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Post by Jenny on Mar 5, 2014 21:02:46 GMT -5
Her heart choked as he saw the hurt on his face. What could she do… profess her love as boldly as he did his own? She knew she must be cautious, not if she wanted to save him from being killed because of what she now was. And he did not look back as he climbed out of the window. She feared that he now felt dejected, regretful… but she was pleased that he had told her she love him. She followed him a bit, leaning over the window sill as he went back into his own room. She could see him scolding himself, and she frowned. How could one feel ashamed to tell what was true? Regretfully, she shut the window and pulled the shades. She spent a long span of minutes in hope that he would come back again, listening for the tapping on the window. She would look over from time to time. She didn’t realize that she was walking to the window until she was almost there, ready to open the window again and climb out herself… What am I doing? she asked herself… this is not the behavior of a lady. But oh, I want to see if Cartell is all right! But it was a foolish thought. She would not intervene, even if she did love him.
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Post by Joe on Mar 5, 2014 21:13:07 GMT -5
Morning came, and Andal woke suddenly as the sun's rays hit his face. He looked up, still in the clothes he had been the night before. Unable to remember what had happened before he fell asleep he went to the door and decided to make sure no one was snooping around this floor. The hallway was clear as he walked to Cartell's room, he knocked on the door and opened it. No one was there, but it looked tidy, he assumed he had already risen and Andal scolded himself for sleeping in. He then walked to Serena's room, knocking lightly, "My lady, just checking on you.. is everything all right?" There was much to do today, and he felt some impatience as he awaited her reply. He could hear the sound of feet downstairs, many of the lords had already returned for the final meeting before they all would go their separate ways. Plates clattered, they would meet over breakfast it seemed.
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Post by Jenny on Mar 5, 2014 21:26:39 GMT -5
Serena had risen out of bed despondently. She had not slept well, tortured by nightmarish dreams about Cartell. He did not come again to her window. In one her dreams, she was running after his retreating form and could not get close, called to him was not heard. She had awaken with a start in the middle of the night, looking again to the window. But it was closed and the curtains drawn. Fading into another sleep she thrashed on her bed, disrupting the coverlet, having a dream of Dire’s End and Cartell falling there dead by the Illios. She again woke up, tears running down her face, and allowed herself to sob in the event of the horrible dream. But Cartell would be there waiting for him in the morning, wouldn’t he? He couldn’t have… no, she would not think of it. It was not well to keep worrying, but something was nagging at her. Her third sleep held no unpleasant dreams but it was light, and at every noise she stirred. When Andal knocked on her door, she opened it after drawing on a robe. There were tired circles under her eyes, swollen slightly from her tears, her hair in disarray because of fitful sleep. She did not answer his query, simply stating that she would be down presently. After brushing her hair to a more kempt state, she dressed and descended down the stairs into the dining hall. She grimaced inwardly at the size of the crowd, not much smaller than the night before. Immediately she sought out Cartell, looking this way and that. Finally her attention turned on Andal, and before anything was said, she hurried over to him. “Andal, what of Cartell? He is not coming to breakfast? Is he ill?” She spoke with urgency, glancing about again with anxiety clear on her features.
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Post by Joe on Mar 5, 2014 21:35:38 GMT -5
Andal opened his mouth to speak again but she shut the door. He rubbed his chin, wondering what could have upset her in the night. A child's nightmares? His mind accepted the answer and he descended the stairs to await her in the dining room. Almost all the lords from the previous night were gathered again, they wore traveling clothes and brought gear with them. Lord Keller was already seeing them seated and tended to. He was standing at the edge of the room, taking it all in when he heard Serena approach him from behind. He raised an eyebrow at her question, surprised the two children had still not met up, "Hm? I have not seen him this morn, his room was made. Perhaps he's in the garden?" He pointed to the tall windows across the room, the hedges and pool visible beyond them. He failed to notice her expression as the many worries in his head took his attention.
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Post by Jenny on Mar 10, 2014 21:14:53 GMT -5
She wrung her hands together as she waited for an answer. The fact that Andal had not seen Cartell either alarmed her. “Excuse me, then.” She said briefly and then hurried, as quickly as a women who must remain graceful in the eyes of the lords could make. The cool morning air hit her face as she entered the garden, walking this way and that, glancing over at the hedge maze, carefully kempt by the gardener. She wondered if she should look, but she was also afraid that she may be lost, and it may be soon that Andal would have her return to the hall. She finally raised her voice in a last attempt to locate him and called out his name. She strained her ears hoping for a reply and that he was only taking a stroll for a few minutes. Inside her she repeated the events of the night before. Oh, Cartell. I wish only to protect you… But, could he have gone? The thought hit her stomach like a punch in the gut and she couldn’t help but become teary-eyed in her distress. It was a strange feeling. She felt disconnected in want of his company, to have his familiar figure nearby, to see his face as he always had a smile for her. He had told her that he loved her. Oh how she wished that she could say that she loved him too… but the moment had passed, and he was gone. She breathed in and out deeply as she composed herself, a hand fluttering to her stomach. Presently, she turned again to rejoin the company in the hall.
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Post by Joe on Mar 10, 2014 21:45:23 GMT -5
Cartell was beyond the city walls, he had taken one of the horses they left at the river shore. He was going to run back to Dire's End, he would kneel before the altar of The Outlander and plead for power. Some ability, some talent, some way to overcome his lack of experience and skill. Then, he would destroy those who had come to wreck their lands. He had taken it upon himself, he knew Andal would need to be by the side of the queen. This way, he could be a solution instead of a problem.
Cartell had left in the night and it was a few hours after dawn, he had been riding nonstop. His horse would need to rest soon, he knew, as much as he didn't want to stop. Didn't want to face what he was running from, didn't want to slow the progress of what he felt would be the answer to his problems. He had turned his robe inside out, showing only its inner brown lining. A young noble alone on the road was a prime target, but this way he appeared as little more than an old codger, the robe concealing his armor and weapons. He steered his horse from the road and off to a side stream. He dismounted and lead his horse to the water, holding the reins as he let it drink. His gaze slowly fell to the water and for a moment he caught his reflection, he winced and turned away. It was someone he didn't want to be anymore, a weakness. He sighed and turned from the water, looking back south. She deserved better, and he would not return, until he was.
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Post by Jenny on Mar 10, 2014 21:58:09 GMT -5
As Serena entered the hall once again, all of the nobles were again congregated and waiting for her to show herself. She paused awkwardly at the hall’s entrance as all who were seated stood in respect. Meekly she allowed herself to be steered to a seat and graciously thanked the gentlemen who held her seat. As she seated herself, the company of men did the same. Her eyes trailed over to Andal. She wondered if he knew yet that Cartell was gone, no where to be seen. But had this been planned without her knowledge? It couldn’t be so, not with Andal saying he hadn’t seen him in the morning as if he expected Cartell to come down at any moment. She ate lightly as the nobles and lords finished their meal, only picking at her plate, her heart heavy. Presently, the noise in the hall dimmed as Andal raised from his seat to speak to the company. Undoubtedly the subject would be who would be in the party to accompany her.
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Post by Joe on Mar 10, 2014 22:24:32 GMT -5
As Andal ate his breakfast his eyes trailed over those in attendance. His mind wandered to Cartell, where was the damn kid? It was unlike him to be absent. His thought was interrupted as Lord Gilroy stood, clearing his throat. "My lords," His tone was reverent but humble, "As it was through the deeds of Lord Holland alone that lead to the return of our beloved princess, I nominate that he lead the party to return to Westress. He has earned that right, ten-fold. All in favor?" He turned to those around him, who all seemed to be nodding in agreement. Suddenly a short man with red hair sprung to his feet, slamming his palm on the table, "How can you all place the life of our future in the hands of a pagan outcast such as he!?" There were other religions that had still kept in the west, and The Outlander was considered a devilish figure even among the less extreme. Andal knew the man, Lord Illic Swain, one who had once attempted to court Princess Aurelia in their long forgotten past.
The other lords stayed silent, either in honest disagreement or fear of what Andal might be capable of doing to them if they spoke up. Andal sighed and rose to his feet, "Lord Gilroy, I humbly accept the responsibility." Andal gave a slight bow of his head then turned to Lord Swain, "My lord Swain, have I not already proven my loyalty by risking the lives of myself and my own? Further, my abilities are the sole reason that our princess stands now before us." Lord Swain, wearing a grimace, sank to his seat and provided no more objection.
Andal stayed afoot, gesturing to those around him, "The Illios are already moving against us, the mere fact that we have taken the princess has told them of our plans. We must keep our party small and swift, but strong enough to ensure the safety of our charge, I believe four companions with myself and my brother would be an ideal size. I have a mind for those I would take, but.." He stopped and turned to Serena with a smile, "Let us allow our queen to have a say who would be most worthy." All the lords looked to her with eager eyes, all of them capable warriors and leaders, eager to prove their worth.
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Post by Jenny on Mar 10, 2014 22:47:24 GMT -5
Serena smiled with pride as Andal was suggested to lead. It had been a long road, and a long time to change her misconceptions about the man. She had hated him for killing those in audience in the Illios hall of justice, but as everything was explained to her, as she looked over her small span of life, she realized that she could not have been in better hands. Her eyes darted to Lord Swain in shock of his protest. She had once herself believed in the Illios religion wholeheartedly, it was her identity and her way of life. She had not met The Outlander but she wasn’t keen to do so anytime soon, for the prospect of it put a small fear in her… if Andal had strange and deadly powers in him, how much more did The Outlander possess? But she did wonder what he looked like, not a god but also like a god, or perhaps a prophet. She frowned at Lord Swain in disapproval, and was glad that Andal had put him in the right. What had Lord Swain done to make all of this possible? Serena let out a soft sigh as the subject was passed, glad that the tension was over. But her eyes turned down in sadness as Andal chose his brother. He didn’t know…
It took her a few moments to realize that Andal had spoken of her. She looked up, and opened her mouth in a nervous squeak. Many older gentlemen chuckled lowly, not to mock her, but because her youth was quaint to them. She was at a loss for how to begin. Her eyes began to scan their faces one by one down the line of seats… certainly not Lord Swain, she passed him over without a second thought. She first studied their faces briefly as if to gain insight into their character – eyes being the windows to the soul, after all. Then she judged the swell of their arms in their noble clothing, who may hold strength within their bodies. So she was to choose four… no… five when Cartell was discovered to have left them.
Lord Henry Blackwell watched the Lady Serena as she tried to choose. He gave her a winning smile as her eyes passed over him. It was known among them that Blackwell was an expert at swordsmanship, having won many ribbons and trophies and kisses from the lady fair that presided beside her husband. He had an instantly likeable face and had an easy way about him. His physique was more than satisfying to any eye. He had a large canine at his feet, which was sitting perfectly still but for his lolling tongue. His coat was raven black and had a curl to it. Serena had noticed the dog before, and liked the look of it. She itched to give it a rub around the ears and a pet, so her eyes again moved to Blackwell’s face. When she settled on the decision, he was one that she named. Three others she chose, whom she deemed good of character and strong enough to defend her when needed.
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Post by Joe on Mar 11, 2014 13:21:50 GMT -5
Andal approved of her choices, those left behind would return to their own lands and begin gathering their forces to fight back against the Illios. As it was now the Illios were simply raiding their lands and engaging in skirmishes, but once they crowned Serena, it would be open war. He nodded to Serena, "Very well, those of you have been chosen we shall depart within the hour, gather your things, say your farewells." He quickly left the room and went back to Cartell's room, opening the door again. Still, no one was inside. He began checking with the servants around the house, and with Lord Keller himself. No one had seen him, his worry mounting, he approached Serena in her room. "My lady.. no one has seen my brother since yesterday.. when did you last see him? Did he say anything odd?"
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Post by Jenny on Mar 11, 2014 17:11:01 GMT -5
One hour? It seemed to Serena all too soon, since in this very manor she had last seen Cartell the very night before, and a part of her still hoped that somehow he would come around the corner with a smile for her so that her fears would dissolve away. The hall was bustling with activity as nobles and lords congregated with one another, speaking of plans against the Illios and strengthening ties in preparation for war. Serena slipped away all too gladly, for this talk of war between the Illios and all of Cairnewn… all of it because of her rightful place as the true queen… distressed her, and her thoughts were all too weighted as it was. When she arrived at her room, there was a servant at the door who offered her his assistance if she should need anything for her journey. After letting her mind mull over the question, she asked for plenty of parchment, pen and ink, a proper grooming kit with sweet smelling soaps and shampoos, and some other odd items which she knew would not have been thought of by a man necessary for a woman’s comfort. As a last thought she asked for a packet of sugar cubes to pacify the horse she would be riding so that it was sweet and eager to please. She then packed comfortable garments for the ride as well as one fine dress just in case it was needed; and once the servant brought in the requested items, she packed them in a second and smaller saddlebag. She had just finished, and seated herself down in a fur-lined chaise when Andal tapped on the door announcing his presence. She allowed him entry and her heart fell at his grim face.
“I saw Cartell evening last, when most everyone was abed. He visited me in quite an agitation… he…” She hesitated to tell Andal what had been said and the fact that he had professed his love for her. She let in a deep breath and let it out slowly. She had no choice but to falsify truths. “Cartell was upset with the news that Dire’s End had been attacked, and he wished to leave in order to seek revenge for what the Illios had done and do his part in driving them back. He was slow to leave me, but when I saw the anger in his eyes, not for me… oh, never for me… but for the Illios, I released him from our charge and to pursue that path which he thought best.” Her body shivered as she spoke, trembling at bent truths. But what more could she say?
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Post by Joe on Mar 15, 2014 9:32:48 GMT -5
Andal's brow furrowed as she spoke, looking at her closely. She wasn't a very good liar, but he could tell it was not a malicious lie, one that still held truth. Cartell would not have left her lightly, "I see, you let him go freely?" If she was telling the truth it struck him odd, he had thought there was something between them. "I will send a message to our realm to watch for him, with myself absent he will be the Lord of Dire Hall and have our levy at his command." He was just a boy though, with very little command experience. The two of them there could easily drive the Illios from their land, but Cartell alone? Worry crept back onto his face, the Illios were particularly frustrated with the Hollands, they might seen a larger than normal raiding force. He shook his head, if Cartell made this choice he knew the gravity of it. His task was here now, he would not leave her alone with the others. While they were all great and noble men, they all had ambitions of their own. Andal's ambition had died along with his love, he only cared about one thing now.
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Cartell had been riding almost ten hours straight. He had passed through several counties but was still far from his home, if he continued riding straight for the rest of today it would still take another day's ride to reach it. The road was now taking him through a thick forest, it was an ill-used path. It was the fastest way but it had long been plagued by raiders and bandits. In recent times the Illios had claimed to have rooted out all the bandit clans throughout the forest. So far the ride was uneventful, but now Cartell grew worried. With each passing minute the sunlight grew dimmer and the dark woods around him seem to grow more and more menacing. He had let his horse have a slow walk to rest but now he kicked it up into a run, now he just wanted to get out of here. There was no movement in the woods, but he still felt as if he was being watched. As he gazed wildly around, looking for some kind of movement something caught him hard in the chest. With a grunt he went flying backwards from the horse, hitting the ground hard with a clatter. His armor had absorbed most of the impacts, but he had lost his breath. He propped himself up on one arm as he breathed heavily, trying to see what had hit him. There was a thin rope stretched between two trees on either side of the road, about rider height. His horse had stopped and turned around to see what had happened to him.
As he lie there, the forest seemed to be deathly quiet suddenly. He struggled to his feet and limped toward his horse as he heard rustling in the brush next to him. His horse let out of a panicked neigh and almost ran but Cartell grabbed its reigns just in time to keep it from bolting. There was the sound of shuffling footfalls behind him, right behind him. He whirled around and an involuntary cry of fear escaped his lips. It was a creature like nothing he had seen, it was tall and thin with black leathery skin, multiple limbs stretched out in front and behind it, tiny yellow eyes looking at him with hunger. It was almost like a spider but gone horribly wrong, and it was standing upright, reaching for him. He threw himself over the saddle and slapped and yelled at his horse to run. It did so, barely escaping the thing's grasp as they tore off down the path. He hoisted himself upright and looked back, the thing was chasing them, it had fallen to its many limbs and it was keeping an impressive speed. The many limbs were a blur and the sight of it moving so fast made him sick. It couldn't match the horse though, and before long the thing faded into the distant trees.
Cartell's heart was racing and he slumped in the saddle, still out of breath.
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Post by Jenny on Mar 15, 2014 15:32:54 GMT -5
“Yes,” she nodded. “When I saw the fire in his eyes,” ’Twas for her, but she would not reveal this, “I could not help but surrender him to act upon his own will. I … will miss him dearly…” Serena’s eyes drew to the side, a great sadness filling them. There was regret for not telling Andal the whole truth, but what else could she do? She tried her best to smile, but again she trembled. “To know that he will not fight alone may put my heart at ease. You are very kind to tell me so.” Cartell would become the Lord of Dire Hall? His position would in part mirror her own in some small part and she wondered how he would take to it. “But please, excuse me Andal. I have something I must do before I join you and the others before we embark. I will be along presently.” She smiled again, but this time it had grown in strength, for Andal had comforted her as best as he could. As Andal took his leave, she closed the door quietly, and sat down on a chaise. Serena felt as if her legs would give way beneath her as her heart was again seized in despair. How could Cartell leave her here without saying a final goodbye? She would have pleaded for him to stay. She would not have let him go to what could possibly be his end. She put her head in her hands as hot tears began to roll down her cheeks. She had only minutes to compose herself, but she would not be able to mourn before the men and surely this would be her only chance. There came a tapping at the door and she wiped her face, walking to the door to answer it. A servant bowed to her and offered his assistance in carrying her things downstairs. Her voice cracked when she gave him her thanks. She now had no choice but to join the others. Serena walked to the restroom and splashed a bit of water on her face, patting it dry with a soft towel. Looking into the mirror she decided that she looked presentable enough and thus walked down to meet Andal and those of the company that would escort her. ---
Serena had a better time riding now that she had had practice, guiding her horse with not only the reigns but with the pressure of her calves. The roan mare responded to her as if they were of one mind. Upon clearing the grounds the company had chosen a route of privacy, hugging the borders from one estate to the next and staying off the public roads. Serena’s horse was cloistered on all sides by the party, riding in lengths of three as the roads were wide. Eventually the road broke into wild prairie, and they were able to ride abreast. The mild winds of a dying summer carried upon it the seeds of the grasses, and all about Serena the seeds of Autumn were carried, and the dry grasses were flecked with white. The grassy prairies gave way to green forest, heavy with moss. The horses’ hooves thudded dully, barely making a sound heard above the rustling of leaves. It would have been silent if not for their tack, which chimed on with the shifting of the horses.
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Post by Joe on Mar 18, 2014 19:52:02 GMT -5
Andal rode at the head of the party, behind him rode Lord Blackwell, next to him was a quiet woman, wrapped in a robe. She was the only one among then not of noble birth, a monk from a secluded island monastery. Long ago they served as the royal guard for the royal family of the Golden Kingdom. She rarely spoke, but was trained from birth to wield a naginata with deadly skill. Andal had briefly seen her without her hood, she was beautiful, but clearly did not care for fashions. She was known simply as Ro. Behind them was a grizzled looking man, well in his 30s. His hair was nearly gone, his bald head giving a sheen from the sunlight. His face looked hard, marred by scars and the sun. He was Lord Klaus Rothstein of Ferbren, a small holding in the far north, even beyond Dire's End. He wore plain cloths and armor, his weapons looking more like heirlooms than sure steel. Despite his appearance he was a rather happy man, joking and giving a smile to any who regarded him. Finally there was a man named Lord Tristan Ondreau of Castellan, one of the cities by the bay in the southwest. He rode tall, and had neck length blonde hair that flowed freely onto the edge of his cape. The region he was from was known for their extravagance, but also great chivalry. His armor was adorned with many linings and engravings, draped with fine threads and blossoms, and all his equipment was of great quality. Even so he was barely a Lord, not a day over twenty. He had made himself known though, loved by his realm and distinguished in the many tournaments of the bay. He had had his eye on Serena since they had departed, and he rode near her, trying to draw her eye with his gravitas.
Andal glanced over his shoulder at the party. It would be a long, difficult journey to Westress, but with these followers he was confident they would make it. The first leg of the journey would be one of the hardest, they had to pass through a long marsh. It had a poor reputation for harrowing on the road and ill happenings. His mind shifted and he thought of Cartell. For all he knew he could be dead on the side of the trail somewhere, but his heart told him otherwise. In a strange way he was happy for Cartell, the boy had simply been his follower for most of his life. He was striking out on his own, it was reckless and a bit irresponsible, but he would come back a changed man. Most of life's wisdoms cannot be taught, they must be experienced. With a sigh he saw Lord Ondreau straying close to Serena. Andal got her attention and waved for her to ride up next to him.
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Post by Jenny on Mar 19, 2014 21:07:55 GMT -5
Serena knew that it was wrong to judge a person’s character than the way they looked. A king in impressive, shining armor could be a tyrant while another dressed in common clothes could be noble in character. Even if she may be called a beauty, having worn the coarse and drab garments from a nunnery, her hands gritty from scrubbing the floors on her hands and knees, her eyes downcast, one would have passed her by without a second glance, dismissing her as little more than a servant. And now she was to be queen. There were only two women in their party, and as Serena looked at the one who called herself Ro who wore monk clothing, she knew that Andal had chosen her for a purpose. So though she was quiet and withdrawn, Ro could be the best among them. Lord Rothstein’s armor seemed nothing better than antiques, but surely this man who chose to wear them made up for it in skill. She thought even if he wore the clothes of a pauper he was a fearsome opponent. Lord Ondreau she did not know what to make of, but the way he looked at her could only cause mischief. He, and Lord Blackwell appeared to be similar in station, and they wore their prizes with pride. They seemed to be very confident men, that she was sure of. But the way they looked at her made her feel to be just another prize they wished to win, so she did her best not to encourage them. Cartell’s words ran in her minds, and the thought that their boldness could lead them to mischief made her smile. She noticed Andal waving to her and was all too willing to ride beside him, leaving the two men to watch her back rather than look upon her face.
Indeed, Lord Blackwell had sized up Lord Ondreau. He seemed to be a like minded individual, as good with women as he was with winning tournaments. Blackwell was not keen on competition, and he mused over how to take Ondreau out of the running, as far as winning the future queen’s attentions. He was not a grasping man, he just desired the best of everything. He was comfortable and confident in his fame and thus he carried his body as such. He kept length between the two of them and itched to prove his superiority. He chuckled as Lady Belmont hurried to the front of the party beside Andal. He looked forward to the chase. It would amuse him, and make this journey all the more interesting.
Serena was dismayed as emerald forests gave way to marshes. The party moved single file, the horses trailing one after another with Andal at the lead, showing the safe route lest the horses were led into sinkholes. The marsh smelled horrible, and the colors were dull and depressing. The land filled her with unease, and the noises from marsh animals caused her spine to prickle. She brushed her hand over the Belmont short-sword at her side and drew comfort at Cartell’s dagger heavy in her boot. The marshes seemed to go on endlessly, and she wished for a dry space in which they may build a fire to chase away the dank air and bring cheer to her heart.
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