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| July 2008 | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Apr 3 2010, 09:33 PM (2,362 Views) | |
| golden_trillium | Apr 6 2010, 06:49 PM Post #61 |
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Author: Kay Date: Wed Jul 09, 2008 6:30 am Guinevere Guinevere stood quietly at her father's side.
She nodded, understanding that this was not the time to speak of what had transpired since they were last together; that would have to wait until later. Mona's sudden wild appearance in the clearing interrupted proceedings futher. The bloodied girl lurched towards Merlin, who calmly passed her into the care of Juna. Guinevere wondered to herself how Mona was even standing, given the extent of her injuries. There were so many things that she did not understand. She noted Ash and Eala; he had obviously managed to free Eala from the fortress, but he didn't look good. She cast a quick glance around and noticed that Juna was looking at her. She looked from the healer to the bloodied mess that was Mona and back again, and slowly shook her head. |
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| golden_trillium | Apr 6 2010, 06:51 PM Post #62 |
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Author: golden_trillium Date: Wed Jul 09, 2008 8:45 am Merlin
"Oh, you want this one?" Ignoring all the veiled- and not so veiled- threats in Scipio's suggestions, Merlin cocked an eyebrow at the Roman and gestured to Mordred, sitting on his horse surrounded by Woads. It was no fair trade- Mordred was unbound, and only one, while Merlin's warriors were three and incapacitated- but he would seem to agree, and thus press this "negotiation" on. It scarcely mattered, anyway- with as many Woads as he had in the clearing, he could have Mordred killed as easily if he stood over by Scipio as if he didn't. It didn't make any difference. "You can have him as soon as you release my men, then. And once that hut is cleared out, we can use it for this privacy you so desire, hmm?" Merlin made the offer easily, all nonchalance despite his alertness to all else going on in the clearing, to the numerous situations here that he didn't quite understand. He would get to the bottom of this- all of it, not the least the question of who had bound those men. But once they were ungagged, it woudl be easy enough to ask them. "Come, come, let us not take all night," Merlin added with a quirk of his mouth that was almost a laugh, as he gestured for some of hi warriors nearest to Mordred to step a little bit back, beginning to clear the way for the mounted man to join Scipio. |
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| golden_trillium | Apr 6 2010, 06:52 PM Post #63 |
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Author: LadyCastus Date: Wed Jul 09, 2008 5:39 pm Neeria and Malcus Barbattus Neeria watched in horror as Mona careened out of the trees and lurched toward Merlin. What had happened to her? Neeria couldn't imagine and she sought Guinevere's eyes to try an glean some meaning of all of what was happening. Mona was bleeding and looked crazed. Had she been attacked? Her ramblings made no sense. Merlin placed her in the care of Juna and shortly afterward, Mona slumped into a heap onto the forest floor. Neeria had seen the look on Mona's face on other people before. It was the look of death. Mona would be dead soon. Neeria looked at her old friend who seemed oblivious to what was going on around her. Neeria's people were dying. First her beloved Mikel, then Sirus and now Mona. So many losses. And for those not killed, insanity had claimed just as many. She glanced over again at Ceinwyn and her heart lurched. Ceinwyn was so crazed, she threated to kill another woad right in front of Romans. Neeria shooked head then scanned the faces of those watching her; the faces and eyes of her people - some of them she'd known all of her life. While Merlin and the Roman they called optio verbally sparred with one another, she saw the looks in their eyes, their dubiousness of her slowly turning into hatred right before her eyes. At first she was sorrowful but that shortly turned to wanton care. They were fools, all of them. How could they think of her as a traitor? Who accused her of that? Who planted the seed? She wanted to know. Neeria would never betray Merlin and if her people thought otherwise, that was their problem. Merlin was willing to hear her and Merlin was all who mattered. Neeria met the gazes of Juna, Ash, Eala, Nolan and the others and her eyes flashed at all them, challenging them, daring them to confront her regarding her loyalty. They would not bully or intimidate her. They had no idea what she'd been through. If a fight is what they wanted, she would gladly give it to them. If Neeria did not fear the Romans, she certainly did not fear her own people. Malcus continued to watch the circus unfold before his eyes. If the situation hadn't been so serious, it might have even been funny. But under the circumstances, there was nothing funny about this spectacle. Barbattus refused to speak any more and only listened and watched as Amadeus became more and more smug. Keep it up, Malcus' inner voice spoke. Scipio was an inexperienced bugger who was sorely underestimating Merlin and his people. But Scipio had silenced Malcus more than once so Barbattus would stand and watch. Amadeus would find out soon enough just how far-reaching Merlin's wrath was. Malcus was sure that Amadeus had bitten off more than he could chew. And would Malcus intervene to save his ass? The captain almost chuckled. All hell was going to break loose, Barbattus was sure of it. But Scipio would have to ask for Malcus' assistance in dealing with the big blue man again. Barbattus leaned back on heels again and continued to observe, confident that it would only be a matter of time before things went straight to hell. |
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| golden_trillium | Apr 6 2010, 06:53 PM Post #64 |
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Author: lady ione Date: Wed Jul 09, 2008 5:52 pm Brendyn He had given his report to the Centurion, and stepped back a bit to allow Quintus to see what he himself had seen. If, indeed, these were the footprints of a woad or woads, then the girl and her accomplice were gone. What would Malcus have to say about this? And Arthur? Brendyn carefully observed how Quintus went over the evidence, if that was what it was...
....Brendyn's eyes shifted to the soldiers behind Quintus, then back to the ground where the footprints were. Dark blue eyes lifted toward the horizon, , then back to the man next to him. Brendyn jumped slightly as Quintus stepped back inside the fort and slammed the slightly damaged gate shut. In all of his years of service, sudden blasts of temper and noise still made him jump slightly. He could see the frustration on Quintus's face, and Brendyn almost felt responsible in some way. What Quintus said next, made Brendyn feel proud that he had been availible...
Brendyn looked the man square in the eyes, feeling proud at this accomplishment. "Thank you, sir," Brendyn's face remained neutral, but with a look of pride in his eyes. Watching the Centurion, Brendyn began to see things as he had in Titrus, Malcus and Arthur and the knights....attributes he admired. He would be himself, but he knew also that by learning from them, that he might gain a bit from each. Brendyn stood at attention while Quintus addressed the guards behind him...
...The young soldier watched the man intently as he distributed orders. The healing wound under his arm ached a bit, and his body was beginning to itch a bit. At the mention of Titrus's name, Brendyn wondered what the man's reaction would be. About then, his stomach rumbled loudly in protest mainly because he had not eaten much since arriving, and he was damned hungry, tired and in need of a long hot bath. His day's duties were not done by a long shot, for in the back of his mind, he reminded himself that he still had to visit the chapel so that he could pay respects to his lost legion: the one he had served with at Aesica, and his ex Commander, Antonius...
....Brendyn nodded to the Centurion grateful for the chance to wash all of the dirt, shit, piss and grim from his body. Brendyn turned on his heels and went off to the baths stripping off the filthy tunic as he did so. He had wanted to ask if there was anything else, but he figured that if Quintus had wanted him for anything else, he would have said so..... |
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| golden_trillium | Apr 6 2010, 06:54 PM Post #65 |
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Author: Lancelot Date: Wed Jul 09, 2008 6:26 pm Lancelot The first knight smiled bright and falsely at the Woad girl; frankly, he wasn't in the mood to play around with anyone, and gods damn it! but someone had stolen his fucking leathers!!! Right from under his nose! Gawain was speaking to the girl, and then the blond knight turned eyes on Lancelot.
Trying to shrug was difficult, so Lancelot just settled for a grunt. "I am not always the demon you make me out to be," he said quietly, and then zipped it, for he was not one to speak the truth when it involved himself very often.
Lancelot snorted, and then let loose a little moan of his own - fuck, but that hurt his face. He reached his free up to touch his swollen eye, and cursed. "Well, Galahad, you sound like one. And those giant, soft eyes of yours - and couldn't you have gone easier on mine? Jesu," he used the infrequently spoken swear word that Arthur was fond of when he was truly angry. As they managed to get into the infirmary - again? Would someone please just put Lancelot out of his misery? Gods teeth, but he hated this place - Galahad made a noise of what could only be described as fear, and turned hastily, tangling himself in Gawain and Lancelot's grip.
"Who, that old nun? She's harmless, pup. The right words, and I'm sure you could have her singing your praises from the top of the fortress chapel." Lancelot spoke out of the corner of his mouth, and he made a face at Gawain, as if to question Galahad's fear of the Christian woman. Lancelot smirked - she was a woman, just like the rest, and could be charmed if needs be. And luckily for her and for Galahad, the best charmer in all of Badon was right here. He got his hold on Galahad situated, and rolled his eyes. "And would you please turn around? You're twisting the arm that you've already hurt once today - I'd like to be able to say the pain I'm experiencing was not caused by you. Unbelievable." |
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| golden_trillium | Apr 6 2010, 06:56 PM Post #66 |
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Author: linnet Date: Wed Jul 09, 2008 8:14 pm Gawain
Lancelot’s statement caused Gawain to give his lieutenant a serious look across the wilted Galahad. “I know that,” he said quietly and then smiled just enough for Lancelot to detect his sincerity. Lancelot was Lancelot, not a demon. A frequent pain in the ass, but a good man, and a fellow Sarmatian. Anger and frustration toward the Dark Knight was always situational and short-lived in Gawain. He hoped Lancelot understood that. The blonde knight knew with absolute certainty who they would have to confront as they dragged themselves inside the infirmary. A whole infirmary full of healers, but for some reason Lavinia had become his destiny. And there she stood, as if expecting them.
Gawain’s idea of trying to be as inconspicuous as possible so that Lavinia just might not notice him as she focused on Galahad, flew out the window when the younger knight made a feeble attempt to flee. The result was that Gawain and Lancelot had to twist and struggle to reposition the pathetic man now draped across their arms like a whimpering ragdoll. “It will be OK, Galahad,” Gawain said, trying hard to sound reassuring. “Maybe she’ll just get you some help,” he added, loud enough for Lavinia to hear. And then go away, he hoped. If the nun from hell had any compassion, she’d catch on that Galahad dreaded her, and would assign a normal human being to take care of him.
The blonde knight’s mouth came close to gaping in disbelief as he stared incredulously at Lancelot. “You’re crazy,” he said out of the side of his mouth, very softly so that Lavinia hopefully couldn’t hear. “Five gold coins says you can’t even get a smile out of her.” Then Gawain looked warily at Lavinia, like a dog that knows it’s about to be punished. |
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| golden_trillium | Apr 6 2010, 06:57 PM Post #67 |
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Author: Starbelle Date: Wed Jul 09, 2008 8:28 pm Tatiana Sitting in front of the fire, enjoying both the food and company, Tatiana felt her hair slowly loosen itself from the braid that Adian wove with her still damp hair before leaving the bath house earlier in the day.
Swallowing her mouthful as she heard his answer to her comment, then she heard his own question. "My quarters are located in the stable, on the very top floor of the barracks that I share with another female stablehand. The mattress on my cot is ok comfortable-wise and the area is liveable. I keep my dried herbs underneath it in a box, easier to get at that way. Especially now with it being so cold and wet." Tatiana replied after taking in the surroundings of Adian's quarters meeting his heather grey eyes with her own, then briefly glancing down at her mug of wine that she held in her small hands, bringing it up to sip from before picking up a few grapes to nibble on. "Besides Wogan, what other pets do you have?" she asked curiously, after sipping her drink. He's the first guy that's not of family I've had a meal with. I seriously hope that I don't mess this up as I feel really comfortable around Adian. |
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| golden_trillium | Apr 6 2010, 07:00 PM Post #68 |
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Author: Unicorn Date: Thu Jul 10, 2008 8:22 am Dagonet
The tall knights got instantly an angry and sharp glance from Bors... which made him a little more happy at the moment in fact. Now Bors will have to return here and check his injury. There was no escape from this for his friend. And that let Dagonet think that he was helpful once more... He had done something to help his friend. Even if Bors wasn't happy about it at all. He smiled as Bors looked once more at him... just a little, weak smile. He knew that Bors was in his own way greatful for this. They knew each other too good.
He knew that Vanora was just being kind... but in reality it made his heart cry again. Celebrate? What was here to celebrate? His son was dead... He almost lost his life himself... and almost everybody were hurted somehow from this mission. There was nothing to celebrate. But getting drunk these days wouldn't be so bad.
He nodded slowly his head with a slight sigh. "Thank you..." he whispered as the two of them turned to walk away. Dagonet closed his eyes silently still feeling Saoirse by him... She was so calm and quiet. Was she asleep already? He turned his head to look at her with concern. Why was she crying earlier? What happened? "Love...? Are you sleeping?" he asked queitly for not to wake her if she was really asleep. Mirtha There she was... Standing in the room... He liked her.. He liked her alot. And he cared for her... Why he had been reacting so to her?
He caught her in his arms as she placed kisses upon him. His eyes went wide. "Afternoon?!" he exclaimed but his lips curled into a smile. "Well, you should wake me up. I hope the stables are still standing!" He joked a little with a laugh and put a hand upon her cheek. "So how is your day, today?" he asked.
Mirtha frowned a little. Really? He made somebody happy. He suddenly felt uneasy. How he could make anybody happy really? Was this possible for him to do so? And why the hell was he so worried that he had hurt her earlier? Well he was drunk then. Now when he was sober it was more than great time. He would not encourage himself to get to her like that if he would not think he had done something wrong. And he knew that. "Really?" he asked and he lowered his head, still holding her by her waist. "That... is... good..." he said silently. "It was.. something for me too" And smiled nervously looking back at her. "Well... I should be probably going... I don't want to disturb. And I should see to the stables." He felt terrible nervous. He had never been with a woman so close emotionaly like right now. He only took them by force, never wanted to know how they felt about it... But with Ione.. was far more different. He really cared for her feelings... |
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| golden_trillium | Apr 6 2010, 07:03 PM Post #69 |
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Author: Kayla Date: Thu Jul 10, 2008 11:19 pm Fiona
Apparently, the fact that Fiona had been surprised by both Galahad and Lancelot's words to her hadn't gone unnoticed by everyone. She watched Gawain turn around, giving her a brief smile and she nodded her head at his words, showing that she understood and her smile matched his for a moment. She still hung behind the three men as they moved towards the infirmary, her feet moving slowly as they all plodded along, Galahad's weight resting partially on both of the men. The woad still didn't know if she was needed or not but in truth, she didn't know what else to do. She wanted to help, as her personality was one that liked seeing others happy and doing whatever she could to help someone in need.
Of course, that was probably harder done than said. They all piled into the infirmary, the youngest Sarmatian knight seeing something he obviously didn't like and he stepped back as the young woad watched, her head cocked to the side and her face a slight frown, especially after hearing him tell her to piss off again. "No," she said to him, her tone stubborn and her expression showing that stubbornness. For as childish as the knight could be, Fiona could practically match it.
Fiona looked past the knights to see who they were talking about and her gaze was drawn to a stern looking woman. Her eyebrows were drawn together at the knight's chatter, and honestly, she wasn't sure what to think of the woman. First impressions always lasted the longest but from what they were saying about her, she seemed a bit intimidating. The woad ran a hand through her hair, pursing her lips together for a brief moment as she looked around the infirmary. She'd only been here once before, after sparring with Adian and having knicked him, she had accompanyed him to get it looked at. Even then, she hadn't seen Lavinia around, so she really had no idea what they would be dealing with when it came to the woman. |
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| golden_trillium | Apr 6 2010, 07:04 PM Post #70 |
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Author: Elessars Girl Date: Fri Jul 11, 2008 6:43 am Arthur Arthur had heard Darya’s quiet words in affirmation of his request, yet his eyes remained closed to her. He did not want to see whatever had transpired between Darya and Eyla reflected back at him in his lover’s dark eyes….not right now. Arthur’s wound continued to make its presence known with a dull ache, but manageable as the Commander attempted to rest. But whatever the yet nameless ‘thing’ that continued to plague Arthur’s conscious kept the Roman from drifting off into sleep. Thick fingers reached to tug at the inseam of Arthur’s black leather breeches as he attempted to find a more comfortable position reclined on the bed. He exhaled deeply and then willed his tired body to relax.
Arthur only grunted in response to Eyla’s rather sardonic comments and again he did not bother to open his eyes and actually challenge her words. What sort of expression was ‘cheer up’ anyways? Arthur’s lips formed a smirk as he briefly thought on the odd little expression. He quickly determined that Eyla was far more superficial than he’d previously given her credit for if she only wished to be in the company of joyful individuals; hardly a realistic notion in this harsh and troublesome existence here at Badon Hill. I cannot remember the last time I felt true unbridled ‘joy’. And thus not unexpectantly, Arthur heard the thick wooden door click shut indicating Eyla’s departure from his chambers. And it had to be Eyla as much to her credit, Darya would not so easily have been dismissed. Not that Arthur had truly wished his lover to go….despite all the dark thoughts swirling around inside of Arthur’s head, he still wished for Darya to remain close for now. And then as if the Sarmatian had read his thoughts, Arthur felt her hand gently…almost soothingly…touch his thigh again, if only briefly. The smug expression brought on by Eyla’s words melted into a more genuine look of contentment….as peaceful as Arthur could be considering the physical aches and pains that still dominated him right now. Rest. He needed rest so that he could recover and return to his duties….and face whatever he must. Would Merlin accept a new peace treaty? What if Scipio failed? Arthur made a small sound much like a groan and reached up to firmly pinch at the bridge of his nose….and then slowly opened his eyes. His gaze fell to Darya and a small pang of guilt pressed on Arthur’s conscious. Perhaps in his weariness, he’d been too harsh on his lover…too judgmental where Eyla was concerned…after all, hadn’t Arthur himself been tempted by the harlot? Yet, the Roman’s pride would not allow the thought to completely fade away. “Angel,” Arthur gently called out her name and lifted his hand to beckon Darya to return to his side. He knew that he should take what little quiet time that he had to sleep, yet something still nagged at Arthur…..he could not pinpoint the source…but something still troubled him. Perhaps he would find no rest until Scipio and Malcus would return. Derfel While continuing to unpack and arrange their belongings in the new apartments he’d now be sharing with the two sisters…an evident look of bewilderment filled his expression at that prospect and Derfel had to force his tongue to remain silent. Everything had happened so quickly….everything. And what role had Drake had – if any – in the choosing of this particular living arrangement? Derfel’s weary senses seemed to be telling him that something was off here…but perhaps the other man was as unsettled about all this as Derfel was. Linnette was clearly not herself, and justifiably so….thus no doubt having an affect on all those around her. And seeing Gedeon’s things….well that had been painful for Derfel as well. But he must do this…look after Gedeon’s widow and child for his best friend’s sake as well as his wife’s. Still frowning with heavier thoughts, Derfel continued his work at a steady pace and in as much silence as he could. Voicing any of his concerns at this point would surely bring on an argument that Derfel most decidedly wished to avoid. |
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| golden_trillium | Apr 6 2010, 07:05 PM Post #71 |
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Author: linnet Date: Fri Jul 11, 2008 7:59 pm Mother Lavinia Lavinia was prepared to face the invasion of soldiers in search of an escapee. Instead when the door opened she was confronted with an invasion of bleeding, muddy, wet knights. Three of them, all clearly participants in a drunken donnybrook, followed by a young woman. The nun looked heavenward and snorted in disgust. Lavinia knew exactly who the three were, even with all the blood and dirt and swollen features. And to think Arthur Castus had to command these wretched rowdies.
The Petulant One was the worst off, with blood spreading across his midsection, in addition to the damage to his face. Lavinia would have hailed a competent staffer to take care of him, but his desperation to avoid her changed that idea. Telling a nun to piss off…. She stood in front of Galahad who was being held up by the other two. The old nun loved a good challenge, and was rising to the occasion. “Piss off, eh?” she said ominously, as she grabbed Galahad’s chin to raise his sagging head so that the two of them were nose to nose. “Your mouth has just sealed your fate, my boy. I will personally do the honors of attending to you, you lucky fellow.” Then she turned her attention to Gawain whose body slowly seemed to draw back from her without really moving. “You just keep quiet. This is exactly what I’d expect from you, you filthy uncivilized heathen - drunken street fighting. If I find out you’ve undone all my good work on your arm, it won’t be the only part of you that’s useless for some time.” With a malicious gleam in her eye, Lavinia next looked Lancelot up and down, shaking her head. “You look terrible,” she scolded. “I thought that you at least had enough brains to stay out of tavern brawls. And just so you know, I don’t sing. Now let’s get my next patient here to the nearest empty cot.” The nun turned away from the knights to lead them to a bed for Galahad. Then she stopped to see if the young woman was going to follow along. “Young lady,” she said, still in intimidation mode. “Are you unfortunate enough to be attached to one of these irksome troublemakers? If so, we need to have a little talk later. If not, why are you here?” She continued to the open cot, and waited, impatiently tapping her foot as the two knights who could still walk dragged the one who couldn’t toward his fate. |
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| golden_trillium | Apr 6 2010, 07:07 PM Post #72 |
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Author: lady ione Date: Fri Jul 11, 2008 9:29 pm Ione Mirtha's hand went to her cheek. There was a laugh.
"I am well, Mirtha...," Ione smiled. She didn't want to tell him that she had been getting sick in the mornings, and that she had not eaten much...nothing sounded good. The young woman ran her hands up and down his arms lovingly. Ione recalled what Javier had told her of rushing into love, instead of taking one's time to know the other better. Now that she thought of it, Ione did not know Mirtha well except that he was lonely, poor, and had few friends. "I hope I didn't keep you awake all night," Ione tease remembering how she had touched him, felt him growing hard....the way he had explored every part of her body...the sweet deliciousness that came from giving all of herself to him. But what if he tired of her and left her? If only she could know that he loved her enough to stay? Or would he be like Javier: love her than leave her? Ione felt her stomach lurch, and she lay her hands on it as if trying to calm the sensation....
This time, when Mirtha smiled, there was something...and uneasiness there. Perhaps he, too, had his doubts concerning her. To have him hold her in the light of the late afternoon. The smile that was on his face. Ione kissed him once more, then pulled back to study Mirtha...Was he still pleased with her? Javier came to her mine, and a sudden pang of guilt assaulted her making her stomach churn. She had promised to love him all of her life and he her, they had given themselves to one another at her homestead....The growing love they had developed had made her feel secure. Had she begun to love Mirtha knowing Javier would not return...but what if he did return? She had seen the Southerner mad only once or twice, and she had betrayed him and their love? Ione cared for Mirtha. They needed each other...he told her he cared for her. Oddly enough, it all seemed so natural...spontanious. Something about Mirtha made Ione feel free, and not bound to the laws of any church. Now, as the young woman felt one hand on her hip, and the other on her face, Ione could not help but feel happy...though her stomach ached a bit and she realized that she had not eaten much since arriving back at the fort...
"Aye, I am sure they are, and that they are running just fine without you," Ione smiled pulling away from Mirtha's grasp with a sweet teasing smile. Her dark eyes almost seemed to plead for him to just stay, but she knew he had his duties just like she and everyone else...it would have been wrong to keep him from them. Moving over to a nearby peg by the door, Ione got Mirtha's cloak for him, and handed it to the man. She looked down at the ground, reaching out to place a hand on his arm, "Mirtha, you are more than welcome to live here with me if you wish. Anything has to be better than a cold damp stables...Please think about it?" Ione felt that he liked her, but something deeper told her not to get her hopes up too high. She had had many in her life that had promised a lot, then left her with nothing to hope for. Smiling at Mirtha, Ione said, "You should got before it gets dark. Check on Tarik for me?" Ione hoped the pregnant mare was alright... Brendyn Brendyn smelled and itched so bad from the dirt, grim, piss and shit that clung to parts of his skin, that he all but ran to the baths hoping to find a private spot where he could soak his wound, and let the filth be washed away, so that he could go back on duty. The young soldier did find a spot, and stripped of his pants and worn boots. Grabbing a large towel and some soap, Brendyn stepped down into the water. There was a long heavy sigh as he lowered himself onto one of the lower steps so that his shoulders down were submerged. Peeling off the bandage from the wound, Brendyn lay it behind him while he soaked the injury. Evana had done well, and his arm was healing nicely. He lay back on the steps behind him and closed his eyes. Relax.... He had gotten his first compliment. He had done well. It still bothered him that well trained soldiers had not been able to stop the woad's escape... Had there been another? Well the foot prints showed two sets....but what occured in the dungeons that made her escape even easier?... Brendyn sighed again. It had to be late afternoon, and he had not had anything to eat....and despite that, he had thrown up during latrine duty anyway.... |
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| golden_trillium | Apr 6 2010, 07:09 PM Post #73 |
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Author: sabor ice Date: Sat Jul 12, 2008 12:27 am Cassidy, Fleur, and Cáel Cassidy's expression was unfathomable as she silently studied Cáel. Normally, she would've just automatically despised him like she did most humans, but she was mesmerized by his oddness. His skin was pale like the snow, ghostly, almost mirroring how her mother had appeared at her time of death, although he was alive and quite animated regardless of appearance. His hair was pitch black, save for a single white streak running across his crown. It looked misplaced, like it had somehow been put there on accident - it looked funny. There was a hollowness under his eyes and to his cheekbones, quite unbecoming for the man as otherwise Cassidy might've thought him once handsome. Black orbs where vibrant eyes should've been stared back at her with the same intensity she watched him with. She might've been overwhelmingly intimidated by him, if it weren't for the fact his smile was so warm, so understanding and genuine. Admittedly, though, Cáel didn't smell the greatest, and she idly wondered if he knew. There was a frightening magic about him that Cassidy was inexplicably drawn to, but she remained ambivalent as to what to make of him. Little eyes. Little teeth. Little fingers. Everything about children was so...little. They were almost like real people, but smaller - almost too small to matter. Cáel really didn't like children. Children were nuisances. He could only hope that Cassidy and Fleur were going to be worth more than their trouble. He watched Cassidy's perplexed expression slowly change as the assessing continued. There was no longer any rude accusation written across her features, nor obscene suspicion behind her blue eyes. She looked younger than before, more vulnerable in her youthful curiosity. Perhaps all the girl needed was a bit of unconditional kindness, a speck of gentle persuasion. She was still a child after all - on the verge of adolescence, yes - but still a child nonetheless. And, children were exceptionally naive, prone to being trustworthy. It wouldn't take much on his part to get her to trust him. Cáel eased back onto the cot across from Cassidy, elbows against his knees, hands folded in front of him. "Fleur seems happy," he spoke up, breaking the tedious silence between them. "You care well for your sister, Cassidy. Your mother would be proud." Cassidy's brow puckered and her lips parted, but she was speechless. She wasn't used to receiving such praise - from anyone - let alone a near-complete stranger. Her spirits should've been lifted by his kind words, but instead they left her feeling rather dejected. Her blonde hair framed her thin face as she bowed her head frowning, hands moving to her lap, and fingers idly plucking at the material of her purple dress. She shrugged a shoulder up to her ear. "My mother..." Cassidy croaked quietly, voice drifting, and she shook her head slightly. "Oh, I did not mean to make you feel bad, darling," the Goth replied, frowning in false concern. He reached across with one large hand and lightly engulfed one of her balled up fists soothingly. "I'm sure she's watching over you and your sister as we speak - and you know what? - she's smiling." Cáel gave the twelve year old an encouraging grin as she lifted her face, before withdrawing his hand from hers and pressing his knuckles against his thigh. He glanced over his shoulder to see Fleur tunneling between three men who stood near the entrance (Gawain, Galahad, Lancelot) to get past them. The long-haired one and the young one Cáel recognized from the tavern. Dark eyes swiveled from them to focus on the tall drink of water in their company a brief moment. Heavens above, he was a beautiful dark angel! The Goth could almost feel the texture of Lancelot's curly hair as it knotted between his digits, the hardness of the other man's soldier's body pressed up against his in a passionate tussle. Cáel bet he tasted divine, too, but alas, it wasn't meant to be, at least not now while he had to play the role of a grieving widower. The Goth sighed longingly, turning his attention to Fleur as she bounded up to him. "There was nothin' in that one pouch you said!" Fleur said, alarmed. "I thought you said our presents was there!" Cáel's palm went flat against his chest with an exaggerated gasp of surprise. Then, he picked up the little blonde and placed her on his knee, glancing with a wry smile between her and her sister. "You know what? I bet Betelgeuse would know what happened to your gifts," the man admitted, with a tsk. "Who's that?" Fleur inquired curiously. "My horse," Cáel answered. "I bet he snuck your treats just as I turned my back. He likes sweet things. I bet he'd just love to nibble you right up!" He tickled Fleur in the ribcage, and she howled with laughter. Even Cassidy cracked a half-smile in mild amusement. Fleur collected herself then, placing a small hand on the back of Cáel's neck as she turned toward him. "But...but if he 'ate-ed' our presents, then how can we get 'em?" she wondered, her bottom lip pouting. The Goth chortled, his hand slapping Fleur's leg gently. "Well, not to worry, dear. I'm sure you'd much rather see Betelgeuse happy, hm? Do you girls like horses?" he wondered. "Yeah!" Fleur cooed, bright-eyed. "Good!" Cáel replied, matching her enthusiasm. "Then, how's about tomorrow morning, the three of us go and see him, hm?" The younger of the sisters readily agreed of course, but Cassidy was slightly hesitant about the man's invitation. She chewed on the inside of her cheek in thought. Cáel's gaze met hers, and he hunkered forward slightly, his lop-sided grin inviting. "What do you say, Cassidy? Would you like to see my horse? Ride him maybe?" he asked her. The twelve year old was hesitant still, even though the thought of riding a horse - something she had never experienced - was unbearably tempting. She eyed Cáel warily, her tone cautious: "And, then we can come right back here?" "Of course," the Goth replied with an affirmative nod, shifting back on the cot again. "If that is what you wish. I will never make you go anywhere or do anything you don't want to, Cassidy." Cáel was giving Cassidy a choice, and somehow he knew she would appreciate it. Cassidy sighed as her gaze briefly met her little sister's. It was because of the love she had for Fleur that ultimately the older girl finally agreed to go along. |
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| golden_trillium | Apr 6 2010, 07:10 PM Post #74 |
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Author: Darya Date: Sat Jul 12, 2008 2:29 am Darya The female Sarmatian had almost spilled a good deal of water as she intended to just fill the mug with it…simply because she had kept pouring while losing herself in thoughts… However, the woman had noticed her almost-mishap just in time to avoid the worst…and had carefully lifted the really full mug to her lips instead to sip some of the water… Both her hands clasped the mug as her gaze returned to the flames in the hearth. The woman just stared at the fire, drinking a bit of water every now and then…but mainly trying put herself a bit at ease again. If that was possible at all considering the current situation they were all in…regarding the Woad threat and all the injured men…or the damages the last Woad attacks had caused to some buildings. And on top of that all was Arthur’s injury. Darya wished she had asked Neeve about how serious the Roman’s wound really was when she had had the chance…
Hearing her lover’s quiet voice, Darya turned her head slightly to look at him over shoulder. He had his eyes open…even though she had expected him to be asleep by now. She studied his face for a rather long moment before she placed the mug back onto the table next to her and then moved to return to the bed. The dark-haired knelt on the mattress with the thick drapery of her dress spreading around her like a small dark lake. She took the hand Arthur had lifted into both of hers and just held it gently, her thumbs brushing over its back slowly…almost soothingly… Her long dark hair fell loosely over her shoulders and the Sarmatian kept her gaze on their joined hands for a moment before she finally actually looked at Arthur again… “Is there anything you need?”, she finally asked quietly, “…something I can do for you to help you rest?” The woman tilted her head slightly but her hands continued their soft movements around Arthur’s. “Refresh you maybe? There is still some water in the wash basin…”, the dark-haired added with a faint smile, wishing her lover would not look so vulnerable right now…but knowing that such severe injuries as the one he had suffered always took their toll…even from the strongest men… |
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| golden_trillium | Apr 6 2010, 07:12 PM Post #75 |
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Author: golden_trillium Date: Sun Jul 13, 2008 8:37 am Linnette and Linnesse The new quarters, Linnette supposed, were quite comfortable. There were two rooms, the outer larger than the inner, and each of them had a window, which made it easy to divide up the sleeping arrangements. Linnesse and Derfel took the smaller, inner room- something which Linnette did not grudge them, as she didn’t want to have to invade their privacy by going through their room at all. In the larger, outer room, they strung a curtain across about a third of the room, dividing off one corner plus the window, and that area, behind the curtain, was Linnette’s sleeping area. There was just room for her bed, against the wall- and it was the same bed she had slept in with Gedeon, Linnette had made scrupulously sure of that- her clothing chest, and Gedeon’s saddlebags, still unopened, on the floor between them. There was no more than a triangle of floor space behind the curtain- but it was enough, when the time came, for a cradle. It had given Linnette a queer feeling in her stomach when Linnesse had mentioned that. A cradle- a baby. It was hard to picture herself with a baby. The rest of the outer room, the portion not divided off by the curtain, they made into a little common area. The larger table and a couple of chairs were there (the smaller one was in Linnesse and Derfel’s room), as well as a padded couch that Linnesse had sweet-talked off another neighbor- not Drake- who apparently had no room for it. Linnette felt privately amazed at the way Linnesse had just gone out and done that, just gone out and started a conversation and come back telling Derfel he needed to help move another piece of furniture- but she had. She had changed a lot. And she continued in “take-charge” mode throughout the afternoon, even though Linnette could see the tiredness behind her eyes, see the slight slump of her shoulders that told of growing exhaustion. When things were mostly moved into place, she had re-cleaned and re-bandaged Linnette’s hands, confirming that one of the bones in the left one was probably cracked, and Linnette had told her, in a low voice, while Derfel was in the other room, how it had happened. She had left Drake’s presence out of the tale, not wanting to have to defend him again, but she knew that Linnesse could guess that Linnette had had some kind of help with bandaging. She didn’t ask who it had been, though, and Linnette didn’t volunteer the information. She felt all hollow inside, expressionless. The anger that had flared repeatedly throughout the day was gone, and tears were, too, for the moment. She just felt empty- a great hole filling her insides. Tired, too. But mostly just empty. Going through the motions. Doing what was required, moving furniture and objects and pronouncing them good, but feeling none of it. Empty. The new quarters, Linnette supposed, were quite comfortable. But without Gedeon there, how much did that matter at all? |
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