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December 2008
Topic Started: May 28 2010, 01:27 PM (2,123 Views)
golden_trillium

Admin
Author: LadyCastus
Date: Wed Dec 17, 2008 12:45 pm
Neeria


Neeria stood back and listened to Neeve and Vanora talk about
her fate as though she weren't even in the room. She was,
afterall, a prisoner here and where she went, with whom and
what she did were decisions she no longer had control of
herself.

While the two women talked, the small woad's mind wandered
again back to her sister kin, Mona, Rosita, and Guinevere. She
wondered what they were doing. Had Arthur and his group
arrived at the village yet? Neeria bit her bottom lip at the
thought and her body tensed. She'd given Arthur the location
of her people. You betrayed Merlin that awful inner voice
reminded her. Neeria shook her head in denial. No! Stop saying
that! I didn't betray them! Arthur goes to make peace. Doesn't
he? He won't hurt them. Will he? The guilt, the doubt was
starting to get to her. She would never be accepted back into
Merlin's fold, of that she was sure, even if she could explain
herself. The leader would probably order her to be killed.
Icicles slid down Neeria's back at the thought of Merlin's
anger and pain. My Shanti...how I miss you so...I'm so sorry,
even if you will never understand.

Neeve
 
“Thank you, Vanora…for helping out here…” “…and don’t
worry about Bors. He’ll be back in no time… I’ll see you
around then…” “Are you ready?”


Vanora
 
"You are welcome, Neeve. Anytime. Neeria, you enjoy that
dress and the boots and cloak okay? Neeve, I will see
you around later perhaps."


Neeria blinked, coming out of her reverie and realized the
women were talking to her. She cleared her throat and fought
back the tears that had formed in the corner of her eyes.

"Um...yes Vanora...thank you again for the clothes. I shall
enjoy them."

Neeria smiled but it did not reach her heart nor her eyes.
Feelings of disgust - disgust for herself - filled her. She
should not be mingling with these people, they were the enemy.
Aren't they?She should be back with Mona and Guinevere and
Rosita - people she loved and who at one time loved her too.
But you don't want to fight anymore. You made your choice,
Neeria. Now you must live with it. You are a traitor even if
you did not intend to be.

Neeria held on tightly to her new clothes and stepped back out
into the cold with Neeve, leaving the smell of good food
behind her. Her stomach fought in protest. The dreariness and
cold of the day hammered down on Neeria's already moaning,
beaten spirit. A fine, light snow was falling and the woad
tipped her head back and breathed in deeply, trying to fill
her lungs and clear her mind.

The healer walked quickly to their next destination and Neeria
struggled to hold onto to her items and keep up with her at
the same time. With her free hand, she also pulled and tugged
on the clothes that still swallowed her small frame. The
weight of the too-big clothes seemed even heavier than they
were before, Neeria having surely lost a few pounds since
being imprisoned. Mercifully, Neeve seemed to realize Neeria's
predicament and slowed her pace.

Neeve
 
“Right, it’s gonna be like this. You’ll take a quick
bath…then we’ll get you dressed properly… And in case
your new guard has not shown up until then, you will
have to accompany me to the infirmary. Any questions so
far?”


Neeria looked into Neeve's blue eyes.

"I will have to remove the bandages to get into the bath. Will
you rewrap me? Your medicine seems to have worked well on me.
Thank you."

Before Neeve could respond, Neeria added quickly.

"Where is your husband? And your children, healer?"









Titrus

Titrus watched the dark eyed woman walk past him checking to
make sure they and the Sarmatians held the line. Fortunately,
their conformidity to not cause any more "trouble" seemed to
have satisifed the scary-looking woad bitch. But right when
the lieutenant thought he had seen it all, another
wild-looking woman stepped out of the clearing. Her hair was
fiery red and Titrus immediately knew the woad woman was
insane. Her eyes were wide and distant and there was no other
word to describe her appearance except crazed. Titrus thought
surely the woman must have been possessed by a demon and
immediately he crossed himself and kissed his thumb, asking
for God's protection. These people were devils - all of them!

Despite it all however, Titrus would later classify his
reaction of seeing the woman as merely heightened alarm. But
his feelings of mild discomfort quickly escalated to pure
unadulterated fear when all of a sudden the blue demon leader,
the dark magician, the wicked wizard himself, Merlin, stepped
out into the clearing onto the road.

Titrus' eyes widened, his mouth instantly went dry and he
licked at his cracked lips. The lieutenant willed his balls to
drop back down out of his stomach as the sight of Merlin
shocked his senses. Adolphus reared his big head and shook his
mane from side to side. Titrus reached down and rubbed and
patted the horse's long neck, whispering reassurances into the
beast's ears, completely sympathizing with his mount's sudden
fear.

Titrus looked over at Quintus and swallowed hard then turned
his attention back to Arthur, hoping the Roman commander knew
what he'd gotten himself and the rest of them into. Thank God,
Titrus thought, that he'd made friends with Bors.









Malcus Barbattus

Once Malcus had said his good bye to the lovely Catherine, he
made his way across the commons and headed toward the stable
to satisfy his punishment handed down by Artorius. The
diversion of getting himself laid had satisfied him as
indicated by the pep in his long step. The captain loved how
he felt post coitus. He felt joyful and completely stress
free. Catherine had been a formidable lover - Barbattus smiled
to himself - and he'd paid her well for it. Yes, he would call
on her again in the future.

Malcus pulled his cloak up around his neck against the cold
and light snow. As he neared the tavern, he slowed his pace.
He knew he should go directly to the stables but perhaps he
should have a spiced mead to warm himself first. As the
possibility took root in his mind, Malcus' feet led him toward
the door of the tavern. He would get to his responsibilities
as soon as he had a quick beverage.

The captain opened the door of the tavern and blinked against
the darkness. His eyes quickly adjusted and Barbattus made his
way over to the bar, waiting for a server to approach.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: lady ione
Date: Wed Dec 17, 2008 2:25 pm
Vanora


The red head took her leave of Neeve and Neeria, and headed
back to the tavern to see how business was going. Stepping
inside, she closed the door behind her. Vanora looked over the
room to see who was there and who needed to be waited on. Not
far off, she saw Adian striking up a conversation with Darya
and Tatiana... and she saw Captain Malcus. She approached him
as she took off her shawl, and asked, "What can I get you,
Malcus?"

She was feeling pretty good after doing something nice for
Neeria who looked like she had not had much. it was always
good to see some of Arthur's men come in and relax as they
were always working so hard...
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Elessars Girl
Date: Wed Dec 17, 2008 2:59 pm
Arthur


This was the heart of Britain. The deep forest with its
treetops shrouded in misty grey fog and the ground blanketed
in wintry white snow. This was just as much a part of Arthur
as the pristine columns of the massive stone structures in
Rome. Even though Arthur often attempted to ignore it, he
could not suppress his connection to the lands of Britain – to
Merlin’s people – Arthur’s mother’s people. And as if to
reinforce that bond, Guinevere’s fingers gave a firm squeeze
at Arthur’s hand while they awaited Merlin’s arrival. They
were enemies, yes – yet theirs was a complex relationship that
also involved mutual respect and understanding…..

…..but not all of Merlin’s people respected Arthur’s unique
connection to the soils of Britain.

Nolan
 
"But will he welcome yours? That is the real question,
isn't it half blood?"


Arthur turned piercing emerald eyes on the Woad who appeared
to challenge his presence here. What did this man know of
Artorius Castus? Why risk insulting the Roman enemy who held
Merlin’s daughter so precariously in his grasp? Arthur’s gaze
narrowed at the painted man who was in need of a lesson in
diplomacy, but before the Roman could unleash the sharp retort
that sat on the tip of his tongue – sounds reached his ears
that clearly indicated the arrival of another ‘important’
individual. Merlin.

Merlin
 
“Merlin is here, what would you say to him, Artorius
Castus?”


Arthur greeted the leader of the Woads with industrious green
eyes; fully intent on showing only reverence and cooperation.
The last time the Commander had met with the Woad leader, it
had been a negotiation for the lives of two of Arthur’s
knights….but this time the cost was potentially much greater.
One misstep in communication could cost Arthur all of the men
that had accompanied him today. He silently prayed to God for
their safety and for the ability to resolve any conflicts
peacefully.

“That I seek renewed peace between us,” Arthur answered;
easily matching Merlin’s cool yet amicable tone. He punctuated
the simple statement with a respectful nod of his head and a
diplomatic smile upon his dry lips. And even though it would
have been an advantage to remain seated atop his white war
horse, Arthur released his hold on Guinevere’s slender fingers
and gripped at the hardened leather rim of the saddle in
preparation to dismount. His other hand draped the leather
reigns over Casti’s withers; purposely not offering them to
the lady. She was no rider despite her noble posture atop his
mount, and Arthur knew it.

“It was my pleasure to provide you with a little warmth,
Guinevere,” Arthur whispered into her ear on the side opposite
from where Merlin stood on the ground so that the intimate
nature of his words were heard by only Guinevere. However, he
would leave it to her to decide the sincerity of his words.
She was ‘the enemy’ after all, was she not? But she was also a
woman and it was his nature to want to protect her. And Arthur
would never view women as warriors despite the many he had
been forced to kill; all those that had attempted to kill him.

Arthur then swung himself down and out of the saddle; his long
crimson cloak slipping from around the woman’s slender body in
the movement as it trailed after him. The snow crunched
beneath his hobnailed boots as the Commander’s feet landed
firmly on the frozen ground. Leaving Guinevere in Casti’s
saddle was not a concern for Arthur – his stallion was loyal
to his master and would remain where he stood unless Arthur
commanded otherwise.

“I offer my gratitude at your willingness to meet with me,”
Arthur spoke evenly as he took the few steps that closed the
distance between he and the Woad leader. Excalibur hung snugly
at his side, but Arthur knew that he had no need for his blade
here. If Merlin had wanted this small party of Romans and
knights dead – they would have been attacked long before the
Woad leader had appeared. The stitched up wound in the
Commander’s side ached, but he ignored the thing. An icy
breeze nipped at his ruddy weathered cheeks and a few stray
flakes of snow stuck at the dark and tussled curls of the
Roman’s hair. Arthur stood before Merlin with his hands placed
neutrally and comfortably on his hips and his resolve for
peace shimmering brightly in the depths of his green, green
eyes.









Derfel

Derfel had to fight the urge to stare at the stunning woman as
she once again addressed Lancelot. Gods, he’d never seen
anything so exotic! But it would be rude to stare and so the
knight forced his focus on her stallion’s magnificent lines
while the lady dismounted at Lancelot’s urging. But when the
lady mis-pronounced Lancelot’s name, Derfel could not suppress
a small snort of amusement. ‘Lancelotty’ indeed. The young
knight now wore a grin from ear to ear even while Lancelot
continued in his silly attempts to charm this woman. Derfel
seriously doubted the dark knight’s honeyed words would work
on this woman…this lady. She appeared to be way above his
station and by far too proud to allow a lowly soldier to
service her in the way that Lancelot was so obviously
implying.

Lancelot
 
"Cadarn, come with us, and I might have need of your
woman later. Perhaps she can help the lady Aracelli here
with her ... getting to know the garrison."’


Derfel immediately straightened up and wiped the smug smile
from his expression the second Lancelot snapped his name. He
was, after all, in charge and deserved Derfel’s begrudging
respect. He listened intently while Lancelot continued to
speak with Lady Aracelli. No doubt Arthur would gladly give up
his rooms for the likes of her. But what was she doing here
anyways? Derfel crossed his arms behind his back and remained
standing perfectly still and erect while both he and Lancelot
waited on the lady’s response. Of course Linnesse could help
the woman settle, if that is what Lancelot would order. And
perhaps in doing so, that would keep Lancelot from seeking out
Linnesse in the infirmary later….sounded good to Derfel at
least.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: TwistOfShadows
Date: Thu Dec 18, 2008 9:04 am
Isabella Araceli


The Lady Isabella Araceli did not care for idle chatter,
especially with commoners. Her pretty dark eyes lifted to
Lancelot’s face, and she appeared uninterested, bored. The
Lady was familiar with well-dressed gentlemen, who gifted her
with flowers and tokens...and yet this barbarian? Isabella was
not entirely comfortable...but she did not show it. She was a
noblewoman, and a representative of the Elite. It would not do
to betray her status, and so she conversed with the two men.
The dark Sarmatian seemed to have a very fickle manner and
charm, and his golden companion was silent and...shy? Isabella
cared not. She had a meeting with Arthur Castus, and should
not be dallying with these slaves. The woman stood before
Lancelot ap Ban, and he towered above her. Her jewelled
headdress barely met his pointed chin, and she lifted her
lashes to look up at him. There was something abrupt about her
presence, adeptly and elegantly exotic, and she pouted her
pink lips impatiently. She was still cold, completely freezing
infact. Her high cheekbones showed the slight hint of
windburn...and her golden skin would fade in this climate. It
was a hideous place, and Isabella Araceli stuck out like a
Summer’s flower in dark Winter. Her pretty slippers looked
bright against the snowy ground...

Lancelot
 
”Lancelot”


The Knight reaffirmed the pronunciation of his name, and
Isabella lifted her nose at him. Did it truly matter? Her
accent was not fitted to the blunt and dry taste of the
British language, and she did not appreciate his criticism.
She was entirely sure he would appear ridiculous if he tried
to participate in her skills, sewing perhaps? She parted her
lips to rebuke him. But then decided against it. She was not
here to argue with the man, and so it was pointless. She
opened her pretty mouth and spoke again, more firmly...but
with just as much faltering. “Lancel...ottitte...” A slight
frown crossed her features, and she shook her head. Oh, but
she did not care! It made little difference to her, this man
was unimportant! “I do not think it matters.” She stated,
watching as he stepped closer.

Lancelot
 
"Lady, I cannot tell you how sorry I am you are not here
to please me. I think you might find me - intriguing.
"Cadarn,Come with us, and I might have need of your
woman later. Perhaps she can help the lady Aracelli here
with her ... getting to know the garrison.”


Isabella was aware of their closeness, and she glanced down at
the small space between them. What on earth...? The fact that
he continued to hold her fingers was ridiculous, and entirely
suggestive. To please him? Oh truly? The noble Lady was young,
but her father kept soldiers in his territory. They roamed
about and spoke of such ungodly things, and Isabella looked at
Lancelot. Entirely unimpressed. She was not here to please
anybody, and the mere suggestion deeply offended her. What was
he expecting? That she was more noble than a lowly whore? A
courtesan perhaps? A fiery blaze alit in the woman’s eyes and
her pink lips drew into a thin line. He squeezed her fingers
strongly, and then released them. It was...suggestive. Again!
What would Arthur think? What would Rome think? The man could
be executed for flirting so outrageously, and Isabella pulled
her hand back protectively to her side. She murmured a foreign
word beneath her breath, and glanced darkly at Cadarn? Was it?

Lancelot
 
"I can house you in the quarters where the officer's
wives usually stay when they visit. This is a working
fortress, madam, and unfortunately, not exactly as fancy
as the home you came from, I am sorry to say. However.
Once Arthur returns, he may have a better room for you.
In fact, he has the best rooms in the place! We'll have
to ask him if he would trade. Men - take care of the
horses. I would expect you can find your mistresses new
'home' with the help of one of the lads. Let's go."


He winked! He winked at her, and Isabella’s eyebrows lifted
disbelievingly. Did he have any idea of a Sarmatian’s position
within the Empire? He was a slave, one step above a hunting
dog...and the fact that he ruled in Arthur’s place? Oh truly,
it was a travesty, and Isabella must write to her father
immediately. She would be housed within the officer’s wives
quarters, and the Lady was not impressed. She was familiar
with grand palaces, with various rooms for her leisure. This
place was horrific and completely boring, and she had brought
fine dresses to dine in. Isabella looked at Lancelot, seeking
a hint of a joke. Was he toying with her? Was it all terribly
bad humour? The woman...sighed. This entire situation was
ridiculous, and she was in no mood for flirtation or Briton.
She desired home.

“Indeed, Lancelllottite, I find this entire place intriguing.
The blunt stone walls and square windows are most mysterious
and enigmatic. My own home pales in comparison.” Isabella’s
spoke dryly and sarcastically, and took one more disapproving
glance at the fortress. There were no beautiful birds, and she
could not see a silk curtain in sight. It was ugly, gross, and
unsuitable for nobility. Why had Rome claimed this land? It
was nothing special nor remarkable. She spoke again, following
in Lancelot’s stead. “I would ask for a tour, but I fear I’ve
suffered enough beauty for one day. This place is an
abhorration to Rome. I wish to be gone as soon as possible...”
Oh, but she was bitter and sarcastic! She glanced at Lancelot
from beneath her thickly dark eyelashes, and pouted her lips
in disappointment. “I have been riding for many weeks, and to
what? A working fortress? I have never heard such a ridiculous
notion. How long will Arthur be gone?”

Isabella’s skirts flitted about her ankles as she walked, and
she tutted her tongue loudly. Surely her father had sent her
to the Christian Hell?
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: golden_trillium
Date: Thu Dec 18, 2008 2:22 pm
Merlin


Arthur
 
"That I seek renewed peace between us. I offer my
gratitude at your willingness to meet with me."


"I would not refuse to meet with my kin." Merlin's voice was
incongruously soft and gentle, a paternal smile settling on
his face for a fleeting moment as Arthur crunched acros the
shallow snow towards him. Arthur, completely unlike the Optio
yesterday, was earnest and yet relaxed, fairly dripping
sincere goodwill, almost as if he and Merlin were not enemies,
but really just kin as Merlin's half-ironic words had said-
relatives, who perhaps lived far apart and saw each other
seldom, but who nonetheless wished nothing but good for each
other. And perhaps in another universe, they might have been,
and Guinevere's sitting intimately nestled with Arthur on his
horse might have had a different significance entirely.
Merlin's eyes lingered for just a moment on his proud
daughter, then looked away. It was not so- brilliant green
British eyes notwithstanding, blood ties notwithstanding,
Arthur had chosen the way of the enemy- had chosen to be an
enemy. Merlin's posture hardened as Arthur came to a halt in
front of him, his eyes narrowed, and he hooked a thumb into
his belt, his fingers thoughtfully stroking the leather just
behind his dagger hilt. He did not touch the weapon, of
course, and it was not a threat- but it was the threat of a
threat, a tiny thing, for one with the eyes to see it.

"But if it is peace you want, Artorius," Merlin continued,
speaking louder now, projecting his words to the rest of the
group around them.

"Then you must tear down your mighty stone walls, abandon your
prison fortress, and take your soldiers and your slaves and
your despoilers of the land away from this island forever. You
must leave us as free people, and then we will have peace."
Merlin held Arthur's eyes sternly for a beat- and then his
grimness dissolved into a sudden smile, boyish and charming,
with a little, self-deprecating laugh.

"Somehow I do not think that is what you intend," he admitted,
shrugging almost apologetically, though it was more calculated
than sincere. He was not sorry for his words at all, though he
knew full well that Arthur would not, and perhaps even could
not, do anything of the sort. It was what was necessary for
peace- complete and total absence of the Romans from Britain.
A lofty goal, but what were goals for but to achieve?

"So what do you want from me, Artorius? Say on, and I will
tell you whether it can be done." Merlin removed his hand from
his belt and crossed his arms before him, once more all
seriousness and polite listening as he waited for the terms he
must surely refuse. The Gods did not want more truces- no
capitulation of any kind. The Woads might have lost the last
battle, but they yet lived, and Merlin had been shown the
folly of making deals. There would be no more- only stealthy
recovery, and when the time came, renewed attack. And the
Romans would not know the day or the hour.
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: LadyCastus
Date: Thu Dec 18, 2008 4:34 pm
Malcus Barbattus


Once he was settled in the back of the tavern, Malcus
stretched his long legs just as Vanora spotted him and came
over to take his order. The captain drug a hand through his
thick dark hair and realized that he needed a haircut. Then he
touched the thick dark stubble on his sturdy chin and a shave
too

Vanora
 
"What can I get you, Malcus?"


Malcus smiled wickedly at the saucy red-head and wagged his
thick eyebrows.

"Fortunately for you, my lady, I'm sated for the moment.
Otherwise, I would indeed inform you of what you could get me.
Especially since that big boned man of yours is not about."

The captain chuckled. He liked Vanora a lot and enjoyed
teasing her when he got the chance. Of course, he would never
cross the line and actually attempt anything with her, she was
not exactly his type, but Malcus knew it made Vanora feel good
to know that she was still appreciated by other men. And she
was! For a women to have birthed so many, Malcus considered
her still attractive.

"So my love, in the meantime, I would like a bowl of stew and
some bread. Maybe a bit of cheese as well - I have the
remainder of the day to work in the stables," the captain
added.

The captain suppressed a groan. "And also a tankard of your
good ale, please."

Malcus looked around the area and was amazed at the fact that
no matter what time of day, there always seemed to be people
moving about, coming and going, eating and drinking. The
captain untied his cloak and laid it on the chair next to him,
getting more comfortable when he saw Karl come stumbling in.
Fucker's drunk again! Malcus scowled and watched him
carefully, but said nothing. The last thing he wanted when he
felt so good and satisfied was a run-in with that mutt.











Karl

Karl walked in and shook his blond hair, shaking loose the
light snow that clung to it. He smiled at the warmth inside
the tavern and stood still for a moment to relish in it.

Karl was still feeling quite good and quite randy from the
wine and ale he'd shared with Mirtha. He had no intentions of
loosing the feeling anytime soon. The tall blond strolled as
straight as he could up to the bar and asked the maid for a
drink. It only took a couple of moments for the woman to
fulfill his request. The girl took the coin from Karl and
scurried back to the other end of the bar as quickly as she
could to avoid conversation with him.

Karl slammed back the drink and waved his hand for another,
turning in his chair to look at the people behind him. As he
scanned the crowd, he spotted ... what was her name?...one of
those sisters.....a yes! Linnette - Drake's charge - sitting
at one of the tables. It looked like she and the girl next to
her were....Karl craned his neck to get a better
view...reading something.

Another girl brought his drink the second time, the first one
was nowhere to be seen. Karl gave the girl another coin and
grabbed his drink as he got up to go over to where Linnette
sat. When he stood, unfortunately, the room tilted and Karl
stepped backward into the chair, almost falling over it. Lucky
for him, he didn't spill a drop of his drink.

Cursing at the chair and kicking at it, Karl made his way over
to the table where the girls sat. He towered over them and
smiled, rocking a little bit on his feet. He touched
Linnette's hair and spoke in a rather slurred mannered.

"Hel-lo lay-dies. Mind if I sit here a moment withew?"

Before they could respond, Karl plopped down in the chair
closest to Linnette.









Nolan and Rosita

The warmth Rosita felt spread down to her womb when Smith rode
past her. She saw the wink and the subtle smirk he'd given her
- a private communication between only the two of them. She
cursed herself for her body's betrayal. Smith was a loner.
There was no way he would mate with her and she knew it.
Rosita looked away from Smith, pushing away thoughts of him.

Arthur
 
"That I seek renewed peace between us. I offer my
gratitude at your willingness to meet with me."


Nolan took his place next to Merlin and smirked at Arthur as
the Roman commander approached. Nolan stood just to the side
and rear of Merlin while Rosita moved over behind Nolan where
she could keep an eye on the optio.

Merlin
 
"I would not refuse to meet with my kin. But if it is
peace you want, Artorius. Then you must tear down your
mighty stone walls, abandon your prison fortress, and
take your soldiers and your slaves and your despoilers
of the land away from this island forever. You must
leave us as free people, and then we will have peace.


Nolan smirked again at Arthur after hearing Merlin's words and
lifted his chin proudly against the cold wind whistling around
them. Yes, this was their land and the only way they would
be-could be-at peace was if the stench of Rome no longer
wafted across their land. Rome must be ousted and then, only
then, would the native Britons be free from oppression. Nolan
looked Arthur up and down and snarled. How could one who had
Rome running through his veins truly want peace?

Merlin
 
"Somehow I do not think that is what you intend.
So what do you want from me, Artorius? Say on, and I
will tell you whether it can be done."


Nolan shifted his weight and stared at Arthur, wondering how
he would respond. What did Arthur want?
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golden_trillium

Admin
Author: Starbelle
Date: Thu Dec 18, 2008 6:06 pm

Tatiana


Adian
 
"Ladies, I came in to retrieve a tool I had left behind
and thought I'd stop by to say, "hello". "Tati, what a
nice surprise...."


"Hello yourself, Adian. Yes, its quite a nice surprise, but
then again seeing you is always wonderful." Tati replied a
soft blush and a happy grin appearing in her cheeks and her
face at his greeting heating her fair skin and turning it a
soft red in response as she returned his kiss. "I didn't
expect to see you this early, love. Is everything alright?"
She asked placing a tiny hand on his arm, a worried tone
entering her voice as she'd remembered his injury from
earlier.

"Adian, do..do you think that we could go and do some hunting
together sometime?" Tatiana shyly asked, looking up at him, a
lock of curly, wavy auburn hair falling into her face,
curtaining her eyes as she made her request of her beloved,
ferverently hoping that he wouldn't say no to her.
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golden_trillium

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Author: golden_trillium
Date: Thu Dec 18, 2008 6:46 pm
Linnette


Linnette had been engrossed in reading the book, her head bent
over it and her voice lilting up and down, puncuated by
occasional laughter, as she wound her way through the amusing
story with Mari across from her listening raptly. Gloriana,
the heroine, had made the decision to dress herself as a man
in order to "study" there ways, but was now experiencing some
trouble getting one of the family's servants to provide her
with male clothing- to rather humorous effect. Linnette was in
the middle of one of the old servant's lines, and had even
deepened her voice for a bit of effect, making Mari giggle,
when a shadow fell across the page and the remains of their
food.

A tall, male presence- Gedeon! Linnette's mind, so sensitive
lately, immediately jumped to the irrational conclusion,
before she had even looked up, and she put down the book with
a gasp of surprise and delight, keeping one hand in it to mark
the page, and started to twist around with the beginnings of a
welcoming grin on her face- but it died abrubtly to
disappointment as the interloper turned out to be a
rough-looking, and rather drunk-looking blonde soldier. One
she had seen around- and knew for a troublemaker, too.
Disappointment- and self-castigation for her foolishness-
thudded down into Linnette's stomach, and her shoulders sagged
as she distractedly, without looking at it, opened the book
again. Not Gedeon- of course not. And she had to get herself
to stop thinking that every time she heard an untoward noise-
the strain of repeated hope and disappointment was beginning
to tell.

Karl
 
"Hel-lo lay-dies. Mind if I sit here a moment withew?"


"Er..." Linnette's disappointment twisted itself into an
affronted frown, as seeing the hand coming towards her, she
ducked away before he could get more than a brief touch of her
hair. Just who did this bastard think he was?

"No, actually we'd rather be by ourselves," she put in with
dignity once his hand was no longer on her, drawing herself up
stiffly, but still leaning rather away from him, eying him
warily as she once again smoothed out the pages of the book.
Maybe if they made themselves very busy, he'd go away...or
maybe he'd need sharper encouragement. In any case, Linnette
definitely wasn't in the mood for his clumsy advances, if that
was what they were.
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golden_trillium

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Author: Darya
Date: Fri Dec 19, 2008 2:36 am
Darya


Darya found herself astonished by just how easy Tatiana seemed
to be distracted by even the most casual action around them.
The door to the tavern swung open four times…first a man Darya
could not recall to have met before entered…closely followed
by Malcus, Vanora…and Karl. A very drunk Karl actually. The
female Sarmatian frowned at the drunk old soldier…and her
frown actually deepened when he approached Linnette and the
girl she was sitting with. Shaking her head slightly to
herself, the dark-haired then focused on the man who had
entered first and he obviously distracted Tatiana the most…as
for the third time in only a couple of hours, the stable-hand
totally forgot to react to anything Darya had said before…

Very well, the Sarmatian thought, then I'll have a word with
Mirtha anyway. Let's see what he has to say about this...

Adian
 
"Ladies, I came in to retrieve a tool I had left behind
and thought I'd stop by to say…hello. Tati, what a nice
surprise.... I am called Adian, lady. What would your
name be?"


Tatiana
 
"Hello yourself, Adian. Yes, its quite a nice surprise,
but then again seeing you is always wonderful. I didn't
expect to see you this early, love. Is everything
alright? Adian, do..do you think that we could go and do
some hunting together sometime?"


The dark-haired did not really react to the man introducing
himself and then placing a chaste kiss onto Tatiana’s cheek.
So those two knew each other… Pretty well apparently.
Interesting. The Sarmatian politely averted her gaze from the
two, yet cleared her throat discretely. She should definitely
take her leave. Especially seeing that Tatiana’s welcome to
the man was way more…explicit…than his had been. But then the
man suddenly addressed her and Darya’s dark gaze snapped up to
meet his…

Again the Sarmatian cleared her throat. “Nice to meet you,
Adian...”, adding 'I guess' in thought; after all she had no
idea who this person was, “…I’m Darya…and…I’ve been in the
tavern way too long already.” The woman gave him a wry grin
and already stood from her chair. “I have quite some things to
tend to… If you excuse me...” With that, she turned to
Tristan’s hawk and let the bird climb onto her left forearm
again. She would bring the animal to her room…and then
hopefully finally get the chance for a bath. “Have a nice rest
of the day then…Tatiana…Adian…”, Darya said with a nod and
moved a bit away from the table. She cast another glance at
Karl, who was still pestering Linnette…and then at Malcus,
wondering if the Captain would move to interfere… In the end,
the female Sarmatian decided that Malcus would certainly do
something…if necessary…

Shrugging her shoulders, Darya then finally exited the
tavern…secretly glad to get away from any drunk person in it;
especially from a drunk Karl. Once she was outside, the woman
took a deep breath of cold fresh air…practically feeling her
senses revive… The hawk on her arm scanned their surrounding
curiously and stretched its good wing slightly. “Let’s get you
somewhere safe…”, she whispered and then walked off into the
direction of her quarters…
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golden_trillium

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Author: LadyCastus
Date: Fri Dec 19, 2008 7:53 am
Karl


Karl took a sip from his tankard and slammed it down on the
table. It wasn't lost on him, even in his drunken state, that
Linnette had dodged his touch. Snobby bitch.

Linnette
 
"Er...No, actually we'd rather be by ourselves,"


"Wasssamatter, lady?" Karl stammered. All he knew was that he
needed a woman. He didn't really care who, just any woman, and
this one would do nicely. "I ain't good enuf foryer?"

Karl looked past Linnette at the other young woman sitting
beside Linnette, but didn't say anything to her. He wasn't
interested in her. At least for the moment.

"Don't you know me? Oh! Maybe thass' yer problem. You's forgot
me!"

The blond ran a rough, calloused hand through his hair again
and licked his lips while his eyes rolled slightly in his head
like loose marbles. Karl belched loudly and cleared his
throat.

"'xcuse me," he chuckled, "Pardon me."

He sat up straight in his chair and saluted the two women by
striking his breastplate loudly. "In case yer fergot, my name
is Karl."

He reached for his tankard again and took a big sip then he
leaned closer to Linnette, supposedly to whisper, blowing his
foul, stale breath in her direction. "Now whaddya say we get
outta here and go git cozy someplace?"

He smiled wickedly as he licked his lips greedily, totally
confident that Linnette would leave with him.
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golden_trillium

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Author: lady ione
Date: Fri Dec 19, 2008 11:01 am
Vanora


Vanora gave the Captain a warm smile while he made himself
comfortable at the table.

It was good to see him relax.

It looked like he had had sort of a rough day already, and
Vanora wanted to make his time in the tavern a pleasant one.
In some ways, he was like Lancelot: always the flatterer, yet
always the gentleman. Bors was not like any of them: not
strikingly handsome, nor having manners, but he was gentle and
loving when he needed to be. Vanora noted the wag of Malcus's
eyebrows and the mischievous smile, and slightly...very
slightly blushed.... not that she could help it when being
flattered. Malcus was a good looking young man, she had to
admit, but he really was not her type, still it was good to
see him come into the tavern and enjoy himself...

Malcus
 
"Fortunately for you, my lady, I'm sated for the moment.
Otherwise, I would indeed inform you of what you could
get me. Especially since that big boned man of yours is
not about." "So my love, in the meantime, I would like a
bowl of stew and some bread. Maybe a bit of cheese as
well - I have the remainder of the day to work in the
stables," "And also a tankard of your good ale, please."


Vanora cocked her head to one side, and laughed lightly, "I
will get you your meal then as well as your drink."

She really did not mind the teasing and flattering of the
knights and soldiers who came around the tavern. Vanora was
loyal to Bors as he was the father of all of those little
bast.. children. Someday, she thought they might get married,
but Bors...well perhaps someday, she'd be able to convince him
to marry. Right now, that someday looked far off as he really
did not seem to want to marry. As she moved off to get his
order ready, she walked passed the table where Mari and
Linnette were talking, and gave then both a smile before
disappearing into the kitchen. Grabbing a plate and a bowl,
the red head ladled a few good sized scoops into the bowl,
then placed a chunk of fresh bread and cheese on the plate
with a few slices of fruit. With steady hands, she moved back
through the door with the plate and bowl as well as the
tankard of ale, and went back to where Malcus sat... then she
saw that a soldier named Karl had entered as well.

Drunker than a skunk, and somewhat unsteady in his walk.

Seeing as Karl had ordered a ale which he didn't need from one
of the other wenches who came back a few minutes later with
the drink, took the coin from him then went back to the bar so
as to avoid him which Vanora didn't blame her. He downed
quickly then ordered another. While he was thus, Vanora turned
back to Malcus, "If you need anything else, let me know..."
She did not want trouble to start in the tavern with others
eating and drinking, but there was a hidden message in what
she had said to the Captain that she hoped he would
understand: That she was glad he was here, and to watch Karl
to make sure the customers were safe.

She did not mind patrons coming into the tavern to drink and
talk, but to be this drunk... well that put Vanora on alert.
Keeping her eyes and mind on what she was doing, Vanora set
the plate of cheese, bread and fruit in front of Malcus as
well as the bowl of stew and the tankard of ale. Drunk people
did not phase her much, as long as there were men in the
tavern who had their wits about them in case of trouble.

And Karl looked like trouble immersed in wine.

Standing up to her full height, and she was not a tall woman,
Vanora looked down at Malcus, then over at Adian who was also
close by talking to Darya and Tatiana. Seeing as Karl had
ordered a ale from one of the other wenches who came back a
few minutes later with the drink, took the coin from him then
went back to the bar so as to avoid him which Vanora didn't
blame her. He downed quickly then ordered another. When Karl
downed his second, stood nearly tettering into the chair
behind him, kicked it out of the way, and unsteadily made his
way to where Linnette and Mari were sitting, Vanora paniced
inwardly and looked to the man next to her. What if her
children were inside somewhere? She did not want Linnette,
Mari, Darya or any of the other customers injured, and it
seemed that Karl set his mind on Linnette. It was the last
straw when she saw him reach out to touch the young woman's
hair, then plop into the chair next to her...

Karl
 
"Hel-lo lay-dies. Mind if I sit here a moment withew?"


Vanora sent a pleading look to Malcus knowing the Captain
would not tolerate this behavior either....

She spotted Darya leaving with Tristan's hawk leaving Tatiana
and Adian.

Well, if there was trouble, at least Adian was there to
assisst Malcus.... not that the Captain needed help.
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golden_trillium

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Author: golden_trillium
Date: Fri Dec 19, 2008 11:27 am
Linnette


Karl
 
"Wasssamatter, lady? I ain't good enuf foryer? Don't you
know me? Oh! Maybe thass' yer problem. You's forgot me!
'xcuse me. Pardon me.”


“Er…” Linnette turned her face away, feeling both thoroughly
disgusted and rather embarrassed that this all had to be
happening in front of Mari…curse drunken men! And for Mari,
given her recent experience, this had to be all the more
worrying…grimacing at the reek of ale radiating off the
soldier’s disreputable person, Linnette turned back to him
with a breath, drawing herself up to put him off in stronger
terms, as the lout foolishly introduced himself with a
drunken, eye-rolling salute. At least from the look of things,
it wouldn’t be too long before this one passed out cold.

Karl
 
”In case yer fergot, my name is Karl. Now whaddya say we
get outta here and go git cozy someplace?"


“Karl…ugh…” Linnette broke off from speaking, unable to
suppress a noise of disgust at the smell of his breath wafting
into her face. She got herself back on track quickly, though,
wanting to get rid of this unbearable company before he scared
Mari too much. Turning back to the soldier with a deliberately
sweet smile, she placed two fingers in the hollow of his
throat as he loomed towards her and pushed him backwards, a
move which Gedeon had showed her and which required no
strength, and was guaranteed to set a man coughing and
sputtering.

“Absolutely not. Leave us alone,” she answered, as she once
more turned from him and wiped the fingers that had touched
his unsavory skin on a napkin with great dignity. To all
appearances she seemed to be totally ignoring him- but her
muscles were tense with wariness in case he should try
anything else, and over Mari's shoulder she shot a warning
glance towards Vanora, whom she spotted hovering nearby. She
might need some backup on this...and if Vanora's authority
didn't to it, one or more of the men in the tavern would
probably oblige.
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golden_trillium

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Author: lady ione
Date: Fri Dec 19, 2008 11:47 am
Adian


While he was talking to Tatiana and the dark haired woman, a
very drunk man had entered setting Adian on guard. He liked to
drink, but not to that excess, and the man looked like
trouble. Adian could see the man even though he was not
looking at him directly, while he continued to speak with the
two women...

Tatiana
 
"Hello yourself, Adian. Yes, its quite a nice surprise,
but then again seeing you is always wonderful." "I
didn't expect to see you this early, love. Is everything
alright?"


"Aye, everything is just fine, Tatiana. I already told you, I
came in to retrieve a tool for one of my carpentry projects...
Lots to rebuild and fix out there after those woad devils
attacked.... Keeps me out of trouble," He gave her a wide grin
and another soft kiss on the cheek before turning his
attention to the dark haired beauty next to Tati. She was
stunning, and Adian recognized her as the woman he had
accidently bumped into in the tavern a few days ago... or was
it weeks? Beside her, resting on the back of a chair, Adian
saw the hawk. It was a grand creature to be sure, and he
noticed that it's wing was bound. Sad to see an injured animal
or bird of any sort. His dark heather gray eyes moved back to
the woman whom he had introduced himself to...

Darya
 
“Nice to meet you, Adian...” “…I’m Darya…and…I’ve been
in the tavern way too long already.” “I have quite some
things to tend to… If you excuse me...” “Have a nice
rest of the day then…Tatiana…Adian…”


"It is a pleasure, Darya. I hope you have a nice rest of the
day as well," Adian replied as Darya got up from her chair and
made ready to leave with the hawk resting on her forearm. I
have no doubt we will meet again... He thought while he saw
the drunk move from his chair and over to where Adian had seen
Linnette and another lovely young woman had sat giggling and
having a good time over a book it seemed. The hair on the back
of his neck stood up, but he made no move yet, except for the
nod he gave Darya when she left the tavern. Adian continued to
stand next to Tati, as his eyes moved back over to where the
drunk had plopped down next to Linnette and her guest. Inside,
he knew that he'd be in a heep of hurt if a fight were to
start, but the man had already touched Linnette's hair and had
invited himself to sit down...

Tatiana
 
"Adian, do..do you think that we could go and do some
hunting together sometime?"


"Just a second, Tatiana, there is something I have to take
care of," Adian had already begun to move over to where the
man was harrassing Linnette. Standing behind the man, Adian
listened for a moment to what the man was saying...

Karl
 
"Wasssamatter, lady?" "I ain't good enuf foryer?" "Don't
you know me? Oh! Maybe thass' yer problem. You's forgot
me!" "'xcuse me.  Pardon me." "In case yer fergot, my name is Karl."


Linnette
 
“Er…” “Karl…ugh…” “Absolutely not. Leave us alone,”


That took the cake!

Adian reached down and took the drunk by the collar of his
tunic and practically lifted him out of the seat, then turned
him to face Adian's angry gaze, "Excuse me, but as the young
woman said she and her friend aren't wanting you to be their
guest, so I am going to have to ask you to leave them alone...
and I don't like to repeat myself. Leave them alone.... Karl."
The carpenter's voice was calm, but had an underlying danger
warning. He didn't like ill manners in front of the ladies,
nor harrassment... nor drunks who got out of place....

If he had to go to the dungeons in case of a fight then so be
it, but he had to make sure she was safe, and her friend as
well...
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golden_trillium

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Author: Darya
Date: Fri Dec 19, 2008 1:07 pm
Neeve


Neeria indeed managed to catch up with Neeve and even reacted
to her words. Wisely. Neeve at first glanced sideways at the
smaller woman while they walked on…now in a slower pace. But
then…

Neeria
 
"I will have to remove the bandages to get into the
bath. Will you rewrap me? Your medicine seems to have
worked well on me. Thank you. Where is your husband? And
your children, healer?"


The Briton lifted her chin slightly and Neeria’s first words.
When it came to her skills as healer, Neeve was very
confident. She had had the best teacher in her druid mother
and even though she had not wanted to fill in her mother’s
shoes as healer at first, she had given in eventually…and
turned out to be quite talented. Nowadays, the raven-haired
knew that she was a good healer…and she was proud of it.
Especially since she had come to Badon…whose Commander
appreciated her skills more than any other Roman before. And
even though she was still quite annoyed about his latest task
for her, Neeve could never be seriously angry with Arthur… No
doubt the Commander knew that…though the healer usually
countered with speaking more open and sometimes painfully
honest to him than most others at Badon. She had always done
so…and saw no reason to change this…

However, just when Neeve parted her lips to comment on
Neeria’s question about rewrapping her to protect her injury
once the Woad had had her bath, the other woman added another
question. A very personal question… A question that let the
healer tense all over and her she closed her mouth again to
press her lips into a thin line.

The raven-haired had absolutely no doubt that several people
she had and that had gotten to know her somewhat, had wondered
about exactly that… But so far, none had ever dared to
actually voice those thoughts…to actually ask her openly… In
all truth, Neeve had been glad about that. And now? She hated
personal questions. And even more so personal questions from a
Woad. A Woad!

“They don’t exist”, the Briton finally ground out and for an
instant, an angry sparkle shone in her crystal-blue eyes as
she stared at Neeria. The faces of Markaad, Percival and
Lucius, the three men that had had the greatest impact on her
personal life so far appeared before her mind’s eye for a
moment…and she inwardly fought the fact that she missed all
three of them… One was dead…the other two had disappeared… All
three had left their marks on her body and soul…but Neeve had
never even considered having a family. Not with one of the
three…nor in general. It was something that had never had a
place in her life…and yet Neeria’s question stirred something
inside her. Something the healer could not quite place…

“And yes, I will rewrap you…”, she then added in a rather
tight voice, “…since the water should clean the injury even
more, I don’t think more salve will be necessary for now. If
you don’t try to attack anyone again in the next days, the
wound should be healed soon…” Neeve averted her gaze from the
Woad and glanced at the skies again for a moment…watching Dwyn
circling above their heads. “Anything else?”, she asked
Neeria, but did not look at the Woad as she did so…
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golden_trillium

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Author: lady ione
Date: Fri Dec 19, 2008 9:50 pm
Brendyn


Tyranus pawed at the snow covered earth under his hooves and
shook his head, then was still again.

Around them, the scene was something out of the legends that
Brendyn had heard as a young boy: the swirling light fog that
hung over the snow covered scene, two men from opposite
sides... The men almost like the powerful gods in the stories.
Brendyn watched the proceedings with great interest and hope.
He had not been at Fort Badon long, but it seemed to him that
peace was necessary as both sides always suffered due to the
loss of innocent lives. Even though there would never truly be
a perfect peace, trying to live peacefully never hurt anyone.

Or was he naieve about his thoughts on the subject?

He moved his eyes from Bors to Titrus, then Quintus and Jols
then back to the men ahead of him...Tristan, Amadeus, and
Arthur.

He ignored the smugly arrogant proud people surrounding them,
and focused on what was said between Arthur and Merlin...

Merlin
 
”Merlin is here. What would you say to him, Artorius
Castus?”


Arthur
 
“That I seek renewed peace between us,”


The intensity of the gaze between the two leaders could be
felt by Brendyn, and he wondered if the others could sense it
as well. Thankfully, things were going well so far. The
soldier felt tired, and longed for rest, but Arthur's life and
those of his friends was more important. He had gotten off of
night watch, and had been off to his quarters when he got the
message to accompany Arthur on this peace mission. If peace,
or a truce could be accomplished then the loss of sleep was
worth it. Brendyn sat tall in his saddle, his hand resting on
his left leg while holding the reins with the other feeling
slightly tense, but hid it well. His eyebrow did raise when
the angry male woad (Nolan) had called Arthur a "half blood".
Half blood? Brendyn thought this out, but did not let it
distract him from what was going on around him. Half Blood?
Arthur? Was Arthur not full Roman? Perhaps the woad meant it
as an insult. Strange that he should be so bold as to insult
the Roman Commander....

Brendyn felt the urge to move Tyranus forward a bit as Arthur
dismounted his horse, but did not move. His jaw still ached
from the stinging blow of the female woad though he had not
threatened her. Were woads that dumb that they could not see
that his horse had been limping a bit? If he wanted to attack
them, he would have done so without much thought. The whole
situation was just stupid.... how could he attack them while
he was holding his horse's hoof in his hand? It almost seemed
laughable now, but when the incident had happened, he did
believe they would have killed him and the rest. Brendyn left
the thought die as he watched Arthur stride nobely toward the
woad leader....

Arthur
 
“I offer my gratitude at your willingness to meet with
me,”


Merlin
 
"I would not refuse to meet with my kin." "But if it is
peace you want, Artorius," "Then you must tear down your
mighty stone walls, abandon your prison fortress, and
take your soldiers and your slaves and your despoilers
of the land away from this island forever. You must
leave us as free people, and then we will have peace."
"Somehow I do not think that is what you intend," "So
what do you want from me, Artorius? Say on, and I will
tell you whether it can be done."


Remove the Roman's from Britainia? He certainly doesn't want
much Brendyn thought at first, but then it seemed that Merlin
was giggling or laughing, then shrugged, becoming more
reasonable. There was no way Rome would ever leave Britain...
Merlin was right there. The Breton observed the talks with all
of the interest of a student learning something new. Perhaps
someday, he'd be just like Arthur. In the time he had spent
with the Commander (which was not much), Brendyn came to the
conclusion that the Roman was patient, calm, brave, and
everything Antonius had told him Arthur was. The way the talks
were going so far, Brendyn was sure that peace could be
achieved....
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