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August 2008
Topic Started: Apr 12 2010, 09:09 PM (2,832 Views)
golden_trillium

Admin
Author: golden_trillium
Date: Mon Aug 25, 2008 8:02 am
Linnesse


Ione
 
"You are most welcome for the dress. I am glad you like
it. Aye, Linnesse. He was a fine man and a good
knight...so was Gedeon. Why do all good men have to die
while the evil ones are allowed to live? Thank you for
letting me visit, Linnesse...I hope we can talk again
soon."


"Of course, Ione...and be sure to get some rest." The other
woman had stumbled just sligtly on the flagstones, betraying,
Linnesse thought, either sadness or weariness, or more likely
both. In truth, though she wanted to comfort Ione, she was
still very tired herself, and wanted to get back to her
interrupted sleep. When would this lethargy that seemed to be
the only lingering residue of the illness finally pass? The
rest of her was fine- no more trace of fever, no more
headaches, good appetite, though she was still thinner than
she normally was- but she couldn't even do a few hours light
chores without being falling-over tired at the end of it.
During the move, it wasn't as though she had had to do any
more during the move than fold clothes, make a couple of beds,
and arrange various small items- but still, it had left her
exhausted.

Burrowing her shoulders deeper into the blanket- they felt
cold whenever she had let it slip just a bit- Linnesse pushed
the door the rest of the way shut with a click and, yawning,
blew out the candle and wandered in the dark back into the
inner bedroom. The dress she left where it was on the table
for now- she would put it away properly in the morning, but
right now she just wasn't inclined to do anything other than
rest. She felt heavy with the news she had had to give Ione,
saddened all over again- but mostly just tired. How late was
it? It couldn't be that late, if neither Derfel or Linnette
had yet returned- and that realization was a comforting one
for Linnesse, because it meant she had hours and hours yet to
sleep, and maybe by morning she would have shaken this
consuming fatigue off. Maybe.

Sighing deeply, Linnesse crawled onto the bed again, pulled
the second blanket over her as well, and in another moment was
once more asleep in her warm nest, curled in a half-ball on
her side.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Darya
Date: Mon Aug 25, 2008 11:09 am
Neeve


Tristan
 
"Sprained the wing- I think,"


“I see…”, the healer murmured quietly and watched the hawk for
a bit, silently wondering where her own bird – her beloved
raven Dwyn – might be right now. It had been a while since she
had seen him circling above her. Well, he had probably found a
cosy place in one of the barnes… “Well, I’m sure she’ll be
alright again soon. Let me know if you need help with her,
okay?”, she added and gave Tristan a nod to underline her
words…

Tristan
 
"The mission... Nothin' happened. Merlin wouldn't talk-
sent us on our way."


Neeve arched an eyebrow at the Sarmatian but before she had
the chance to say something, Jols joined them at the table and
the Briton found herself using that moment to glance over
towards the overly pensive looking Derfel…and Lucius. She took
another bite from her apple and was just about to finally
react to Tristan’s further words about the mission when Jols
spoke…

Jols
 
"Greetings Neeve, Bors, and Tristan.  Who made the worst screw-up in your opinion, Tristan? Scipio or Barbattus?"


The raven-haired woman nodded in greeting at the squire and
shifted a little to give the older man more space. However,
when he addressed Tristan, the healer frowned at his words and
looked from him to the scout, honestly curious about the other
man’s reply to Jols' question. So it had not only been Merlin
not wanting to talk…apparently more had caused the mission
to…not be exactly successful by the looks of it... And
obviously Jols already had some more details about what had
happened. Interesting…
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: golden_trillium
Date: Mon Aug 25, 2008 2:24 pm
Tristan


Jols
 
"Greetings Neeve, Bors, and Tristan. Who made the worst
screw-up in your opinion, Tristan? Scipio or Barbattus?"


That was an interesting way of looking at it...as the squire
sat down, Tristan thought about with his mouth twisted
thoughtfully and a bit disgustedly to one side, running over
in his mind what had happened that afternoon. In the end,
though, he came up with only a resigned shrug.

"Scipio maybe...he was in charge, shoulda known better. But
Barbattus..." Tristan bent to scoop up another mouthful of
soup, then slumped grumpily lower in on the bench, leaning his
back against the wall. Under the table, his booted feet
propped themselves against the opposite table leg.

"Any Sarmatian acted like that woulda been whipped," he
grumbled as he fished out another, smaller piece of meat for
the hawk.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Pinkie
Date: Mon Aug 25, 2008 2:29 pm
Drake and Galahad


Linnette
 
“Purple and green? I’ve always wanted to travel there-
and Rome, even Egypt!”


For some reason, Drake couldn't imagine Linnette in either of
those places. Well, Rome perhaps, but only at the stretch of
his imagination. But to imagine her in Egypt was ... strange,
to say the least. Perhaps it was because all of his
experiences in these places had been something to do with his
job, with work and with fighting, protecting. He had never
once been to these places because, like Linnette, he had
wanted to go there. He had been ordered there, or the tide had
taken him there in respect to Jerusalem. But he had never
taken off into the wilderness with a thought of 'I want to go
there'.

The Spaniard looked sideways at the woman, trying to picture
here with a cloth about her face to protect her fair skin from
the cutting sand in the desert and almost smiled at the
image.

Yes. Yes she would actually like that, wouldn't she? Ambling
along on a camel through the desert from town to town, meeting
new people and learning about these places. No doubt she would
balance their ledgers whilst there too.

When they got to the infirmary Drake went up the steps first,
holding the door open for the auburn-haired woman. She seemed
reluctant, almost. Hesitant for certain. He saw her brave
smile and flinched, wanting to protect her from things she
didn't want to face. Was she ready for this? To see her
father-in-law so soon?

It wasn't his place to interfere like that though. If Linnette
wanted to go to Dagonet then he would be there at her back
regardless. However, once inside he spotted a familiar,
dark-haired figure on a bed sulking in a corner.

"Galahad?" he murmured, his mind turning to Alina, wondering
why the Knight was here. His green eyes questionningly moved
from Galahad to Linnette, puzzled. The Knight had not been
injured during the mission, had he? No -- not so far as Drake
could recall, he had been there with Alina, hadn't he? So why
was he now in the infirmary? Had there been another attack or
... something?

The young knight huffed out a petulant breath and turned his
head, letting Drake see the bruise on his cheek, the split lip
and the surly expression. When he saw Drake looking at him,
Galahad harumphed and turned over on his side. Drake cocked an
eyebrow at that and approached the bed, a hand to Linnette's
back to let her know he was deviating a little --

"You've seen better days..." he commented.

Galahad tsked but didn't turn around to look at Drake or
Linnette.

"Bugger off old man." he murmured. Drake gave a wry grin and
glanced over his shoulder at Linnette. Galahad's foul mood did
not dissuade him at all but he wouldn't delay Linnette if she
had to be with Dagonet.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: golden_trillium
Date: Mon Aug 25, 2008 2:47 pm
Linnette


Drake
 
"Galahad? You've seen better days..."


Curious, Linnette turned her head at the light touch on her
back, then followed Drake over to the bed on which Galahad
lay, his grumpiness emanating across the intervening space
even from here. She didn't want to linger...but the
nervousness was increasing with every step she took towards
Dagonet, even though at this point she wasn't even sure if he
had seen her yet. She wouldn't stay long...but right now her
mind found reason to be curious about Galahad, latching onto
the small distraction, even if under normal circumstances she
wouldn't have given him much thought. Consequently, as she
drew nearer the bed, she noted his visible injuries- a
darkening bruise on his cheek, a lip crusted with dried blood
around a significant cut. He looked...rather like he had been
punched. Not exactly a battle wound, she would think, and from
the limited details she remembered from the knights' return
from the mission, she hadn't thought he was injured then

Galahad
 
"Bugger off, old man."


Linnette felt a stab of vicarious indignation at that. Bugger
off, old man? What kind of greeting was that? Typical of
Galahad, who was no more than an overgrown baby anyway,
despite being several years older than the polite and
responsible Gedeon had been.

"That was rude," Linnette informed the injured knight with
disgust, looking down on him as though speaking to a child.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: LadyCastus
Date: Mon Aug 25, 2008 5:19 pm
Malcus Barbattus


Malcus sat straight up in his bed, startled. The captain shook
his head and rubbed his eyes. Momentarily, he didn't know
where he was. Slowly, reality crept its way back into his
sleepy mind. He must have fallen asleep while waiting to be
summoned by either Arthur or...

Malcus couldn't bring himself to call his name. To him, it was
no better than raising Satan himself. Barbattus ran his hands
through the tangled mass of hair atop his head and swung his
long legs over the side of the bed. What a fucking mess this
was. He should never have gone on that pitiful mission. He
should have known better. But Arthur had ordered him and for
Arthur, he would give his life.

The captain stood and stretched. He walked over to his basin
and splashed cold water on his face again. The hunger pangs in
his stomach assaulted him viciously.

What in the bloody hell is taking so long? he wondered. He
knew he could be punished for insubordination which was
absurd. Scipio was a pompous jack ass who would have gotten
them all killed. He actually killed one of Merlin's men and
how did he think the magician would take to that?

Malcus yanked open the door to his room and strode
purposefully toward the guards stationed down the hall.

"Send someone to fetch me some dinner. Have them bring it to
my quarters." Malcus handed the guard a couple of coins.

"Oy, captain!" the guard said and saluted.

Malcus grunted and saluted back, turning and walking back to
his room, slamming the door behind him. He hoped the food
would come quickly. At least he would face Arthur on a full
stomach.


The boy ran into the tavern, looking around for someone to
take his order. The guard had told him to hurry, the food was
for Captain Barbattus. If he was lucky, he'd be able to get an
extra piece of bread for himself. Looking around, he didn't
see any of the ladies that he recognized. Not wanting to take
too long, he spotted Jols over in the corner talking with
Arthur's knights - the scout and Bors. Petri scurried over to
where they were sitting.

"Jols! Pardon tha bother, but I need ta fetch some eats for
Captin Barbattus and real fast too. Kin ya help me?" he asked,
wide eyed.









Mona

Mona groaned as the woads lifted her battered, bruised, bloody
body onto the make-shift stretcher. Whatever potion had been
shoved down her throat had cleared her mind. A little. Her
head lolled back and forth as her countrymen carried her
through the forest. Mona stared up at the treetops as they
passed overhead.

Merlin. Oh, how she loved him. But he only saw favor for that
bitch Neeria and his precious little Guinevere. He would pay
for ignoring Mona. Of that she was sure. If she couldn't have
Merlin for herself, then nobody else would either. She smiled
brightly as the first stars of the evening shone from the sky.














Titrus


After the evening roll call was complete, Titrus decided to
head to the tavern for supper. Tidying up the captain's desk,
the lieutenant made sure that everything was put in its proper
place, just the way Barbattus liked it. He could only imagine
what kind of mood Malcus would be in once he and Titrus were
finally able to catch up. Titrus gritted his teeth at the
thought. Confident that everything was in order, Titrus closed
and locked the office door and made his way out of the
building. As he crossed the commons, he ran into Quintus.

"Quintus! I've just finished the roll call. I was looking for
your earlier. I wanted to tell you that my report to Commander
Castus went well. I assured him that there would be no
possibility of a breach at that gate again."

Titrus raised his arm to Quintus to indicated that they walk
and talk.

"I also wanted to inform you that Captain Barbattus is back. I
have not seen him, however. He is sequestered in his
quarters," Titrus paused and looked at Quintus. "I don't think
that's a good sign. I don't know what happened but it can't be
good."

"How about getting some supper and seeing what we can find
out?"

Titrus knew that there may be talk in the tavern that might
reveal what happened on the mission.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Starbelle
Date: Mon Aug 25, 2008 5:36 pm
Jols


After asking Tristan his query, Jols swallowed his bite of
bread and reaching for his mug, while waiting for the soup to
cool slightly, took a few sips of the amber-colored liquid
glancing at the Scout over its rim.

Tristan
 
"Scipio maybe...he was in charge, shoulda known better.
But Barbattus..."Any Sarmatian acted like that woulda
been whipped,"


"Hmm..interesting. You're right about that." The squire
replied musingly after hearing his answer. Placing the mug
down and scooping up a spoonful of now cooled soup and
swallowing it before making his next comment.

"I wonder though.. since it sounded like the mission doesn't
go according to Scipio's plan..and if the Commander doesn't
like the outcome either...what'll happen next?" He asked
Tristan curiously.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: SarmatianKnight
Date: Tue Aug 26, 2008 4:31 am
Lucius


Lucius followed the gesture of his new friend and saw the
young woman, serving some soldiers. She looked cute. She
looked like his sister although slightly more plump. But the
resemblance was big enough to be recognised and to remind him
what he had lost and what price he paid.

Derfel
 
“I’ve had a few friendly words with that lass before….I
have no doubt I could persuade her to escort you back to
your room for your ‘sleepin’. So what say you?”


No doubt the offer was a kind one and all Derfel wanted for
him was a good night to remember but within the blink of an
eye all that Lucius wanted was to get out of here and be
alone. He ignored the offered grin of the Saxon. "I say no."
With this he stood and left the other man without another
explanation about what he did or what was wrong. Fresh air was
what he needed right now.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: golden_trillium
Date: Tue Aug 26, 2008 9:08 am
Merlin


Shortly afterward, the now-rather sorry group was on their
way. The two dead had been covered by branches- a contrite
Guinevere helping- in the shadow of the hut where they had
died, and Ash and Mona had been positioned on litters, Ash
stoic but grimacing a little from the pain, Mona apparently
oblivious to everything, just staring at the sky with a crazy
smile on her face. Merlin still didn't quite understand what
it all meant- her sudden, unexpected descent into madness, if
madness it was, or exactly what role Neeria had played in all
this- but right now, his priority was to get everyone to
safety, away from this camp whose location was now known to
the Romans, even if they did not venture forth from their fort
again until morning. Merlin firmly intended to once more melt
his people unseen back into the woods, back to their hidden
village to the west. There was no more to be gained here.

Back at the village, he would plan. He would think, and
consult the Gods, and the omens, and his most trusted
advisors, and he would determine what his next step in the war
against the oppressor should be. And he would make no more
truces, no more promises to those who kept none. If defeated,
they would retreat and hide, but they would promise nothing,
make no treaties. The Gods had showed him in ample measure
that such consideration to the conquerors of their sacred land
was wrong.

When they had been walking along for a while by torchlight,
they paused briefly to change litter-bearers, and as the group
milled around momentarily, Merlin once more sought out his
daughter. He wanted to speak to her more about this, see if
she had learned the lesson he wanted her to- and see if she
could shed any more light on Mona's behavior.

"Guinevere," Merlin greeted her, coming up to stand beside her
and gazing over in the direction of Mona's litter. The woman's
head was lolling senselessly, her detached, nonsensical smile
visible even from where they stood.

"When did she start acting strangely? Were there no hints of
it before she attacked you?" Merlin rubbed his beard
thoughtfully as he spoke, then started walking slowly again as
the group got underway.








Quintus

Titrus
 
"Quintus! I've just finished the roll call. I was
looking for your earlier. I wanted to tell you that my
report to Commander Castus went well. I assured him that
there would be no possibility of a breach at that gate
again. I also wanted to inform you that Captain
Barbattus is back. I have not seen him, however. He is
sequestered in his quarters. I don't think that's a good
sign. I don't know what happened but it can't be good.
How about getting some supper and seeing what we can
find out?"


"Sure." The centurion nodded his assent and fell into step
with Titrus in the direction of the tavern. Food would be
welcome- the blocking up of the little gate had been a long
job, but it was done well, and the men gone off to a
well-deserved rest. The Woads wouldn't be getting in that way
again- and the two idiot guards that had let that girl out
would be mucking out the stables for a month, in addition to
whatever else Captain Barbattus decided for them when he was
ready to. But...sequestered?

"Sequestered like 'wants to be alone', or sequestered like
'ordered to'?" Quintus asked Titrus skeptically, throwing the
other man a sideways glance. Quintus, too, had heard the
flying rumors that the mission hadn't gone well, and though no
one seemed to know exactly how, there were plenty of vivid
descriptions of the Optio's furious face when he had arrived
back and stomped off to the Commander's quarters going aroud.
And as far as anyone knew, Optio and Commander were still in
the latter's quarters, deep in council- or blame-assigning, or
whingeing, or whatever officers did behind closed doors.

"Sounds like a mess," Quintus added darkly as he pushed the
tavern door open and entered the warm, stuffy atmosphere of
crowded, eating, drinking, dice-playing humanity.








Tristan

Jols
 
"Hmm...interesting. You're right about that. I wonder
though...since it sounded like the mission doesn't go
according to Scipio's plan...and if the Commander
doesn't like the outcome either...what'll happen next?"


"Tchh." Tristan made an inartculate sound of discontent to
that- he didn't know what would happen, and he didn't feel at
all qualified to speculate on that. The minds of high Roman
officers, even Arthur, whom he respected like no other, were
largely a mystery to him. Well...actually, maybe he could
think of something Arthur would do- not wisely, but he would
do it anyway.

"Arthur'll go out there himself." Tristan rolled his eyes and
shook his head hopelessly, clearly communicating that he
thought the whole thing was a waste of time, and possibly
dangerous for Arthur, to boot. Woads were Woads, and they
weren't interested in keeping promises. Tristan bent for
another spoonful of soup, but before anyone could comment
further on his gloomy prediction, a messenger boy dashed up to
Jols and began bugging him for his help with something,
practically dancing around in his excitement and seeming
nervousness.

Messenger boy
 
"Jols! Pardon tha bother, but I need ta fetch some eats
for Captin Barbattus and real fast too. Kin ya help me?"


Tristan merely scooped soup and kept his thoughts to himself,
but from the boy's attitude and request, it looked like
Barbattus was angry- and still confined to quarters. Poor
bastard- but he'd get off lightly, Tristan was willing to bet.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: lady ione
Date: Tue Aug 26, 2008 9:43 am
Ione


Linnesse
 
"Of course, Ione...and be sure to get some rest."


Ione only looked back at Linnesse from under the hood of her
cloak, and was glad that the shadow from the hood had hidden
the tears that were beginning to flow again. Her stomach hurt
with hunger, and wanted so badly to go to the tavern, but she
did not feel like company. Ione turned her head back around
and made her way down the corridor, and out into the damp cold
night. She raised her head, and looked up into the sky hoping
to see the moon, but there was none....only a light through
the clouds that told her it was there.

Where had all of her happier moments faded to? Where had they
gone? Was it because she realized that Javier maybe would not
return, or was it that she had betrayed him with Mirtha, a
drunk who could care less about her? How could she have done
such a thing? All she could do now was dream that someday, a
man would love her forever, for who she was, and not take
advantage of her again. The future seemed so clouded now, and
the only thing that would bring her joy was her unborn child.
Sure, there were a lot of handsome Romans and knights and
civilians at the fort, but would any othf them even
consider...

Oh stop it Ione! She corrected herself. Ione realized that she
had found Javier without looking so hard, so perhaps it'd work
again. Her slow sad steps led her to the tavern where it was
pretty busy. Shyly, Ione opened the door tot he tavern and
walked inside letting the door close behind her. From under
her hood, she scanned a place to sit, and found on in the
corner of the room. She had wanted to be alone, but perhaps
company would do her good as well. Quietly, she ordered a bowl
of soup and some bread with honey, then left her dark eyes
wonder about watching others talk amongst themselves. About
the time her food arrived, she spotted a young man who looked
about as though seeking for some one to help him.

Tossing back her hood to let her long auburn hair cascade over
her shoulders, Ione watched and wondered for whom the young
man was on an errand for. She had worked as a cook in the
tavern for a spell, but no longer. Ione watched him a bit
longer as she took a bite of her soup.

She would help him if needed.

Her dark eyes scanned the room again and fell on a group that
contained Tristan, Bors, Jols, and Neeve. Well if she was
looking for conversation, that seemed to be the table.
Cautiously, she got up from where she sat taking her soup and
her bread with her, and approached the group just as two other
handsome men (Titrus and Quintus) entered the tavern as well,
and as she passed them, gave them a sweet smile, or what she
could muster, and continued on her way to the others. Stopping
a few inches from the group, Ione asked, "Good evening,
everyone. Is it okay if I sit here with you?" She did not feel
comfortable fearing that others would notice she was upset,
and perhaps they enjoyed far more happier company....
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Elessars Girl
Date: Tue Aug 26, 2008 12:52 pm

Arthur


The Commander watched his Optio intently - the gold flakes in
his green eyes particularly prominent and clear despite
Arthur’s weariness that should have dulled his brilliant gaze.
Scipio appeared to be gathering his thoughts before
answering…again, admirable and a clear sign that this Roman
was not a foolish man who spoke in haste. And Arthur welcomed
the fact that Amadeus was willing to look him in the eye, a
sign of confidence and ‘honesty’ in Arthur’s opinion. And
Arthur was typically quite good at reading people. However,
‘Too trusting’ as Lancelot would say.

Amadeus
 
"No losses were suffered - except on their side. We came
upon a hut with those blue demons inside, bound and
gagged. I ordered Tristan to attend to me whilst I
questioned the woads and when they did not answer I had
them eliminated. When Merlin arrived we decided upon a
place to speak terms. We were both to take a man with us
- I ordered your Captain Barbattus to leave as I wanted
him outside to watch the woad bitch, but he would not
step down and in front of all - "


… I had them eliminated… That one comment brought a hint of
scorn for Scipio’s choices into Arthur’s liquid green eyes. It
was not Arthur’s way to take lives so callously. But in
Amadeus’ defense, Arthur had placed the Optio in command of
the mission and the other man had to make his own decisions
out there.

Arthur’s brows slowly crept upwards towards his hairline while
continuing to listen to Scipio’s report. The Optio appeared to
become more animated and passionate in his words as he
continued. Why had Malcus challenged a superior officer in
front of others? Especially Merlin?

Amadeus
 
"He presumed to dress me down, reminding me of our
intention here and threatening me, sir, with your name.
I know you would not do it, Commander, but your Captain
almost made it seem to me that he was there to spy upon
me, that he was there because you did not trust me. I
knew it was not so but it looked to Merlin as if that
were the case and when I ordered Barbattus to stand down
and he would not, Merlin promptly ridiculed us all and
ordered us off his land until we knew who was truly in
charge."


Barbattus had years of experience, serving Rome longer than
Arthur himself and proven time and time again to be steadfast
and loyal to his rank. Yet, Arthur knew his friend had a
temper…thus all that the Commander could surmise is that
something or someone had sparked Malcus’ anger….but why had
the Captain chosen to go against protocol right in front of
the enemy during a peace treaty mission? Troubled by this
news, Arthur reached up to rub a thick finger over his lips
and released a tired sigh through his nose. He would speak to
Malcus and get to the bottom of it before giving satisfaction
to Amadeus on the matter. Arthur was bound by the laws of the
Roman army; bound by duty to uphold order among the men…which
included his officers. And somehow Arthur began to feel as if
he had failed both Malcus and Lancelot for them both to act
out against Amadeus as they had recently.

Amadeus
 
"Sir - I have no doubt that the negotiations would have
gone ill with Merlin. He is an arrogant man though
extraordinarily cunning. I would gamble to guess that I
may have bartered some deal or answers from him had I
been given the opportunity to do so without the
presumptuous and detrimental input from your Captain and
I humbly request a second opportunity to do so -
accompanied by Mordred and your scout, Tristan - who
distinguished himself admirably in my eyes."


Arthur held Amadeus’ gaze for a long moment until he had been
assured of the other man’s sincerity, and in Arthur’s green
eyes a hint of sorrow shown mixed with discontent, not anger
though – but clear and utter disappointment at the failed
mission. Then the Commander turned away from his Optio – not
out of any disrespect but out of a need to ‘think’ for a
moment. He stepped around the two chairs in front of the
fireplace and came to stand at the hearth. Arthur reached out
and pressed the palm of his hand against the mantle and stared
down into the orange and yellow flames. His wounded side ached
and his head throbbed and God help him how was he to fix this?
Arthur knew one thing for sure though….he would ride to Merlin
himself. He knew the old Woad leader would receive him if
nothing else but to chastise Arthur for sending incompetent
men in his stead. And perhaps he had. His free hand had come
to rest on his hip as Arthur continued to brood over Scipio’s
disappointing report for a short time longer.

“I have known Merlin for many years….nothing short of seeking
an audience with him myself will do to salvage this…if it is
not yet too late,” Arthur stated calmly, yet he made a
disgruntled sound and twisted his mouth without turning to
meet Amadeus’ grey eyes. He had no need to as surely his Roman
second in command understood the gravity of the situation with
a failed attempt at peace and the risk of further attacks on a
weakened fortress. Repairs on the main structures had only
just begun from the last Woad attack…let alone the severely
under stocked stores. No, Arthur would not send Scipio out
again on his own….the Commander knew he had to do this
himself. The flames crackled in the fireplace and Arthur
attempted to take in their warmth and fiery fortitude….he
would need all his wits about him and certainly his strength.

And what if I do not return? Who can I entrust with Darya’s
safety in my absence? And how can I risk leaving my own child
fatherless?

Arthur slowly turned his head to look at Amadeus over his
shoulder. The disappointment was still quite evident in his
eyes….but Arthur truly harbored no anger at the Optio. The man
had surely attempted his best today….it had been Arthur’s
fault – Arthur’s weaknesses – that had doomed the mission of
peace.

“There is wine on the table,” Arthur began with a small
gesture towards the flask and goblets on a tray in the center
of the table. “Please refresh yourself and sit,” Arthur
continued evenly; one hand still pressed against the rough
mantle while the other returned to carefully cover his wound.

“I will send for Captain Barbattus and hear the reasons for
his actions,” Arthur stated in a tone that brooked no
argument. While he had no doubt that Scipio had grounds for
complaint against Malcus…Arthur knew there always to be two
sides to any ‘issue’ and he would hear his Captain’s
explanation before handing down his judgment or any required
punishment.









Derfel

The knight had seen a few of the others he knew enter the
tavern and take up residence of a nearby table. Derfel was
actually quite glad to see Bors out and about in particular –
considering the burly knight had suffered a pretty nasty leg
injury on the mission. Tristan and Jols were with Bors (as was
Neeve) so that could only mean that there was no immediate dangers about the fortress to be worrying about tonight.

Lucius
 
"I say no."


Derfel smiled back at his Roman friend truly not offended by
Lucius’ refusal of his offer. But when the man suddenly stood
and rather abruptly exited the tavern; all that Derfel could
do was watch the Roman’s retreating form and wonder what had
brought on the hasty departure. However, Derfel had imbibed
enough ale on an empty stomach to not over-analyze his
friend’s behavior. In fact, he could hardly manage to dig
enough coin from his pocket to pay for the food when the less
than charming serving woman plunked the basket down in front
of him just now.

Standing up proved to be a little amusing as Derfel’s head
seemed to swim with the movement and he swayed on his feet.
But after a brief pause to regain his faculties, the knight
gathered up the large basket of food and navigated through the
rather treacherous – from his ale sodden perspective – path of
tables and fellow tavern patrons to reach the door. He briefly
gestured a friendly wave at Bors, Jols, Tristan and Neeve but
knew better than to keep Linnesse (and most pointedly
Linnette) waiting any longer for the meal he carried. And just
as Derfel reached to push open the door, he also caught sight
of Ione at a corner table as well. He hoped the young woman
was well, but again the knight kept moving lest he never would
make it back to his ‘new’ quarters.

Derfel managed to get down the steps and off towards the
apartments where he now lived with Linnesse and her lovely
sister without dropping the basket of food. Surely the gods
had a hand in him reaching the door to their apartment without
incident. But he silently chided himself for drinking so much
ale on an empty stomach. Ah well…he’d been quite thirsty and
after the day the young knight had had…well…who would begrudge
him a little ale and the company of a good friend? Yet, as Derfel reached the door, he slightly grimaced expecting Linnette to snap at him for his tardiness the moment he opened said door.

….and what a sigh of relief as Derfel pushed open the door and
found Linnette not on the other side of it. The large room was
dark as he entered and Derfel frowned in concern…had the two
sisters left? And if so, why? A brief moment of panic that
something had happened to Linnesse flooded Derfel’s mind as
his blue eyes attempted to adjust to the low light in the
apartment. He knew he’d placed a table in front of the couch,
but apparently forgot ‘exactly’ where it was…Derfel’s boot
connected with the leg of the table making a loud cracking
sound…which he promptly cursed at….in his native tongue no
less….and then decided it best to sit the basket of food down
on the table before he dropped the whole lot and spoiled their
meal.

“Linnesse?” Derfel called out his lover’s name while deciding
to check their room before going back out and in search of the
sisters elsewhere.
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golden_trillium

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Author: golden_trillium
Date: Tue Aug 26, 2008 5:56 pm
Linnesse


Derfel
 
"Linnesse?"


"Mmmmm?" Linnesse was still half asleep, her initial answer
only a groan sufficient to indicate her presence. The clumsy
sounds from the outer room had intruded on her mind just as
she was sinking once more into deeper sleep, and the voice
made it clear who was causing them. Why was Derfel banging
around, so, though? Confused, Linnesse shook off enough of the
fog of sleep to lever herself up off the bed again, once more
taking the blanket, and trudge to the doorway between the two
rooms, where she stood, blinking, rubbing her eyes, and
pulling the blanket tighter around her shoulders against the
slight draft in the outer room.

"Derfel?" she inquired confusedly, so far unenlightened as to
what all the noise was about. However, once she managed to
open her eyes all the way, she spotted the basket he had
brought- plunked down on the table right on top of the dress
that Ione had dropped off earlier. Granted, Derfel's vision
must not be as used to the dark as hers was at the moment, but
could he not have felt that there was something else there?
Blowing out a breath of mild exasperation, Linnesse crossed
just in front of Derfel and lifted the basket off the dress,
setting it down next to it instead. There was food in there,
after all- she could smell it, even if the lumpy shapes told
her little about the contents- and she didn't want to take any
small chance of getting the new dress dirty.

"What is it?" she asked him, half-turning and looking up at
him over her shoulder. her voice betraying a touch of
annoyance.
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golden_trillium

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Author: Starbelle
Date: Tue Aug 26, 2008 6:11 pm
Jols


After eating a bit more soup, Jols listened to Tristan's reply
to his musings.

Tristan
 
"Tchh." "Arthur'll go out there himself."


"Hmm. If he does go out there, I hope that he'll at least take
some of his Knights out with him, if only to keep himself
safe." Jols replied to the Scout in a concerned tone of voice.

Working on his own apple, he heard a small, little voice at
his knee.

Errand boy
 
"Jols! Pardon tha bother, but I need ta fetch some eats
for Captin Barbattus and real fast too. Kin ya help me?"


"Hey, there, little one." The squire replied in greeting. "Its
no bother. Sure, I definetly can help you out there." He
replied with a friendly nod in the young boy's direction.

Flagging down a serving girl, Jols ordered a hot meal to go
and told her that there'd be an extra coin for her as well if
she made sure that it was still hot when he got it.

After placing his order, the squire heard another voice by his
head. Looking up, he saw Ione standing there.

Ione
 
"Good evening, everyone. Is it okay if I sit here with
you?"


"Evening, Ione." He replied with a polite bow of his head in
her direction. "Sure, its quite alright." Jols said as he
scooted over closer in Tristan's direction to give her space
enough to let her sit down.

Seeing the serving girl return with his to go order, Jols
reached into his pouch and pulled out the extra coin for her
as he took it from her.

"Here you go, little guy, one very hot meal for Captain
Barbattus. Carry it carefully and be sure that you hold it
level so as not to spill it. No running with it now, ok." The
squire instructed the errand boy after handing it over to him.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: LadyCastus
Date: Tue Aug 26, 2008 6:32 pm

Titrus


Quintus
 
Sure. Sequestered like 'wants to be alone', or
sequestered like 'ordered to'?


The two men began to make their way to the tavern.

"From what I can gather," Titrus replied, "he's been ordered
to stay there until he's retrieved by either the commander or
the optio. That's about all I can get out of anybody."

Quintus
 
"Sounds like a mess."


Titrus nodded and held the tavern door open for Quintus and
both men entered. The familiar smells of food, sweat and stale
ale filled the air of the room. Titrus removed his heavy cloak
and pointed to a table next to a group of people - Jols, Bors,
Tristan, the healer Titrus had seen in Arthur's quarters
earlier. Titrus didn't see Petri who was standing slightly
behind Jols. A very pretty woman crossed in front of the
lieutenant and smiled. He smiled back at her and swung his
legs over a chair and sat down.

"I'll buy your first ale," he yelled at Quintus over the
raucus crowd. The lieutenant nodded his head at the others in
greeting, "Evening, good people," he said and sat back to
relax.










Reuben

Rueben walked into the tavern and scanned the crowd, dreading
what he had been commanded to do by his squad commander. Maybe
he wouldn't find who he was looking for.

Damn. There he was. Shit.

The guard walked slowly over to the table of people, the knot
in his throat getting bigger as he got closer. Rueben
approached the table and nodded, then looked at Tristan who
was just scooping another spoonful of soup into his mouth.
Rueben squatted next to the scout and whispered, so only
Tristan could hear. The guard was nervous, but his squad
commander had ordered him.

"Um. Tristan," he said softly.

"I'm sorry to bother you. Um. But my squad leader sent me. The
prisoner. The woad. Um. She's been screaming for hours. She
won't shut up. She's ... um ..." Rueben shifted his weight and
his knees cracked "...she's screaming saying she wants to talk
to you..." The guard's eyes widened. He quickly added
"...um...Captain Barbattus can't be disturbed and nobody knows
what to do with her...um...can you come and talk to her?"

Reuben looked at Tristan and waited, not knowing what would
happen next.
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golden_trillium

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Author: Lancelot
Date: Tue Aug 26, 2008 6:40 pm
Lancelot


Lancelot was rather grateful to be inside a warm room at last.
He wondered briefly whose quarters they actually were, but
pushed that out of his mind. It did not matter.

The blond stirred the fire and Lancelot sighed happily to be
out of the damp and away from the infirmary and the drama of
the day. His eye throbbed suddenly, and he moved to the wash
basin that Catherine was standing next to. She trailed her
fingers lazily in the water, and touched his face.

Catherine
 
"Now -- what can I tell you about me that could possibly
interest you? Or perhaps. .. hmmm, perhaps I could show
you something instead? You warm my blood and I'll warm
yours..."


He flashed a grin at her; the light feel of her fingertips on
his cheek was intoxicating, and he leaned closer, if only to
take in her scent.

Find yourself another whore for the night.

Lancelot's eyes snapped open, and he licked his dry lips.
Catherine was within kissing distance; her bright and clean
face upturned toward his. He suddenly could feel every ounce
of grime on his body. She wouldn't like that. Not one such as
this.

He gently took her hand in his and kissed the underside of it,
hovering his full mouth over the pulse point, inhaling, trying
to force images of Arthur - and that night - away.

His green eyes, so trusting, had been almost black with hurt
and anger.

"Let me clean up. Besides - why rush? The pleasures of the
evening can be worth waiting for," he said, his tone low and
soft. He swallowed over the annoyance in his throat, and
stepped back from the woman, letting go of her hand. He smiled
at her, and, never dropping his eyes (or, good eye) from her
face, unbuckled the harness that held his swords and removed
them, hanging them in their sheath carefully over the edge of
a large chair. He pulled his old tunic over his head - now
dirty, thanks to the scuffle with Galahad - and flung it
carelessly in the corner. Whoever's room this was could have
the worn out thing. Taking off his boots next was a welcome
action; he sighed happily to be out of the constraining
footwear.

Continuing to smile hazily at Catherine, he unlaced the front
of his very loose leathers and in one motion, shucked them
off. He stood in the firelight, the only thing on his body the
bandage that covered the arrow wound on his arm.

Lancelot had no problems being naked in front of most people.
His body was too slender, he thought, but he had a feeling any
whore wouldn't care. He lay his trousers over his swords, and
cocked an eyebrow at her. "I see a few spare articles of
clothing. I hope whomever they belong to can accept donating
them to a brave knight in the service of mighty Rome."

The sarcasm dripped from his voice. He moved to the corner of
the room, and picked up a clean (if large) tunic from atop a
dresser. Slinging it over his shoulder, he lay it with his
leathers, and then turned to the basin of cool water. He
splashed the water over his face and hair, hissing as the
liquid burned against his multiple injuries. He was certain
his torso and legs held bruises, but he was also certain they
were nothing Catherine hadn't seen before.

Especially being that she'd probably tumbled more than one
knight before.

He looked at her out of the corner of his good eye as he
picked up a linen towel that had been laying next to the
basin. He dunked it in the water, and began to wash the rest
of him.

The water ran in rivulets from his damp hair down his back,
and he shivered without meaning to. He cleaned as best he
could, all the while staring at this light and airy butterfly
of a girl that had dragged him from the mucky cold into her
cocoon.

Or perhaps her web, but Lancelot didn't care. Arthur could
wait. Arthur would only have sore words for him, would only
want to know where the shiner had come from, would only berate
him for his 'insubbordination' with Scipio earlier. He
wouldn't remember Lancelot caring for him on the way back to
Badon, wouldn't remember the kind if small words spoken
between them, wouldn't recall the smile they'd shared. A true
smile.

Lancelot's angular face narrowed into a helpless frown without
realizing it. Picking up the other towel that lay at the edge
of the basin, he dried off as best he could, and then wrapped
the material loosely around his waist. He took the few steps
that led to the fire and positioned himself in front of it,
his backside warming up as his skin steamed in the damp.

"I thank you for your patience, my lady. I feel worlds
better." He pursed his lips and regarded her thoughtfully.
"You are a pretty thing," he murmured. "What brought you
here?"

He purposefully left the question vague - how would she
answer? And how would she distract his wandering, bruised
mind?

He found he most definitely desired to find out...even if
thoughts of another, intimate night plagued him with a
ferocity he hated.
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