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July 2008
Topic Started: Apr 3 2010, 09:33 PM (2,363 Views)
golden_trillium

Admin
Author: TwistOfShadows
Date: Mon Jul 07, 2008 7:33 am
Eyla


Relationships? Loyalty? Affection? Commitment? Eyla saw all of
these flicker across Darya’s soft expression, and she pitied
the woman. The harlot had learnt many lessons in her young
lifetime, and she knew men were not worth growing weak for.
Relationships dried up after a season, and the men were left
wanting more…exquisite things. She had also bedded enough
married men to know that their wives remained unsatisfied and
lonely…who would want that? Every kind of man visited Eyla,
because men were weak for sex and pleasure…and desperate. Eyla
knew how to manipulate; she knew how to toy with smiles and
flirtatious glances. She knew how to inspire need in her
patrons. Was Darya blessed with such a skill? Eyla doubted it,
but she had the potential to be. She was pretty enough. The
harlot watched the woman through her silken dark curls, and
blinked lazily, pensively. Her delicate hands rested against
her skirts, fingering the soft material between her
fingertips. She parted her lips for amusement, and watched the
happy couple, fascinated. Oh she was not jealous! Not at all.
Eyla knew she was not pure or honest enough to enter into a
commitment of the heart, nor was she weak enough…

Darya
 
“How could I sleep with the Woads still so close and
probably preparing yet another attack? Those who have
just returned from battle need to rest…The men who have
fought so bravely need to rest. Do you ever rest, Eyla?”


Arthur
 
”I fully intend to rest now, “Unless both of you have
any brilliant ideas on how all of us can be quiet and
rest, I'd ask - most politely - for some peace…Ladies."


Oh, he was awake! A smug and satisfied smile slipped across
the harlot’s lips. He had truly heard everything and she was
pleased. She looked intensely at Darya, and then turned slowly
to Arthur. He sounded angry, completely unimpressed, and Eyla
knew why. It was not her fault, not truly, but it was always
amusing to sow the seed of doubt. And why not? Darya would
learn from it and become a better lover. The harlot released
her skirts, and got obediently to her feet. The smile remained
upon her full and red lips, and her eyes glittered
mischievously. The woman inclined her head, allowing her hair
to fall beautifully around her slender shoulders and bosom.
She curtseyed, low and formally…knowing that Arthur did not
like such shows of subservience.

“As you wish, Artorius,” she spoke sweetly, spinning honey
from her lips. She looked up at them through thick eyelashes,
and her lips lilted into a wider smile. The Roman looked
defensive, annoyed, impatient, and Eyla was happy to depart.
For now. She would not stay, but neither would Darya. Gods,
the Sarmatian must hate her! The situation was perfect. She
spoke again, lifting her chin prettily. “I am…as always…your
most humble and obedient servant. You know where to send if
you need me.” Eyla’s words were feigned and mocking. She knew
this was a formal way to greet someone of a higher status, but
it did not suit her. She spoke too playfully, too
suggestively, and she lifted her brows at Darya, clipping the
comment with ill intent. “I’m sure we will meet again,
Beauty.”

Eyla turned on her heel, with a swish of skirts and curly
hair…but she did not leave yet. She looked over her naked
shoulder flirtatiously, at both of them…
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golden_trillium

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Author: golden_trillium
Date: Mon Jul 07, 2008 10:21 am
Merlin


Neeria
 
"She was not alone. I was with her, Merlin, as well as
the spirit of our people. That spirit lives and
breathes. I have seen it."


Ah...Merlin grasped Neeria's meaning, understood her
significant look. She referred to the rescuers, of course-
they were alive, and she had seen them. All of them? That
question nagged at his mind as he lifted his chin and gave
Neeria a barely perceptible nod of acknowledgement, but it was
not one he could voice right now. A second later, though, part
of that question was answered- Ash stepped out from the group
of Woads at Merlin's back and took charge of Eala, laying his
hand on the girl's shoulder and giving the Romans in the
clearing a defiant look. Particularly the knight on the horse,
Merlin noted- there seemed to be something personal there. He
would ask about that, later, too. For now, though, he turned
back to Scipio, intending to press the point of the release of
his still-bound men- when another sound in the brush at the
edge of the clearing caught his attention, and another of the
"spirits" showed itself.

Guinevere
 
"Father."


"Daughter." Merlin felt a start of surprise at Guinevere's
appearance- and alone, too!- but he restrained it, not wishing
to give away anything of the apparently successful rescue
plans to the Romans. And Nolan and his small group hadn't
reappeared either, and he was beginning to worry about that-
but instead of showing any of that on his face, he schooled
himself to remain impassive as he beckoned his daughter
forward, to stand at his side if she wished.

"We were just discussing the release of my men...well,
Scipio?" Merlin arched an eyebrow and indicated the bound
Woads again. Once the men were freed, they could tell who had
bound them so (and Merlin was privately thinking that it had
indeed been the Romans, for who else could it have been?), and
then perhaps they could proceed with whatever message the
Roman was so keen to deliver.












Linnesse and Linnette

Drake said nothing.

He did not answer her question, did not even open his mouth,
but Linnesse could see the anger rise in his face, till his
eyes blazed with it, boring into her, and she was frozen with
it, unable to move or speak anymore, merely staring at him
with wide, alarmed eyes. She felt like she had when Darya had
drawn that knife on her- or like she had so often when
R...there was a sudden, sinister cracking noise, and Linnesse,
suddenly unfrozen, jumped back with an audible squeak, fully
expecting to be struck- but it was Linnette who touched her,
Linnette who appeared at her side, tucking an arm around her
sister's shoulders. Linnesse, the release of tension washing
over her like a wave, turned towards Linnette and dropped her
eyes from Drake, taking a deep breath and trying to push the
fear away- she shouldn't leave Linnette to deal with this man
herself!

But Linnette didn't seem afraid- only annoyed. She rubbed
Linnesse's shoulder lightly and soothingly with her hand, but
Linnesse could sense exasperation in her manner- and hear it
in her voice.

"Linnesse...he doesn't want anything. I offered to pay him for
his trouble and he refused." The little white lie rolled
swiftly and easily off Linnette's tongue, seized upon as
something that might help defuse the situation. In reality,
she had made no such offer- but neither had it seemed called
for, and she was sure that if such an offer was made, Drake
would have refused. That wasn't...that wasn't the nature of
their relationship, if it could be called that.

"And Drake..." Linnette raised her eyes to Drake now, meeting
his gaze unflinchingly. His anger wasn't directed at her, and
it didn't scare her- it just made her bad-tempered. There was
no reason for him to be angry at Linnesse- couldn't Drake see
that she was as harmless as a mouse? "Don't scare her like
that. She's very sensitive."

"Linnette!" Linnesse's head popped up, exclaiming indignantly
and drawing herself up to argue the point- but Linnette
pointed a stern finger at her sister.

"You are. And you…” Linnette’s head and pointing finger
snapped back to Drake again.

“You really are going to break your teeth someday.” Her hand,
no longer pointing, began to reach towards Drake, tempted to
grab his lower jaw and shake it loose- but it only got halfway
there before she dropped it again. That was silly, and he
wouldn’t appreciate it at all.

“Linnette, I really don’t think…” Linnesse began indignantly-
and carefully not looking at Drake- but Linnette shushed her
with a firm shake of her head. The last thing she wanted was
to listen to more arguments now.

“Let’s go unpack,” she stated firmly, almost in a growl, and,
brooking no more resistance, steered them through the doorway
of their new home- turning a curt nod of thanks toward Drake
as she did so.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Darya
Date: Mon Jul 07, 2008 11:37 am
Darya


Arthur
 
“No, not yet,”


Right, now that did not make anything better. Where was the
healer? Or would it be Jols who would bring something to eat?
Gods, if she had known this, she could have brought something
from the tavern herself. The woman’s full lips pressed into a
thin line at Arthur’s reply. He would never recover if he
would not get something to eat soon, something to help his
body to regain strength. The dark-haired sighed and stiffly
licked her lips…

…before Eyla demanded a good part of her attention. And even
though Darya usually tended to consider the other woman’s
company a pleasant distraction from all the dark things that
mostly occupied the life at Badon Hill, right now, Eyla’s
presence only ruined everything the Sarmatian had so carefully
formed in her mind…about what how to best phrase something
that might make things even more difficult. And just when
Darya parted her lips to something, the Commander suddenly
spoke…

Arthur
 
“I fully intend to rest now… Unless both of you have any
brilliant ideas on how all of us can be quiet and rest,
I'd ask - most politely - for some peace…Ladies."


Eyla
 
“As you wish, Artorius. I am…as always…your most humble
and obedient servant. You know where to send if you need
me. I’m sure we will meet again, Beauty.”


Oh, Darya knew that tone in Arthur’s voice…and it was not her
favourite one. And she had felt him tense under her touch
earlier of that. Not good. This was all so wrong…again. And
when Eyla stood and started her show, the dark Sarmatian
fought hard to not roll her eyes…but for the first time
briefly glared at the other woman. Yes, she was upset…upset
because the harlot had made everything even more complicated
than it already was. And what made it even worse was that Eyla
obviously enjoyed all this…

However, all the female Sarmatian did was removing her hand
from Arthur’s thigh…but she did not stand or move otherwise.
She had absolutely no intention to leave. She finally wanted a
few moments alone with Arthur. With no healer, no knights, no
Optios and certainly no harlots around. She needed some time
alone with the Commander…and if to merely watch him resting
only. That would at least give her time to find the right
words for all the other things that had yet to be
said…somehow. Darya straightened her back a little and lifted
her chin slightly. “Rest…”, she addressed her lover in an
unusually firm voice that left little room for discussion…at
least for her, “…but I will stay. At least until Neeve
returns…with or without food. You need to eat…” A pause… “You
will have to order me to go if that is what you truly want…”,
Darya then added quietly, for Arthur’s ears only and her dark
gaze lingered intently on him for a long moment. Only at
Eyla’s very last words to her, the Sarmatian shot a brief ,
rather dark glance at the harlot…but decided to remain silent.
No matter what she would have said, it most certainly would
have been either rude…or too easy to misinterpret. No, it was
the safest thing to not say anything at all right now…
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Elessars Girl
Date: Mon Jul 07, 2008 2:39 pm

Arthur


Arthur felt a slight movement on the bed but did not bother to
re-open his eyes to discover the source of it. However, at
hearing the soft swishing sound of Eyla’s linen skirt as she
moved Arthur concluded that the harlot had been the one to
retreat. He also felt Darya’s tiny hand lift away from his
thigh…no doubt in reaction to the Roman’s angry tone at
demanding a little ‘quiet’. But who could blame him? Arthur
was hardly up to further games with Eyla and certainly not
patient enough to deal with the ‘relationship’ between the two
women present. Not now. However, once Arthur had recovered
enough for a serious discussion with Darya on the
matter….these indiscretions would end one way or another.
After all, Arthur had severed the part of his relationship
with Lancelot that had mattered most…for Darya (or so he told
himself). She was either going to do the same or there would
no longer be a place in Arthur’s heart for her either. No more
infidelities and pain…no more. Love was risk enough in this
volatile life. Love had made Arthur vulnerable…and far too
exposed.

Eyla
 
“As you wish, Artorius. I am…as always…your most humble
and obedient servant. You know where to send if you need
me. I’m sure we will meet again, Beauty.”


There it was again…’Beauty”….the endearment and the honeyed
tone of Eyla’s voice as she addressed Darya made Arthur’s gut
churn and his head throb again. He heard nothing else the
harlot had spoken….and prayed she would no longer address
Darya with such familiarity in his presence. Arthur’s fingers
formed fists beneath his arms and he had to work hard to keep
his expression unreadable as the anger threatened to overpower
his physical discomfort.

Darya
 
“Rest…but I will stay. At least until Neeve returns…with
or without food. You need to eat…you will have to order
me to go if that is what you truly want…”


Darya’s uncompromising tone had no effect on Arthur, and
neither had Eyla’s obvious baiting words moments ago. If
either of them thought him foolish and blind to what was
between them…or what they each wanted of him….

God, grand me patience and strength. I am in such need of your
mercy now.

“I will order the both of you to leave if that is the only way
I may find a little rest,” Arthur answered flatly and loud
enough for Eyla to hear his words of warning as well. The
Commander’s eyes had remained shut but he’d not heard the
door, thus he assumed his ‘chamber maid’ had not actually
left. Perhaps Darya had not deserved Arthur’s harsh tone
either….but if the Commander was going to recover he needed
rest now.….even at the expense of sending his lover away yet
again today.

Something seemed to nag at Arthur’s subconscious…something
beyond the irritants brought on by Darya and Eyla’s
‘relationship’ or even the way Lancelot had
uncharacteristically coddled him earlier. The Commander had
not been able to determine exactly ‘what’ troubled him….but he
half expected a frantic knock at the door at any moment with
yet another urgent matter brought to his attention and
requiring his focus. Had the Optio found success with Merlin?
Or had it been a devastating mistake to send Scipio in
Arthur’s place?

“Wake me should Neeve return…or should word come of an urgent
matter, hm?” Arthur said to Darya in a softer tone as he
exhaled again and attempted to relax; his eyes remained closed
and arms remained firmly crossed over his chest. If either
woman were to continue to go against his wishes, Arthur was
resolved to dismiss them both. Darya’s presence while he slept
was welcome as the Roman did find it comforting. But
Eyla…..the harlot’s presence was something else entirely…and
Arthur had not the physical strength to deal with her
promiscuous games today.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: lady ione
Date: Mon Jul 07, 2008 4:29 pm
Brendyn


He approached the wall of the fort. Somehow, if she was to
escape at all, she could have done so through a busy servant's
gate posing as a child to any of the servants passing through.
This was his deduction as he began to move along the ground
level of the wall. All of the gates were well guarded
normally, and this was true of Aesica...no gate had ever been
left unattended. Moving a bit further from the courtyard and
toward a smaller gate used by civilians, but should have been
guarded still.

He stopped short when he found the small gate had been left
open. Brendyn looked down at where his boots stood on the
pavement inside the fort, and left his deep blue eyes travel
toward the outside of the fort at the dirt and gravel.
Brendyn's eyes rested on a certain set of prints in the
mud...Odd... And they were odd looking, but he could not be
certain that they were from the wounded woad, or woads.

Stepping closer, Brendyn remembered the training he had gotten
where situations like this were concerned. All of the gates
should be shut at all times, and people coming and going from
any fort within the wall should be checked by a guard....he
saw no guards. Odder yet. Checking to see if there had been a
malfunction of the lock, jimmying the lock to open it, or it
was just left ajar. Brendyn looked about for a superior
officer to report his findings to for he felt that if he left,
someone else would disrupt the scene that he felt was
significant in his findings....
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: LadyCastus
Date: Mon Jul 07, 2008 7:04 pm
Mona


Mona was barely conscious when Guinevere dragged her threw the
forest. The girl's deranged mind made her believe that she was
on a cloud floating through sky. She even giggled. Somewhere
in the back of her mind, where only a glimmer of sanity
remained, she mourned the person she once was. But it was only
a glimmer. The savage hatred took control of her thoughts
again and all she could hope for was Guinevere's and Neeria's
deaths.

Unfortunately however, her body would not yield to her
commands to get up and fight. Instead, her body felt heavy,
tired and in pain. A sudden jolt made her realize that she
wasn't floating on the cloud, but instead, she was being
dragged over rocks, tree stumps, broken nuts. Just as she was
about to protest, the dragging stopped. The only audible sound
was the rush of the wind. Where was she? She couldn't
remember.

Mona lay on her back, looking up at the treetops swaying in
the cold wind and she began to laugh. And laugh. And laugh.

Finally, when she stopped laughing, she began to cry. The sobs
came in such ferocious waves, they shook her whole body. Mona
rolled over into a fetal position and cried. She didn't know
why she was crying, but she relished the emotional release.
She went to wipe her eyes, only to find her hands still
covered in her own blood. Why was she bleeding? Guinevere! She
suddenly remembered.

Mona raised her head only to see that Guinevere had left her.
She was all alone! Suddenly desperate and afraid, Mona rolled
onto her stomach and began to slither and slide across the
ground. She perked her ears and listened. She heard voices!
Moving, crawling, sliding closer to the sound, Mona finally
broke through the trees.

Her crazy eyes widened at the sight. There was a celebration
going on and everyone was there! Mona suddenly became very
excited. The war must be over. They had been victorious! Of
course! There was Merlin, standing tall and proud waiting for
her! There he was and only, she counted.

One..two..three..., three Romans left standing and a slave!
Merlin had done it!

"Merlin!" she said, full of emotion.

The insane woman pulled herself to her feet and pushed past
the gathered woads, past Guinevere, trying to make her way to
Merlin. As she grew closer to him, her face twisted into
maniacal grin as the blood from her wounds flowed freely.
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golden_trillium

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Author: golden_trillium
Date: Mon Jul 07, 2008 7:54 pm
Quintus


They hadn’t found her.

It was damnably frustrating, and more so every second. Quintus
had heard reports from men who had searched all over the
fortress, had gone through most of two buildings himself with
a small group- but they hadn’t found her. One tiny slip of a
biting devil girl, gone. Disappeared, almost into thin air. A
patrol sent out to cover the road in front of the fort had
found nothing either- and they couldn’t proceed very far into
the woods for fear of jeopardizing the Optio’s negotiation
mission. Though, really, Quintus didn’t see how the girl could
have gotten out of the fort at all in the first place. She had
to be here somewhere, only she wasn’t! Quintus was practically
grinding his teeth with frustration as, with four men at his
back, he approached the end of one of the streets, just under
the wall, intending to turn into the next and continue the
fruitless hunt. His attention was arrested, though, by the
sight of the new soldier, Brendyn, still filthy from whatever
he had been doing before starting the search, standing a bit
uncertainly at the end of the street, as though looking for
something…and next to him, the small wicket gate that the
Woads had come through during the last attack, which had been
damaged and then hastily repaired- but apparently not well
enough. With a terrible, sinking feeling gripping his guts,
the Centurion advanced on the hapless Brendyn, growling out a
demand for an explanation.

“What’s this? Report, Soldier!”
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: lady ione
Date: Mon Jul 07, 2008 8:54 pm
Brendyn


He dared not touch anything on the already ruined gate until
someone else had a chance to look over the site as well. Damn
it all anyway! Thus a small impish woad makes fools of us
all... Brendyn thought wryly. He had not been at the fort when
the attack had begun, but the gate looked as though it had
been hastily repaired and not in the best of shapes. The young
soldier knew little of architect, though he had seen builders
at work....Perhaps this gate could use a professional touch
when things calmed down...

Quintus
 
“What’s this? Report, Soldier!”


....Brendyn came about to face the Centurion, and gave him a
salute before reporting what he had found. "Sir, I came upon
this gate just as you see it. I think the woads escaped by
this route as it would have been chancy for them to go through
a guarded gate....with all of the chaos, it is possible that
no one saw them leave this way." He stated. Pointing to two
certain sets of foot prints in the wet dirt, Brendyn brought
his eyes to meet Quintus's. "I cannot be certain, but there
are some footprints in the mud just past here. They could be
anyones, but I wought they should be pointed out...."

Standing at attention in his grimy state, Brendyn looked at
the ground as if in thought, then looked up into Quintus's
eyes, "Sir, neither of us were here when the fort was
attacked. This gate was not repaired well, though even so,
would there have been guards posted here?" It was presumputous
for him to even say so, and it'd possibly get him into trouble
for saying so, but in every fort he had ever served in, all of
the gates had guards. Gods above! Something had to go right
for him to make up for any blunder he had made since arriving
at he fort...

He waited for Quintus to check over what he had reported.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: linnet
Date: Mon Jul 07, 2008 9:26 pm

Gawain


Lancelot
 
"FUCK!.....As you say, Your choice to be a fool. I'll
think of something - perhaps Arthur won't have to know
the truth of this at all. Don't fret, Galahad."


Gawain looked around and then gave Lancelot a questioning
glance, not sure what the sudden angry outburst was for. It
wasn’t unusual for the First Knight to act like he was pissed
off at the whole world, venting his pent up emotion for no
reason apparent to anyone else. But the man’s mood shifted
with his next words. He actually sounded sympathetic toward
Galahad. The long-haired knight tried to meet Lancelot’s eyes
to show his thanks, knowing that the show of concern could
pass in an instant.

Lancelot’s words also satisfied Gawain that the Dark Knight
would not place the fight’s blame on Galahad when Arthur
probed for information. Lancelot might consider it foolish,
but Gawain knew that in truth, the fault rested with him. He
had suggested going to the tavern. He had begun the talk of
women acting badly. He had bought the drinks. He had told
Galahad to fight for Alina if he thought her worth it. He had
left his friend drunk and depressed with her. He had gotten
things smoldering. All it took was the spark of Kolya’s
intrusion to set off the fire.

Galahad
 
"B.. Gawain.."


The blonde knight felt Galahad’s hand press harder against his
side when he told Lancelot that he was responsible for the
brawl. There would be no arguing the point now. Gawain was
ready to tell his friend that they could discuss it later, but
as weak and downcast as Galahad was, and with the arrival of
Fiona, there was no need. The younger knight drooped further
forward with each step, and Gawain had to tighten his grip to
keep Galahad more or less upright as they neared the infirmary
entrance.

Galahad
 
"Piss off."


Lancelot
 
"My love, I couldn't have said it better myself. He's a
dangerous and fiesty one, and you'd best have a care
around this particular Sarmatian. You see this shiner?
Where else would it have come from? If you wish, help
us. Otherwise, leave off with the questions, yes? Come
on, pup. Let's get this fixed."


Fiona looked a little taken aback, especially by Galahad’s
rude dismissal. Gawain turned and gave her a weary smile, as
she hung behind a bit, seeming uncertain of what to do.
“Sorry, Fiona,” he said. “None of us are feeling too good
right now.” They had arrived at the doorway, and he took a
deep breath, knowing that nothing pleasant would be waiting on
the other side. Gawain looked at Lancelot, wincing at seeing
how painful his eye looked. “Thanks,” he said, since he didn’t
know if Arthur’s first would stick around long enough to get a
chance to thank once they fell victim to the infirmary
denizens. Then he waited for Fiona or Lancelot to open the
door. With one arm around Galahad and the other out of
commission, he couldn’t do it himself.









Mother Lavinia

Finally, Lavinia had written the letter. It hadn’t been easy.
Fleur had gotten to the old nun, and sending the endearing
little girl and her sister away meant that Lavinia’s life
would be a little darker and emptier. But this was the proper,
Christian thing to do. The poor orphans couldn’t just live in
the infirmary. What kind of childhood would that be? And with
no family to care for them, and no one else stepping forward
to take them in, the orphanage was the place they needed to
be.

The letter was written to the mother-superior of the orphanage
in Londinium. Lavinia knew the woman from long ago, a
dedicated, albeit strict sister. The girls would be well cared
for, and with proper guidance might well be groomed to serve
God as nuns. Lavinia had written of the sister’s situation,
and requested that someone from the orphanage be sent to pick
them up. She knew that her old acquaintance would take them in
on her recommendation.

She was just sealing the letter when one of her staff knocked
at her closed office door. The healer was sorry to interrupt,
but thought Lavinia should know that word was spreading of a
prisoner escaped from the dungeons. Apparently every building
and room in the fort were being searched. The nun sighed in
irritation – of the interruption, and of the possibility of a
search in her infirmary. Well, if they were to try, she’d best
be prepared. There would be no search without her supervision.
So she left her office and made her way toward the entrance,
ready to intercept any nosy soldiers.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: TwistOfShadows
Date: Tue Jul 08, 2008 10:27 am

Eyla


Eyla was enjoying herself. Too much, She looked at the happy
lovers from beneath thick eyelashes, and smiled sweetly,
coyly. A mockery! Oh, it was time to leave, and Eyla could
hear Arthur’s patience growing thin. He had never been harsh
with her, nor rude or disregarding, but he had status…and Eyla
did not forget. She enjoyed flirtation, but she did not fancy
losing his favour. Her curtsy had been a dramatic thing, and
Eyla watched Darya’s gaze turn fiery hot. The Sarmatian was
growing angry too, perhaps quicker than Arthur, but Eyla was
not intimidated by her. The Sarmatian had allowed Eyla into
her bed, and that was weakness enough. Eyla could not admire
Darya’s strength, but she could continue to be fascinated. Why
did the woman fall prey to emotion, to love? It was such a
silly thing, she should know better. Love was like inviting
Pain and Despair to your bed, it was vulnerability and
naivety. And Eyla did not favour either…

It was better to be alone, hmm? Eyla could not disappoint
herself, because she loved her life. She was happy, content.

Darya
 
”Rest…You will have to order me to go if that is what
you truly want…”


Arthur
 
“I will order the both of you to leave if that is the
only way I may find a little rest,” Wake me should Neeve
return…or should word come of an urgent matter, hm?”


Eyla arched an eyebrow. Darya did not leave when dismissed,
and it amused Eyla. The Sarmatian was attempting to be firm,
but it was stupidity. Indeed, the harlot did not understand
the affection between the lovers. She did not know the
betrayal, the infidelities, nor the complicated nature of the
Roman’s emotion. And Eyla did not care. It was not her place
to know other people’s business. She only eavesdropped when it
benefited her, and this conversation was growing dull.
Shrugging her shoulders dramatically, Eyla did not argue. She
smiled pitifully in Darya’s direction, before glancing over to
Arthur. She schooled her expression to perfection…smugness. It
was enough to prove a point. With a delicate swish of skirts
and slippered feet, Eyla walked towards the door…

“The both of you need rest. Irritability is so depressing…”
She paused, reaching out to the doorhandle. Her small fingers
found the bronze knob, and she opened the door. Looking back
at the pair, she smiled. It was not so smug, but rather a
farewell to two people she considered her patrons. “Rest well,
both of you. And cheer up.”

Eyla departed. The heavy door closed upon her heels, and she
sauntered off along the corridor. She flicked her hair
dramatically over her shoulders, and her hips seemed to dance
with each step. Where to now? She did not fancy retiring to
her room just yet…









Ceinwyn

Ceinwyn watched the events played out before her. She was
highly amused by the arrogant Roman’s sudden demands, and his
courage that had been reared quickly from cowardice. A Wad lay
dead a few feet away, and these men had guilt etched into
their every feature. Her green eyes alighted vehemently upon
the Roman leader, flashing emerald fire in his direction.
Romans. Pah! She was tempted to spit upon the floor in
disgust. Merlin’s presence was a blessing. His sacred
existence created a heavier and more intense atmosphere, and
the Romans were helpless against his wisdom. She had never
seen him outsmarted, never. Ceinwyn listened to Neeria’s
demands, and her top lip curled in distaste. Whatever the Woad
woman claimed, Ceinwyn was half maddened and Nolan had
convinced her of certain things. Neeria was a traitor, and her
pleas were sickly. And then it got worse. There was a sound of
a skirmish, the scrape of wood against flesh, the uumph! of
someone falling hard, and Ceinwyn turned. She saw Guinevere,
she saw Mona, and…by god, they were all destined to fall into
confusion. There was too much happening in that clearing, and
Ceinwyn did not trust that it would remain under control.
There were distractions at every corner. Their control would
not take much to destroy…

She rested a hand defensively over her dagger hilt, and lifted
her chin defiantly, a pretence of strength.

Guinevere
 
”Father.”


Merlin
 
”Daughter. "We were just discussing the release of my
men...well, Scipio?"


Mona
 
”Merlin!”


Ceinwyn did not turn, not until she heard the desperate plea
of Mona. The redhead saw blood, coating the other woman, and
she wrinkled her nose in disgust. Indeed, Ceinwyn did not care
for her wellbeing. Injuries were injuries, people died in war.
Such was life. But…there was something in Mona’s voice,
desperation. Ceinwyn took a step backwards...when she heard
another sound behind her. Turning quickly, Nolan and his party
emerged from the trees. The tall male warrior appeared
angered, confusion and impatient…and he parted his lips to
report back...but then his eyes alighted upon Mona. Ceinwyn
looked at Merlin, then back to Mona…and lifted her eyebrows.
Mona was clearly mad. Ceinwyn should know…madness and insanity
had been her constant friend since last season. Although
Ceinwyn did not smile. She merely gazed angrily and
aggressively at anyone who dared look in her direction.
And then…something else occurred. Perhaps the gods had sent
Mona is this maddened state to warn them off attack? Ceinwyn’s
expression darkened, and she turned to Nolan. His jaw was set
hard, and she watched the man reach for his dagger. Mona was
mad. Surely she should be killed…?

“She is mad.” Ceinwyn spoke, her voice devoid of any emotion
and feeling. “Someone had better slit her throat…”
A gust of wind whipped Ceinwyn’s hair from her face…
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Darya
Date: Tue Jul 08, 2008 11:27 am
Darya


Arthur
 
“I will order the both of you to leave if that is the
only way I may find a little rest,”


The dark Sarmatian chewed the inside of her cheeks and
suddenly indeed considered to leave the room as well…yet she
dismissed that thought almost immediately again. To back down
now would perhaps put Arthur into a better mood…but also
certainly only brighten the smug smile on Eyla’s face. And
right now, Darya was not sure how she would react to that. She
still managed to maintain a rather neutral expression
herself…but that did not fit what she was feeling. Not in the
least.

Arthur
 
“Wake me should Neeve return…or should word come of an
urgent matter, hm?”


Those words helped at least a bit. Or was it the softer, more
familiar tone they had been spoken in? Darya was not sure…but
she did not have the nerve to ponder that now anyway. “Of
course…”, she murmured softly and once more watched the man on
the bed, who kept his eyes shut…and a small part of the
Sarmatian was almost glad about this for those emerald deep
eyes of her lover would probably express more emotions than
she could bare right now if he would look at her. She loved
those eyes…and all else about the man they belonged to…but all
the pain, sorrow, weariness and concern she saw reflected in
them so often… Darya sighed and blinked a few times to not let
those thoughts weaken her neutral face expression, knowing
that her eyes were probably already giving her away enough…
Then she heard feet moving and glanced at the third person in
the room once more from under her long dark eyelashes…

Eyla
 
“The both of you need rest. Irritability is so
depressing… Rest well, both of you. And cheer up.”


And finally, the female Sarmatian could only agree with Eyla’s
words. A corner of her mouth twitched slightly and she even
met the harlot’s gaze again before the other woman left the
room and door clicked shut behind her. Darya brushed a hand
over her face and took a deep breath before slightly shaking
her head. She had seen all this…this visiting Arthur to make
sure he was okay…very different in her mind. Very different.
The dark-haired shifted on the bed and turned a little as if
to stand. She let one leg dangle over the edge and stared at
the dancing flames in the hearth. Darya suddenly felt a loss
of words. She had no idea what to say…if she should say
something at all. Hesitantly and for a moment only, the
Sarmatian brought her hand back to the Commander’s leg and
touched it slightly before finally standing from the bed and
moving to the table nearby, on which she had spotted a pitcher
with water and an empty mug, and pensively poured herself some
of the cool clear fluid…
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golden_trillium

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Author: golden_trillium
Date: Tue Jul 08, 2008 5:50 pm
Merlin


Mona
 
"Merlin!"


And before they got any further down the path of freedom for
his men, another member of the rescue party made her
appearance in the clearing- this one much more alarmingly than
the other two. Unlike Ash or Guinevere, who had both simply
and relatively quietly appeared, Mona staggered into the
clearing, barely staying on her feet and bleeding from what
looked like several wounds. She didn't seem to be thinking
straight, either- Merlin got the impression that the young
woman was not even sure where she was or what was going on. He
reached out and caught at her arms as she staggered towards
him- and heard a cutting remark from Ceinwyn to his right.

Ceinwyn
 
”She is mad. Someone had better slit her throat…”


"Peace, Ceinwyn!" Merlin snapped, noticing with some relief as
he turned his head that way that Nolan and his group were
indeed back, had rejoined the cluster of Woads surrounding the
Romans. Most of his attention, though, was for Mona, who was
barely keeping her balance, not to mention bleeding all over
his arms.

"Juna," Merlin added curtly and more quietly, nodding over his
shoulder towards the healer and making to "pass" Mona back to
her. She had been very right, it seemed- taking her along had
been an excellent idea. If she could just see to Mona,
ascertain in a preliminary way what ailed her while Merlin
dealt with the Romans, he could hear the full report from the
rescue party later, when there were no enemy ears to hear. It
certainly looked like they had had an interesting time.

"My men," the Woad leader snapped back at Scipio as Mona's
hands left off contact with his. His patience for this
confrontation was rapidly wearing thin- especially as he
intended to accept no terms from Scipio at all, if it could be
helped. The truce they had made last time had not pleased the
Gods.












Quintus

Brendyn
 
"Sir, I came upon this gate just as you see it. I think
the Woads escaped by this route as it would have been
chancy for them to go through a guarded gate...with all
of the chaos, it is possible that no one saw them leave
this way. I cannot be certain, but there are some
footprints in the mud just past here. They could be
anyone's, but I thought they should be pointed
out...Sir, neither of us were here when the fort was
attacked. This gate was not repaired well, though even
so, would there have been guards posted here?"


"Ehhhh." Quintus gave an inarticulate growl-grunt of disgusted
acknowledgement as he stepped forward to peer past Brendyn out
the small gate, which stood unlocked and just slightly ajar.
Hadrian's Balls! There were footprints in the mud outside the
gate, very clear ones, the mud having been churned up during
the fighting two days ago and then rained on all day today.
Footprints- and unless he missed his guess, some of them were
distinctly bigger than others, which indicated that the Woad
devil-girl had indeed, as he had been suspecting deep in his
heart, had help. This other girl, maybe, the mysterious one
who had called the guards away from their post...

"Ah, fuck," Quintus exclaimed, venting his anger somewhat by
slamming the little gate as he ducked back inside the fort.
The girl was gone, then- there was no sign of anyone outside
the fort at all. She- they- were well gone into the woods.

"You did well, Brendyn," he growled, the statement sounding
grudging even though he didn't really mean it to be- he was
just beyond pissed off at this whole situation. If only the
prison entrance guards hadn't gone gallivanting off after some
girl telling tales! And who the hell was that girl, anyway?

"You" -the Centurion pointed to four of the men who had
accompanied him- "Guard this gate. No one goes in or out, and
you do not budge from this spot. Understood? You" -he pointed
to the fifth man- "go find Lieutenant Titrus, or any other
officer. Tell them the girl got out of the fort- and we found
the way she bloody well did it. Get going." Quintus saw the
fifth man dashing on his way, his arms crossed grumpily over
his chest.

"You can go wash," he added as an afterthought to Brendyn, who
truth be told, stank worse than a Saxon whore.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: linnet
Date: Tue Jul 08, 2008 8:51 pm

Juna


In Juna’s eyes, the clear advantage that Merlin and the Woads
held, was rather quickly unraveling. Control of the situation
appeared to be slipping away as one after another unexpected
interruption occurred. She judged each one as a threat to
Merlin’s focus, and a sign to the Romans of disorganization
among the Woads. She grew increasingly nervous, and watchful
of the Romans.

Neeria’s story of undying loyalty to Merlin held no merit with
Juna. If the woman had intended to lead the enemy away from
the Woads, they wouldn’t be here at the camp. They’d be lost
somewhere far away. And really it was all just beside the
point. The point was, the bargain had been spoken.

The emergence of Eala and Ash, although one of the worrisome
distractions, was very welcome to the healer. But Ash didn’t
look well, and Eala’s anxiety for him was evident. So when
Merlin guided the girl back toward his followers, and Ash
joined her, Juna moved close to them. She would not speak now,
as she didn’t want to become another distraction. Instead she
tried to silently signal through a concerned look to Ash that
she would take care of him as soon as the Romans were gone.
And with a nod and tilt of her head toward Ash, she tried to
signal Eala that he would be helped.

After that, things became more bizarre. Nolan and a handful of
others moved off into the woods. Guinevere strolled out of the
woods, and greeted her father. Another dead Woad was found to
be inside the hut. Merlin and the Roman leader were getting
nowhere in trying to communicate. Although Juna did give the
Roman credit for getting right to the point – why had the
Woads broken the truce with an unprovoked attack. She almost
smiled in admiration of Merlin’s quick deflection, allowing
him to avoid answering.

Nolan and the other men returned from the woods. And then a
bloody human form crawled out from among the trees, managed to
get to its feet, and moved eerily toward Merlin, calling to
him in a voice that was almost ecstatic. Juna tensed and
looked quickly at Ash in confusion. Then as the hideously
wounded creature reached Merlin, Juna saw that it was a woman
– the Woad that had gone with Guinevere and Connell to rescue
Neeria. Juna never had learned her name. She looked deranged,
her eyes and expression not at all right. With relief, Juna
noted that the woman didn’t seem to have a weapon.

Ceinwyn
 
“She is mad. Someone had better slit her throat…”


Merlin
 
“Peace, Ceinwyn. Juna."


With that, he moved the bloody mess of a thing back in Juna’s
direction. Juna frowned, thinking that this person was indeed
mad, and could be dangerous. But the healer put her arm around
the woman, and guided her to sit leaning against a tree, a
short distance from the others. A quick study of the numerous
slashes and stab wounds, and the blood being lost, convinced
Juna that the woman was dying. Juna stood and shook the blood
from her hands before wiping the rest on her skirt. She
waited. If Merlin or Guinevere wanted to know the woman’s
condition, they would have to ask. If they wanted Juna to try
to save her, she would try, hopeless as it seemed. She looked
toward Guinivere who was supposed to have been with this
battered person, and wondered what had happened. And, she
wondered how all this appeared to the watching Romans.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: lady ione
Date: Tue Jul 08, 2008 9:25 pm
Adian


Tatiana
 
"Well, if you can't be comfortable at home, where else
can you be?"


Adian finally sat on the other side of the food, and watched
her as she sat by the food as well. There was something that
made him uneasy about her, and he tried his damdest to try to
figure out what it was exactly: There was something almost too
perfect about her...the way she sat, spoke, too well mannered
to be a peasant status for sure. The way Taitana's green eyes
seemed to never leave him...there was an innocence there.
Women who were too perfect, he had found out, could be big
trouble...were up to something. He had liked Thorn as she was
far from perfect and was tough, but when it came to
love...well she was all woman.

Adian smiled at Tati, "Well, I suppose one could be
comfortable in more than one place. So far, I have it the way
I like it...I want to keep Thorn's things about me." He
reached for a piece of cheese and munched on it thoughtfully
before taking a small sip of wine. "And you...Where do you set
your quarters?" Dark heather gray eyes studied her. She was so
pure she could have been a saint....

His mother had told him of heavenly beings though....

Tatiana
 
"This is quite nice, Adian." "You're just full of
surprises, aren't you, love?"


Love? Well, not quite yet... Adian looked at his lunch
companion. In his mind, he could think of 100 other
surprises...if she only knew. It did feel good though having
company once again, though his mind drifted to Fiona. He had
left her here thinking she would be safe and sleep, but she
had gone. This worried him. Adian wondered just how many
besides Vanora, Ione, Thorn, Javier, and a few others who knew
Fiona was a woad. What is one of them left the truth out in
the open? Indeed, all of the gods in Christendom could not
save her if that were true! Looking back at Tatiana, Adian
took a sip of wine noticing that odd look in her eyes again.
Playful? He had hoped for a nice romantic meal....
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Pinkie
Date: Wed Jul 09, 2008 4:38 am
Amadeus


Merlin
 
"I will say nothing more until my men are freed,"


Oh he didn't like that now. He didn't like that Merlin was
issuing the terms of their negotiations and he didn't like the
expectant tone the man used... nor did he like the feeling
that he had little choice but to do as he was bid. They were
surrounded - the demon woads were not renowned for their
abilities in politics and such civilised things and so it left
Amadeus with a feeling of using skills that would not be
recognised. His mannerisms, his educated references to history
would be dismissed as useless, pointless dribble amongst these
barbarians.

He was wasting his time.

Or was he?

Whilst pondering these things with a sneer upon his lips,
Amadeus was treated to a new look at the woads, one that he
was certain Merlin would not like for him to see.

One of his number started babbling about trees and spirits as
if they were real things in this backwards glen of
foolishness. Another woman appeared and addressed Merlin as
her father. Merlin acted as relaxed as a man could be with no
signs that his daughter had been anywhere but at his beck and
call the whole time. Amadeus gave the woad woman a strict,
stern look, assessing her. She was a pretty thing. Wild, feral
and diseased no doubt, but quite beautiful in her own way. His
grey eyes swivelled back to Merlin --

Merlin
 
"Daughter. We were just discussing the release of my
men...well, Scipio?"


Amadeus' eyebrows were raised as he was able to see the
bloodied mess coming through the trees behind Merlin. He did
not answer the question but watched, in rising amusement, as
Merlin lost grips with what was going on around him. So he
would not speak til his men were freed? Was that so? Well his
people were making a liar of their leader in the way they ran
around the place with no thought to their betters being
indisposed to deal with their problems right now.

One of his number advised death, immediate death, for the
rejoicing wretch that approached Merlin and it was about as
much as Amadeus could take. His lips pulled up in a knowing
smirk, a devious grin of condescension.

Merlin
 
"Peace, Ceinwyn! Juna, My men,"


He remained silent a bit longer, looking left and right
expectantly before raising his hands, feeling brave having
seen what it was he had seen these past few minutes. The woad
society encroaching upon itself, endangering itself.

"Hmm -- perhaps we could slit all their throats and do you a
favour hmm?" he asked rhetorically, his grey eyes slashing
across the dreary landscape to the woman who had suggested
such a fate for one of their number already. He shook his
head, looking back at Merlin, daring to take a step forward -
but only one.

"You have one of my men - " he gestured with a gloved hand
towards Mordred who was surrounded - "And I have three of
yours who were bound, gagged and left here by someone who was
not us so we can only presume .. it was your own. What's say
you dismiss your numbers, release my men, I shall release
yours and we can move somewhere private to speak upon
important matters without ..." his smile was tight, unamused
but condescending as he peered around at the woads facing him,
"... all these interruptions? That way we both get what we
want." the Optio advised in a quiet voice, certain it would
not carry throughout the clearing and intending it to be so.









Galahad

Lancelot
 
"As you say, Your choice to be a fool, I'll think of
something - perhaps Arthur won't have to know the truth
of this at all. Don't fret, Galahad."


That Galahad accepted Gawain taking the blame for what
happened didn't mean he was pleased about it. He appreciated
it in a way that he could not vocalise right now. His addled
brain took it all in though, and when the time came Galahad
would do the same for Gawain. It wasn't deceiving Arthur -
they all knew that. Arthur would know the truth of it despite
what they said, but Arthur would understand that it was
Sarmatian business, that it was his men keeping their pride,
keeping their heads above the water-line for one more year,
one more fight closer to freedom.

The youngest Sarmatian gave a non-committed nod of his head in
gratitude to Lancelot, staring blindly at the ground before
him, wishing that he had had a bit more to drink so that he
might have fallen into oblivion about now... wishing Linnesse
and Neeve had not drenched them and brought him back to
reality quite so soon.

Lancelot
 
"My love, I couldn't have said it better myself. He's a
dangerous and fiesty one, and you'd best have a care
around this particular Sarmatian. You see this shiner?
Where else would it have come from? If you wish, help
us. Otherwise, leave off with the questions, yes? Come
on, pup, Let's get this fixed."


Galahad pouted wearily, ignoring Fiona as best he could when
she stood in front of them. He let his legs be guided by
Gawain and Lancelot's movements, his jelly-knees barely
keeping him upright of his own accord. When Lancelot referred
to him as pup again the young Sarmatian whined... albeit, like
a pup, and shut his blue eyes in frustration.

"Stop calling me that...!" he whinged quietly while Gawain did
hsi best to soften the blow of his 'piss off' and Lancelot's
polite 'piss off' to Fiona. They ambled on cloesr to the
infirmary and once they got to the front door, Galahad gave a
heavy sigh, sagging more of his meagre weight onto his two
brothers beside him. He looked wearily at the inside of the
infirmary and pouted, his bloodied lip looking comically red
and what looked like a black smudge on his cheekbone beginning
to look more like the bruise it was rather than just dirt.

He saw Lavinia --

"Oh nooooooooooo.." he groaned, turning his head away from the
old nun in consternation and trying to take a step back. He
had not the wherewithal to actually take the step back so just
got his arms tangled in Gawain and Lancelot so that their arms
were now across his chest and his own arms hung down over the
bridge of their arms which had been keeping him standing. And
he was looking at Fiona.

"Piss off" he snapped at her and turned his head, looking at
the side of Lancelot's face and then Gawain's pleadingly -
"Anyone but her guys, please.." he complained, gesturing
weakly behind him towards Lavinia.









Eala

Eala had no idea that she was intruding. Like the crazed Mona
she presumed that they had the upper hand in this, that they
had somehow become victorious though on a small scale, in
capturing the Romans who had come to hunt them down. That was
the only reason she could think of to have Romans in the
clearing of old village like this. How else would these Romans
know how to find the clearing? That would make no sense at
all. Unless they were led to the clearing and no woad would do
that. No woad could have done that because ...

A realisation dawned on the ten-year-old as she made to attack
the man on horseback, her black eyes becoming vacant as she
processed this information. Merlin pulled her away from the
Roman and shoved her in the direction of her people. Eala
dipped her head in apology and staggered to gain her balance,
turning around to look up at Ash, trying to convey something
to him. But when she looked up at him he was not lookign at
her, but glaring off towards the Roman on horseback, his hand
placed on her shoulder.

Eala felt owned. She felt sheltered under that hand though she
knew the man was injured. Her black eyes swivelled towards
Juna who was giving her a comforting nod of her head, always
looking so stern Juna.. but Eala found that familiarity to be
as comforting as Merlin's authoritive presence. The little
blonde, however, now had questions about one of their number.
She tugged at Ash's tunic to get his attention and pointed
towards Neeria frantically, gesturing with her hands that she
didn't know how the woman got there then pointing wildly to
the horses, indicating that that was how she must have got
here.

Traitor.

Unconfirmed but truth in Eala's mind, she now knew Neeria had
brought the Romans here.

Gasping a harsh breath, Eala turned to glare at Neeria
accusingly, her fingers flexing down towards her thigh where
both knew she had that knife that they had taken from the
Roman healing rooms. Eala's chin dipped but her eyes remained
intent on Neeria murderously. She didn't hear the other
commotions until someone moved and then her head snapped up,
she saw Guinevere. And Mona.

In a show to impress Guinevere, Eala pulled the little Roman
knife from the binding on her upper leg and held it in her
tiny hand assuredly, looking from Neeria, to the Roman on
horseback, ready to do what she was told, her other hand tight
about the end of Ash's tunic still.

He had told her 'revenge' and 'today' -- this would be it.









Mari

Milan
 
"Small.. S..scared..."


Initially Mari laughed, thinking Milan was making a joke. Of
course he was smaller! She hadn't meant that. Her playful
brown eyes danced with merriment and happiness as she looked
up at him. He was looking down at her and slowly his
expression was changing. He was becoming a bit more serious
now, honest. Mari's smile ebbed but it lingered a little about
the edges of her mouth, her blinks slow, patient, waiting for
Milan to speak his mind. And when he did it altered the young
woman's expression entirely.

Her eyebrows rose slowly and her lips parted ever so slightly.

It wasn't pity that was shown there, it was sympathy, regret
that he had been afraid at all.

Her hands moved down his chest to his stomach where her
fingers splayed out, covering as much of his hard abdomen as
she could with her small appendages.

"Why were you scared?" she whispered, not wanting to break the
atmosphere of honest openess that had allowed him to admit he
had been scared to begin with. "Was it people were you scared
of? Your family? I used to be scared of thunder until Kolya
told me it was the gods shouting." she gave a wry smile,
knowing her father had told her that in irritation at her
constant whinging in terror durin the night, but when she said
it the way she had it made it sound an affectionate thing, it
made it sound considerate on her father's behalf.









Drake

Drake hadn't intended to frighten Linnesse. And not because of
good morals either - he didn't want to frighten her beacuse
she was Linnette's sister. He stood stoic and unmoving,
unwavering, glaring at an invisible point above the blonde's
head, wishing she had not stoked his emotions and conscience
into such an overdrive. The woman had no idea of his
intentions! She had no idea what he had seen throughout his
life, what he had done and what he knew not to do. He had no
designs on Linnette. He had feelings for her, feelings that
had happened without his say-so, feelings that had grown over
a length of time without him truly realising it until it was
too late - but he had no intention on acting on those
feelings.

And certainly not when the woman was at her most vulnerable.
All he did now was make sure she was well, that someone was
looking out for her, that she did not feel like a burden on
anyone. The woman had her pride and he ... he ... loved that
about her. He wanted to preserve that for the benefit of the
next man that she would love.

It could never be him, that Drake knew, but it didn't mean he
had to deny such a beautiful woman with such admirable traits
to the rest of mankind.

Linnette & Linnesse
 
"Linnesse...he doesn't want anything. I offered to pay him for his trouble and he refused. And Drake... Don't scare her like that. She's very sensitive."

"Linnette!"

"You are. And you… You really are going to break your teeth someday.”

“Linnette, I really don’t think…”

“Let’s go unpack,”


Drake did not even flinch at the lie on Linnette's tongue. He
grit his teeth harder and stared fixedly at nothing. He could
remain there for hours, hours upon hours, without moving a
muscle. Linnette's addressing of him did not even make him
move, he continued staring above Linnesse's head. Linnesse
protested being spoken about in such a fashion which almost
made Drake want to smile but he knew that that would be
childish.

Her hand moved towards his face and her comment about breaking
his teeth finally made an impact.

His eyebrow quirked and he looked down at her in disbelief,
her hand dropping back to her side as she coaxed Linnesse
inside to unpack.

Had she just told him he wuold break his teeth someday?
Drake's jaw relaxed and he felt a pain, a physical pain,
around his neck and jaw from clenching his teeth so hard. A
wry smile quirked his lips, softening his very severe features
and he turned his head, watching Linnette walk inside with
Linnesse. When she turned a curt nod of thanks to him, Drake
was still grinning, looking more relaxed and amused than he
ever had before. He blew out a breath of laughter and lifted a
hand to rub his jaw, the noise of his calloused fingertips
against his beard quite loud as he nodded his head in
agreement to her, and started to walk towards his own room.
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