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June 2008
Topic Started: Mar 23 2010, 07:18 PM (3,692 Views)
golden_trillium

Admin
Author: TwistOfShadows
Date: Thu Jun 26, 2008 7:58 am
Nolan and Ceinwyn


What had Nolan expected? An easy surrender, or a complicated
conversation that ended in one race dying bloodily? The Woad
warrior stood confidently before the hut, his jaw tensed in a
hard and relentless line. His lips wore a tight grimace, and
his strong fingers gripped his daggers. The Woad would not be
taken unawares. His army had entire control over the situation
before them, and they would not lose it. The Woad glanced to
his side, and took in Ceinwyn. She stood strong, her green
eyes vehemently focused upon the hut. It was true, she was a
pretty thing, but had been tainted with the stain of a
slave…and despite how loyal she appeared, Nolan did not trust
her. The woman caught his eyes with a glare of her own, and
then looked away. Yes, Nolan had it completely under control,
but it would take only one mishap, one lack of judgment…and
they would all be dead. Ceinwyn listened to his words, his
blunt attempts at a negotiation, and remained silent. She
would not intervene…for now…and concerning Neeria? Ceinwyn did
not pass judgment. She had been falsely accused of treachery
before…but Neeria’s presence seemed far too coincidental.
Looking to the hut, she half wondered if the First Knight was
there. Indeed, it would be amusing…had his fingers healed
well? She hoped not…

Amadeus
 
"My peace is worth three of your own, Woad. I seek a
meeting with Merlin to speak on behalf of Arthur Castus.
And you should take me to him because I have demanded
it!"


Ceinwyn began to laugh. It was an uncontrollable sound, and
quite manic. She looked to the hut, and wondered who exactly
this foul Roman was…and was he truly in a position to make
demands? The Woad woman cocked her head to the side, her
matted hair whipping about her face in the winds. Nolan looked
at her, and…smiled himself. It was a tight thing, but enough
to show his amusement, his mockery. The Roman was making very
idle threats, and with what ammunition exactly? Roman status
meant nothing here, and his pompous language was deeply
amusing.

However, amusement quickly turned into impatience…there was
movement within the hut. Nolan frowned darkly. It was a Woad,
he recognized the blue and dusty skin of his kin…but something
was not right. The man’s feet were bound, and a sharp dagger
lurked dangerously near his throat. He was a hostage, and
followed by a darkly clad figure. The man was tall, but not
Roman. His attire was more modest, duller, and more
appropriate for war. A Slave… Nolan gritted his teeth, and
Ceinwyn growled angrily. The Woad woman curled her top lip
back, and suddenly felt all her hatred come back to her.
Slaves were suited to death…

“We can sacrifice one of our own to justify the death of a
slave!” Ceinwyn spat angrily, and her eyes glared green at
Tristan. Oh, how she hated Sarmatians. She hated their
handsome features, their complete disregard for freedom, their
willingness to comply to Roman rule. It was pathetic! She
spoke again. “Kill them both!”

Nolan ignored her. His dark eyes took in the Sarmatian and his
hostage, and he stepped closer to the pair. It was a dangerous
movement, but one that could not be avoided. The Woad parted
his lips to address Tristan…but then he changed his mind.
Ceinwyn was an irrational fool, but she was correct in her
judgments of slaves. The Sarmatian was useless, he did as he
was told…but the Roman hiding inside the hut? Nolan would
beckon him out, one way or another. Cowardice was quite
amusing. Why did the Roman not take the hostage himself? It
would have gained him an ounce of respect perhaps? But no,
Romans were nothing without their horses and armour…

“Very well Roman. You will have your Peace.” He spoke towards
the hut, his eyes never leaving Tristan and his hostage.

Nolan’s gaze momentarily dropped to his kin. The Woad seemed
agitated, frightened and angry that he could do nothing. Nolan
spoke again. “But you will also lose your weapons…and release
the hostages. Your birth or status means nothing to me, nor to
Merlin…”

Nolan glared into the hut, awaiting the remaining cowards. How
many were there? Indeed, Nolan did not truly care. They would
abandon their weapons, and suffer the short journey back to
camp. The Woad warrior looked to the Sarmatian once more, and
spoke.

“Release him. This is not your war.” Nolan’s voice was gritty,
referring immediately to the hostage before them.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Darya
Date: Thu Jun 26, 2008 8:29 am
Neeve


Alina
 
"No, I'm fine... Men...they always think they have
something to prove, don't they?"


When the other woman moved slightly underneath her hand, the
healer automatically let go of Alina’s shoulder and crossed
her arms in front of her chest instead. She was glad to hear
that Alina was okay…at least physically. While the dark-haired
spoke again, Neeve glanced out of the door at the fighting men
again and shook her head. “Oh yes. And they actually think
that would impress us…”, she replied to Alina’s words, her
voice clearly expressing that she did not approve the men’s
behavior. The knights were acting like 12-year-olds and the
healer wondered what on earth had caused all this…

Then…

Linnesse
 
"What happened?"


Blue eyes shifted towards Linnesse when the blonde woman
arrived. And Neeve immediately eyed the other healer, who
still looked far too pale for her taste. But at least she was
eating now. That was a good thing. And she had asked the very
question that was keeping Neeve’s mind busy… “Good question…”,
the raven-haired commented and gave Linnesse a nod in greeting
as she did so…then her gaze was back on Alina. The Briton
already sort of figured that the relationship of Alina and
Galahad was not at its best…which would explain the
Sarmatian’s earlier behavior and drinking… But was that the
reason for the mess outside, too?
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Unicorn
Date: Thu Jun 26, 2008 1:35 pm
Dagonet


Dagonet was not aware that he had misunderstood Saoirse's
question about Bors... Instead of thinking about this he
watched his friend, knowing that the leg had to hurt him very
much right now. He had not thought that he could glare at
Saoirse in any unfriendly way... nor he had not thought what
might Bors think about the present situation between his
little red-head and Dagonet himself. Bors knew about his
daughter and probably highly disaproved Saoirse decision. But
still Bors had not known the whole situation. Dagonet never
would tell him everything.... only if Saoirse will allow it.
The things he had discussed with her was only for him and
nobody else. Dagonet could hold his tongue. Could keep a
secret.... about her heritage and all.

No matter what others would feel about this, he needed her and
loved her... nothing will change this.

Bors
 
"I'm gettin' too bloody old for all this Dag, I should
be at 'ome now wiv me feet up an' a flagon of ale,
Vanora tendin' to me every need, not stuck in 'ere full
of bloody Woad poison."


Dagonet wanted to smile at him, but somehow nothing came out
from him and he closed his eyes briefly.

And I should be beside Linnette, comforting her... I should be
strong and stay the way I always was... I should never be
broke.

Once he oppened his eyes there was Saoirse's face... smile
fading away. His hand went to touched the top of her head and
he gave her a knowing look.

"Then go to her, Bors" he said to his friend. "...promise me
to come back in two days for Lavinia to examine this whole in
you, aye?" he asked him, not really looking at him, but at
Saoirse. Would she be willing to live with him a simple life
like that? Because of Dagonet wanted in his life was peace...
nothing more.. nothing else.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: lady ione
Date: Thu Jun 26, 2008 5:24 pm
Ione


Having made her tea, Ione went over to the unfinished cloth
still connected to the loom. Thankfully, the loom had not been
damaged in the attack, nor had the project. Ione had begun it
when Javier was close and in her life...now he was gone. In
her mind, a new set of clors came to her imagination: colors
that reminded her of Mirtha....the darker earthy tones mingled
with heathery grays and blues. She took a sip of the tea,
sitting down at the stool in front of the instrument. One hand
went down to feel the soft textures....

Dark eyes moved back to the small room where she and Mirtha
had finished making love. Mirtha. Of all the men at the fort,
he had been the one she had least expected to fall in love
with her. He was so different from Javier.

Mirtha was still sleeping, she guessed as she had not heard
any noises from the room. Smiling to herself, she set her tea
on the window ledge, and placed one hand on the shuttle of
blue gray yarn, and the other on the loom itself. Customers
had come to pick up work, then leave, and it made her glad
that she was able to sell some items...mainly cloaks. Her
thoughts went to Darya, Arthur, Linnette and her other friends
that she had seen briefly or had not seen yet. For some
reason, her right hand went back to her stomach. She had not
really felt hungry, and had felt a bit sick depending on the
time of day...

Ione rubbed her stomach slowly and absently, as her eyes moved
to look outside at the gray day. Nearby, she could hear chaos
of some sort, but because of the angle of the shop, she was
unable to see what was going on...
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golden_trillium

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Author: Elessars Girl
Date: Thu Jun 26, 2008 6:23 pm

Arthur


Eyla
 
“Well my mother was a thief and my father a stablehand,
and neither job appeals to me. I’m too beautiful for
such work…”


Surprise filled Arthur’s green eyes at Eyla’s confession in
regards to her parents; never in all their time together had
the woman ever given any intimate details of her life. Ever.
He ignored Eyla’s flippant statement about her beauty though.
A handsome face had nothing to do with good honest work in
Arthur’s opinion. Eyla was the epitome of a goddess in human
form though….yet surprisingly not the wife of an important and
wealthy man by now who would dote on her and lavish her with
gifts and anything she would ever want for. She had always
struck Arthur as an intelligent woman and most likely come
from good bloodlines. “Too good to be selling herself for
money.” Curious emerald eyes studied Eyla’s expression for the
reasons behind the sudden change in her voice; the seductive
tone having switched over to something more solemn…as if she
spoke to a ‘friend’ or confident instead of a lover. Had the
two of them moved on beyond ‘harlot’ and ‘commander’ to
something more? Arthur had barely opened his mouth to speak
when Eyla’s long slender finger pressed over his lips to
effectively silence him. Arthur’s left brow rose slightly in
retort, but he allowed the gesture and waited for whatever
Eyla wished to speak about next.

Eyla
 
“I…”


A knock at the door interrupted whatever jewel that was about
to pass next between Eyla’s ruby red lips. Arthur, accustomed
to such untimely interruptions, never took his eyes off Eyla’s
face as he lifted his free hand to brush her fingertip from
his lips.

“Come!” The Commander called out to whoever had rapped on the
thick wooden door. Arthur prayed it was only Neeve with his
soup or perhaps Jols with the latest duty rosters…certainly it
was far too soon for the Optio’s return…or Lancelot’s for that
matter. But no matter whom it was Arthur knew it was his duty
to receive them. He gave Eyla’s fingers a final gentle squeeze
and then released her hand as he shifted into a stiffer
‘official’ position on the bed. The mask of Roman Commander
immediately slipped back into place despite Arthur’s pain and
discomfort and despite his present company.

“We shall continue this conversation another time, Eyla,”
Arthur said in a low tone insinuating that she had piqued his
curiosity and he truly had appreciated the distraction. But as
it often did….duty always called and the few precious private
moments in Arthur’s life always slipped through his fingers
all too quickly much like the fine sands along the shorelines
of Britain.

“Perhaps for now, you might endeavor to earn what I do pay you
for, hm?” Arthur added in a distinctly sardonic tone and
accompanied by a brief wink before the door opened. But
Arthur’s humorous expression was short lived as a throbbing
pain in his side, matched only in intensity by the one
radiating behind his eyes, reverberated throughout his tired
body. The wry grin immediately transformed into a grimace that
Arthur had to work hard at taming before he’d face whoever was
at the door. God willing it was not anything urgent as Arthur
truly did need rest.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: LadyCastus
Date: Thu Jun 26, 2008 6:28 pm
Neeria


Nolan
 
“Hold your spited and treacherous tongue Neeria! Or I’ll
cut it out your mouth…”


Neeria recoiled at Nolan’s harshness. But before she could
speak, Nolan grabbed her by the hair and pulled her out of his
way. Neeria bit her lip to prevent the scream that lurked in
her throat. The warrior turned to address him when she was
suddenly aware of the woman standing behind him. Ceinwyn!
Neeria barely recognized the woman. The other woman’s eyes
were wide and her hair wild and tangled. There were scratches
and bruises all over her body and she was eerily thin. Ceinwyn
was but a shell of the beautiful warrior she once was.

Neeria dusted herself off, feeling awkward in the clothes she
had been provided, and scanned her kin. She was still unaware
of what happened in the hut. The knight was still mounted on
his horse but made no effort to engage. His face was masked
with hatred and anger. From inside the hut, Neeria heard the
command of the one they called ‘optio’

Neeria watched Nolan carefully. She knew him well and she knew
that he would not take kindly to demands. Where was Merlin?
Would he come? Neeria’s mind raced. This looked bad for her
and she knew it. She understood that it looked like she’d led
the Romans directly to Merlin, therefore making her look like
a traitor. The truth was she had no idea that the camp would
still be occupied. Neeria had known that Merlin would leave
the camp and head back to the village and therefore led the
Romans to the camp which was in the opposite direction of the
village. But would Nolan and Merlin believe her? Neeria
shuddered at the thought. She would have to convince them it
was true. She had been prepared to die to spare Merlin and the
rest of her people.

Neeria saw Nolan’s muscles tense at the sound of the optio’s
voice.

Nolan
 
“…and how much is your Peace worth, Roman? There has
been peace enough. Why do you seek Merlin? And why
should I take you to him?”


The man growled as he spoke. Neeria knew by the tone of his
voice, he wanted to kill them. And her as well. Tristan and
the other Roman were in the hut as well.

Tristan.

He was still inside. Neeria craned her neck to see him but the
hut’s interior was too dark for her to make out his shape.

Amadeus
 
"My peace is worth three of your own, Woad. I seek a
meeting with Merlin to speak on behalf of Arthur Castus.
And you should take me to him because I have demanded
it!"


Neeria’s eyes darted quickly from the hut back to Nolan.
Idiot! She saw the storm cross Nolan’s face. Didn't he know he
was at a disadvantage? Neeria hated him.

Just then, from the dark, she saw Tristan come to the doorway,
the other Roman – the man other than the optio – was beside
him, his sword clutched tightly in his hand. The Roman’s eyes
swept over the woad population, his face frowned and angry.
Tristan held a blade to the throat of another woad that Neeria
didn’t immediately recognize. Tristan looked calm, his face
betraying nothing. Neeria’s heart thumped loudly in her chest.

Ceinwyn burst into a maniacal laugh. Neeria jerked her head
around and stared at the woman who was once her friend and
again wondered what awful things had happened to her. Neeria
searched the other woman’s eyes with her own, but Ceinwyn’s
eyes were empty, dead.

Ceinwyn
 
“We can sacrifice one of our own to justify the death of
a slave! Kill them both!”


“You will not touch the Sarmatian,” Neeria said surprisingly
calmly, gritting her teeth. She looked at both Nolan and
Ceinwyn.

“Do what you want to the Romans, but leave the scout.”

She knew she was taking a big risk but Nolan would not kill
her without the order from Merlin. Of that she was sure. Nolan
may get angry and even hurt her, but Neeria knew that she
would live to speak with Merlin if only to beg for his mercy.

Nolan
 
“Very well Roman. You will have your Peace. But you will
also lose your weapons…and release the hostages. Your
birth or status means nothing to me, nor to
Merlin…Release him. This is not your war.”


Neeria let out her breath, then she prepared for whatever
Nolan would give her. Despite her weakened state, she would
not submit to him before she spoke with their leader.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: lady ione
Date: Thu Jun 26, 2008 6:42 pm
Adian


Tatiana
 
"Good, I'm glad that you had fun and are relaxed as
that's very important."


Her lips felt supple and warm beneath his, and mentally, he
marvled at the sweetness of her breath on his face. To his
pleasure and delight, Tatiana had leaned in closer to him and
returned his kiss. His strong hand moved up the curve of her
back then back down, his body moving closer to hers, then his
lips left her lips and moved to her freshly washed jawline,
her neck....

Adian heard her sigh softly, her eyes closing with pleasure.

Finally, removing his lips from her skin, he looked at her,
"I...uh...didn't think you'd mind if I kissed you, but I have
wanted to do that since I saw you this morning in the
tavern...Did you mind?" Moving from her, with a smile, he
stepped up the steps that left the pool. Adian stood there for
a moment stark naked in the light with his eyes latched on the
hers, then grabbed his breeches and put them on. The young man
wondered why he had stood there to see what her reaction would
be...perhaps to see if she was pleased with how his body
looked.

"I suppose I should go and see what damage the woads did this
time. Later tonight, if you want to, you may come to my
quarters and share a meal with me by the fire," Adian's eyes
sparkled in the light. "But right now, I have to make a
headstone for Thorn's grave. I do not know where it is, but
perhaps we can find a lovely spot and make one there..."









Vanora

She nodded at Neeve and Gawain who had now left, and went back
to watching the fight evolve into a sort of...well a bundle of
chaos. From where she stood in the tavern, she could see
Galahad, Lancelot, and a bunch of others. She shook her head
wondering what had brought all of this on in the first place.
Well, she had had a full day, or so it seemed, and she felt
that she had to go see Bors in the infirmary to see how he
was.

Vanora just wanted to forget this whole day, and just to spend
the rest of the day with Bors sounded to be ideal...and the
little bastards as well.

Nodding to one of the wenches she trusted to watch the tavern,
Vanora told her, "I am taking the day off to take care of some
business and such...I'll be back tomorrow early." Grabbing her
shawl, Vanora left the tavern, and avoided the fight to get to
the infirmary.

Entering the infirmary, Vanora scanned the room to find where
Bors was....
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: LadyCastus
Date: Thu Jun 26, 2008 7:13 pm
Malcus Barbattus


Malcus stood next to Tristan, waiting for the optio to answer
Barbattus’ request for orders.

Amadeus
 
"Shut up!"


Malcus suppressed a ‘fuck you’ and stood his ground. Scipio
was obviously out of his depths but Malcus’ hands were pretty
much tied. Scipio was the highest ranking officer so Malcus
was willing to ride the storm out.

For the moment.

As Tristan moved the bound prisoner close to the door, Malcus
spoke to him just above a whisper.

“Slow and easy, Tris. I’ve got your back,” and the captain
positioned himself just to the front of the Sarmatian.

Malcus looked out in the daylight and saw a small sea of blue
painted men. The sight of them was startling. Malcus and his
party were clearly outnumbered. There would be little chance
for victory with the odds that faced them. Barbattus turned
his attention to a tall, wiry Blue Man who seemed to be all
mouth and the one in charge. Standing next to him was a woman
who looked insane. Malcus was very familiar with the woads.
He'd been dealing with them for many years. As many as Arthur.
Barbattus thought the crazy woman looked vaguely familiar, but
he couldn’t immediately place her face. Woad women! he thought
with disgust. They were insane, blood-thirsty bitches. That
one next to the leader looked like she ate balls for
breakfast.

Barbattus cursed under his breath, knowing that today with the
optio in charge, he might die. As though confirmation came
directly from heaven, Amadeus spoke again.

Amadeus
 
"My peace is worth three of your own, Woad. Keep a hold
of him but let them see we have one...watch the others.
I seek a meeting with Merlin to speak on behalf of
Arthur Castus. And you should take me to him because I
have demanded it!"


Good Lord.

Ceinwyn
 
“We can sacrifice one of our own to justify the death of
a slave! Kill them both!”


Malcus gripped his sword, pressing closer to Tristan, waiting
for the onslaught- when Neeria spoke, telling the others not to harm the scout.

Malcus shot a look at the small woman and threw daggers with
his dark eyes at the traitorous whore. What the hell was up
with her? The captain didn’t move, waiting for the first
arrow.

Nolan
 
”Very well Roman. You will have your Peace. But you will
also lose your weapons…and release the hostages. Your
birth or status means nothing to me, nor to
Merlin…Release him. This is not your war.”


“There is no war today, woad,” Malcus spoke up, seizing the
opportunity to speak from Amadeus. The captain reluctantly
placed his sword on the hut floor, thankful that he was fully
armed underneath his clothing. Malcus refused to look at
Scipio but felt the flames on his neck that must have been
shooting out the optio's nostrils.

“Our request has been made. We wish to speak with Merlin on
the request of Arthur Castus. There need not be any further
bloodshed. Ask your men to stand down as we are clearly
out-numbered.”

Captain Barbattus stepped out of the small hut and stared at
the woad, locking eyes with him.

“Now, let’s stop fucking around. Where is Merlin?”
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: linnet
Date: Thu Jun 26, 2008 7:31 pm

Gawain


Neeve
 
“Gawain, not with that injured arm of yours…! Isn’t it
enough that we have to fight the Woads here these days?
Do you have to fight each other of that?”


The last thing Gawain wanted was to have his damn arm get
messed up again. But there was no choice here. When your best
friend was getting throttled, you had to get involved. He gave
Neeve a quick ‘what are you gonna do’ shrug before joining the
fray. Later, he’d settle one way or other with Galahad for
doing this just when he was about to have some rare time alone
with Neeve.

Kolya
 
"A fair fucking fight!?"


Gawain’s only intention was to break up the fight before
anyone got hurt, and if that didn’t work, to make sure Galahad
wasn’t getting the worst of it. When he grabbed Kolya, he
thought it was over. The veteran Sarmatian snarled, but looked
like he’d had enough. Kolya was breathing hard, and didn’t
seem eager to have at Galahad again. Gawain was pretty sure he
could keep the older man in check while Lancelot subdued
Galahad. It was the Lancelot subduing Galahad part that went
all wrong. The younger knight dove at Kolya’s legs and managed
a take down before Lancelot pulled him off.

Galahad
 
"Let me fucking go!"


Lancelot
 
"You fucking idiot! He'll kill you - or I will if you
don't stop - "


The First Knight had Galahad around the waist, but the younger
man was like a crazed weasel, kicking and punching everything
within reach. Gawain stepped in trying to grab a flailing limb
or two, and got an elbow to the stomach that knocked the
breath out of him. Doubled over and coughing, he tried to help
the beleaguered Lancelot pull Galahad away from Kolya. Another
un-aimed fist caught Gawain on the cheekbone. “Shit! Knock it
off. Now!” he warned his friend. If Galahad would just calm
down, things would fizzle out. Kolya was still down, and
hopefully ready to quit.

Galahad
 
"This is between me and this piece of shit!"


That was all it took to end that hope. Before Gawain knew what
hit him, Kolya had taken the bait, and charged full steam into
the trio of knights. Gawain had just enough time to swivel in
mid tumble so that his broken arm wouldn’t take the impact of
the fall. It didn’t, but his knee twisted and muscles were
pulled in ways they weren’t meant to go. He lay in the mud for
a minute, a little stunned, rubbing his knee.

Lancelot
 
"Get. Off. Me. Galahad, you useless little fuck. Get
your drunken, stupid arse off my chest, or I will beat
you senseless. STOP THIS. Now."


For fuck sake, now Lancelot was shoving Gawain
unceremoniously, trying to get himself untangled. A sharp,
bony elbow dug into the blonde knight’s ribs. That was it.
Gawain had enough of trying to be a peacemaker. He’d taken all
the shit he could without retaliating. It was time to hit
somebody. There were three deserving targets. All he had to do
was pick one.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: sabor ice
Date: Fri Jun 27, 2008 2:24 am
Fleur & Cáel


Mother Lavinia
 
“You did perfect, Fleur, You should go back to your
sister now so she doesn’t worry about where you are.
That’s all the help I needed today. But I think I might
need some more help tomorrow.”


Fleur bounced lightly on her heels at the praise she received
from Lavinia, her infectious smile bright and endearing. There
wasn't an ounce of disappointment on the child's face when she
was told to return to her sister, on the promise she could
help Lavinia again tomorrow. The girl chortled, one hand on
her hip while the other pointed a knowing finger toward the
healer. For the briefest of moments she appeared smug, cocky
even.

"What would you do without me?!" Fleur mused, rhetorically.
She laughed again and twirled happily, hopping over to the
door of the little storeroom, throwing one last glance toward
Lavinia. "I can find my way back by myself! Bye, 'Vinia!"

The blonde tugged open the heavy wooden and slipped out,
making her way back into the main part of the ward. She
skipped passed the bed of the sad man, sitting with the woman
with her hair on fire (Dagonet and Saoirse), waving to them as
she went on her way. It was hard to believe such a vibrant
youth had been gravely ill only a couple days past.



Cáel loitered just inside the infirmary door, hesitant to go
any further. He did not forsake such houses of healing - he
purely disliked them. Such a sad place it was, with unseen
dangers lurking around every corner. The potent stench of
death lingered in the form of an invisible black cloud,
choking the very air he breathed. Certainly merely being
present in the infirmary was potentially detrimental to his
health. Ironically, it was not threat of sickness that made
the Goth paranoid - it was everything else. The sight of the
dead made him queasy, blood caused him to go weak in the
knees, but the real kicker was the medical instruments.
Torture devices. One glimpse was enough to whirlwind the man
into a spell of near-death experience. Some would call that
overreacting, but to Cáel the peril was very, very real.
Hence, he would not remain longer than necessary.

He left his belongings sitting near the door and reluctantly
ventured deeper into the ward, one hand straight on either
side of his face, blocking his peripheral vision and forcing
his attention forward. He made a sour face, cringing, when he
realized that he'd actually have to look toward beds in search
of two small blonde girls. Pausing at the foot of one
patient's bed, the man childishly debated with himself, nearly
fitting with juvenile reluctance as he warily turned a dark
eye toward the subject in question. All the Goth saw was a
bloody bandage and he whimpered, brusquely turning away to
walk right back out the way he had come, very nearly toppling
over an object in his direct path.

Black eyes met blue.

"Whatsa matter with you?" the girl wondered. "You sick,
mister?"

Cáel was stunned to see a young blonde child peering
questioningly up at him, her cherubic face heartbreakingly
innocent. The man lowered his arms, momentarily forgetting all
about his surroundings. A smirk tugged at the corner of his
mouth. Surely this was just a coincidence. Nevertheless, the
Goth humored the situation, crouching before the little girl
to meet her eye-to-eye.

"Thankfully, no, child. I was actually just looking for
someone," he replied, his voice velvet.

"Me too!" Fleur chirped. "My sissy...she's around here
somewheres."

"Your sister?" Cáel wondered, emphatically. His smile
broadened, the irony all too perfect to be a mere coincidence.
He reached for Fleur's hand, and pat it gently. "Well, we
mustn't keep her waiting, hm? Tell me what she looks like.
I'll try to point her out for you."

"Hmm..." the girl began, tapping a finger against her chin
thoughtfully. She smiled then. "She's like me, but bigger!"

"Well, that certainly is helpful," the Goth mused, tickling
Fleur in the abdomen. She giggled, easily curbing to Cáel's
enthusiasm. "Come. I'm certain we'll find her in no time.
There's only so many places she could be, right?"

"Uh-huh!" the seven year old exclaimed, slipping her little
hand into Cáel's without caution or question, happy to let him
lead.









Alina

Neeve
 
“Oh yes. And they actually think that would impress us…"


The healer scoffed lightly, nodding idly, reaching up to tuck
stray hair behind her ear. If only that had been the reason!
Alina could handle men acting like morons, thinking their
alpha-male fighting was enough to make a woman swoon. That
kind of rough-housing was tinted rose in comparison to the
current brawl, far from being even remotely playful. This
combat was raw, barbaric even, nerve-gnawing, and seemingly
never-ending. It made Alina's blood run cold just thinking
about the condition everyone - namely Galahad and Kolya -
would be in afterward. Stupid, stupid men!

Linnesse & Neeve
 
"What happened?"

“Good question…”,


Alina gave a non-committal shrug of her shoulder. She appeared
relatively calm despite feeling slightly cornered by the two
women, each gently prodding for an answer to the immediate
cause of the brawl, probably hoping Alina could enlighten
them. She respected Neeve and Linnesse, but was reluctant to
satisfy their curiosities with any honest reply. After all,
honesty had perpetuated the brutal scene unfolding before
their eyes. Alina wasn't ready to openly admit her role in all
of this to them, or anyone.

"I wish someone could make them stop. Galahad's injured," she
said, voice filled with genuine concern.

Two more men engaged in fist-fighting, barreling out the door
into the courtyard as well. Alina placed her face in her lap
and groaned against her hands, head shaking in disbelief.
Would the madness never end?









Ash

Eala
 
"Du-hn, duhna..."


Listening to Eala prattle on in her pitiful, incoherent
speech, sounding like a strangled goat, combined with her
petulant persistence, was enough to test Ash's patience to the
limit. Oh, he felt bad for her alright, but the fact remained
there was nothing he could do. He couldn't bring the girl's
brother back, and he couldn't let her run off with a vengeful
spirit back into the heart of the fort where she'd inevitably
be tracked down and killed. Ash wished he could just make her
understand. To leave, it would be now or never.

They reached a deserted lane and he released her hand, turning
her to face him and hunkering before her in spite of himself.

"Eala...Eala listen...I lost you once, I won't lose you again,
understand me?" he told her, tone gritty from blame he
obviously placed upon himself for her initial capture. His
hands remained on either side of her head, attempting to hold
her clouded gaze.

He blew out a sharp sigh through his nostrils, noting the
overwhelming sorrow in her eyes and feeling useless in his
inability to truly console her. He didn't know how much of
what he was to tell her she would be able to grasp, so despite
the dire circumstances they were under, the Woad took a
considerable amount of time speaking slowly on her behalf,
hoping she'd understand.

"The gate is near. We will go now...but we will return
someday. I swear to you, we will..." he pleaded. His intense
dark eyes were honest and searching for acceptance from her.
"We must go now."
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golden_trillium

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Author: golden_trillium
Date: Fri Jun 27, 2008 7:28 am

Linnesse


Neeve
 
"Good question."


Alina
 
"I wish someone could make them stop. Galahad's
injured."


Linnesse continued to gaze despairingly on the fight, wishing
herself that something could be done. Derfel was out of it-
she cast a glance over her shoulder to make sure- but how much
destruction was going on, and for no reason? With a sigh, she
set her half-finished bowl of stew down on the nearest table,
not event thinking she could finish it now. How could she
think of eating when there was something like this going on?

"Isn't there anything we can possibly do?" she asked, looking
appealingly up to Neeve, who had always seemed to her to be a
sensible person.
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golden_trillium

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Author: Darya
Date: Fri Jun 27, 2008 10:43 am
Neeve


Alina
 
"I wish someone could make them stop. Galahad's
injured,"


Linnesse
 
"Isn't there anything we can possibly do?"


Galahad was injured, too? Now that made at least three injured
men involved in that fight out there. Neeve briefly rolled her
blue eyes as some of the shouting from the knights reached
them through the open door. She pondered the other womens'
words. It was one of the moments in which she wished she would
be someone else…and not 'just' a healer with just enough fight
experience to defend herself if absolutely necessary…and that
only with her fight staff nearby.

“Well, I don’t think it would be wise to get ourselves
involved as well…” A pause. “Do you think there are some
buckets with cold water somewhere in here? Maybe splashing
that on them would do...”, the Briton then mused grimly…yet
she was quite serious about this. There was no way the three
of them could separated a bunch of fighting knights with their
own hands, was there? So they had to find another way since
apparently the guys were not even close to ending their stupid
doing themselves. “Or maybe some free ale would distract them
enough to stop this…”, the healer added and glanced
questioningly at both women…









Darya

Arthur
 
“Come!”


She heard the voice…the oh so familiar voice. And yet the dark
Sarmatian hesitated for a moment. Darya still had no idea how
to say what she had to say…not to mention that she was almost
afraid of what she might see when entering the room. Afraid of
Arthur perhaps being in an even worse condition than when she
had left. And what if she had just woken him? A brief frown
creased the woman’s brow…but then she slowly pushed the door
open and stepped into the room…

…just to be confronted with a scenery she certainly had not
expected. If it had been Lancelot she was looking at the
moment she entered the room, Darya would not have been
surprised at all. But instead it was someone she had not seen
in a rather long time…and it caught her completely off guard.
The female Sarmatian blinked slowly and pushed the large hood
of her thick cloak back so that her dark hair could fall in
long slight tresses about her shoulders again. A part of her
was highly suspicious about that – of all people at Badon – it
was Eyla, who apparently had made herself pretty comfortable
in the Commander’s quarters. Darya did manage to maintain a
rather neutral, somewhat concerned face expression…but it was
a mask. Like Lancelot, like Arthur himself, she usually was
quite good in hiding her feelings if necessary; though this
ability had subsided a little since Arthur had stepped into
her life. Often enough, it were her eyes that gave her away in
such situations…and also now all the sorrow and confusion she
had been feeling for days now was momentarily replaced by
something else. But momentarily only. However, the woman’s
dark gaze slowly shifted from Eyla to Arthur and she tilted
her head slightly…the rational part of her taking over control
as she did so.

“I just wanted to see how you are doing…”, Darya finally said
in a calm voice and made a step forward when she realized that
she was still standing by the door, “…unless of course I’m
interrupting something…” The dark-haired then attempted a
smile…but it did not really reach her eyes. And why? Because
she was not sure what to make out of the situation in front of
her. “Since things were rather…busy…this morning, I was
wondering if you managed to get at least some rest…”, she
added and shot a glance at Eyla, who would certainly be the
first target of her accusations in case Darya would not like
her lover’s reply; no matter if deserved or not. Her main
focus was still on the Roman in the bed though when she undid
the brooch that was holding her cloak in place…, already
trying to read in Arthur’s face and eyes. And with that,
honest concern returned completely to her dark eyes…
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golden_trillium

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Author: Pinkie
Date: Fri Jun 27, 2008 3:40 pm
Drake


An onlooker might mistake the scene that he saw before him in
that new room. Drake was standing protectively above Linnette,
his arms about her shoulders and she had her head resting back
agiainst his shoulder. It was quite an obviously tender
looking picture but Drake was pretty certain that he held
Linnette and only thought of her, but he was pretty certain
that it was not his face she would want to see when she looked
around. That knowledge didn't bother him, oddly. He was quite
content to be 'the other man' in her mind. The one who was
there, the one who wanted nothing in return but to be sure of
her safety. He could be that man. It didn't mean he couldn't
wish...

Linnette
 
"I'm not sure stopping helps, either,"


The Spaniard breathed an amused laugh, his eyes glancing down
at the woman's face. He could only see her out of the very
corner of his eye but he watched her nonetheless.

They remained thus for a few quiet moments ...

Linnette
 
"How...what did you do? When your wife died?"


... this he had not been expecting.

Linnette did not move from her position looking out the window
and Drake tried not to react in any way to her question. It
was the first time that anyone had actually asked him that
question... In all those years he had never had anyone address
his past so directly, so bluntly. Having said that, few people
ever knew about his past to ask him such a direct, blunt
question. And how was he to answer?

With the truth?

She deserved the truth, oh she deserved it! But would the
truth only make things worse for her? To know that he had
utterly fallen apart on the death of his wife though the
situation was entirely different.

In those moments while he thought, Drake's hand had loosened
about her shoulder and slid down a fraction to hold her upper
arm. His lips pursed and he stared sightlessly out the window,
thinking about Cecile. About all she had meant to him. Should
Drake tell Linnette that Cecile had not simply died... that he
had killed her? How did he do that?

"I... " he paused, took a deep breath and dipped his head,
eyes shut, his nose tickled by the auburn strands of her hair.
I fell apart because I had killed my wife and my brother...
Guilt ate away at all that was inside of me and left me as
this shell.. he thought, but knew it was the wrong thing to
say. For though she had asked about him, this was not about
him really. This was about her and how she was going to pick
up the pieces and muscle onwards.

"I became the man I am now." he told her in a whisper, lifting
his face and raising his hand back to a more proper place upon
her shoulder, his body ormal behind her though not
uncomfortable or unwelcoming. He just told himself, forced
himeslf to remember why he did not deserve to enjoy this
contact.

"She was very beautiful you know... and my sons were strong,
healthy. No one ever deserves to go on without those they love
but that is how the world works and we must recover. You don't
have to go it alone."











Mari

The cottage would be amazing when they were finished with it.
It would shine and be welcoming to anyone and everyone. There
would be flowers in the garden, herbs on the sill, sheets
drying by the fire and children's laughter. All imagined in
Mari's head though she did not think to wonder where the
children's laughter might cmoe from... or more precisely where
the laughing children came from! Things were beginning to come
together quite nicely for her.

Just a few things to sort out. Her father... Rafe and perhaps
she might find some sort of peace with Rowan. Why there was a
letter from her she had no idea but perhaps..

Mari only got a certain way in her thoughts before Milan...
reacted! Strangely!

The young woman gave a squeek of surprise as he grabbed har
hands and placed them on his shoulders She pulled her head
back and looked at him with a giggle, eyes wide and widening
even more when he started to move, moving them....

"Dancing?" she laughed, looking down at their feet, their
crowns touching as she watched the way her little feet seemed
to be in constant threat of being crunched by Milan's. Of
course Mari put that down to her own clumsiness, not Milan's.
Their movements were awkward at first, but it soon smoothed
and Mari looked up, staring in surprise at Milan's pale face
so close to hers. She was griinning widely, delightedly - that
expression turning into adoration when he tipped his head
forward and rested his forehead against hers.

The young woman shut her eyes, letting Milan lead her through
the steps of this new dance.

Milan
 
"La...la la...la la la...la la..."


The soft 'music' that he supplied made her laugh softly and
she parted her lips, adding in a -

'Dah-dah-dada-da da da-" to accompany his soft utterings. And
just as Milan had hoped it was enough to distract the brunette
from her earlier question about the letter and Mari continued
dancing slowly about the cottage until her feet began to tire.
She gave a whisper of laughter and tipped her face a little
bit upwards, brushing her lips softly against Milan's but not
stopping the slow dance that their feet were still quite
involved in.

"This is how I've always wanted things, Milan. Just ...
happy... quiet, just the people that I care about. I only wish
Ade was still around to see what we're going to do here. And
that Kolya wasn't such a bloody ... fool of a man!" she paused
before saying 'fool' and then blew the word out as a laugh,
laying her head on Milan's shoulder, eyes staring into the
distance.

"Do you think it will last? The peace and quiet? Or do you
think something will happen and everything will get turned
upside down again?" Mari asked after a few momens, her voice
shaky with dread at his answer.
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golden_trillium

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Author: sabor ice
Date: Fri Jun 27, 2008 4:40 pm
Alina


Linnesse & Neeve
 
"Isn't there anything we can possibly do?"

“Well, I don’t think it would be wise to get ourselves involved as well…Do you think there are some buckets with cold water somewhere in here? Maybe splashing that on them would do...Or maybe some free ale would distract them enough to stop this…”


Alina was accepting that everything was completely out of
their control. Several knights and soldiers filled with
uncontrollable drunken rage were duking it out. She and the
other two women were powerless to do anything, and so they
were forced to stand by and wait. They'd tire eventually,
they'd knock each other unconscious...something. Only then
would it end.

Neeve's words caused Alina to raise her head from her lap and
look up at the raven-haired woman in sheer disbelief.

"And, you honestly believe something like that would actually
help the situation?" she replied reproachfully, sending her
wobbly stool toppling over as she stood.

The woman brusquely stalked away, through the kitchens, and
out the back door of the tavern, eyes ablaze with insufferable
frustration and grief. Tears would not even come anymore.

Galahad hadn't even been able walk properly to begin with -
how the hell he was still able to fight was mind-blowing. She
was horrified, appalled even, that Neeve could even suggest
such a thing as feeding the men more alcohol at such a time as
this. She was a healer of all people - she should've known
better! The men wanted to bash each other's brains into the
ground like mindless barbarians, and Neeve wanted to fuel
their fire - fine - but Alina wanted no more part in it. Her
plate was full.
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golden_trillium

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Author: Starbelle
Date: Fri Jun 27, 2008 5:42 pm
Tatiana


Feeling his lips leave hers, she shivered softly when he
trailed a path from her lips to her jawline and neck. Her
eyelids opened slowly when Adian finished, as if spell-bound
or entranced by what he did.

Adian
 
"I...uh...didn't think you'd mind if I kissed you, but I
have wanted to do that since I saw you this morning in
the tavern...Did you mind?"


"No, Adian. I didn't mind, I didn't mind that at all. I
enjoyed that, actually." Tatiana replied with a grin on her
face, almost mirroring his. Her eyes glancing up at him,
meeting his as he stood there, enjoying what she saw. Tilting
her head, she glanced at him out from underneath her
eyelashes, her grin turning mischievious as an idea took root
in her mind involving him.

Getting out of the bathing pool herself, she bent down and
collected the towel to dry herself with before getting
dressed.

Adian
 
"I suppose I should go and see what damage the woads did
this time. Later tonight, if you want to, you may come
to my quarters and share a meal with me by the fire,"
"But right now, I have to make a headstone for Thorn's
grave. I do not know where it is, but perhaps we can
find a lovely spot and make one there..."


"Yes, Adian. I'd like that very much since I've never eaten by
firelight before. Thank you for inviting me. That sounds like
a wonderful idea for her, love. I'm sure Thorn would
appreciate that from both of us." She replied, agreeing with
his plan for Thorn.
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