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| November 2008 | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: May 16 2010, 03:48 AM (3,054 Views) | |
| golden_trillium | May 19 2010, 02:30 AM Post #61 |
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Author: Starbelle Date: Thu Nov 06, 2008 8:55 pm Jols
Riding Gypsi just slightly behind and off to the Scout's right, Jols heard the muttered comment from Tristan. "They probably thought that the previous meeting was it and it was all over and done with." He muttered back, just loud enough for Tristan's ears to hear. "I do hope that their leader is feeling gracious or is in a receptive enough mood to set up a peace talk between a meeting with the Commander and himself." |
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| golden_trillium | May 20 2010, 02:14 AM Post #62 |
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Author: lady ione Date: Thu Nov 06, 2008 9:49 pm Ione
"No." Ione suddenly regretted ever having brought up the news anyway. "We were having such a wonderful talk...I don't know why I even brought it up..." She gave Linnesse a half hearted smile. Ione knew deep down that Linnesse had tried to understand, but the fact remained that in the past, Ione had made the mistake of flirting with men in public, and even so much as making a comment about how handsome a fellow was. It was only now, that she realized her mistake: by showing her feelings to men in public, and not keeping quiet about her private life. Just how much had Linnesse heard about her? Ione looked down at the cloak in her lap, and left her hand run over the soft woven cloth. Her friendship with Titrus meant the world to her, but she'd be damned if she was going to tell anyone about it. There was no one she could tell, and besides, it was none of their business anyway. This was a bit of happiness she'd keep to herself. It was not that she was ashamed of him being her friend, but Vanora and the rest would still look at it as a "crush" when that was not the case at all. Theirs was one of respect, not "one night stands". What happened in the past from now on, stayed in the past. There was so much now to look forward to, and to be happy for. Why ruin it with morbid thoughts of errors she had made in the past? Ione took the handkerchief from Linnesse and wiped her eyes, calming herself, then placed the handkerchief on the table next to her table. Inside her, the remaining twin kicked her stomach as if happy, and Ione laughed lightly rubbing over the area for a moment before holding up the cloak she had made for the Lieutenant, "What do you think of it?" The midnight black of the fabric shown off by the bleach white trim that almost looked like dull silver in the afternoon light. The trim was half done, as was the design. "It is one of the orders I was working on yesterday. Do you think it looks alright?" It was a lousy attempt to change the subject, and besides, this was a lot better topic. The baby kicked again, and this time, Ione smiled through lingering tears, "This one is a prize fighter..." Brendyn Brendyn's cloak caught the chilled air as Tyranus paced himself to a canter to keep up with the rest. It was hard to control him as the Arabian breed loved to run at full speed, but with a firm hand, Brendyn held him from doing so. The only thing more irritating than the cold air, was having to ride next to an undisciplined soldier like Karl, and it was hard to keep from all off and decking the idiot, but to what end? A waste of energy was all that was. He cringed inwardly though when Karl began spouting off again. Brendyn could only wonder what such a man had to gain by acting in such a manner...
Had he heard right, or had this common soldier just insulted a Centurion? Unbelievable! Brendyn shot Karl a glance in time to see that man blow a kiss to him, then urge his horse up the line a bit. The young Breton narrowed his eyes as they followed the arrogant fool. If Brendyn had been any of the higher ranking officers, he'd have pulled the soldier down and thrashed him so that sitting on his horse would be like sitting on a pin cushion. The soldier glanced down at the two slightly crooked fingers: a reminder of what happened when he spoke out of line...
Brendyn had not heard what Titrus had said to Quintus, but he faced Titrus as the man then spoke to him, "Aye sir." He would have said more, but there was no need to say more. As long as Karl stayed ahead of them, the better this trip would go. Not that he could not handle a man like Karl, but going on a mission after night watch was catching up with Brendyn. He had not gotten any sleep, though he was alert and ready for action.... should there be any. In his mind, Brendyn was working out scenarios, and all of the things he had been taught at Aesica...
Brendyn gave a smile to that as well as a light laugh, but then went silent. He hoped and prayed that the two officers got pardoned as well... |
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| golden_trillium | May 20 2010, 02:15 AM Post #63 |
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Author: Darya Date: Fri Nov 07, 2008 9:06 am Neeve While waiting for Vanora to find a moment for her, Neeve once more scanned the tavern, watching every person in the room briefly. By what she noticed the people were eating, the Briton realized that it had to be about noon already. Had she really spent all morning in the dungeons?? Sighing, Neeve then looked at the Woad by her side for a moment, who seemed to be curious as well as somewhat intimidated by the tavern and the people in it. Pursing her lips a little, the raven-haired woman was about to shift her gaze towards Vanora again when someone approached her from behind and a hand suddenly rested on her shoulder. Arching an eyebrow, she glanced sideways at the dirty definitely male fingers…and just a moment later a very familiar voice reached her ears…
The healer turned slightly as she found herself almost trapped between the bar, Neeria by her side and Lancelot behind her. She gave the Woad a warning glance at her comment towards the First Knight and then glanced at the Sarmatian, who had just addressed her. And while Neeria was spoken to by another man nearby – Adian if she remembered correctly – Neeve smirked at Lancelot’s words regarding his orders and let the tip of her tongue click against the back of her front teeth. “Well, I’ll get her some food here and perhaps Vanora has some spare clothes for her, too…”, the raven-haired woman mused as she kept her blue gaze on the First Knight, “…and then it’s off the bath-house I guess… Gotta follow my orders, too, right?” Neeve gave Lancelot a lopsided grin…and just when she wanted to add something, Vanora reacted to her earlier question… Thus the woman merely lifted a hand and tapped her fingertips against the Lancelot’s chest. “Don’t run away, I’m not done with you yet…”, she teased quietly and mostly for the knight’s ears, yet the expression in her eyes was death-serious as she did so… And she meant it. The Sarmatian looked like a mess and of course she knew that he still had an injured arm and clearly remembered the reason for his black eye and all the bruises. And Neeve intended to at least check on his arm and to somehow ensure the man would be presentable again soon… Then she turned her head to focus on Vanora as the other woman spoke…
“Me? No, I’m fine, thank you…”, the Briton replied and then gestured toward Neeria, “…but maybe you have some stew for this one? And some bread, too?” Then Neeve puffed out a breath and and brushed a strand of hair out of her face before she continued. “Uhm…Vanora, I was ordered to find her some clothes, too… Do you happen to have some spare clothes left somewhere? Or know where I can get some?” The healer raised both her eyebrows questioningly at the tavern manager…honestly hoping for a positive reply. |
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| golden_trillium | May 20 2010, 02:17 AM Post #64 |
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Author: golden_trillium Date: Fri Nov 07, 2008 12:38 pm Quintus and Tristan
Quintus felt a surge of fury at Karl's words and half-turned in the saddle again, ready, Arthur or no Arthur, to give the asshole a tongue-lashing like he'd never had before- at this point, if either he or Karl were made to stay home, he'd consider that a good thing- but Titrus, riding beside him, quickly intervened.
"Hmmph. Ignoring him isn't going to help...sir." Quintus placed an irritable emphasis on the title as he kicked his mount just slightly ahead, letting the Lieutenant know that he would obey the order all right- but he wasn't going to sit around to be ill-used by the fellow either. Captain or no Captain, Karl had given them enough trouble just in the getting ready to go that by all rights he ought already to be off the group- but for some reason he wasn't, and Quintus couldn't figure out why. He oughtn't to be spoken to like that, and officers oughtn't to let the men do so, either! It was bad for his authority, bad for his ability ever to control Karl in the future- though apparently he was expected to do so. Quintus ground his teeth as his mount pulled ahead and vowed silently that he was going to gut Karl with a blunt spoon as soon as he had half the chance. Bloody troublemaker had no business being within a mile of this mission. Now half a length behind the Sarmatians, Quintus was able to hear the squire, Jols, speaking to the scout- though he couldn't make out the words, just a mumble of speech.
"Mmm...doubt it," Tristan answered dryly, blowing out a breath between his lips, which were already feeling the chap of the cold. At least it wasn't raining- at the moment. "Woads are Woads," he added darkly, his disapproving tone leaving no doubt that he expected nothing but treachery from the blue demons of the forest. Linnesse
"Aye, he seems to be that," Linnesse agreed, aiming an indulgent smile towards Ione's rounded stomach, though there was still a shadow of doubt in her own mind. Surely it was too soon to really be certain, completely certain- and only time would tell if the miracle really had occurred, if there really was a second baby and how it would fare. She didn't want to raise Ione's hopes too far...though they seemed to have risen that way already. "The cloak is beautiful, too," she added with complete sincerity. It was a very attractive piece of work, dark, thick black with white trim in an intricate, yet masculine pattern. Whoever had commissioned it would certainly be very pleased- whatever else could be said about Ione, she was a near genius with a needle. "Ione," she added suddenly, turning to poke another stick a little farther into the fireplace with the edge of her foot, then facing the weaver again. "I can make you some of the tea, if you like...your cup for the day," she smiled, emphasizing the reminder of Ione's daily "medication". "And then, if you'll be all right by yourself for a bit, I want to go check on Derfel. He had an upset stomach this morning." Linnesse shrugged, and grimaced worriedly at the memory, though really, she was pretty sure that sleeping it off for a while would have cured him. Still...the sun was just past its zenith already, and she felt she should try to find him and just make sure he was all right. |
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| golden_trillium | May 20 2010, 02:18 AM Post #65 |
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Author: LadyCastus Date: Fri Nov 07, 2008 1:00 pm Karl Karl knew he'd pushed it with his last comments but he couldn't help himself. He knew he'd get a good old-fashioned ass-whipping when they got back, if he didn't get one before then. He chuckled to himself. They were so easy. That is if they made it back. Damned blue devils. Nasty fuckers, all of 'em and it would make Karl's heart sing if they could just exterminate the whole bunch, starting with that Merlin. He wasn't a magician. He'd just gotten lucky, that was it. And Arthur riding all that way just sit down and have tea with him! You can't make a pact with the devil then expect the devil to be fair. What in the hell did Artorius expect the buzzard to do? Pick on the dead meat, that's what!! Oh, well. Karl looked over at Quintus who was fuming mad and the lieutenant who was trying to ignore him. "Quint, you know I was just joking around...erm...sir. Just to loosen you a bit so you wouldn't be so nervous," Karl flashed all of his teeth in a forced smile. "No worries, lieutenant. I promise to follow orders. I may even make you proud of me." Karl reached in his pouch and a tossed a few more nuts in his mouth. |
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| golden_trillium | May 20 2010, 02:20 AM Post #66 |
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Author: lady ione Date: Fri Nov 07, 2008 6:34 pm Vanora and Adian The tavern matron studied this new comer to the fort. She assumed the woman was a newcomer as she had never seen her before. Vanora's eyes went also to Lancelot who came to stand behind them. Lancelot looked a bit wrung under and had been in a fight as well... his face was a mess, and his eye was swollen with a deep shade of black and blue. It was then that she seemed to recall hearing something about a fight with Galahad, Lancelot and a few others. Vanora had not seen Galahad yet, nor his brother. Vanora suddenly heard the young woman speak to Lancelot, and raised an eye brow inquisitively....
Vanora looked from Mirtha, Adian , and then back to the threesome. It was Adian who left out a soft chuckle his eyes moving from the young woman to Lancelot, but he said nothing, but instead left the amusement of the statement rest in his dark gray eyes. This young woman was a real spit fire, and he liked that in a woman, but he was still grieving of Thorn and needed to give her respectful time in his thoughts. As the young woman sneezed, then spoke her name, Adian smiled warmly....
"Wecome, Neeria," Vanora smiled, her eyes moving to Neeve who had come to ask her a question. She greeted Neeve with a smile as well grateful that the three had shown up at the bar before Adian decked Mirtha and vice versa...
"Bread and stew then... and perhaps some fruit to go with it," Vanora nodded to a wench that had arrived next to the bar. "Can you get that for me, dear?" The wench nodded and went off to the kitchen, but not before looking over at Lancelot and giving a flirtatious giggle. "I'll be right back," The wench said as she disappeared behind the kitchen door, letting it close behind her. Vanora turned back to Neeve to answer the other request, "hmmm.... Not sure. Sometimes people leave clothes behind here in the tavern and never come back to claim them, or...." Vanora sized up Neeria with her brown eyes and thought a moment, "you know, Ione, or one of the other fort weavers....sometimes they have orders that were never claimed. I know Ione likes to give such clothes to people who need them... plus there are two or three other weavers who make clothes as well. Might try one of them..." While Vanora, Neeve, Neeria and Lancelot talked, Adian took the time to offer is chair to the young woman. For a moment, their eyes studied the others, and she said nothing. Adian could not help but notice how naturally pretty she was, her hair black as raven's wings, and that hung loosely about her shoulders. He offered her a friendly smile and spoke in a soft accent, "Really, I would like it if you took my chair so you can sit and eat in comfort...." About that time, the wench returned with the plate of food and the bowl of stew, set it down on the counter, and left. Vanora pushed the food toward Neeria, "Eat up. You look like you have not had much to eat lately." Adian nodded toward his chair again, and pulled it out for Neeria, so that she could sit. Looking about them though, it seemed like she was being a bit crowded, and it was hard to eat with everyone staring at you as though you were a bug or germ. He flicked his head over to a nearby table, "Or would you feel more comfortable, sitting over there?" No harm in being hospitable even when one's heart was sad at the loss of a loved one... He shot a glance over at Mirtha, who had remained silent. Stewing no doubt. As long as the man remained silent, he'd have no trouble... Besides, it was not nice to fight in front of ladies. |
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| golden_trillium | May 20 2010, 02:22 AM Post #67 |
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Author: Lancelot Date: Fri Nov 07, 2008 7:19 pm Lancelot The injured first knight tilted his head as Neeria spoke to him, trying her best to sound cocky and upbeat. His eyebrow rose over his black and blue eye as she went on. Good luck with that, little one. You look worse than I do. And I'll wager you'll get even worse before this is over.
"Did you not just see me in your face a mere moment ago?" Lancelot smiled back at her, just as nastily as she did. "Do you not remember the dungeon? I have not changed my appearance so drastically since then. Or perhaps it is the fact of my surroundings...." he winked - albeit painfully - at the girl whom Vanora sent off to get food for the Woad, "that confuses you? I cannot escape my reputation," he sighed grandly, ignoring the recently eaten food that twisted sickeningly in his stomach. "And you cannot escape yours, no matter who is kind to you," he added, his voice becoming serious and soft, the syllables snappy and short. He cut his eyes to the man that offered Neeria a chair, wondering at what kind of idiot would trust a Woad only mere days after her people had attacked their fort. But nevermind. He turned back to Neeve as the healer was finishing up her conversation with Vanora, who as per usual, was willing to help any in distress - even if they were a mortal enemy.
Lancelot shook his head even as his eyes couldn't help but follow the swaying hips of the wench who'd bustled off to get the food. Neeve turned down her own meal, and the Sarmatian drew his distracted gaze back to the healer, even as the dark haired man next to them continued to offer words of kindness - will these people ever learn? - to the Woad girl, who was tiny and pathetic and hungry looking. Lancelot wasn't fooled, however; he'd seen fire in her gaze and her knife at Arthur's throat. Arthur. May I see you once more with your head intact - so I may sever it myself. "You take care of your charge, Neeve," Lancelot drawled in answer, his mind forcibly dragging itself off of his dark thoughts. "I will find the Saxon, and then find you. How's that? An acceptable compromise, lady?" He smiled at her and twisted his mouth wryly at her fingers that prodded his chest. "And aren't you the one who gave me and my brothers a generous soaking yesterday? Why should I allow you to tend to me now? Shouldn't I fear your formidable retribution?" He rested his elbow on the bar, and set his chin into it, looking at her through half-lidded, heavily lashed eyes. |
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| golden_trillium | May 20 2010, 02:23 AM Post #68 |
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Author: lady ione Date: Fri Nov 07, 2008 9:22 pm Ione
This one was even more active than it's twin, and Ione could only smile lovingly at the feel of the other child moving inside her. She figured that sooner or later, she'd have to make herself a new dress or two just in case these got too tight. All of her dresses were loose fitting, but not so much that one could not see her round tummy every now and then. Her attention turned back to the cloak she had been holding up for Linnesse to view. Perhaps a second opinion would not hurt... and especially from someone who knew how to sew as well...
Ione smiled at the compliment, "I have rarely worked with black as it is easy to make mistakes... " She held it up a few minutes more and then brought it down to lay in her lap, the sides that needed to be worked on pointed toward her. "Thank you for the compliment, Linnesse," the young woman blushed slightly. The woven fabric was light enough to wear in the Spring when the days were pleasantly warm, and the nights just slightly cold. While Linnesse tended the fire, Ione picked up the white trimming and her sewing necessities. The healer had gone above and beyond what was expected of her, and Ione wondered what she could ever do to repay her kindness. Granted, she had rattled off some stuff only moments ago, but Linnesse still stuck with her. The weaver began to think of how she could ever pay her back...
"Yes, that would be nice..." Ione grimaced a bit as she did not like the taste of black haw, but if it meant keeping her child, she'd bear the taste. She cocked her head to one side as Linnesse mentioned Derfel. Ione had not seen the Saxon in quite a while, and the times she had, she had enjoyed talking with him. If he was ill, surely Linnesse had to be with him. Ione had a visit planned with Titrus's daughters, and besides, she could use the walk to rid herself of the achiness her body still felt a bit. "Yes, you should go to him, Linnesse. I hope Derfel feels better soon." Ione paused for a moment, casting her eyes to the gray looking scene outside. "I am fine here...I would like to clean up a bit, rest, and then maybe take a short walk to visit some friends of mine, and I won't stay gone long." The young weaver set aside her work, stood up slowly and approached the other woman, and looked down at the floor before lifting her eyes to meet Linnesse's, "You-you have done so much for me... I feel at a loss for words on how to truly thank you for everything. I only hope someday, I will be able to repay you for this... you and Sister Margaret." And Titrus and Quintus.... When no one else seemed to care. When people passed her by in the courtyard, four people had stood beside her. Those were her heros. |
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| golden_trillium | May 20 2010, 02:25 AM Post #69 |
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Author: Pinkie Date: Sat Nov 08, 2008 3:30 pm Catherine
His hand lifted to touch her face and Catherine smiled a coy smile all the while. Except he did not touch her skin.. the whore felt a tingle of anticipation and then an inkling of challenge in the fact that he didn't touch her. She let her eyelashes flutter the once adn then fixed her green eyes on his dark ones as he spoke to her. She had heard it all before but gave a gentle sigh of gratitude for the compliment nonetheless. It did well to make a man feel that he was the only one who nestled between her legs. Men were territorial like that. The blonde's attention flickered once as Malcus broke off to think. She saw Lancelot enter but quickly looked away, feeling a genuine flush of red to her cheeks to recall their rendez-vous the night before.
Malcus' insinuations were stimulating enough to keep the blonde's full attention and she gave a genuine chuckle of amusement - first at his pun about his hands being on a women's thighs and everything in between, and then at his eyebrow waggling suggestion about men with big hands. He took a sip of tea and Catherine narrowed her green eyes lustily, watching the tendons in his neck shift and relax. Her fingers wrapped around her own cup and she gave a considering glance down at the tea at his advice to try it while it was hot. A soft, sensuous purr vibrated from her throat and the blonde looked up at Malcus with a mischievious smile on her lips. "Hmm... I think I will." she murmured, pressing the length of her arm against the table as she leaned across it slowly, smirking. She paused a moment with her face mere inches from his and then tilted her head, gently brushing her lips against Malcus'. She parted her lips and flicked her tongue against his lower lip, tasting the tea there. She sat back a little but remained close, breathing in his warms breaths - "Better than I thought it would be." she told him huskily. Saoirse
Linnette looked up at Dagonet for a painfully long time. Saoirse felt unable to do anything beyond just look at the other woman and pray to the gods she looked away. The Irish woman felt critically lacking whenever Linnette was aruond, decidedly flawed in being a woman and in being a lover. Linnette, to Saoirse, epitomised all that was good in women, all that was strong and yet feminine about women. Around Linnette Saoirse felt inadequate. As the women backed away, Mari beaming a bright and hopeful smile, Saoirse looked away from Linnette quickly, unable to meet those frankly sincere hazel eyes without feeling horridly uncomfortable. She looked up at Dagonet and gave a weary but hopefuly smile to him. "Righ' then. Ye ready?" she asked, coming to stand around beside him, an arm giong about his waist, hunching herself under his long arm and then looking up at his rugged face once they were settled. "D'ye think it'll help her?" she asked quietly, "The picture...?" Mari Mari was feeling confident in this endeavour. She walked away with Linnette, a bubbling of excitement in her stomach that was rather strange given what her task was. Her bright brown eyes looked across to Linnette and she shrugged her shoulders high, smiling happily as she linked her arm through Linnette's without thought. "He's a really nice man. I thought he was going to be a bit of a brute when I saw him - he's so big and so broad, and the scar ... " her hand lifted to touch her cheek just beneath her eye, her voice trailing off. "Was Gedeon very tall too? And broad?" Mari asked curiously, without thinking that her topic might not be something the widow would want to talk about as they exitted the infirmary. "It's strange but I could see some kind of resemblance between my father and your ... father- something about the eyes I think it is. It must be that they are both Sarmatian. Though not all the knights here look very similar. Perhaps he comes from near where my father did..." Mari babbled onwards, her voice light and innocent, her tone soothing and whimsical. |
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| golden_trillium | May 20 2010, 02:27 AM Post #70 |
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Author: Unicorn Date: Sun Nov 09, 2008 3:31 am Dagonet
Dagonet was looking at Linnette as she obsevred his face for a longer moment. He was curious about what was she thinking right now. He wanted to send her a little smile, but he felt a little embarrassed with her look. Why was she looking like that? He just stared at her also in silence. And the only thing that came to his mind was that sge looked very nice and more happier than she seemed earlier... She was a good woman... She was the best life partner for his son. And now she will face a life alone, without him. This made him sad. He could do nothing more to ease her pain.... As Linnette turned to leave he saw one more flash of small smile from her, and corners of his mouth twitched in a little, weak half smile. He was looking at her and Mari still as they left the infirmary deep in conversation. The tall knight sighed silently and looked at Saoirse, a little discomfort on his face. He just decided to be model for a picture of his dead son. This was very uncomfortable... strange.
Dagonet nodded his head in silence as she took position beside him, under his arm, and her hand around his waist. He was looking down, but not at Saoirse.... deep in his thoughts, and a frown appeared. What will happen if this picture won't be enough? What if it won't work? It will breake Linnette's heart. Maybe he should disagree?
Dagonet cleared his throat and looked at Saoirse, his face expressionless. He shook slowly his head and cleared his throat. "I don't know, love...." he said silently. "I'm afraid that it can bring only more of this pain.." And with those words he lowered his head for a brief moment. He was not sure if he was talking about Linnette still or about himself already. After a second he looked back at her and sent her a small smile. Confirming with her that he was ready to walk. And walking was not so easy... He was leaning upon her slightly, he knew that his weigth was a big problem for her... For everybody who wanted to help him. That is why he tried to rely on his own legs, which were weak and heavy. His side hurted also as they moved across the infirmary to the door. His breathing was also heavy and a wince crossed his face from time to time as the pain hit him with bigger force. Once they oppened a door a coldness hit them... "Cold..." he commented silently as they walked down the stairs of the infirmary. They walked really slowly... And in the half way Dagonet shook his head slwoly and his hand went to Saoirse, stopping their movements. A few quick breaths... He felt terribly tired after this slow and little walk. He closed his eyes for a moment and tried to overcome this in silence. Aware that Saoirse must be looking at him now and was concerned. But he had to stop for a moment. Just a moment... |
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| golden_trillium | May 20 2010, 02:28 AM Post #71 |
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Author: Darya Date: Sun Nov 09, 2008 9:56 am Darya Tatiana had fallen totally silent by her side and Darya figured that the girl was completely fascinated by the leaving men. So fascinated that perhaps she hadn't even heard her answer regarding Lancelot and Arthur. The Sarmatian herself watched every movement of those of the small group that meant the most to her: Arthur and Tristan. Then the Commander’s emerald gaze met her dark one for a moment before he mounted Casti. Darya knew that there was neither the time nor the privacy for a word of goodbye, thus she just returned the gentle smile the Roman was giving her with one of her own and silently prayed to see him again soon. And alive. It was odd to watch him go on a mission with only two of the knights by his side but those two – that the female Sarmatian knew – would watch over Arthur, no matter what. As Tristan passed them on his new horse, Darya did notice the tiny subtle wave of his hand into her direction. A farewell to the hawk maybe…perhaps to her, too. The dark-haired was not sure. Yet she lifted her dark gaze to the scout and gave him a small nod before her countryman focused on the way and the mission before him. Then the woman’s eyes shifted to the hawk on her arm once more. She was sure that the injured bird would be safest in her room in its current condition while she would try to get some meat for it. Leaving the hawk in the stables just didn’t seem to be right and Darya would never forgive herself if the bird disappeared or something happened to her. So as the small group of riders moved off, the female Sarmatian sighed quietly and tried to get an order into the things she wanted to do. Her room would be her first destination…then perhaps the tavern…then the bath-house. Gods, she longed for the warm water, a sponge…and maybe some oils or herbs to use. Darya glanced at Tatiana. “Well, I…need to get inside. It’s pretty cold our here after a while…”, the dark-haired said with a wry smile, “…do you have to work in the stables or what are your plans for today?” |
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| golden_trillium | May 20 2010, 02:30 AM Post #72 |
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Author: Pinkie Date: Sun Nov 09, 2008 3:15 pm Amadeus Arthur's two clipped responses brought out a sullen side to the Optio. He had tried with the Commander and he took Castus' reluctance to entertain casual conversation with him as a personal affront. He gave no thought to the fact that Arthur had his mind elsewhere - didn't they all? Amadeus had his mind on remaining in the good graces of those in their party, on alerting Rome as to precisely what went on at Badon Hill and on a relatively close coup.
Amadeus turned as Arthur started to speak with Tristan. The man would rather converse with a slave than with a true-bred, Roman from a proven family?! Well, let him to it. Of the Sarmatians, Amadeus cuold not deny that he had a modicum of respect for the braided mutt, but to be denied any direct address by Arthur only to have him address the Sarmatian? Well, Amadeus took it personally. He did not stand around to watch Arthur mount but instead he heaved himself up into the saddle. It caused a grimace of pain to cross his features, the skin on his wounded thigh stretching, but he quickly ducked his head, adjusting straps down about his legs. When he sat up Arthur had called on them to move forward. Amadeus was granted a brief moment of eye contact with their leader before he moved onwards, speaking of being on your guard adn following his lead. The Optio lifted his chin and looked out around the courtyard, riding close to Arthur as they crossed the courtyard. The men at the gate were ready, pulling back the large, dark wood to reveal a bleak landscape. It was soggy and cold out there, an air of frost hanging in the breeze as the shadow of the gate loomed before them. Amadeus walked in behind Arthur, aware of the voices behind him but ignoring them. He would order them to quiet once outside the walls if he needed to - resolving that he would take charge of the men and leave Arthur to ponder whatever it was that he had to ponder. As they reached the main gate, Amadeus lifted his chin and addressed Arthur - "I have confidence that this will progress much better than it did yesterday. You command great respect from our men, Commander." he said casually, deliberately calling them 'our' men instead of 'your' men but not making any emphasis on it. It was true though - the men were under the Optio's command too. They were under his command first and he was under Arthur's. Smith The noon-day sun struggled to come through the trees and Smith strained his ears to listen to the forest around them. He was always much mroe comfortable in nature than in company. The little nuances of the forest were known to him and he knew when something was afoot by how the forest sounded and felt. He was aware of Kayley behind him as a source of heat, her hand gently placed against his stomach. The small noises that the saddle made he could ignore as normal. He listened. The wind blew the tree-tops and they rustled softly. Smith lifted his head higher and looked into the branches. He breathed in the damp smell of earth and then let it out. He gave a wry grin, noting the change in souds up above. It was not long before Guinevere jumped down out of the trees close to them. The dark eyed male gave her a courteous nod of his head and gave juts the merest hint of surprise when Ceinwyn dropped down too. Gone were the days that Smith had thought Ceinwyn of exceptional beauty! He had never told her so - nor had any contact with her beyond that which his duty bid him to. But it did not mean he could not have an opinion on her looks. All that was changed now though. The woman was unpredictable. She was touched.
Smith allowed the women to talk, turning his attention back to the trees, to the surrounding woodlands. He knew precisely where they were to go and intended to lead the way all the way. He had no hesitation in keeping Scáth to a brisk pace, knowing the two women on foot would be more than capable of keeping up. As Kayley responded to Ceinwyn, Smith gave a wry twist to his warm lips and looked down at Guinevere. "Suitable that they be buried -- unlike Mona." he intoned in an acid tone. He looked to one side and spat to the ground before looking back at Merlin's daughter, his bitter smile turningrather rogueish and handsome, his shoulders slumped. "What of Merlin and Juna, hm?" he enquired innocently enough. He would not dare gossip abotu their leader, he held much too much respect for Merlin for that, but he was curious. |
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| golden_trillium | May 20 2010, 02:35 AM Post #73 |
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Author: golden_trillium Date: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:57 pm Linnesse
"All right." Linnesse half-turned from Ione, examining the things available near the hearth...her eyes lit on a small pot, and over on a table, a jug of water, and she busied herself pouring out water into the pot and setting it to heat as Ione continued talking.
Linnesse shot a sharp glance over her shoulder at Ione at the word "walk"- that was what concerned her more than the length of stay. She had said 'short', though...Linnesse's rather alarmed expression shaded into mere skepticism, her mouth twisted uncertainly to the side. "As long as it's not far..." she mumurred, turning back a bit uneasily to the pot and adding some of the dried black haw the the heating water. There was a small sound behind her, and turning again, she saw that Ione had risen from her chair, and was coming over to her softly, her eyes downcast.
"Truly, Ione, no repayment is necessary." Linnesse shook her head vehemently, wanting to dispel any sense of obligation that Ione might have right away. She turned from the hearth to face the other woman and placed a friendly hand on her upper arm, then drew it back after a brief moment. "Helping you was only the right thing to do, and surely Sister looks on it as that, too. I just hope it goes well for you...for the rest of it." She glanced down at Ione's midsection, then back up to her eyes with a game smile. There was still a lot of uncertainty attached to this pregnancy- and might be even after the child was born, maybe. But Linnesse didn't want to dwell on maybes and might be's right now- right now she just had to give Ione some encouragement and her tea. With another smile, she turned back to the brewing pot and dipped up a generous ladleful into a cup, which she then handed to Ione. "If you've got honey, it's fine to sweeten it," she informed the weaver, glancing back at the shelf and table near the hearth, to see if she spotted anything that might be that substance. "From the smell of it, it doesn't taste the best," she admitted, scrunching up her nose and laughing. Linnette
"Perhaps," Linnette responded, with a sidelong half-smile at Mari, but she was only half-listening to the girl chatter as they walked. Her mind was rather stuck on Mari's question of a moment before- about whether Gedeon had been tall and broad. And Mari had said that Linnette should tell her more about what he looked like...Linnette felt the hard lump of the possible words come up into her throat and stick there, seeming to resist exiting her mouth. How should she describe Gedeon? Was such a thing really even possible? She had a very clear picture of him in her own head, down to the smallest detail- but how to reduce that to mere words, spoken to someone who had never known him at all? "He was very tall." Linnette heard the words as if they were spoken by someone else, hanging in the air between her and Mari, even though they were walking briskly- back to the tavern, Linnette supposed. They were taking the right route to go back there, though Linnette had never made a conscious decision to do so. "He could walk so fast I had to run to keep up with him...I think the first time we walked together he had to make himself slow down." Linnette glanced over, her eyes meeting Mari's with a sparkle and a laugh for that long-ago day. It hadn't been a happy day for Linnette at the time- that had been when she had thought her sister was dead- but now, looking back on it and remembering Gedeon, particularly, it seemed happy nonetheless. It had certainly been the beginning of happiness, no matter how incongruous and, she now knew, how brief. "And he wasn't as broad..." Linnette returned her eyes to the front, dreamily now, remembering, her steps down the street continuing automatically. Another woman carrying a basket came towards them, coming from the opposite direction, and Linnette skirted around her only at the last minute, still barely noticing her. "But only because he was still growing, I think. It was shocking, the amount of food he could eat." Linnette turned to Mari again, her eyes wide with girlish remembered surprise, as she recalled Gedeon sitting in the tavern, scooping down bowl after bowl of stew, long after Linnette's own stomach had been filled and she just sat there watching him, bemused and barely restraining a laugh. What's the matter, Lin? Haven't you ever seen a man eat? A teasing tug on her braid, a stew-smelling kiss on her lips. Never again. It shouldn't be like that. People shouldn't have to lose the ones they loved like that- why did God allow things to be that way? Why did she have to go around feeling like she was missing half her life? Why did Adian have to lose Thorn in the Woad attacks? Or Cassidy and Fleur lose their mother? Or Drake still grieve over his long-ago wife? None of that was fair- any fairer than Gedeon. People should have other people to love- men should have women, and the reverse. Ones that they cared about. Drake should have a woman- the thought formed itself suddenly in her mind, and she siezed on it as a mental distraction, but one which she found pleasing. Yes, that would be a good thing for him. Someone young, younger than him, but not too young- not a simpering girl, someone with maturity, with some experience of life, who would understand an occasional melancholy over the past. Someone pretty, someone who could make him smile and laugh, but who was not silly or flighty- he would tire of that very quickly, Linnette thought. As the tavern loomed up before her and Mari, and their feet approached the steps, the thought occurred to her- maybe that was something she could do for Drake! Could she? Well, why not? Or at least try. She had long been searching her mind, off and on, for a way to repay even some of his kindness, and, well...she knew a lot of women. Perhaps she could affect a strategic introduction of some kind, without telling him her purpose, of course. She would have to be subtle about it, so as not to make him feel manipulated, but...it just might be possible- and a good thing. Who? Now that question, Linnette didn't yet know the answer to...but she was confident that if she kept her eyes open, someone would occur to her. She just had to watch, evaluate the women she normally worked with and came across for their suitability. There must be someone in the fort. Or a couple of someones she could try! Certainly Drake was a good catch, as they said- a man with position, a man of great kindness, and honor, too. He just...needed someone to cheer him up a little. And maybe, just maybe, Linnette could try to provide that- well, facilitate it, more like. After her initial intervention, after all, they hopefully wouldn't need her anymore. Linnette's mood fell a little as she mounted the steps of the tavern, Mari a fraction behind her, and opened the tavern door. The place was much busier than it had been when they had left it, and she spotted Lancelot's dark, curly hair, as well as Vanora's red, up near the bar, among a group of other people. Any women who might suit her purpose? Somehow, faced with a room containing several of them, the prospect seemed a little less promising than it had out in the street- but it was a good thing to do, she was sure of it. Drake was a good enough man to truly deserve the kind of happiness she and Gedeon had had- if only for a moment. "Are you hungry, Mari? I can get us some food and we can sit and talk," Linnette suggested hopefully to the other woman. Mari might have more questions about Gedeon, and Linnette found that now, she was actually looking forward to the opportunity to speak about him more- and to do so for as attentive and understanding an audience as Mari. |
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| golden_trillium | May 20 2010, 02:37 AM Post #74 |
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Author: LadyCastus Date: Sun Nov 09, 2008 5:09 pm Neeria
Neeria continued to stare at the man standing next to her, not understanding why he would offer her his seat at the bar. The smells of the tavern continued to assault her senses and the woad's stomach rumbled violently. She began to warm up; her toes started to thaw and her fingers burned as blood began to circulate again. She stared at the man, then moved to take his seat. Neeria was silent while the others discussed her fate. "Thank you, A-di-aaaan" she said to Adian with her eyes cast down to the floor, "here is fine." Neeria lifted one of her short legs and swung it over the tall chair, then scootched her bottom until she was comfortable.
Neeria sniffed and pushed the sleeves back on the large tunic, thankful at the possibility of getting a bath and clean clothes. A server approached them then.
Lancelot leaned in Neeria's direction when the server left for the food. The Sarmatian was a mess but even Neeria could not miss his good looks, especially with his face so close to her. I could have him ran through her mind and she almost jumped from the surprise of it. The woad shook her head - the fear of that thought rattling her so - her knees rattled. Neeria caught a whiff of the stale bitterness of his breath again and wrinkled her nose. She watched his lips as he spoke to her and the dark curl that laid in the middle of his forehead. She narrowed her eyes at him, as he held her gaze with dark, thick eyelashes, black eyes and strong accent.
Lancelot winked at the server when she left for the food. As he turned, Neeria caught his profile in the flickering lights from the scounces behind him. Even as filthy and grimy as he was, as bruised as his face was, he was still....handsome. The woad cleared her throat. "Perhaps you are right, Sarmatian," she said, cockier than she felt, "the surroundings have warmed me so that I was confused. You are still the same darkness that I remember in the dungeons. And no worries, sir, I shan't be trying to escape any time soon. It would seem as though you're stuck with me at least until I heal." Neeria flashed Lancelot a smile, then dug viciously to scratch her itching head. |
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| golden_trillium | May 20 2010, 02:38 AM Post #75 |
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Author: Starbelle Date: Sun Nov 09, 2008 7:53 pm Tatiana
"Sorry about that, Darya.. Both Lancelot and the Commander had me mesmerized there for a bit. Didn't mean to go completely quiet on you like that. Does Lancelot happen to have that effect on all of the girls or just a few of them?" She asked curiously feeling her cheeks go warm when she remembered catching sight of the First Knight. "I'm probably going to head over to the tavern for some breakfast and something warm to drink then I'll come back over here and help out my Neice, Tayala, the little girl who brought out the Optio's horse with the stable work." She replied after mentally shaking herself out of the spell that she'd been under from seeing Lancelot for the first time. |
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