's direction.
She gripped the end of the table with her hand and loomed over
top, peering down at Galahad still working to his feet.

"I didn't do it to hurt you, alright?" Alina said in a hushed
voice, her tone sincere. She glanced around to gauge reactions
at his raised voice. Her stomach flipped, her cheeks flushed
pink in embarrassment, and she maneuvered around the table to
stand nearer to Galahad. She offered him her hand, although a
part of her had already accepted the fact that he probably
wouldn't take it, even to help him rise. "Not here, Galahad.
Please. People are staring."
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golden_trillium

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Author: LadyCastus
Date: Sun Jun 22, 2008 6:28 pm
Titrus


Catherine
 
"Yes - kiss me. Anything."


Titrus smiled and lowered his head to touch her lips with his,
kissing her softly. Gently, he applied more pressure and
parted his lips rubbing his hands over her bottom again. He
deepened their kiss by probing her tongue with his own. He
pulled the woman closer to him, gently grinding his hips into
her body’s vee. The lieutenant finally broke the kiss and
stepped back from Catherine. His eyes roamed her lovely body
as he began removing his belt, hauberk and heavy cowl until he
stood bare-chested in front of her. All that remained were his
leather trousers. Titrus’ eyes were narrow and his voice heavy
with lust.

“Unlace me, Catherine” he ordered her softly, his erection
straining to be free.









Malcus Barbattus and Neeria

Neeria knew they had arrived. Her heart was thumping so hard
in her chest, she was sure Tristan could hear it even over the
crashing thundering sound of the horses charging onward. She
prayed with all her might that Merlin and the others were
gone. She was pretty sure they were. If Merlin still occupied
the camp, Neeria seriously doubted they would have ever gotten
this close to it without resistance. She tapped Tristan on his
knee and pointed ahead, letting him know that they had
arrived. Then she tried to keep her hands from shaking by
grabbing onto the saddle pommel again with both hands.

Malcus composed himself quickly after chuckling at the smug
optio’s expense. That woad was a character, she was, and
Malcus wondered just what game she was playing with them. Why
on earth would an officer of Merlin’s lead them to Merlin?
Why? That single question nagged at Malcus. It had to be a
trick! Or maybe it wasn’t, he played devil’s advocate with
himself. Maybe she’d just reacted to save her own hide after
her pathetic assassination attempt and had backed herself into
a corner. Malcus wondered.

Suddenly, without warning, they were there. They had arrived
at the camp and it was just where she said it would be. Only
there was no one insight. The captain looked at Tristan who
appeared to be completely in tune with his surroundings.

Tristan
 
"Stay here"


Tristan put his hand on Neeria’s shoulder and she nodded her
head. Mostly out of obedience but also because there was no
way she could have gotten down off the horse and made it into
the woods before catching steel in her back and she knew it.

The Sarmatian scout slid off the back of the horse
effortlessly and Neeria was suddenly afraid again sitting on
the horse all alone. The big horse stamped his big, heavy
hooves seemingly in protest to Tristan leaving Neeria still
perched upon his back.

When Tristan slid off of his mount, so did Malcus, gently
patting Falco on his neck and slipping the horse a piece of
carrot. Adjusting his armor, Barbattus unsheathed his sword
and fell into step a few paces behind Tristan. Malcus stole a
glance at the optio who looked like a puffed up chicken.
Barbattus doubted Amadeus would be of much good use to them if
they actually got into a scrap. Malcus looked back over his
shoulder at Neeria, daring her to move with his eyes, scanning
her face for any sign of … anything!

Neeria watched as Tristan moved about the camp, poking in the
fire, studying the footprints and tracks. He moved quickly yet
deadly quiet and Neeria couldn’t help but be amazed at his
routine. The scout’s posture changed suddenly, as though he’d
seen something. Neeria’s heart skipped a beat and she
involuntarily gasped for air. She couldn’t see what Tristan
was looking at and the woad craned her neck, straining to see.
The other Roman, the one still on his horse, looked at her
eerily, as though daring her to move. He was dark and evil
looking.

Malcus followed Tristan to one of the ragged huts and peered
over the scout’s shoulder, shocked to see four male woads
bound and gagged.

“What the bloody fuck is this shit?” Malcus spat. “Who did
this?” he spoke to himself.

Tristan
 
“Optio? You’d better see this,”


Neeria strained to hear what they were saying but she could
not quite make out their words. The pompous Roman – the one
they called optio, a word Neeria did not know – got off his
horse to see what Tristan and the other Roman were staring at.

Damn the gods! Neeria cursed What is it?! What do they see?

Malcus cringed as Scipio approached, notifying every living
creature in the wood, with the noisy crunching of his boots.
Malcus rolled his eyes and cursed under his breath. Mordred
stayed mounted, observing both the goings-on and the prisoner,
but poised to strike if necessary.

Barbattus moved to Tristan’s side other side, still gripping
his sword, as Amadeus entered the small room. The woads were
obviously terrified of them but something just didn’t seem
right. The small hut reeked of spirits – stale ale and mead –
a smell Barbattus knew well. Were the man’s eyes bloodshot
because of fear, lack of sleep or drunkenness? Barbattus
wanted to ask Tristan his thoughts, but the captain didn’t
want the optio clued in. The less that rat bastard knew, the
better. He was obviously out of his depths anyway.

Amadeus
 
"What the ... ? We will see if they can tell us anything
useful - if they do not tell us what we need to know
then you will cut their throats, scout. Ungag that one."


Malcus watched, still wondering, as Tristan cut the gag from
the man Amadeus indicated. If this was a trick, it sure was a
fucking elaborate one and the Merlin that Malcus knew would
not go through such a display. Merlin simply would have
charged from the wood by now in a full blown assault. It was
not like Merlin’s past behavior to sacrifice any of his own
people unless they were traitors. Someone else had done this
and the obvious presence of spirits could have had something
to do with it. Even though he was the enemy, Barbattus knew
that Merlin was a brilliant military leader, much like himself
and Arthur. Merlin did not tolerate disobedience, dishonor or
lack of discipline. Did the woad woman know about this? How
could she? Did she do this? Highly doubtful.

Barbattus narrowed his eyebrows, absorbing all that he saw and
reflecting on what he didn’t. He looked at Tristan, trying to
catch his eye, to see if the scout could see through the
obvious smoke and mirrors too. He wondered what story this
group would come up with.
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golden_trillium

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Author: linnet
Date: Sun Jun 22, 2008 8:05 pm

Gawain


Neeve
 
“Still the old charmer, Gawain, hm? It’s good to see
you, too….how are you things?”


Vanora
 
"And there is nothing I love best than a handsome young
knight to whom I can serve the ale to. Gawain, how is
your arm? Bors told me last night that a new young man
had joined the group and had treated Dagonet, you,
Galahad...Who was this young man...where did he come
from?"


Gawain didn’t feel like much of a charmer, and he sure as hell
didn’t feel like a handsome young knight. But he smiled almost
shyly at both women, glad to accept their welcoming good
spirits. He didn’t have a ready answer to Neeve’s question of
how things were. The easy, sociable answer would be a vague
‘not bad’ or ‘could be better’. The truth was far more
complicated and not appropriate to dredge up in this casual
encounter. So he focused on Vanora’s more specific curiosity.

“That would have been a fellow named Brendyn,” he said to the
petite redhead. “His whole outfit was wiped out by the Saxons,
and he was transferred here, but I forget where from. Nice
kid.” He glanced down at his arm in its sling. “He did a good
job with this, but the Woads pretty much undid it.” Then he
turned his attention to Neeve, and smiling, caught her blue
eyes with his. “I was hoping you’d be working when I drank
enough courage to visit the infirmary last night to get it
taken care of. But no, it was just me and Lavinia, and that
woman hates me.”

The blond knight remained standing beside Neeve. He took a
drink and a quick look behind him to check on Galahad and
Alina. Things seemed calm, so he set his tankard down on the
counter and spoke to Vanora. “That reminds me. You might want
to go to the infirmary to check on Bors, Vanora. I heard he
was drinking and resting there.” He gave the pretty tavern
owner a shrug, meaning it didn’t make any sense to him either.

A loud crash, followed by a heavy thunk turned Gawain’s head
once more in the direction of the table where he’d left
Galahad. The blonde knight took a deep breath and ran his hand
through his hair. His best friend was unceremoniously sprawled
on the floor, and Alina was holding out her hand to help him
up. Gawain shook his head slowly and looked at Neeve and
Vanora, half apologetically, as if he was somehow responsible
for Galahad’s behavior. It took all the willpower he had to
not go gather the young knight up and help him out of the
tavern, back to his bed where he could sleep it off. But
Gawain believed that lovers’ discussions and quarrels were
private, and as long as no one was in danger of being
physically hurt (falling drunkenly out of your chair didn't
qualify) , he wouldn’t interfere. But he really didn’t want to
witness any more.

He eyed the basket of food that Vanora had placed in front of
Neeve. Picking up his ale and draining it with one swallow, he
again sought Neeve’s eyes and ear. “Time for me to get out of
here. Can I help you take that somewhere?” He indicated the
basket with a nod and looked at her, sincere in wanting to
help, but hoping for her company for a time even more so.
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golden_trillium

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Author: lady ione
Date: Sun Jun 22, 2008 8:24 pm
Adian


What the hell was happening to him? Was it her eyes? Her
voice? Or just the innocently oblivious way she was seducing
him? He had heard of such women in legends his father told him
as a boy. Adian's eyes had taken in her whole body as he
slowly unwrapped it...her firm lean body, the way her copper
colored hair seemed to shimmer in the late afternoon gray
light. Graceful and delicate. The young man's eyes held hers
not letting the gaze falter...how her hand fit so well into
his. Carefully, he helped her a bit as Tatiana slid into the
water, his hand still in hers...

Tatiana
 
"This feels nice and comfortable." "Ok, Adian..I'm all
yours."


...Tatiana seemed to be in a playful mood, or at least the
look she had given him was. Releasing her hands, Adian reached
for the soap and the cloth. Returning his eyes to hers, he
soaked the cloth in the water and lifted it to run it in
streams down her body. Letting the towel fall onto the step
near them, Adian took the soap, lathered up his hands, and
began to lather her body feeling the softness of her skin
beneath his fingers. Adian stopped and gathered her long hair,
twisted it gently and lay it over one shoulder so that he
could get her neck, her jawline, then back down to her
shoulders. As he washed her, in Adian's mind, he stored memory
of what she looked like so that he could someday carve a bust
of her in fine wood.....

Satisfied that he had cleaned her well enough, the carpenter
reached for a large pitcher, filled it with water, then slowly
poured the water over her to rinse the soap away. One more
pitcher full and Adian smiled at his work. "There, much
better, Tatiana..." Setting the pitcher down, Adian turned to
look at her. "Now I will hold to my end of the deal...I am
yours." The area they were in was secluded from sight which he
was greatful for.
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golden_trillium

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Author: Kayla
Date: Sun Jun 22, 2008 8:57 pm

Fiona


The rest of the walk to the dungeons was not far, as she had
already come a long way before Ash had stopped her and given
her these directions, something she could not just say no to
and didn't dare try, either. The slight sense of loyalty was
still engrained in her - after all, with all of the years of
training she had done for battle and Merlin's cause, and even
though she wasn't fighting for them, there was still a sense
of duty even when among the fort. Fiona hadn't given into the
killing but helping out little Eala wouldn't hurt, right?
After all, being stuck in a Roman fort when you truly were for
the cause that her father had the woads believing in, it could
be pure hell. At least, Fiona figured that that would be how
she would feel, but she wasn't living in the prison, instead
allowed to roam around with the other inhabitants. Brianna had
been as well, before she had left and now the woad was the
only one left in the fort - until now, that was.

Helping Eala and Ash was her only concern, though, for the
time being, as she didn't want to risk not completing the task
and something happening because of it. It had been obvious
that Ash meant what he'd said about exposing her, something
that made her nervous and more apt to want to do this. How she
would get it done, though, the young woad wasn't sure. She
would just have to make it up as she went along, coming up
with ideas as she went and she barely had enough time to
think, what with the lights of the dungeon coming into her
view. Pushing out a breath through her mouth, the dark-haired
girl had a sudden thought, from what had happened a few nights
ago when Aiden helped her from someone about to attack, which
was what had set him free from the woad's capture.

Taking in a deep breath now and keeping close to the shadows,
away from the eyes of the two guards that were standing
outside. Her eyebrow raised when she saw one of them leave, to
do what, she wasn't sure but it was a lucky break on her part
and she quickly formed a rough plan in her mind, unsure as to
whether it would work or not but really, what choice did she
have? The other disappeared into the prison with a plate of
food in his hands and Fiona worked from the adrenaline still
coursing through her, pulling her face into one of terror. She
let out a scream and went bursting through the shadows and
towards the prison, waiting until the guard appeared back up
at the entrance, a look of confusion on his face. The woad
stumbled slightly on her way to him, her body shaking and her
eyes throwing glances behind her, as if someone was following
her. She moved quickly up to the guard, her breathing loud and
uneven as she pretended to have a hard time getting her words
out. "Someone ... tried to attack me ... and my sister. I got
away but you have to help her, please!" The hysteria rang out
in her voice and the guard looked down at her and back at his
post as if trying to decide whether it was alright to leave.

Obviously one of the more compassionate of the Roman guards,
he placed a hand on her shoulder, trying to calm her down.
"We'll look when my partner gets back," he told her, looking
towards the mouth of the dungeon. Fiona shook her head
frantically, opening her mouth to speak again. "No, no! He
still has my sister, please help her! He had a knife." Her
eyes widened in a childish sort of manor, clutching her cloak
to her and casting a stricken glance towards where she had
come from and then back up to the guard, whose expression was
wavering and them, taking in the terror that was on her face,
he broke down. "Show me where they are," he responded, pulling
out his sword as Fiona nodded and turned around, breaking out
into a hasty run as the guard followed her away from the
prison. She didn't know how soon the other guard would be
back, but she hoped she had given Ash enough time to at least
get Eala and get away safely.
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golden_trillium

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Author: LadyCastus
Date: Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:07 pm
Mona


Guinevere
 
"I will divert the attention of the guards and you must
watch for the chance to slip through the gate; and you
will have to do something with your packs. We can't
leave them where they will easily be found. Bury them in
the dung, I'll go and cause a disturbance"


Mona looked at Guinevere like Guinevere was crazy. Bury them
in the dung?

Before Mona could protest, Guinevere scurried off, faking a
limp and tipping over an apple cart to cause a distraction.
Springing into action, Mona rushed over to a bale of hay that
was next to the pile of shiete and shoved the packs deep
inside. She rose quickly, brushing her hands together, and ran
toward the side gate where Guinevere was waiting.

Fortunately, the guards were busying checking in a caravan of
merchants when the women suddenly bolted at break-neck speed
for the treeline. Mona sprinted as fast as she could,
expecting to be cut down by an arrow at any moment.
Miraculously, the women made it, apparently without notice.
Once they were a comfortable distance inside the wood, Mona
stopped running and fell to her knees, gasping for air. Her
heart was racing and adrenaline was flooding her veins. She
shuddered thinking about what they'd just done.

Still trying to catch her breath, she looked over at
Guinevere. How easy it would be for Mona to act out her plan
now! Ash and Connell were behind them, Neeria in front of
them. She could easily kill Guinevere now and make it look
like an accident since there were no witnesses around. Mona
smiled. Now that Neeria was obviously a traitor, getting rid
of Guinevere would guarantee Mona's ability to get close to
Merlin even quicker. Merlin. She purred softly and rolled her
eyes to the heavens just thinking of him. Her nipples
hardened.

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Mona spoke up. "We
have to hurry, Guinevere, before the rains come and clear
their tracks,"

Mona rose to her feet and placed a hand on her hip, waiting
for Guinevere.
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golden_trillium

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Author: linnet
Date: Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:17 pm
Juna


Merlin
 
"For what?"


Juna thought, but did not say ‘for indulging me’. Merlin’s
smile told her that he didn’t require an answer. She fondly
returned the smile, and cocked her head attentively as it
seemed he was about to say something more.

Woad Scout
 
"Merlin..."


The scout was breathing hard, his voice and manner urgent. And
once more Merlin was gone, off to the side with the messenger.
Apprehension hit Juna so hard her heart raced and she froze in
place. Every sign that she saw as Merlin and the scout spoke
indicated trouble. She couldn’t hear their words but Merlin’s
face reflected worry and determination. When the scout left,
and Merlin called for Nolan, she knew it was serious trouble.

Her eyes never left Merlin. As he walked back to reach Nolan,
he gestured to the people he passed to hurry ahead. Juna
wasn’t going anywhere. She stood where Merlin had left her,
watching him, watching Nolan select warriors. She saw the
faces of the men change from tired to fiercely grim, full of
the same old blood-lust of two days ago. Juna felt sick and
frightened and angry. Merlin had said they would stop
fighting, at least until spring. Whatever was now destroying
that hope, she hated it. She didn’t speculate on what the
cause might be. It didn’t matter to her. It was unfairly evil,
and to be hated.

Merlin now was surrounded by warriors, as well as the young
woman he had talked with a short time ago. Juna just continued
to watch. Her face was etched with anxiety, and she
unconsciously raised her hands to her mouth to nervously chew
at the skin around her finger nails. She wouldn’t move from
where she stood until Merlin either came back to tell her what
was happening, or simply left without bothering. And what, she
wondered would she do then?
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golden_trillium

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Author: golden_trillium
Date: Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:29 pm
Linnette and Linnesse


Derfel
 
“No trouble at all. What would needin’ to be done first?
Do we have to speak to whatever Roman officer is in
charge of the housing?”


“Well…Drake was the one who inquired about it,” Linnette
answered, feeling again that peculiar feeling she had had
yesterday when she said Drake’s name in front of Linnesse- the
thought that somehow some inappropriate affection was showing
in the way she said it. It made her say the name softer,
somehow, almost a little embarrassed to be saying it- and the
look on Linnesse’s face didn’t help either- the narrowness of
her lips suggested confusion laced with the seeds of
disapproval, though she said nothing. Linnette once more
twisted away from her sister and her sister’s man, looking up
at Drake appealingly. His hand was still on her shoulder, the
warmth of it soaking into her- but unexpectedly, she rather
wished he would remove it. It was embarrassing.

“Perhaps you could go tell then we’ll take it? Then I suppose
we’d better start packing.” She turned back around, meeting
Linnesse’s eyes again and heaving a deep sigh at the
depressing prospect of going through all her things, not to
mention Gedeon’s things, and transporting them around.
Especially Gedeon’s things- the very thought of them made her
start to choke up. She gave a morose shrug of her shoulder,
hoping to dislodge Drake’s hand- though she didn’t in truth
know what she wanted. Her emotions had suddenly become a
tangled jumble. Linnesse’s expression shifted into sympathy,
and she seemed on the point of saying something, when a crash
from across the room made both sisters jump and look around.
The source of the noise proved to be Galahad, who had
apparently stood from his table, tripped over the very bench
he had been sitting on, and landed splat on the floor.

Galahad
 
"I'm fine! I'm fine! How...how can you tell me that this
had nothing to do with me?!"


Galahad snapped the words out at Alina, with whom he had
clearly been arguing, and she held out her hand to him and
said something in a soothing, pleading tone, something that
Linnette could not catch across the distance and the noise of
talk- though quite a few people had fallen silent after the
crash. Linnette felt an irrational surge of frustration,
having noticed the spilled ale on the floor in its slowly
spreading puddle.

“Was he raised in a barn?” she muttered snappishly, miserably,
looking over at the spreading ale and at Galahad and Alina at
their spat. Was there no happiness in the world? None, since
the knights had come home, or didn’t come? Everyone seemed to
be tense, unhappy with either sadness or anger. Most of them
had their reasons- Arthur, Lancelot, Dagonet, Saoirse,
Amadeus, Bors, Vanora, she herself- but even Drake was always
going around frowning and breaking his teeth for no
discernable purpose. And now Galahad couldn’t even keep his
damned ale in his cup or his bottom on a bench.

Well, she didn’t want to stand around here and watch a couple
she had always thought of as happy fight. Nor did she want to
watch Linnesse and Derfel at their perpetual lovey-ness, which
she could not grudge them but which she finally admitted to
herself was painful to be around, either. Dodging around
Linnesse and Derfel with no further preamble, without looking
at anyone, she ducked around the doorway into the kitchen and
returned carrying her cloak, which she had hung on a hook just
inside.

“I’m going to go pack. Someone come tell me when you find out
where this room is.” She knew she was being unfairly snappish,
striding past the other three with barely a glance as she
swung her cloak around her shoulders, but she truly had no
desire to stay here any longer. The fresher air outside the
tavern called to her, promising to clear her head if she could
get out in it and away from the crowds.

“Take your time eating,” she managed to add, in a somewhat
kinder tone, with a glance towards Linnesse- who really did
need to eat to regain her strength. Linnette didn’t have to
stand around watching her do it, though- she wanted to be
away. As her sister nearly stomped out of the tavern, Linnesse
turned to Derfel, her eyes wide with shock and her spoon once
more in her hand, as she had been about to take another bite.
She certainly hadn’t been expecting that outburst.








Merlin

Nolan
 
“It is done.”


Ceinwyn
 
”I will come with you. A traitor knows a traitor…”


Nolan
 
”Then you will learn from your mistakes.”


“Go, Nolan- go with the Gods and I will see you soon.” Merlin
delivered the silently requested permission with the usual
touch on the soldier that he sent all his captains and
lieutenants off with- a sort of blessing, a wish for good
fortune on the way. The touch was only brief, though, before
Merlin turned to Ceinwyn with a frown.

“Peace, Ceinwyn- a warrior who shows patience is the more
likely to be chosen.” The Woad leader understood why the
volatile woman had not been one of Nolan’s chosen twenty- but
now that he considered it, he might as well take her with his
group when they went out shortly. Depressed and difficult she
might be, but she had the great advantage of being nearly
unwounded, and that made her one of few right now. But Merlin
wasn’t going to tell her that just yet- let her stew for a
bit. Let her strive harder to prove herself. Striving and
uncertainty were good- they bred toughness and resolve, and
Ceinwyn was in need of those qualities now.

Out of the corner of his eye Merlin spotted Juna, who was now
standing stock still while the rest of the column flowed
around her, her eyes on him. She needed to get to safety with
the rest! Merlin felt a flash of worry about her that startled
him with its intensity, almost rocked him a little on his
feet- but he wouldn’t go to her until he had Ceinwyn’s
acknowledgement of his words.
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