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October 2008
Topic Started: May 1 2010, 05:17 PM (3,205 Views)
golden_trillium

Admin
Author: golden_trillium
Date: Mon Oct 27, 2008 6:55 am
Linnesse and Linnette


Cassidy
 
"You don't need to bother. I can take us."


"Don't be silly- someone should walk you," Linnesse insisted,
back still turned firmly to Drake, as the clasp of Fleur's
cloak finally- finally!- snapped into place. Cassidy had
already slid off the bed and put her own cloak on, seeming
rather resigned to her fate- but what cause did she have to be
upset? They did have somewhere to go, didn't they, and they
couldn't stay in the infirmary forever. Why would they want
to?

Curse it. Linnesse straightened up and glanced back over her
shoulder, carefully avoiding Drake's emerald eyes, at the
cracked door of Ione's room. She had already been gone longer
than she had planned to be, and she really should check on her
patient again. But she couldn't just leave these two here,
either, or let them walk home alone, not with Drake hanging
around! Linnesse looked around the room helplessly, but all
the healers who were visible seemed to be busy. Who
could...her blue eyes suddenly fell on her sister, standing
near the doorway, next to a thin, dark-haired girl whom
Linnesse didn't recognize.

"Linnette?" Linnesse called, and her sister, hearing her
voice, turned in her direction and, after a second's
hesitation, began to make her way over to Linnesse and the
girls, wending her way between beds and tables and chairs.
When she reached Linnesse's side, Linnesse spotted the small
book once again under Linnette's arm, and supposed that
Linnette had come here to read to Dagonet, as she had
mentioned she might. Well...perhaps she wouldn't mind running
a very quick errand, first.

"Hello, Linnesse. Girls," Linnette greeted Fleur with a warm
smile, remembering the young girl's contagious enthusiasm- but
then her gaze slid to Cassidy, and lingered curiously there
for a moment, wondering what occasioned the aura of
disappointment that fairly rolled off the older girl.
Cassidy's head was bowed, her face almost completely hidden by
strands of blonde hair, but try as she might, Linnette could
not catch her eye. She straightened, her eyes traveling over
to Drake, and as their gazes met, felt a sudden stab of
shyness, remembering the aborted maybe-would-have-been-kiss of
last night. The corner of her mouth twitched up into a smile,
or started to, but then she dropped her eyes demurely away
without saying anything. She wasn't going to give Linnesse
more to wonder about. And it wasn't right, anyway.

"Linnette, I'm really very, very sorry," Linnesse was saying
apologetically, gesturing towards the book that Linnette had
almost forgotten she was carrying.

"But if you have just a moment...do you think you could walk
Cassidy and Fleur home? They have to go, and I have a patient
to check on..." Linnesse pointed towards Ione's door and
bounced with uncomfortable impatience on her toes. She really
had to make sure Ione was all right- she should never have
gotten drawn into a discussion with Drake in the first place!
She should have asked him straight out to leave, and if he
wouldn't, sent a messenger for the guards. It was that simple-
it was what Linnette would have done! Right? Well, had it been
any other man. Linnette seemed to have a curious, inexplicable
blindness where Drake was concerned. Linnesse made bold enough
to toss a quick, petulant glare at Drake, but Linnette, who
was glancing over her shoulder at Dagonet, didn't notice. She
seemed rather antsy herself.

"Well...I do have to have a word with Dagonet, but they can
come with me. And then we'll go after that." Perhaps while
Mari was drawing, if Mari was comfortable with such a thing?
Linnette looked from Linnesse to Fleur to Cassidy, shrugging
questioningly, and Linnesse let out a breath and nodded
gratefully. That would do just fine. As long as the girls had
someone to walk home with them- and Linnesse would watch and
make sure Linnette came straight back, but outdoors, in broad
daylight, she wasn't particularly worried. She would, however,
have to have a very serious word with Linnette soon.

"Of course. Thank you." Linnesse took a step towards Linnette
and laid a hand on her sister's shoulder, adding in a lower
voice as she glanced again back toward the private room's
doorway.

"It's Ione. She lost the baby." Linnesse's face fell into
sorrowful, distressed lines, and then she was away, moving off
toward the door of Ione's room, leaving Linnette standing
there, a bit stunned.

"Oh," Linnette murmurred in her sister's wake, her free hand
crossing over to rest protectively on her own stomach.








Merlin

Nolan
 
"Yes, my leader. I will not fail you again. The gods
will be favorable because of your mercy. Safe journey,
Merlin."


"You as well," Merlin put in as Nolan moved off, gathering the
rest of the members of the burial party- well, Smith and
Kayley were aready on their way down the trail, both of them
perched on that horse. Merlin shook his head a bit uneasily.
Useful though one of them might be, the Woad leader didn't
want too many of his people getting too attatched to the
foreign things. It was good, really, that Smith was a man who
tended to keep to himself. But between Rosita's interest and
Kayley's, it didn't seem he would forever.

Ah, well. Merlin would have a word with him when they were all
safely in the village, but for now, they would do what needed
to be done. And it looked like the larger party was ready to
go, too. Merlin cast a shrewd look around at the group- all
were there, carrying their things, and the litter was ready
for Ash. The traitor Mona's body was safely stowed under some
bushes, and that was all they would do for her. There was no
more to be done here.

"We go home," Merlin announced to the group, urging them
onward with a gesture as he began to walk himself. Juna soon
fell into step with him, and they continued on the final leg
of their journey, going towards the village and home and rest.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Darya
Date: Mon Oct 27, 2008 10:10 am
Neeve


Neeve kept her gaze on Arthur, trusting Lancelot and Tristan
to have Neeria under control. And she wouldn’t really care if
the First Knight had shut the Woad’s mouth once and for all.
Yet her focus remained on the Roman in front of her…

Arthur
 
“I am fine, Neeve. She is frightened,”


Neeve narrowed her eyes a little…scrutinizing the Commander’s
face. Of course he was not fine. He was still injured. Neeria
might not have made things worse regarding his wound…but he
was injured. Yet the healer once more bit her tongue to not
start an argument about the Roman’s health right now. Instead
she puffed out a breath and tilted her head slightly. “Of
course she is…”, the Briton murmured with not even with a hint
of sympathy in her voice

Arthur
 
“Lancelot, that is enough. She will be allowed to return
to her people when she has recovered. But while within
the fortress, she will be guarded. Men, bring her….but
be gentle hm?”


The raven-haired woman briefly wrinkled her nose. Perhaps one
should lock Neeria up in one of the small backrooms of the
infirmary…and guard the door. That would be the safest thing
to do. The Woad would be under control…and healers and nuns
were nearby should something happen. And Neeve wouldn’t have a
millstone round her neck…if Arthur indeed stuck to his earlier
words…

Arthur
 
“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,”


…which of course he did. The healer shook her head and brushed
a hand over her face. This was bad. So bad. Granted, it was
somewhat relieving to hear that she would at least have Derfel
by her side and was not all responsible for the Woad. But
still…

Ignoring Neeria and everyone else, Neeve rushed after Arthur…
“Commander, on a word, please…”, she addressed him, yet didn’t
even wait for him to actually agree to her request. “First of
all…I have no idea what I’ve done to deserve being made that
Woad’s babysitter…”, the raven-haired added in a low chilly
voice and with a more than displeased expression in her
piercing eyes, “…but what’s even more important: I know about
your plans for the day and the reasons for them… And just for
the record, Arthur…as a healer and your friend…” Neeve paused
and sighed. “To ride out to face the Woads again is a bad
idea…and I cannot give you my healer’s permission for this
quest with a good conscious. I know that this won’t make you
change your mind…so please do me at least one favour: see me
first thing upon your return. For your health’s and my
sanity’s sake…”

If you return.

With that, the Briton frowned at the Roman as she waited for
him to reply. By now, the others had caught up with them…of
course including Neeria. Noticing that, Neeve was actually
glad to have voiced her concerns already. She still didn’t
consider this matter something the enemy should be too aware
of. And Neeria was the enemy…no matter what Arthur said.

Tristan
 
"Arthur… The little Woad, yesterday..."


Arching an eyebrow, the healer glanced at Tristan. He had
mentioned something about another little Woad last night
already. Was there more about that?
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Lancelot
Date: Mon Oct 27, 2008 1:18 pm

Lancelot


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


The first knight's face was drawn and pinched, and he only
took one eye off Neeria - even as she struggled within his and
Tristan's grasp and spoke quickly to reassure him she'd do
what he asked - but when Arthur spoke, his words had the
Sarmatian turning his head completely to stare down the Roman.

Arthur
 
“Lancelot, that is enough.  Men, bring her….but be gentle hm?  Lancelot, send for Derfel and order him to mind her until she is fit to return to her village.  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.


Lancelot's already arched brow cocked wildly as Arthur
continued. That is enough??? And then he yet threatens the
Woad with my 'punishment' if she doesn't behave? Oh, that's a
dangerously comical irony, my friend. He laughed as he shoved
his sword back into its sheath, comfortable enough now with
the proximity of the dagger in his jacket pocket. He was
careful enough to keep his leathers on this time - and made a
face as he repeated what Arthur had just ordered.

"Derfel? Oh, certainly, commander. That will be too much a
pleasure."

Lancelot snapped his mouth shut, and, with Tristan,
frog-marched the girl, albeit with less force than he'd like,
out of the dungeon as the small group of people made their way
back into the light. Thank the gods. Lancelot shivered
involuntarily and had a hard time supressing his gladness at
getting out of that place ... he hated the dungeons almost as
much as he did the valetudinarium. But then again - he was
already a prisoner of Rome and did not like to be reminded of
the two places he'd pay to not end up in.

Neeve rushed forward to catch up with Arthur; Tristan and
Lancelot followed at a steady pace, Lancelot allowing his
inner turmoil to go ahead and rise to the forefront, like the
cream off churned milk. Except this cream was rancid and
stunk, and the more he tried to toss it away, the more it
stuck to him like goo.

Neeve
 
So please do me at least one favour: see me first thing upon your return. For your health’s and my sanity’s sake…”


A frown drew Lancelot's features into pointy shapes; he would
have hit the first person that told him it made him look
fae-like, but with his wild hair and disarrayed clothing and
blackened, bruised face and angry expression...all he needed
would be a damned crown of leaves to complete the picture of
nature gone crazy.

He hadn't heard all of Neeve's conversation, but he had heard
the tail end, and that was enough. He'd agree with most of her
comments, probably, but Arthur had proved enough he wasn't
going to change his mind - no matter whom was doing the
begging.

I am baring myself raw for you

Tristan
 
"Arthur… The little Woad, yesterday..."


Still walking along with Neeria in his grasp, Lancelot canted
eyes to the scout. "Which one this time?" he interrupted. The
unhappiness echoed out from his words; he licked his cracked
lips and wiped with his free hand at the dried blood that was
crusted below his eye.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: LadyCastus
Date: Mon Oct 27, 2008 4:28 pm
Rosita and Nolan


Rosita waved to Merlin as he turned and joined the others
headed toward the village. She hoped to be reunited with her
people soon and said a silent prayer to the gods to ask for
their traveling mercies.

The woad swiped a fallen lock of her dark hair from her eyes
with the back of her hand as she watched Smith ride off on his
horse, Kayley on the back with him. Rosita's eyes widened as
she glimpsed Smith's long hair bounce in the wind and noticed
his thighs tighten as he guided the beast onward. She knew she
shouldn't have ignored him earlier, but getting into a
conversation with Smith could only be dangerous for her. It
would be better if she kept her distance from the gorgeous
loner lest her inner desires take over her conscious actions.
So she had pretended not to acknowledge his flirtatious
comment. Rosita had admired Smith from afar for a long time.
She was sure that he knew it, but Rosita tried hard not to act
on her feelings.

"Yes, Nolan, I'm ready. Let's go."

Merlin's second looked over his shoulder and watched Merlin
and the others as they slowly started to disappear among the
trees.

"Until we meet again, my leader," he said softly.

Nolan lifted his quiver and slung it over his shoulder. He
then picked up his giant bow. Rosita did the same.

"Let's go," he said and the two of them, along with a few
other carefully selected warriors disappeared into the forest
themselves.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Pinkie
Date: Mon Oct 27, 2008 5:05 pm
Amadeus


Titrus hopped to business in a most admirable way. Amadeus
took his attention from the grumbler a moment to look at the
smaller male at work, snapping orders and issuing new ones. He
nodded his head in satisfaction wondering if this man would
prove himself worthy of special attentions in the days to
come. Amadeus was looking for a few good men, trustworthy sorts, men who followed orders to the letter. Not men like Captain Barbattus who got into their thick skulls to act beyond the boundaries of their duties and expect some kind of congratulations for it. No - not men like that. But the Tristan's and Titrus' of the fort could expect to profit from the likes of Amadeus taking over.

And women like the little blonde might go somewhere in life
other than the back of the stables for a quick grope. A woman
who blushed so prettily and spoke so demurely could be taught
to do other things that men liked.

Tatiana
 
"Its nice to make your acquaintance, My lord Amadeus
Elpidius Scipio. I guess you're right, Sir Optio."


The Optio merely smiled sadly at her words, still a lively
sparkle to his grey eyes, making them almost silver,
contrasting with his black hair which insisted on falling down
over his forehead in unruly strands. Would the pixie think
herself cornered or pampered if she were to receive an invite
to a private dinner with the 'lord Optio' of Badon Hill?

His mind was snapped back to reality as he peered at the broad
shouldered male who had harumphed so eloquently. He seemed to
feel definitely cornered in being directly spoken to by a
superior officer. Another thing Amadeus could admire. He had
the look of a man who might be able to follow an order. He
also looked like he might be a bit of a brute... Hmph. Amadeus
almost grinned to himself when he realised he was looking at
people as mere tools for his plotted coup.

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


He gave Karl a gracious smile, almost paternal in fact. The
man seemed a bit ... simple, maybe. Definitely not of the same
breeding as the likes of Arthur or Mordred or himself. But
such men had their uses. Their blood was not sacred - it could
be spilled for the right cause, their lives sacrificed for the
right reasons, the right people. Amadeus gave him a brighter
smile and nodded his head.

"Thank you, Karl. I appreciate your confidence in me." he
said, genuine in his appreciation for the man vocalising this.
Perhaps, Amadeus thought, this good-humoured 'man-of-men' was
the approach to take here at Badon Hill. It seemed to be
endearing him to the men alot quicker than his earlier
aloofness, his efforts at trying to lead them by being better
than them, visibly better than them.

The men were getting mounted all around him. Amadeus smiled in
satisfaction at teh sight of them lining up. When the
Sarmatians were not in the mix they started to look like a
proper force rather than a rag-tag bunch of mercenaries. The
Optio clicked his fingers towards Jols and gestured down the
stables with a smile, starting forward and intending the man
to walk with him.

"Jols - take me to my horse, please." he even added the
'please' in keeping with his new-found love of being the men's
best loved Optio.









Mari and Drake

Linnette
 
"I hope he'll let us, 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."


Mari was so caught up in talking about Milan that she didn't
realies where they were going until Linnette stopped and
informed her of why they were where they were. The young woman
looked up from the bottom step of the infirmary and gave a
start to realise that they were there. She took a moment to
process Linnette's words and then felt her stomach do a flip.
Not only was she going to be in the company of one of the
current Sarmatian Knights, something that filled her with a
sense of dread admiration for an unknown reason, she was also
going to have to face him knowing he had lost his son, knowing
that he had the look of his son enough that he was to be used
as a model.

Would that upset him?

Anger him?

What kind of man was he?

The young woman puffed out her cheeks and followed Linnette
inside. she paused when the hazel-eyed woman did,and looked
over to the voice of a woman who sounded rather like Linnette.
When she saw a blonde version of the woman in front of her,
Mari did a double take.

"Sisters.." she mumbled to herself, fascinated at the uncanny
similarity between the two. She stood dutifully by the door as
Linnette went over to her sister, smiling in their direction
politely but not moving an inch until she was told to. Whilst
she did so, Mari took a look around the place, feeling an
uncomfortable stirring of memories from the back of her mind
from the last time she was here, when she had been in teh back
room with Alina and ...

Mari cleared her throat, rakign a hand back through her
knotted, curly hair. She licked her lips and rocked back on
her heels, browsing teh people who were in the infirmary,
glancing over towards Linnette and her sister. The tall man
who stood there looked remarkably like he was carved out of
stone, his expression unwavering as he looked between the two
women. There were two young girls there. Mari brightened at
the sight of children - she loved children - and waved her
hand with a mouthed 'hello' to the littler of the two.

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


Cassidy
 
"You don't need to bother. I can take us,"


Drake tensed his jaw. He stood back and had a look of bitter
'I told you so' about him as he looked accusingly at Linnesse.
He may not have known much about children but his dealings
with Cassidy the past few days had led him to believe he had a
kind of understanding of her - flawed though it was.
Essentially he had a good idea of what she did and did not
want to hear. He knew that she was waiting to be abandonned,
it showed in the set of her shoulders, it showed in the tone
of her voice. This was exactly what she was expecting to
happen.

Linnesse & Linnette
 
"Don't be silly- someone should walk you, Linnette?"

"Hello, Linnesse. Girls,"

"Linnette, I'm really very, very sorry, But if you have just a moment...do you think you could walk Cassidy and Fleur home? They have to go, and I have a patient to check on..."

"Well...I do have to have a word with Dagonet, but they can come with me. And then we'll go after that."

"Of course. Thank you."

"It's Ione. She lost the baby."

"Oh,"


It was a low-blow, but Linnesse dealt it. She called in
Linnette.

Drake visibly withdrew, his emerald green eyes lowered at
Cassidy who had her head bowed. He wanted to make eye-contact
with her to communicate to her, somehow, that he wasn't going
to be abandonning her, that he wanted to find somewhere for
her to stay, to stay warm and safe and happy. Even if no one
else had been around Drake still would not have been able to
vocalise his intentions. It was just not his way. But
regardless, perhaps she might have read it in his eyes?

Or perhaps she would have just read what everyone else read in
his eyes... menace.

The auburn-haired sister came over and Drake lifted his chin,
tensed his jaw visibly and waited. He looked at a point above
Linnesse's head as she was standing in his direct line of view
looking stoically at the wall. When she looked up at him he
could feel it and did not lower his eyes at all. His jaw just
locked that bit tighter, the tendons in his neck standing out
vividly against his sun-darkened skin. When Linnesse started
to speak, speaking as if he wasn't there, not even mentioning
to Linnette that he had said he was looking into something,
the Spaniard tensed his fists now, rolling his fingers against
his palm noisily.

The little terrier!

And Linnette, of course, did not quetsion her sister at all,
she did not even question why Drake stood by. The Spaniard
knew when he was outranked. And two women against one man in
the matter of two little orphans? Oh, he was outranked.
Linnesse started to back off, murmuring something to Linnette
that caused the younger sister to lift her hand to her
stomach. Drake looked down at her questionningly, having not
heard the mention of a lost baby, and then looked to her
stomach worriedly. He realised what he had done and quickly
looked away, catching the childish wave the rake Linnette
brought in gave to Fleur.

Wisely Drake kept quiet about the situation until Linnesse was
out of earshot - only then did he turned his body towards
Linnette and flexed his fingers outwards. His jaw remained a
vivid mark of tension however, his eyes flinty.

"I have an idea. For them." Drake indicated towards the two
youngsters with a thumb, "I have to talk to someone first
though. I can take them to the people they were staying with
whilst I talk to those I need to talk to. If you have other...
" Drake now indicted with an inclination of his head to where
Dagonet sat up in bed, his red-headed lover beside the bed.
They looked like they were readying to leave.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: golden_trillium
Date: Mon Oct 27, 2008 8:00 pm
Linnette


Drake
 
"I have an idea."


Drake's voice broke in on Linnette's momentarily troubled
thoughts, and she started a bit in response; she had almost-
almost forgotten he was there. Self-consciously she removed
her hand from her stomach, trying for a smile of reassurance
when she caught a momentary flash of worry on Drake's face.
She was all right, the half-smile said- she was all right,
though Linnesse's words had stirred unease in her heart. It
was easy, so very easy, to lose a baby, either before birth or
after, and what if this little scrap of Gedeon that she
carried was not to live? What then? Linnette bit at the corner
of her lip, clamping down on the worry that way, but almost
immediately regretted it. Drake looked tense enough already,
as was all too usual for him. The grim, iron set of his jaw
made her want to reach up and lay her hand against his cheek,
smooth it all out for him, but instead, she just consciously
relaxed her own mouth, trying again for that bit of a smile.

Drake
 
"For them. I have to talk to someone first though. I can
take them to the people they were staying with whilst I
talk to those I need to talk to. If you have other..."


"I..." Linnette glanced over in the direction Drake was
indicating, noticing for the first time that though Dagonet
and Saoirse were certainly in the infirmary, they looked like
they were getting ready to go- sitting forward, Saoirse
reaching for something that might have been a cloak, Dagonet
making a gesture towards the door. Urgency siezed Linnette
again- she had to talk to him before he left to
God-knew-where- they had to get this portrait underway before
it was too late! And Mari- Mari hadn't followed her, as
Linnette had assumed that she would, but was still hovering by
the door, looking lost and uncomfortable, and the last thing
Linnette wanted was to alienate her precious artist. She
turned back to Drake, eying him appealingly, apologetically
for her haste.

"That would be wonderful, Drake. I really do appreciate it."
Her assurance was heartfelt, colored by both desperation to
get on to other task, and relief, profound relief that he was
taking care of this one for her. Had anyone, ever, been of so
much assistance to her, been so solicitous and so kind?
Linnette seriously doubted it- and unthinkingly her hand shot
out and gave his forearm a quick, but indescribably grateful
squeeze, before she turned to the girls.

"Cassidy, Fleur? Drake's going to walk you home- I'll come see
you later, all right?"











Linnesse

Satisfied that Linnette could take care of getting the girls
home, Linnesse turned her steps quickly back towards Ione's
door, worry squirming in her belly increasingly as she got
closer. She had never meant to be gone from her patient that
long- never meant to get drawn into talking with Drake for
anything more than to dismiss him from the infirmary, but she
had gotten unforgiveably sidetracked. If Ione wasn't all
right...if something had befallen her in Linnesse's
absence...the suspense and worry for Linnesse had reached
nearly unbearable levels by the time she got to the
almost-closed door, and as she pushed it open she was actually
taking a breath to call for one of the nuns in alarm, almost
sure that something terrible had occurred...but no. It seemed
there was no need.

The room was quiet within. Ione lay on the bed, asleep, her
breathing visible, and the sad little corpse was not in
evidence- Sister Margaret must have come back and taken it
away. All was neat, the supplies just as they had been left,
and as Linnesse came closer, practically tiptoing across the
room, she saw that Ione was beginning to regain color in her
cheeks, and that the speed of her breathing was normal. All
seemed fine.

Linnesse sighed hugely, her eyes closing and her shoulders
sagging with relief. It was all right- it was all right. Ione
was the same, if not better, than when she had left her.
Feeling a bit unsteady on her feet, Linnesse stumbled a step
backwards before her heels came in contact with the chair, the
one Mirtha had been sitting on, and she allowed herself to
collapse back into it, never taking her eyes from Ione.

In, and out. In, and out. Ione breathed steadily,
reassuringly, and gradually, Linnesse's tension drained away.
It really did seem to be all right. She was even beginning to
consider whether she ought to go back out into the big room
and maybe walk the girls home after all, when Ione's sleep
seemed to grow lighter- her eyelids fluttered as she breathed
in, and she stirred slightly, as if searching for a more
comfortable position on the bed. Linnesse froze, half-rising
from the chair. If Ione was about to wake, should she wait for
her?
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golden_trillium

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Author: Starbelle
Date: Mon Oct 27, 2008 8:04 pm
Jols and Tayala


Mounted comfortably on Gypsi's back, his horse in the line but
not quite behind Brendyn's as he made sure that there was a
space between Gypsi and Tyranus, his horse's reins held
loosely in his hand as he too was going on the mission with
the Commander.

Amadeus
 
"Jols - take me to my horse, please."


Dismounting from Gypsi's back and being very careful not to
kick any horse that he was next or could be next to or show
his true feelings when the Optio snapped his fingers at him
like one would do to get a pet dog's attention, he walked the
few paces away from the rest of the group and seeing Tayala
there motioned to her.

"I'll do you one better, Scipio sir. We've got a new stable
girl, she just arrived but knows her way around a stable, just
like the back of her hand sir. She's young, but quick and
efficient."

The Squire said while polietly waiting for Tayala as she
arrived with the Scipio's mount.

Then turning on his heel, headed back over to his own horse
and remounted patting Gypsi on the neck.

"Here you are, My lord Optio. Your mount is all saddled and
ready for the mission that Jols' told me about. He said that
it was a very important one, so I made sure that your mount
was ready to go when called for."

The young girl said bobbing a quick curtsey in the Optio's
direction as she patted the horse on his neck before handing
him the reins.
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golden_trillium

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Author: lady ione
Date: Mon Oct 27, 2008 8:36 pm

Ione


Her hand still rested on her stomach even as she slept. She
thought she had heard voices that sounded oddly distant. She
stirred as her hand unconsciously rubbed over her stomach,
then stopped.

Everything was so peaceful...strangely calm.

Then, she heard the door open.

Ione stirred again, and murmured something sweet and with a
smile, though to whoever had entered the room, it would not
have made much sense. Shortly, though, the smile faded when
she began to hear noises close to her bed like someone falling
into the chair nearby. Slowly, she began to come to, her dark
eyes opening as if from a very deep sleep, and stretched a
bit. The pain was growing ever duller for which Ione was
thankful. The visit Titrus had paid her had done a world of
good making her forget some of the pain she had carried. He
had even calmed her fears where Ian was concerned....that he'd
be with the angels in heaven. That thought had comforted her
and it made it easier to allow the nun to take the child to be
buried.

Her sleepy eyes opened to stare at the ceiling, and then
turned her head to see Linnesse half risen out of the chair
she had appearently been sitting in. Sister Margaret had not
returned yet, and Ione was anxious to know where little Ian
was buried, so that she could visit the grave from time to
time.

'Linnesse ...' Ione whispered, her hand beginning to rub over
her stomach, but as she did so, something happened that she
had not expected. It was good to see the kind hearted healer
back by the bedside. Besides Titrus and Sister Margaret,
Linnesse had been a rock to her in this time, and she was
forever greatful. 'I think, if it is okay ...I'd like to go
and rest at my shop...' Ione was about to continue when she
suddenly frowned in puzzlement.

There seemed to be movement in her womb.

Her hand cautiously ran over the area as if trying to keep
track of the motions as they moved from one side of her
stomach to the other. Ione felt a strange sensation, but could
not place what she was feeling emotionally. Was her body
playing tricks on her? Or had she been...was there?

'Linnesse....I-I...think there is another baby here,' Ione
left her confusion show in her voice thinking that perhaps
Linnesse was going to tell her that it was her imagination.
The weaver's hand finally calmed the movement, and continued
to look at the healer nearby. Had she really been carrying
twins? Ione tried to think, and she recalled that there were
twins on her mother and father's sides of the family...but
there had been none on Javier's side of the family.

Who's child or children was she carrying then?
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Author: sabor ice
Date: Tue Oct 28, 2008 2:17 am

Kayley


Smith
 
"Of course I'll play nice. When do I not?"


"When do you not?" she mused at her chiding re-phrase of his
rhetorical question. "Need I remind you of our last bonfire
and Roan? I think you enjoyed frustrating him acting as my
shadow all evening." The corner of her mouth gave a devious
quirk. "I'll have you know he was a perfect gentleman," she
continued, reaching to clasp his forearm when he reached for
hers, and pulled her onto the back of Scáth. Kayley leaned in
closely a moment to whisper into Smith's ear teasingly, "Maybe
you could learn something from him." Of course, she was only
joking. She would never want Smith to change, for her or
anybody.

Smith
 
"And ouch. If that is the punishment that you deal out I
can only imagine what it will be like if Micah gets me
alone. Promise you won't leave my side, Kayley?"


She gave a mock pout when he indicated dramatically to where
she had playfully slapped his cheek (not that cheek).

"Oh, I don't know. I'll think about it," she replied with a
loveless sigh and roll of her eyes. "I suppose if it means
that much to you, though - " she added a moment later,
grinning up at him and absentmindedly reaching to brush stray
dark strands from his face. "I guess I could protect you from
Micah. But, then who will protect me?" She gave another mock
pout, dropping her hand to his shoulder.

Micah was her shadow when Smith was not. She had never minded
having the dark blonde close - he had always been like her
brother, more than anything. But, she wondered if someday he
might want something more, if someday he might take the
initiative to actually make an advance. He was harmless - and
that was why Kayley would've rather skipped that entire
awkward confrontation, if it were to ever arise - because she
didn't want to hurt Micah's feelings. She loved him too much.
As a brother.

Smith
 
"Easy girl."


With a gentle squeeze of his thighs, Smith urged Scáth onward.
He surprised Kayley, though, reaching back and heartily
slapping a hand to her strong thigh. She rebuked his audacity
with a slap to his back, being mindful of his injury which
seemed to plague the right side of his body more. She slipped
an arm beneath his and lightly held onto him at his abdomen,
leaning into him a moment as she rested her chin on his
shoulder to peer around at his face. "You're sort of terrible,
you know that?" Kayley chided, amused, and kissed his cheek,
before settling back again. She glanced over her shoulder to
see the others swiftly following them now. Kayley tried to
catch Micah's eye, but soon gave up and turned back to look
ahead.
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golden_trillium

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Author: golden_trillium
Date: Tue Oct 28, 2008 6:33 am
Linnesse


Ione
 
"Linnesse...I think, if it is okay...I'd like to go and
rest at my shop..."


Linnesse nodded sympathetically, subsiding back into the
chair.

"I think that would be fine. If you're..." she broke off
suddenly, arrested by the look on Ione's face. The other woman
had been rubbing her stomach, idly or in remembrance, Linnesse
had assumed, but now, Ione's expression changed, becoming
suddenly puzzled and confused. Linnesse leaned forward again,
about to ask Ione what was wrong- but the other woman spoke
first.

Ione
 
"Linnesse...I- I...think there is another baby here."


Another baby? Linnesse's eyes widened in surprise and renewed
worry at her words. Surely that wasn't possible- it was far
more likely that Ione's grief and fantasy were playing tricks
on her- right? She leaned farther forward, propping her elbows
on her knees, and studying Ione carefully, though she kept her
voice carefully neutral. No point in raising false hopes...or
allowing her own hopes to be raised.

"What...why do you think so?" she asked softly, her head
tilting to the side and her brows knitting together
questioningly.
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golden_trillium

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Author: lady ione
Date: Tue Oct 28, 2008 8:33 am

Ione


Dark eyes watched as the healer sat back down in the chair.
Ione was grateful that she had decided to stay as well as the
knowledge that the woman agreed with her moving to the comfort
of her shop. There was so much to finish as far as her work,
and it'd take her mind off of the sorrow of losing her child.
It had been shortly after Linnesse had answered her when the
movement had started. Or had it been that way while she was
sleeping as well?

Ione saw the equally baffled look on the healer's face as she
told her about the movement.... about there being another
child. In honesty, Ione could hardly believe it herself as she
had never heard of something like that ever happening. But she
had felt the distinct movements much like the other baby had
done. Their eyes locked as Linnesse moved forward a bit
propping her elbows on her knees as if studying her curiously.
Ione thought that perhaps the trauma of losing her child was
causing her body to play tricks on her....thinking that she
was still pregnant when she really was not.

Ione's hand began to shake as she felt another movement,
letting her hand follow the movement over to the other
side....

Linnesse
 
"What...why do you think so?"


Ione did not really know how to answer. Her voice was soft and
a bit shaky as she spoke, 'I-I feel movement... here and then
here... feel for yourself...' She reached out her free hand to
the other woman inviting Linnesse to feel the movement as well
and assess for herself what she thought was happening. Last
night, she had been in terrible pain, and then had lost the
child she had so desperately wanted... were the gods rewarding
her for letting Ian go to be with them then?
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golden_trillium

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Author: golden_trillium
Date: Tue Oct 28, 2008 12:04 pm
Linnesse


Ione
 
"I- I feel movement...here and then here...feel for
yourself..."


"Really?" Still thoroughly puzzled, but intrigued, Linnesse
scooted forward to the edge of the chair, and, as invited,
placed her flat hand over Ione's stomach, very, very lightly-
it seemed that any harder pressure might disturb things, might
even be dangerous. Ione's stomach was gently rounded, much
like Linnette's was now, but if anything, a little bigger.
Would it still be like that, only hours after losing a child,
or did it indicate continuing pregnancy? Linnesse bowed her
head in concentration, feeling for the movement Ione had
described- was that a flutter, just there? Linnesse couldn't
be sure- it was so slight, so small it might very well have
been her imagination playing tricks on her. Taking a deep
breath, she made bold enough to press her hand just a little
further against Ione's belly, enough that she could feel the
warmth of her skin through her dress...but this time, nothing.
Nothing that she could feel. But then again, she couldn't feel
Linnette's baby, either- neither could Linnette herself, yet,
and surely her sister was farther along than Ione was- right?

"I...I don't know." Linnesse removed her hand and retreated,
sitting back into the chair and speaking in a very soft,
hushed voice- as though anything louder might cause some
adverse effect.

"I don't even know if that's possible- do you want me to ask
Sister Margaret what she thinks?" Linnesse made to get up from
her chair again, but inside her, she was steeling herself for
what she thought the nun would probably say- that the
"movement" was no more than wishful thinking on Ione's part.
Ione would need more comforting, then, and Linnesse had to be
ready to provide whatever she could- even if that was little
enough.
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Author: LadyCastus
Date: Tue Oct 28, 2008 1:31 pm
Neeria


Things moved very quickly. Lancelot and Tristan eased their
grips only slightly on the small woad woman. Before she knew
it, she was pulled out of the cell and into the narrow
corridor. The light streaked in through a nearby window,
nearly blinding her as she'd been in the dark so long. Neeria
squeezed her eyes shut. The men in the corridor seemed even
taller and more ominous to her as she and the knights, Arthur
and Neeve walked past cells, making their way toward the
entrance.

Neeve, the healer, and rushed to catch up with Arthur who
strode confidently in the front of the procession, his long
cape slightly billowing as he walked straight and erect.
Neeria looked up at his broad shoulders and the back of his
curly head. He seemed massive to her. She still was not used
to his presence. Neeve was talking to Arthur, but Neeria
couldn't hear what they were saying. It probably wasn't
pleasant, whatever it was. Neeve didn't seem thrilled with the
order of charge over Neeria.

Neeria looked briefly to her right side, at the dark knight,
whose face was scowled and tight. Lancelot seemed to want to
put his feet through the stone floor of the prison as he
walked, stomping loudly, his footfalls echoing throughout the
dungeon.

Tristan
 
"Arthur, the little Woad yesterday..."


The scout's words caught Neeria's attention and she looked
quickly to her left. Tristan glanced at her too but his face
was as stoic as usual, his eyes hidden by his thick bangs and
his thin lips in a straight line. One braid laid on his cheek
as he stared down at Neeria. Was he talking about Eala? Did
they catch Eala and Ash? Neeria thought with horror. But
Tristan stopped talking, probably not wanting to give up
information in front of Neeria. The woad chewed on her bottom
lip then she tripped, landing on her knee. Her feet were
freezing cold. She gathered herself up and kept walking until
they finally made it out of the stinking hell hole of the
dungeons and into the daylight.

Neeria breathed a breath of fresh air.
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golden_trillium

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Author: Elessars Girl
Date: Tue Oct 28, 2008 1:56 pm

Arthur


Lancelot
 
"Derfel? Oh, certainly, commander. That will be too much
a pleasure."


Arthur had briefly cut his green eyes at Lancelot before
turning to walk away. The Commander knew his lieutenant would
follow his directives despite the sarcasm. But Arthur would
have a ‘word’ with Lancelot before he rode out today….I have
forgotten NOTHING between us….I will shield you from harm at
all costs. Do you not understand this? Do you not understand
what you still mean to me? God forgive me, but I need
you……still.

Arthur held his head high and walked with purposeful steps;
hobnailed boots clicking on the cobblestone as he led the
small party onward. Excalibur lightly slapped against the side
of his leather-clad leg in the motion and Arthur silently
prayed....for peace and for his own forgiveness....Arthur’s
cuirass felt tight against his chest today as if the weight of
his command were pressing down upon the Roman as he walked.

Neeve
 
“Commander, on a word, please…”


“Of course,” Arthur gave the Briton permission to continue as
she came to walk closely at his side. He knew Neeve well and
that she’d speak her mind whether he had agreed to hear it or
not. She could easily be of Sarmatian decent rather than
Briton - with having many of the same stubborn traits as the
knights and Darya.

Neeve
 
“First of all…I have no idea what I’ve done to deserve
being made that Woad’s babysitter…but what’s even more
important: I know about your plans for the day and the
reasons for them… And just for the record, Arthur…as a
healer and your friend….to ride out to face the Woads
again is a bad idea…and I cannot give you my healer’s
permission for this quest with a good conscious. I know
that this won’t make you change your mind…so please do
me at least one favour: see me first thing upon your
return. For your health’s and my sanity’s sake…”


“Your concerns are noted, and you may fuss over me upon my
return,” Arthur answered while glancing over at Neeve with
clarity both in his tone and in his intensely green eyes…..and
perhaps just a hint of sarcasm in the latter part of his
words.

“Take the girl now and clean her up – treat her as needed –
Lancelot will see to it that Derfel is along presently to
guard her,” The Commander concluded his instructions for
Neeve, quite evident in his expression were his trust and
confidence in the healer’s abilities in managing to follow
through with Arthur’s orders. And while he did appreciate
Neeve’s apprehensions (and her honesty in voicing them),
Arthur had had enough of all those around him speaking to him
as if he were incompetent. Did they not know him at all?
Arthur had ridden into battles with far worse wounds than this
one – his right hand lifted to cover over his injured side as
he walked - facing Merlin would require wit not weapons. Yet
Arthur was no fool, he had dealt with the Woads nearly his
entire life. He knew what he faced today.

Tristan
 
"Arthur… The little Woad, yesterday..."


At hearing the scout’s gravelly voice from behind, Arthur
glanced back over his shoulder at Tristan curious as to what
the man had to say. Tristan rarely spoke out on anything, thus
when he did it was typically important…and Arthur paid
attention. The Commander squinted against the nearly mid day
light as the group immerged from the dungeons and he was
poised to extract from Tristan whatever that it was on the
scout’s mind when he heard Lancelot interject:

Lancelot
 
"Which one this time?"


Expecting that what counsel Tristan may wish to divulge would
not be information that Neeria should be privy to, Arthur
decided to divide the group before hearing it.

“Tristan, Lancelot….hand the girl over to Neeve….you both
shall remain with me,” Arthur said, his authority clear and
his tone once again would brook no argument. The Commander
then picked up his pace as they rounded the final corner that
would lead them to the stables and hopefully an awaiting
contingent of men that would accompany Arthur on his ride.

“Tristan,” Arthur said the man’s name while he slightly
gestured with his right hand for the scout to walk at his
side. “What of this Woad from yesterday?” He asked the moment
Neeve and Neeria were some distance away, not entirely sure if
Tristan was speaking of Neeria or another Woad. But either way
the information may be of importance to Arthur, especially
before he rode in search of Merlin.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Pinkie
Date: Tue Oct 28, 2008 3:59 pm
Catherine


Malcus
 
"How about both, my lady?"


On such a cold day, the feeling of warm breath against her ear
and traversing the tender skin of her neck was something
divine. Catherine smiled and it was not a tihng she had to
feign at all. It was a sumptuous smile, delighted and
confident, her eyelashes lowered to contrast darkly against
her pale skin. Her job was not such that one could be proud,
but at least it was a warm job! His tongue touched agianst her
earlobe unexpectedly and Catherine hitched in a breath. She
pulled her head back and glanced up at the Captain with mild
rebuke, though there was no venom in the look. Merely
chastising him for his impatience.

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

"Ay, Captain Barbattus!"

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

"Ay, Captain,"

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


Catherine rocked back on her heels, green eyes narrowing
slightly at the boy,Henry. She gave him a pretty smile when he
glanced at her. The blonde looked as if she paid not a bit of
attention to what it was that the Captain ordered, but once he
turned to offer her his elbow, Catherine simpered a smile and
took it, gently laying her beautiful hand against the man's
forearm, her fingertips just touching the exposed skin at his
wrist. She walked in next to him, turning to give him a small
smile as she gestured to a booth off in one corner of the
tavern, set almost behind the front counter. It was quiet -
and it's only downfall was that it was not in the direct line
of heat from the fire, tucked away on the opposite side of the
tavern, but at least it was private.

Catherine sat and reached up to open the brooch holding her
cloak on. Her red bodice was hugging her form tightly, the
brown skirts full and lucious. The blonde slid the cloak down
behind her and leaned blew delicately on her cold fingers,
looking at the Captain from beneath a fine row of eyelashes.

"Dare I presume that imprisoned stablemasters have nothing to
do with angels or dreams in your life, Captain Barbattus?" she
said his name casually, letting him know that she knew
precisely who he was. And letting him wonder if she had asked
somenoe who he was or if she had come to know his name and
face through her work dealings.









Amadeus

Jols & Tayala
 
"I'll do you one better, Scipio sir. We've got a new stable girl, she just arrived but knows her way around a stable, just like the back of her hand sir. She's young, but quick and efficient."

"Here you are, My lord Optio. Your mount is all saddled and ready for the mission that Jols' told me about. He said that it was a very important one, so I made sure that your mount was ready to go when called for."


Amadeus dipped his head as he followed Jols. He raised an
eyebrow at the mention of a new stable girl, idly wondering
why the man thought the fort's Optio might be interested in
such a minor piece of news. He did not utter a word of what he
thought though, merely shrugged one broad shoulder and came to
stand before a child. Nothing more than a child. Jols
indicated the child and turned to go back to his own horse,
leaving him with her. She was unpleasant and was at least true
to her word in having his horse ready for him, but the Optio
couldn't help but glance over his shoulder at Jols in mild
rebuke.

Imbecile.

Leaving the Optio with a mere stablegirl and leaving the
readying of the Optio's horse with a mere stablegirl!? It was
ludicrous. But Amadeus bit his tongue. He couldn't give up
this new found trick of winning people's affections by his
generosity.

He ran his tongue against his teeth and gave a tight smile to
the child. He reached a gloved hand out for the reins and
gingerly took them, glancing at the dark eyes of his gelding.

"That's a good girl." he said to the child, and had the
decency to flip her a copper for her troubles, giving her a
small smile that some might describe as condescending. Though
it was nto this explicitly. Amadeus was walking back towards
teh group with his horse in tow when a thought struck him. He
turned back to the child and looked around his horse towards
her, narrowing his grey eyes in thought as he looked down the
line of horses.

"Girl - there are two other horses in the stall next to mine.
A mulish grey and a fine legged grey also. See to them for me,
hm?" he asked, rooting in his pouch for another coin for her.
Wybert and Rowan's horses... the man gave a wry smile, his
grey eyes sparkling a moment in fond memory of the red-head.
He took a deep breath, a tinge of sadness in his eyes then as
he met the child's - "Walk the finer of the two - do not ride
her, she's tempermental at best. Feed and brush them both for
me." he asked with a superior smile to her.

Rowan's horse would make a beautiful gift to Linnesse, Amadeus
thought to himself.









Smith

Kayley
 
"When do you not? Need I remind you of our last bonfire
and Roan? I think you enjoyed frustrating him acting as
my shadow all evening. I'll have you know he was a
perfect gentleman, Maybe you could learn something from
him."


Smith snorted at her suggestion that he might be more a
gentleman. His eyebrows had descended into a dark 'v' as he
tried to recall which bonfire, and which of the hangers-on
that Kayley attracted had been Roan. His lips pursed and his
right arm fell loose against his side, hand upturned on his
thigh as he rested the limb to alleviate the strain on his
collarbone. His left hand held the make-do reins that he used
- bits of rope, trailed through his long fingers.

He knew Kayley wouldn't change him. Because no matter what
happened between them or between anyone else they always
inevitably had each other. Smith did not rely on anyone, he
did not gravitate towards anyone - but there was an obvious
kinship between him and Kayley. They didn't spend all that
much time at their mothers house, given that they were usually
off on patrols or hunting, but regardless of this there was a
common bond there.

Smith was happy to take anyone up onto his horse with him -
Kayley always proved to be the most uncomfortable up there
with him.

Kayley
 
"Oh, I don't know. I'll think about it, I suppose if it
means that much to you, though - I guess I could protect
you from Micah. But, then who will protect me?"


Smith had his head turned to the side to look at Kayley's
expressions as she chided him, her cutting sarcasm making him
grin even moreso.

"Scáth." he replied without hesitation. As if in agreement,
the black horse gave a loud and resounding snort, lowering his
massive head to the ground, tugging at the reins a little.
Smith leaned forward a little, tensing his knees inwards a
fraction to give the horse a little more guidance then sat
back comfortably. Kayley's hand went about his abdomen and he
looked down at her sprawled fingers. A frown twitched over his
forehead, his expression becoming inexplicably intense.

Kayley
 
"You're sort of terrible, you know that?"


Her words were almost lost on him so softly were they spoken.
She kissed his cheek and sat back - Smith turned his cheek to
his shoulder and looked at her out of the corner of his eye.
He smiled fondly and breathed a laugh through his nostrils,
still looking rather intense for no obvious reason.

"Yeah." he replied to her question. Suddenly Smith turned to
face her, his eyebrows deeply set between his eyes and his
face incredulous. His movements were awkward, having to move
his entire upper body instead of just turning his head, and
even still it drew a pained hiss from him as he stared at
Kayley.

"Was Roan that wimp of a man that gave you the flowers?" he
asked in amused outrage, suddenly recalling which man Roan
was. Smith scoffed and shook his head, turning back to face
front. He clicked his tongue to Scáth, urging the horse
onwards past the others who had set off. He kept the horse far
to the side so as not to disturb the others, but gave those
who looked up a nod of his head in greeting as he went past.

"Your taste in men is atrocious, Kayley, if that is what warms
your blood in a man." Smith muttered to her over his shoulder,
a devious, playful edge to his tone as they struck out ahead
of the others, scouting ahead a few yards to ensure no
surprises awaited them.
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