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| October 2008 | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: May 1 2010, 05:17 PM (3,213 Views) | |
| golden_trillium | May 7 2010, 09:57 PM Post #121 |
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Author: Darya Date: Tue Oct 14, 2008 1:04 pm Neeve The healer was glad that Neeria continued to cooperate and indeed sat up, lifting her dirty tunic as she did so. By the Gods, the Woad should eat something. She was way too skinny for her own good. Ah well, whatever… Neeve briefly shook her head as she picked up the bandages she had brought and began to carefully wrap them about Neeria’s small form. The bandages would shield the wound from dirt and should make sure the salve works its magic. Hopefully. The Briton worked thoroughly as always even though the stench of dungeons was beginning to bother her. Blinking twice and sensing that Neeria was watching her every move, Neeve blew a strand of hair out of her face and forced herself to focus on the bandages only… When she was finally done, the raven-haired woman checked the hold of the bandages and then nodded at her work. That was it. She had done what she could to save the prisoner’s – a Woad’s – life. The life of the person that had attempted to kill Arthur. This thought would remain in her mind as so long as Neeria was around and there was nothing the other woman could do to change that… “Alright…this should do the job…”, Neeve then said and gestured for Neeria to adjust her tunic again, “…all else is up to the Gods…”
The healer had just started to pack the few items left, which she would bring back to the tavern, when Neeria spoke again. Her words made Neeve lift her chin slightly and her piercing blue eyes practically bore into the other woman’s dark ones. “I am…not a Woad…”, she stated in an almost chilly voice and then closed her eyes for an instant, taking a deep breath as she did so. Even though Neeria had perhaps not meant it that way…but Neeve’s instinctive immediate interpretation of the prisoner’s words let it be nothing but an insult to the healer. Woads had killed her family right before Neeve’s eyes. Something she would never forget. Something that had defined the word ‘Woad’ as insult in her little mind… “And it is beyond my power to decide whether or not you get the permission to wash and change clothes…”, the Briton then added quickly, yet in a softer voice again, while busying herself with packing, “…but I’ll leave the bucket here. You could use the water that’s left to clean yourself a little… That would be at least a start…” |
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| golden_trillium | May 7 2010, 09:58 PM Post #122 |
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Author: lady ione Date: Tue Oct 14, 2008 1:22 pm Brendyn He continued to watch the happenings around him in case someone needed to speak to him. He had seen Tatiana move swiftly past those gathered and disappeared into the stables. He thought she had said 'hello' to everyone, but before he had a chance to return the greeting, she had gone into the dimmness of the building. Inwardly, he didn't blame her for not wanting to say anything to him, as he had not really made any time to contact her after he yelled at her, and then had been called to other duties. It was definitly better for him this way as he really ha no time to devote to a relationship anyway...though he hoped that he had not destroyed the friendship side of what they had. Turning is glance back to the rest of the group, Brendyn noticed that Titrus, Quintus and Malcus had finished their talk and was immensly curious as to what the talk had been about. Well, sometimes officers had business to work out, so Brendyn felt safe not to press them out of sheer curiosity. He walked to the side of Tyranus and rechecked everything again just to keep busy, and as he did so, he prayed inwardly as he had totally forgotten to go to morning prayer. Now was as good a time as any, so he prayed for those going on the mission and for strength and wisdom in whatever situation came their way. He prayed for Malcus, Darya, and those left behind at the fort. Mostly, he prayed for himself as this was his first official mission since coming to the fort, so he prayed for God to lead his actions and that he might find the wisdom and strength to do the right things at the right moment. Somehow, it had not made sense, but he felt some sort of danger mixed in with this, or something that made him feel more guarded and alert. He did not look over at the angry soldier, but could feel the tensness in the air. Don't forget to pray for dicernment to sense danger before it strikes... Tyranus pawed at the earth again, and bobbed his head up and down, then turned it to look at where his master had checked his saddle bags again. Brendyn finished his prayer, then smiled at the black face looking at him, 'Don't worry, my dear friend....we'll be off soon. Patience is a good thing....' He whispered to the animal. A movement caught his glance and he saw Tristan move off to tend to his horse, then to Darya who now held the lovely bird of prey as though it was use to her presence. Brendyn watched her for a moment as she stepped back toward the group, not far from him, caressing the fine looking hawk. He had always loved to watch them circle in the sky. Looking up from his work, and reaching out to quiet his horse, Brendyn whispered loud enough for her to hear, "Tis a fine looking hawk. Where I am from, they are symbols of freedom and courage.'' The soldier did not make a move to pet it as they were wild at heart and were loyal to only their handlers. He was satisfied just to look at the bird resting easily on the Sarmatian's arm. |
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| golden_trillium | May 7 2010, 10:01 PM Post #123 |
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Author: golden_trillium Date: Tue Oct 14, 2008 1:35 pm Linnette
"Well..." Linnette had smiled, a bit amused despite herself at the girl's protestations that her work was no good- nothing could have been further from the truth- but now her face fell, and she leaned back against the stable wall, sighing and crossing her arms in front of her, almost hiding the bandages on her hands. She took a deep breath, composing her thoughts, and turned her head sideways to look at Mari. The girl's eyes were huge, dark, and impossibly earnest and innocent. Was it possible that Linnette herself had looked like that once upon a time, when she had rode in Badon's gates with a fire in her heart, but knowing little of the wider world? And how much had she changed since then? "I think your drawings are wonderful, but I was wondering...can you do people? Make them look like they really look?" Or at least close? Linnette could not have known it, perhaps, but as she said that, her expression really did become more like Mari's- full of almost childish, pathetic hope that Mari might, just possibly, say yes. It was a difficult commission Linnette had- the drawing of a person who was not even there- but she clung now with desperation to the possibility that Mari might be able- and willing- to do it, and her wide, pleading eyes reflected that as she gazed at the other girl, almost a mirror of her now. Merlin
"Understandably." Guinevere looked at him, but beyond this certainly expected desire to be back in the village, her face and voice betrayed no emotion, and Merlin felt a surge of frustration at that. Why would she not confide more in him? She used to- why not any more? Was she still sulking with her rebuke for unnecessarily killing that warrior back at the huts? Maybe that was it. Well, Merlin stood by his opinion regarding that incident, but on the other hand, he certainly hadn't meant to to lead to estrangement between him and his oldest daughter. She was too important to her people for them to lose her presence, her leadership. "Guinevere..." Merlin began, not sure what he meant to say, but letting some of his frustrated desire for more open communication out in that one voicing of her name. But before he could go on any further, the sound of hooves pounding on earth approached the clearing, and many of the Woads, including Merlin, stiffened, ears perking up, hands drifting towards weapons. The rider, however, was coming from the opposite direction from the fort, indeed from the direction that the rest of the Woads had continued traveling yesterday, and a few moments later it became clear that it was just Smith, probably sent back to see how Merlin and the others were faring. The others relaxed at his presence, called out a few greetings, and Smith dismounted and made his way toward Merlin- starting quite noticeably as he passed Mona lying dead on the ground.
"Ah, yes, so I gathered." Merlin shot a regretful look at Guinevere, regretful that they had no more time or privacy now, and then came forward to clasp Smith's hand in greeting. "Did everyone else get there safe? As you can see, we've had a little...incident." Merlin glanced at Mona's throat-cut body with dispassionate contempt. Traitor. "But most of us are well. Eala was rescued. Unfortunately Neeria remains in the Roman fort." Merlin frowned at that, but then looked expectantly to Smith for his report on the status of the larger Woad group. |
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| golden_trillium | May 7 2010, 10:05 PM Post #124 |
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Author: lady ione Date: Tue Oct 14, 2008 4:43 pm Adian He arrived back at the building he had been working on and climbed the ladder once again to join the other two workers who were also mending the badly damaged roof. Adian smiled at the progress they had made as there was almost no sign that a hole had ever been existent there...all they had to do was replace the shingles. Thankfully, they did not need ceramic tiles like the ones on some of the other buildings. From his vantage point, Adian looked up and saw the other side of the fort...North. With a sigh, he looked back down at the work he was doing. Everytime he looked over the moors on either side of the wall, Adian felt cooped up. There was so much to explore out there, and now that Thorn was gone, and Ione had Javier, there was no reason for him to linger further. Some part of him longed for the freedom to do as he chose and he had lived part of his life like that....doing things to help others, and when the work was done, he always moved on. But there was another part of him, that, strangely enough, longed to just settle down and find a decent woman and have children. The thought brought a dark cloud passing over his face. The woads had taken that dream from him without a thought. Without a thought.... Gods! If he had found their dead pitiful bodies still lying there...where ever that was....he would have made damn sure that there was nothing left of them to recognize. Skin them and let the dogs and vermin after them! If Thorn, the child she was carrying and the one she was protecting were not allowed to live, then no woad should be allowed to live. Adian had heard talk among the men of a woad prisoner. What he would not give to have that prisoner taste the same pain and suffering that Thorn had endured: Her back having been severed. Evil thoughts, ones he had never thought before passed through his mind. Visions of the prisoner hanging from a wall by irons and being flayed slowly.... Why should that one be allowed to live? Why should any of them!? Adian brought the hammer down and drove the nail into the plank, but his anger did not show in the hit. No. He kept it inward for to show such animosity would warrant his death...which right now would be the only way he'd ever be with the one he loved. He would be with Thorn and their child... So he worked on in silence as his eyes looked back toward the north. Caledonia was wild uninhabited country except for the picts. As Adian worked he weighed his two choices: One: He could live in this fort alone and surrounded by those who did not and never would understand him....though had he really given them a chance? Two: He could leave the fort by the North wall and live free and uninhibited in the wilds... Tatiana. Gods! She was willing to give him a chance at love. Another chance to live life and feel the happiness of just being....she had even given herself to him. All too willingly! Everything she did was without thought as though desperate for someone to cling to! Sure he had asked her to move in with him, but what if he had been a criminal or murderer? Was she running from a bad realationship? Because he did not want to come between two feuding lovers... He continued to think and work as the light chilled rain fell. |
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| golden_trillium | May 7 2010, 10:07 PM Post #125 |
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Author: Unicorn Date: Wed Oct 15, 2008 12:26 pm Mirtha Mirtha could not watch Ione holding her dead child and murmuring something into it's dead ears. It was so dramatic... So sad. He looked away with a deep frown and just stood there helpless. And no thoughts came into his mind this time. He felt empty.
Stabble master looked up at Linnesse with a frown, not fully understanding why the hell was she calling him sir in the first place. But this was ofcourse besides the point! His mind was in a mess.
Aidan... Yes, Mirtha had met him before. Mirtha gazed upon Linnesse having her arms around Ione in comforting position... and Ione slowly fading away. Mirtha swallowed hard. This was such uncomfortable situation. "Yes..." he croacked out finally. "I...I will find him... Besides.. I really should be going back..." his gaze dropped and Mirtha cleared his throat. ".. check the stables." He wanted to send the woman and encouraging smile, but he could not... His face remained emotionless and he moved a little more away the bed and only nodded to Linnesse. "I'll tell him to come..." he said turning away and storming out of the infirmary. Fucking nightmare! The sharp, cold air hit him and his mind finally registered what was he witnessing inside. Ione had lost her child! Sadness took over him. Nobody should loose a child.... Nobody. Mirtha walked fast... trying to keep himself focus on geting to the stables.. nothing more. He arrived there and found that there was a hustle around. "What the... fuck?" he murmured under his breath. Was there any mission or something? He did not know about anything! "What the hell is going on here??" he asked loudly, crossing his arms over the chest. What a mess!? Dagonet Finally he got some sleep. After a rough night without any rest at all it was almost like a blessing to just close his eyes and have some peace. There was no images back in his mind. Only darkness... But it did not last for long... He felt somebody's presence by him, and he felt awaking slowly. Stirred slightly and oppened his eyes slowly to look upon a bundle beside his elbow. "Food?" he asked closing his eyes with a little smile, while his hand went under his head, to make himself comfortable. |
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| golden_trillium | May 7 2010, 10:08 PM Post #126 |
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Author: golden_trillium Date: Wed Oct 15, 2008 1:44 pm Linnesse
"Thank you," Linnesse squeaked, scooting over a bit and leaning away from Mirtha's abruptly passing figure as he strode out of the room, not meeting Linnesse or Ione's eyes. He looked in such a black mood, even apart from the sadness, it was disconcerting...but he had said he would send Adian and hopefully he would. Linnesse had really never understood why the stable master had been there in the first place- what did he have to do with Ione? He had left the door open behind him, and Linnesse, after another comforting rub to Ione's back, rose to her feet and went to shut it. Continued privacy was probably best for Ione now. However, once she stood in the doorway, she paused, her attention attracted by the activity around the bed accupied by Cassidy and Fleur. Drake was still there. He seemed to be talking to Fleur, who stood on the edge of the bed, but most alarmingly, he had his hand on her cheek, his huge, thick fingers looking somehow repulsive to Linnesse when paired with the girl's wispy blonde hair. The hand was lowered quickly, and Drake then said something else which seemed to be addressed to Cassidy- but that didn't make the sick lump in Linnesse's throat go away. She swallowed hard, attempting to gather her courage, and glanced back at the other woman in the room. "I...I'll be back in just a minute, Ione," she assured her in a voice that was shakier than she wanted it to be, and, before she could change her mind, squared her shoulders and went out into the main infirmary room, stopping her determined strides only when she reached the head of the girls' bed- the opposite side from Drake. She felt more comfortable with the large piece of furniture between them. "Can I help you with something, sir?" she asked, her prim, clipped tone indicating clearly that she was quite sure the answer was no, and that indeed Drake had no business here at all, and had better leave. At least, that was the effect Linnesse was going for- the tone that sent troublemakers scurrying when Mother Lavinia used it, even though the actual words were the epitome of politeness. Linnesse herself didn't seem to be doing it quite right, though- it came out much too uncertain, too squeaky, even. Quintus and Tristan
"Getting ready to ride out- Commander's orders," Quintus explained briskly as the stablemaster, Mirtha, suddenly made his way into the center of the preparing group, glaring about him balefully. The Centurion wondered exactly what was making the man so irate, but the stable master did have a reputation for a bit of a temper. He was a good manager, though- kept the stables running like clockwork, most of the time. Quintus looked down and made a miniscule adjustment to his sword belt, as out of the corner of his eye he saw the scout, Tristan, eying Mirtha rather suspiciously from behind a couple of stray braids. At least, Tristan looked suspicious to Quintus- but then again, that did seem to be the scout's natural expression. Who knew what the man was thinking- there seemed to be no way of telling. |
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| golden_trillium | May 7 2010, 10:12 PM Post #127 |
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Author: Pinkie Date: Wed Oct 15, 2008 2:20 pm Smith Smith willingly extended his hand to greet Merlin, at ease with the woad leader. He trusted him implicitly. They may not always see eye-to-eye on some things, but Merlin, Smith knew, was sent from the gods to protect the woads and as long as that man lived he would not ever go against his word. He could understand the man's reluctantance to employ Roman methods in order to defeat the Romans and he could not argue with that. Merlin knew what was best for the woads right now. Smith would do as he was bid by the old leader. Always.
The dark-haired woad cast a curious look to Guinevere when Merlin did, noting something unspoke between father and daughter - another thing he would not venture to disturb. He admired Guinevere though her skills and sense of self were hardly surprising given who her father was. Smith inclined his head to her as Merlin turned to look at Mona. Smith glanced down at Mona and then to Merlin's face, well noting the disdain that was there. His suspicions affirmed, the young woad spat on the ground to ward off the evil spirits and demons that possessed one of their own kind to turn against them, and then ruthlessly turned his back on a woman he had once admired - purposely showing Merlin that he held no regard for her now, now that Merlin had deemed her unworthy.
Smith was nodding his head, narrowed dark eyes peering from beneath a curtain of hair as he looked for Eala. He did not see the child but took Merlin's word on it, turning his gaze back to his leader to report. It was a loss to hear of Neeria's circumstances but all knew that there were sacrifices to be made. "Regrettable that she had not just simply been killed in battle than to remain the prisoner of those foul Romans." he commented in a thick voice, practically growling. He took a deep breath of cool air to compose himself. "All is safe at the village, Merlin. Though your people miss their leader." Smith added with a wry twist of his lips, a hint of a dark smile just visible beneath the tendrils of hair that fell over his brow. He raked a hand back through those locks and straightened his neck, jutting his chin upwards. The tendons in his neck were poised, tensed as he perused the gathering - a light frown beginning on his forehead as he noted some people gathering. "What's happening?" he asked with a gesture of his hand towards those gathering, Kayley and Micah included. Mari When Linnette initially looked away from her when she asked what it was she wanted drawn, Mari took a moment to look the woman over, to commit her face to memory. She was an attractive woman - some might call her plain, but Mari was ever observant of those features that made a person special. Her hazel eyes for example - Mari found their color to be most intriguing. She was a small woman though she looked sturdy of character, strong and resilient despite ... well, despite the look of tiredness about her eyes and... were they bandages? The woman's arms folded before Mari could be certain and then those hazel eyes were upon her. Mari gave a small blush at being caught looking so intensely but remained attentive to what itwas Linnette wanted.
Mari couldn't explain what it was in Linnette's eyes that made a lump form in her throat. Suddenly the air seemed to thick to breathe in properly, the atmosphere became charged around them and the young woman knew something portentious to be occurring. Her lips parted to thank Linnette for her kind words about her drawings but Mari found herself unable to articulate very much more than a whispered 'thank you'. Her request was rather strange - it took Mari a moment to make sense of what Linnette meant. To make people look the way they look? What other way was there? Mari wasn't able to create things other than what was in front of her - though she did manage to always see and feel the best in people. She swallowed hard, unable to look away from Linnette and before she really thought about it she was nodding her head. A clatter from inside the stables seemed to break the trance. Mari gave a small start and broke eye contact. She looked down at the drawing of the crow and puffed out her cheeks. "Well I mean I can try. I can't promise that it will be good, I've never really tried to draw people. I've drawn my father's hands while he slept and I once drew a picture of a horse. It wasn't very good at all - but I .. " she was speaking very quietly, hesitantly looking back to Linnette. She bit her bottom lip and felt the urge to reach over and touch the woman's shoulder, to offer solace to restore whatever it was the woman lacked - for it was certain that she did lack something. There was a sadness about her, a highly charged longing that Mari could feel buzzing about her. "It can't hurt to try, can it?" she offered her a sweet smile instead of a comforting touch, hope blazing in her eyes that she might be able to help someone that needed her help. "So long as whoever it is doesn't mind sitting very still for a very long time!" Mari gave a bright laugh, slightly shrill as she was still a little tense, a little uncertain as to why someone would want a drawing of someone else. Only nobles did that kind of thing, didn't they? Saoirse
He stirred. Saoirse found herself sitting very still, hoping that he might see her but still sleep if that is what his body needed. One grey-green eye creaked open at her and she gave her lover a smile to see him smile. It was a small thing, granted, but it was more than she had seen from him since they came back from the mission. Saoirse wondered if, in that moment of sleepy bliss, that Dagonet had forgotten his woes. A very serious part of her refused toconsider that he might be coming to terms with his loss. It would do her no good to build up her hopes too highly. They would only have a long fall. "Aye food. An' good stuff too. Vanora sends her best in both sentiment an' nourishment." Saoirse answered in a soft voice, leaning forward, her arms crossed on the bedside with her chin leaning against her folded wrists. She was close to Dagonet, close enough to tip her head forward a little and brush her cold nose against his upper arm, savouring the musty scent on his tunic. But there was an underlying scent of sweat, blood and mud. Saoirse scrunched her nose and leaned back onto her folded wrists again, grinning lopsidedly at the Sarmatian. "I brought some clean clothes t'take t'the baths with us too. I'll be damned if I'll sleep another night next t'tha' stench." she ribbed gently, reaching her hand out to touch Dagonet's chest, just beneath his collarbones, with her small fingertips. |
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| golden_trillium | May 7 2010, 10:17 PM Post #128 |
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Author: LadyCastus Date: Wed Oct 15, 2008 8:33 pm Malcus Barbattus Malcus looked around and noticed the size of their group had grown significantly. The captain began to feel uncomfortable in his civilian clothes, not wanting to have to explain should some one ask why. He had given Quintus and Titrus their orders, their instructions, so there was really little else to do. Malcus certainly didn't want to run into the optio. That wouldn't do to see Amadeus gloating at the fact that Malcus was being left behind to work in the stables.
Malcus narrowed his eyes at the stable master and walked over to him. "These men are riding out for a mission on the orders of Commander Castus. Jols here seems to have tacked all of the horses in your absence." Malcus looked at the man up and down, head to toe. Mirtha looked like he'd had a hard night with very little sleep. "While the Commander is gone," Barbattus said, "I will be working about here in the stables. At least for the next 3 days. Now, I know we have met before, but tell me your name again." The man didn't look pleasant at all. Malcus figured the next three days would be interesting if nothing else. Just then, Malcus spotted Catherine walking through the commons. She was like a breath of fresh air. She was a thing of beauty against a backdrop of ugliness. She was dressed in brown and red. Ah, red, the captain's favorite color. Malcus smiled suddenly and abruptly turned away from Mirtha, craning his neck, trying to make eye contact with the blond. Had she seen him? He hoped so. After the events of the past couple of days, after the men left, Catherine may be able to offer him exactly what he'd need to feel better. Neeria
The cleanliness of the bandages felt good against Neeria's hot skin. Whatever salve Neeve used, it had cooled her wound significantly and the pain had all but subsided. The healer worked with efficiency and quickness and soon she was putting her supplies away. Oh, how Neeria longed to rip off her filthy clothes and bathe in a stream or river. The woad was thankful for the company Neeve provided in the dark, smelly cell as well. The quiet was maddening and Neeria dreaded the thought of being left alone again. Perhaps her fellow countrywoman would help her get out of the dreadful place. Neeria reached up and scratched her head. Bits of something fell out of hair. "That feels much better," Neeria said softly. "Will I be able to bathe, sister?" she asked again.
Neeria detected the note of ....disgust?... in the way the healer said 'woad'. The warrior looked at Neeve and tilted her head to the side.
"Why do you say the word 'woad' with such disgust? Are we not kin?" Neeria asked, searching the other woman's face. As she waited for Neeve's answer, Neeria scooted over to the bucket of water and began splashing water on her face and neck. She cupped her hands and rubbed her face vigorously trying to wash the grime she felt in the corners of her eyes and mouth. "Are we not both of this country? And why are you here with Arthur?" |
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| golden_trillium | May 7 2010, 10:19 PM Post #129 |
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Author: lady ione Date: Wed Oct 15, 2008 8:34 pm Ione She seemed to hear and nothing , though she did feel the soothing touches on her back. Linnesse was still close as was her son...little Ian. Ione almost welcomed the unwelcome sleep that threatened to place a vail of darkness between the view of her son and her mind. Oh gods! Why her? What had she ever done but wanted to find happiness and love. It seemed that the gods were punishing her. Try as she would, Ione opened her heavy eyes only to see Mirtha conversing with Linnesse on who should get Adian...a moment of uneasiness filled the room and Ione protectivly held the dead child. The stable master was upset again....uncomfortable. Thankfully, he had left the room before he could really get upset. Mirtha stomp out of the room....
Ione's eyes grew heavier, but did not want to sleep for fear the nun would come and take the child from her while she was unconscious. Linnesse had gotten up to close the door, and Ione allowed her eyes to go shut for a moment, then she opened them again.
The weaver thought she had nodded an acknowledgment as the blond left the room closing the door slightly. Ione was alone with her baby and her thoughts. Her body ached and the area between her thighs was very sore making it uncomfortable to switch positions. None of this mattered really as she was now alone with the tiny form of a little angel...his body growing cold and a bit stiff...but she held him close. With one hand, Ione pulled the blanket lightly over his face as if to hold in the heat, and softly began to hum a lullaby until she could no longer remain awake. 'Love you...my brave...little Ian...never...forget that...I love...you' even in her unconsciousness, Ione still placed a soft kiss on the now cold tiny form. 'I'll..miss you...' Ione resumed softly humming to her baby even in her sleep while the Lieutenant's face continued to drift in her mind....her dear friend... |
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| golden_trillium | May 7 2010, 10:21 PM Post #130 |
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Author: Darya Date: Thu Oct 16, 2008 12:20 pm Darya Darya watched Tristan walk away, certainly to prepare his horse. The hawk squeaked quietly and cocked its head to one side as if critically judging its owner’s doing. “He’ll be back in no time…”, Darya whispered towards the animal and gently adjusted the bandage about its wing… Even though Tristan had indicated that she could leave the bird in the stables, the woman had already silently decided to take it to her room. It was warmer and safer in there. She made a mental note to herself to go to the tavern and get some meat later in the day and almost became more and more oblivious to her surrounding while pondering what she could best do for the hawk’s well-being when a voice nearby reached her ears. The word 'hawk' signalized her that the spoken words were directed at her…
The dark Sarmatian shifted her gaze from the bird of prey on her arm towards the person who was apparently addressing her. It was Brendyn. And just when the woman parted her lips to say something, yet another rather loud voice filled the courtyard. A voice she knew. Darya arched an eyebrow and smirked slightly when her eyes indeed fell onto Mirtha, the smithy and stable master.
She watched the scene for a moment to see how it would develop…but when Captain Barbattus approached Mirtha as well, the dark-haired turned towards Brendyn again to finally reply to his earlier statement. “Yes, she is indeed a beauty…”, Darya said and met the bird’s sharp gaze for a moment, “…and a loyal friend to the best scout on this island.” The woman smiled faintly before glancing at Brendyn again. “Freedom is a precious thing to have…”, she then mused and briefly shook her head, “…wouldn’t it be great to be able to fly like them? Like a hawk? Wild and free…no boundaries?” A pause. “This one will soon circle in the sky again...”, the female Sarmatian added and once more looked at the animal on her arm… Neeve For a reason perhaps only Neeve herself understood, Neeria had managed to wipe every bit and hint of compassion away from the healer’s mind. Instead, Neeve recalled all Tristan had said last night and therewith felt the distance between herself and the prisoner grow again. Maybe a good thing…for her sanity’s sake… Slowly, the healer continued to pack the last things and formed a bundle of them and the large cloth she had used to cover the bowl on the way here…
Neeve suddenly felt somewhat cornered, which only added to her feeling way too uncomfortable for her taste anyway. Maybe it had been a mistake to come here. Maybe she should have just let this Woad die a slow death in this stinky dark hole of a dungeon. With her jaw tensed almost painfully, the healer picked up her few items and stood from the dirty ground. She hated being confronted with her past…or rather with that painful part of her childhood. The Briton had learned to bury these memories, emotions and pictures deep down in her soul…but being confronted with a Woad so directly again as she was right now brought some things to the surface again. Yet this time, things were a bit different. This time, she was in charge…this time, it was in her hand whether the Woad would live or die. Gods, it would be so easy to end the prisoner’s life without leaving obvious traces. Neeve knew enough about herbs and their effects…she could either safe or end lives oh so easily… The raven-haired woman took a deep sharp breath and forced herself to maintain her emotionless expression, yet her crystal-blue eyes kept piercing Neeria relentlessly even when the smaller woman indeed scooted over to the bucket to splash some water into her dirty face. “I…have my reasons…”, the healer finally said, not quite managing to suppress the chill in her voice, “…and I…don’t slaughter other people. Your kind does…” Neeve straightened her back a little and towered above the Woad. “The country of birth is probably the only thing you and I have in common…”, she added and tilted her head slightly, narrowing her eyes as she did so. “As for the Commander…I have known him and his knights for a very long time now and none of them deserves what you have tried to do to him… Enough of the knights have died at the hands of Woads… And not only knights…but innocent civilians, too… And you expect me to call you 'sister'?” |
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| golden_trillium | May 9 2010, 02:23 PM Post #131 |
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Author: LadyCastus Date: Thu Oct 16, 2008 1:23 pm Neeria Neeria stopped splashing the cool water on her face when the healer, Neeve, stood up to full height. There was dark anger on her face and her blue eyes penetrated deeply into Neeria's dark gaze. Neeria actually smiled at her anger and looked back to the bucket, dipping her hands in and wiping the back of her neck. When Neeve finally spoke, her voice was laced with anger, and maybe even venom. Neeria understood that. She and this Briton had more in common that the Brit wanted to admit. Neeria knew she may have alienated the healer, but Neeria didn't want the woman to leave. At least not yet.
At that, Neeria stood up also. She was much taller than the dark-haired woman in front of her, but she, too, bristled at the words Neeve spoke.
Neeria narrowed her dark eyes at Neeve. "You don't know what you're talking about, lady," she said, her accent getting thicker with her anger. "One of them killed my husband right before my eyes. And his brother and my friend." Neeria's chest began to heave as her breathing became rushed. "As many of people have died as yours! My husband was slaughtered and can never come back. He was all I had. And for what? For Rome? Hear me well! I do not hate the Sarmatians, it is Rome that I hate. You are slaves just as we are! But Brittish blood flows through your veins, healer woman. That, you cannot deny. We are bond by blood! If we have killed each other, it was because of Rome. It was the blood that runs through Arthur's veins that did not allow me to kill him." Neeria's eyes widened at her own words. She stopped talking and looked to the floor. Was that why she hadn't killed Arthur when she had the chance? She had been ready to slice his throat and hestitated to ask him why he killed his own people - was it because of....Neeria's mouth fell open and she looked at Neeve, not knowing what else to say. |
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| golden_trillium | May 9 2010, 02:25 PM Post #132 |
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Author: golden_trillium Date: Thu Oct 16, 2008 5:35 pm Merlin
"Unfortunately we lost two warriors back at the campsite," Merlin explained, his words accompanied by a sudden heavy, regretful sigh. He raked a hand through his hair, unconsciously mimicking Smith's gesture, then dropped his hand as the hint of a smirk tugged up the corner of his mouth again. "We sent the Romans scurrying like the fools they are, though. Castus did not come- he sent his Optio, one Scipio, to treat with us, but the man merely fell to arguing with his subordinates right in front of us. They were easy to dismiss." Merlin lifted his chin and smiled a bit more broadly in satisfaction, then cast a glance over his shoulder at Micah, Kayley, and the rest of the assembling burial party, his mood tuning uneasy again. They might have sent the Optio packing, yes, but who knew what more dangers might await his people today. Castus would not merely sit still and ponder yesterday's incident- he would do something, and soon. "I deemed it safest to spend the night safely away, for fear the Optio..." Merlin turned his head aside from his two companions and spat expressively on the ground at the name, "...would seek reinforcements and immediately pursue- but now that it seems he has not, I have ordered a small party to go back and bury the dead if it can be done." Merlin looked back at the assembling group again, then back at Smith. "You could go with them," he suggested, raising his eyebrows in a silent inquiry as to what Smith thought of this- though really he expected nothing less than obedience. It was an order only thinly disguised as a request. "Some fresh strength would be welcome to them, I'm sure, and if there's trouble, that beast of yours could come in handy." Merlin nodded a touch warily towards Smith's horse. Foreign creature, not of this land, and Merlin wouldn't want too many of them about- but he had to admit, to himself, at least, the advantages of having one mounted scout. At least until the Romans left. When they did, his people would have no more use for such beasts. Linnette
She would try! She would at least try! Linnette slumped back against the wall in abject relief as Mari made her hedging admission, her head tilting upward and eyes closing momentarily as she let out a gusty breath. She would try, and if she could draw horses and birds and hands- how wonderful it might be to have a picture of Gedeon's hands!- why not faces? Why not? She was still riding high on a wave of perhaps-premature relief, when Mari continued, her reference to the model sitting still for a long time feeling like a stab to Linnette's heart. Gedeon would no doubt be still for a very, very long time, whereever he was- trouble was, that wasn't here, and wouldn't ever be. "Mari..." Linnette pushed herself wearily away from the wall at her back and held up a restraining hand, hoping to silence the girl's enthusiasm for just a moment while she gathered her thoughts. There were the tears again, pricking the backs of her eyes- an all too familiar feeling that just never did seem to go away. She bowed her head, scrubbing at her eyes and forehead with her other hand for a moment, and then straightened again, taking a deep breath as she resigned herself to telling the rest of it- the extenuating circumstances that Mari surely had no idea applied. "That's the hard part...the person I want drawn can't sit for you. He's..." She blinked solemnly, several tears hovering damply on her eyelashes, ready to fall. "He's..he's dead, Mari. He was my husband." Her voice had already dropped to a choked-up whisper on the last, and though she held Mari's eyes determinedly, her chin was trembling despite her efforts to stay it. Unthinkingly, she reached out and touched Mari's closest hand, almost as if giving comfort rather than seeking it- which really, she was. She was sorry to burden Mari with such a maudlin tale, when the girl had enough recent troubles of her own- but on the other hand, Mari looked like the best possible chance to get the picture of Gedeon that Linnette had so recently decided she would wither and die without. |
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| golden_trillium | May 9 2010, 02:26 PM Post #133 |
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Author: LadyCastus Date: Thu Oct 16, 2008 7:45 pm Rosita Rosita took the leather strap and tied her hair back away from her face. Despite the cold weather, she was sweating. She'd left the campsite early, before sun up to hunt. Her labor was rewarded by 4 rabbits that she'd just finished skinning and 2 quail. Their furs hung on sticks drying. She'd arrived back at the camp just in time to see the confrontation between Merlin and Mona, the traitorous bitch. It was a good thing that Merlin had killed her. If not, Rosita would have found to slit Mona's throat herself. The tall thin woad made her way over to Merlin and Smith, ready to join the burial party. As was typical, Rosita also spat on the ground and positioned herself so that her back was to Mona's body. Rosita eyed the horse carefully and walked as far away from it as she could. "Merlin, I am ready to assist with the burials if you still need me," she said to the leader, "my hunt was successful" she added looking at Smith and smirking. Rosita took in Smith, looking at him while spoke to Merlin. He was quite attractive with long dark hair with matching dark eyes. When he turned to her, she looked away quickly, red-cheeked, afraid he'd caught her looking at him. "When are you going to teach me how to handle that beast?" she asked the dark-haired woad. "Now that he is tame, I want to try." |
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| golden_trillium | May 9 2010, 02:27 PM Post #134 |
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Author: lady ione Date: Thu Oct 16, 2008 7:59 pm Brendyn The injured bird seemed to study the soldier curiously, and Tyranus eyed it apprehensively, but still Brendyn was in awe of such a bird. He had seen them soar into the heavens it seemed, then land somewhere. He had never been this close to one, but he made no move to touch it as he was not about to get his fingers bit off. Not alone were his eyes on the bird, but they seemed to catch everything else going on around them. It was at that time, when Darya seemed to want to say something to him when he heard someone else who had obviously, by the sound of the voice, had a bad day as well...not alone Karl. The booming voice startled the black horse a bit and Tyranus tossed his head back slightly while Brendyn calmed him by placing a gentle hand on the soft muzzle and stroking it softly....
His eyebrows knit together and he frowned slightly at the attitude in which the newcomer was looking about, and the way he seemed to suddenly take authority, or was it just a bad day for him as well and he needed to just yell? He shot a glance from the Sarmatian near him and back to the new arrival Malcus was now approaching. With a sigh, Brendyn turned his attention back to Darya as her softly accented voicecaught his attention...
Brendyn looked over to where Tristan was tending to his horse, and returned the gaze to Darya with a slight smile as he studied the magnificent bird resting on her arm. He wondered what it would be like to see the world through the eyes of a bird. Tyranus cocked his black head slightly as if studying the hawk, but made no approach to be friends. Brendyn had always felt that animals had ways of making friends that was almost an art form in itself: studying each other, and instinctivly deciding whether or not the other animal or bird could be trusted. His eyes moved to the sky over head, and then looked slowly down at the hawk, "The world would be a great place to live in if freedom came easily and there were no boundries, Darya." He had to agree with her as he was sure that everyone had the same dream for, if this was true, there would be no need to kill or make war. But the human race as a whole was greedy and felt the need to place boundries, and make it so that freedom came at a very high price....more often than not, that price was innocent lives. Brendyn raised his eyes to meet hers, "If only our lives could be as easy, like the hawk...but we....the human race, have pretty much made that unobtainable..." He gave her a warm smile, "I would not want things any other way...for her..I mean...." He gestured to the hawk.... |
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| golden_trillium | May 9 2010, 02:28 PM Post #135 |
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Author: LadyCastus Date: Thu Oct 16, 2008 8:02 pm Titrus Titrus tied Adolphus to a post outside the stable and walked back over to Quintus. "Quintus, there's something I need to do before we leave. The optio and Arthur haven't arrived yet and this will only take a minute. I'll be right back." With that, Titrus rushed across the common area and over to the infirmary. Inside, things had quieted down considerably from just 24 hours prior. The smell of the place still hit Titrus' stomach viciously and for a moment, he thought he'd loose his belly. Swallowing hard, the lieutenant made his way down the long row of beds and headed toward the small room in back. He nodded to Linnesse who was standing next to Drake's bed but all of the other patients seemed to be sleeping. Titrus really couldn't tell as he stretched his long legs, walking quickly, so that he could return to the stables before being missed. He knocked on the door of the room but there was no answer. After knocking again with no response, Titrus opened the door a crack and stuck his head inside. Ione was still there. She was laying on the bed with something in her arms. Titrus opened the door wider and walked in, closing the door behind him with a soft click. When he approached the bed, with almost sudden horror, he realized that what Ione held was a baby. A baby with its eyes closed and bleached white skin. Titrus knew death when he saw it and that baby was dead. He stared at Ione and realized with relief that she was still breathing and had color to her face, even though she was pale. Titrus chewed on his bottom lip for a second, contemplating what to do. He only had a few minutes but he wanted to talk to the weaver. "Ione," he whispered, leaning over the sleeping woman. "Ione, it's Titrus. I came to check on you. I must leave on a mission soon and I wanted to say good bye." He didn't know if the woman was drugged or just sleeping. Maybe he should leave and just talk to her when he got back. If he got back. The lieutenant gently moved a piece of hair that had fallen over Ione's eyes. "Ione?" he tried one more time. |
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