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October 2008
Topic Started: May 1 2010, 05:17 PM (3,206 Views)
golden_trillium

Admin
Author: LadyCastus
Date: Sat Oct 25, 2008 9:12 pm
Neeria


Tristan
 
"You should slit her throat,"


Neeria cowered behind Arthur, shaking with fear. When she'd
grabbed the Commander and hid next to him, she hadn't mean to
harm him. Hurting Arthur again was the farthest thing from her
mind. It had seemed the natural thing to do in light of her
terror. Neeria just wanted to get out of the cell. Even if she
had been armed, there would have been no way for the small
woman to fight off 2 Sarmatian knights by herself. Suddenly,
like a lightening flash, the dark knight grabbed the woad by
the wrist and wrenched her from Arthur's side. Then Neeria
heard the unmistakable sound of steel being viciously pulled
from its scabbard. Lancelot's face was so close to Neeria's
that she could smell his hot sour breath when he spoke to her.
A millisecond later, the scout moved toward her and grabbed
her other wrist. The action cause a ripping sensation on her
side.

Lancelot
 
"Little one, remind me again why I should allow you to
touch my commander. I may be less than shit in the eyes
of Rome, but you are even worse than that. Don't give me
a reason to deprive you of your head."


Neeria literally heard her teeth chattering. Lancelot's voice
was calm and collected, his words calculated and carefully
chosen.

"Lancelot. It is as I have told Tristan. My fight is not with
you, Sarmatian," the woad said just above a whisper. She had
spoken so softly, she wasn't even sure the words had actually
come from her trembling lips.

The two knights towered over her and had her feet practically
lifted off the cell floor. She thought for sure Lancelot would
decapitate her then and there, his knuckles were white from
holding the sword so tightly. Neeria closed her eyes waiting
for the homicidal blow. Lancelot looked feral and extremely
dangerous. Neeria would swear later that she thought she felt
heat coming from his body. Tristan, on the other hand, was icy
cold, detached and lethal. The scout held her tightly,
practically cutting off the circulation in her wrist.

Lancelot
 
"Arthur is kind and too trusting. I am not so - and I
will be the one in charge whilst he's away visiting your
magician. You are lucky to be given into such good care.
Do not make me sorry I followed Arthur's instructions."


Neeria went ice cold. Would Arthur stop them? Neeria struggled
with the knights, futilily, expending what little energy she
had. Her body finally went limp, exhausting. Her heavy
breathing came in wheezes as small moans escaped her lips.
Neeria coughed a rattled cough again and sneezed. Lancelot
never took his dark glare off of her. She could see the
protruding vein in his forehead which gave him the appearance
of being completely insane.

"I don't mean any harm. I swear it. I just need time to heal
my wound. It already feels ripped again. I mean no harm,
knight," Neeria tried to sound as convincing as possible.

Neeve, the healer, positioned her body between Neeria and
Arthur, protectively and said something to Castus that Neeria
didn't hear. Like a caged animal, Neeria tried to free herself
from her captors by wriggling and pulling, trying to kick
herself away from them out of the cell.

Summoning strength from the depths of her being, Neeria began
to struggle again. Tristan's grip seemed to tighten. The woad
felt as though her small wrist would snap into pieces.

"Unhand me! Let me go!" she wailed. Her voice was scratchy and
deep.

"Arthur!" Neeria said then shot a terrified look at Lancelot
with wide eyes full of fear, "...I mean...Commander..." she
said, her voice quivering "...please...I meant you no harm...I
swear it...please ask them to unhand me!"









Malcus Barbattus

The corners of Malcus' mouth turned upward into a broad smile
when Catherine slid her soft, delicate hand from his. She was
being coy and he loved it. The sunlight, a rare delight on
that island, made her green eyes twinkle. As she crossed her
long creamy legs and turned to face him, Malcus felt the
beginnings of his hardness.

Catherine
 
"Do you really think so?"


"Ay, I do," the captain responded, "never before have I seen
an earthly creature as lovely as you. Only the angels in my
dreams of heaven compare to you."

The captain loved the opportunity to say things like that to a
woman... to a woman who deserved it, not the wenches that
raised their skirts in alleyways and in the stable stalls.

Malcus took his eyes off Catherine for a moment when he
noticed movement across the way at the stables. It was Scipio.
Barbattus groaned inwardly. He did not want to be seen by the
optio.

Malcus cleared his throat and smiled again.

"My lady, I wonder if there is a place where we might talk a
bit more....privately" the captain wagged his eyebrows and
bowed, clicking his heels lightly.

Barbattus extended his hand expectantly and waited for the
blond beauty to respond.









Nolan

The guilt Nolan felt gathered like a knot in his stomach while
he waited for Merlin to speak. If Merlin had been
harmed...Nolan didn't dare think of it. The earth stood still
while the woad waited for Merlin to respond to his offer of
sacrifice. Nolan was willing to die for his failure.

Merlin
 
Nolan...The only sacrifice I ask of you is that you go
and help bury our brothers in arms. I am safe and Mona
is dead. That is enough. Go- do your duty to them,"


"Yes, my leader," Nolan said. He was not relieved. He'd been
ready for whatever Merlin said. "I will not fail you again.
The gods will be favorable because of your mercy. Safe
journey, Merlin."

Nolan gathered his quiver and moved swiftly over to the
waiting burial party.

"Rosita," he called, "It's time to go. Are you ready?"
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: lady ione
Date: Sun Oct 26, 2008 10:07 am
Adian


He set the tool box on the ground and began to inspect the
outside of the infirmary for damages, his hands running over
the stone and wood surface. The building has sustained a lot
of damage that had not been repaired from the woad attack
before this present one.

Adian grimaced.

The woads were about as destructive as a group of termites.
There was slight fire damage as well. The window had been
repaired, but still looked to need a new frame...otherwise the
building was in remarkable shape on the outside. Adian's
trained eyes spotted a few other things that could use tending
to, but first things first. He felt over the slightly burnt
piece of wood and then took up his measuring tool and took in
the size and length of the slab of lumber, as well as the
measurements for the new frame around the window.... also
taking in, mentally, the amount of adhesive material needed to
hold the window in the frame and make it secure. With a heavy
sigh, Adian made ready to go to the supply cart and get the
wood needed to begin. It sat within four steps of where he
stood.

Adian walked over and began to pick through the wood and other
items needed, and when he was satisfied with what he found,
the young man began to carry the wood and items over to the
damaged area of the infirmary....

That done, he settled down to what looked like a full days
work.

He wanted it to be done well, and look nice.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Pinkie
Date: Sun Oct 26, 2008 11:21 am
Amadeus


Jols & Tatiana
 
"Yep, everything's ready."

"Good morning to you too. So, who exactly are you? I don't think that I've ever seen you here before? I'm Tatiana"


Amadeus was answered from the least likely people. The lowly
squire Jols, and an even lowlier piped voice from the blonde.
He gave a nod of his head at Jols' quick response and, without
letting his expression slide, he looked the blonde straight in
the eye, a strength emanating from his grey orbs. He narrowed
his eyes at her for a moment... pretty, yes she was that.
Common? Oh more than likely. But she had exquisite lips.
The Optio quirked a lopsided smile as he looked to Darya as
she mumbled a 'good morning'. He wondered what she would think
of his next move - which was to sketch a half-bow to the
pretty blonde, his black hair falling down over his forehead
as he looked up at her from his bowed position to smile.

"My lady, Tatiana - I am Amadeus Elpidius Scipio. Optio here
at Badon Hill." Amadeus said graciously, coming to stand to
his full height once more. "It seems we just move in the wrong
circles, my dear, unfortunately." There were voices behind
him, men greeting him and he gave an apologetic smile to
Tatiana before turning to face the soldiers.

Quintus
 
"Yes, Sir!"


Titrus
 
"Yes, sir! Good morning sir, everything is ready to go.
We're just waiting for Commander Castus' arrival, Shall
I gather the men at the ready so that when Commander
Castus arrives we can be on our way?"


The Optio straightened his shoulders, looking proud but also
looking still rather optimistic, lively and inspirational as
he peered at the man, trying to recall his name.

"Titrus -- yes, yes - see to it." he said with another slap of
his hands together, rubbing them briskly to work some warmth
into them. He glanced up ruefully at the clouds as another in
their gathering added in a discontented mumble -

Karl
 
"I'll be glad to get on with it,"


On another day this kind of comment, made in teh way that it
was made - under the breath and in such a surly tone, would
have enraged Amadeus. As it was he was intent on proving
something today and so he simply scoured the men gathered for
the man who had made the comment. There was one who looked
rather like he was sitting on hot coals, stiff and militant.
No it was not him who made the comment - ah that one.
He gave a nod of his head to Karl and sniffed in a deep breath
of cool air before glancing back at Tatiana and Darya --
always entertain the ladies - before looking back at the man
whose name he did not know.

"You and me both. Though it is a pity the weather was not more
favourable for the horses footing out there in the forest.
Name yourself, soldier." he said then with a quick jut of his
chin, folding his arms across his noble chest and giving the
man an encouraging nod.








Mari

Linnette
 
"Oh- of course. You can start on those sheets and I'll
give you the good ones whenever you're ready.
Mmm...perhaps about...this big? "Here- we'll take the
back door, So who's Milan?"


Mari gave a longing look after the lovely white paper that was
put back in the drawer. She knew that she could have asked
Linnette for some of it now, some of it for herself, but to
ask was out of character for the girl. Instead she resolved
herself to know she would draw upon that paper once she was
certain she was able to do this kindness for a woman bereaved.

When they got outside the narrow street at the side of the
tavern, Mari looked up rather bewildered to find herself ina
part of the fortress grounds she had not known about before.
She was glad to be with someone for the memory of the alleys
of Badon Keep held a dark resident shadow in her mind.

The young woman was blessed from such gut-wrenching memories
by a most wonderful question from Linnette.
Milan.

Her expression brightened immediately. She stumbled over her
own foot as she turned to smile down at Linnette wistfully.
She looked every inch like a girl in the throes of her very
first love.

"He's Milan." she replied stupidly and thought for a while
that that was enough. With a girlish smile, and without
thinking that her happiness in love would upset Linnette at
all, Mari clasped a hand to her chest as she smiled thinking
of her friend. "He's a b.. well, he's a man that I met here.
He's very sweet. He's taller than I am, and quite pale. Dark
hair that's very disorderly." she laughed, turning to Linnette
to see if she might share her amusement at the young man's
wayward locks. Then continued…

"And very beautiful blue eyes. We're... " she blushed, oh how
she blushed! Her dark eyes dropped and she looked away
quickly, happily guided to their destination by Linnette as
she thought and spoke of Milan.

"We're in love. He's helping me rebuild my mother's old
cottage. He also helped me when I was .. when, " she startled
herself by almost blurting out the dreaded admission of
'attacked' or worse yet, 'raped'. Her guts turned to ice at
the memory and she quickly wiped her fingers across her cheek,
pushing away the strands of curly hair that clung to her pale
skin as she frowned at the ground before her.

"He's helped me alot since we came here. My father and I that
is. We met Rafe and Adrianna outside too. Adrianna..." Mari
had no idea how she managed to wind her conversation
to-and-fro so haphazardly, but she found herself saddened to
think of her friend. "She died. Before the woads..." Mari
explained and took a deep breath through her nose. She glanced
back at Linnette with an apologetic smile on her lips.

"I'm sorry. I tend to wander with my thoughts. My father says
it's my mother's curse that I ... " she tucked her chin to her
neck and pouted out her lips, frowning as she impresonated her
father, deepening her voice as much as she could as she said -
"talk so damn much."









Drake

Strange man was right.

Dangerous man was right too.

People could be so oblivious to the dangers they faced when
entangling their lives with someone like Drake Februus
Octavius. It wasn't that he purposely hurt the ones aruond
him, it just seemed inevitable. Even young Elysia had been
hurt by him in the end. And he had truly loved, she who had
not ever betrayed him, she who he had lived for when the rest
of his existance had seemed pathetic and agonising.

There was only so long a man could remain detatched from his
heart though. And Drake was pushing those limits now. He
wanted nothing to do with emotion, nothing to do with
responsibility or affection. What good did it do a person?
None. None at all.

That Linnesse had a miniscule fear of him was all too right in
Drake's eyes. Now if only Linnette would have that same fear
he would be able to stop worrying about hurting her.

Linnesse
 
"Yes? She's a what?"


The little prickly blonde followed him as he bid her to do so.
Foolish that she was so trusting of him, but Drake did not
comment on it. He simply cleared his throat and looked down at
her, quite frankly, and declared in a quiet, husky voice -
"She's a whore." - then lifted his eyebrows as he waited for
Linnesse's reaction to this. His lips were quirking outwards
in mild amusement at the friends the two young girls seemed to
make - and he wondered if she would disapprove of his
intentions to ask this woman if she might care for two young
girls like Fleur and Cassidy.

Idly, Drake also wondered if Linnesse would better approve of
a whore or of himself.

He may not have his virtue for sale, but she definitely did
not approve of him one little bit. It was not something that
Drake wanted to have out with her, not when he didn't know his
own intentions. How did he explain it to the bristling blonde
that he had no ill-intentions on her sister, that, in fact, he
had the greatest respect and admiration for her, that he
wanted nothing more than for her to be safe and then... well,
then how did he explain that he wanted nothing in return for
it save the knowledge that she was safe and happy?
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Elessars Girl
Date: Sun Oct 26, 2008 11:32 am

Arthur


As both Tristan and Lancelot jerked the little one away from
Arthur, Neeve was immediately there urging the Commander in
the opposite direction presumably to safety. Arthur complied
and took a step backwards, but his instincts still told the
Roman that he was in no danger. It had been a lucky grab at
his concealed wound….and it was only mildly complaining – a
dull ache - for the disturbance. What concerned Arthur the
most was the possibility his knights might cut the girl down
in misplaced defense. But he understood and appreciated their
collective acts of valor on his behalf. She was after all, a
Woad and one that had made an attempt on his life once
already.

Neeve
 
“Are you okay? Did she hurt you? It should have been
like this from the very beginning of this…conversation…”


“I am fine, Neeve,” Arthur answered with a hand to the
Briton’s shoulder and a quick appreciative smile to meet the
concern in Neeve’s blue eyes. “She is frightened,” He added as
Lancelot began speaking at Neeria with obvious venom in his
voice. Arthur returned his attention to the scared captive;
glad to see that her head was yet attached to her body and
both Tristan and Lancelot had merely drawn blades and not cut
with them. Arthur being ‘Arthur’ only resorted to violence
when it was unavoidable…in this moment it was unnecessary. But
Arthur did understand why Lancelot (and Tristan as well) had
reacted….and the other man’s immediate and blatant act in
defense of Arthur spoke of that bond the two men still had….no
matter their personal traumas; each man would still gladly
give their life for the other. And Arthur would give his own
life for any of his men.

Lancelot
 
"Little one, remind me again why I should allow you to
touch my commander. I may be less than shit in the eyes
of Rome, but you are even worse than that. Don't give me
a reason to deprive you of your head. Arthur is kind and
too trusting. I am not so - and I will be the one in
charge whilst he's away visiting your magician. You are
lucky to be given into such good care. Do not make me
sorry I followed Arthur's instructions."


“Lancelot, that is enough,” Arthur said with quiet authority.
Did he think that Arthur could not hear or that the Roman was
truly that foolish?? The girl, in Arthur’s opinion, had no
need of Lancelot’s particularly venomous threats…she surely
understood her predicament here. Or was it all a ploy to draw
Arthur’s sympathy long enough to gain her freedom? She had
been fiercely attacking him only days ago and now this morning
Neeria seemed a completely different person. It was enough to
make the Commander’s head hurt. And he had more important
matters on his mind than the fanciful whims of one little
frightened girl.

Tristan
 
"Arthur, you can't just let her go,"


“She will be allowed to return to her people when she has
recovered. But while within the fortress, she will be
guarded,” Arthur said with a firm nod to Tristan confirming
that he understood the scout’s concern and quite frankly
agreed. And then the girl began shrieking again…a piercing
sound that had Arthur briefly grimacing….he sighed while his
fingers flexed into fists at his side.

Neeria
 
"Unhand me! Let me go! Arthur! ...I mean...Commander......please...I meant you no harm...I swear it...please ask them to unhand me!"


“Men, bring her….but be gentle hm?” Arthur began with a
sardonic tone as his intense gaze ticked between Lancelot and
Tristan.

“Neeve, see to her injuries and treat her as best that you
can. Lancelot, send for Derfel and order him to mind her until
she is fit to return to her village,” Arthur said before
finally looking down into the broken girl’s dirty little face.
She truly was a pitiful sight; Arthur’s mouth slightly
twitched in empathy. But, he had to move on….Neeria had given
him the information that he had requested. Thus Arthur would
not hold her against her will despite the obvious opposing
opinions of those present. Perhaps Lancelot was correct in
that Arthur was by far too kind. But no matter….the Commander
had made his decision on the matter.

“Neeria, you have my word that no one will harm you as long as
you obey Neeve and the man that I am assigning to watch over
you,” Arthur addressed his captive with a kind expression at
last. “Neeve will treat your injuries and see that you are fed
and washed…and my knight ‘Derfel’ will remain with you….mind
him, hm? Or you will be faced with punishment at the hands of
Lancelot,” Arthur briefly gestured towards his lieutenant and
without a glance at Lancelot, knew the dark knight understood
the Commander’s wishes. Let Neeria be as long as she brings no
further trouble. With all that said, Arthur turned and stepped
out into the damp dark corridor expecting the others to
follow.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Pinkie
Date: Sun Oct 26, 2008 11:32 am
Saoirse


Dagonet was eating. And he was not drowning in a pool of
bereaved misery for Gedeon. Saoirse supposed this was an
improvement from the day before when he had been so bleak,
when he had been so weak - but she was also not entirely
comfortable with the topic she had raised either. It was still
such a touchy subject for her - Aoife, their daughter. She
knew she had been so wrong in taking away Dagonet's child, and
she knew that he was so wrong for taking her back with the
love that he had. But she was also entirely unwilling to
sacrifice that which they had now.

She was too selfish for that.

Dagonet
 
"Is this you really want, Saorise? Is there any other
reason of this?"


The red head's cheeks blushed as he prodded the fact that
there might be another reason for her career change. She
frowned, eyes looking down at his large, worn hand and
shrugged one shoulder petulantly. She parted her lips to speak
but ended up changing her mind and shaking her head. Her
shoulders sagged and she tensed her jaw, looking back up at
Dagonet with another shake of her head.

"Ah it doesn' really matter right now anyways, love. We can
talk bout it later - after ye've eaten all Vanora's breakfast
an' dunked yerself in a warm bath." she said with a lopsided
smile, hopeful that he would be content to continue this
discussion later this evening, or later again if she could
help it. Saoirse didn't want to remind Dagonet just how
untrustworthy she was, how she had hurt him and the potential
hurt that would haunt him as his daughter grew day-by-day and
he was not to see her.

"The walk there an' back should be enough exercise fer ye
t'day.." she said, rising to her feet and leaning over to kiss
her lover's forehead. She clutched his large hand too, then
leaned her elbow against his shoulder, smiling across at him -
"D'ye mind if I pop down the way there t'see if there's
somethin' t'put in the bath-water tha'll do somethin' good fer
ye?" she asked with a hopeful smile.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Unicorn
Date: Sun Oct 26, 2008 12:39 pm
Dagonet


Dagonet observed her carefully... She was not looking at him,
but at his hand squeezing gently hers little one. It was
strange... Why she brought up the topic and now not wanting to
talk about it? What was going on in her head? What doubts
cosnumed her?

He wanted to know and to help her any way.

Tall knight would not thought that she was thinking in fact
about their daughter right now. He would not thought.... maybe
just because it was still too fresh wound. Too fresh hurt.
The fact that he had lost Gedeon was enough for him right now.
Thinking about Aolfie would bring him even deeper in his
sorrow and tears. He tried to put aside all of the bad
thoughts right now. He had to recover soon, cause the
infirmary was the worst place to be right now... He wanted to
get able to return his room and then he can think more about
his life..

Right now he had to get better. For Saoirse... for Linnette...
for his own sake.

Saoirse
 
"Ah it doesn' really matter right now anyways, love. We
can talk bout it later - after ye've eaten all Vanora's
breakfast an' dunked yerself in a warm bath."


Dagonet decided not to push her further, only nodded his head
dropping the subject for now. Maybe really they could talk
later, more freely.

Saoirse
 
"The walk there an' back should be enough exercise fer
ye t'day.."


She leaned and kissed his forehead... Dagonet watched her
without saying anything as she spoke. Yes, it would be enough
for him. He wondered if he was up to it.. but he was not going
to say at loud his doubts. He just wanted to get out of this
bed.,. Get himself refreshed. Clean...

Get rid of this smell that Saoirse so disliked about him right
now.

Saoirse
 
"D'ye mind if I pop down the way there t'see if there's
somethin' t'put in the bath-water tha'll do somethin'
good fer ye?"


"Sure..." he murmured, and chewed the last piece of his
breakfast and sent her a small smile. HE could wait another
minute before moving from the bed.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Pinkie
Date: Sun Oct 26, 2008 1:36 pm
Catherine


Malcus
 
"Ay, I do, never before have I seen an earthly creature
as lovely as you. Only the angels in my dreams of heaven
compare to you."


... And Catherine loved to hear them spoken to her! Especially
when the speaker seemed to believe those words, so smitten did
he look with her beauty. The blonde smiled up at him in
appreciation of the compliment and twirled the blonde hair
about her finger delicately, trailing the nail of that same
finger down her cheekbone softly, pursing her lips as she
looked at the Captain. He seemed distracted, his dark eyes
peering off towards the stables and a flash of distaste
crossed his features.

Catherine, ever curious, simperingly turned her head to the
side,resting her chin against her shoulder as she looked at
the people who were there since the Captain left. One more had
arrived, the Optio Scipio, and the blonde looked back up at
Barbattus. He cleared his throat, seeming to dispel
distracting thoughts from his head as he came to focus on her
fully again.

Malcus
 
"My lady, I wonder if there is a place where we might
talk a bit more....privately"


He waggled his eyebrows in a rather endearing manner, bowed
and cilcked his heels. Catherine gave a small laugh of
amusement at this show and then lowered her pretty green eyes
to his hand.

"Talk more about angels? Or more about your dreams?" she
purred the last word as she extended her hand, not giving it
to him, but instead she used her index finger to touch the
palm of his uplifted hand softly, glancing at him from beneath
her eyelids before rising to her feet. She made a show of
brushing down her skirts and stepped forward, deliberately not
taking his hand but not denying him her touch either -
allowing him more of a chase than merely giving in to his
whims. Catherine moved forward, towards the tavern door,
looking over her shoulder with a sultry smile.

"I know of a cozy little corner inside the tavern where we
might tease out the truths and lies of a man's dreams,
Captain. Join me?" she asked him whimsically, as if she were
not a whore and he was not looking for a whore's services.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Starbelle
Date: Sun Oct 26, 2008 1:57 pm
Tatiana


Hearing him introduce himself to her as gallantly as a knight
would to a lady, she felt her cheeks get warm and knew that a
soft blush had flushed her skin with its heat at his flowery
speech. Meeting his grey eyes with her green ones, she
listened to him talk and found herself quite taken with him
but a quick thought of Adian, helped keep her feet on the
ground.

Amadeus
 
"My lady, Tatiana - I am Amadeus Elpidius Scipio. Optio
here at Badon Hill." "It seems we just move in the wrong
circles, my dear, unfortunately."


"Its nice to make your acquaintance, My lord Amadeus Elpidius
Scipio." After saying his full name, she respectfully bowed
her head in his direction. "I guess you're right, Sir Optio."
Tatiana replied, a shy smile appearing on her face in response
to his own smile as he turned away from her to address the men
that were ready for the mission to start.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: golden_trillium
Date: Sun Oct 26, 2008 2:34 pm
Linnesse


Drake
 
"She's a whore."


"A wh..." Linnesse almost repeated the word, her voice raised
in outrage, before she abruptly cut her voice off and clamped
her mouth down over the unseemly word, her cheeks reddening at
the very thought. And he thought it was funny! This rough,
crude man actually thought it was funny!

"Well, I don't think she's a suitable companion for the girls
at all then," Linnesse snapped, indignation making her
suddenly more confident- at least relatively. She glanced over
at the girls, sitting on their bed, and fell silent- she
didn't want to alarm them, didn't want to have to explain
anything about what Drake had just said. She took a step
towards the bed, but a split second later, threw all caution
to the winds and whirled back on Drake.

"No more than are you. What are you doing here, anyway?"
Linnesse's cheeks flamed with her own forwardness, and she
suddenly once more spun away from Drake, unable to bear his
gaze any longer. She dropped her head, fixing her eyes on the
floor as she strode the two steps back to Cassidy and Fleur's
bed, where she immediately reached for the two cloaks that
hung on pegs nearby.

"Come, girls. You're both well now and we should get you
home." Starting with Fleur, as the smallest and perhaps
easiest to tackle, Linnesse flung the cloak around the girl's
shoulders, her face set into a thin, disapproving expression
that brooked no nonsense at all.











Linnette

Mari
 
"He's Milan. He's a b...well, he's a man that I met
here. He's very sweet. He's taller than I am, and quite
pale. Dark hair that's very disorderly. And very
beautiful blue eyes. We're...we're in love."


Linnette smiled wistfully in response, just letting the girl
talk on, rapturously describing Milan- who must, Linnette
supposed, be the same hapless, unassuming boy whom Kolya had
accused of the rape and Mari had defended, and who had, as she
remembered it, been wrongfully imprisoned for a while. He had
been a thin, mousy, unimpressive creature, withering before
Kolya's overbearing. belligerent masculinity- but the way Mari
spoke of him left no doubt that to her, this Milan was the
brightest-shining star in the universe, the very center of her
whole life. Linnette's throat swelled up again, and she kept
her eyes straight ahead for a while- would she sound like
that, trying to describe Gedeon? Would she have, when he had
been alive? Or would her reserve have prevented any such
raptures? A sudden itch for a pen, ink, and paper took hold of
Linnette. She might not be able to come out and talk like
that- but maybe she could write it down. Write it down, just
like Vanora had suggested, not stories, but a description,
something that would encompass every little thing about
Gedeon, lest she forget.

Lest she forget. Mari prattled on, touching on life events
that were no doubt very significant, though only glossed over
as she chatted, until suddenly, the dropping of her voice into
a lower, comic register snapped Linnette out of her agitated
reverie, as she realized that the girl was imitating Kolya.

Mari
 
"My father says it's my mother's curse that I...talk so
damn much."


Linnette chuckled despite herself, despite the note of sadness
in the sound. They were almost to the infirmary now, as she
realized, almost to the time when she would have to propose
her audacious, but very, very important plan, to Dagonet. Her
stomach squirmed with butterflies as she looked at the
infirmary door.

"I hope he'll let us," she muttered half to herself,
referring, of course, to the drawing project they were about
to embark on. As they mounted the steps to the infirmary door,
Linnette glanced over at Mari, realizing that their location
might require some explanation.

"His father's name is Dagonet- he's one of the knights, too.
He was injured in the last battle. I think he's still here."
Linnette carefully adjusted the small book over to her bad
hand and opened the infirmary door with her good one, looking
curiously around as she and Mari stepped over the threshhold
and into the big room. Her eyes went immediately to Dagonet's
bed, the location of which she remembered from last night. He
was there, sitting up, the tray before him announcing the
recent presence of breakfast, and Saoirse was perched in the
chair next to him. Linnette eagerly started forward- but
hesitated as something else caught her eye. Not too far away,
Linnesse appeared to be helping little Fleur on with her
cloak- but just behind her was Drake, and though Linnette had
heard nothing, there appeared to be some definite tension
between her sister, the girls, and the red-cloaked man.
Linnette hesitated- what was going on? Linnesse...Linnesse
wasn't trying to demand explanations of Drake like she had
yesterday, was she? Linnette sincerely hoped she wasn't- and
despite her urgency, she was completely ready to march over
there and do whatever had to be done to make peace between the
two of them if she had to.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Pinkie
Date: Sun Oct 26, 2008 3:18 pm
Drake


Her expression was priceless. Drake's own face remained
impassive as the word sunk in and the little blonde went even
pricklier than before. If she had been a canine her hackles
would have been raised into vicious spikes as she gaped up at
him. The Spaniard almost wanted to tap her chin to close her
mouth - but resisted the temptation as he waited for her
response.

Linnesse
 
"A wh.. Well, I don't think she's a suitable companion
for the girls at all then,"


Now it was Drake's turn to snap his mouth shut. He had been
about to suggest the whore's home for the girl's when the
blonde whirled away from him, intending to stalk back to the
bed. Drake frowned, lifting a hand from across his chest to
scratch his jaw, wondering if all women were so damn ...
irritable. Sighing, Drake surmised that if she were now a cat
she would be swishing her tail indignantly.

The Spaniard was just about to follow her back to the bed when
she whirled again. He looked down into the fiercely irate face
of Linnette's sister with an impassive, bland stare.

Linnesse
 
"No more than are you. What are you doing here, anyway?
Come, girls. You're both well now and we should get you
home."


Drake frowned.

He was at a loss in how to deal with this woman.

Normally he would simply step in and give someone like this a
stern look that would turn their knees to ice and then easily
take back control. But the woman's physical similarity to
Linnette prevented Drake from doing anything too forward. And
there was a stupid, ridiculous, ludicrous, childish, idiotic
part of Drake that didn't want to give this woman a bad
impression of him. Any worse than it was in any case. Being
who she was ...

Oh fuck it!

Drake was just taking a step forward, readying the frown that
would make Linnesse quail when the door of the infirmary
opened. Out of habit more than interest Drake looked over and
saw Linnette. HE stopped.

The Spaniard reached back to scratch the back of his neck,
glancing over to teh door to Linnette. He looked back towards
Linnesse, over to Linnette and back to Linnesse with a visible
sinking of his shoulders. He couldn't do it in front of
Linnette.

Irritably slapping the pads of his fingers together, Drake
cleared his throat.

"They have no home." he reminded Linnesse in a deep monotone.
Jaw tensing reflexively, Drake stepped closer again, standing
by Linnesse's shoulder as he looked down at her - "I'm trying
to fix that." he said through gritted teeth, not wanting to
say too much in front of the girls for fear of raising their
hopes when there was a chance he couldn't find a home for them
with someone they liked. His green eyes said as much as he
peered down at Linnesse, feeling an itch between his shoulder
blades as he wondered if Linnette still watched them.
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golden_trillium

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Author: golden_trillium
Date: Sun Oct 26, 2008 3:34 pm
Tristan


Neeria
 
"Unhand me! Let me go! Arthur!...I mean...Commander...please...I meant you no harm...I
swear it...please ask them to unhand me!"


Arthur
 
“Men, bring her…but be gentle hm? Neeve, see to her
injuries and treat her as best that you can. Lancelot,
send for Derfel and order him to mind her until she is
fit to return to her village. Neeria, you have my word
that no one will harm you as long as you obey Neeve and
the man that I am assigning to watch over you. Neeve
will treat your injuries and see that you are fed and
washed…and my knight Derfel will remain with you…mind
him, hm? Or you will be faced with punishment at the
hands of Lancelot.”


"Hmmmph." Tristan growled illustratively as he ushered Neeria
along, very firmly, with Lancelot on the other side of her. He
wasn't precisely gentle, but at least he wasn't trying to
cause pain specifically- and that was about as kind as he felt
like being right now. The corridor outside the cell was
scarcely different from the interior of the tiny, dank room,
but already, as they started up the corridor, Tristan could
feel the change, the alteration in the very air itself, that
meant they were going back outside. Back outside, to where he
felt more alive, to where perhaps his demons would not torment
him quite as much. To where, perhaps, he could speak a little.

"Arthur," he began as they walked, trying to think about how
to phrase this so that Arthur would understand it without
giving too much away. "The little Woad, yesterday..." Tristan
glanced uneasily at Neeria, then returned his eyes to the
front as they continued forward. He really shouldn't say more
in front of the prisoner, should he? He should just tell
Arthur when they were alone. At least Neeria wouldn't be going
unguarded- Derfel, though Tristan still had his doubts about
him regarding the Saxons, certainly had no love for the Woads.
He would guard her well- he'd have to.










Linnesse

Drake
 
"They have no home. I'm trying to fix that."


"They were staying somewhere before they got sick. That's
their home," Linnesse snapped in answer. Her back was to both
Drake and to the infirmary door, so she hadn't seen Linnette
and Mari come in- and she didn't want to turn around, with
Drake no doubt glaring at her like he always did. Truthfully,
she feared the look in his eyes- the green intensity that
seemed to burn. She didn't want to get burned by it again- she
feared, in fact, that her resolve, her courage, would melt to
nothing if she did. So she didn't look at him, just focused
all her efforts into getting Fleur's cloak clasped- it didn't
seem to want to go, for some reason- and into wracking her
brain for the names of the couple the girls had been staying
with. A blacksmith and his wife, Linnette had said? Right?
Linnesse was ashamed to admit she couldn't remember- but
surely anything was better than the company of whores.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Pinkie
Date: Sun Oct 26, 2008 3:44 pm
Galahad


So his intention had been to ignore everyone, but he couldn't
deny the pang of regret as those there ignored him as he
passed them by. Galahad glanced back over his shoulder
briefly, looking at Jols and Bors and Darya before giving
himself a self-pitying shake of his head and resuming his
trudge down the line of stalls to his horse's. He looked in at
the grey beast and sighed.

"You missed me didn't you?" he asked the grey. The horse gave
a soft snort, snuffling it's large nostrils against Galahad's
chest, almost pushing the man backwards. The Sarmatian could
have taken this as the cherry on top of the pitiful-cake, but
instead he took it as a gesture of affection from the equine.
HE gave a soft laugh, his youthful face finally relieved of
it's heavy burden for a moment. Galahad reached out a hand and
touched the horse's warm cheek and rubbed gently.

Instead of hopping over the stall door as normal, feeling too
tender in body for that, Galahad unlatched the stall door and
edged inside, breathing in the familiar, warm smell of the
stables. It was relatively quiet down this end of the stable
and it allowed the young Sarmatian some quiet time to just
forget all about the things that he had to figure out. Alina
and Lancelot, Gawain and Arthur.

Arthur...

Galahad shut his blue eyes to dispel the image of his
Commander being desperately disappointed in him and walked to
the stall wall. He took the brushes off their holders and
walked to the grey horse, frowning as he started to brush -
lightly at first, careful of his wounded side, but after a
while he lost himself in the rhythm of it, brushing, wiping,
brushing wiping - sweat beaded on his forehead, running down
in small trckles beneath his tunic.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: LadyCastus
Date: Sun Oct 26, 2008 6:54 pm
Malcus Barbattus


Malcus felt like the cat that got the cream. He licked his
lips as he admired the beauty seated in front of him. He loved
the chase and looking at the curves of Catherine's body, he
knew it would be worth it in the end. Her soft laughter was
like music to his ears. Life at Badon was hard. There wasn't
much beauty to a military man like Malcus Barbattus. It was
rare indeed, but there were times when Malcus wished he had
settled down with a woman who would keep his bed warm at night
and bear his sons. But Barbattus hadn't wanted that commitment
for his life. He was committed to the Roman Army. But this was
hardly the time to be thinking of things like that. Malcus was
perfectly capable of behaving like a proper gentleman and this
woman would enjoy his company this morning, he would make sure
of that.

Catherine
 
"Talk more about angels? Or more about your dreams?"


The blond purred like a kitten when she spoke. It caused
Malcus to smile at her again. The captain lowered his head and
whispered in her ear, getting a good whiff of whatever sensual
scents she'd bathed in.

"How about both, my lady?" he said, first blowing then
flicking his tongue quickly on her earlobe.

Catherine
 
"I know of a cozy little corner inside the tavern where
we might tease out the truths and lies of a man's
dreams, Captain. Join me?"


Malcus drew in a deep breath and stood up straight.

"There is nothing more that I'd rather do than share a drink
with you or any other place I'd rather be than in your
company, my dear."

Just then, one of the squires walked past them.

"Er, excuse me for a moment. Henry!" Malcus called.

"Ay, Captain Barbattus!" the boy said, startled.

"Go to the prison. Tell them on my order to release the
stablemaster. I'm sure he's cooled off by now."

"Ay, Captain," Henry said and scurried off.

Malcus turned back to Catherine and smiled.

"Forgive me, my lady, for the interuption. Shall we?"

Captain Barbattus extended his elbow to Catherine so that he
might escort her properly to the tavern. He looked over his
shoulder making sure that they were not seen by the optio.









Titrus and Karl

Titrus leaned over and whispered to Quintus.

"He don't look so bad, eh?" and shrugged.

But Titrus was no fool. If the captain had warned them about
the optio, he must have had a damn good reason. Titrus would
just do as he was ordered and carry on like he would if the
captain was there with them.

Amadeus
 
"Titrus -- yes, yes - see to it."


"Ay, Optio Scipio, right away, sir!" Titrus said and saluted
once again.

"Alright men, you heard the optio," the lieutenant said in a
raised voice, "let's get ready to ride out. Secure and mount!
As soon as the Commander arrives, we're off!"

There was a flurry of activity in the stable area as the men
began making last minute checks, securing things and climbing
up onto their horses.

Karl clicked his teeth again when the optio spoke directly to
him. Karl instantly regretted having said anything out loud as
it seemed to have drawn attention to him.

Amadeus
 
"You and me both. Though it is a pity the weather was
not more favourable for the horses footing out there in
the forest. Name yourself, soldier."


Dammit! Karl wanted a drink badly but it would have to wait
until they'd gotten through the main gates of the Keep. In the
meantime, he'd have to make nicey-face with the optio who was
standing there in all of his Roman glory. Karl fought not to
roll his eyes.

"My name is Karl...uh....sir. Uh...it's a pleasure and a honor
to be ridin' witcha today."

Karl wanted to hurl.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: lady ione
Date: Sun Oct 26, 2008 8:36 pm
Brendyn


He observed everything with silence. He and his mount were
more than ready to ride out, but the Commander had not
appeared yet....so he waited a bit longer.

Commander Antonius had always trained his men to wait until he
appeared and had mounted his horse, before ordering the
soldiers to mount theirs. This was done out of respect.
Brendyn's eyes moved from Titrus to Quintus and the rest
before moving his eyes back to the Optio. He did not know the
Optio personally, so he really did not know what to expect
from him. He saw the Lieutenant say something to the
Centurion, but was more intent on waiting orders which came
from the Optio...

Amadeus
 
"Titrus -- yes, yes - see to it."


Titrus
 
"Ay, Optio Scipio, right away, sir!" "Alright men, you
heard the optio," "let's get ready to ride out. Secure
and mount! As soon as the Commander arrives, we're off!"


Mount before the Commander? It would have been unheard of at
Aesica, but maybe things here were different, and the order
had come from Titrus and the Optio whom he knew little of, but
had only heard his name once or twice. Brendyn had wanted to
wait, but had no inclination to do latrine duty again. Moving
to Tyranus's side, he placed his boot in the sturrup and
hoisted himself in the saddle while Tyranus pawed anxiously at
the earth. The young soldier hoped that Arthur would not be
upset for seeing that the group had mounted before he had done
so. He trusted Titrus completely though and if the man said to
mount, then he'd do so.

There was great anticipation in the stables and especially
among the other's who were riding out. Brendyn cast a glance
toward where Tatiana was standing next to Darya, and gave both
of the ladies a smile, then turned the black arab around to
line up next to Titrus's horse. The black pawed lightly at the
ground as if anxious to leave, but otherwise, stood in a
relaxed but alert position, ears perked forward and head
proudly held. Brendyn gave Tyranus a pat on the neck as if to
say 'well done', then he reached over with his hand to make
sure everything was within reaching distance. Should something
bad happen, he wanted to be ready to protect the
Commander...with his life.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: sabor ice
Date: Mon Oct 27, 2008 1:51 am
Alina


Oh, for Gods' sakes, this was ridiculous! She could re-arrange
the medicinal contents onto their appropriate shelving all day
and it wouldn't have made any difference. Outside that door
was still the world, and it would be waiting for her
regardless of whether or not she was prepared to face it. So
much remained the same and yet so much had change. People
changed. Alina wanted so much to be able to go back to a time
in her life when she hadn't felt so lost to herself. She
wanted someone to tell her everything would be okay someday,
but in all honesty, the only person who could tell her that
was herself. And, even then, there was no faith in certainty
that things would turn out okay. No one every really knew -
they hoped, but they didn't know. Alina knew she had to grab
ahold of herself and not let these uncertainties in life rule
her. The past was gone and the future was shrouded in infinite
shades of gray. It was the present, and only the present that
mattered, and Alina did not want to shut herself away. Only
now mattered, and she didn't want to let it pass her by - nor
did she want to forget the people that made the present what
is was for her. Nothing was ever perfect, but she knew she had
been happy once. Perhaps she would find rapture in that
happiness again. Or at least normalcy.

Mind set, Alina stopped vigorously rolling the vial she had
had between her palms and reached out to return it to its
home. The tiny bottle clipped the shelf and threatened to
crash to the floor, but on reflex she retrieved it mid-air,
and secured it back upon the shelf. Slicking back her hair,
she gathered it into one hand; taking the leather strap from
her wrist and tying back the dark wavy locks loosely, Alina
left the storeroom and headed out into the main ward. There
was a girl wandering the aisle ahead, looking about rather
uncertainly, as if searching for someone. Alina drew closer,
recognizing the girl as Fiona - whom she had only met briefly
once before - and she appeared to be cradling a bloody hand to
her chest. Was she hurt? The healer frowned, and approached
Fiona from behind, reaching out to touch her arm.

"Fiona? Are you okay?" Alina asked. Instinctively, the woman
reached for the girl's hands and with the gentlest of
movements clasped Fiona's wrist to draw her hand into the open
for better view. "Oh, goodness," she added quietly, still
calm, even as she took in sight of the bloody nail impaled
into the girl's palm. Alina's grasp remained lightly upon the
girl's wrist, her free hand moving to rest at Fiona's elbow to
direct her toward an empty cot. "Here, sit. Sit." Luckily
there was a basin of fresh water and clean cloths nearby. She
would have to go back to the storeroom for bandages, but first
had to see about that nail. "What happened?" she questioned.










Cassidy & Fleur

Fleur had understood she was to stay put as Drake moved away,
motioning for Linnesse to follow. Obediently she complied, and
crouched atop the cot, balancing effortlessly on the balls of
her bare feet and wrapping her arms around her knees. She
cocked her head to the side and watched wistfully as the
adults spoke privately out of ear-shot of her. Idly, she
scratched her scabby knee through the material of her green
dress and narrowed her eyes intuitively upon the pair. Cassidy
had since pulled herself back into a sitting position and
crawled up beside Fleur, kneeling comfortably, hands flat
against her lap and resting against the soles of her feet. She
exchanged a glance with her little sister and turned her
attention back to the others just in time to hear Linnesse
exclaim.

Linnesse
 
"Come, girls. You're both well now and we should get you
home."


Drake
 
"They have no home. I'm trying to fix that."


Linnesse
 
"They were staying somewhere before they got sick.
That's their home,"


Cassidy frowned in confusion and sat up on her knees when
Linnesse went for their cloaks. Fleur's head swiveled to
follow the healer's movements and immediately stood on the bed
when the woman came before her, curling her fingers on the
underside of the woman's forearms for balance as she draped
the smaller of the two cloaks around the littlest girl's
shoulders. Cassidy pulled her own cloak to her chest, fingers
curled into the fabric as she threw a glance over Linnesse's
shoulder at Drake. She parted her lips to speak, but was
interrupted by Drake. The older girl couldn't quite comprehend
his meaning, but the healer's words left her staggered and she
sucked in an anxious breath as she looked from Drake back to
Linnesse, whom was still struggling to clasp Fleur's cloak.

Where were they supposed to go? Cassidy was certain, after
all, that she and Fleur would end up fending for themselves.
From the very beginning, Cassidy had never expected these
people to accept responsibility, to care for them. They
weren't Linnesse's children, nor were they Drake's. They
weren't anybody's children, not anymore. She had mentally
prepared herself for a moment such as this when she and her
sister would be grown tired of and disposed, but now that it
had arrived, Cassidy had no idea what she was going to do to
take care of herself and her sister.

Without quibble, Cassidy skooched off of the bed and silently
donned her cloak. Her head was bowed, blonde strands creating
a curtain between her face and Drake's and Linnesse's view.

"You don't need to bother. I can take us," she said in a small
voice. To where, though? Home, she supposed. Their old home,
cold and dark and festering - but such a home was still a home
when one had no place else to go, wasn't it?
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