Post by Rhianna Costache on Aug 25, 2010 23:41:48 GMT -6
*Bane Oakenshield*
The rebuilding effort was not as drastic as he first thought it was going to be. Nearly a century of border warfare had kept a necessary and strategic location in good order, to a degree, though it would require some building up. From the old military road he had looked up the hill to where Housesteads sat, knowing on the other side was a steep hill. Housesteads sitting there, almost perched like a bird in it's nest waiting to jump out at it's prey. Flanked on either side of the hill was the massive fortifications of the wall itself stretching from the north sea to the Irish sea, eighty two miles of unbroken man made fortification with mile castles and other forts along the way. They had begun the march in the port of Berwick, marching south to Newcastle and re supplying there before marching west taking in the sites as they went. A large column with cavalry detachments, some one thousand men in all, riding in the front, rear and flanks with main line battle infantry comprised of pikemen in the vanguard and musketeers and archers forming the mid and rear of the infantry column - nestled in as they were by the cavalry. Bane himself rode his horse in the center, his senior command team of Velawin and Trent alongside him. And then they had reached it. That well traveled Roman road almost defying nature as it went straight up the hill. They had walked in, the men by their very nature sorting out the buildings and where necessary putting canvas on top of roof tops to stop leaks and horses being billeted in the better stables while Bane sent the cavalry out for forage and other necessary items. Tomorrow would undoubtedly bring work parties to bring in wood and stone from the surrounding countryside and quarries, but tomorrow could wait. For the first time in Centuries, Housesteads once more had a professional military body within it's walls with a grey flag with a white saltire flying on the main gate tower defiantly facing the north. He walked down from the parapet to the main princeps building, where the old Legionary commander would have lived - a largish house by frontier standards, it for the moment doubled up as a Staff headquarters as well as personal living accommodation. (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
Being of the free spirit of sorts... Rhianna had found herself surrounded by many others like herself recently. Since she had no real home, it made it easy for her to go and come as she pleased with whom she pleased. While in Turas she had met quite a few interesting people and it had been quite the welcoming place for her kind. She was sure she would return there soon, but it never hurt to travel at times. After all, its not the destination that counts, it's the journey you take to get there. Breanna had been very kind, Eirian was very sweet, as well as others. And then there had been Bane. She did wonder how each of them fared this day. She had not had the chance to tell them she would be traveling for a time, even if it was to be a short time. Hopefully they would all understand if and when she saw them again. As the caravan took the weaving roads up and down over hills and such, Rhianna walked or danced along. She'd been offered to ride within a vardo or two...even a horse, but she would have none of it. In a vardo, the scenery would be missed, upon a horse, your feet might not be able to remember the way from which you came if one was hoping to return that is. Others had chose to walk as well, some even playing instruments or singing. Rhianna was right along with them. After a while though, the caravan would come to a stop as it seemed one of the wheels to a vardo was in need of repair. It looked like tonight, they would be camping here... wherever here was. The caramel haired gypsy was wearing the colors of blue, purple and white with a few pieces accented in gold fabric and coins that dangled here and there. She'd been wearing shoes as they traveled, but now that they were preparing for camping out, shoes were lost and put away with the travel bag that crossed over her slender figure from right shoulder to left hip. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
There was a knock at the door and Bane shouted for the man to come in as he looked over some maps of the local area, mentally going over in his head which sections of the Wall in his immediate area had fallen into disrepair. Again, it wasn't as bad as he had first thought given that a lot of farmers hadn't had the time nor the willingness to chance their lives in the warlike area of the border, but it wouldn't hurt to try and rebuild. He took a drink from the mug of tea and brought out his pipe, filling it with tobacco and began smoking watching the thin blue wisps come from the end of the pot. "Captain, sir, Scouts report a small caravan of traveling people coming from the north. There is no banner, sir, so we cannot tell if they are Scots or English." Bane was pleased, there wasn't even a suggestion of attacking the Caravan from the young officer standing in front of him...Dunwal he thought the name was. He nodded, "Get some of the light cavalry, only a dozen, half them waiting for me by the south gate. I'll join them in, what, ten minutes and we'll start doing our bit for international relations" The man saluted, turned about on his heel and was gone. Map rolled up and placed in a cylindrical carboard tube, Bane removed his shirt and placed his chain mail shirt onto his bare skin, feeling the cold metal rungs against his torso. Over which he placed the navy blue shirt with the grey scarf tied around his mid. Walking out of the room, he picked up the sword belt which when looped around his body contained the dagger on the left hand side and the rapier on the right as well as his two flintlock pistols tucked into the front. A pouch of gunpowder, if the time ever arose to reload, was on the small of his back. He walked down the main road to the south gate and quickly saddled his waiting horse. "Which direction, young man?" "South until you hit the main road, sir, and then west" Bane nodded his thanks and pushed the horse forward and began the short trek. (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
Most of the men were off gathering firewood or tending to the animals while the women prepared food to be cleaned and cooked. Some were even moving off in hopes to find a nearby water source. While most of the caravan had supplies, Gypsies tended to try and live off the land as much as possible. It was free and well... there was much that could be found if you looked in the right places. Rhianna was moving off with small band of women and children with water skins. They had been told in which direction might be best, which was easier if you followed your nose. That is if your nose was a good one and if you paid close attention to the signs that signaled where water might be found. Creeks and brooks were just as good as rivers. Maybe they would get lucky and find one soon, it was getting later by the minute and while she feared little, being out in the dark and alone, should she stray, was not the best thing to have yourself do. She was armed... even if with only a dagger, but she was quick, like a cat and one had to wonder if the magic of Gypsies was not real. For she had feline like eyes both in shape and color. While Rhi did stay near the others, she was off by herself by about a few yards, sea green eyes scanning while her chin was slightly lifted as to have her nose in the air. Were they near a creek or brook? It smelled like it...smelled like it did just before the rain came. (d)
*Bane Oakenhield*
They came to the encampment, men suddenly gathering up weapons as they were want to do when approached by armed cavalrymen in hostile culture. Bane moved forward, draped in a grey cloak, while his standard bearer came forward hold the banner aloft carrying the grey flag with a white saltire on it. He held up his right hand "Ho the camp!" he called "I am Captain Bane Oakenshield of the Grey Regiment, recently self-appointed keeper and Lord of Housesteads fort of the Wall of Hadrian." Still no sign of reassurance, even with Bane trying to put on his best diplomatic face. He tried a smile instead. "Is there anything we can do to help you?" And there was something you didn't get, and certainly caused a little murmuring in the group. Bands of heavily armed cavalrymen, and they certainly were for each man carried two pistols and a sword each, didn't necessarily show up in the middle of the night simply offering civility and polite custom. (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
Shouts and cries of warnings rang out through the encampment of men coming. The males of the caravan quickly took up their own weapons and formed a arc, placing the wagons, women, and children behind them. They were preparing for the worse. To be slaughtered and taken as prisoners...Rhi, along with the others that had moved off quickly turned to face the way they came before braking out in a run. She looked like a amazon running through the forest with her hair whipping back behind her. Portions of fabric from her clothing mimicking those caramel strands much in the same fashion. Bells about the ankles and within her clothing told of her arrival as she neared and saw what was taking place. She began to panic... and with a quick adjustment of water skins, and her travel bag, her hand slipped to the dagger at her side. She was prepared to go down fighting if it was necessary. However, none of the men of the caravan seemed to make any moves to draw their weapons and looked at each other with confusion. One man would step forward. "We only wish to make camp for the night so that repairs that are needed can be seen about first thing in the morning. We're not here to cause trouble for you or your men." he said. He was an older man, one who had seen many days and many campfires at night as his hair and short beard were white. He looked to another man next to him and gestured toward the calvary before looking back to Bane. "If you could point us in the direction of fresh water, we would greatly appreciate it. For we have plenty for our people, but our horses will need some as well." Slowly Rhi began to make her way forward with one slow step at a time. This was odd... this she had to see for herself and much closer. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
"Fresh water?" He worked out how far they had ridden, probably about three miles if that due west. He tried thinking of it in footsteps,having ridden along Hadrians Wall when he was half the age he was now. Aye, three miles was about right. "If you double back, say for about half a mile until you reach the wall again, then carry on east for two miles you'll come across a series of crags. By one of them is a large loch, good water from what I hear." He leaned forward in the saddle a little, hands clasped in front of him resting on the neck of his horse "However, and feel free to decline if you so wish, but there was an old civilian settlement used by camp hangers-on when the Legions used to be based here just outside our fort. It may not be perfect, but with a couple of bits of canvas we'd be happy to supply to you, you could make camp there for the night and perhaps rest easy in the knowledge that you won't be sleeping in the heart of bandit country. These are lawless times, old horse, and this country has just been torn from the grip of the Spanish or so I here. There are brigands everywhere." Ok, so Bane could be called the Highway Gentleman if anything, but he had spent long enough time in the saddle to know what was right and what was wrong. Sacking and destroying this caravan would be wrong for two very simple reasons: It was neither the honourable nor the right thing to do, the right thing to do was to help them out as best as possible. Plus, rather more attached to Worldly needs rather than good conscience, travelers knew the news of what was happening elsewhere and spread the news very fast. If indeed he was wanting to make an impression with what the landowning classes called the common people, then he would have to treat them as he would wish to be treated himself - with respect and dignity. (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
The elder man listened as Bane gave his reply and nodded. He was about to turn about and tell certain men within the group to prepare to travel so they might go and get some of this water to bring back. However, when Bane began to make the offer in helping them and as to why... he looked back to the armored man with an arched brow. His head tilted and it thought a moment. "That is very kind of you...but... why do you offer such? And please, do not take my questioning your reason as an insult, but you must understand, I ask as it is in regards to the safety of our people." he offered. Rhianna had been the only one out of so many frozen bodies that continued to move forward as she weaved in and out past the lifelike statues that looked on. The elder spoke again after an answer had been given. "If your reasons are as good as we would like to believe, then we will accept your offer under one condition. Will you allow us to help you in return? For we do not mind sharing what we have with others." he said as there could be some low mumbling heard in the background. Some obviously didn't like how this was looking. Some still did not feel that these men could be trusted. As she neared the elder, those sea green eyes narrowed a little as she tried to better study the face to the man that seem to lead the cavalry. Brows furrowed... was that whom she thought it to be? It could be...could it? If so... why was he way out here? And why was he with these men? (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
"Because it needs to be offered. Look, friend, I have spent many a night under canvas fearing for my life when my father was hunted as a fugitive, therefore I know what it's like to be sleeping in the middle of hostile territory. Now, I am a stranger to these shores these days, but I know in Europe they think travelers are easy targets, I expect in these war-torn days on English soil it is much the same. I will not have it said
that Bane Oakenshield turned away people when he could of offered help" He smiled a little at the mans offer, he wouldn't necessarily accept any undue help but his men could do with a few experienced hands in fixing some of the roof rafters that had rotted - the slate tiles could come later when the travelers had departed. "If you, and your men, do not mind I could certainly do with some help in fixing some of the barrack blocks in the fort. Just minor carpenter work,and in turn I'll get the regiment blacksmiths to help you with the wagons. However, we need no supplies - we have plenty of our own." Which was true enough, along the way there had been rumours spread by men with white beards who had recognized him on that horse. Men who called him Bane Oakenshield and men who called him by an altogether different name that,until he had returned, had nearly been forgotten in the annals of history. (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
The elder man listened intently and brought a hand to let finger scratch at the scruffy beard before her hald turned and lifted that hand to wave a few of the men in the group to come forward. They seem to huddle up for a moment, debating on whether to follow through or to depart all together. After a few moments, he turned then and looked to Bane. "We will accept you offer and in return for your kindness to our people, we will help you with the repairs this place is in need of. We will only stay for as long as its needed, be it for ourselves or for you and your men." he replied before turning to face the caravan and shouting. "We will camp with these men tonight, gather your things and bring with you all that you can. The vardos that are in need of repairs, will have to stay put and hope they are still here come tomorrow so that we can see to them." By now, Rhianna had moved forward enough to where she could speak and be heard. "Bane?" she asked with a questionable gaze. "Is that you?" she added. Brows remained furrowed with doubt as the shadows of the night were known to play tricks. At hearing her words, the elder man turned and looked to Rhi. "You know this man?" he asked her. Rhi looked to him and nodded slowly if and when Bane confirmed his identity. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
He had been too busy negotiating with the elder man and was about to ask his name when he saw her. His heart caught in his throat and he cursed himself for a fool. Forty three summers he had seen, nearly thirty of which he had been permanently at war for either his father or other princes and kings in foreign lands. And yet, when this young lass of twenty three came up to him, he felt like a blushing schoolboy once more. All he could do was smile. He wouldn't be surprised if his tongue didn't loll out the side of his mouth slightly and he just stared at her, dribbling incoherently. He was shocked enough when he heard a voice speaking in an authorities manner and found out it was his own. Ah well, the Lord God loved a man who could bluff and often rode on his luck "Lady Rhianna, it is damned good to see you again. I didn't expect to see you this far south, I thought you'd be appreciating the freakishly sunny climates of Skye rather than the more genuine windswept and often raining plains of my border region!" He said it all with a grin, and yet he found himself sitting more rigidly in his apparently relaxed position. (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
"Yes, I met him only a few days ago in Turas Lan. He is a very kind man. I believe him to be one with a good heart." she replied to the elder man before looking back to Bane. She was smiling from ear to ear and thought about moving forward to hug him if he dismounted anytime soon. Only she then realize that she might be doing something bad... If he were the leader of these men... this might make him look entirely different than what he'd wish to project. The Gypsy thought better of her gesture and cleared her throat. "Bane.. it is very good to see you again and yes, Skye is very nice, but.. I go where I am led to." she replied with a bit of a shy smile. The elder smirked as he looked between the two. "Rhianna, if what you say is true, then I do not fear in making the right choice for the caravan this night. You are one of us and very trust worthy." He then looked to Bane. "I am known as Althalos." He'd not offer any surname...that was something that wasn't so freely given, but earned. "If there is nothing else to discuss at the moment between us Bane Oakenshield, I need to go and assist a few others with their things." He would turn then and move off to leave Rhi there with Bane. "What are you doing here? And... you lead these men?" she asked with curious eyes. Still wearing a small smile. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
"Mind all my talk of bringing my lads back and re fortifying Housesteads and making it our home?" He asked her, though he heard a distant murmur from some of the cavalrymen behind him and then a chuckle. A chuckle that almost bordered on a giggle. Men in the armed forces, or at least an armed force from the British Isles, tended to be like schoolboys in peace time and professional demons when it came to battles. "Well" he forged on, ignoring the missed joke "We're doing it. I left Skye two nights yonder and made it to Berwick in quick fashion, gathered the boys and we've now set up house and home in Housesteads. We haven't had many guests yet, mainly on account of us only being here for, what, an afternoon and an evening now, but we're getting there" He dismounted, swinging right leg over the saddle before coming down on his left to the soft ground. He walked up to her, unsure of what he was about to do himself before he placed his hands on her waist. "But damn, Rhi, if you aren't a sight for sore eyes" (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
"Oh..yes, yes I do..." she said, recalling their conversation from that rainy night. The distant murmur he heard, had been missed by Rhi as she had been focusing the sounds from the caravan behind her as they began to prepare to move their things to the newly offered campsite for the night. "I wondered where you might have gone or what you found yourself doing after that night on the beach. For the night before, you had stormed out of the pub and very upset from what I recall. But I am glad to see you in better spirits this night." She watched as he dismounted then... and where she had thought to hug him earlier should the opportunity present itself, but had decided against it, had now come back to mind. He walked up to her and his hands came to that shapely waist of hers. His words that followed had her smiling wide where it reached her eyes before she leaned in and gave into that urge of hugging him. "The same could be said for you Bane." she offered in return. Bells and the clinking of those coins could be heard with the gesture while the moonlight almost seem to give that soft mocha skin a certain sort of glow to it. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
"Aye well, I don't like to hear folk talk ill of my faith...." He stopped, letting the words trail off slightly "of my former liege Lord" Bollocksed that one up, he quietly thought to himself. His hands found the small of her back as he smelled the scent of her hair and he smiled before pulling away, almost instantly missing that feeling of being close to her even though he was standing next to her. "Two seconds, just need to organize the lads." The Standard Bearer came forward, the nominal second in command and was given brief instructions to have the men divide themselves into five on each flank of the small column so as to provide them with an effectual shield just in case there were any brigands and outlaws foolhardy enough to try and attack a caravan. Bane already guessed that the word would have been put about that there was a moderate to large armed force in the old Roman fort and he expected little trouble for the next day or so, at least until would group would try and work themselves up enough to take them on. He turned back to her, his arm still around her waist and he found he had been drawing small patterns on the side of her waist with his index finger. "I must admit though, Rhi, I am not as well dressed as you. In fact, I don't think you've ever really seen me out of this self appointed uniform". (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
Rhianna nodded with a silent understanding, knowing how it was when it came to being offended. She was oddly relaxed within his hold...not nearly as stiff or as uncomfortable one might think she should be. He pulled away then before letting her know he only needed a moment to address another and with reason. After orders had been given he turned back to her, only to find her looking to him with that ever present sweet innocent smile. "Thank you for this Bane. These people... my people need this more often." she offered in a low tone, almost whisper like. The feel of those patterns drawn across the canvas of delicate skin was felt and had her squirming just a little. It was ticklish and she tried to not move about so much. At his comment however, she shook her head. "I'm not wearing anything special Bane...and you look fine just as you are." she replied as a nod followed. "I suppose we should move along? Maybe even help with the moving of goods and such?" she asked as she glanced over a shoulder to those behind her before turning back to face him while still wrapped up within that arm of his. Her hands came to press gently against his chest to steady herself. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
"As far as I am concerned, if people need help and I am around and able to do so, I'll give them a hand." Beneath the somewhat gruff, even perhaps the happy go lucky exterior, he had quite an honourable and old soul. To say he was sensitive would probably offend him if the word sensitive was carelessly used. However, he knew all too well that at times people didn't often get what they deserved and was sensitive to their needs, their moods and such like. Astute could probably be another word. "Aye, though I think they are about done. So will you ride with me Rhi, and I can bore you to death with the old tales of these hills and the thousands of men that used to inhabit them and, for a time, called them home far away from family?" And bore her to death he could, though there was a twinkling in his eye of sentimentality. No soldier, no matter where he was, ever got over the memory of his first trot when he had stood, with whatever weapon had been issued to him, and given vague orders to keep watch and not let any intruder in while the wind and rain pounded down around him - to the point where said young soldier often asked himself what kind of bloody nutter would want to take something in that weather. He smiled, almost to himself, thinking that little had changed in any military force since the dawn of mankind. (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
Those eyes would met his own, lower and she smiled softly before lifting her eyes once more. The smile slowly faded as she regarded him and then nodded in agreement. With his reply to her question, she glanced back once more and saw he was right. When looking back to him, she nodded once more. "Ride with you I will and listen to the tales you share with intent ears." said the Gypsy. "But bore me? I think not..." she added with a soft smile as she glanced over toward his horse. The travel bag she carried was once more adjusted as well as the water skins she'd been carrying. Only when he made moves to ready and mount, would she move as well. Althalos turned to watch the two for a moment whispering something in the tongue of their people before smiling. He then turned back to help those to which he'd been aiding. "So are we to ride back to this place of yours or is there some place else you wish me to accompany you to?" she asked as her eyes looked in the direction that people were now moving in before looking back to Bane. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
"Well if I am to bore you to death with tales of Eagles and Picts and Saxons and Scots, I reckon it's only right that you seen the monuments these men left behind. The road that we'll be taking crosses over a large ditch called the vallum - about a hundred foot wide and twenty foot deep and then we'll be riding alongside the wall. We'll carry along the road for a wee bit before reaching Housesteads, and if you want, I can show you the Principia where I am staying" His men were moving about now, some had dismounted to help the travelers load up their wagons while the rest scanned the distant horizon. Security was a major thing, particularly in an area where one didn't know anyone "Unless of course you had different ideas" (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
"Scenery to match the details of your tales... it can get no better." she replied with a grin. "I'd like to hear as much as you can share. I enjoy learning the history and heritage of a people." she added. It was already sounding interesting. "The Principles?" she asked. While she knew the English language well, their were times where she wondered if they didn't have more than one word to describe something or someone. "What is... a princples?" she asked, hoping she didn't sound silly or foolish. She was after all young and still learning quite a bit with each day that passed. Rhi looked about a moment, watching as several of his men moved off to help in some form or fashion. The caravan had moved off a good bit off the main road, but was still within a location that was obviously dangerous with what Bane and his men shared. She was glad they were offering them protection against those that would prey upon the caravan. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
"The Princpia was the latin term for Headquarters. Houseteads was originally called Vercovicium - which in English means the House of the Brave Fighters" He stopped for a minute, liking the title more and more and decided to refer to it as that from then on. "So basically, in Vercovicium before it was fully established as a military base the legionary commander would sleep in the headquarters, or the princpia, which is where I currently stay until the main house is finished." And what a site it will be, he thought. "The thing is, everything that was needed in the fort was in there. You had baths, a small gym that was adjoined to the baths, as well as indoor training areas for drill and sword practice. You had two granaries as well as numerous barrack blocks for the men. Outside the main walls, where your people will be sleeping, was a small settlement where the soldiers wives and families would often live and ply their wares. Essentially, it was in itself a small garrison town" He found his finger stroking her midriff again as he gazed around the place, imagining it once being the bustling frontier that it was and realizing he was more than happy to take in the scene with a beautiful woman even in the rain. The wagons were loaded now, and a few were beginning to move off with the first of the cavalryman moving beside it. "However, I think it's time we move, don't you?" (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
She listened carefully, nodding here and there as he began to explain things more clearly. "So you are as what would be .. this legionary commander then.. yes?" she asked with arched brows. "Is there one that has a place before you? One that ... over sees everyone here, including yourself or are you him?" she asked. Everything he had shared was very interesting and honestly, she thought she could listen to him tell her these things all through the night. That finger of his that continued to stroke her midriff had her smiling softly, but she managed to focus once more on his words and not just his touch. She let her eyes follow in the direction his own moved, almost as if she were trying to picture how things had been or might be herself. When Bane suggested they needed to move along, she glanced about and then looked back to him before nodding. "I think that would be wise... if there is as much danger to be found here as you say, I do not wish to find out first hand." she replied as she gave a leery eye about their surroundings in almost a suspicious manner. She seem to lean in toward him more. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
"I report to no man. I am, however, accountable to my men and their families" He had a very grounded sense of leadership, while for some it was considered a birthright and something they deserved - he was one to believe that with leadership came respect, and that respect had to be earned by looking after the welfare of his men as well by making sure he didn't necessarily throw their lives away needlessly. He smiled as she leaned into him, feeling her warmth even through the chain mail and that slight, but reassuring, pressure against his own body. He found his thoughts not so much on history anymore but on an entirely different topic of learning. "So aye, I would technically be the legionary commander. Legions had five thousand men at parade strength, similar to what I have as well come to think of it. Anyway, if we are moving I suggest you ride with me. I am not having you walk alongside my horse while I ride like some bloody Lordling who still hasn't found his first pubic hair yet and feels his must show his title in some petty social way!" He grinned at her, drawing her closer to him as he kissed her lightly on the brow "And you can take that as an order." (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
He reported to no man... it seemed it was said with such...conviction. Yet, it wasn't harsh. She nodded then. "That is very good of you, to be accountable to your men and their families. Not many men would do such in this day and time." she replied. Had she known what else he believed in, she would have thought more highly of him than she already did. Bane seemed to be a very good hearted man who was very well grounded and knew just what to do or say at precisely the right time. When he confirmed that he would in fact be this legionary commander, she smiled at her guessing correctly. Five thousand men... that was a lot of men to be in charge of she thought to herself. At his suggestion of her riding with him she smirked. "You could always be the one to walk along side your horse while I ride.." she teased playfully as he drew her closer and then kissed her brow. The act had her staring up at him while heat filled her cheeks. She regarded him and then looked away, fearful he would see the color in her cheeks even at this dark hour of the night. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
"Well, I suppose as the Officer Commanding the Grey Regiment and honourable man that would only be right" He chuckled as a thought occurred to him as he gently led her to his horse. It was a good horse, probably not the tallest of beasts but it had been bred for the purpose of these wild borderlands. His cavalry were on similar horses, lower in stature than most but taller than the ponies one found on Shetland. It was his cavalry had earned the nickname the Mosstroopers. He gently picked her up, his strength belaying his age, as he placed her on the saddle and then grabbing the reins and looping them round his left wrist he led her off down the road. They ended up settling nicely into the middle of the caravan, his soldiers on either side of him and travelers with families in front and behind. At the forefront was the Standard Bearer, letting all and sundry know that Bane Oakenshield was present. "It is a nice place, a little wild at times but otherwise a nice place. From the northern gate tower you can see all the way into Scotland, even here sixty miles away. Thirty miles to your west is Carlisle - a right wee nice city and thirty miles to your east is Newcastle. To the south is another Roman fort as well as numerous other villages and small towns that have sprung up and survived around them. In time Vercovicium..." He really was starting to prefer the Latin to the English name "....will be the jewel of the border." He grinned, boyishly in fact even in that light, "Aye, and we shall have schools and hospitals and churches and a University eventually and people will soon forget that at the heart of it all were five thousand men trying to make a difference." (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
Rhianna chuckled with his reply before he was then leading her to his horse to which he set her upon. She had expected him to ride with her, just as he said, but when he took the reigns and led the horse with her alone in the saddle. She frowned a little, finding herself disappointed at not having him as near as he had been moments before. Hands grabbed a hold of anything that would keep her steady. She wasn't that horrible of a rider, but she wasn't the best either. Long slender legs rested on either side of the beast, bare feet dangled casually while the tiny bells jingled with even the softest of strides the horse made. They were soon joining the others before he began to speak again on the land and several locations. She looked in those directions he described, almost as if she were trying to spy what he was sharing even with so much distance between her and those things. "I am sure she will be very beautiful" she offered in response. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
He smiled up at her, some people like himself were natural riders and others were not. Rhi was obviously one of those who it didn't come naturally to. He handed her the reins, looking up at her before acting on impulse and kissing her calf. He grinned "Nearly there" Already the light of sentries could be seen on the wall and it warmed Banes heart, it was the way it was meant to be. He thought for a moment, wondering what his father would have thought of all of this and grinned. He probably would have thought it good, he liked the necessary heroic stuff at times. "So will you be sleeping with the rest of your folks tonight in the settlement or would you rather sleep behind the walls?" with myself was thought that leapt unbidden into his mind, but it was only a thought. He smiled at it, it was a pleasant thought. (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
No, Rhi was not a natural rider and it obviously showed as he handed her the reigns. The kiss to her calf that followed however, had her arching her brows as she gazed down at him. Oh my...That had sent a very strong shiver up her spine! She nodded with his offering they were almost there but found herself still think on the sensation of that kiss. Eyes did however lift from looking down at him and toward their destination. His question though would have her gazing back down at him. "I.. I'm not sure. Where would I sleep exactly if it were behind these walls?" she asked. She'd have been fine with it being in a horse stall of fresh hay...she had done it many a night before. Sometimes it was the best sleep to be had. Besides, the horses would always alert her if something odd was going on. "I don't want to put anyone out." she added after a moment. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
"You won't. If you want you can sleep in my quarters and I'll sleep in the Officers Mess for the night. My quarters, though not luxurious, does have a bed and a roof of slate rather than a roof of canvas....or what a lot of the lads have which is a strange combination of both at the moment" He chuckled, tomorrow morning a few folk would be drenched from where the canvas had given way to the weight of the rain. "However, it's entirely up to yourself though" They were making their way up the Roman road going up the hill now, the Standard bearer almost past the gate tower as a group of infantry turned themselves out for guard. Pikemen were the predominant infantry force in his regiment, however each man was also issued with a sword and a pistol for close quarters fighting. Pikes were grounded as the first of the cavalry began to trot past. To the left of them was a collection of stone dwellings, some of the better ones with fully intact roofs and a few torches burned amongst them so as to mainly provide illumination for the sentries who sat in amongst the buildings waiting "And that's where the travelers will be quartered tonight. As I said, it's an old settlement but it's stood the test of time." (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
"Good, I would hate to take over someone's bed for the night." she was about to go on, but then he said she could sleep in his place and he sleep some where else. "Oh no, I can't do that Bane. those are your...quarters and so you should be sleeping there as well." she replied as she gave a firm nod. "I can always find another place to sleep if there is not enough room for more than one person." came the addition. The idea of waking up cold and wet was not appealing, not at all. However the idea of waking up next to someone warm... was a very nice thought. Especially if that someone was the man at her side. She looked then to where he said the caravan would be resting tonight and she nodded with a wide smile in a satisfied manner. "That looks like it will serve them very well." (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
"As well?" He said noting the subtle implication there. "Well it's up to yourself. There is a couch in there I can sleep on, and I could always gather another blanket and a pillow I could use" He wanted to see how far this could be taken, though he smiled innocently all the time. The caravan was slowly peeling to the right now and with a few waves the cavalry were making their way through the gate. It looked like it had been a productive evening all round with a few of the cavalrymen looking at certain young ladies within the wagons with wry smiles. Pikes grounded, the pikemen turned about on their heel in parade ground fashion when Bane passed through the gate and taking two marching paces forward, fell into a small column and marched in behind him - the heavy wooden doors slowly shutting as they entered. A handler showed up and Bane helped Rhi down from the saddle and placed her gently on the ground, holding her for a few seconds more as he looked into those rich eyes before the groom took the horse away to the stables. "Well if you'd like to follow me, Rhi, I'll show you my home." (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
Yes, there had been implication there, maybe not in the sense he thought, as she had been a bit more innocent with that statement than perhaps he would realize. "I could sleep on that couch and you can have your bed. I would be fine with either arrangement." The caravan moved off in the direction necessary and she watched as they all passed through the gate, looking to either side of her, and then behind her before facing forward once more. She was making sure everyone had entered. With the men looking at a few of those ladies, there was bound to be some interesting nights for most. Once the gates were closed, Rhi found herself being lifted from the horse by Bane himself. She was gently lifted and then placed on the ground while the handler came to see to the horse. They lingered in place for a moment before Bane offered for her to follow. "Yes... please do?" she asked with a soft nod. "But first... " one hand came to hold on to Bane a moment to steady herself after her slippers had been pulled from her bag. They were gold in color, well worn, and her feet slid into one and then the other. Those bells about her ankles and the coins in her clothing would of course jingle and clang before she righted herself. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
They walked up the main street. All Roman forts were constructed to a similar design and this one was no different. There were two main roads, one leading from north to south and the other leading from east to west. There were obviously going to be subdivisions, but the end result always looked the same. Bane and Rhi continued walking up the hill until they got to a large building. Unlike most peoples normal appreciation of Rome with it's flat stone walls and white painted buildings, these were completely hewn out the local rock and reflected the local landscape. Torch braziers were on all sides of it, as indeed were most of the buildings on the two main roads and the affect was astounding. Even now, seeing it for the first time at night, Bane wondered what it would have been like in it's prime. They walked inside, a couple of guardsmen standing to attention as they passed into the main entrance hall. "It isn't much, well not yet anyway, but it serves it's purpose. There is a kitchen, an office, the regiments treasury and upstairs is the bedroom and the bathroom. It's fairly small." There was, however, a second part to the complex, for in the center was a small courtyard "On the other side was where the legion business was conducted, that was the main admin center so that's where the regiments will be based. In the strong room just beyond it is where the Eagle was kept, as well as a monument to the Emperor and Rome" (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
She walked along side Bane, looking here and there and taking in their surroundings. It was very beautiful, even if it wasn't in its best condition. She seem to slow down in her pace even, trying to take it all in as if she were afraid she would never see it again. "This is...amazing..." she idly commented. Whether it was to herself or Bane would remain unknown. As they walked inside, she noticed the two guardsmen standing at attention and felt a little.. odd, but in a good way. She nodded and smiled to each of them before moving alonge. Bane began to share with her his thoughts on the place and where everything was located. "This is beautiful Bane, even in its raw form. Like a precious stone or jewel newly discovered and how lovely it will be once it is shaped and polished." she offered as her eyes slowly surveyed the place. She walked idly, even accidentally bumping into Bane. "Sorry... I didn't mean to...it's just so..-" she honestly couldn't think of a word that would best describe it or do it justice. She then nodded as he shared with her where business was conducted. "Promise me you will show me everything again come tomorrow so that I might appreciate it again, just in a new way since it will be day light?" she asked as she looked to him. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
"Aye, I promise. Though it is getting late just now. I'll show you to my quarters and then I'll get my own bedding and sleep on the couch tonight." Days of hard riding and marching were swiftly catching up on him as he stifled a deep yawn. To be fair, he felt better now than he had in days. He was back in his element, he was on what was effectively an unknown shore now with a body of men behind him and already the rumors had begun amongst different peoples. Some veterans in the villages they past talked of Bane Oakenshield, the Captain of the Grey, while others spoke of a younger man who was said to have fought like a demon on the battlefield, a man named James Bruce. Bane smiled as he looked at Rhi, seeing the wonder in her eyes that he too had felt when he had first visited this place many years ago. "Aye don't worry about that Rhi, I'll show you round." (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
"I would like that, very much.." she offered freely as she readjusted the bag across her chest and back. She wouldn't move of course until he began to lead the way. She had caught that yawn and what did you know.. it seem to cause her to yawn. While he suggested he would be sleeping on the couch, she couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. She didn't understand why they couldn't sleep in the same bed. She didn't want to put him out and he didn't seem to want her to sleep any other place. Yes, she knew there would be talk... there always was such when it came to Gypsies. If she was going to be talked about, give people reason to, is the way she looked at it. However, she wouldn't press the matter. Maybe he was uncomfortable with the idea of sharing his bed with her, for whatever reasons. (d)
The rebuilding effort was not as drastic as he first thought it was going to be. Nearly a century of border warfare had kept a necessary and strategic location in good order, to a degree, though it would require some building up. From the old military road he had looked up the hill to where Housesteads sat, knowing on the other side was a steep hill. Housesteads sitting there, almost perched like a bird in it's nest waiting to jump out at it's prey. Flanked on either side of the hill was the massive fortifications of the wall itself stretching from the north sea to the Irish sea, eighty two miles of unbroken man made fortification with mile castles and other forts along the way. They had begun the march in the port of Berwick, marching south to Newcastle and re supplying there before marching west taking in the sites as they went. A large column with cavalry detachments, some one thousand men in all, riding in the front, rear and flanks with main line battle infantry comprised of pikemen in the vanguard and musketeers and archers forming the mid and rear of the infantry column - nestled in as they were by the cavalry. Bane himself rode his horse in the center, his senior command team of Velawin and Trent alongside him. And then they had reached it. That well traveled Roman road almost defying nature as it went straight up the hill. They had walked in, the men by their very nature sorting out the buildings and where necessary putting canvas on top of roof tops to stop leaks and horses being billeted in the better stables while Bane sent the cavalry out for forage and other necessary items. Tomorrow would undoubtedly bring work parties to bring in wood and stone from the surrounding countryside and quarries, but tomorrow could wait. For the first time in Centuries, Housesteads once more had a professional military body within it's walls with a grey flag with a white saltire flying on the main gate tower defiantly facing the north. He walked down from the parapet to the main princeps building, where the old Legionary commander would have lived - a largish house by frontier standards, it for the moment doubled up as a Staff headquarters as well as personal living accommodation. (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
Being of the free spirit of sorts... Rhianna had found herself surrounded by many others like herself recently. Since she had no real home, it made it easy for her to go and come as she pleased with whom she pleased. While in Turas she had met quite a few interesting people and it had been quite the welcoming place for her kind. She was sure she would return there soon, but it never hurt to travel at times. After all, its not the destination that counts, it's the journey you take to get there. Breanna had been very kind, Eirian was very sweet, as well as others. And then there had been Bane. She did wonder how each of them fared this day. She had not had the chance to tell them she would be traveling for a time, even if it was to be a short time. Hopefully they would all understand if and when she saw them again. As the caravan took the weaving roads up and down over hills and such, Rhianna walked or danced along. She'd been offered to ride within a vardo or two...even a horse, but she would have none of it. In a vardo, the scenery would be missed, upon a horse, your feet might not be able to remember the way from which you came if one was hoping to return that is. Others had chose to walk as well, some even playing instruments or singing. Rhianna was right along with them. After a while though, the caravan would come to a stop as it seemed one of the wheels to a vardo was in need of repair. It looked like tonight, they would be camping here... wherever here was. The caramel haired gypsy was wearing the colors of blue, purple and white with a few pieces accented in gold fabric and coins that dangled here and there. She'd been wearing shoes as they traveled, but now that they were preparing for camping out, shoes were lost and put away with the travel bag that crossed over her slender figure from right shoulder to left hip. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
There was a knock at the door and Bane shouted for the man to come in as he looked over some maps of the local area, mentally going over in his head which sections of the Wall in his immediate area had fallen into disrepair. Again, it wasn't as bad as he had first thought given that a lot of farmers hadn't had the time nor the willingness to chance their lives in the warlike area of the border, but it wouldn't hurt to try and rebuild. He took a drink from the mug of tea and brought out his pipe, filling it with tobacco and began smoking watching the thin blue wisps come from the end of the pot. "Captain, sir, Scouts report a small caravan of traveling people coming from the north. There is no banner, sir, so we cannot tell if they are Scots or English." Bane was pleased, there wasn't even a suggestion of attacking the Caravan from the young officer standing in front of him...Dunwal he thought the name was. He nodded, "Get some of the light cavalry, only a dozen, half them waiting for me by the south gate. I'll join them in, what, ten minutes and we'll start doing our bit for international relations" The man saluted, turned about on his heel and was gone. Map rolled up and placed in a cylindrical carboard tube, Bane removed his shirt and placed his chain mail shirt onto his bare skin, feeling the cold metal rungs against his torso. Over which he placed the navy blue shirt with the grey scarf tied around his mid. Walking out of the room, he picked up the sword belt which when looped around his body contained the dagger on the left hand side and the rapier on the right as well as his two flintlock pistols tucked into the front. A pouch of gunpowder, if the time ever arose to reload, was on the small of his back. He walked down the main road to the south gate and quickly saddled his waiting horse. "Which direction, young man?" "South until you hit the main road, sir, and then west" Bane nodded his thanks and pushed the horse forward and began the short trek. (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
Most of the men were off gathering firewood or tending to the animals while the women prepared food to be cleaned and cooked. Some were even moving off in hopes to find a nearby water source. While most of the caravan had supplies, Gypsies tended to try and live off the land as much as possible. It was free and well... there was much that could be found if you looked in the right places. Rhianna was moving off with small band of women and children with water skins. They had been told in which direction might be best, which was easier if you followed your nose. That is if your nose was a good one and if you paid close attention to the signs that signaled where water might be found. Creeks and brooks were just as good as rivers. Maybe they would get lucky and find one soon, it was getting later by the minute and while she feared little, being out in the dark and alone, should she stray, was not the best thing to have yourself do. She was armed... even if with only a dagger, but she was quick, like a cat and one had to wonder if the magic of Gypsies was not real. For she had feline like eyes both in shape and color. While Rhi did stay near the others, she was off by herself by about a few yards, sea green eyes scanning while her chin was slightly lifted as to have her nose in the air. Were they near a creek or brook? It smelled like it...smelled like it did just before the rain came. (d)
*Bane Oakenhield*
They came to the encampment, men suddenly gathering up weapons as they were want to do when approached by armed cavalrymen in hostile culture. Bane moved forward, draped in a grey cloak, while his standard bearer came forward hold the banner aloft carrying the grey flag with a white saltire on it. He held up his right hand "Ho the camp!" he called "I am Captain Bane Oakenshield of the Grey Regiment, recently self-appointed keeper and Lord of Housesteads fort of the Wall of Hadrian." Still no sign of reassurance, even with Bane trying to put on his best diplomatic face. He tried a smile instead. "Is there anything we can do to help you?" And there was something you didn't get, and certainly caused a little murmuring in the group. Bands of heavily armed cavalrymen, and they certainly were for each man carried two pistols and a sword each, didn't necessarily show up in the middle of the night simply offering civility and polite custom. (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
Shouts and cries of warnings rang out through the encampment of men coming. The males of the caravan quickly took up their own weapons and formed a arc, placing the wagons, women, and children behind them. They were preparing for the worse. To be slaughtered and taken as prisoners...Rhi, along with the others that had moved off quickly turned to face the way they came before braking out in a run. She looked like a amazon running through the forest with her hair whipping back behind her. Portions of fabric from her clothing mimicking those caramel strands much in the same fashion. Bells about the ankles and within her clothing told of her arrival as she neared and saw what was taking place. She began to panic... and with a quick adjustment of water skins, and her travel bag, her hand slipped to the dagger at her side. She was prepared to go down fighting if it was necessary. However, none of the men of the caravan seemed to make any moves to draw their weapons and looked at each other with confusion. One man would step forward. "We only wish to make camp for the night so that repairs that are needed can be seen about first thing in the morning. We're not here to cause trouble for you or your men." he said. He was an older man, one who had seen many days and many campfires at night as his hair and short beard were white. He looked to another man next to him and gestured toward the calvary before looking back to Bane. "If you could point us in the direction of fresh water, we would greatly appreciate it. For we have plenty for our people, but our horses will need some as well." Slowly Rhi began to make her way forward with one slow step at a time. This was odd... this she had to see for herself and much closer. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
"Fresh water?" He worked out how far they had ridden, probably about three miles if that due west. He tried thinking of it in footsteps,having ridden along Hadrians Wall when he was half the age he was now. Aye, three miles was about right. "If you double back, say for about half a mile until you reach the wall again, then carry on east for two miles you'll come across a series of crags. By one of them is a large loch, good water from what I hear." He leaned forward in the saddle a little, hands clasped in front of him resting on the neck of his horse "However, and feel free to decline if you so wish, but there was an old civilian settlement used by camp hangers-on when the Legions used to be based here just outside our fort. It may not be perfect, but with a couple of bits of canvas we'd be happy to supply to you, you could make camp there for the night and perhaps rest easy in the knowledge that you won't be sleeping in the heart of bandit country. These are lawless times, old horse, and this country has just been torn from the grip of the Spanish or so I here. There are brigands everywhere." Ok, so Bane could be called the Highway Gentleman if anything, but he had spent long enough time in the saddle to know what was right and what was wrong. Sacking and destroying this caravan would be wrong for two very simple reasons: It was neither the honourable nor the right thing to do, the right thing to do was to help them out as best as possible. Plus, rather more attached to Worldly needs rather than good conscience, travelers knew the news of what was happening elsewhere and spread the news very fast. If indeed he was wanting to make an impression with what the landowning classes called the common people, then he would have to treat them as he would wish to be treated himself - with respect and dignity. (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
The elder man listened as Bane gave his reply and nodded. He was about to turn about and tell certain men within the group to prepare to travel so they might go and get some of this water to bring back. However, when Bane began to make the offer in helping them and as to why... he looked back to the armored man with an arched brow. His head tilted and it thought a moment. "That is very kind of you...but... why do you offer such? And please, do not take my questioning your reason as an insult, but you must understand, I ask as it is in regards to the safety of our people." he offered. Rhianna had been the only one out of so many frozen bodies that continued to move forward as she weaved in and out past the lifelike statues that looked on. The elder spoke again after an answer had been given. "If your reasons are as good as we would like to believe, then we will accept your offer under one condition. Will you allow us to help you in return? For we do not mind sharing what we have with others." he said as there could be some low mumbling heard in the background. Some obviously didn't like how this was looking. Some still did not feel that these men could be trusted. As she neared the elder, those sea green eyes narrowed a little as she tried to better study the face to the man that seem to lead the cavalry. Brows furrowed... was that whom she thought it to be? It could be...could it? If so... why was he way out here? And why was he with these men? (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
"Because it needs to be offered. Look, friend, I have spent many a night under canvas fearing for my life when my father was hunted as a fugitive, therefore I know what it's like to be sleeping in the middle of hostile territory. Now, I am a stranger to these shores these days, but I know in Europe they think travelers are easy targets, I expect in these war-torn days on English soil it is much the same. I will not have it said
that Bane Oakenshield turned away people when he could of offered help" He smiled a little at the mans offer, he wouldn't necessarily accept any undue help but his men could do with a few experienced hands in fixing some of the roof rafters that had rotted - the slate tiles could come later when the travelers had departed. "If you, and your men, do not mind I could certainly do with some help in fixing some of the barrack blocks in the fort. Just minor carpenter work,and in turn I'll get the regiment blacksmiths to help you with the wagons. However, we need no supplies - we have plenty of our own." Which was true enough, along the way there had been rumours spread by men with white beards who had recognized him on that horse. Men who called him Bane Oakenshield and men who called him by an altogether different name that,until he had returned, had nearly been forgotten in the annals of history. (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
The elder man listened intently and brought a hand to let finger scratch at the scruffy beard before her hald turned and lifted that hand to wave a few of the men in the group to come forward. They seem to huddle up for a moment, debating on whether to follow through or to depart all together. After a few moments, he turned then and looked to Bane. "We will accept you offer and in return for your kindness to our people, we will help you with the repairs this place is in need of. We will only stay for as long as its needed, be it for ourselves or for you and your men." he replied before turning to face the caravan and shouting. "We will camp with these men tonight, gather your things and bring with you all that you can. The vardos that are in need of repairs, will have to stay put and hope they are still here come tomorrow so that we can see to them." By now, Rhianna had moved forward enough to where she could speak and be heard. "Bane?" she asked with a questionable gaze. "Is that you?" she added. Brows remained furrowed with doubt as the shadows of the night were known to play tricks. At hearing her words, the elder man turned and looked to Rhi. "You know this man?" he asked her. Rhi looked to him and nodded slowly if and when Bane confirmed his identity. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
He had been too busy negotiating with the elder man and was about to ask his name when he saw her. His heart caught in his throat and he cursed himself for a fool. Forty three summers he had seen, nearly thirty of which he had been permanently at war for either his father or other princes and kings in foreign lands. And yet, when this young lass of twenty three came up to him, he felt like a blushing schoolboy once more. All he could do was smile. He wouldn't be surprised if his tongue didn't loll out the side of his mouth slightly and he just stared at her, dribbling incoherently. He was shocked enough when he heard a voice speaking in an authorities manner and found out it was his own. Ah well, the Lord God loved a man who could bluff and often rode on his luck "Lady Rhianna, it is damned good to see you again. I didn't expect to see you this far south, I thought you'd be appreciating the freakishly sunny climates of Skye rather than the more genuine windswept and often raining plains of my border region!" He said it all with a grin, and yet he found himself sitting more rigidly in his apparently relaxed position. (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
"Yes, I met him only a few days ago in Turas Lan. He is a very kind man. I believe him to be one with a good heart." she replied to the elder man before looking back to Bane. She was smiling from ear to ear and thought about moving forward to hug him if he dismounted anytime soon. Only she then realize that she might be doing something bad... If he were the leader of these men... this might make him look entirely different than what he'd wish to project. The Gypsy thought better of her gesture and cleared her throat. "Bane.. it is very good to see you again and yes, Skye is very nice, but.. I go where I am led to." she replied with a bit of a shy smile. The elder smirked as he looked between the two. "Rhianna, if what you say is true, then I do not fear in making the right choice for the caravan this night. You are one of us and very trust worthy." He then looked to Bane. "I am known as Althalos." He'd not offer any surname...that was something that wasn't so freely given, but earned. "If there is nothing else to discuss at the moment between us Bane Oakenshield, I need to go and assist a few others with their things." He would turn then and move off to leave Rhi there with Bane. "What are you doing here? And... you lead these men?" she asked with curious eyes. Still wearing a small smile. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
"Mind all my talk of bringing my lads back and re fortifying Housesteads and making it our home?" He asked her, though he heard a distant murmur from some of the cavalrymen behind him and then a chuckle. A chuckle that almost bordered on a giggle. Men in the armed forces, or at least an armed force from the British Isles, tended to be like schoolboys in peace time and professional demons when it came to battles. "Well" he forged on, ignoring the missed joke "We're doing it. I left Skye two nights yonder and made it to Berwick in quick fashion, gathered the boys and we've now set up house and home in Housesteads. We haven't had many guests yet, mainly on account of us only being here for, what, an afternoon and an evening now, but we're getting there" He dismounted, swinging right leg over the saddle before coming down on his left to the soft ground. He walked up to her, unsure of what he was about to do himself before he placed his hands on her waist. "But damn, Rhi, if you aren't a sight for sore eyes" (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
"Oh..yes, yes I do..." she said, recalling their conversation from that rainy night. The distant murmur he heard, had been missed by Rhi as she had been focusing the sounds from the caravan behind her as they began to prepare to move their things to the newly offered campsite for the night. "I wondered where you might have gone or what you found yourself doing after that night on the beach. For the night before, you had stormed out of the pub and very upset from what I recall. But I am glad to see you in better spirits this night." She watched as he dismounted then... and where she had thought to hug him earlier should the opportunity present itself, but had decided against it, had now come back to mind. He walked up to her and his hands came to that shapely waist of hers. His words that followed had her smiling wide where it reached her eyes before she leaned in and gave into that urge of hugging him. "The same could be said for you Bane." she offered in return. Bells and the clinking of those coins could be heard with the gesture while the moonlight almost seem to give that soft mocha skin a certain sort of glow to it. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
"Aye well, I don't like to hear folk talk ill of my faith...." He stopped, letting the words trail off slightly "of my former liege Lord" Bollocksed that one up, he quietly thought to himself. His hands found the small of her back as he smelled the scent of her hair and he smiled before pulling away, almost instantly missing that feeling of being close to her even though he was standing next to her. "Two seconds, just need to organize the lads." The Standard Bearer came forward, the nominal second in command and was given brief instructions to have the men divide themselves into five on each flank of the small column so as to provide them with an effectual shield just in case there were any brigands and outlaws foolhardy enough to try and attack a caravan. Bane already guessed that the word would have been put about that there was a moderate to large armed force in the old Roman fort and he expected little trouble for the next day or so, at least until would group would try and work themselves up enough to take them on. He turned back to her, his arm still around her waist and he found he had been drawing small patterns on the side of her waist with his index finger. "I must admit though, Rhi, I am not as well dressed as you. In fact, I don't think you've ever really seen me out of this self appointed uniform". (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
Rhianna nodded with a silent understanding, knowing how it was when it came to being offended. She was oddly relaxed within his hold...not nearly as stiff or as uncomfortable one might think she should be. He pulled away then before letting her know he only needed a moment to address another and with reason. After orders had been given he turned back to her, only to find her looking to him with that ever present sweet innocent smile. "Thank you for this Bane. These people... my people need this more often." she offered in a low tone, almost whisper like. The feel of those patterns drawn across the canvas of delicate skin was felt and had her squirming just a little. It was ticklish and she tried to not move about so much. At his comment however, she shook her head. "I'm not wearing anything special Bane...and you look fine just as you are." she replied as a nod followed. "I suppose we should move along? Maybe even help with the moving of goods and such?" she asked as she glanced over a shoulder to those behind her before turning back to face him while still wrapped up within that arm of his. Her hands came to press gently against his chest to steady herself. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
"As far as I am concerned, if people need help and I am around and able to do so, I'll give them a hand." Beneath the somewhat gruff, even perhaps the happy go lucky exterior, he had quite an honourable and old soul. To say he was sensitive would probably offend him if the word sensitive was carelessly used. However, he knew all too well that at times people didn't often get what they deserved and was sensitive to their needs, their moods and such like. Astute could probably be another word. "Aye, though I think they are about done. So will you ride with me Rhi, and I can bore you to death with the old tales of these hills and the thousands of men that used to inhabit them and, for a time, called them home far away from family?" And bore her to death he could, though there was a twinkling in his eye of sentimentality. No soldier, no matter where he was, ever got over the memory of his first trot when he had stood, with whatever weapon had been issued to him, and given vague orders to keep watch and not let any intruder in while the wind and rain pounded down around him - to the point where said young soldier often asked himself what kind of bloody nutter would want to take something in that weather. He smiled, almost to himself, thinking that little had changed in any military force since the dawn of mankind. (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
Those eyes would met his own, lower and she smiled softly before lifting her eyes once more. The smile slowly faded as she regarded him and then nodded in agreement. With his reply to her question, she glanced back once more and saw he was right. When looking back to him, she nodded once more. "Ride with you I will and listen to the tales you share with intent ears." said the Gypsy. "But bore me? I think not..." she added with a soft smile as she glanced over toward his horse. The travel bag she carried was once more adjusted as well as the water skins she'd been carrying. Only when he made moves to ready and mount, would she move as well. Althalos turned to watch the two for a moment whispering something in the tongue of their people before smiling. He then turned back to help those to which he'd been aiding. "So are we to ride back to this place of yours or is there some place else you wish me to accompany you to?" she asked as her eyes looked in the direction that people were now moving in before looking back to Bane. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
"Well if I am to bore you to death with tales of Eagles and Picts and Saxons and Scots, I reckon it's only right that you seen the monuments these men left behind. The road that we'll be taking crosses over a large ditch called the vallum - about a hundred foot wide and twenty foot deep and then we'll be riding alongside the wall. We'll carry along the road for a wee bit before reaching Housesteads, and if you want, I can show you the Principia where I am staying" His men were moving about now, some had dismounted to help the travelers load up their wagons while the rest scanned the distant horizon. Security was a major thing, particularly in an area where one didn't know anyone "Unless of course you had different ideas" (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
"Scenery to match the details of your tales... it can get no better." she replied with a grin. "I'd like to hear as much as you can share. I enjoy learning the history and heritage of a people." she added. It was already sounding interesting. "The Principles?" she asked. While she knew the English language well, their were times where she wondered if they didn't have more than one word to describe something or someone. "What is... a princples?" she asked, hoping she didn't sound silly or foolish. She was after all young and still learning quite a bit with each day that passed. Rhi looked about a moment, watching as several of his men moved off to help in some form or fashion. The caravan had moved off a good bit off the main road, but was still within a location that was obviously dangerous with what Bane and his men shared. She was glad they were offering them protection against those that would prey upon the caravan. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
"The Princpia was the latin term for Headquarters. Houseteads was originally called Vercovicium - which in English means the House of the Brave Fighters" He stopped for a minute, liking the title more and more and decided to refer to it as that from then on. "So basically, in Vercovicium before it was fully established as a military base the legionary commander would sleep in the headquarters, or the princpia, which is where I currently stay until the main house is finished." And what a site it will be, he thought. "The thing is, everything that was needed in the fort was in there. You had baths, a small gym that was adjoined to the baths, as well as indoor training areas for drill and sword practice. You had two granaries as well as numerous barrack blocks for the men. Outside the main walls, where your people will be sleeping, was a small settlement where the soldiers wives and families would often live and ply their wares. Essentially, it was in itself a small garrison town" He found his finger stroking her midriff again as he gazed around the place, imagining it once being the bustling frontier that it was and realizing he was more than happy to take in the scene with a beautiful woman even in the rain. The wagons were loaded now, and a few were beginning to move off with the first of the cavalryman moving beside it. "However, I think it's time we move, don't you?" (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
She listened carefully, nodding here and there as he began to explain things more clearly. "So you are as what would be .. this legionary commander then.. yes?" she asked with arched brows. "Is there one that has a place before you? One that ... over sees everyone here, including yourself or are you him?" she asked. Everything he had shared was very interesting and honestly, she thought she could listen to him tell her these things all through the night. That finger of his that continued to stroke her midriff had her smiling softly, but she managed to focus once more on his words and not just his touch. She let her eyes follow in the direction his own moved, almost as if she were trying to picture how things had been or might be herself. When Bane suggested they needed to move along, she glanced about and then looked back to him before nodding. "I think that would be wise... if there is as much danger to be found here as you say, I do not wish to find out first hand." she replied as she gave a leery eye about their surroundings in almost a suspicious manner. She seem to lean in toward him more. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
"I report to no man. I am, however, accountable to my men and their families" He had a very grounded sense of leadership, while for some it was considered a birthright and something they deserved - he was one to believe that with leadership came respect, and that respect had to be earned by looking after the welfare of his men as well by making sure he didn't necessarily throw their lives away needlessly. He smiled as she leaned into him, feeling her warmth even through the chain mail and that slight, but reassuring, pressure against his own body. He found his thoughts not so much on history anymore but on an entirely different topic of learning. "So aye, I would technically be the legionary commander. Legions had five thousand men at parade strength, similar to what I have as well come to think of it. Anyway, if we are moving I suggest you ride with me. I am not having you walk alongside my horse while I ride like some bloody Lordling who still hasn't found his first pubic hair yet and feels his must show his title in some petty social way!" He grinned at her, drawing her closer to him as he kissed her lightly on the brow "And you can take that as an order." (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
He reported to no man... it seemed it was said with such...conviction. Yet, it wasn't harsh. She nodded then. "That is very good of you, to be accountable to your men and their families. Not many men would do such in this day and time." she replied. Had she known what else he believed in, she would have thought more highly of him than she already did. Bane seemed to be a very good hearted man who was very well grounded and knew just what to do or say at precisely the right time. When he confirmed that he would in fact be this legionary commander, she smiled at her guessing correctly. Five thousand men... that was a lot of men to be in charge of she thought to herself. At his suggestion of her riding with him she smirked. "You could always be the one to walk along side your horse while I ride.." she teased playfully as he drew her closer and then kissed her brow. The act had her staring up at him while heat filled her cheeks. She regarded him and then looked away, fearful he would see the color in her cheeks even at this dark hour of the night. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
"Well, I suppose as the Officer Commanding the Grey Regiment and honourable man that would only be right" He chuckled as a thought occurred to him as he gently led her to his horse. It was a good horse, probably not the tallest of beasts but it had been bred for the purpose of these wild borderlands. His cavalry were on similar horses, lower in stature than most but taller than the ponies one found on Shetland. It was his cavalry had earned the nickname the Mosstroopers. He gently picked her up, his strength belaying his age, as he placed her on the saddle and then grabbing the reins and looping them round his left wrist he led her off down the road. They ended up settling nicely into the middle of the caravan, his soldiers on either side of him and travelers with families in front and behind. At the forefront was the Standard Bearer, letting all and sundry know that Bane Oakenshield was present. "It is a nice place, a little wild at times but otherwise a nice place. From the northern gate tower you can see all the way into Scotland, even here sixty miles away. Thirty miles to your west is Carlisle - a right wee nice city and thirty miles to your east is Newcastle. To the south is another Roman fort as well as numerous other villages and small towns that have sprung up and survived around them. In time Vercovicium..." He really was starting to prefer the Latin to the English name "....will be the jewel of the border." He grinned, boyishly in fact even in that light, "Aye, and we shall have schools and hospitals and churches and a University eventually and people will soon forget that at the heart of it all were five thousand men trying to make a difference." (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
Rhianna chuckled with his reply before he was then leading her to his horse to which he set her upon. She had expected him to ride with her, just as he said, but when he took the reigns and led the horse with her alone in the saddle. She frowned a little, finding herself disappointed at not having him as near as he had been moments before. Hands grabbed a hold of anything that would keep her steady. She wasn't that horrible of a rider, but she wasn't the best either. Long slender legs rested on either side of the beast, bare feet dangled casually while the tiny bells jingled with even the softest of strides the horse made. They were soon joining the others before he began to speak again on the land and several locations. She looked in those directions he described, almost as if she were trying to spy what he was sharing even with so much distance between her and those things. "I am sure she will be very beautiful" she offered in response. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
He smiled up at her, some people like himself were natural riders and others were not. Rhi was obviously one of those who it didn't come naturally to. He handed her the reins, looking up at her before acting on impulse and kissing her calf. He grinned "Nearly there" Already the light of sentries could be seen on the wall and it warmed Banes heart, it was the way it was meant to be. He thought for a moment, wondering what his father would have thought of all of this and grinned. He probably would have thought it good, he liked the necessary heroic stuff at times. "So will you be sleeping with the rest of your folks tonight in the settlement or would you rather sleep behind the walls?" with myself was thought that leapt unbidden into his mind, but it was only a thought. He smiled at it, it was a pleasant thought. (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
No, Rhi was not a natural rider and it obviously showed as he handed her the reigns. The kiss to her calf that followed however, had her arching her brows as she gazed down at him. Oh my...That had sent a very strong shiver up her spine! She nodded with his offering they were almost there but found herself still think on the sensation of that kiss. Eyes did however lift from looking down at him and toward their destination. His question though would have her gazing back down at him. "I.. I'm not sure. Where would I sleep exactly if it were behind these walls?" she asked. She'd have been fine with it being in a horse stall of fresh hay...she had done it many a night before. Sometimes it was the best sleep to be had. Besides, the horses would always alert her if something odd was going on. "I don't want to put anyone out." she added after a moment. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
"You won't. If you want you can sleep in my quarters and I'll sleep in the Officers Mess for the night. My quarters, though not luxurious, does have a bed and a roof of slate rather than a roof of canvas....or what a lot of the lads have which is a strange combination of both at the moment" He chuckled, tomorrow morning a few folk would be drenched from where the canvas had given way to the weight of the rain. "However, it's entirely up to yourself though" They were making their way up the Roman road going up the hill now, the Standard bearer almost past the gate tower as a group of infantry turned themselves out for guard. Pikemen were the predominant infantry force in his regiment, however each man was also issued with a sword and a pistol for close quarters fighting. Pikes were grounded as the first of the cavalry began to trot past. To the left of them was a collection of stone dwellings, some of the better ones with fully intact roofs and a few torches burned amongst them so as to mainly provide illumination for the sentries who sat in amongst the buildings waiting "And that's where the travelers will be quartered tonight. As I said, it's an old settlement but it's stood the test of time." (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
"Good, I would hate to take over someone's bed for the night." she was about to go on, but then he said she could sleep in his place and he sleep some where else. "Oh no, I can't do that Bane. those are your...quarters and so you should be sleeping there as well." she replied as she gave a firm nod. "I can always find another place to sleep if there is not enough room for more than one person." came the addition. The idea of waking up cold and wet was not appealing, not at all. However the idea of waking up next to someone warm... was a very nice thought. Especially if that someone was the man at her side. She looked then to where he said the caravan would be resting tonight and she nodded with a wide smile in a satisfied manner. "That looks like it will serve them very well." (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
"As well?" He said noting the subtle implication there. "Well it's up to yourself. There is a couch in there I can sleep on, and I could always gather another blanket and a pillow I could use" He wanted to see how far this could be taken, though he smiled innocently all the time. The caravan was slowly peeling to the right now and with a few waves the cavalry were making their way through the gate. It looked like it had been a productive evening all round with a few of the cavalrymen looking at certain young ladies within the wagons with wry smiles. Pikes grounded, the pikemen turned about on their heel in parade ground fashion when Bane passed through the gate and taking two marching paces forward, fell into a small column and marched in behind him - the heavy wooden doors slowly shutting as they entered. A handler showed up and Bane helped Rhi down from the saddle and placed her gently on the ground, holding her for a few seconds more as he looked into those rich eyes before the groom took the horse away to the stables. "Well if you'd like to follow me, Rhi, I'll show you my home." (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
Yes, there had been implication there, maybe not in the sense he thought, as she had been a bit more innocent with that statement than perhaps he would realize. "I could sleep on that couch and you can have your bed. I would be fine with either arrangement." The caravan moved off in the direction necessary and she watched as they all passed through the gate, looking to either side of her, and then behind her before facing forward once more. She was making sure everyone had entered. With the men looking at a few of those ladies, there was bound to be some interesting nights for most. Once the gates were closed, Rhi found herself being lifted from the horse by Bane himself. She was gently lifted and then placed on the ground while the handler came to see to the horse. They lingered in place for a moment before Bane offered for her to follow. "Yes... please do?" she asked with a soft nod. "But first... " one hand came to hold on to Bane a moment to steady herself after her slippers had been pulled from her bag. They were gold in color, well worn, and her feet slid into one and then the other. Those bells about her ankles and the coins in her clothing would of course jingle and clang before she righted herself. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
They walked up the main street. All Roman forts were constructed to a similar design and this one was no different. There were two main roads, one leading from north to south and the other leading from east to west. There were obviously going to be subdivisions, but the end result always looked the same. Bane and Rhi continued walking up the hill until they got to a large building. Unlike most peoples normal appreciation of Rome with it's flat stone walls and white painted buildings, these were completely hewn out the local rock and reflected the local landscape. Torch braziers were on all sides of it, as indeed were most of the buildings on the two main roads and the affect was astounding. Even now, seeing it for the first time at night, Bane wondered what it would have been like in it's prime. They walked inside, a couple of guardsmen standing to attention as they passed into the main entrance hall. "It isn't much, well not yet anyway, but it serves it's purpose. There is a kitchen, an office, the regiments treasury and upstairs is the bedroom and the bathroom. It's fairly small." There was, however, a second part to the complex, for in the center was a small courtyard "On the other side was where the legion business was conducted, that was the main admin center so that's where the regiments will be based. In the strong room just beyond it is where the Eagle was kept, as well as a monument to the Emperor and Rome" (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
She walked along side Bane, looking here and there and taking in their surroundings. It was very beautiful, even if it wasn't in its best condition. She seem to slow down in her pace even, trying to take it all in as if she were afraid she would never see it again. "This is...amazing..." she idly commented. Whether it was to herself or Bane would remain unknown. As they walked inside, she noticed the two guardsmen standing at attention and felt a little.. odd, but in a good way. She nodded and smiled to each of them before moving alonge. Bane began to share with her his thoughts on the place and where everything was located. "This is beautiful Bane, even in its raw form. Like a precious stone or jewel newly discovered and how lovely it will be once it is shaped and polished." she offered as her eyes slowly surveyed the place. She walked idly, even accidentally bumping into Bane. "Sorry... I didn't mean to...it's just so..-" she honestly couldn't think of a word that would best describe it or do it justice. She then nodded as he shared with her where business was conducted. "Promise me you will show me everything again come tomorrow so that I might appreciate it again, just in a new way since it will be day light?" she asked as she looked to him. (d)
*Bane Oakenshield*
"Aye, I promise. Though it is getting late just now. I'll show you to my quarters and then I'll get my own bedding and sleep on the couch tonight." Days of hard riding and marching were swiftly catching up on him as he stifled a deep yawn. To be fair, he felt better now than he had in days. He was back in his element, he was on what was effectively an unknown shore now with a body of men behind him and already the rumors had begun amongst different peoples. Some veterans in the villages they past talked of Bane Oakenshield, the Captain of the Grey, while others spoke of a younger man who was said to have fought like a demon on the battlefield, a man named James Bruce. Bane smiled as he looked at Rhi, seeing the wonder in her eyes that he too had felt when he had first visited this place many years ago. "Aye don't worry about that Rhi, I'll show you round." (d)
*Rhianna Costache*
"I would like that, very much.." she offered freely as she readjusted the bag across her chest and back. She wouldn't move of course until he began to lead the way. She had caught that yawn and what did you know.. it seem to cause her to yawn. While he suggested he would be sleeping on the couch, she couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. She didn't understand why they couldn't sleep in the same bed. She didn't want to put him out and he didn't seem to want her to sleep any other place. Yes, she knew there would be talk... there always was such when it came to Gypsies. If she was going to be talked about, give people reason to, is the way she looked at it. However, she wouldn't press the matter. Maybe he was uncomfortable with the idea of sharing his bed with her, for whatever reasons. (d)
