La Nuit du Diable: The Night of the Devil

[Julian Luke Monroe]

"I profess not to know how women’s hearts are wooed and won. To me they have always been matters of riddle and admiration. Some seem to have but one vulnerable point, or door of access; while others have a thousand avenues, and may be captured in a thousand different ways. It is a great triumph of skill to gain the former, but a still greater proof of generalship to maintain possession of the latter, for a man must battle for his fortress at every door and window. He who wins a thousand common hearts, is therefore entitled to some renown; but he who keeps undisputed sway over the heart of a coquette, is indeed a hero."

Narrator, para. 32,
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,
By Washington Irving

(Coming Soon)

[Julian Luke Monroe]

Story Line Information

All Souls Night: With the sudden and strange deaths along the roads of Bant Chan Ser, there comes a careful darkness. Suddenly people find themselves addicted to a substance unexplained, and see things out of vivid hallucinations.

Ratings: R-MA, this story will contains violence, gore, and a deep pull of religious strings. If anyone is offended by this I do apologize, but I dare say ye' be warned. Also might contain bits of small sexual content, and graphic nature. Those posts will be marked too, but mostly its the gore.

I'd like to invite everyone to partake! Those of you who have already been filled in on your parts, post away!

Have fun people, and Tis the season…

Here are a few links connecting history with the form of possession.

Possession

Real Life Cases

**I would also like it known I did in fact get my inspiration from both The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and Batman Begins..so shoot me**

[Julian Luke Monroe]

Story Key

1. Vendu son âme au Diable

2. And I Don't Want The World To See Me

3. Deus Ex Machina

4. Spirit of the Hills

5.The Dinner

6.The Aftermath of Dinner

7. Looking for Books Talking of God

8. Within the Inn

9. Harvest Party

10.Omen Birds

[Julian Luke Monroe]

The festivals had come and gone leaving behind still with it the warmth of the ending season, and the cool promise of a bitter winter. He had never felt so alive in the golden turn of the autumn, and it was in the midst of the day did he find himself wanting of retirement. The laughter that filled the trees was like the wind that filled the leaves, and the valley was alive with the happiness of a world at peace. Many times through the years did the valley open to strangers, though it was a constant turn of faces the families that lived there never felt the threat of the outside world. In the wither of past years, the howl of distant wolves had chilled their bones of memories long haunted, of a sickness that had taken men and turned them beast. However, they felt safe when the setting sun hit the red stones that carved the temple of the Lord General, and sheltered the sword under the hearth at night.

“What a wondrous turn of people, for the festivals hmm?” Spoke one widow to another as the autumn air had called them out in refuge of the canopy above. The wooded path was a quiet one that lead from the village to the hills, and they laughed of their husbands still asleep under some rock somewhere no doubt. The festival of fall had stolen their wild hearts no doubt, and that was all was it not? For neither of them knew that above hanging from the tree branches bodies strung by their feet had bled out upon the leaves. “What vivid red, these leaves.” Her mouth laughed an infinite freedom behind ignorant bliss, “And here too..” Puzzling how only the brightest of red seemed to trail from the path, “The color..does it run like ink?” She asked the other taking the hand of her partner to pull her in the hidden trail now that was mapped by the bright red stains of blood. “What color?” “The leaves..look it touches the grass. It touches the stones..” Laughter spilled through heavens divine as the pair chased the trail until it stopped. Puzzled by this the women looked all about, until it was the wet cool feel of rain that touched the back of one’s neck. It was her screams that came next as her eyes met the sky and the headless body hung there by his feet.

[brotherdiarmuid]

The Pilgrimage Begins

Interlude

Brother O'Corrain

It would amongst the finest of God's creation - the many late-flowering annuals and perennials that gave forth their blossoms only in the late summer and autumn - that Brother Diarmuid could be found. The Augustinian had settled into a quiet novae of the garden. There, before him, was spread out a good and warm blanket of wool. Carefully arranged into them, were his meager possessions. Enough that he might feel some pride at owning them: a few books by Aristotle and Saints Augustine and Thomas Aquinas, and other miscellania. Sitting beside the bedroll was his walking stick (with its lead-filled handle). Then he carefully wound the bedroll close and tight, to keep the contents from jostling around as he began his pilgrimage. (D)

Lady Monroe

The flowers bloomed with indifference to how cold the world was or with how much ferocity Autumn rain's fell. Janice knelt beside one of the flower beds with dirt crumbling between her fingers as she offered God's creation sustinance to help it endure a colder season. A few of them were being given unto pots for the small hot house she intended to keep, some seeds taken for next seasons' gardens. She rose moving toward another section to tend the grandeuer of the Masters' love of horticulture. Coming around yonder fruit tree long since plucked of its ripe, juicy offering she watched the friar make ready for his journey. It was not long nor far where he was going..only that he was going. In his few simple possesions he packed Janice's mild case of envy that he would walk away to find himself with the Lord. Her husband's restlesness was catching; she dreamed of her waiting garden, eating on theplates, sitting on the bench by their fire. She was ready to go home. (d)

Brother O'Corrain

It seemed that there was no greater company to the Sin of Pride than the Sin of Envy. As she watched, the good brother would quietly offer a prayer unto God, Christ, and the angelic choirs for a safe journey for himself - but, far more important by half - and the well being of those in both Laurence Hall and the Underdark. After he had made the sign of the Cross, he would seemingly become again the world. Did the hairs along his neck and the back of his tonsure prick? Ah. The feeling of being watched. He would half-turn, to see who was there. There was a soft smile, "Lady Monroe, good afternoon. Does it find you blessed?" He would rise, offering a bow and smile. (D)

Lady Monroe

She allowed herself to feel it with little restraint. Hard to do in the presence of a man of God no doubt, it it was still down. She smoothed both hands along the front of her simple smock dress, gray wool holding no semblance to the stature of a Lady by recognition. When he turned to face her in the knowledge his practices had an observer she smiled. "Brother, good afternoon. I am so blessed." The arms hugged herself after she curtsied, risen, and proceeded forward. "do you make ready for your adventures?" (d)

Brother O'Corrain

There was a polite incline of his head, "I make ready for my travels" There was a soft smile, as if to again say that for youth... certain allowances must be made. There was a pause, as a thoughtful look passed over his features. Then he smiled quietly, "How fairs your Lord Husband? And the Grandmaster?" There was a moment's hesitation, before he said, "If I may ask a task of you.....to be performed while I am gone?" (D)

Lady Monroe

"You will be sorely missed. I can only wonder how much young Edward will speak of where his mentor has gone or what he is doing, the Lady Mean. No doubt the Grandmaster will miss you too. She is doing much better, I have seen her walking again about the entirity of the house on steady feet, her cane in hand one inch above the floor in case it is needed. Master Monroe fairs better. I should say perhaps it is good we have been here. It has given us some peace, we have rested..though we are still missing our home. We are used to splendor." So befit the world of the great Ebony Palace as one of the maids had called it, all venetian stone exteriors, the interior looking as if it were a Greco-roman Cathedral. Yet beyond the wall? "Yet it says home is where the heart is. Ours might be along the row. In books or pieces of clockwork. What favor would you ask? It shall be done without fail." Live to serve or serve to live. Which was it? Yet it was because he was more than one of the Masters now, but with his hands had worked miracles, in her mind. He had treated Julian's heart and sought to figure his mind. He had brought Claramae from the edge of a world of pain, to become a friend in only a few weeks time where she watched others take years. Beyond the courtyard, beyond the front door, the world awaited Diarmuid. She hoped it awaited her too (d)

Brother O'Corrain

As he listened to the Lady Monroe recounted to him how greatly the Lady St. Laurence had improved and how the young Master Monroe seemed to be regaining his good health. There was, however, a smile and touch of laughter. "Mm. I shall have to call upon the Lady Mean's farm before I leave...." It had almost slipped his mind. And that, would have been unforgivable! After a moment, he would bow is head in thought. "... I have spoken the Grandmaster on this task already, but I wish to make certain another knows." He would smile warmly to the Lady Monroe, "The task I have for you... is to send a messenger - at once - to me should you determine either the Grandmaster or your Lord Husband need my care. We may thank God for the great strides they have made in their recovery... but that does not alleviate all of my worry." (D)

Lady Monroe

When a person smiled, if they were able to, a light was made. Janice found serenity abounding in his smile. She came closer to him, bending down to look at the plots where he was overseeing the strcture of his things. What here might be potted, "Oh you musn't forget and when you do, tell them I send my well wishes?" Were that she could herself. Would she - at any point? Certainly maudlin thoughts would fade away only to whisper at her heels as to what he asked of her. "Yes, at once. I will send word by one of the falcons, isntead of by man. Bird may be faster that way. Should anything else rise to strike you shall be among the first to know sir. I..worry..if it should, Master deAquitaine would not be able to manage it alone, the pair of them. The Grandmaster's healing is an extensive enterprise and when Julian..when his mind.." Blue eyes looked back to the potted flowers to avoid the necessity of looking on what happens when his mind escaped him "Think you it will come again, in all true earnest? He carved in to himself..this last time. Pleading for help. What if the next time.." It was a person he touched? The thought of having heart Rosalind, though he had never liked her, had crippled him in her arms. A mind recollected the visions he suffered in Spain. How angry the Lady Woodstock had made him, nearly enough..."We are having a child, Brother O'Corrain." (d)


Brother O'Corrain

There was a soft smile, an incline of his head. "Are you? Then God's blessing upon you." Quietly, he would make the sign of the Cross to her. "And your Lord Husband." And thus were they both blessed. But aside from the joyous news? He hesitated. "I am afraid, my child, that is beyond my keening.... only the Lord God has the gift of prophecy." And, according to the Italian, soothsayers were doomed to Hell with their heads twisted to the opposite direction of their fronts. "With His blessing...no, it shall not. The young Master has made great strides in his recovery, since last I saw him." It was a true pity that he had cut into himself. Again, Brother Diarmuid wondered if Monroe had glimpsed amongst the pages of on the heretical books he had read in Spain. There was a soft smile, "And do not fear -- the falconer's birds fly straight and true. I shall be here with God's speed." (D)

Lady Monroe

"Yes, thank you. We are extremely nervous but very excited. Tis certainly a surprise.." So it was with all of these things, always in the hands of God whom he now spoke of. Were not some people gifted? She said nothing on only the Lord holding prophecy in his hands a the court was pregnant with a living rumor some believed, some disproved that the Lady Artisan could see forewards and backwards across the veil. Part of her considered asking, seeking..but enough of her knew if it proved true her fear would win her over. No more a pious woman could be found! "You are right, if anything goes awry you will return and of now it is only improving, and after such turns of ill luck God will give us a turn of good." Hands absently rubbed across her still flat torso. It was barely even a month's worth of the state. Tiny one breathed easier as she walked to him with arms open to close around him. "Thank you, for all you've done." (d)

Brother O'Corrain

Brother Diarmuid would embrace the Lady Monroe like...well.... a brother. There was a gentle squeeze a pat on the back, before the hug was ended. "I thank you for your kind words...and, as I have said, shall do all I can to continue seeing to the Hall's needs." There was a smile, "And it is as you say, God often gives out good luck after ill luck." And with good luck, she'd not need the falconer's birds. (D)

[Master Jean-Claude d'Aquitaine]

Eirian:
The tree groaned with the weight of the unnatural fruit protruding from the branches.  Bodies stripped the wood work bare of leaves, all fallen now to ruby stained glory. Fingertips blossomed instead; the palms of listless hands punctured until splinters gathered in the skin. A foot, broken, was being pecked at by crows invited by the scent of carrion. Poor widow screaming a death knell until her throat went hoarse, her body limp against the other companion.  The second woman's fingers had already scratched her neck raw to remove the blood. Red, red it was now with the blood oddly mingling, the living with that of the dead she thought would never come clean.  Passerbys were not uncommon along the trails, no matter how obscure they seemed.  Life was this - a thing etched firm against the hillsides, the rolling grasses bending with no fear of ever being gone as the roots were down deep..like this body holding tree. Another wind came, but by then the body slumped upside down against the trunk was left alone to fend for itself from insects, bird beaks, and the men who came down from their tasks with lifted crooks and dagger to see what the matter was.  Jesus was summoned on dry mouths. "That's not Jane's man is it?"  Whispered one. Only the Christian in him moved forth to touch the body at all. Their haycart would do for a death man's cart. Wind moved like the widow's heels in fear, wind moved like the cry of the young girl with blood in her pores.  It caused the Lady of the Valley herself to look up beyond the care of her own flock with the other shepards.   Naked feet hardly made the grass depress as she moved over it in all haste only to be smacked in to by the crying women.  Knees met earth as they soaked her hems with tears and filled her ears with their screams. "What has happened, you must gather yourselves, what is it?  Shhhhh..shhhh."   Was it the widow's levity that brought the Devil back among them, was it the sins of the young one?  How they cried of Lucifer's cloven footpritns at trees, of forked tongues hissing in the tree knots. What made horrible sense was the description of a body relieved of a head..slumped now in the arms of unwilling men..if they could find the courage to move it.  Now righted, they all rather stared. "Take these women to their home...now," she bid a shepard, "Send Sir Thomas to me, at once... he will be just around, place some guard, thicker among the estate near the children. Await my word for more.."  Instead of running away...she moved toward it, the Steward Thomas closely at her heels (d)

Maahes:
This valley was cursed, or so many spoke. Blessed by those who lived, but torn from the outside in. Forever had it been known that there was trouble within the seven roads that lead to the valley as over the passing weeks, bodies had been strung up through the deep hollows that snaked around the hills. Of these two are the first to be discovered, but it was the next that came as a shock. Lord General had spent his last warm days on route with his smallest, Anubis. Anu, had been happy to get the alone time spending it asleep on his father's bicep, but in fact moved to a wakeful shock when his Father's heart quickened beneath his ear.
The drum of Maahes's heart had been quick to shift, enough so to wake his boy with a cry as he came up above the valley's edge. Down the hillside he watched a guard run, tearing through the tall grass that had yet to be harvested with a rush of fear in his eyes. "There are five more." Maahes spoke after he listened to the guard's shift in his story, and would motion them to cut them all down. Panic had not set in, and for this he was thankful. However, there were eyes starting to raise through the walk as the word traveled far too quickly. "Where is the Lady?" Maahes barked at the men at their post of Eirian's and he would motion towards the path. (d

Eirian;
"Thomas, tell them to be stout hearted and place the body on the cart. We are Christians, we will not leave him out here like this....is it true, what they have been saying."  Fleet of foot, fleet of being. None could say that the Lady was nothing if not a gazelle.  Thomas was left to give two strides for her ever far reaching three. She lay her staff along the earth, running oddly parralel to the little rivers made by fluids used for life.  She crossed herself, taking hold of her cross as the Steward looked over the corpse.  "She is this way, my Lord, with her Steward. They have found a body themselves."  Thomas leaned over it, knees bent.  His hand was reluctant to touch what constituted for a shoulder but he saw a scar through the ripped bit of shirt he recognized "Aye, madame. It's Janes man, and the lass who was running with the widow, that is his sister."  Maahes would come on the girl aforementioned, moving around his wide body through the other men, calling over their shoulders "I didn't..want it to be..but..but that's Ben's charm...we thought he was just gone..sportin with his friends. He never was wrong just..liked to sport, always did...ooh." She was turned away many times by the men but Eirian took her in to her arms. "Let it be handled..let it be done. We will take him at once to the churchyard..not here, I promise you."    She seemed comforted in this, the residents often lauded for their religious convictions. "Thomas, Church. At once, find her parents..let them..make sure." (d)

Maahes:
They were without a head, and the thought terrified Maahes. One could not get into heaven without one, but in the faith of other lands he kept his quiet. "What reason? These men were not bad men. The family." He turned back to Eirian, "Eight men on our land are dead. That is enough to call to terms." He would motion for one of the men who was nearly always at his side, "Ride into town alert..." He stopped, when one body passed and the back of his wrist shared markings he had seen before. Somewhere through book after book Maahes tore through his brain, and at the same time stopped the troop passing to lift the man's shirt enough to see the exposed wrist."The captain, have him send watchmen, but nothing more. It could be simply be a loon, on this time of year." Maahes lied to keep the calm, but his heart was pounding. "Why without the head? What meaning does it have in this land?" He turned to Eirian, very bothered indeed. His face had paled. He would have thought it the wolves return had it not been for the very man made objects that strung them by their toes. (d

Eirian
"How will he rest..with his body this way, my lady ..how?!  How will he go to God the way he is...without." She rubbed at her throat while Eirian gently shook her head, bringing steady hands over a trembling body. As if saints could communicate just so in a world gone mad men were reminded that if man could become tained with the Devil, God would not forsake them. "We will pray for him. For all of them." Eight. The hair on the back of her neck rose yet she gently kissed the girls forehead before helping her sit at the front of the wagon. "When you take him, and the men make warning, tell the others to cease what they do this day. Put the animals away, if they must graze, only close to home. Tell them go henceforth to the Chapel of St. Francis, and to pray. Tell them in each village beyond these small collects, to pray. See to it that there is constancy of this, in Drynoch, in Luib, Torrin, and Elgol. The Lord Guardian and his wife will see it so in Drynoch, on my will. The magistrates in the others, the clansmen, in Torrin. "  She looked to the guard departing "At sunset home they will return, and none on the road there after unless they be men of arms, or with reason writ and approved by the town magistrates. But above all else, tell them to pray for the souls of the dead."  She wound her rosary around her wrist as the cart went away "Same as it would mean in any end of the world, Maahes. That this is a place they would wish to defile, these lives to defile..and the reason.. perhaps now..for the sheer sake of it. The disgusting sake of enjoying what is done"  Decapitation. Marred flesh. A dark, dark room with meager shafts of light...it was not the same, yet she heard Occham ringing in her ears.  A doomsday prophet, a seeker of forbidden keys.  "Whomever has done this will be found, for we will not spend all of winter quivering for fear in our homes. The people have been brough to terror enough in these years, and when whatever...has done this is found..there will be no mercy." She turned to another one of the remaining guard "Return to the estate, have the keeper of the mews ready my bird, I will write their majesties..whom I pray will grant my ardent request. We have no time nor have the people heart as to wait nor watch such trials. If they be found, and by all evidence..undeniable..they must killed.Their body never to know hallowed ground." The blood on the tree reflected in her eyes..and she touched it. The tree itself, cool under her hand. No blood to marr white skin but the sound of screams filled her ears. (d)

Maahes:
"Who ever did this, let it be known I will remove their head myself." Through the glint of the dying light the black carriage moved through the valley floor unmistaken by the silver that reflected in the sun, and Maahes did not find this a too friendly feeling that washed over him. Why was it anytime something came up dead the Master Aquitaine was not far behind? Yet, his eyes came to take in the red in Eirian's and he stood his ground, but the thoughts were clear..he was blaming craft. "Eirian.." He took her hand pulling it from the tree, wanting to watch the red remove itself from her eyes before he would beg God for mercy for touching the flesh of a married woman.

Jean-Claude:
"Oh you will love her, Julian. Wait until you meet her." Julian watched through the window as his the world passed him, and his arms missed his wife. He felt himself pulled too far from her at the side of his French Master who was without any shadow of a doubt beaming to be out in the countryside. "She will be able to remember which road it is." To the boy's childhood home, that would be the last thing in dire need of a cure to have him complete again.

Julian:
"I should be able to remember." Julian snapped his arms crossed over his chest, clearly more himself then ever with his flat tone, and unpleasant expression. "Jean-Claude, you can't remember it at all? You went out there..." He had wanted to ask him that the entire way, as he knew this was simply an excuse to see Eirian again.

Jean-Claude:
"I did, but Julian..I'm old. Come it.." He stopped watching the single soldier on horseback race past them, and when they pulled upon the hillside the crowd gathered worried him. All eyes turned wide to Jean-Claude stepping from the horse drawn carriage dressed all in black with Julian not far behind. (d

Eirian
"Maahes, do not lay your hands on me, lest you not trust your ears."   Gently she removed the grip of the Beast from the bones of a Dove.  The reflection of red had left the dark pools of otherwise blue gaze. "The tree is to be cut down, then cut again, and again until the pieces are small enough to burn, the stump as well. It will not erode the soil."  Was she the embodiment of everything he blamed for this?  She tried to tell him but he spurned her, threatened with eyes that suggested he would kill her for the good of her soul for such an admittance, but did he really dare?   Had he never seen the way old or young would at times seek her out to sit down with an inquiry, or heard of the days she took an audience when it was not her time to do so?  Did he still doubt the reason they took her, cut in to her head? The tip of the scar crested the one of an old childhood split that marred the sight in her left eye. She climbed the rise in the hills as though she'd been raised among such, and she had been once.   At the top she would tell the people "Do not stay, but make haste to do as I tell you. Put away your animals, and your business this day.  Make you to the chapel for prayer, and if you will not remain at home behind closed door.  Travel not at night, unless permission fromthe proper person is granted, for if you are found doing so beyond sunset I would rather see you imprisoned than see you dead.  Do not stay, do not make a spectacle of the way they have died."  Her voice was a firm staff like unto her hand guiding the flock of the living. She looked to Maahes,almost wishing to tell him do not think ill of me..but there was no point now. If he brought it up, she would address it.  "Master deAqutaine?"  She called out, trusting not her eyes until she came close enough to validate it and the strings in her heart. "Welcome, though I wish I could welcome you to better, and your companion." (d)

He did release her of course, having never wanted to hurt her. It was all he could do now not to take her in, but how could he when she looked as she did. This bothered Eirian, much worse then it did any of the others. With a nod of his head to Jean-Claude he would take a step back to observe, but his eyes went to Julian amazed at how much he had grown since last he saw the boy.

Jean-Claude:
How could he be mistaken for anyone else? His hair raven black was as straight as it ever was with the wind taking life to it, and acting as the only reminder he was in fact alive. "Oh, it has been too long." He smiled closing the distance between her, happy to see color to her cheeks and a life in her eyes. Her secret had been kept, well within the youth that had returned to his face, and the ease of his step. "Lady Talion, this is my Julian." Jean-Claude beamed with the thought of having his grandchild there within the next visit to the valley. Squeezing Julian in with one arm around him, the youth looked at Eirian with pale eyes that could have killed the man beside him.Blinded by the light of the moon if only for a moment, Eirian could give the sun her rival, but the worry then did take him back, "I feel I have come just at the right time. Sometimes it is eerie even for me." Jean-Claude would pull his spectacles out to place them on the end of his nose to follow in behind the body being hauled away. The fabric that draped over the man was without a head..? "What has happened?" The evening was falling fast, but his hand that covered his chest was enough to take part of his heart with him when he reached out for her own, "Take me inside..when did this happen?"Julian stood just where he was planted watching the body go by without so much as any change over his emotion, but his hand went to the sparrow around his neck. (d

Eirian
The bond shared with one and all was special for each individual. What could she say of Jean-Claude: savior, friend, a man whom explored where she might never have gone but went by the virtue of her power over transcendent thought? The light of day was falling away, and before the orb in the west could ascend it had the Lady of the Valley to contend with. Had Julian ever seen a living being so pale as to be the embodiment of the moon?  Yes, her cheeks were flush with roses but their foundation was all that was poetic in a woman come to life.  She moved with Jean-Claude in such an ease against the way Maahes had so nervously touched her, but distance was bridged with them in friendship Touch was used, but when it was called for. The Frenchmen was forever seeking contact. "There are eight bodies in such a way, found in trees..it must have been in the time after the festivals. My people can take no more of this. They have done nothing to become the playthings for wickedness these years, and strife."  Black hair caught the wind, moving out like ghostly fingers toward the estate they now walked towards.  Once inside the air let it go to brush the backs of her knees.  "To impose upon them curfews, for us to pray. There are some who will die merely from word of this, their hearts run so weak. At any rate whomever has done this will find no mercy, nor quarter from us. We will not suffer this."   She led him to a seat, offering Julian and Maahes the ones beside in the great library where the pillars seemed to be the straight lines of a tree, the roots moving to pictures on the floor. "I am sorry to tell you such things upon your visit and to meet you this way, Master Julian, pray you forgive me. Have you a wish at all for food or drink, it will be given you. You are welcome to remain as the night falls.in good faith i can not let you to the roads again."  She sat herself bringing a lap desk to her knees to write with them as she spoke.  A large snow bird danced on a perch just shy of her chair, wings extended, he let out a call of impatience before swooping down to the arm of her chair for attention(d)

Jean-Claude:
"How strange." Jean-Claude was turning a leaf over that had been spilt of the blood, watching how the colors seemed divided along the lines where the blood had painted it. "I would be honored to stay, but I fear my apprentice would simply kill me if we were out in the wilderness this long. Julian..look at the estate, is it not grand? Adelaide would be so envious. Though..I would like to stay. I will need to see more of this." He lowered his voice, "I'd like to examine the bodies if you can make that happen." A strange request, but one she would understand, "Perhaps we can stay the night."

Julian:
"But, Janice will be worried." Julian chimed in having given the place a once over to cast it unworthy of his liking. It really wasn't much to his fancy, though.....ok it was pretty.

Jean-Claude:
"One night, Julian. These people need us.." Switching to French he would chide him softly, only to have Julian snap back with a sigh moving off to the carriage to with his fists balled. "Young love." He smiled then to Eirian, frowning when it sank in how terrified she really was, and it would be then he would touch her hand. "Do not worry so. I am here now." Kissing her knuckles he would frown at how cold they were. "Tell me what you think it is. What did you see?" He whispered then leaning in to better hear her. (d

Eirian
"I do not find fault in love. It is the one thing that will keep us ever-young. So, you are the one that the young Lady has her eyes so set upon. She wrote me of you, the dear one still concedes to me on matters of Greek, and we share our philsophical readings, but she surely needs no correction. May you both enjoy many long years."  The smile seh gave was genuine and sincere, despite the fear it translated with naught but the purity in which the sediment was thought. Jean-Claude reached out for her. Only then did she close her eyes "I did not look yet so deep, all I could hear was the screaming and sounds of finality. Though I can not say this is a blessing." Eyes turned down to chilled hands. It was enough to make anyone's blood run cold. "They will be praying tonight, when we are finished I will join them in my own chapel in that way with the women of my house.I will try to arrange for you to look upon the bodies yet I ask you do no more to them than has already been done...if you can.My people are deeply pious. Already they pray lest a fear spread none shall enter heaven so..." She breathed inward scrawling more of the message before fixing it to the falcon's leg,  "Shhh..Spirit.." aptly named creature. He should have been the bird of a king, and was, until General Kushrenada had brought him for her.  "Pardon me whilst I release the bird?"  She ventured to the windows, holding the ledge before letting out the magnificent creature. Even so vivid in his coloring, he was too swift to be detected. "You sought to ask something of me, or seek me out.please..what have you come for?  Divert my thoughts but a little it will be appreciated."  Indeed, she was deeply disturbed. Her heart was on the literal sleeve, as evident as all of their reflections in her eyes. (d)

[Master Jean-Claude d'Aquitaine]

Maahes had taken to the roads, his man to beat that falcon that was sent, but at least now he did not have to worry of telling the higher power. In his progress the night would open up as hunters would search the area with the mind of a brighter destination truth, as his rangers were of course the best. With cat like grace, and eyes that could search even the night the taller woodsfolk moved over the paths in search of any sign of life. Within a matter of a few short hours the valley became a ground of action though quietly so as the nights peace dare not be disturbed.
“I have come on personal matters that are important, but not so much to be bothered with. Please..come rest, do not be so worried. You are protected well within his valley.” Jean-Claude’s heart hurt for her, and even Julian felt himself pulled with the want to ease away her suffering, “He is the one she writes about, and proudly so. I dare say it did come as a bit of a shock, but a welcome one at that. They are even expecting their first child.” First? Sounded as though he meant there would be more. All of this time, Julian had been so quiet with Claramae’s practices perfected he seemed nothing more then a painting on the wall, of earth tones, but a gentleman’s fitting. He was well beyond his years, like his Master in the way he dressed setting forth a very modern era about him, but somehow made it appear humble.
“So you understand my desire to return to her,” He chimed in rather decidedly his hands folding before him as he stood across from her rather threatening, as nothing about his posture seemed welcome, but it was very poised, “But I suppose one night will not do any harm.” With that Jean-Claude would smile.
“She knows we are here, and if word reaches her of the trouble she will know we are duty bound to stay and protect the innocent. It sounds to me we have mystery on our hands. It bothers me greatly..” Jean-Claude made his way to Julian, seeing the way his frame seemed deflated with the realization that he would have to wait a little longer to remember, and he knew it was troubling. However, he was proud of his apprentice, and when he eased his hand on his shoulder would kiss the boy’s crown. “I know you want to be home,” he whispered, “but this is important why don’t you go gather evidence. Let us see what has really killed out victims hmm?” Tightening up Julian’s ascot he would turn him on his heels and press him to through the door. Turning then to Eirian that grin of his would spell his desire as it was written all over his face, “Is it a boy or girl? Can you tell?” Strange to ask her this now, but even through the faces of death the Frenchman wanted to know.

[Julian Luke Monroe]

Though he watched the arrow spinning, the twisting silver reminded him of his clock, but the deeper meaning was hardly able to be forgotten. He shifted over the bed in his sleep, his restless nature trying hard to pull him away where there was so little to be done with what was left. Julian Monroe was at peace in the valley, even if he hated to admit the troubled times were far from over. However, as he lay there stretched out over his bed the cool air nipped at his bare flesh with the biting sense of reality as it all sank in. The openness of Eirian's estate was calming even if he didn't dare to admit it, he didn't want the morning to come, but prayed for its safe return. Julian had grown dependent on Janice's sweet hands, how her arms and legs tangled with his own as they fought the night together. It was almost sickening how he couldn't sleep without her. With that feeling came the ache in his chest, and the return of the dread that no amount of holding his pillow tight would replace for her soothing smile.

The guards had deemed him a miserable sort, with stark manners, and frank expressions. Julian wasn't impressed with them, and in turn they thought little of him as he walked then through the halls unwilling to be defeated tonight. He kept his calm because he felt that he did owe it Eirian this much, for whatever she had done to Jean-Claude while in England he was thankful. They called her a witch, and Julian was one of the few that believed it true. It has been many months since he slept under the same roof as his Master, but on their late evening outings he noticed his steps not so labored. Jean-Claude's political mask was flawless, but even Julian knew where the cracks were--when his master was in pain. They had spoke of the fever as if he had been dead already, and how his heart must have exploded in his chest. It had been Claramae to carry him from the school, but Eirian's hands that carried his soul. Now, it was the night that kept him asleep despite his open snores. Jean-Claude could cut trees with that nose.

"You can't go that way." A voice called from the darkness, the sinister sound almost haunting as it made Julian turn to watch the man pull from the shadow of the hall, "Can't go that way. Not your place."

"I was just checking on Master Aquitaine.." The Apprentice turned to face the man who wore a grin on his face, and this tore into him more then just the way he spoke.

"No place for you Munro. Though looks to me time has been kind to you." There was a hint of a familiarity in his voice, the way it shifted from stern nature to open jest. He harbored feelings for this little skinny thing before him, and at first hadn't recognized me. Julian took offense to the statement and his eyes darkened in their sockets narrowing on the man who was nearly twice his size, and set a stance that was very defensive, "You don't remember me do you?" The brogue in the man's voice couldn't be missed, for it belonged to the Scots of deep country who spoke all at once, "Robert." He brought his fingertips to his chest to pull back the lace around his neck exposing their clan motto, Dread God "Robert Munro..yer cousin, named after your da, and your named after mine. I work here now, been part of the army for 3 years now. Got me a family and all." His hand came to clasp Julian's shoulder to realize how thin he still was, "Boy..ye just aint gettin' any bigger are ye? Still ole skinny you. Though I hear you have a fine life now. Gran said ye even have a wife. Pretty little thing. We were hopin' you would have brought her out to the country on Victory Day, but ye' must 'ave forgot eh?"

Julian in a quick motion to get away rolled his shoulder back as he took a few steps away from the man, "I..don't know what you are talking about, and I've never seen you before in my life." He acted offend the dirty hand Scot had even touched him, and went to brush the dirt away.

"Julian..its me. I used to tie you up in knots and stick you up in the trees. You used to make me red in the face in schooling' We've known each other since we were at our mother's breast. Clearly I was at it longer," He laughed flexing a bicep the size of Julian's head, but acted confused as he was brushed past. Reaching out to take Julian's shoulder once more he turned the thinner man around only to soon meet the ground himself. With a quick twist of the man's wrist all the kings horses and all the kings men would find this man on his back.

"Don't touch me," He seethed and it startled Robert at how the hiss in Julian's voice could hardly be his own, but the blank expression of his eyes spoke of how he did not remember Robert at all, but he was frantically searching his mind for anything that seemed familiar of this man. The commotion had brought a few candles to flicker to life in the quick way of how the nights never seemed at peace anymore. His breath came quick in and out through his nose as he released his 'cousin' who he could not remember, and as more guards came to see to the trouble Julian left him there on the floor.

"You! Stop!" The guard called out after, but was stopped by Robert who soothed that it was all in jest, not worry. However, concern did roll through his eyes as he watched his cousin disappear down the darkened hall.

[Lady Eirian Gwenyth Apollius]

The Question
can you heal the scars, can you meet the fate..

Young Master Monroe

The halls suddenly came together like the closing of his heart, the tall ivory pillars bones of a rib cage that closed around him until he could take no more. He couldn't catch his breath, and his flesh was cold with the damn sweat that was about his brow. He had sworn his room was down this hall, but it was lost to him. A great big new world, where the open met the indoors he felt so trapped until finally his brisk walk carried him through the doors of a room where the art was illuminated by the bright full October moon, and he shut the door behind him trying to catch his breath. His hands were trembling as he brought them to his face to try and rub away the feeling of loss--the memory fading seemed enough to kill him, but it was enough to let him know he wasn't well. Tears that would not come seemed to empty to his heart, and he felt all he needed was Janice. In truth he had thought she would be worried of him, but in honest it was himself he worried over without her. Morning would come soon, and they could return. For now he would simply escape in this room until the night passed. (d

Lady Apollius

He entered a room where the art on the walls told the story of movement through the woods and mountains. Parties with lanterns lifted up high their arms. By foot, by beast of burden they moved in the endless green shifted only by sky, the sunlight or grass to denote the change of seasons. So too were like the trees holding close to the home by way of the mountains, evergreens getting constant attention to leave the oaks at a loss. Through the rounded chamber would lead the steps to a place of four posts wrought with carved wings and myth. Drawn white curtains were only of the sheer, why not the heavier now that the season came? Why, chill too eclipsed the high fire by half in perfect contrast. Some of the light was captured in a little glass lantern to move toward him. Had a painting come to life? Alas, they didn't breathe. "Master Monroe, are you alright?" It was hard to pick away the tones from the breeze or a lake ripple if one's ears weren't accustomed to potency without force. All of her hair was captured in a long black braid. A dressing gown of wool was wrapped around her body, held in place by a trailing sash. Eirian was no larger than Adelaide by way of height, yet like any distinct individual carried an unforgettable presence. "You look as if you have been wondering, and doing so in pain." (d)

Young Master Monroe

He had watched her as if watching a phantom come to life from the paintings of great halls, and tried to speak with himself that she was in fact real. She was living but seemed as though at any moment would fade away too like his memories. "I'm..I'm fine." He pressed from the door straightening his posture as he caught his breath again. Like any true spy he had reason for being here, finding her..did he not? "Your bird..did it return? " Did it bring his wife with it? He did admire the bird she had sent message on, though he had not spoken about it at the same time. He tensed when she came closer, his stance hardening as if he would attack her should she come too far, and this was where his reputation came from. He was hard, and prickly by nature; like his eyes as cold as a winter's sky. In the moment he stopped gasping for air he let his lips close as they flattened on his face. "I was just checking on Jean-Claude, and I am lost." It was the truth by sorts, he couldn't find his way back to his room though it was not out of memory loss--simply a new place. (d

Lady Apollius

The living ghost blinked white lids over eyes that mimicked the season he proported for his person. Eirian was winter's child, within the first cold days of a Gregorian calendary year. Water, atmosphere, storms were all said to be trapped in her reflection since birth, so said her mother from what the nurse had said. Save with advent of tenderness, how easy it was to warm the edges. "Are you quite certain you are well? Your honor should not be offended to say if it is or isn't. I know what it is to breathe in the way you are now simply for want of air, for trying to slow a spinning world. It is not always a symptom of an illness long kept, but it is one of trying to find when nothing seems to be found." In contrast to his stern expression she lent him her smile to use "It can be as complicated as a castle I am told, though it is smaller by far. I can show you to his suite if you like, he should not be posistioned far from this wing. My bird has not yet returned, but he should by the light of dawn. The keeper of the mews has always taken exceptional care for Spirit, being he is such a rare bird, it astounds him he flies and is not shot down." She lifted the hem of her skirts behind a screen near her room's door to partake of shoes. Even in shadow, her feet were so small! "There now, would you like to see his room now or if you wish you are welcome to catch your breathe in my sitting room." Age was shown in the eyes by wisdom's keen definition, by a maturity of figure in waist and hips from having carried life, yet otherwise it seemed she was slow to manfiest physical signs of age. Given unto the year of thirty, she looked no older than twenty and three, possibly. (d)

Young Master Monroe

"He would be asleep by now, but.." But he just wanted to be close to something he could hold on to, a memory he knew he would never forget. "We can't figure out what is wrong with me. That is why we came to you. He would not have asked you if he didn't have any other way, he doesn't want to trouble you, or draw attention to what you have done for us. Whatever it was you did for him, thank you." He still held the door handle behind him, but lightly now so that his knuckles were not white.It astounded him how willing he offered this to her, with the door at his back, "Before I would close my eyes, and wake up somewhere else. I would close my eyes and wake up without memories." He closed his eyes then to cover them with one hand, trying so hard to see the place he had grown up, wanting to take Janice there to show her so they could understand the other. He lowered his voice to whisper as well returned his hand behind him as he leaned now against the wood, "I can't remember how to get home. The guard in the hall, said he was my cousin and I can't remember. Ask me anything about math, calculations or even chemistry. I could tell you anything, but what way to get home? Left or right..nothing." Julian had a quiet voice, one that was softspoken as it seemed enough to be all that was necessary. "I shouldn't ask you, with everything going on. I'm sorry, but I don't want to go back to that person." (d

Lady Apollius

She listened to him speak without saying a word of opinion or casting further doubt; lantern was settled gingerly on the table nearest her as her body lowered slowly into a chair. How many had offered secrets, fears, hopes without understanding the compulsion to speak to her? Without knowing the fable of the gift, her presence was still comforting by far. It broke his heart to see him so profoundly lost as to not remember the way home. Many claim to be lost, but he was every state of it. Body, mind, and soul. His silence screamed for hope. Gently she offered up her hands, beckoning him in front of her. "You will ask of me anything you desire, and I willanswer and show you what I may. I am so sorry you have been living this way, for it is no way to live. It is not even living. You're a Munro, then? Your people have been very good to me, very loyal. They treat us as if we have always been among them, and for this I will be ever thankful. It is humble yet strong blood in your veins." Upturned palms beckoned again, her eyes I will help you. One of the Munro's had taken the local stories to heart, and since her return from captivity had been very guarded if any ever brought it up, let alone sought her out for it to the point where if one wasn't discrete, for a time it was impossible to do. No one wanted to harm her, yet how could she do nothing when another's harm was so detrimental? "Nor do I do this out of you being Jean-Claude's beloved son, though..for him I would do anything. This is for you, entirely for you, so that we might all have our way home never taken from us, and our minds as whole as they can be." (d)

Young Master Monroe

"I am. My father died in the war with Aberdeen. Our farm was lost in the flood, when all of the lands washed to sea. They moved here because of this, but the elder remain. We celebrate out there..but I've lost that memory. The one outside said I have known him all my life, but I couldn't remember who he was." He started to breath heavy again, "I don't want to forget Janice." Shifting on his steps he was hesitant, but nearly there to completing the distance between them. There was so much he wanted to tell her, but simply couldn't as he couldn't admit it to himself; like when he opened his eyes somedays there was blood on his hands that was not his, nor was it his wife, or others when he could be in a room full of people and see the earth split beneath his feet with fires as hot the sun burning his face.Reaching out then he took her hands slowly, the leap of faith as he placed it in her, and had this been the Julian from before he would have simply laughed it off as he made his way from the room. (d


Lady Apollius

"They have given so much - you with them - you shan't forget your wife, nor your people anymore. However long it takes, whatever it is, we will find the cause. Often we find that we might find a remedy.I admit, it is no easier for me to retain what I feel should be God's keeping than it is for you to not remember. I believe there are reasons for everything. While the master thought of why I am as I am..has never crossed me, there has been cause enough for its use. Merely being 'lost' this evening was your doorway to being found again." She closed her hands with his when the offer was accepted. Gently, she slid herself down to sit upon the floor, bringing him with her near the low light of the lantern. "You're going to be a father." She whispered low, smiling to him, "you are so much as the other men in this way, the world's weaponry you can master but heaven help you to fathom the ways of a woman." Gently she put both of his hands together and atop her own, before enclosing the lot with another hand. "Ask me your question, Julian, and we will move toward the answer then." Others she had leaned toward, whispered in their ear of inklings. At separate times she merely spoke with them as she walked, but few had been privy to the depths of the ocean. Most were content to swim along the surface. She sat with the grace of a dancer, a long line of a back, her feet tucked to the side of her. The silence was nearly tangible with her, as if whisps of air would write answers, or make pictures. She'd lowered her eyes down, utilizing her ears. (d)

Young Master Monroe

"I've loved her since the moment I met her." He whispered, "I can't forget her, but I hurt her. I can't let her be in pain." Janice was too sweet, she was too pure to be so troubled by this. When Julian took her hands he felt the air sweep through the room, and the little cool digits in his own seemed so gentle. "I must seem obsessed." Possessed. "but your hands are like hers." With that he smiled, truly addicted to her he would have never come had it meant spending the night away from her. It was different when they were outside their worlds, then he working late or she reading in the other room. This was real separation, and it bothered him greatly. His question came with a rush of stability though there was weakness in his appearance as he asked her of the farm. "Can you pull the memory from my mind? Or heal what has been done?" Spain did this to him. Spain had been without cause of no doubt a horrible fate. Would she see the tavern when his mind was taken hostage as he soul was taken hold of. Right now the demon slept, waiting in the corner of the parallel to latch onto the last.Would she see anything at all? (d



Lady Apollius

'"A true wife will hurt for her husband, no matter what it is you seek. It is woman's burden to ache, yet from this supposed curse for disobeying God in Eden, we have learned so much, become so much. She will ache for you as much as she loves you, Julian. Defend you in somuch as you defend her. It is in our natures to be as fierce in our loyalty and defense as a man is, with a weapon in hand. We merely offer our hearts first, our souls and minds. These are anyone's greatest gifts, more so for a woman. By doing this we will hope to take your pain, and thus hers then, but never forget if we do not ache, then we do not love." Pain begat pleasure. Had he not rubbed at his chest in the absence of her presence? Did his mind not try to collect every thread for the tapestry of remembrance? No doubt he ached now to be what felt a thousand miles from her though it was hardly thirty. She lifted closed eyes to him, breathing in his being, and exhaling it until they were surrounded by the electric charge of reason beyond reason. She saw the little tavern in Spain, moving through it to the turning point. She watched him there, amazed that she walked through his thoughts, not merely read them. Dreaming whilst awake, distance again she viewed his home..the pathways that would led him to it thus. Darkness was there, waiting to encroach, but did it sense a defender? Her hands were warm, warmth enclosing him instead of frost. "Do not let me go, whatever should pass." The youth was mercurial. She not only viewed the answer to his question, but it moved side by side with the source. "I will not let you fall." (d)

[Julian Luke Monroe]

Julian's eyes closed as if he walked the path with her, finding peace in himself as he let her walk through his mind. He couldn't see what she was seeing, but somewhere he could feel it. Somewhere he knew she was walking through his homeland that for so long he tried to forget, but now all he wanted was to remember. His shoulders shook with the air that filled the room, though if anything he made it feel as the air was pulling from the night. In his mind there was nothing then, drawing a blank when it came to Spain, and of anything after. The only showing was of small parts of Margot as she lead him through the streets, and the night he made Janice his wife. From there on it was black, Eirian was surrounded in nothing, was it scary? Would this be the first time she had ever come to a stand still?

His hands inside her own grew cold lifeless, and his fingers turned blue. However, outside of them the warmth in the air seemed to chill. It was a stark surprise when everything went silent, and his shoulders continued to shake as well his hands. Get out. A voice hissed deep and rough in the echo of his mind. "Stop." It hurt, his chest, hurt something fierce. "STOP!" The lantern fell from the table, the oil spilling out, but burning up over the stone the fire would subside. He would turn from her to make his way through the halls, out in through the night as the guards spilled in one by one.

"The whole hall shook, Madam." A man moved to help her up, but it was Jean-Claude who came through the door next pulling his robe over his shoulders,.

"What has happened? Are you alright?" He came quickly to her side.

[Lady Eirian Gwenyth Apollius]

O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
A Christian Passion Hymn
Translation: 1830, J.W. Alexander
Taken From: Salve mundi salutare
Latin passion poem, attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux

O sacred Head, now wounded, with grief and shame weighed down,
Now scornfully surrounded with thorns, Thine only crown;
How pale Thou art with anguish, with sore abuse and scorn!
How does that visage languish, which once was bright as morn!


What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered, was all for sinners’ gain;
Mine, mine was the transgression, but Thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior! ’Tis I deserve Thy place;
Look on me with Thy favor, vouchsafe to me Thy grace.


Men mock and taunt and jeer Thee, Thou noble countenance,
Though mighty worlds shall fear Thee and flee before Thy glance.
How art thou pale with anguish, with sore abuse and scorn!
How doth Thy visage languish that once was bright as morn!


Now from Thy cheeks has vanished their color once so fair;
From Thy red lips is banished the splendor that was there.
Grim death, with cruel rigor, hath robbed Thee of Thy life;
Thus Thou hast lost Thy vigor, Thy strength in this sad strife.


My burden in Thy Passion, Lord, Thou hast borne for me,
For it was my transgression which brought this woe on Thee.
I cast me down before Thee, wrath were my rightful lot;
Have mercy, I implore Thee; Redeemer, spurn me not!


What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest friend,
For this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end?
O make me Thine forever, and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never outlive my love to Thee.


My Shepherd, now receive me; my Guardian, own me Thine.
Great blessings Thou didst give me, O source of gifts divine.
Thy lips have often fed me with words of truth and love;
Thy Spirit oft hath led me to heavenly joys above.


Here I will stand beside Thee, from Thee I will not part;
O Savior, do not chide me! When breaks Thy loving heart,
When soul and body languish in death’s cold, cruel grasp,
Then, in Thy deepest anguish, Thee in mine arms I’ll clasp.


The joy can never be spoken, above all joys beside,
When in Thy body broken I thus with safety hide.
O Lord of Life, desiring Thy glory now to see,
Beside Thy cross expiring, I’d breathe my soul to Thee.


My Savior, be Thou near me when death is at my door;
Then let Thy presence cheer me, forsake me nevermore!
When soul and body languish, oh, leave me not alone,
But take away mine anguish by virtue of Thine own!


Be Thou my consolation, my shield when I must die;
Remind me of Thy passion when my last hour draws nigh.
Mine eyes shall then behold Thee, upon Thy cross shall dwell,
My heart by faith enfolds Thee. Who dieth thus dies well.

[Lady Eirian Gwenyth Apollius]

O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

what darkness lurks in thee, what pain haunts you so?[/right]

Inside of a mind was a place people went inside of stories, songs, and poems acted out for them by imagination or a company of others. Inside of a mind was where people claimed to reside when a person's most intimate knowledge was held aloft, a prize won of hours or weeks at a constant task. True perception of the supposed unfathomable would rival fear at the blackest night. How much was the prize worth? Could it be given a value other than intangible spirit wealth, and even so, how far would one go in order to speak of retaining any part of it?

In the vast expanse of the nothing, she had shifted her focus in the direction of all-space. Where nothing should be something lurked. Cerberus manifest to guard the gateway to the truth, all good to enter but never to leave. The freedom in practice by the entrant to the things it kept growled. Eirian wanted to recoil, but it was Julian who did so first. "No, no don't.." she pleaded with him both inward and out, for a moment making her hands the vice that held him still. It fed on fear. It wanted uncertainty to manifest to doubt. Doubt would become angst-ridden wickedness. What sort did it matter? Malevolence was rampant through the places where nothing should be. She heard his memories, but save for the way home could not bring forth more. "Remain still, Julian!" The thing crept outward, and it pushed darkness with it. It grew angry! Nothing should be but ones own demons and angels, but it roosted in his thoughts, this Cerberus, a foreigner in uncharted terrain.

Glass broke, the oil soaking in to the fire revived for an instant enough to seem a summer heat where winter cold was closer. Pieces of metal melted on the suddenly hot service, the glass bursting like pieces of rain. Inside of his thought for the brief moment before seperation what thoughts of his life were found became vivid. They tied themselves to her, and in turn she tied them to Julian. Where all else still lay in question; how many family members he had, their names, childhood memories..the way home was a light in startling contrast to the dark. Spain's mystery became threads around her wrist, through her fingers pulling her toward pictures thrown away in the murkiest parts as if memories from another life. Inside she shook, outside they both shook. He wanted to be released, where she found that so drawn to his mysteries as moths to flame, to let him go would be folly. For to enter in this thought would be to burn and return renewed. To leave it, she felt, would be to be forever marred. Yet to challenge the supremacy of the thing made it attack. She was pushed back, back and out. Her eyes focused on Julian's chest. Not only inside of his mind, but the outer shell too was effected by her presence. She didn't know how long she looked at Julian but it felt as though an hour passed in the space of an instant. The eyes of the wicked entity shifted his gaze so that low lights of scarlet appeared in his pupils. She gasped but fought the desire to scream by the ferocious want to never let him go. Beyond the lights she saw a prisoner who had laid down, confused and alone. He had struggled with the darkness only to surrender to the pain. Still, enough of him had to fight. The love he bore those who were his family now brought tears to the mystic's eyes. "DON'T" She screamed at him, at it, but he was too strong for her by now. In so much as he screamed at her to cease the undercurrents of his being screamed harder. In seperation she fell backwards, narrowly avoiding shards of lantern glass. The cold air blowing through the windows howled for the boy as he fled. Did it laugh, too, the darkness having his soul to toy with that much longer whilst pitieous cries of God-servants mourned?


Outside of the mystic's realm all that had been were two people that sat with clasped hands by lamp light and fading fire. Overcome in a rage to breech their peace, Julian had fought away from the hands of Eirian, though it appeared he shook her with relentless pitch though she pleaded with him for mercy. She pricked two fingertips against the shards of wayward glass. In his absence, tears moved down her cheeks. "What have you done to let in such a thing, what will it do through you, and to you?" He was obsessed with reasoning the cause of his actions while his spirit was damaged from doubt. If she had held on longer, would she have let go out of fear of going so deep, so far?

***

She had not even felt the earth move beneath them the whole time and when she reached out, she found the hands of guards bringing her to her feet. "Sir Robert, do not worry over me.." Jean-Claude emerged as the second man, the third, fourth, and fifth all spilling in after words to survey the scene of broken things by the fire. "Jean-Claude, I am alright." No, she wasn't. Her heart had raced until it almost ceased to beat at all in the realization of what pain could become a memory thief. She turned her face to look at Robert Munro, drawing a tired self to brush one life alongside his. "Shut the doors, let no one within I must speak with the Master deAquitaine and Sir Robert. No, not even my ladies, least of all them they will fret I need no tending. Do as I bid." The tone from the small woman was one all knew well. No disagreement, no protest. As quickly as they had entered all left with a deep bow leaving the three alone.

"Sir Robert, your kinsmen is sick, deeply sick. Heed me in all that I tell you to do. You must pray for him at the dawn, at noon, and in the evening. Pray for the healing of his mind, his body, and his soul. Pray Christ Jesus have mercy and that the Holy Mother will take such a prayer beyond the mouths of man to the King. If you are so able, abstain from meat and wine unless you yourself are ill.Do so this day and if so moved unto another. Tell those you know whom are most pious of prayer to do the same. Keep you a cross with you always, and your medallion of St. Michael, the Archangel that I give all in our service of sword they might know protection and grace.In a little, I will reveal to you more. You are bruised." Where he had been held down showed the young man's handiwork. Gently she bid him to sit so she might tend to them for him, for as she had told Julian, it was the nature of a woman so to do. Break them, put them under heel, and the true hearts would rise to attend even the beloved who did the transgression. Thus far all that might be exposed to her would be arms, "You will let a good healer look upon your back."

She looked to Jean-Claude then, not worrying for Robert's ears listening nor his mouth exposing. "I believe Sir Robert to be a faithful, loyal man to his God, his Clan, and those whom he serves. There is not a soul within this house who has not heard gossip of what is now widely known, and whether they believe or not, none have ever sought to harm our lives here. I saw things, this evening, as I sat with your son of heart deAquitaine, and Robert's kinsmen." She knelt infront the Scott, a hand gently resting on his cheek, "Have all your bruises tended, and then return to me with your mind settled. You will tell me if you wish to know and I will deny you not. If you do not wish to know, I will remain mute. Still, pray as you go." Gently, she bestowed a kiss to his forehead before he would leave their presence. What he thought, what he felt, the woman did not articulate. Should he have looked back he would find the pale face aglow in the light of a soft, tender smile. The door opened. For a fraction of an instant, the lesser parts of her wished to walk through them and to flee this room, this hall. He walked through a small collect of gathered guards only to look on a handful of women at a loss. Unable to go through, not willing to leave, they would stand until admittance was given. Tabitha led them, followed by her cousin Anne. All to be done was to wait. If nothing else, the valley people were renowned for the peaceful components of a personality, chieftly patience.

***

The fireplace glowed on until it died. As one light perished, another sprung to life in the candlabras. Three sets lit, nine candles in all. Triple sets were sacred numbers in many faiths of note, no less so to the children of God. Little lessons steadied an unsteady mind pregnant with thought from what had occured not long ago before the dark fireplace. "Jean-Claude," she lit the final candle before turning to look at him at long last. Her eyes were the sort where one might become lost. "I have never encountered a mind that was blocked with a blackness so deep, so thick as to be alive. Oft a memory lost is merely to be dug up, uncovered. Other memories will be upon it, but here the blackness moves over every aspect of a life until nothing can found. No sounds, no image,no colors to recollect. This is inside Julian's mind. It has a source...a thing sits crouched in him. It takes hold of the memories as to make deeper an already high doubt and anxiousness, replacing the emptiness with its anger, vile,and will. You will believe when I tell you I say none of this idly. I have seen, and I keep open in me, and him..his way home. To have touched and seen this..whatever was within wished me expelled from him. He is a prisoner in his own body, the truth of him. So long has he lived in doubt and sought superiority in other things. I saw Spain, but could not see all of it. I heard it telling me to get out. It hurt him. It hurts him still."

She lay the flint piece down on the table and walked to him on her quiet, whisper step feet. A lady of baring walked in such a way but it was not a noiseless presence. The whisper of the undertow of robe was the same level at which the woman spoke from time to time. Now the moon poured in the last of its rays. They faultered; silver turned to half gray indicating the soon to be rising of the sun. "He is marked, on his chest. He did not want me to touch it. I bid him not to let go of me yet I wonder if in time my own fear would have bid me release him. Now I fear for him. I fear for what has been done or what may come to pass. I can not see him clearly enough to tell you what will be in absolution. Yet what has opened will not close and this I will keep. I found the image of priest, and you must summon again. I need you to keep him here but a little more. I am sending for his wife. In her I may see Spain, and can you find this one, this Margot? He has touched or done something to bring forth an entity to him. It is taking him and if you do not make haste, it may claim him completely. There will be no Julian left in him, it will devour him. Leaving only the shell of him, and that instrument of Satan." She chewed in to her lip,looking at her the fingers now wrapped in small pieces of cloth. "He is not a true unbeliever Jean-Claude, he is only lost. Knowledge is how the lost are found, yet what they find is not always the truth they wish for. I heard him. The truth of him bidding 'help me..' So I will." As the light of dawn started to break through the moon rays she whispered, "Wear a cross about you, pray often. I have never believed that you were damned."

Behind bars all was bleak. He on one side, she on another. Now another was imprisoned, yet without bars or walls, how would it be contained? The Devil kissed at heels for tastes of what was to come and all that he had done could be considered damned, but beautiful was the heretic by all accounts who said he was not, "There is a time when God gifts those with knowledge that may be known after our lives or has been even before, that only a few will ever remember. What is unknown may be known if God wills it so. We would both die as heretics if others lit fires again, or slit in our bodies, but only to them would we be heretics. To those of his pure passion, not only of rage born but of grace, of a true fear of his magnificence turning to love..we are free. I will not turn from you, or any you love, or any we love together. We are all burning with this passion which manifests in ways that are strange to the world. The truth of Julian, like the truth of ourselves, will never be understood by the common man. It is simply not meant to be. Our gifts are at once our trials and tribulations. Yet we come through them to understand our purposes all the more."


The small hand took his hand, kissing the knuckles before weaving their hands together. "Send my carriage for the women, perhaps all might come with it. It will be burdensome to journey hence forth and back at such a pace but let it be so and pray it be safe. I want to care for you, for all of you, as you have me. I worry for the women you have known if only for their deep pains. All of the world is not fixed in a few, but few might fix a few more. " She shut her eyes, and released a sigh. "and I fear, for the unborn."


*O Sacred Head Surrounded
an arrangement/translation of Salve mundi salutare, sung

*O Sacred Head Now Wounded
an arrangement of the 1830 translation as listed above, sung

[Master Jean-Claude d'Aquitaine]

"In our youth I could pin him, always. Never had he such strength." Robert looked like Julian in the face though his was of the shape far more full, and one of the few on the isle that could rival the Lord General in height. "That wasn't my cousin." The air went out when Jean-Claude walked in, and the clanmember fell silent as he watched the Scientist move. Respect was written across his face as well the intrigue that often followed behind the shadow of the man. It had been nearly 7 years ago to the day that this man came to the farm to take Julian. Robert had been of the age of wonder, following through with the plans of his cousin and feeling envy as he watched Julian enter into money. It wasn't fair, why should he be able to sleep on a goose down bed while the rest all remained behind?

Jean-Claude, was a mystery to many; a man of constant intrigue that had a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time. He was an unsung hero to the outer world, but inside he was savior to many. It was his ability to separate himself from his clients that kept him sane, but even Robert Munro had to wonder how much it took for him to break as he now watched his eyes darken with worry. All that had become of the scientist started to fade away as his Julian turned the subject onto a darker path. For years the Munro's had wondered what it was that this man had wanted of Julian, and what reason did he keep him. Always had the young Munro a prickly nature, and a bitter temperament that often left him the cold shoulder of his family. However, watching Jean-Claude now Robert's heart hurt as all the guilt swelled of every ounce of doubt that had been placed on this man. This agony across Jean-Claude's dark eyes was proof enough Julian was in fact loved very much.

Suddenly, Robert found himself wanting to get to know Jean-Claude, wanting to figure out what it was that made his eyes so dark, or what it was that made him so terrifying. He wanted to hear of his life, and hear him tell it with his French accent. Young Robert wanted very much to reconnect with a cousin long lost, and get to know this part of him. However, for now he would excuse himself knowing that deep down there was much to be done before the morning.

It was Jean-Claude's hand that started him, for he had not even noticed the man move. When had he been standing so close? The long pale fingers were cold and proof of what once was was still there around his hands, but the scars were nothing more then a slight discoloration of his flesh. His touch was light, though a hidden force could be felt pulsing through his veins that gave the Munro a good idea at how his life could be ended rather quickly by a man who wore silk to sleep in.

"Mon ami," It chilled Robert to look this man in the eye, but now that he was closer it was noticed the color or his iris a deep midnight blue, not black as they first appeared, and his voice was kind, "I beg you, after you have rested, look for our Julian." There was a desperation there that showed a very vulnerable side to the Scientist. "Be careful, but still be kind." Robert was happy to oblique. Good loyal men these Scotsmen, and Jean-Claude would say nothing of the sort.

***

For hours it seemed Jean-Claude listened to Eirian, his mind following her words as she walked through the hours of Spain, and the days within its heart. He should have never let him go, but in truth this demon had been there almost his entire life. There was a cool crisp reasoning in the weather as it turned for the worse, and the long dry days would soon find the rain that never seemed to give in. His heart shifted over and over again listening to her confirm his fears, but Jean-Claude had known for years.

"It was before Spain," He started his words tinted with his accent so thickly now, as he was tired. One by one the words sounded as if they were hung on a thin string put together so well, and safe above all else, "It was the night of his 16th birthday, the night he aged to be a man. It was so cold that night, we were to go to dinner to celebrate. He had been in school all day, and though the fire was still burning in the hearth my breath showed when I made my way up the stairs. Blood had dripped from the ceiling on the silk, and it had been his own." It pained Jean-Claude to recall the night, greatly so, "He had cut both of his wrists and blamed it on 'them'. 'They did this to me,' he said, and when I asked who he couldn't tell me. The look in his eyes, the way his mind was disconnected from him his body..I knew then, and like a fool I blamed the Church. I pulled him from it, I'm far too protective of him when in truth I should have made him remain." His tale was hardly over then.

"I knew he was different, and I knew him to be troubled. But the night he attacked Rosalind, I sat by his bed all night, and in his sleep he spoke to me. He spoke of things I did not understand. In a language I didn't understand. The mark on his chest..his arms.." His eyes filled with tears and his trembling hand went to his mouth to help mask it. "He is in love with this child, Eirian, we all are. Do not tell me of the fear of it, tell me only of my happy healthy grandbaby." Children were in the tough of Jean-Claude's future, as Ada who kept it from him was in fact about three months along.

[Lady Eirian Gwenyth Apollius]

"He is your cousin, he has merely led a different life than you. But there are aspects now of this life where he, sorely lacking, will need your help." She said this to Robert only after his fascination with Jean-Claude waned enough to allow the peripheral sight of her milk white countenance to have any meaning at all. Through the door he would go, and away. He had in passing mentioned to her of deAquitaine's patronage. It wasn't hard to think of the Munro wondering that his French tastes were so particular that the rest of them were unworthy, making for bitterness and doubt. Why had the Frenchmen choosen just one when he could have taken them all? Poverty affected more than one. Questions danced unanswered on the air in their own waltzing patterns as he left the pair of them alone.

The hours were more than one, surely, as Eirian spoke to Jean-Claude only for him to tell her that the trials had gone on longer than deemed. She covered the red stained lips with long fingers splayed in weak mask as the stiff inhale of breath showed her shock at what he described. "Our love can weaken our judgement at times, but we can not amend his past, it is the present and the future in need of guidance." She stood, moving both hands over the back of his chair to watch the rising of the sun. Beauty begged to be observed, and artists knew when to salute greater works of art. If God could create the sunrise and songbirds, he could heal the darkness. "Lucifer was once the most glorious angel in all of heaven before he rebelled, seeking to be as high as the most high, and was cast down. I believe this is why his agents feed so heavily on doubt, for he once doubted and recieved no succor that he could see. If it is as aged as you say, and the Church could not help him, than his doubt with the church is no different than any youth that ever questioned God, only in youth's question did an agent seek to lurk, and twist, and twine until a mind was ready to be cracked. Believe me when I tell you, he has seen, or touched, or read, or all of these things something beyond the sea in Spain. Did he tell you what it was, mention to you all of it? I still must look on the women but tell me all that you know, please." She looked at the inky depths of his matte midnight eyes, "Your love of him must lend itself in this to what even you have feared. In Fear then we may draw courage, for we are right to fear this."

Innocent life was a comfort and a joy forever. Janice had a piece of each swirling inside a darkness that would change her as dawn changes every night's last hour. It was no less of a feat that she could worry at such a distance than he could fret over bygone years. Now it was his turn to be distressed in her worry for a form not yet complete. Gently she explained, capturing his hands and taking them with her beyond her chamber door, beyond the window in the back and down into the refuge of Eden. For all the blood that dripped from trees, and all the bodies buried. For all the black intentions lingering in the cool shade it could never undo the beauty of the land. Some said in grottos and glens the wind collected in to a series of finite pitches favoring speech. "Of course you love the child, as you should.It is said in old custom a women does not tell early on given conditions may change for mother or babe, all question when life qualifies as life. He loves the child as fiercly as he loves its mother, I could tell by the mere mention of names within each how open a heart comes to embrace it. To whatever is within Julian, Janice is the light it desires utmost to crush, yet finds it keeps returning, as dawn or sunset returns. He wavers between states because of her presence, as if the thing bides its time in order to over power even the God given love of a soul mate, a wife. I do not mean to give you more fear than you have, but you must know the truth." Eirian brushed the dew from her knees as she sat beside him on the steps. Red roses beyond her door grew with lilies and golden fall bloom. The night had already jerked and tugged at her braid, so her fingers loosened it with no fear of reproach from his mouth nor his eyes. "When they were here for the harvest party they both looked so worn and pained. He favors not this now, Thank God, but I have seen his black circles, his deep red where white should be in the gaze, and looked on a girl who in all of my time of knowing her has never worn such a face pressed so heavy though she smiled. She leaned as she stood at times, as if trying to catch her balance. She looked as if to be ill yet never showed such a sign, though the maid who tended her within the walls made mention to me of a great amount of hair within the brush. They are of age yet are still so young at heart. Such tender souls." Her hands encased his one more time before she turned on her hip to look at him completely. "They both mend and fall so easily it seems. I worry for the child because a body will do what it must to guard its life but we are not made of steel though it may appear at times we are. I will look after her with great care, as will my women. I imagine the baby means as much to her as it does to you. It is only that I saw his worry for her, and I do not doubt that she will worry again."

She looked out in to the land, past the trees to where the waterfall resounded against the rocks from high above, come down from the mountains. "We have fought with our hands for so long, with swords in them, or with the bareness in rage. Now we have to put them together or about rosaries. I am not of perfect faith, my friend. Never think that I am. Even now I ask the Lord...why."

[Janice Olivia Monroe]

Why?
what if I did things that were terrible beyond measure..

Master deAquitaine

The morning had come early or the night had left late, either way Jean-Claude found himself on the balcony of the estate watching the roads, and the shadows move through the woods as they went in search for his beloved son. "He doesn't even have his shoes." Horrified by this it scared him greatly as the air was bitter cold, and the ground wet from the light rain on this autumn morning. The men felt it best he stayed behind to serve the son if he had been hurt. What if he ran across the one who stole the heads, what if...no, Jean-Claude chilled at the thought. Feeling helpless the Frenchman could only wait, and watch as the sun started to rise over the horizon. Of faces on the Estate his was perhaps the palest, and even as the light lit his flesh the men waited--watching to see if he would burn in the light; when he didn't rumors of that nature did pass. With his chest aching, he felt as though his heart was to fall from his chest at any moment, and all the youth that had once filled his face now aged once again. Jean-Claude had never been one to wear a cross, but around his neck did hang the one he kept with him at all time. A small silver cross that had been a gift, now rest against marble flesh--would this burn? The Guard did watch for it to. Somewhere through the night he had gotten dressed, sloppily so, but even still it was first class with the Frenchman. However, the misty morning wet his hair if only lightly making it appear he was some wild creature as he paced back and forth waiting. (d

Lady Apollius

The meaning of time was little in comparison to the absence of bodies from the passing hours. How many went by without revealing to them the mystery of where Monroe had gone weren't counted, but each could be felt as the long hand around the clock wound to eclipse the next hour. As the sun lifted high in to the pale gray-blue country morning the force enough to burn off the dew lacked. Eirian watchd the water drip from the tree branches down on to the balconyrim to join the cascade cut in to the form of the house to serve as a conduit of water for the garden. Gray gave way to yellow rays she Lady vanished to do as the Frenchmen and be attired. When it was time for this task, the women so long kept away converged behind shut door, screens, and the arms of one another. Emergence in to the world again meant they had all unbrudened the heart as far as it could before it became necessary to carry the lot again. "Has there been any word?" her voice crept through the schism in the door before the form, to be returned with the negative answer "No, Madame. I am sorry." Jean-Claude would be beside himself so she emerged to comfort him, finding him in a little antechamber just to the wayside of their rooms, pacing as caged creatures do in menageries. Heather purple creep-crawled up her body, down along her arms, and fastened high along her neck. The sleek black sheet of hair was twisted and pinned. One of the maids held the lady's veil across her arms, evident she intended to hence to Church at some point during the day. "Jean-Claude. You must sit...and at least have something to drink, the servants tell me they can get you to take nothing." (d)

Master deAquitaine

"Oh I could not. Forgive me, I have always been like this when I worry." For show he must have worried a lot for he was very thin, "He is without his coat, or his shoes. Eirian, he will die of sickness. That is not like him, even in his state he never forgot his coat. What if he is dead already? Janice will never forgive me. Have we sent for her?" It seems he asked the same question at least every hour, and though he worried of the stress somewhere in his heart of hearts he knew she could find him. He would come out for her. "Of the men who died. Have their been any others, I sent word through the guards to keep watch of the trees, to travel in pairs. Oh, ma petit oiseau, I can not take this. My heart, I'm too old." With that he would take a seat by the window looking out as he held his chest. "Tell me you have seen the baby, that it will grow healthy. If you know anything Eirian, please..we must be prepared." (d


Lady Apollius

"You will hurt yourself long before he does at this rate. Stop.." She answered his question faithfully every hour he asked it while the search ensued. His arms were caressed by her small hands before gently moving them over his heart in a consolitory gesture "Shhhhh. Let it be as it will be for now. No, we have found no more of the dead, and for those that are dead the chapels have been filled with prayer. Novenas have already begun, the remains have been blessed." When he asked of the child she told him in all earnest "I have not looked so far as that, Jean. I have not been able to, but when she arrives I will look at her if your heart bids it so to ascertain that all is well. From the perspective of a woman who has born too children, who's midwives live in her household, not as anything more at first." It was a firm belief that all things though able to distern would not wished to be known no matter how much one could ask --

Lady Monroe

"Please, we need to move faster. I am so worried.." The spoken words on the lips of the angel were the manifestation of all fear to others. They had fetched her in such haste before the light of day it was a wonder she saw the trunks prepared, a trunk of her things and a trunk of his things, and another of the work passing on without being completed that would fill the hands where idle minds were the devil's workbench. What if Lucifer had been fine tuning an instrument for years and in this the pinnacle of youth, he was ready to open the display cabinet? A plethora of guards accompanied the guards whom had come with the empty carriage so that formations had to be adjusted, some riding in the sides of the road instead of on it. Before the messenger could breathe six times, the trunks were packed and the wife of Monroe was dressed against the cold. Wool dress, cloak, and gloves seemed to matter little as it did nothing to ward away the ice in her heart stabbing, pricking at her. She didn't cry aloud but had in silence, so that as the door was opened again the trails of tears were wiped away. "Has there been any word? "No, but we still search." "Have you looked everywhere?" "All through the surrounding land but.." "No..not merely that...the house it is vast no?" They argued he would have no where to go they couldn't find him, but she shook her head softly. They had gone where none should go, and if they didn't want to be found, weren't. It was the hallmark of creed. Instead of being a sensible wife overseeing the unloading of the delicate clockworks and clothes to the suites, she turned her own memory open to think to where he might have gone. "Madame, wait! Have a care!" The voices at the front of the house were muted to those in the rears and sides, but one of the guards began make their way back soon enough to tell them of Janice's arrival. Alas, she would not stand at front door waiting docile. (d)


Master deAquitaine

"You said you feared of the unborn. What did you mean? You must know something." His hand covered the one that touched his own, and as always comforted by her as well intrigued. "Do not step lightly on me, I'm a physician. I have heard it all." Jean-Claude had to disconnect from his patients as over the years watched as all fell away, and couldn't keep everyone alive under his hands. Many times in England did he fear for her life, but in truth there was something he admired greatly about her--she knew well her own body. Yet somewhere along the lines, he had been so close to her he knew it well too. It was unspoken what happened on English soil, but somewhere Jean-Claude had to wonder if he had not met her soul as she fished his own from the pits of hell. This was why he brought Julian to her, but now why he feared greatly. She could not find him, now..were they too late?


Young Master Monroe

His fears were alive then chasing him through his mind as he pressed through the guards, and those of the hall to let his heart lead him through the halls. Julian could not find his room, but he could find the library. It was all he could feel of comfort; to be surrounded by the smell of old paper and new ink, or even the leather bindings--they reminded him of her. If Janice could pick any room to be her solitude it was one full of books. It was a common passion they both shared, and he was just discovering a world she had always known. It was soothing to him to think of her a child reading by the candle, trapped inside the world they had wanted her to be part of but escaping through text. He sat with his knees shielding the outside world as his arms hugged them tight as Julian was silent stunned as the outside world was forgotten. He had not realized how long he had been there, or even that time passed at all for he simply was inside himself in every way. Had he fallen asleep sitting up in the corner of the shelves hidden like a child, wanting his wife like one wanted their mother. It was not so much to want of her was it? She was his partner in every sense and it was hard to be without her. His eyes were red again from the lack of water, pulled open by a force unable to shut them. He didn't shake, nor was he dead, but simply in a state of shock. Julian was deeply afraid. (d

Lady Apollius

"I told you what I meant, that such woe begotten things and strain are not good for any woman with child. This is why I fear, especially as she is such a sensitive soul." In Janice she found a companion to while away the hours in contented study of Greek. Youth reminded the elder what it was like, what had been. By the age of twenty her place in the world was assured nor did it shine with as much brightness as it could for a girl freshly minted from the religious life. A saint's coin, she was turned over to pauper and prince hand alike. Body betrayed Eirian for years until the strength of mind came to find match in limbs. In Janice she was not weak of body but so delicate of soul the imbalance in one effected the outer shell. It broke her heart to hear of the poor child losing her hair or crying as she prayed. "So we shall calm her, and in thus calm them." No sooner was it said of calming than a frantic guard had been directed by one of the ladies in waiting to where they stood. Gulping for air, he bent over his knees. "Madame..the young lady...Monroe's wife is here..but..she is quick Madame! She took off within the house asking if we had looked, I know you bid me not to see her worried.." How hard was it to soften the temprament of Monroe's wife?


Lady Monroe

Poor guard. It wasn't his fault that she was a degree out of reach, or three steps faster in a smaller body. The Monroes had the advantage of being trained by cats in human skin! Besides that, it could be said friendship and love was the same soul residing in two bodies. Along the way she lifted her skirts, at first being mindful not to run until the thought of him pushed her so hard it was all she could do. Remember, remember! I will remember for you what you forget, doubly so, and never forget it.. she told him on the day at the crossroads. "Julian, Julian?" She reached the part of the house that was all art pieces and knowledge. He loved knowledge, craved it like food. "Julian?" The guard on duty saw her struggling, unknowing of her reason there but knew of whom she looked for. Trying to still her, he could only help her pull open the doors instead. Suprisingly she shut them behind her out of some polite instinct. Sun came through wide window cuts and a high, beautiful dome on a word of parchment and ink. Could he hear her? Smell the scent of her skin, hear her skirts rustle as she stepped? Gulping for breath, she put her hand to one of the shelves "Sweetheart, are you here? Please be here..I thought.." (d)

Young Master Monroe

One night, one night is all it took for him to be lost again only to be found by the angel of morning. Her voice beckoned him back to reality and it appeared as though he started to breath again holding his breath for hours as it seemed eternity. His hair was a mess, and the fabric of his sleeve was indented across the side of his face. Yet, it was the pale color of his eyes that was proof he had been in some sort of trance, but now breaking from it. They were always lighter when he first woke up each day. "Janice?" Was he dreaming? It felt as if he was going to wake up any minute to some strange nightmare.

Master deAquitaine

"When this is over, Eirian. I will go to France and get you anything you wish." He smiled to her as she did calm him with all the talk of peace. "I should like for you to move into the castle for the winter." He took her hand again, squeezing it gently. "I feel it will be a very bad one, and all of the surrounding families are going. I feel they all go out of fear of the headless..it is startling." With his breath in his chest, it caught when Janice arrived as somewhere he felt her pass through the doors. He would raise his hand to the guard, "She will be worried no matter what you would have done, mon ami, thank you. Did she go along the gates?" He figured she would have taken straight to the wood. (d

Lady Apollius

"You are too kind, Jean-Claude. I would ask nothing of you." Nor would she ask anything of anyone. The land was self-sufficient to such an extent that the only reason for her absence of it was duty to the guild within Turas Lan, and her personal students. Over time many of them came to study on the estate, but the time of that would come to an end with the talk of headless bodies and blood rivers. Was Eden finally against what would turn it from paradise to scorn? "They are of right to go, they will not question how long it will last nor wait for the snow to entrap them. When the cold begins to come, even in the autumn now, Talion leads a band of men to find the most feral of the wolves to be put down, taking no chance. It soothes them, but this is not so easy as that. We may well have to take to the castle." She would sooner take to the valley's opposite end to retire with the Guardian and his beloved wife,but even he would turn her the direction of high stone's safe keeping. "I will discuss with with our people here. It may well be good for us to spend the season with those we have not seen for some time." No, she would not speak more than necessary on murder. Couldn't it be done? --

Lady Monroe

"Julian, Julian are you here? I am here..it's me. They sent word to me they couldn't find you..I was so worried. We left before it was even first light. I packed a trunk for you, and for myself..andl a trunk of our work, I thought it might soothe you..I don't know if it was smart of me or foolish I Just..Sweetheart, come out?" She turned in a circle once, twice. She peered down a row to see nothing only to venture towards another. "Mmmm." A little whimper crossed the threshold of trembling lips as the world had to be told to cease its rotation. Once it passed, a slightly bleery eyed woman caught sight of mussed hair and pale morning eye. "Julian.." What more could she say? She moved along the row to take him in her arms, knowing above all else where he was, how he was. They were one, and it was what frightened Jean-Claude the most. "What happened, love? Tell me..tell me as I care for you..you have no shoes..you are so cold...there was no fire here!" Aghast for the state of him by choice she held him all the tighter, bringing her cloak around him --

Guard

"No, my lord not the woods, she took off within the house I believe to the wing where Madame does her art." (d)

Young Master Monroe

He could breathe again, as well feel the cold as she brought her warmth around him, and his arms went about her back to keep her there. "I didn't want to stay, but they discovered bodies while we were here." He curled her into him as he tightened his hold that should any pass the row they would think they were stumbling on an act of passion as he pulled her to his lap. "He said the Lady of the house could find my way home, and when she tried..It all went black." He spoke to her without fear in his eyes, but simply a realization. "I..I think I've done something so wrong," He shook his head before placing it against the curve of her neck, "Can we go home?"

Master deAquitaine

"I think it would best fit the entire populations, Eirian. If you spent a season within the castle. Besides," He smiled, "I'll be a father come spring, not just a grand father." Oh there was pride there, of his harbored secret, but now simply wasn't the time to tell just anyone. Jean-Claude spoke as he would rise from his seat, but then would offer Eirian a hand. "We did not check the house as we should..Ma Ange..she is simply a wonder. Right under our nose no?"
Had the bird returned? He worried so, but knew he would need to send for the Brother soon. No better the fate then a raven. (d

Lady Apollius

"Oh? Is my presence at court so sorely missed it requires a whole season to mend it?" In some ways perhaps, though she would always favor the country. What if others had chosen to stay? She could not very well abandon them. Still,As the day progressed Spirit came calling to the mew keeper. All would be well then! One could only hope that it was so easy. The children were occupied between prayers and play, so she did not miss them this one morning. In a way she wished them not privy to so much desperate talk. "A father too? My, my, and you call yourself old. You seem quite vigorous for an old man. I suppose this is a country for old men." The Avarian King was older than Jean-Claude yet had no face that showed it. Talk rose of another child or two, only to find the lady of the estate blushing profusely, laughing. "A wife knows, just as your daughter in law knows where to find your son, her husband. I had not thought, yet they are two of the same I hear in knowledge." --

Lady Monroe

The air caught up in her chest fit to burn burst out in one long exhale as bodies met. "Oh my God, how terrible! No one would mention any such a thing to me but I swore I knew it was dire with such grave faces. you are alright then..oh my Goodness..he brought you here for her to scry?" A sense of wrong settled on her tongue to clamp it back from speaking out in vice of such at thing. Ada had done her Tarot when a curious young girl asked, and it predicted the potential for a banal life, but banal was not always good. What was? Janice loved Eirian yet feared that exqusitie part of her proven true on her return from England.Jean-Claude had never looked as he did before leaving, and he attributed it only to her presence in such a way as not to incriminate her, yet..who could deny it? "Lost..oh love.." She fell in to his lap, lost in tangle of arms and limbs. His face was showered in kisses, her arms clasped around him. "I couldn't sleep last night, you weren't there." The admission was shared no doubt. "We will go home yes.. yes..but first you need to rest, you look so tired again, I have not seen you so for weeks. Bathe, rest, eat. Let me take you to your room." She pulled the cloak tighter, even taking it from her shoulders to wrap around him. "Perhaps she kept what you believe you've lost? I have such high regard for the Lady Artisan but..I am afraid perhaps wrongly I know..but..no one believed it, at least within the hall until Sorschal had his doubts, and then England. Her eyes and...oh never you mind my prattling I am only afraid for you, and worried, so very worried. I am sure Jean-Claude meant well but right now you need carrying for..you are so cold!" He seemed to get so by the minute, holding on to her by the minute for warmth. She came to her knees, settling her head against him. "Mmm I moved to fast. The carriage ride and this morning..." (d)

Young Master Monroe

"He did, he thought she could find it, but she touched something else. Janice, I've not heard the voice for weeks." He looked worried then, "It just felt so wrong, but when we got here he didn't get to ask her. Someone has been killing people, but I looked over the bodies to see how long they have been gone, and they are well over many weeks." He closed his eyes to her kisses, warming under them, "I couldn't sleep, not without you. Not without you so far away." He spoke between each of her kisses, "I was walking the halls, and couldn't find my way back to my room,"He took a deep breath, "It was far too real..then a man came to me and said he was my cousin. His is the first face I have forgotten." He touched her shoulders to stop her from pulling the cloak around him, he rather liked her this way, "I'm fine. I want to go.." Stopping suddenly he watched her with concern, "Do you feel dizzy?" He settled here there so he could support her in his arms. Touching the side of her face he brushed his lips against her own, "Don't move, just rest."

Master deAquitaine

"Old I am, vigorous..well. Adelaide doesn't seem to mind." He smiled, with the relief already setting in of how he would not have to be without knowing his son was unwell for very long, "Janice amazes me with her skill in her books, and she has really been a great influence for Julian. He read well, but not as he much as he does now. Its rather sweet when they were living in the Hall to check in on them, and find them both curled up reading from the same book. I had never thought they to have such a relationship." When they reached the outside of the hall where the guard had confirmed they were inside Jean-Claude would stop his steps, as he heard of the couple talking together, "Perhaps we should give them a few moments? Can you go call off the search, Mon Ami?" The guard would nod, after looking to Eirian for orders. (d

Lady Monroe

"Something else? Like what you would tell me of in Spain?" Little whispers in the night of dragons hatching by the silver moon turned a deep blood red. Rib cages being ripped apart and the contents spilling out to feed the shadowsno one kenw were alive until teeth formed to eat the human heart. "Weeks? You should tell them, they might not know. No matter how different the Lady may be she is good, and the people are good. Weeks. It hasn't been so long since Harvest Parties..either. Poor people, what will they do?" She smiled in his kiss, basked in his concern. Behind the closed door no one would believe what they would see if they could see it. They were pushed open only to a sliver before the call to their privacy was given. "A little dizzy..I had calmed down from so many spells, the carriage bouncing, moving up and down the stairs. I see why they say it is a bad idea to run so much. I will be fine in a little. I only think that I..no..we...missed you." Plural denoted the family as she took his hand and placed it on her still flat stomach, yet it was a different sort of firmness there to suggest the little miracle within. "Let us stay only so long as to see we are both alright" Jean-Claude would not have brought him here without a reason though she was loathed to stay where murders occurred. Pity too, it was exquisite here.


Lady Apollius

"It has always been with her, I have no idea why she sought me for Greek, heaven knows it seems as natural to her as her native French. Both of them remind me of never ending university students forever studying, studying. I am surprised you have not sought to see them both admitted with the Scholars.I would be more than happy to see a letter of advance written. With the great colleges and universities established once again, and new ones being built, such minds would not go to waste." A wave of hand would end the epic quest to find what had already been found. Gently she canted her head, feeling the traces of what had already transpired, tasting the worry fading down to rapture wrapped angst. "Mm..come." She beckoned the scientist closer. (d)


Young Master Monroe

"It was the night, Harvest party..Janice." He took a deep breath, worrying over his lip, and with a deep breath let the thought slip through him, "We need the Brother to return." It startled him how willing he was to ask for that man, and how he wished he was here to do what he did again to make the voices in his head go quiet. Julian went quiet for a moment his eyes glazing over as he thought the night of the Harvest Party, "What if I was so mad at you that night. Mad at you for being so willingly to smile and laugh. I killed them.?" His whispers were cold as they sucked in through his teeth. "What if I cut off their heads to keep them from heaven, because they prayed for mercy?" He tightened his hands on either side of her arms as he held her there, "I hung them in the trees, because you still danced? Janice. I need to go." He pushed her back, still gentle with her, but not as feathery soft as he once had been.

Master deAquitaine

Jean-Claude smiled, the sort that simply came to grips with reality and brightened all of the dreary night away, "A blessing..come, lets have breakfast." (d

Lady Monroe

"Brother O'Corrain said we could summon him the moment he was needd, I will send for a falcon right away, write him expediently." So willing to comply and obey for his betterment her own was second nature even with the child insideher belly. If her senses had been all the more honed would she have sensed the subtle shift in his body language? It was too late by the time his eyes glazed. What if she had told him she had seen it before, would it have mattered ? The mention of Marius' name once had done it by the waters edge in Lerida. He laughed a vicious laugh, all on the verge of calling her whore but never did when she said he was never second best.. Before she could move he held her fast. "Julian, Julian you're hurting me...please.." Was it a confession or a terrible joke? His voice changed, the air around him cold enough to draw the frost on her breath..."Julian stop!" The images that sprang in a vivid imagination were compounded by what memory could invoke.All color fled from her face like the people who might have run from his grasp. When he pushed her back....did he see the indention he'd left in her sleeves, wondering if finger marks were beneath? She shook from head to foot. "No.." She croaked. No not to go, no that it wasn't real?


Lady Apollius

"I shall make it for you myself, no hands shall ever be better to serve a guest than those of the Lady of the Estate.." Steps were taken away from the door yet she looked over her shoulder. No, she would not disrupt them, but gently told the guard "Open it discretely ,and tell them breakfast is ready. See all of their things are brought within and settled, even if they should not stay.." Yet, she gave pause. "Mm..go on."


Lady Monroe

All of the time for an instant it felt he was gone. Only an instant, had it been longer? They were locked inside..locked inside of the Hall until he had gotten better..but...they had gone out. Out for a little and then home. Tears slid down her face one after the other until they fell like the autumn rain. She looked at him with such real terror and worry for his body and soul it could stop a heart. The room spun. Oh how it spun! Vicious circles, twists and twines as if she had been hit against the head."Ju..Julian?....Julian.." She tried to speak but it came out so slow, so terribly wrong as she began her descent down to the floor. She caught herself for an instant, but her head had clipped against the side of a shelf enough to bleed.. bloody fingertips slid down the shelf and infront of her as she brought her head to the cool floor.She didn't move other than shake, and she couldn't get up if she tried (d)

[Julian Luke Monroe]

“You’ll find your way, or I’ll make it for you.” His voice hissed in the way of his answer, his name on the edge of her lips was agony compared to what had been there to answer. She was so sweet, and kind—it had almost made him sick at times to be so with her, but all was different now. Julian was balanced on the edge of a wire with a single push to go over the edge, and the blood that seeped from her head was enough to startle him back to reality. He walked a thin line for now, but could feel the sickness creep up inside him.

“Janice?” As if he had been blinded this entire time he opened his eyes just as she hit the floor and fell to her side, “Janice! Love, please. Wake up.” He put pressure on her wound, and cupped her face within his fingers wanting of her to wake again, “Baby no, please stay awake. Help!” His voice was raspy as if he had been screaming the entire night, the sound had never escaped, but still he felt strained, “Jean-Claude! Anybody!”

“What happened?” Breakfast had been ruined, for how could he not hear the cry of his beloved family. Jean-Claude was not so quick to blame as the guards were to pin their conviction on the apprentice as the Scientist came to Janice’s side, “Enough!” He barked at the guard who started for Julian, “This is his wife. He would not do this.” Jean-Claude looked to Julian then, but would not get an answer of definite, for his eyes were lost with worry. He would not hurt his wife, just like he would not have hurt Adelaide. “Take her to a bed,” The Guard would do as Jean asked, but when Julian went to follow he put his hand on his shoulder to stop him.

“I have to be with her.” Julian started looking up to Jean-Claude with fire in his eyes if the man asked him to stay behind, but when the Scientist motioned to Julian’s hands he would shake his head.

“You need to clean first, you can’t go in there like this. It will only make it worse, son.” Julian was shocked at the blood that ran from his fingers, unsure of how it got there, or of what caused her to fall. He knew he had touched her wound, but did she bleed this much? Too often did he wake with dried blood on his hands, and now he suddenly felt himself sick, “Jean-Claude what is happening to me?” It had broke his heart to hear his apprentice say that, as he was half way from there to the door as he turned.

“Nothing I can’t fix.” A forced smile for the boy, who grew into a man he admired greatly, “You know that.”

[Janice Olivia Monroe]

Oh God, Oh God..

A voice came over Julian's lips that didn't belong to him. A heated, seething serpent sound crossed over the vocal chords and compounded with all the malice he could push out of his body. Curled down on the floor she could still hear it. In a way, she was glad she couldn't speak back to it. Was she - were they - crazed? Dementia had been a tick against the skull sucking blood, growing fat on misconceptions for a long, long time. Denial made it a product of science to fix, of a medicine not subscribing to the whim of religious zealots but inspired by His brilliance of what the mortal mind could do if it reached beyond supersticion. Wasn't that fixing him? Wicked voices, dragons pulling at his ribs - all of them were manifestations taking him to the border of dementia were it not for the likes of all of the Masters. He had been demented, though, far longer. Broken. A bloodied little boy that grew in to a divided man. "I wish I weren't so confusing and hard to understand, Janice," he said to her one Spanish night and again in an autumn Scottish morning in her head.

I'm sorry, I am so sorry. I don't know what to do. Something...is in you. You know it, as do I yet we deny it still. We deny it! If it isn't there are we both equally mad or for knowing or we both equally damned? If this is..if you are..the dreams of my childhood were as the bliss of martyered saints compared to you. Why can't I help you..let me..let me.

The complete cycle of thought formed in her head to word but no words came out other than the low, painful moan. She knew that her head was bleeding, only she could not make her hands go up to stop it. She knew she should get up, but couldn't will her feet to curl the toes under so her weight could roll back. She would have stayed on the floor all day long, shaking and moaning, if her body wasn't shifted in to her husband's arms. Worse still? The world started to blacken on the edges like a rip in a paper could ruin a complete picture. As it spread, she could see his worry and in that worry knew it was him again. Either her husband was insane, with two minds in one form, or he was possessed, which meant that he was one form taken by a demon who wanted to be the only mind. A diet of deeply rational practice curtailed the ability to ingest manifestations of faith's true teachings. In an age of zealots and witchcraft and mayhem inspired by insipid simpletons how easy it was to disregard what was so plainly written, so plainly demonstrated in the testament writ by apostles that the logical become the inspid ones.

In the dark there was a comfort in that she couldn't see, and quickly it was trying to clog her ears. Jean-Claude had come in, preventing the guards from laying blame to Julian wherein she agreed: He didn't do this, I fell..He didn't do it but...but..the thing within him...it wants me dead..doesn't it? It wants us all dead.. Her own inner voice began to dull until it sounded like her inner being was submerged in water. Her head hung upside down as the guard lifted her unsure of how to craddle or carry the delicate collection of pregnant body and immobile limbs. Bed would be where Julian had been lodged, the way to his room under the guards very feet. It wasn't the prefered method of introduction; the servants had congregated with looks of worry ridden rage directed at the library. Could the blood not spill in their beautiful, sacred home? A procession of wagon wheels had been witnessed by the watch and it made pain lock up in their chests. They thought their home made by God, and now it was ruined, ruined by selfish man too weak to fend away the Devil whom wanted it for himself.

Why had Eirian stalled? Janice could detect the faint chime of the Artisan's tone, and if awake, might have flinched while looking on in awe. Was it foolish to be afraid of Eirian or intelligent if one surrendered to a complete faith patterened rational? Her one, ardent fear was that the unspeakable gift unleashed what the good Friar had contained, that what many had viewed as a strange gift of heaven was infact an unknown hell malady. Even in her last conscience moments she considered that to be cruel of her to think, but even as it slipped away there came with it the reality that things the like of Ada's tarot cards were indeed quite real. The reason Ada was not of the Church ran parallel with the Artisan's belief in a God anchored by St. Peter's descendants on earth yet there was a veil she passed behind. Like Ada could. The veil hid what only the chosen should know, if anyone was really meant to at all. If she could, she would tell Eirian of the strange books Julian found. She would ask her to find Adelaide and surround herself with her wisdom and the way the woman smelled of mint. Janice understood that Eirian loved Adelaide and Rosalind both where the other two could not truly love one another, but perhaps they all would come if only for a little. She had never wanted Rosalind's ability to advicse her more, to command her. Would that solve everything? She wanted the voice that reminded her of mother and sister. She wanted to tell Rosalind all the joys of her life and all the heartache. If any of them, Rosalind and Adelaide could manifest they would tell her that a fear of Eirian was unfounded. Did not all of them turn to one another?

***

The hands she was afraid of were the hands she awoke to, leaning in to them as Eirian's voice bade her in dulcet tones, "Gentle, child. You took quite a fall my healer tells me, enough to warrant a few stiches to the given to the back of your head, and the side here. Shhh.." Two hands clasped on her belly to which the Welsh woman understood what was asked with no words, "The child is fine, the midwife did say you require calm. Something upset you greatly, though it seems you knew enough to curl in and protect your belly. Instinct is a powerful thing in a mother, even before the child is born." Janice opened her eyes to view the sky, the sea, or anything else that would ever be blue in those eyes alone. Her own were not that shade! They no doubt looked murk ridden beside the crystaline clarity of The High Artisan's. She sat up in bed and stared. When words came she lowered her head, "Madame, I am afraid of you. I am sorry.." Eirian bade her hush, but she insisted to continue, "I am afraid of what they say, I am afraid of what may be true, though..what may be true and what isn't..is too far subjective. Were that there be one objective thing, one clear thing. I..I wanted to blame you for what became of my husband but it is not your fault, it is a long illness! Please pardon me, Madame."

The smell of sweetness made her swoon in a different way. Completely on balance, she drowned in rapture instead of sorrow. As Eirian settled closer to her by way of sitting on her hip, the woman gently tucked hair behind the bed ridden's ears. Why did she care so if fear was expressed? Gently she took up a brush to run through the golden locks that were once as brown as a mouse. "I pardon you. I have often been afraid of myself, as you must be, as we all are at times. Let us not discuss it now. Soon, soon we will discuss all things but for now, nothing that will not bring you peace. How fortunate is the Young Master to have such a pretty, loving, and dutiful wife. You knew where to find him when we did not. Intiution. It only increases with child you know." Janice found as she hugged up her knees a little, she smiled. "Will it happen more oft, all that knowing? I feel as if I've always known little things like that. Where to find him or what Jean-Claude would do. How Adelaide would wish her plants potted or the Grandmaster, her books aligned. Where they would go or what they would say. Will it increase so with my own family?" Youth's smile brought forth one from the face of a sage ever-young seeming woman "Yes, it will. You will know when your baby needs you even if you are rooms away. You will know when it is time for many things, all because of this one change."

She leaned back only to find the Welsh woman there. Women entered numbering three, one filling a bowl of warm water and applying scents, one laying out a fresh gown from her chests. Another settling a tray of tea and light biscuits to the side. "I have sent women to attend you, let them? Even I must succumb to their whim now and again. Your husband must have gone for air, and I will fetch him for you. He is deeply worried but such is the way of men, and only more so as you are with child. Men, sweet girl, may wage a war and rule all of Christendom but this mystery they may never comprehend." Slowly her back was made to lay on propped pillows as the Artisan moved through the room. Watching how the women lowered as she passed, she suddenly wished she might, too. She suddenly wanted to be one of the women who lived near here surrounded by books and pictures, formulas and devices with only God to judge them. " Will you bring me a paper, that I might write to Mistress, well..Madame deAquitaine and Lady Inveryne?" The knowing eyes turned toward a lap desk one of the lady's could bring her, stocked with paper, ink, and quills made on th estate. She gasped, as if already knowing their beauty but by the time she could give thanks Eirian had gone.


In one day as all days she knew abseloute terror and abseloute peace. It would be the extremism that would hurt her the most.

[Lady Eirian Gwenyth Apollius]

The Power of Judging
Eirian was a Queen in her own right, and had made decisions such as these. If anyone, besides Bess and him, to make such decisions of justice... and whether someone was guilty or innocent... to live or die... it was Eirian.




After the convergence of people on the road, Eirian went to hold a discourse consisting only of herself with parchment, ink, and quill. The three things needed to write a message were made on the estate by skilled hands. Nothing was ever taken for granted. Not one scrap of soggy substance that became parchment nor the swirling blue in a bottle. Where some found it necessary to send a servant out for supplies when one was an artist it would be silly unless you had a favored patron whom one hoped would return the favor. She wrapped her fingers over the quill and took up the thin blade to sharpen its service. Then she deposited point to ink pot, and ink pot to paper.

To the High King and Glorious Lady-Wife,

Adam and Beathag, all gracious of God upon you both. The favor I ask of you is no easy one to grant but I pray that you will, in due order, give me leave to grand judgement over what presides in the Bant Chan Ser. A collect of bodies has been found with horrible carving of things thereon and without the head. Being so defiled and preserved only by the season's chill, it is necessary to commend them at once to hallowed ground. As now body to earth and poor souls to God's keeping, on earth I ask that you allow me the somber duty to judge the individual or individuals responsible for the act with, evidence abiding for such to pass, the necessity forfeiting life as they may take no more life. It has been the land's thought of justice to be reflected in harsh treatment of guilty remains thus they may not enjoy in death what they deprived others from when alive: eternal, sanctified rest. If you would, in your wisdom, give leave to grant such final decree, I would be all the more in your debt.

I await your reply. We here remain your loyal and devoted subjects.

Lady Eirian

*

Adam's rest was interrupted by a rap upon his bedchambers door... Beckoning the interloper entry, the man knelt as he entered... a small scroll in his fingers. "yer Majesty, forgive your humble servant, but I have a message from Bant Chan Ser, Lady Eirian's falcon..."

Adam stood quickly, not waiting for the man to rise and approach him. "Thank yae... wait in the foyer for my answer..." the falconer stayed in deep bow... "By yer leave Your Majesty..." and with a flick of Adam's hand, the man departed, the page closing the door behind him.

Emotions fluctuated and his heart pulsed deep within his chest...only to skip several beats as he read Eirian's message... He knew Maahes, and his own personal contingent, was there, so there was no alert for support...only a request of his royal perogative of judgement, to be bestowed upon Lady Eirian. The tense moments of emotion from the news gave way to a smirk... Eirian was a Queen in her own right, and had made decisions such as these. If anyone, besides Bess and him, to make such decisions of justice... and whether someone was guilty or innocent... to live or die... it was Eirian.

He ventured toward the library... only to be intercepted by Bess. Moist sea-green eyes met her emerald ones as he handed her the message... and he watched her expression change as his did. Moments passed as they discussed what to do, and what not to do... then he canted his head and looked at his beloved wife. "Ah shall agree tae this if'n yae dae as well..."

No longer such decisions would be made alone... he had stuck his hand into the fire and got burned once...nae more... And with Bess' agreement in the matter, both crowns entered the library... and behind the royal desk, Adam sat... quill in hand and wrote out the decree... no scribe required... not this time... The only requirement was Bess' seal alongside his own... Eirian would have royal decree to delve punishment as necessary.

He looked back at Bess... "I wish someone would take the Sheriff's position... to resolidify the constabulary..."

*

The Keeper of the Mew and his apprentice waited for no less than days remainder, the night, and in to the next day for the snow falcon's return. Such a spectacular, obvious creature ought to have been kept for hunting in his opinion, where on air it was not so evident. He had in his days told his apprentice that mountain birds could, like their forest companions, go to a white gray to blend in with the world. This bird seemed suited to the tops of gray brown craigs but hardly belonged with ever greens! They wondered if his coloring came from a deficieny in breeding, but his eyes were not red as with animals that were colorless from such sickness or too powerful a blue. He had bits of gray and brown in the summer months, but within the cold time of year he favored a ghost even with the graying and black tips in his breast feathers.

He lifted his gloved arm to recieve it, ready with a rewarding piece of meat. It called out, 'Cree!", desirous of his prize. Only when he recieved it did he offer his leg for the scroll to be untied from it. One could almost believe the bird had a wry sense of humor! When the assistant came near he was sad that the bird did not need to be put away. Gloved arm empty, the Keeper grinned, "Escort him n' the message to the Lady. Will that be better?" The boy was overjoyed! Not only would he have reason to call on the Lady of the Valley but he was entrusted with her prized bird! In short order the creature was delivered to its mistress with a few exta pence of thanks for his handling. Stories would abound beside the mew, but within the fire warmed room bird and mistress sat, the only story was the dire consequences at hand.

"Well done," she whispered to him, offering him another bit of meat from a small silver bowl kept near when Spirit was in company, "Well done my friend. You have brought me back what we most desired." In the doorway darkened by a long shadow, the owner came to stand behind his lady. Sir Thomas, the estate's Steward, saw but a few words and from them took a whole meaning. "You may offer judgement. Good. You are a Queen, to those here, nothing less. Now we may not wait. What may I tell the men that the Captain will have it, that the General might have the same thing to command them all?" Eirian turned a weathered eye to Thomas. Since her arrival, he had kept not only the beginnings of the estate but all of the surrounding land. This man, if plain men could be king, would have been little lower than one.

The fire sprang up when a new piece of wood was added by a servant concerned for the effect cold contained. It was no worse than the early winter wanting a place in an always warm heart. "No, Thomas. I am only the Lady of the land surrounding. That is all. Though --" she lifed a hand to cease his interjection. "I know it is more than that within the heart of it. There need be no crown, nor throne, nor castle high to ever call attention to what the Lord has deemed fit. I am worthy in his eyes even if I am not within my own, or within the plans of man, to rule. As such I am fit to judge. Would this be what you would tell me?" The older man smiled before bowing. "Aye, majesty."


She refused to sit and reign in Wales over principality or country whole. Avaria was lost before it even had time to know her. Titles remained in the world without a place to connect them to. People were obstinate. What was would be as it was with nothing else to be done of it. Her body could genuflect no less than a thousand times before the sovereign bodies of the land. Her hands be stained in ink and paint, her feet with earth from watching flocks but her blood was claimed. It is your fault, Aerona, she whispered low had you not ever claimed the child you forced to be cast aside than God might have brought me to this place by another way.. No answer came by fire or air. No answer came from the long gone dead. Even as a bastard, blood was blood. Once claimed you could not be unclaimed. Even beyond ocean and land to a world many would never see, they called her Empress of the Moon for her celestial complexion. It was inescapable -- so was this decision as marked by the seals of the King and Queen of Skye and Scotland proper.

"You know I feel that mocks me and is immodest, you shouldn't." She sighed, the chide holding no real merit to be forceful or weight given she knew it would never change Thomas' mind. The moment he learned a shred of the lady's history he was obstinate to the idea of her living as anything less! To this day, she knew he took great pride in overseeing not just any noble household. It wasn't any household. Royal blood or no, there was nothing like it elsewhere of this all were certain. Eirian lifted her head as he stood awaiting her instructions. "Advise the Captain to see the watch in all the villages and small settlements are kept at a high number. I wish escorts along the road so that naught befall those who choose to go. Those her are not on duty who are of faith are to pray in their place of living, for of all things we need prayer, Thomas. At all times they must be free of their sins." It was not to say she wished them to die, but should anything befall them let it be with a clear heart and clean soul. "Let the monastaries and abbey be looked after. Is the new abbey now settled? If you would, deliver out a message that I wouldst see the abess of the nuns, and the chief friar within the monastery if they wish to venture forth. You may also tell the men that if they should encounter those who do these things I desire to see their faces, but if it is not possible and violence ensues to preserve their lives above all else."

[Julian Luke Monroe]

Lady Apollius

 From one room to another the Lady carried with her a sense of peace to be the antidote to sickness of loss. Ladies-in-waiting all smiled to Janice, filling the room with a soft sound that trickled out from the half shut door. "She  is oft very quick, my lady,think nothing of it!  She will come again, you will see, and your eyes will become used to it. At least you will not protest!" As Lady Monroe recovered herself to the zenith of the morning sun, Eirian went to fufill an instruction to self good as a promise to find Masters Monroe and deAquitaine in order to relieve them of worry.  "See that she or the women have anything their hearts desire as you stand guard. Will you tell me which  way the gentlemen went, and should Robert pass this way again, tell him I will see him soon." On and on through the closed halls to their open expanse. On and on to find where worry congregated. (d)

Young Master Monroe

"When did you start wearing a cross?" His drool voice spoke as he turned his cuff back over his wrist to splash water over the outline of his right turned face, and Jean-Claude was amazed at how little seemed to phase his apprentice. He was staring no more at the lost little boy, but a right man in the wrong mind. It had puzzled him most of the night watching over Julian as he slept, but now stood against his shadow in the room watching him dress to face the day now half past. 

Master deAquitaine

 "I have always worn crosses, Julian. They have simply been tucked away." Spoke the Scientist who was perched on the edge of the table as he had been nearly his entire life, with all the aristocratic features he could comply. He couldn't do this anymore, his heart could hardly take it, but now there had been some root of escape in the demon again, how could he turn away now? "Julian, you are not well. I would not want you to go out with me, I will be fine to go alone." He watched as his apprentice's hands trembled as he did up his wine colored ascot, and the protest was there. "Your wife.."

Young Master Monroe

 "My wife is fine. She rests. I've rested. I'm not going to let you go on your own, you are a fool to think that." Rough choice of words there calling his Master such a name, but the very cold nature of his voice made Jean-Claude perk with a small smile that his apprentice was going to be alright..right? Julian turned to look at himself in the mirror, going over the complex nature of his face--the pure outline enough to seem weak should another dare risk. "Besides.." Jean-Claude turned away from him to finish packing his small bag, and Julian would tuck away a knife under his sleeve, "We will go so far in the woods, Master, no one will hear you scream." (d

Lady Apollius

The directions took her to a room the two masters old and young shared over the last night. Gently the doors were knocked on and then opened.  On either side a  guard, and from the view behind her maids at work had lowered  in her presence with all the fluidity of flowing water. Nothing and no one seemed real at times. Gusts of air, ripples in a pool.  "Gentleman,the Lady.."  Thus announced, she finished her own sentences after nodding a gentle thanks. "Good day gentlemen, I've come to tell you that the Lady is awake now, quite vibrant. The ladies in waiting are keeping her in thebest of care." It was not a bastian of worry, praise God, but they looked as if to be ready to ply the trade that made them able to outrun, out think, and maneuver away from her guards. "The midwife says the child is perfectly fine, and the healer has mended with a few small stiches the cuts in the front and back of her head, they do insist she remain quiet for a little more before she moves about, though they have given her leave to move about the estate within a few hours, walk the gardens and attend chapel here if she is of a mind.  They do also say she has been quite overwrought for too long, and for one so young no less, so if she is not of motion they insist she sit or be abed and at quiet things." Needless to say she wouldn't be telling the girl of what she saw here. "Jean-Claude, my falcon has returned and their majesties deem me fit to judge in all matters, including death so should it incline you to  progress, if possible I wish whomever has done these things alive, but not at the cost of your own life. Doubtless to say you will be only prolonging there own unless the Lord inspires some undue fit of mercy or counsel."She canted her head to the both of them, ready to leave so as not to disturb them if such would be the case (d)

Master Monroe

 Of all this time he had been so well without any heartfelt wonder, though his mind had been on her constantly. It was an obsession of his, this wife, that child that he could not stand for her to be in the bed as she was. He couldn't stomach the thought of her blood on his hands, but most of all he couldn't remember how it was it got there. When Eirian entered he felt as though he would have passed out, but still he stood looking all the more a grand detective of the secret force that thrived in the shadows of Skye. How could he not be as strong to make his stance again, and held the leather of his ridding gloves between his thin hands, "Um." He blushed, looking between them both so very relieved of the air that he didn't realize he was holding, "Can I see her?" His was a soft spoken voice that let his nerves get the best of him sometimes. However, something in the way he asked had almost been, does she want to see me?

Master deAquitaine

 "Ah..Ma Petite Oiseau, suddenly you doubt my ability to stay alive?" He smiled lightly rising from his position to offer her a bow of his hip, and a kiss to her knuckles, "We go in good company, Lord General has assembled a good bit of force to comb this countryside over. You shall fear of nothing by the light of the new day." With that he would excuse Julian who all but ran down the hall to be with his wife, "Young Love, it is beautiful no?" This was Jean-Claude's biggest fault, at how easily he put aside what was truly the matter. However, a great deal of him wanted to blame Eirian as well had it not been for his own doing bringing out the boy. Lowering his voice, he would make sure Julian didn't hear as he whispered, "Did you send for Brother?" His black eyes seemed to look past her own to peer directly into her soul.


Young Master Monroe

 On his way he stopped by the last of the gardens to find a rose that best suited his wife, for they always seemed to brighten her eyes. The season was long gone for flowers as bright and vivid, but like everything about this man was darkened in shade balancing the wilt with a few more blossoms before first frost--yet still as deadly as ever with thorns so very sharp. For a good long while he held tightly to a present that had been waiting for her to discover in the breast pocket of his vest. He had hoped she would have found it the heat of passion, the days that they took one another right there at the door hardly out of their work clothes. With one gentle knock he would press the door open peeking in before she had the chance to even ask, and there on his face was a smile that was more worry then it was fear. However, it was all love. "Love?" The ladies around her would become quiet as the Master entered the room, shocked at how put together he was in person as the stories that were told were enough to challenge the crazed. "Hi." He was horribly shy, annoyed really there were so many around his wife, but relieved they were there to tend for her. How would a proper courtier ask them all to leave? Were they even able? (d

Lady Apollius

"Jean-Claude I will send a personal request along side Janice's letter which she has requested to write herself.  A bird remains ready the moment it is delivered."  Midnight met winter's ocean as for a long moment each looked on the other. The way in which he stared was not alarming but as if to peer for the meaning of why.  In truth, Eirian was offended. How easy it was to ask for a service but heed nothing of the consequence!  How easy to wonder of the  'witch' unleashed the beast when it had already been feasting on the boys insides. "I thank you in advance for going with the General's men, both you and Master Monroe."  When the slightest shift happened and a touch of ice  came it was the quiver of a pulled bowstring, hitting him before he realized what had been there.  She never looked as hard nor so long by choice.   The choice was to accept and nuture what would be or to let it corrupt to be like acurse. Of course it did not want her there, nothing that stood a chance at unlocking the bolts put on the doors by the damned to keep the good away.  She was no creature in a menagerie for him to study, not one of his ravens. The way he looked at her was so much like the heretic priests she averted her gaze to the opposite end of the room. --


Lady Monroe

 Janice was surrounded by no less than three principle ladies and two chambermaids constantly tidying.  All of them were prone to converse, to laugh, to bring about her smiles. Still it was so strange!   How pleased Bromheilde would been to see so many geese honking constant work bits for breadcrumbs all around her bed!   At the sound of a male voice they all looked up at once as if he'd intruded on the sanctity of Venus' temple!  "Ladies, my husband, Master  Monroe.."   "Good day sir."  They intoned in a plethora of soprano voices like a forest of birds, averting their eyes out of respect for him.  When given leave to rise, what would the  do next?  All sort of an off-hand dance where they expected the man to dismiss them. Janice would mouth to him what to say, for next time before saying it, "If you please, will you leave me with my husband?"  A courtier who covered herself in parchment pages and ink stains was  married to an elegant scientist who fancied clocks and lived in the wrong time to see his ideas have full benefit. She was pleased to see him even as the fear still held to the edges. He looked as himself,and that was who came in,  wasn't it?   Oh her eyes looked as if he had done or said words that a wife forgave him for. Love opened its arms for him. "I would rise for you, but they told me not to. I am trying terribly hard to be obedient but you make it so  difficult Julian." His name a prayer on her mouth said ten times round in all reverance.  She was no less to blame for enabling him and living beside him when something fed on him, but inside both knew she kept it at bay as long as she could (d)

Young Master Monroe

 The room was given a once over with polite forced little smiles though even they could tell his eyes were upon only one in the room, "Good day." When the door closed behind them he couldn't believe how quick the air filled the room again as he went to her side, "No you mustn't. I have just come to see to you. See? A good husband, who came to you." With that he would sit at her side, brushing back her hair, the cut went through his heart to make it ache
"Jean-Claude and I go into the woods to look for more clues as to who is behind all of this, but he knows I must get your leave first." Brushing his hand over her arm he followed the parts of her skin that reacted to his touch with his eyes before clasping her hand, to offer her the rose tied with ribbon with one of the clock's gears made from silver and brass polished it would fit her hand perfectly he was certain..as he has tried it on her once when she was asleep. It seemed as though a normal wedding band until one got a closer look, and though it was perfect for them in a few years time it would be weather worn. However, for now it would do the job until the markets opened and he could find her a better one. "For you." (d

Lady Apollius

 "Yes I see, and I hear and feel. There just seems to be half of a sun or half a place without you near it. What's this?" She leaned in to his touch  before settling backto accept his little gift. Her skin rose to gooseflesh under  his fingertips enough to make her blush. How quick the pair bobbed from horror to health, health to hell. Over and over it seemed as if they were hit to see how much could be taken before inevitably someone would say See it  was bound to happen, he went mad and she broke.  Today was a glory contradicting the last dawn's sequence.  Perfect bloom that shouldn't be was brought under her nose to be inhaled.  "Where did you find it? It's perfect..and it is so cold."  His eye for detail was even scrutinous to plants!  A little circle of metal caught the light, lifted in her fingers. When she cried now, it was out of joy. "Oh Julian!  It is precious..abseloutly precious!"  She took it from the ribbon,sliding it over her left ring finger. In the sunlight it looked as plain and perfect as a circle of silver wrought together with gold.  How fitting! He had an inscribed pocket watch and she had a clock gear  for a ring. Lips found companion after showing his cheek with kisses only to pause on that mouth she first kissed in Spain, that she would kiss everyday for the rest of her life. No one would tell her,could tell her otherwise.  "Thank you."   Women outside heard her smile and laugh, content that all was well.  Sparrows were good markers but the circle of metal on her hand would be an outward sign of their state. No question left to ponder.(d)

Young Master Monroe

 "I have been waiting for the right time to give it to you. I made it myself." He was rather proud, but he had found a new way to heat the brass to have it flash as much as it did. "Until we can find ones that we like, and put them before God." He came to sit beside her bed on the bed itself, "I was going to give it to you on the night we could celebrate, but I fear if I don't now I may not get a chance to.." What did he mean? Leaning forward his hair fell over his eyes enough to hide the truth, Julian knew what was happening to him no matter how hard he tried to pretend it wasn't. "I don't know what will happen Janice, but keep this close." He lived in her kisses, to feel her so close was enough to warm every bit of the chill. He then lived in fear that at any moment they would be interrupted or he would be pulled away. He smiled in her kiss, overwhelmed by the want of her close..if only they were home. His hand came to capture the place where their child would be, not sure how he felt it was certain he wanted of this babe. "Don't forget me." He kissed her neck, as if he were leaving. (d


Lady Monroe

 "Where you are and we can be is always right. I will cherish it always. The wife of an inventor, a scientist. I am so honored for we have gone before God, and in our way, we are married always. My love." How blind were a perfectly good set of eyes to have been in his sight so many years.  Janice considered herself unworthy of him either too uneven featured, too talkative for his silence only to find out he'd loved her. She went on  for a little leaving him  only to find he always kept pattern with her step. When he spoke he qualified a when with an if after, bringing her eyes quickly to his. No Julian your wife was not a fool and couldn't be lulled by even the lies she tried to make  herself believe. She knew something wanted his mind and someone would try to take him from her. "We will. "  When he came forward she brushed the hair from his face away to poor eyes that seemed to plead if you can not save me..do  not kill yourself.. Her forehead came to his as it always did. Another kiss, another few as she smiled back "Julian Monroe, how could you ever be forgotten, especially by me? We have had our innocent days together in advance of the rest of our lives. I can never, never forget you.  There is only one Julian Monroe, and only ever will he have my whole, true heart."  She rubbed the hand over the place where the child would stretch out. She knew goodbye when she heard it, one even offered..but God help her  - how she'd fight for him till her last breath. (d)

Young Master Monroe

"I'm honored to have you, always have been. Even when you were off with knights in shinning armor." He smiled brushing his fingers over her hand not ready to leave her just yet. However, her happy smiles and open heart seemed to tell of the story she was in fact recovering. How did she forgive him? Stretching out beside her he lay atop the covers putting an arm around her and his unborn, "I'm able to hold you both." He smiled placing his cheek against the pillow, "I'm supposed to be going." He didn't want to leave her--period, for seeing her in this state was enough to make him ache. It had been a very long time since they did this, and the very act had become a staple to what their relationship was. He loved it when they spoke at night just before bed, going over the day that in truth he had followed her about for anyway. However, it was different to hear her side of the story, and he liked to dream himself part of her thoughts for he often wondered what it was to be so open so happy, and so very willing to face the world with a smile. He was not the miserable sort, simply quiet, and a bit more reserved when it came to emotions. Would he be any different when this was over? Would she still love him? This was not like him to be so affectionate with her on such a public place, as even though the door was closed the halls were vast and open. The knock on the door would have the men at arms standing ready to take her husband from her, "Lord General waits for you." The man spoke, and Julian gave a nod, "I will be right there." The man would excuse himself, "I'm to go along side the General today..to say I a not nervous would be a lie." He moved from the bed to come to her side and kiss her once again.

[Lord General Maahes Asad-Aziem]

Lord General Asad-Aziem

A storm was on the horizon dark and dangerous as the day unfolded with the pressing winds, and the bitter chill. This was what Maahes missed the most of his homelands, and the memory still clinging to his mind like a ripe apple in the tree. One day he was certain he would forget, come harvest of another winter, but for now he lived in the memory of the sun. 'Make way for Lord General!' The voices called through the streets as the rider above the small band of men moved upon quickened stride. 'Make way!' The deeper parts of the valley were used to the face of the Beast, but for many it was the first time they had seen him surface in the years past. He rode in full dress armor, and the men behind him in perfect line as well. Were they riding into battle? The rumors of the deaths started to climb as more and more bodies surfaced with heads all together missing or partly with their necks broken open to where their spine stuck straight out. It was terrifying and kept the Valley under close watch. The serious nature did not dawn upon many of the outer settlements until the face of the General himself came through his homelands to warn each Lord and Lady. The mighty horse that carried the beast was of its own, a vicious wild animal that did not wish to leaves it flight. Before the estate of the Lord Guardian, Maahes would pull back the head of the animal who gave a mighty cry, "Old Man!" The war ready youth who was a well seasoned veteran of war by now called out, "Old Man! Today is the day!" He smiled. Had Kendrew seen Maahes without his dreads? Would he recognize him clean shaven? Really...Maahes was hard to miss, either way. (d

Lord Guardian Campbell

Spoken words were better than messenger birds as the fast paced speech traveled from one mouth to be kept in one head only to spill out again. The cycle had gone unbroken, much to the Valley's standard. While life on the far west edge of the Bant Chan Ser's opening continued it was not without change. Old Men heed warnings better than brash youth; the eye of the Guardian's watchmen, the fierce stares of his men-at-arms made many a women pull her babes closer kept to apron string. Maahes became the thunder to break the cloud head. People lowered their heads and bodies in respect as he passed, awe inspired by the massive man on a beast of burden who must have a back of iron to carry him hence onward to Cuin Sar, the home of the Guardian. It was not a common trait in all Scottsmen to stand higher than the head of all fellows. It was easy, then, to find the ones with Norman blood that did. "The day for what, Boy? I see ye've let go of the sausages 'bout your head, and have the face of a baby's ass." In stark contrast to his own countenance with trimmed goatee and hair going well beyond his ears enough to be clasped back in leather. One day he might find the young man underneath, one day. Empty fields all around them looked like plains of shorn gold waiting for the gray to explode over them. It was easy to see now when one came and went. All of the grain was storedaway now for the long winter months, traded for goods, sold for coin, or turned in to the ale that was in a cup held by his sword hand. "Open the stable for the horses o' the General and his men, and let them come forward! It's taken ye long enough to come see me Boy, and the house that was built by these old hands. No respect for your elder?" (d)

Lord General Asad Aziem

"The day I come to tie you in a knot. Pillage your village, eat your children. Things Lions do eh?" The very rarety of his grin was saved for few, but always did it shine for Kendrew. The sort of smile that met his eyes and nearly closed them found Bess's former Guardian and would scoop him up like a child. Maahes was one of the few that could after all. He would squeeze the clansman until he felt his back crack beneath his wrists, knowing that would ease some of that tension on his elder, "You keeping my wife happy?" Looking up to the porch he watched for Laura. Upon his left hand he was missing his own ring, and the subject was best left as it was. "I'm starved. Come. Feed me, and we'll talk of how I save your life again." Clasping the man's shoulder who was perhaps the only on the isle to stand eye level with his own. However, Maahes's build would forever make them all dwarfs to him. (d

Lord Guardian Campbell

"The day we find if Campbell boars eat Moor Lions eh? " He would wrap his arms around him with all intent to squeeze hard, laughing when he was picked up simply because the boy could. Over thirty now he would always be a boy to a man who was half and beyond of his fourtieth decade. "By Jesu, down, man! What will they say to see the Chieftain plucked up like a child's toy? The roads look full, the people coming for a glimpse of you. The west-end moves not much unless it is for fairs, tourneys, or holidays within the capital to mark. Many of them fill the village and the lands surrounding, come from the mainland so they have never seen you, or might not have for some years now." He ushered him in through the door with a push only to find his Mother there to curtsy with his wife and sister ,"You remember of course the Lady Liliana, my sister the Lady Laura, and my mother, Lady Dona." Lady before the name was an homage to God they should all be so exalted. No man could be prouder. Smiles were given and embraces shared. At the talk of food the women scent two maids to open the larder. Through the front door he could see the open space bustling with activity out to the great hall. "Sit, sit. I am pleased to have you. Your men as well. The ride long from your end of the valley to mine, even if you are not far from the center. The roads are mud rain and the woodlands no better than silt under hoof." Smoked venison was put on the table before them, and fish if he should wish. Of all things he remembered not to give him pork, though ale it seemed the boy made a concession for. After the smiles he subsided a little to look on him with more serious eyes. Father to son. Comerade to comerade. "So it is true then? We have doubled all of our patrols, our watch. I have heard none move beyond sunset so we will do the same (d)

Lord General Asad Aziem

"Pshh, swine. Dirty animal. Never defeat me." It was a Muslim joke, but one that he did jest at only. It was not like him to be so outspoken, but when they entered the house he would grew quiet again with a nod of his head in greeting. "You keep the company of many women..." His eyes did fix on Laura, she was not known to him, "A sister? It is tradition for women to live with fathers until they pass, then to brothers if they are not married. It pleases me that you keep this too. Perhaps when I am better, my heart no longer hurts I will come make an offer? Trade you my horse?" Leaning back on the chair he heard it give way to the weight of his body, but not break just yet it simply caused him to lean forward again as now the talk of war was on. This was why he would not take a wife again out of pleasure, or out of love. He was a man of battles, and of wars. It was not fair to be married to such, and though the estate was starting to slip he knew he would have to do something soon. "It is true. Many men lost, many more. I come with orders that none are to be out at night. It is my wish, especially for you and yours to only travel during the day. Keep your children close, and your wives closer. It may come to an eva-cu-ation." He had to break that word down, as many hardly ever understood him say it."It is not as animals this time, Kendrew, nor some poor killer. They are trained. They are deadly, and even I can not track them." (d

Lord Guardian Campbell

"Aye, swine with mighty tusks, though. Some boars take years to kill." Like the one he sat across from. Food went untouched, not before the guest would indulge. Besides he was being fed on broken bodies, plight, and beer. "Lara is our only sister, Roric's and mine. My mother's jewel and my father's beloved. One horse Maahes could not equate to Lara's worth, and I drive harder bargains with men who have offered me a full stable of destriers. She is a widow, Sigmund Hagrud was her husband, a Baron's 10th son..but he was the finest smith in Normandy. Him and her two small sons caught the black sickness. To see her happy I would arrange for her any one of her choosing. She has given me leave to look but her eyes are not terrible. Whomever should marry her will never want. His hearth never cold, his table never empty, nor his heart. Also his swords will be mightly sharpened. Hagrud tought his wife well and his business lacked not when he was at war. She keeps a forge here." He lifted the sword he had for years, like new when his sister helped it. Pulled out of the oiled sheath the old metal shone, its knicks nearly taken all away, the pommel wrapped in sheep skin though he never had such before. "That is not unusual in a woman." For women kept estate, business ifthey had been taught in a husband's absence, and with Lara's talent as a widow she supported their mother before he could get them again..and after was a pride for all of them. Turning back to the subject at hand he listened with two hands clasped together under his chin. Then he leaned over his arms propped on his legs. "It is already done and will remain done. If they must leave I will send them through the North way, North by East.." Through places where warm seasons were devoured by the trials of the four, where no one knew but his close kin how strained his marriage was for riding to Kyleakin to do battle on the King's behalf. He felt it everyday, his arm never the same after it mended. "You can not track him you say? Maahes that is dangerous, why did you not call me sooner? With but a word, man. You have my leave and they will obey you as well, the Kings Outriders. They live only for this, for the chase, for the tracking. If they must be managed one of the other of Ebony Feathers. They have their militant ones about them, always to lend you. Gah." He stood then , walking as he thought, "One brotherhood of three colors..I will see us united at heart once more before all is said and done. They should be among the valley now. Use them, promise me. Can you not talk the Lady Eirian out? I know none will move whom they see as a Queen, but it is not a matter of that. Her head, yours .Those are very valuable to the deranged if this is what they might want. You and I, have done too much alone this last year." He sat down again, looking at his old friend. So glad he was when youth took a position age could have had for youth had passion, vim and newness. That he should see Lucius come in to his white feathers, and Brom, by God, oversee all in his stead but still the man defered to him though Brom was the bodyapparent, Kendrew was still his mind. "The people at the heart of all can not take it anymore. Too many times even since the Battle with those called Watchers..from the hills. Again and again, something tries to take the heart out our fair place. You are tired, boy, as I am, but what will they say if you rest." What would they say? "Come what may, if you need me, I will go with you." (d)

Lord General Asad Aziem

"Kendrew. Sit." He would motion for the man to retake his seat, "I am the right hand of the King, and the Queen. Do you not think I have every one on this? You forget not only of the feathers I wear, but this.." He touched the beast on his chest plate, "Trust me. The best of the best are on it. For once they are not in Spain, or in France..or England..Ireland. They are here. My heart has been bruised, this last year has been rough, but this fight is on another field all together. Its not someone else's home, its ours. What you need to do is take care of your own. I leave you men." The men he traveled in with were already stationed at posts throughout the small city. "Those of the Ebony Hall have their masters here. The young one surprised me today, at how he was able to pick out a trail that even the Kings men missed.' Maahes shook his head, "I am not tired Old Man, I just woke up. I am ready. I am back. I will die for this land, and personally kill whoever dare disturb my children's peaceful nights sleep. I plan to invite the King out just to get him some fresh air, and a kill on his hands. I fear he sits too much as is, getting old and fat. It would do him good to hunt." Was this what Apollo once saw in Maahes when he first offered him General position when he was only 21? (d

Lord Guardian Campbell

"I was proud to see you take your feathers, to walk in the steps of the Queen beside me and listen to the Kings words with no fault, only to act on their issue and beyond it. No matter how old I become, I have known a sword longer than peace and quiet. Old habits are not easy to break. So you may ride to battle before me but you are mine. You will always be one of mine." Feather tipped carriers were as brothers to him and the unusual friendship between the Queen's Lion and her White Champion might have become a fable told to squires of what could be in bonds. He sat down again, leaning over his legs as he shook his head softly. "Yes, your heart has been so. Mine as well. No one will ever doubt your service my friend. Our home indeed. No place more beautiful yet no place more torn apart time after time. Its people put them together yet we can not keep asking this of them forever." Oh Fortune, oh fickle fortune that favored the brave and then, when settled, forever tested why they earned valor's reward. "His Majesty, if nothing, is not fat nor lazy, such a glib tongue," he chastized with a laugh "I was surprised how spry the man still is during the trials of the four. He held his own against many swordsmen when Dun Darroch was poorly beseiged. Poorly but not without its costs. If he grows on anything, it is soft with his wife's attention." He chortled "Moon eyes, my daughter calls them. He has moon eyes for her still. She is not slow either. That is a story for another time, and I will tell you all of what happened in the spring war and summer trial. God has blessed me with a wife of infinite patience, I am fortunate to have her.You reminding me to be still reminds me of why. We have plenty to do here, and you are right. Still, I will send some of my own with you. You have not seen precision or a good hand until you see a McTavish with a bow, or a sword. Good men, the ones who come to serve me as retainers. They will not faulter you and be honored at the chance to serve the Lord General." In a moment he slid away from men, war, and the blood on the land to remember his own still beat in his body. Perhaps Liliana was right. Behind his true, well meaning want to defend a brother, part of him still missed what had given so much purpose, so much honor. From the glory days of the House of Bruce to the rise of the new House of Aberdeen he served. Now, it was alright for him to serve only his kindred, his fellow clansmen, his interest though the later life was by no means quiet. "I may miss what it is to hunt but I can not say that I will miss it over long. As the cold sets in what the last of summer mended is challenged. It could have been more than my sword arm. Come, I want to show you something." How much of the food had been eaten, if any at all? A knife speared a mouthful of venison sausage lest the women fuss over fickle appetite, a drink of beer. He knew the rest would not go to lack if they didn't finish it. Showing him from the great hall they would walk toward the back of his house long by either side. Below there was the great hall, a lesser room, a place for council, and fine chambers for his mother whom had as much want to admit that stairs burdened her limbs as war burdened his arm. Further still as they came out not far from where the house dipped down to one side where the kitchens and larder. Around that was a view of his own tilt yard. Some men practiced heavy arms, but the one sight he wished most to show was the height of a young boy who was just near thirteen now. Still ganglyhis back was just starting to broaden and his arms thickened with lean, tight sinew under his wool tunic. The brown belt around his waist was adjusted now, given he thickened some much to Liliana's contentment (that had taken years) He looked like Kendrew's brother Roric in every sense of the word, but it was not hard to see the Guardian's features in him too. "Roric the Younger, he is my son now. I took him and my wife agreed, for my brother had died and he would have nothing to lay claim to elsewise, but he is mine. With the women there, darting in the clothes line..his sister Kiley." The spitting image of her mother when she'd lived. "The youngest there is my little Glenna. She looks every bit like Liliana in her eyes, her hair." This was why he could live beyond any war. "Aah. Nurse, if I may..." Liliana's pride was wounded at the hiring of a nurse maid, but Kendrew was insistant given this young one wasa moon child and regretably his mother preferred to sleep. He still felt small in the guardian's arms, even if he was nearing his fourth month now. " Morgan Lucius Campbell. My youngest son. You have not seen my children in some time nor have you met my youngest son." Two sons, one a gift of his bride, and two daughters, another such a gift. The other two were no less loved for he had loved them all their lives as his niece and nephew, taking them further was not hard (d)

Lord General Asad Aziem

Maahes would eat, and he would smile. It would shock many at how properly mannered he was, "I cook at home now, when the Children are with their mother and the keepers are away. I will hire one soon, find me a wife to do just that. Will be on my top priorities when the King matches me." Had he lost his mind? Following in beside Kendrew he would watch the children with a small smirk, happy to share with the elder of his children. The one who was 4 months now, he would touch the small little arm, "They say he looks like the pirate." He teased, as there was nothing that could pass as Peregrine's here. His amber eyes settled on Roric, and he would be quick to call out for the men who pinned against him, "You swing at him like that you put out his eye, but not cripple his enemy. Come. Don't be light. Why is he still wearing padding? Kendrew. Look at the boy. He's got this. You tell his mother at this age he still fights with padding he might as well wear it all his life." Crossing his arms over his chest he would give the valley a look over with a heavy sigh, "It is going to be a long winter, Friend." He couldn't watch this anymore, "Where is Liliana, I'll tell her. Why you send sons to be with me, and keep daughters close. Though..there is this little archer, daughter. One of the only, I tell you Kendrew I am impressed with her. She has our Queen's spirit, and she keeps up." Reminded him of Danae. (d


Lord Guardian Campbell

"You cook? Well it is just for yourself," otherwise death would have come far swifter to the Valley. Cooking of his sort was what thrived in military camps.You didn't die faster, but you gagged off. It was either piss gruel or chyt thick. "A match from the King, let us pray then he chooses well when you ask him," He would need more pipe weed with this sort of talk, but it was the way cultures functioned. Women tended homes until they thrived while men hung on until a woman came. If he hadn't his wife, he would be fortunate to have a mother and sister to help with the care of the two oldest. Morgan being compared to Peregrine earned him an arch of brow "Were that so, boy, the pirate wouldn't have a reason to swagger as his coke would have been cut off." Behind the smile lay the truth! It wouldn't due to hoble Rosalind's husband though. Morgan settled content in his father's arms as he turned to look where Roric fought with this knight. Another hit, another! "Leave them be. He trains with and without it, and if it keeps my wife's heart within her chest and me within the bed of her good graces, he may wear it often. Worry not, he is skilled either way. He is to be a squire after the winter and within a few years of that I do not doubt that he will ride at Prince Aodhan's right hand. Kiley will be one of the principle ladies for the eldest princess Davina. Such honor I could not have hoped to see, for to have children is enough..yet to see them taken by the royal house. Roric would have fallen to his knees in prayer to see such a day. " Some wounds never healed. Roric was a half shut stiching only half scared with salt in the rest. "You, an archer among your daughters! Will you let her to such a talent .I know your time in Avaria saw such in women and we live in a world of such, but a father's heart is as strong as any bowstring. Though what a mighty tradition she shall join. Kaelyn. Danae. The Queen herself. " If Glenna or Kiley wanted to do more than shoot an arrow for the sake of the hunt or practice, he might turn gray faster. Women did not belong in fields of battle but he could admit to several amazing, honored exceptions in Skye. Enough to defend themselves and hearth, that was all the weapon's training he could stand in his girls if it could be done. "It is time for Roric to go on to a fosterage, I will discuss with Liliana your house for him and his knight. It is so near the Artisan we might stand a chance of having a gentleman made from him." he jested, but Maahes would see the boy had what they all did not, a good education in arms, books, and court customs. (d)

Lord Guardian Campbell

"No, Kendrew, not my daughters. My daughters are of the age of 3. I would not expect them to pull a bow. She is a daughter of Skye. Our traditions are different, my daughters will marry good men, and make good homes. I pray they are not infected with the sea like their mother, but just so I will be powerless to stop them from going. They will do as they please, but it would please me greatly if all of my children turned out to be interested in books." He smiled knowing well his oldest son would never touch such a thing as he was already head of his class in battle.

[Adelaide d'Aquitaine]

Julian: The hour wasn't as late as the darkened sky let on, and the gentle drizzle of the rain seemed to mist through the open halls of Eirian's estate settled in the valley. There was a gentle pull of the rain that did soothe him as he waited outside the door of Janice's room with worry settled in around his eyes though everything else seemed as still as ever. Jean-Claude was inside going over the stitches that another's hand seemed better suited for at the moment, but already he was criticizing them. None were able to go in, though the tension in the air was not of the life of the angel, but of the man who sat outside her door. Her handmaids were seated down the row looking down then upon the apprentice with whispers that made him uneasy. What reason did they have for talking about him, and for what purpose. It was strange how the bruises on her arms matched his hands, and her blood was still under his nails. Something just wasn't right about this one, now was it?

Adelaide: If any could convince her husband to eat, it would be Eirian. Ada had no concerns on that front, though she was worried about Jean-Claude. His passions were more like obsessions, but his heart was not so fragile as he always so dramatically stated it to be. It had grown in resilience over the years; rather than let the cracks multiply, he had made himself stronger. Yet where Julian was concerned, Adelaide was conflicted -- her own heart beating a bit faster in fear he would turn out to be a much more successful version of Gauthier, wanting to give Julian wide berth while recognizing he was, for all intents and purposes, a son to her husband. Which made him all the more dear to Adelaide, and complicated her heart when she had nothing academic to distract her since banned from the laboratory by a rather impressive Bedouin woman. She made excuses to bring Genevieve here, traveling under guard in broad daylight to spend a few days with her husband and Eirian, to visit Janice and offer her congratulations in person, but had yet to run into Julian. Perhaps it was only a matter of time, as she came down the hall with a candle in one hand, and a mug of tea for Jean in the other, and spotted the lad leaning against the wall outside Janice's room.

Julian: Jean-Claude had been in very fair spirits, laughing with Janice at how clumsy she was not certain as to how much she knew, or of what Eirian pulled from her own husband's mind. However, he was content to simply remain at her side speaking lightly of the baby as he held her hand. At first Julian had wanted to ignore Ada, having to look twice to even believe she was standing before him. Her rather dark eyes, and dark hair set her apart while the whispers shifted from him about the Frenchman's wife. For this he could have thanked her, but instead looked up from his spot on the floor to watch her juggle the candle with her mug, "No one is able to go in, not until he's finished." Julian had a soft spoken quiet voice, but often far too bitter laced with a prickly nature. Yet, this time he seemed a bit...not himself, especially to her. Jean-Claude would be so happy to see her, but he would be a little cross she had came at all. In her state she shouldn't be traveling. Silence fell over him when he should have said hello, but he did move to the side to offer her the seat there beside him. Generous really.

Adelaide: There were always whispers about Ada. At least here, they had everything to do with the smile more frequently seen on Jean's face than what she'd done to put it there. She sighed as she sat down, offering a relieved, "Merci," and puffed out the candle. At least one hot object could be set on the ground. The other, she offered to Julian, her tea being a convenient if delicious excuse for getting inside. "It will be cold by the time I am let in. Why don't you have something to warm yourself up, eh?" Ada had rarely been unkind to Julian, but she'd never, precisely, had kind words for him, either. She felt it was difficult to start conversations with him, when she was used to chattering on with anyone. It had a great deal to do with her deplorable behavior in hitting a young man so hard, he lost consciousness, no matter how rough her night had been, and no matter how snide his comments so often were. He deserved an apology, but so much time had passed since, even Ada wasn't certain of the etiquette required. "How are you doing, Julian?" she asked quietly, hoping he would take the tea. It was one of her best blends, as complex as wine, though dark as chicory. "I came to visit Janice, when I heard she is with child, it has been much too long since I have seen her."

Julian: "No..I..couldn't, he will want it, but thank you?" He guesses. Theirs was a funny relationship, and through his madness he could not remember how the last they left. Yet the fear of the dreams that followed let him know it wasn't in good company. He brought his attention back to the spot of the floor that had seemed so fascinating, as he took a seat somewhere sort of close to her. Julian brought his hands to rub together to gather a bit of warmth as he let his attention fall on the ladies waiting from the valley to see Janice. For the months of winter, a few were dressed a bit too light; though their bodices a bit too tight. It was clear their whispers and snide remarks had turned from Julian to Ada, "Jean-Claude's following.." He gave a nod in their direction, "They think you are a scandalous hussy." This he spoke rather dryly completely casual however in its efforts. He didn't let his eyes remain long before going back to the floor, or lost in his thought. Julian ignored the questions she asked with the worry that formed over his mouth he would let the silence remain between them for a moment longer before trying his best to start conversation. "Did you bring Genna?" How was the weather. Was it nice? Your mother? Father? So sorry I tried to kill you.."Janice would like to see you. Maybe.." Looking up to the guard posted at the door, the man would catch his attention but only extend his arm to cover the door signaling no one got in. They treated him like a prisoner sometimes, but the events had been startling to many of the land.

Adelaide: "It will be cold by the time they let us in," she repeated after the guard made his gesture, and put the mug in his hands. Jean's were always so cold, she was used to cool flesh and bone, even when he wore gloves. She smiled a bit, thinking back to when she had taken his hands and kissed some warmth into them. The two of them really were impossible romantics at time, and she looked up into Julian's eyes for that brief moment. Could he forgive her for hitting him? If she could move past their meeting in her garden? "Please, drink it. Warms your soul." He looked away, and silence stretched on between them. It was comfortable for Ada, who waited on Julian as he slowly fidgeted, a boy uncomfortable in his man's body, all limbs, though he was much changed since returning from Spain. For the good, Ada had decided, despite their exchange over the cursed jewelry he'd brought back for her. "I brought Genna. She makes friends with everyone, even if she refuses to speak their language. I believe Eirian's children are getting a solid education in French when she visits." A small smile, and she looked over at the handmaidens. She could have waved her hand with the ring upon it, but instead she quirked a smile and rested her head against the wall with a gentle thunk. "They slander and libel because they know they would lose to me in a fight. Bring out their claws and I will show them how it is done."

Julian: His hands were not cold despite their appearance, as his was a warm body no matter how cold he seemed at times. Looking again to the ladies in waiting he would smirk a little, "They see opportunity and wealth is all, a comfortable living for a short lived moment in a closet. The very reason I hate court life." Their faces worried a bit as they noticed Julian staring, and got up to leave. The tea was welcome, and his eyes would even close for a moment as he pressed back against the wall. He would almost laugh thinking of Genevieve and her French, "Its amusing to hear, she is so serious about it." Opening his eyes again, he would give Ada a once over. She seemed happy, and content with sitting there. In truth there was nothing wrong with her, Jean-Claude loved her so much it was hard to watch at times. He spoke about her at dinner, and even today in the woods searching for clues he had been going on of how Ada would not believe he to be out this long. He was uncomfortable around her, and very nervous. "One big happy family hmm? Listen.." Was he holding his breath, "About the other day." A few weeks past, "I'm sorry." Did hell just freeze over? "I don't know what came over me." The devil. "I've not been well, and I didn't mean any of that. Margot just spoke of her ability like it was a pain. I just figured you felt the same way, and frankly.." His eyes caught hers, "I just wanted proof you loved him for the right reasons. He's a father to me, and now you.." Scratching his wrist he let out a sigh, "I resented my mother, and turned to hate her. I don't want to hate you." Hate was a mighty strong word, with a mighty fine line that seemed crossed too much. She wasn't old enough to be his mom, but he seemed to think of her as such. Strange world they lived in hmm? "Just.." Was he breaking out into a cold sweat from the nerves? "Can we just start over?"

Adelaide: Ada's smile broke slowly, but it was there. She always had a far better sense of humor in situations than was entirely appropriate. She preferred to be happy, and had a chronic inability to hold a grudge. "I would like that," she said softly. "I think Jean-Claude would like that, too." She was quiet, then. She did not ignore him, but seemed lost in some internal reverie. She was not so old she should be lapsed in the past, but she cared a great deal more for Julian than she'd thought, and it inspired some nameless but vast emotion within her that took a few minutes to embrace. "If I gave cause to harm him, I would die, Julian. I think I would break, and the fix is beyond our ken. I have spent my life loving him, and it is right that we should have some happiness. Perhaps you know now." She opened her eyes and looked at him, the smile appearing again. "I do not know this Margot, but that you did not know me well enough to see for yourself that I cast no spell on Jean-Claude is not her fault, but ours. We can remedy this, if you like." Slight effort, as she still occasionally nodded off before the fire at the end of a long day, nearly jumping out of her chair at the memory of waking in Gauthier's chains. She blinked. It was time to make amends with Julian. They both had partners who would wish it so.

Julian: "It wasn't Margot, no. I just watched how she suffered with it. Tragedy came with her, and I don't have to be told something dark happened to you. I sat up with Jean-Claude the night they found you underground when you were still with another man. I was very young then, but I have never been stupid. That man wanted you for your ability. The same as the King of France, as well the same as Lord Aquitaine." There..something was hidden in his expression as his eyes met hers, and he leaned in a bit closer to whisper, "I'm not talking of Jean-Claude either." Much had happened to Julian in Spain, but being that close to France he listened to the rumors. He watched her blink in and out of her memories, but his own started to cloud over of how close they had been to Jean-Claude's family. He has kept this secret for a long time.

Adelaide: "Hm," Ada said with a disarming smile, a note of amusement in her usually earthy voice. "I have been with many who want me for my ability. They are not evil for the desire, or I would never have loved them. But I have loved them all." She had said goodbye to too many of them, too, but if she had learned one thing in her years, it was that these rules she had forged as a child were brittle and meant to be broken. She still wished Ghislain was alive, but perhaps it was best he was gone. He had freed her from her past in the same way others meant to enslave her to it. Margot. Her nose wrinkled at the woman who claimed to be Benoit's daughter. She must be lying. There was simply no truth to such a claim. Intriguing. She had never, to her knowledge, met Jean-Claude's father. She pictured him decrepit and bitter, ghoulish in posture, with a bald, age-spotted pate and yellowed teeth. She would remember meeting someone who fit such a description. "What do you mean by that?"

Julian: Julian closed his arms over his chest as if to hug himself for the comfort of the realization that he saw an image beyond his ability. "When your ability was able you could reach into my mind, reach into another part of the world or universe to pull it around. Jean-Claude told me of this, when he tried to explain you to me. That you were not bad, I didn't believe him until Margot. I didn't believe until this..thing. When we were in Spain, I met him. They were on their way from England. Jean-Claude must have told them I was here, because they knew how to find me. He knew how to find me. The ravens..In the court, he told me you met him in France. You were on your way to the bedchambers of the King. He is a tall man..Ada think, with a full head of hair like, Jean, but not so long..not long at all. He combs it back. He has evil eyes, and dark brows. He said he could help me, but he made it worse. If you think you will see his face in Jean-Claude. They share the same nose, the same eyes, they both are tall. They even wrinkle in the same place when they laugh. They hold their shoulders the same.."

Adelaide: "Mm," Ada agreed without saying much, listening as Julian spoke. In small hours of the night, when the sky was at its darkest, and all around him seemed to flee, man too often found solace in confessing their deepest fears. Ada had heard many such confessions in her life, taking them in and holding them close, valuing them more than their owners. For one who lived so freely in the present, Ada had a certain affection for the past. Her smile came and went, thinking of what Jean-Claude must have said, how he must have struggled for a cohesive thought. He must know by now that she lived for silencing him. He was a man of eloquence and grace, but had the most amusing way of coming an abrupt halt when he could find no plausible explanation for the constant in his life. She leaned back against the wall, until her head met gentle resistance, and laced her fingers over her stomach. "It is different for everyone. No one is inherently good or bad, Julian, I must believe this. We are complicated people, and the roads we travel are many and varied." She slid her gaze sideways when he switched topics. It was not so long ago that he failed to spark a memory. "Then I do remember him."

[Master Jean-Claude d'Aquitaine]

Master deAquitaine

 With a tray in hand he entered the room having dismissed the ladies so that they may have a moment of private in the midst of all the wild nature of it all. He had wanted nothing more then to give his heart to her at once, though never could he have imagined he traded this love for something new, and something younger. It was the passing moment that had been without result of a dire change that had him baffled for he thought for certain she would have been up and out of bed by now. However, Janice was obedient in her state, and he would have pinned it on the child had he not known her heart so well. "Mon Ange..Good evening." Placing the tray upon her side stand he would move to help her adjust. The various fruits and vegetables would be better suited for a snack, but he knew her to eat like a little bird at times. Plus, his grandbaby would enjoy it.  "How are you feeling?" It had damn near killed him to not be the one to stitch her close, but Julian was a mess. He was better suited calming his apprentice for fear of him falling all together. Did she know? Did she know why they were here at all? Or what had happened to his beloved son? When he took his seat beside her, Jean-Claude was prepared to tell her. (d

Lady Monroe

 Janice had been awake and a vivid bit of company for all the handmaidens. As was usual with women who judged before having a full tale to tell, she was the object of affection while Julian became the object of half scorn, half suspicion. The Lady Eirian was very clear on gossip; it was not to be uttered during tasks of attendance nor in the main halls. It was a slanderous, illicit thing that invited the devil in to a woman's heart when it was on matters  she could not fully comprehend. It was the want of women to talk or speculate, but forbidden was it for such talk to pass judgement.  The mandate made for women if fostered here would turn out in to the world thrice as observant.  A feminine statute: Quick to heed, slow to speak was taught for use, not to make them all the more pretty.   She had been so spoiled by them and Eirian herself that she had no reason to rise from the bed other than to allow them to clean her hands and feet.   For hours she had been given the company of Jean-Claude to tend her. He hovered like a mother hen over a little chick. Humor was to be his 'chick' was pregnant with another chick, the real one . "Good  evening, Papa."  Did he cherish those words from her mouth?  She closed the book she read both by lit candleabras and a warm fire. "I am so much better, it is only that I did not realize how tired I was until I was not moving and in not moving, these women make you so lazy as you fancy heaven to be nothing but handmaidens, duclet tones, and country air. There is even a bathing room just beside with water that runs in from the waterfalls, and heated by braziers. I believe I will languish in such a tub with salts when we are done, and insist that Julian be drawn one too, it will calm him."  Her eyes looked far more knowing that the expected naievty they painted on her with reports. She had  things she wanted to tell him, that she was ready to tell him, just as Julian had been ready to tell her. No one could be a fool anymore (d)

Master deAquitaine

What a calm gentle wife she was, with an even spirit--he was thankful she had turned to love his apprentice, but couldn't help be curious about the whole affair. Not much had been said about their relationship, just that one day they were in Spain, and the next they were married. "I am certain he would like that," Jean-Claude spoke as he took a seat beside her drawing up her hand for a kiss before he let her see to her dinner. He wanted to ask of what happened in the room, or how she knew to find him in the library. He wanted to make her aware of what would happen should he turn again, but first.."It is normal to be tired in your state. Adelaide, naps in the afternoon, but she is also much further along then you are." She was already starting to show.  "You would be very proud of Julian on this day, he was commanding the small men at arms today on where to search, and even got the Lord General's respect. He has much improved since his time in Spain." With a deep breath he would settle into his seat, "Won't you tell me of Spain..How did you come to love my apprentice?" (d

Lady Monroe

 "Mistress Adelaide is with child?  Goodness!  Well are you not the happiest man on the island, a child of your own and a grandchild. You are indeed a busy, vigorous old gentleman Papa."  She teased him with a pat to his cheek and a  warm laugh.  That he should decorate a room for a grand child whilst seeing Genna become an elder sister was no small feat when considering all he'd endured.  All of them endured so much more than the world would ever know. She  wanted to tell Jean-Claude all and it would begin now with Spain. Then she could tell him of everything else she knew. For now something kinder on his heart. A wide smile met his words of Julian's progress with the general, "He is  amazing, the Guardians in Spain were so impressed with him, in truth he soon surpassed those who'd just entered their rank to be amongst those who had been in for some time.  He is so able.." Reverie was not part of the agenda but couldn't help but be in awe of his merits.  Cheeks pinkened in the evening light. She laughed "Forgive me, I digress Papa." Janice sat up in the bed, partaking a little of the fruit on the tray. So sweet,so delicious!  It was terrible that a world like this would be marred with blood,for it was all milk and honey. "I have always thought him rather  fetching to the eyes and was not unappreciative of his intellect and he was fond of me, though we spent more time picking at one another's features and setting one another with barbs, oh I was not innocent of that. Not long before  I married the Austrian I had quite enough and simply would say, "by your leave monroe" where I said nothing before, it caught his attention. I thought that was capital. He said my nose was too large and I said his eyes were too set in and squinty. He said  I talked too much and I said he was as welcoming as a porcupine.  In Spain, though, all we had to rely on really was one another. The Guardians did what they ought but for the longest time, papa, it was him and I.  When we would argue it would intensify, and after each we became closer.  We admited we were family to the other..but we were sore brothers and  sister.I would not pretend to be his wife, for when I learned he was going it was an obvious guise. He could have afforded me protection and a proper place, but I would not mock the sacrament, let alone with an atheist."  She shuttered to think on that. Before admission, simply,no!  Marriage was sacred.  Nevermind the little spanish church about to fall over,or yellow, or him leaving her with the priest when he asked if she was pregnant.  "But..we went  on, and we learned of one another, more than we ever had, and all that we knew already became greater in that light.  One of the men we were going to foil, de Garza..we agreed I could distract him well enough. Many men in Spain  stared at me as they did at the auction and after my coming of age," which she considered to be eighteen, given at sixteen she was terribly awkward. "But..he could not.  When he followed Margot to set her free, so much of that  I did not know, he would go off on his own agendas and I cannot complain I had mine but I would tell him and he would not tell me.. I became so fretfully..green eyed I prayed over  it three times  a day. But that was because I  came to understand that without him, I wold have never come so far, just as he without me. Yet he could go further, I could go further, and we always metup again."  She played with the ring on her finger " He agreed to marry me so that  our cover was complete, and we would have  a story to tell the court, everyone loves such tales. I told Benoit ....I was marrying and it was not for love and I was mocking God..yet when I knelt that day.I knew I was not. The night after we wed he gave me the sparrow, and kissed me. he loved me all these years. He just could not come forward with it, then Marius came along and made him rather red and green eyed I think.At any rate..I told him he could turn in our marriage certificate whenever he chose, which is why we did not tell you right off."  She touched his hands gently "I did not wish you to think me foolish or hurting him after what befell with Marius, I only wanted you proud of him. And we were so happy, so quiet, where nothing in the world around us is ever so. He treats me...so gently, with such love and devotion. He does not treat me like a thing, a prize to be  shown off.  We probably went about it all the wrong way, but given our histories, and his sickness.."  She looked at him, yes, she knew.  How she knew "If I were to die tomorrow, I would have lived a better life for all of you..and  wanting nothing for the love of him.  That is how I came to love him. It hurt to realize it, it was not easy for us, by any means. I would still..move aside for Margot if he truly thought her more befitting..but..I never knew love, Papa, until I saw all my honor restored, the code written in his eyes" (d)

Master deAquitaine

 Jean-Claude would smile as he listened, knowing well Julian felt the same, "He has always liked you. It was funny to watch him pretend to hate you, but when you would leave he would open the door. Sometimes when he knew you had a busy day ahead of you, or even if he would want you to stay longer he would tear out a page of the book just so you would think it lost and start over. It was rather comical, but now I see it wasn't in vain. He's always been a rather awkward boy who simply needed to be refined, and this sickness.." He took her hand, "Is not his fault. I want you to know it is no ones fault." Sitting forward he would kiss her knuckles before brushing his fingers over the back of her hand, "You were not in love with the Austrian, you were charmed. He did not have the same interest as you.He did not care what came out of your mouth, or what your dreams were. You have a fine match and..I don't know what to say about it. I'm thrilled. I'm enchanted, and thrilled." He let her hand go again to brush back her hair, "I know the healers here said you could get up soon, but It would please me if you did not. The bed is big enough for the both of you, but.." Brushing back her sleeve to expose the bruise he would shake his head, "Maybe it would be best if I kept him busy for now. Janice..he is so so sick." (d

Lady Monroe

 "Has he?  Is that where my pages would go..or why at times when I would get a dress from your shop, he scrutinized the hems poor Lady Harper would do?  Now all is revealed to me. It was no more than the dreadful teasings of a boy besotted. If I had not such a bad time of it I might have noticed. Claramae told me I gave so many potential suitors signs of complete oblivion after failing miserably with Master Renquest."  She laughed at that, oh sweet youth!   From him to Julian was not so radical a difference, all that was difference was one was that much more frigid. yet they were terribly shy, bookish, and loathed to admit it as he was she swore Julian was a step away from asking Master Laurence to build him a pole of magnifying lenses for his work, or resort to spectacles.  "To here you say you are pleased gives my heart such joy, such peace. I could not bare it when you wouldn't speakto him. It is unnatural for you both not to speak. Do it not again?  You both love one another as father and son. Father and son should not be apart."  She brought his hands to her again to kiss them.  Looking at the exposed bruise she sighed, "So long as you let him sleep with me at night, and rise in the morning. Fill his day if you must, but leave me some time with him. He is afraid, when he left with the general he bid me a goodbye should he not return. He knows he is not well. He asked for Brother O'Corrain, he asked for him when we were within the library. There is..you would not think me crazy for believing brother O'Corrain, your first speculations?  That there is something inside of my  husband?  There were books in Spain of some sort, he would not elaborate but to say they were filled with the devil...it might have.worsened..or let in. He went away so much, he is seduced by knowledge." She rolled her sleeve back down. "When he is not himself his eyes..they glaze. He..seems to drift. He did it in Spain but I did not know like I knew now but he was so afraid of his nightmares..only magnified with what we went to do, and to stop, and with what he found. It was enough to keep me ever on my knees in prayer.  It was terrible, the things that were done, the secrets traded..the..rituals. The Templars were no longer men of God there, and the others..Julian found. I could not tell you if there was a God left in Spain. I pray for him, I fear him so much. It..spoke before I fell. He did not do it. God no. I was in shock of what was said. I could hear but I couldn't speak, I could barely breathe.  I know you are right."  She looked in his eyes "He may kill me, he may kill you, but he does not mean to and this is why I will never leave him. He is in a battle.  There is a side of him I wish you could know, could see.  If you could have only seen him in Lerida." (d)

Master deAquitaine

 "I have sent for Brother O'Corrain, as I know this is nothing science can fix. Janice..yes. I believe his soul burning at the moment, but there are days I feel him healed. I worry of simply one thing to set him off, and if I could I would keep you under glass until it all passes for fear if we lost you, I would have to let him go too." Shaking his head he leaned forward closer, "I know there is better in him. I know there is much that can be said in what he does, and I would have loved to have seen him in Lerida. I knew he was special when I first met him just as I knew it of you the very first time I watched you walk down those stairs. I should have introduced you then, but I could not have pulled him from the shop to save his life. He was so thin, and so shy..court isn't something he enjoys, and frankly I was worried he would be alone for the rest of his life." A small smile formed over his lips as he bent forward to whisper, "He even refused the Lillies I contracted for him."  Listening to her then his heart broke, having wondered if she had not fainted in place of simply growing ill. Something upset her greatly in that room. "He fights for you, and just know none of this is your fault, or his. The murders have come at a bad time, and they seem to be getting worse. I will have you sent back to the city soon, with Julian if I can pry him from it. He takes his role in the Order very serious, but I'm certain Claramae would want to see you both." (d


Lady Monroe


"There are days he truly is healed, when I think whatever it is can not grasp him nor touch him.  It only takes a sliver of doubt to change all of that. If you could have seen the terror on his face when he took us to the crossroads so he might take me home only he could not recall. Master -- seek Erian?  Of all things, as much as her mind scares me she has his way home. She guarded that close to herself. It..grew angry at her. I pray Jesus protect her as he sets my mind in all the forgiveness of the apology I have given her.  Adelaide is also fantastic in this way, each of them different yet walking paths that astound me.  I judged Eirian. Who am I to judge anyone?"  She closed her eyes with a weary worn smile before opening them again to see the way he looked when he talked of Lerida, of knowing there was better in him. Jean-Claude was right!  Julian was so special.  A star that hadn't known of its own birth nor how beautiful its light could be.  The proverbial lamp under a thick layer of bushel. When he spoke of her descent down the stairs at the ball she blushed, looking to her blanket covered lap, "You still remember that?"  She couldn't forget it either, what it was like to wear a fashionable gown without the fear of self reprieve.  It was the night peach skin glowed under candle and crystal. "You know, Papa, there is no glass you could lower on me that could keep me. I never thought to have had it in me so long ago..but..the butterfly that wishes to live reincarnates in to a bird, pecks through the glass, and spreads new wings.  I know at times I jabbed you with those shards of glass, while never meaning to." These moments were sacred.  In a way she was glad Julian was not yet allowed in because he would interpret this in a way he wouldn't want to tell her for fear of hurting her but she knew now. Better than he did. Yes ,he'd seen his master's face, knew him..but this was hers.  Just like Adelaide had a part of him she would never touch, as Julian held a part all his own, this was her small, fragile piece of the French master.  "The past is the past, but I know something. The love I bore you ran parallel, and it is because I loved you as both daughter and a young woman that I was able to know anything else.  To know the meaning of true, humbling adoration and earth shattering ways. Thank you, for loving me, and guarding me, even as I fought you or didn't deserve you."  That was for her to say.  A laugh was born that made her hold her stomach as it tickled up her sides. Julian at court!  Oh heavens, no, no he did not like it "It was worse in Spain, they are pretencious and so severe, and those that are young are judgemental,snobbish, and terrible!  Women put eyes on him but when he would not return their glances they were picking on him. He was forever guarding me, and oh the most rotund of lords to look on me!  Here when he paid a woman no heed they kept trying! You know for the longest time many thought he was...more Greek and Roman with where he placed his favors." Politeness aside, yes, they had thought Julian completely homosexual. As proof positive by the obsessive way he fawned over his wife, it wasn't true. "Poor Lilies, such things they must have told their Madame, and poor you with such money to spend on them for they are  worth a small fortune!  One of the Guardians took for himself a Sevillian lady of the evening, and offered Julian the luxury of her companion but he simply glared daggers. He could best the brother in celibacy never tell him I said it!" She sighed as they walked paths of heartbreak and glee on the same night, serving one another, being family. "I do love you, Papa. Jean-Claude. We..love you. Julian, myself. Your sister my master, your wife. Rosalind and Peregrine. Everyone!  I believe even after this I may be tied to the Artisan in some way as you are..and still yet. You know if you seek to send us to the city, will you instead but outside of it, so we might be but a little from it..yet still at peace?  Let us help Claramae settle her beloved new Northampton, so she may have a rose garden for next season to bloom beautiful as her."  She took his hand and placed it on her still flat belly,hugging it there with both hands, "So will this child, too. Love you, without end." (d)

[Master Jean-Claude d'Aquitaine]

Master deAquitaine

He covered her stomach and his heart was heavy as he did. It was as if he knew deep down something was terribly wrong. "I could imagine Spain's court.." A muse there crossed his lips as he smiled having remembered what he had first told Julian. "I had thought him to find a Spanish woman, and felt for certain he was bringing home Margot to marry.." Taking up her hand again, "But my prayers were answered in every way. I could not have suited him a better match if I had wanted. When all of this is over, We will see to it you all go somewhere nice. Maybe even a little venture into France to see the countryside, and I can take you to the Estate of my family." The thought of Claramae having her own home in the country made him a bit envious, but he figured come Spring he would start to look for a place to build close by. Jean-CLaude's eyes glazed over with thought as he spent the next moment in silence going over the events of the day, "Sometimes I wonder if it is not all related." What, Jean-Claude? What? He knew the marks his apprentice marked on his chest, he had noticed him carving them into the surface of the table, or on the walls in his room. This went back further then Spain. It went back even before that, but what was it Spain triggered? "Tell me again what made you fall?" Breaking his gaze he met her own like a Dr would their patient. (d


Lady Monroe

Deep inside herself, the part that refused to be soothed by lies or hopes only to be proven false she suspected things were too good to last when they were so good as to bring about laughter in men that did not often laugh, let alone for days on end. Not the maniacle sort, but real, unadultered sound that suggested of what was to be had after the storm had passed. She was so close to Jean-Claude that tonight the part in conflict designed to believe that nothing could go wrong. He had been one of the largest influences and when he came to know her, joined Sorschal, St. Laurence with the likes of Inveryne to build the world around her for more than it was. They'd never lied to her, only told her the truth and shielded her from the blows it could bring until she felt it was her turn to do the same for them. "We figured that. It was something we laughed at together, that for all his interest in Margot we both said you would do anything to arrange a match for him if it made him happy. We came to be in a rather strange time, I hope you did not endure too much trouble?" The talk of France, the chance to see the world went toward the part of her that needed good things to stay alive. She smiled widely, "I would like that! Spain truly laid in the desire to travel all across Europe. I so hope to see Paris, all of the provinces again. To see where you come from, I wonder how far apart we were by map." She then told him in French it would be too much for words to return home again with a family that completed her. She had no fears any longer, assured in the knowledge that Claramae had brought her parents both to the Hall for their eternal rest, side by side, along with his brother. All good things though must come to an end. "What is it, Jean-Claude." Then it came, the talk that made her shift in the bed enough to where she had to find her feet for the sake of moving. She averted her eyes and moved so quickly, it was no wonder they why the estate guard could not hold her. She could slip through fingers, go to places no one should go, open what shouldn't be open. the Order had taught her well, and why not? Angels venture where even brave men do not tread. Do not run. Do not move to quickly. She reminded herself of this as she began to pace until she stopped just before the window looking up not merely to the hills, but to the range of mountains beyond them. "He held me so tight as if he hadn't breathed until he saw me pass by. He was not himself for all those hours..after...he was afraid. Afraid after the Lady had journeyed in to his thoughts and found them inhabited." She shivered, rubbing her arms along her body though the windows were closed. Up and down, slow. Languid. Nothing to be concerned over. "Nothing should be inside of it at all, but it is there eating him from the inside out. Con..controlling him. I sound so mad to say it yet would be heretical if I did not. We talked over what had happened, and that he wished the Brother to return. I promised I would..then....the way he held me changed. It tightened." The bruises hidden under the sleeves in the fading shape of his fingers. "Hard. So hard. We've raged him and I. I flew in to a rage at him once when he insulted me too far and brought my hand across his face not once, but twice, and it left its mark. He held me fast to stop me. He held me when the world would become too much and I cried such tears as I have never cried before.I felt like I would lose my soul in the hills of Catalonia before he anchored it again. Why could I not his? I'm sorry." The drift of the mind saw the stress he knew she held. She tried to contain it, then release it to the wind. She tried to conceal what had brought even the other Masters to tears. Part of her was indeed deeply hurt and damaged, even before them, but this was picking at anything. Ripping it, stuffing it with new woe, and shutting. "We were discussing what was wrong with him, his fears and mine..then I promised to write, he grabbed me....and.." Tears went down her face as she turned to look at him.

"He said..what if he had been so angry at me for making him come to the harvest celebration, for dancing, for smiling that it made him sick..what if ..what if..he..he had cut of their heads to stop them from getting to heaven because they prayed for mercy.. It was talking through him, the dark...He comes home with blood beneath his nails. I had not noticed until of late when I saw him washing them so frantically, and crying. What if he has...oh God what if he has, when we were in your shop...I saw the darkness take him and if he would have hit poor Lady Woodstock he would have cleaved her skull in half! It laughs.." she shook her head, trying to calm, swallowing gulps of air until it passed. By then the color had run from her face. "What if he has helped someone do these things, or tried to stop it but..gave in. My poor husband, it is damning his soul.He has tried to pray, Jean-Claude only he knows not how! He is so full of doubt he can not but he must!" Her eyes had the consistency of glass. She took a step forward, stumbling, and brought herself to a chair. The world was not merely twisted, it was convaluted. Her eyes saw through glass then through water. She turned to vomit in an empty bowl. She had never been so sick before. " I can not talk about it anymore, I am sorry, Jean-Claude I simply can't. You needed to know but I can't..the baby.." She put her hands across her stomach protectively, only to grab it. It felt as if she'd been kicked hard, hard enough to bring her to her knees. It wasn't supposed to be this way. She'd never been this way! "Something is wrong..something is not right at all. It has never been so bad. I can hardly breathe..I don't want to move.." As sense tried to grasp hold of the senseless her sense of feeling focused to the feeling of release from between. She saw it at her feet, the trickle of it. Perhaps if she had ceased it would have been enough to save the child but another pain and the blood increased, beginning to stain the floor, her gown, and the hand so close to her lower abdomen. "No, God no no no no no."She was horrified.Even when they spoke to her of loss of a child as it was so common at times, they never mentioned it to hurt so terrible that each small bit of the loss felt like someone kicking her again and again. She doubled over on her knees, unable to stand anymore. "jean..Jean-Claude..make it stop." As if he could with all his wonders prevent this. She groaned, hardly able to see..or hear..only feel. "JULIAN! JULIAN!" She sobbed in to her hand as it happened, as she lost perhaps the one good piece of Julian right now not sequestered away or under seige. Guilt, pain, loss, anger, and fear. It all tore at her skin. "JULIAN!" The screaming was torment to any heart, but the fact she started to lose its volume, and go silent was worse. She was bleeding far too much.

Master deAquitaine

"Mon Ange..please, sit down. Enough. You have said enough." His heart went to his chest while his mind took control as he eased her back, the blood..the blood meant horrible things. "Nurse! Nurse!" He stormed to the door, where the ladies were quick to rise. "Go, fetch the midwife." Julian looked up from his seat with Ada where his face paled, and moved to his feet to press past Jean-Claude, "Adelaide..please. Come, quick." Ada was swift to rise, pressing from her seat like a storm wind she moved into the room to stand beside Janice, asking for her bag. "Sit back, Janice."

Young Master Monroe

"What is it? Why is there blood?" He stood in the midst of the room, the shock shivering over his face like a bitter cold. The sounds left the room, and even as Jean-Claude came to pull him back, She must remain calm, Jean-Claude's voice entered his ear, Sometimes it is normal, sometimes..When Janice gave another cry Jean-Claude's heart hurt, "Is she going to die?" He couldn't breath, but he wasn't about to touch her. (d

Lady Monroe

"What have I done to anger God so," she finally found her voice again, a small whisper as she tried to obey them, using their hands to sit back. It was a wall of pain, a cramping so tight after a sock to the belly. "I'm sorry..." she whispered and in looking up to Ada felt as if the woman could see the world falling apart in her eyes. If only humor could hold it together. "Whatever I have done, God forgive me.." She doubled forward again. Swift feet madethe principle maiden fetch the midwife who had been made to lodge until she felt the patient was well. This was what the midwife had feared, the middle aged woman coming on a scene of two capable folk advising her to lay back as she bled. If it were a little blood they could bed rest her all the months to come until the birthing, but her face was already set grim. "No she won't die," her voice spoke to Julian kinder than some thought he deserved "It will hurt, greatly, if ye are going to stay you must be soothing. Stay naught if ye can't take the blood." Men now stayed for such things as women's work, as she'd learned with the birthing of the Lady's children. No midwife didn't know Adelaide's skill with herbs "I trust ye've a good what with you missus,for the pain and to ease the flow, and for the calming. I wouldst get her to the bed, if ye can. I need to look." Maids boiled water for cleaning the floor and for the tools of them. Stacks of white sheets waited as they knew the linens would be rotated much. The old woman's eyes to the elder folk already said what was obvious: The babe would be no more. All that would be would be to ease her pain as she passed it through, to see their would be no further injury so she could concieve again. Janice needed them not to tell her. She looked at Julian as her heart split in half, then half again..(d)

Young Master Monroe

He stood there for what seemed forever, not once looking from her as he felt as though they were the only in the entire room as the maids made themselves busy about her. Even Jean-Claude was overseeing the care of the Lady Monroe, but watched as his apprentice brought his hand up his arm to break away the chills that chased him. Why wasn't he going to her side?

Master deAquitaine

"Julian..Your wife.." Jean-Claude touched Janice's shoulder gently as if to pull his apprentice close. She is suffering, Julian..come to her, but he wouldn't move. "It is ok, we do not know until the midwife has checked. Please, ma petite..you must remain calm." He loved her dearly and kissed her knuckles, but this much blood made his heart hurt so bad. If Julian would not cry, Jean-Claude would, but it would be in the comforts of privacy later. His dark eyes went to Adelaide's who was in turn looking at him knowing well what was going on, the midwife would not need be here. Was it selfish of him to want to touch her stomach just to keep in truth that their baby was ok? How was it fair they got to keep theirs, but the younger couple could not? Jean-Claude's time as a parent had come and gone, but here he was sifting through the space of it all. "Julian.." To have and to hold, sickness and in health meant something very different for the pair of them.

Young Master Monroe
He wouldn't say anything, one that could mask his entire heart under the pale face that was his own. Julian would move to her side slowly taking up her hand without saying anything, but more so unable to meet her eyes. He would simply settle in beside her and watch the maids move around her.

Master deAquitaine

He frowned greatly worried as he watched Julian move out of forced movements, and not of his heart. If that had been his wife, he would be in a puddle in the floor. "Let us pray..come." He took Janice's hand, "Julian.."

Young Master Monroe

His eyes had fallen to the floor while his eyes glazed over, and anger filled them, "Did you do this?" (d

Lady Monroe

"No don't...he doesn't..he's never..the bleeding." It wasn't a time of eloquence but she used what it to say that Julian had never liked blood. It was the one aspect of the occupation that made him suited to poisonings, traps, equations or murder at a distance. When he captured her hand she looked at him. It was not the way he held her hand out of love or concern. It was simply...expected. Civil gesture. She held it still, needing him even as he wounded her. She still tried to spare him this. The maids had pulled up a sheet to be as for modesty's sake so none would see below. Already the bowl of vomit had been removed, the floor being scrubbed. The midwife instructed saints icons to be present within the room for the time being, for while it was an old craft...each crafter did it in another's name. The other hand held by Jean-Claude, she was between them. Was Adelaide offering instruction, suggestion? Part of her mind said I am between them and they will rip me in half..the anger, the voice. She turned to look at Julian and clasped his hand, ardently shaking her head no. She couldn't protect them, why did she? She couldn't keep doing this. Soon they were made to release her as the bed clothes were drawn. It seemed as hours had passed by when all was said and done. The bleeding ceased, the linens changed, the woman within as white as the new gown they put her in. Only when the midwife was assured of all being well the curtains were drawn back to a propped up Janice wanting only them. The cloth containing the child was wrapped tight. So small, so small a thing.. taken from the room. "So here it be, young mistress, and all. The babe was very young in its state in the womb, with good rest..no movement of the you, Lady Monroe. With some it is but a day or so, but I plead with ye remain at restthree days, four to the most. After which be slow to rise. She will conceive again. It was the shock what did it." Poor fragile child. Something had broken her apart to bleed so, to feel so much pain "I've left my remedy for the pain but have no doubt the Mistress Adelaide will do as she pleases and with m'full agreeance. God bless ye all, and be of good heart yet." Janice's hair had been braided, curled over her shoulder. She didn't touch it for once. Always playing amidst her hair, she merely looked out at the candles some distance away. (d)

Young Master Monroe

"Shock of what?" Julian stood to square away with Jean, who in turn stood his ground. "Shock of what, Jean-Claude? What did you fill her head with? Everything was fine until she was alone with you." Jean-Claude shook his head holding up his hands, but before he could speak Julian would turn for the door. The blood had made him weak, but he couldn't stand to watch her in the same.

Master deAquitaine

"Julian stop. Stop this. It is no ones fault, God has his reasons."

Young Master Monroe

"There isn't a God Jean-Claude, when will you wake up and realize that? You prove him wrong everyday, you work against his word. He's not real. He's not real, this..this is an act? She's bleeding, our baby..That's God? What reason does he have to take that from her? Huh? She's never done anything wrong!! He keeps punishing her. I.I'm sorry. I can't do this." With that he left, and Ada stopped Jean from going after. She was right, he needed his space. (d

Lady Monroe

She lowered her head with tears that moved down her cheeks, for she'd cried so much nothing great had to spurn it. In her hands she looked, wedding band on her left, nothing in her right. The hollow of his absence already made the air there heavy. She did not say anything to prevent him from going but cringed as his words lashed out at the feeble minds of believers. He could endure it in her before - but after this? If she told him God had a reason for this it would be a lie because she didn't know what reason that could possibly be when the child had meant so, so much to him even before she set aside her fear to love the idea of it. Now it was gone, no more. So quickly learned, quickly ended ."He loved the child so, even before I could. When he is not here, please. A nun. I know many asks for a priest but they may not enter so soon after the." It. couldn't. be. said ."A nun." She looked to a handmaiden who uttered her consent and would see one fetched straight away though the shadows shifted as light waned in a storm. Who would be bold enough, brave enough? "The Steward's wife knows of a fair community of nuns who are of the same as our priests, Poor Clares...the reverand mother has never refused a calling since her settling. I am sure she will answer." Janice nodded before looking at Jean-Claude and Ada ,"I fear what he will do and that I can not hold him. I fear and want my own husband. I want him not near me for he could not look at me, but I can't turn my eyes from him. Should I have ever left seclusion? Everything fades." She put her hands over her chest where her sparrow still hung. Silent thought same as prayer: Come back to me (d)

[Master Jean-Claude d'Aquitaine]

Lady Apollius

How dare the day after a storm dawn with a sun, how dare it show its face after a night of calamity. Many nights of calamity brought screams of horror. Horror began sorrow, sorrow to mourning. Tilled fields laid lifeless at the homesteads of those who sought sanctuary within neighboring communities. Beyond the capital city they would go to family North, South, East and West. Neighbors remaining would break their backs so that animals unsold for money to travel wouldn't be wild specimens. One man did the work of three departing. Guards worked beyond convention waiting for the breaking of quiet. Quiet was dubious and doubted. Whispers ruined the perfection of the world dissolving under Autumn mists. As the day progressed onward towards the noon day hour another topic came to rise among the people, high and low, who came to seek sanctuary or make audience with the lady herself: Where is she? the answer to this woud be the Steward answering faithfully, with a sense of awed pride, "Her Grace, my lady, is at prayer." Beyond the hour of six in the morn, beyond nine? Aye and unto noon and beyond. The face of the broken Monroes, the despair mixed with angry blame beat down like the rays against so much death. Fresh earth tilled still smelled, not under plow. No. No black was the business of the grave-digger who made far too much coin digging graves for so many bodies. Novena after Novena for the dead collaborated with the Holy hours recitation, with mass, with prayer vigil so that church had a ceasless presence. The lady prayed not in her own chapel, but at the chapel of the people. She'd washed the feet of travelers with her ladies, prayed for any that asked of prayer. Now the hour was four beyond noon with the light waning as Autumn sees it fit to do. Still the answer was given at her estate: "The Lady is at at prayer." She prayed indeed, but on a path marked by the faithful. The valley had many places of faith. Secret grottos, streams in saints names fed from lochs. People visited the loch in the former place of Trotternish to be healed of their sorrows now, some had grown sick indeed on it. She walked the paths behind the church, jagged rocks with no shoes..hanging trees with thorn to snatch at long sleeves, and a covered head. By now she would only be emerging from the journey of hours having went to a cave adorned for the virgin and the valley's patron saint, St. Francis, to pray for intecession from them to God for the end of the horror, for her people's peace. She moved slowly practical. Bare feet were cold from the water the rocks ran over, bruised. Places on her toes bled, but her face was as serene as any image in the stained glass windows (d)

Lord General Asad Aziem

Through the valley there was an upset calm where the world had opened its heart in theory of the night, but the darkness could not fall if the light had yet to rise. There wasn't much end at the tunnel, not by way of numbers as the bodies started to pile, and from the pile a sickness did rise that changed the color of ones skin and painted their mouths blue. It was the first sign, and as a week passed without word of Julian Maahes could only come to a conclusion. "Show me where the Lady prays." His voice had boomed as he came from the path as an panther through the jungle. Blood painted his dark skin in places where the cuts ran deep, and the stitch work of a surgeons hand. Question would build in the Lady's maid, but Maahes would be quick to correct the wrong of the heritage born to him. "Your God will let me pass, all of his children walk these lands do they not?" With that she would move aside as Maahes walked through the garden of good and evil, the Eden of Skye. "Eirian." His breath came heavy as even the ends of black strands dripped with the fruits of his labor, the life force of another, "Eirian we need to move your family." His voice could break the steadiest of prayer, "We must eva-cu-ate the valley, it is not safe anymore." It was an Order that carried with the sound of the drums that pressed his chest, but he would not let her remain. Maahes had been in the heart of the valley settlements with Kendrew, and from there he had fought his way back. (d


Lady Apollius

He met the Lady he sought near the end of the path before the bramble thicket and bending of trees to be like a tunnel over the stream of jagged rocks. Under her skirts the bruised feet would hide as she stood still, listening to him. She then came over the last rock back to the drying grass. "I have made preperations for my children, for the guests in my home, and the servants that will follow with them. The trunks should be packed and they will leave with the dawn, soon it will be dark, and even after the rain the muddied road will make the passage longer. At the dawn they will leave, but I will not." One of the women rose from their knees seeing God granted the return of the lady, another whispering at Maahes walking toward the space of sacred nature. Could not he come, too? Both of them were two sides of an ever-war that came to be no war on the island. God was all, all was God. Eirian lifted herhand the white still perfect even with its red, sore places from climbing the hill to the shrine at the end of the path. Some argued the most faithful, like Eirian, returned from the path adorned like martyered saints. She crossed herself before pulling back the veil that covered her long black hair. No finery on her at all only the homespun dress of olive green, beneath it a chemise of unbleached wool. To know no better were it not for how she talked, she really was one of the fleeing sheperds. "I have resolved to remain here in prayer until it is time to pass judgement, for not all will leave. They can not afford to, their homes, their animals. Their fields could come to ruin without the proper care before winter." She looked up at him, and he could tell no matter what he'd say of her remaining she'd be unmoved. (d)|



Lord General Asad Aziem

"There will be nothing of it left." It all came to death in the fire, "Better to spend the winter on the streets then in this land. I tell you now, it is not human." The leather string that dangled between his fingers had been broken, and inside the little sparrow remained in the palm of the lion. "It is cursed land, no amount of prayer to clean this land. Hell has come to land, Eirian the people are turning on one another." His eyes went to the maiden, and he worried of how she thought of him in this moment. "I write to the Queen and King, we can have them moved." War had been hard on the Beast who waged one now, but for now he closed a bloody hand around the silver bird, "It must be stopped before the sickness reaches the city. Everything here can be rebuilt. Lives can not be lost, we must protect." Did he mean to catch it afire, or did he simply mean to let it die. "The village where the clans be, is infected. It is more then just heads missing." Was he crazed? He seemed it for the very nature of this happening upset him greatly. There was nothing more steady to Maahes then his belief in God and there after. (d


Lady Apollius

Eirian realized that what he was describing and what she thought were two things. "Maahes, come sit.. here." The voice was not only gentle, but commanded him to remain here with her in the present. A bench awaited the weight of his body and his story began to spread like fire through the people who wept. A sickness? What sin had they done! "Maahes what has happened, tell me now I command it. Lady Tabitha tell the priest to keep everyone within the chapel, shut the doors let them have nothing else to feed their fears go to!" The little woman must have looked a sight to the people peering over shoulder, commanding a Beast three times her height and thrice as wide! Sharp gaze, for those who lose a sense regain it with startling clarity, looked as his hand closed! "Oh Christ be merciful no, open your hand.." Was not that same charm around the neck of the girl who even a week later would only rise from bed to pray? "The village of the clans..Drynoch, on the valleys end? Dear God that is the home of the Lady Liliana and the Lord Kendrew, oh my lord.." She shivered before looking to a guard "Go, go! See after Drynoch, and Torrin..Torrin holds McSweens and McKinnons, to be doubly sure check after Luib. Now..my Firebird.." Not lion, Firebird "What happened to you?" (d)

Lord General Asad Aziem

"No. He needs to remain here. There isn't anything to see now. The roads are not safe." He would stop the guard, "The biggest concern for you right now Eirian is your family. You need these men to pack your home. I have a thousand men, what good is your one?" Frankly he was growing tired of the doubt, but knew his feelings to be unfair. "Lord Kendrew takes good care of his own, Eirian stop." Pointing a finger to the guard, "Go pack your family." He knew all to have them, "We will make camps in the arena if we must, but this must move swiftly." Maahes would not open his hand just yet, but would take the seat Eirian offered only to ease her worry. "What we need are Talons." He held up his feathers, "These are not our enemy, but our friends." This was what bothered him the most. "We did a sweep of the settlement by the river, the homes were empty save for a naked woman who hid herself with her hair, her eyes..her lips were black, lines from her lips were red." It was hard for him not to speak in Arabic now as he felt himself unable to keep his thoughts up with his memory. "She had this look, of crazy." He gestured to his face to show the long eyes and the broken mouth. "She had been poisoned. Eirian. We must get the people out. God has no mercy, he is angry." Shaking his head he didn't want to open his hand, "The boy. The Fruit's boy.." Lowering his voice he would take a deep breath, "He wants me to give this to his wife. He said to tell her, that it is her fault." As well a few other things Maahes would never say. (d


Lady Apollius

"My largest concern, Maahes is all for all are as my kin here. Have they not seen enough, one and all? Now, you allow my man, with other men whom serve you faithfully comprised of my estate to see after those who would see after all, Stewards in their own right for you can not attack this always alone. Now.." She listened to the rest of his tale before she went on. She would want to lay herself prostrate on this river rocks, praying until either death took her or miracle came. Why. Oh God, why? God was angry, "If he is angry there is something to be rooted, and if his mercies will come, it will be like this darkness in his Will. So for I will order all of our people to go, from all the villages to those are safe. They may go to the south, To Sleat some sooner that the capital, or Argyll or Struan. Those that can make it will go behind the walls but they are to leave here. " Why was it now she heard Occham laughing in the back of her thoughts? As if he would say See I saw it all, I saw it all! The Devil would ever be his voice now. When he mentioned Julian..the charm in hand she shook her head feverantly "No you musn't tell her anything, she is already one step away from God I see it, she is sickly and if she does not prays she weeps, if she does not weep she sits and stares..she hardly speaks, she will hardly eat for worry and anger. She lost their child. Tell her not yet, at least let us gently tell Jean-Claude this will kill him. Oh..." She shut her eyes "Pray he has gone mad, that he is mad and not the mad blackness of it all. You will bring the source should it be found still as predicted to me alive, and if need be I will come to you. I loathe to say it, but on horse I will be far faster than a lunatic on foot. Apollo has seen to that." The thought made her heart ache. Would she have to kill her own people in pursuit of this all, for her own life? "Come, then..I am going to the church to tell the people within. I still will not leave, unless I must flee for my life, and that will be in the hands of God." Why else would these things happen, why else? Everyone would have their reasons..but she would not flee from the darkness anymore. Either to be a beacon in it or martyered in it. In a sad way it was a kind thought. Since England, her mind had become...different. It had changed, muched to her fear become stronger. "Good Christian people, the general tells me that all is not well and grows worse! You must leave, pack up your families and your homes and make for safe haven to the capital, or to those places fortified. I will write the King and Queen whom will receive you all and do all with the General to amend, go now." She lowered her head at the door. Some moved instantly, weeping. Others yelled at the priests or nuns. But we prayed! For days we've prayed and fasted for the dead, our kin, our lives! Why will it not work what has been done, the place is damned! As it emptied she looked ahead to the crucifix..and seemed utterly transfixed by the stained glass (d)

Lady Apollius

"Eirian..I do not go alone. This place has forgotten who I am in my time of defeat, but let all who be reminded of what hand helped secure that crown. I am not alone, do not think I am some pig headed hound for glory. I want you and our people safe. What reason to send one of your men when I have sent 20? You are mother first to your children, then a warrior." He stopped himself listening to the very words that had driven Ealora away, but this would calm his nerves very carefully, "I do not need to tell Jean-Claude, he was there. He left this land, like you should." It put ease to him to hear Eirian move her people as Red Wall suddenly got new meaning to its name. Within a matter of days it had become a fort, where the grass was trampled by armed forces, and his home became a war room. The large iron gates were closed only to refugees, and the large stone walls were patched now ready to defend against any who attack. All of this for one little boy was it? Jean-Claude had moved to start another path to Julian, catching wind of what was to come with the court the target. There was a monster inside his son, and one that had been far too forgotten. "What do I do with this?" He held up the little string that felt so foreign in his hand, and the bird finally lit by the sun."Where is his wife now?" (d)

Lady Apollius

"It is not to be a warrior with blade or shield, but one of God on behalf of the Christ who perished for my sins, for the sins of those who purchased sanctity in his sacrifice. If my blade is lifted, it is only in defense of my life or those that would stay, never out of want for glory. Nor to be as some saint martyered, for I am not that." No matter what they said or believed,her venerations were no more powerful than theirs. People closed themselves, too, behind the gates of the Silver Empire, Arianna Hymerodraeth, never knowing such gates could be had until at the four directions they were sealed. After the people had gone beyond the Church, Eirian had ridden home. Even now her children had come to Red-Wall understanding that moments fleeted before again they would have to be parted. The house had been packed of clothes, food to share, things of value that could be sold should destitution come so that it echoed. She resolved to leave her loom, brushes, inks, parchments, and coals for they were not only means of artistry. Gently, ever so gently had the Nightingale told the Sparrow of the world. The Sparrow cried while the Nightingale held her. "Send word to the Duchess of Northampton, tell her it is not save to move herself but we will try to move the girl to her. Tell her to send Outriders, and to implore the other Talons to come if they can be spared." Instruction had never been heeded with such intricate attention to detail. Red Wall opened to her, a party of those who would stay to assist the people where some would go to remain with the household. Food was given among them to eat now while baskets were for the General's larders for later. Canvas had come for tents, the furs of the house given to those who would grow cold. Hope curled her hands in her mother, walking with the Steward's son who held Janice in his arms. It seemed cruel to make her walk though praise be she was coherent, and receptive as reality came to her eyes. "I want to pray with you," she told Eirian who said ,"Until I return to my home and you must go, we will pray together with the good sisters. Oh praise be, there is Jean-Claude, look Janice. He seems to be going to some errand, but he is well. Ada can not be far. Put her down, Thomas..look she wishes to be down."


Lady Monroe

"Thank you.." She rubbed one arm absent of rubbing the other, walking forward as she saw Jean-Claude through the crowd like one bit of sun in her night. All of her golden hair was loosed, her eyes firebright with rubbing, tears, and bad dreams. Yet now she found it in herself to forget if only for a little the love that had all but abandoned her for one from a person among many that never had. "Oh Papa.." that would never change. He could cast her aside but God knew the truth. They had knelt in an altar, and though nothing came of Scotland's Church a church was a church, a vow a vow. He would blight the name of her in the world but in that same world she would be his wife, always. "Jean-Claude.." Standing a few steps from Thomas she watched Jean-Claude at a distance (b)


Brother O'Corrain

As black as an evil soul, as red as spilt blood, had settled over the valley. It was a darkness that deep and all consuming, for it preyed on the minds of the faithful while a murder even now slipped between the trees and reaped a gruesome bounty: taking the heads of those he had marked as victims. It was a darkness, and the night, that made clear the roads of leading to the valley. For whom wanted to be about at this hour, with some fiend upon the roads?Blue eyes as hard as steel watched the roads, sheltered in a small oasis of light. There was a slow shake of his head, as the eyes left the road - how many fellow travelers had the eyes counted? It could not be many. - before theyturned toward the sky. For a while, there was little sound. The gusting of winds, the creaking of trees. And there was hardly any movement. Only the gentle swaying of the lantern - held aloft on a pole - was the clearest. While one of the blue-eyed man's companions acted as a sentry, the other was engaged in a very sensitive task. Carefully, the second escort's hands moved about the good brother's head: crowning once again Brother Diarmuid's head with crisp and clean gauze. When Brother Diarmuid spoke, it startled the one bandaging his head. "Does it not seem that we are Daniel?" The escorts started, before they looked at one another. Then the second escort asked, "Sir?" Brother Diarmuid smiled quietly, making a dismissive gesture of is hand. "Nothing... I was musing on Saint Daniel." He smiled, "You do remember his parable?" The first guard said, "Thrown the lions, wasn't he?" Brother Diarmuid nodded. The second guard said, "Finished, sir." The second guard tucked the last bit of bandage under a bit of wrapping. In a rare sign of indulgence, Brother Diarmuid produced a small hand-mirror - to check the bandage that had wrapped. There was a nod, before he rose. There was a pause, as he offered a prayer to Saint Daniel. As the second guard lead them to their mounts, the first could not let the issue of Daniel and the lion's den be still. "Begin' your pardon, sir.... but I don't understand what Daniel has to do with this." Brother Diarmuid smiled to the guards, "Remember your Scriptures... Remember the teachings of Peter." The good friar moved to mount his horse, " 'Your enemy, the Devil, the roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.' " As he spoke, Brother Diarmuid mounted his horse. Revealed in the lanterns light, was the glint of a sword resting in its scabbard, with a buckler hanging from its hilt. " 'Be firm in your faith... and resist him.' " And so Brother Diarmuid, finding the blessing of Saint Daniel upon him, would lead his men onward.... Into the Valley of the Stars. Into the den of the lion. (D)

Lord General Asad Aziem

"All of you, to Red Wall. The night falls. We will be safe there." Maahes held up his hands to move the company forth, letting them slip into the rise of the red gates were all shall rest easy knowing the bounty of men that patrolled the grounds were ones that secured the crown upon their King. It was in his way did he touch the back of Janice's shoulder gently, "Come little one." Maahes would speak gently though covered in the blood of the land it was hardly a sight one would think a comfort. However, the night would be spent in his home this night, while the rest of the days would be inside the city walls. The sparrow around her neck matched the one inside his palm, and even he knew to keep his hand behind his back.

Master deAquitaine

Jean-Claude had mud to his knees, and color to his face as he met the group still going over the object in his hand that had been found near the body of a dead man. Adelaide and he had been out scouting all morning, searching for clues as to what turned the faces so quickly, and for any sign of Julian. "It mimics much to what was of the Underdark. Even the eyes, but the discoloring of the lips. Adelaide..it is so strange." What was this substance that pulsed within the hearts of the suffering people who killed their own out of madness. He would frown hearing Janice, seeing the poor dear still beside herself, and it only made him want to keep his wife closer. He suddenly wished he hadn't told her of their child, but now he worried of who she would have told. "Ma Ange..Come here." He took her in, "You are so cold." Silently he thanked Maahes who would usher them through the valley.

Lord General Asad Aziem

"I am ordering everyone inside the gates. You both will spend the night, beds have been prepared. I cook food." Good Arabic, spicy things that he was eager to reveal his hidden talent, but when you were so long without a wife..eh, it happened. (d

Madame deAquitaine

"Perhaps you should take your samples to the laboratory." He disliked the Bedouin woman who had been instrumental in Ada's discoveries this past year, for reasons Ada entirely respected, so she did not suggest he ask Nasrin's opinion. Ada's assertions that if she could forgive the Bedouin for holding Ada's life hostage for information, Jean-Claude should be able to simply did not a happy marriage make. Adelaide had forgiven others for far worse, and did not have a vengeful bone in her body. It always startled her to realize others could, and as a student of the nature of man, she had as much to learn as she had advice to dispense. "I could smell nothing," she murmured. As they merged back into the crowd, Ada looked skyward for a moment, her dark eyes squinting intently as the blue seemed to lose its color. It was the harsh light of the day, tinged with the ever-present threat of exhaustion, and she glanced over at Jean-Claude. She grieved for Janice's loss, wanting little better than to hold the young woman in her arms. Women were stronger than men perceived. They bore the weight of the world, and the expectations of future generations. But Janice was young, and there would be more if the fates saw fit. They were all proof life carried on regardless of the tragedies that haunted their respective paths. Maahes, for example, brought a wide smile to Ada's mouth as she went to join his side. "You are cooking for us? I cannot wait." Her stomach rumbled in appreciation. *

Lady Monroe

Adelaide and Jean-Claude earned the first smiles she had given all week. Somewhere inside was still the girl who though nearly run down by carts in her first large city learned to go to the other side of the street. Her arms went around Jean-Claude before turning her grin towards Adelaide. Weight of the world between slender shoulder blades shifted as she walked at the very least. As the General mentioned food the very thought turned her stomach as she said "Thank you, sir, but you needn't feed me. I have no desire for it." Water or tea, but certainly not food. The people moving in to be settled looked so heartbroken, her own by comparison far less in the light of them losing everything. "Lady Eirian, you will leave with everyone else come morning, won't you, they say you wish to remain. I have not..had much say in anything but pray where you may live to pray more.."

Lady Apollius

Eirian joined them with her Steward holding her son in his arms while Hope was in her mother's, six though that she was. "Do not trouble yourself on it right now. I for one, am merely glad to here you speak, and to see you, Jean-Claude and Adelaide, safely returned. Shhh..Hope, it will be alright." Promises she couldn't keep in the broad sense, but in the shorter retrospect her daughter and son would no know harm. "Thomas, the gates of Arianna are shut, those that have come are here now? Knowing that I am here.." "Yes, Madame, they would have stayed secure in the estate but sought to come here on word." "Good, my bird?" "Here, my lady..awaiting your words to take as you please." Not that the bird would carry any well wishes. First she'd asked for the right to judge the accused - one that made her heart ache to think now there was nothing to judge..and second for what, to say that all had gone mad? "Put Luke to bed, he has been up most of the night prior with nightmares. Hope may stay with me. Look, little one. There is your Adelaide. What do you think soon if we both hugged you at once hmm?" She smiled at that, for two arm sets were better than one.

Master Voltaire

As were eyes and limbs. The road thundered with more horses as Voltaire embarked outward with the Outriders, for he did not trust a silent world (d)

Lady Malory

The lantern on the wagon swung as the cart was pulled through the path leading to Red Wall. Issa was on the drivers sear with her, Ra with the others in the back all huddled under a blanket. Ealora had gotten word from Maahes of 'trouble in the valley, in truth the hand writing was Nora's but Ealora knew Maahes well enough to know he had asked for the old woman to send for Ealora and the children wanting no doubt his children safely at his side when trouble was brewing. It was the one thing Maahes and Ealora agreed on without a bout, the safety of their children. Ealora has said nothing to the children, not even her oldest when she ordered horse and cart pulled around to the front of her own new home and loaded the children in. Issa ever concerned, was silent least he scare the little ones, Eppie was continuing to be ever silent and now rah was joining her, happy to have his mother home at first, now he was rebeling against his mother, not letting her touch or hold him but doing as he was told as far as chores were concerned. It was another reason she went, he was happier with his father right now though it broke her heart for him to be so displeased and mad at her, she would not force emotion from him and he showed her little as it was. "Open the gate!" Ealora called as she slowed Tessa and Egypt down near the gates of Red Wall. "Daddy!" One of the triplets chimed in the darkness, Issa perhaps and Ealora hummed in a small laugh. "Didn't I say you would like this surprise" She mused having made the whole trip something of joy rather then fill to steel young nerves from fear.*

Brother O'Corrain

One wondered if Saint Daniel appreciated humor in the world, as much as God did. For there would certainly be a wary smile upon his features, to see that Brother Diarmuid journeyed now to Red Wall... the holdfast of the Lion, General Maahes. Out of the darkness, the black clad Augustinian and his routine would appear. What would the common man make of him? (D)

Master deAquitaine

"You are right, and I think now would be a good time to call upon your friend." He ran a bare hand over her hair, kissing her temple as they parted with he to Janice, and she to Maahes. The warm bed sounded welcoming, and he was beyond ready to feel the night end. A great deal of worry surpassed him in the moment as he thought of his poor apprentice out there one more night on his own. Julian was suffering greatly, and so was his wife who Jean-Claude could hardly keep together. "Ma petite.." Over his shoulder the bag remained closed until his hand bent to open one of Ada's little glass vials containing a delicate mix. "Many nights I have longed for rest, this will help you. I shall have the kitchen send for you some hot water to mix. Adelaide knows well her mixtures when it comes to medication, and I know right now the last thing on our mind is sleep. We must keep our strength to find him. He would want you to eat, you need to for the sake of your recovery." She could die from this. Kissing her temple he would tuck her under his arm to break the cold as he watched his wife make her way to the Beast.

Lord General Asad Aziem

"Yes. I will cook tonight. Nothing more can be done on this night, and we all need the rest. You are safe here." One by one the torches were lit, the large brass pits on each pillar that colored the night, and stained the red walls with light would all but be a resting point for many. "Where is bright eyes?" His pet name for Genna, "I will trade you two horses for her hand in marriage to my son." It was strange to see him smile, though he held one of the few that when his face did relax the smile touched his eyes. However, the sounds of the horses at the gate would have his attention pulled rather quickly to Voltaire, the clad man in black, and most importantly his children. Wasn't this the other way around? He was covered in blood standing in the yard to meet them, instead of he coming up the path in his state to find them here.

Master deAquitaine

Once they were inside Jean-Claude would come up beside Adelaide, taking her hand then as he moved toward Voltaire. (d

Madame deAquitaine

She gave a smile back to Janice, reassured if not comforted, and gave Maahes' arm a brief squeeze of humor. "I cannot wait, I am sure it will be delicious. Genevieve is mixed with Eirian's, eh? Somewhere back there, Jean-Claude must have an eye on her." Flooding forward with the other children, she almost missed Genna. She swung the child up into her arms and gave her a playful hug. Genna smelled like grass and wild things -- almost certainly, Jean-Claude would have her scrubbed raw before bed tonight, but it was a good smell while it lasted. Maahes lost to his loud, wonderful family, Ada fell back with Genna, letting her daughter's feet hit the ground as Jean-Claude took her hand. The heel of her boot caught under her, and she laughed as she used him to re-balance. "Oof, my goodness, Jean-Claude, my feet are so big from walking, I am terrified to take off my boots." If they could come off, she hesitated to correct. "I will need to unpack my supplies before dinner, I think, if I am to prepare Janice's tea." The concoction was one she wished she had never had to use before, but Ada didn't say where her practical midwifery skills came from, and it was best left unsaid as she rooted through her bottles of tinctures and salves and occasionally sent Jean-Claude or Eirian out to scout for needed herbs. A conductor at her symphony she was not -- there were mathematics to scribble out, formulae to prepare, and she was very happy indeed there was enough prepared for the next several days, she could eventually prop her feet up on some cushions and enjoy her dinner. Her stomach rumbled again. "I hope he prepared food in advance," she whispered to Jean. *

Master Voltaire

"My Lords, her Grace and Grandmaster has sent me with outriders. I am also to tell you that the Campbell," to Voltaire, Kendrew had always been a strange man in large of an odd Knighthood where one color was essentially unto itself. After his famous row with Sorschal he could not help but think of him as sentinent, single being as much a force of nature as any of them. "Has communicated with her, not long after the General's visit, a contingent of the white and gold feathers is not long behind. Dear God. Such days." The man was older than any other man here! "At least we have beautiful sights no? Madame deAquitaine, it suits you I think. Were I not married and Jean-Claude first, I would have had you speaking Italian instead of French. Lady Artisan, ah, the Lady Malory, and La Bella. At least my old eyes will have something to look on other than muddy Frenchmen and bloody Egyptians." The old and young, high and low gathered here. When he saw that Julian was not among them, he felt as if the Brother's words were echoing like a ricochet in his head. Tie him down, keep him watched. --

Lady Monroe

Janice quietly accepted the little offering from Jean-Claude, moving it in her fingers, "Thank you. I hope the sleep is dreamless, I can bare no more dreams. Please forgive me for saying so, but a part of me wishes I would have died. I would be no burden, and would not think on him at all. I know his state, but he would not touch me when he was himself. " She held that against her heart along with love of him, a deep hard root of anger where he could touch her only out of obligation but no love as she lost their child. She looked up at Voltaire but said nothing more --

Lady Apollius

"My Lady, they say an inquisitor rides here to judge the living and the dead, we are damned.. Eirian had been busy at helping Adelaide with herbs when she paused. "An inquisitor, none was sent for. You see things in an already dark world." The monks and nuns were not that commited as to call a Dominican among them. So she went up as far as she could, peering through the line of people coming. Ealora was there, and Hope smiled to seeher with the cart containing friends. Eirian's eyes however trailed beyond.. "Take heart, that is no inquisitor. No, praise God that is Brother O'Corrain." If ever a flock needed a shepard it was now (d)

Lady Malory

Egypt and Tessa pranced intot he yard, the hard swing of the lantern at its post was dying, a pendulum that had lost its swing as Ealora tightened her hands on the reigns to stop them completely in the yard. Her mouth opened in a mixture of shock and surprise at the state of him "Are you hurt?" Celadon eyes swept over the front of bloody clothes even as the children jumped down in order to greet their father. When he greeted the children with smiles, hugs and kisses, she let out a sigh of relief. The man would still one day be the death of her, this she was sure. Gripping the edge of the cart she swung her legs over and jumped down onto the ground. "I brought the childrens things, yes" She answered and began to move to the back of the cart to collect the bags to go along. Her head cokeed some at his words of cooking and she hummed in a laugh. "The day you say something different, I will likely be frozen from
shock" A slight tease as she slung the bags out of the cart and passed them to Nora who came to greet her and the children, she paused to offer the old womans cheek a kiss. "Brother Diarmuid, strange to see you here" She called seeing the devout enter the yard. Her hand lifted in greeting to Eirian peeking between a line of people. Anubis was pulling at her pants and she stooped to lift him into her arms kissing his temple before his head found rest at hershoulder. Spirits seemed on edge but Ealora had always said there was a circle of peace around Red Wall, the valley even to shield them from harm, though they had seen enough unrest before. Though she would likely shudder to see the temple with muddy footprints and swords against the wall, a clean freak she still was.*

Brother O'Corrain

As Brother Diarmuid and his routine made their way through the throng of people, the Augustinian could not help but shake his head softly. For all around him, the people cleared. What did they say amongst themselves, as the Augustinian rode through the gates of Red Wall? There was little doubt that spoke of the Inquisition... of the Franciscans and Dominicans that were already amongst them. And yet, could not some of them be question the faith of those who even now sealed themselves behind the walls of their monasteries. Why had not the Cistercians, the Franciscans, and the Poor Claire gone out into the world? To battle both the Devil and the fear that he had unleashed.

Lord General Asad Aziem

Maahes came up behind Ealora against her back to take the bags from her, "You too. Its not safe. Besides, I do not snore anymore." All of that was fixed over the summer having his nose broke...now Jean-Claude on the other hand would have them all up. It was a wonder Ada got any sleep at all. "Take her horses around, see to it she's comfortable. All of them." Nora would smile taking the children in to get them ready for bed. It would be then on the back of the horse did he once again feel himself repeating the same words over and over, "Everything is settled here. The Valley is secure, I do not want your ranks to interfere with my captains. I would appreciate it you would make camp for the night, but return in the morning. If this spreads to the city, best be prepared there. Return a message that the object is to not bring more men in, but to move them out. We are peace right now..all of my men are home, and this valley is very able."Peace being that they were not waring with other countries, the valley was in shambles. "Come. Inside. Everyone." He would start dinner.

Master deAquitaine

Jean-Claude looked from Ada to Voltaire, but listening to Maahes speak he clasped his hands together waiting for him to be finished and inside before moving to even his elder. "Forgive him, but he is right. Enough have traveled this road tonight, make a camp Voltaire. This side is best left to the General, but I will tell you my speculations over dinner." Privately of course. This world was an entire different game to him, a new outlook at how towns came to be, or fell. He was in the heart of a war that was on their homeland, it wasn't a place for any who carried feathers on this side. For what the common saw was an outbreak of sickness, but only a handful knew the deeper meaning. When dinner came to be, and the bread was broke within the family Jean-Claude had seated himself next to Italian who had been nothing but flattering to Adelaide, "Careful, Mon ami..it is not so funny when I take my knife through your eyes." He teased with the hilt of the blade ready in his hand, though there was a bit of a dangerous look as to little he was joking, but sometimes it stained his flesh red with how much she was spoken of. All of the false smiles, and good laughs came to pass when Jean leaned in to whisper of how Julian was lost, and of Janice's miscarriage..that knife still lightly in his hand.

Lord General Asad-Aziem

He had cleaned up finally, stirring the peppers over the large cooking space with the lamb on the roast. His wet hair was pulled back, tied with a leather strap down his back, and his clean shaven face made him look somewhere in his early 20's, but most of all despite all that had happened he was rested. Ra was on his ankles however, no matter how many times he told him to go to bed. (d

Madame deAquitaine

Genna sat in Ada's lap, and together, they picked at a loaf of bread while Ada made laughing retorts with the Italian -- until, it seemed, her husband had had quite enough of that. "I could not imagine speaking this Italian, I think it would be a bit challenging, do I not already speak enough languages?" She couldn't make crude comments about it making her mouth hurt, not with such polite company, and Genna smiling up at everyone, offering her own comments in French despite the multi-lingual conversations happening around them. "Now, now, do put the knife down, the main course has not even been served, did you leave your manners at Eirian's?" She grinned, and offered another piece of bread from the basket. "Eat, you have had nothing all day." There were people to greet while they waited for food, Ealora and the children all getting warm smiles and waves, while inwardly she worried about Janice's dosages and hoped her exhaustion had not caught up with her math, but Adelaide had an interestingly healthy way of processing her worries, setting them aside so that she could enjoy the warmer aspects of life, even as autumn settled upon the land, and tragedy seemed to lurk around every corner. She was perpetually positive, and Genevieve her happy ray of light. *

Set In Her Way: "It isn't that hard, madame, more pleasing to the ear than my wife's German eh?" He grinned at Adelaide with a wink. Wasn't it simply delightful how Bromheilde and Jean-Claude tormented one another on linguistics? Secretly he
Set In Her Way: thought French a superior language but don't tell her that! Any woman who attended Claramae's sharp skirts could kill him, and he was close to sixty. "Gentle, gentle now, deAquitaine. No knives in my eye without two in your throat?
Set In Her Way: " Lovely table manners. He did sit with a good back, have a regal air about him, and made his age rather fantastic considering all of his bound gray hair in black velvet. "Perhaps I will ask the Lady Malory to save me, if we do not
Set In Her Way: all perish first from the Beasts cooking." Of which he really made a joke about, yet hoped he wouldn't have to politely gag. --
Set In Her Way: All of them had come to dinner just as they were supposed to do, with Eirian agreeing with Jean-Claude and Maahes that too many men made not a good ground. Her own were already mixed in with his, and those that weren't were better among the people as their own families were scattled within. For Vincere, making Camp was an odd thing to tell an Outrider, but the silent sentinels complied. "I must say, your men Master Voltare are...." "Severe" "Yes, thank goodness you still have some humor." Talion's Talons still maintained some sense of humor in mortal peril. Hope had comforted, talking back with Genna in French to which for all the practice she was becoming good in, and pondering time with the Asad-Aziem children of which she had been denied her playfellows far too long. She scooted under the table so she could get to where Genna sat, much to her mother's chagrin but it was hardly a time to correct table man "I think Adelaide you could master anything just fine but you look better speaking French, it is all around you, in you." She wished Janice would say something but true to her description she would not eat a thing. (d)

Lady Malory

"Praise be to God, I never got much sleep next to you when you snored" She returned in another tease though she tensed as he came up behind her to take the bags from her. A smile was given to Nora as she handed the sleepy Anubis over to their older nursemaid. Nora was like a grandmother to them with the loss of their maternal grandmother on Ealora side and the missing Grandmother of Maahes mother. "Ada...Jean" She offered in greeting to the couple with a smile as she followed the others inside. The last to enter the tempke, she stood in the threshold and groaned at the muddy footprints and swords lounging around. She would see the swords put up where the children could not play withthem and the rugs taken outside before joining everyone at the table while Maahes cooked. She was content to be silent, to listen, smiling at Jean had enough of the flirting between the italian and his wife to offer his input, Ada reply and the italian trying to make her apart of the conversation of which she was content to just listen to. She offered the man a lazy smile, a slight tilt of her head as she rested against the back of the chair, her ankle upon her knee, fingers massaging at her leg. "I know better then to test Jean Claude's skills...even with my own" She responded turning her head back the right way feeling one of the kids, hers or Eirian's hope she was not sure, playing underneath though she had seen Ra disappear into the kitchen to be with his father. Ealora let out a sigh, she missed her tender little boy but for not she had to let him be. Issa was still tender, perhaps fearing the loss of his mother again in a different way, was sitting to Ealora right and he reached for her hand and began to play with it between his own. Ealora's eyes briefly turned to him and then back to the group.*

Brother O'Corrain

Brother Diarmuid could not fault the whispers he heard, for he knew what he appeared to the common folk. Were the Augustinians so rare here in the Valley, that upon seeing his habit they were quick to dub him a dark angel of the Inquisition. For he did not look the part? And, if the truth were told, it was not without cause. For the good brother had been called upon before - by both shire reeve and Inquisition - to pit his particular set of medicinal skills to unraveling murder. He praised God that he had received such a summons only once in the last decade. In truth, the good brother would make a poor conversationalist. For while he had enjoyed the Lion's meals - his time in Mid East had let him acquire the taste, and he had lodged with the Lion during the Harvest Festival - his mind had been occupied with thought. None of them very hopeful. When the summons had first reached him, he had hoped that it would be a simple matter. But as another summons had arrived...and another...and another, his worries had grown. Where once it seemed only a murder had gone mad, it seemed now whole towns had gone mad! Suddenly, the good brother started. Sadly, it was not one that marked a sparking epiphany. There was a smile, as he said (in Arabic) to Maahes, "Do forgive me.... I have been a poor guest. I should not be so quiet." And he would try to be as multi-lingual as the rest...although his were limited to Arabic, Church Latin, Irish Gaelic, and the King's English. Quietly, he would excuse himself before moving to where Janice sat. Gently, he rested his hand on her shoulder. "Are you well, milady?" She clearly was not. Then he would crouch lightly beside her, "What can I do to help you, milady?" (D)

Master deAquitaine

"Ealora, my darling, you are a wise wise woman." He would wink at her from across the table seated like some King in his chair, though looking a bit more medieval. As the dinner was served he would take Genna to feed her as it was their thing. Always had she watched her mother chase Jean-Claude to stuff a few mushrooms in his mouth as she sent him on his way, and it was often how he woke in the morning to find his cheeks stuffed with grapes. Jean-Claude's eyes followed the Brother when he came close to Janice he would frown as if to say he had so much to talk about with him, but now he could not think of a better place for the man of God. The worry he had shed so long ago had come to pass for he knew Julian alive now, but worried of his state of being.


Lord General Asad-Aziem

The dinner was served, they could eat and be merry. He would seat himself next to Ealora and cross his arms over his chest leaning back in his chair, "Are you not going to eat?" She looked rather thin, but she had a busy summer. "Your sister still alive? Are you keeping warm?" What about the weather Maahes..how was the weather? (d

Madame deAquitaine

"Hope, I think your mother misses you," she teased the little girl, her lap occupied almost instantly after abandoned by Genna. She tickled Hope along her ribs until the child shrank in upon herself in an effort to escape Ada's fingers, giggling so hard, Ada was belatedly thankful Hope hadn't had a chance for any liquids, as they would have been sprayed all over the table. This just made Ada laugh harder. Oh, these children were going to destroy her -- the muscles of her stomach never had such good exercise! She and Hope took turns spearing vegetables while Ada glanced over at father and daughter. Perhaps it was inappropriate to be merry, but the children did not know what there was to fear outside the safety of Red Wall, and Ada was not going to be the one to shatter their illusions. There was plenty of bright light, and those she loved most in the world were gathered at this table. There was good food and the musical chimes of water spilling into cups, knives clinking against plates, and the murmur of conversation, now of course, interspersed with laughter from Ada, Hope, and the occasional punchline of a joke exchanged with the Italian. She closed her eyes for a moment to revel in the evening, counting her blessings despite their losses, and had the rather unsettling feeling that she was falling with the constant reminder that she was, in fact, merely sitting still. She gripped Jean-Claude's arm to steady herself as she opened her eyes. "I must be tired!" *

Lady Apollius

"How can a mother compete? Twixt you Adelaide, Ealora, Maahes, Peregrine coming in through the child's window to take her to my roof and beyond, Talion in to the woods truly there is no chance I am only fortunte Luke is still younger and as much as he enjoys to romp can not get enough of his mother." Or any woman, really. He was bound because his mother, like other women, were endowed with certain charms he found comfortable and irresistible. Thankfully the boy was asleep or she would be under the table where Hope played, dying of slow embarrasment. Hope hugged Adelaide and as she began to doze, murmured "My brother is right, you are comfortable." Eirian snickered. As the brother got up she noticed his bandaged head, frowning. What had befallen him?

Master Voltaire

"Jean-Claude is very skilled, my son admires him ah. Have you met my Claudio? He is perhaps two months now among us. Claudio Voltaire though sometimes de Venice. Simple enough." The boy bowed, possesed of striking looks which at sixteen were well set, long dark hair like his fathers, and two eyes (as opposed to his father's one under an eye patch, which he didn't wear all the time. Also his father's eye was rather cat like an odd..his were simply gorgeous) "He will assist, in any way."He burst at the seams the boy was so talented! Even now he would make a fitting guard for Janice,he thought, perhaps cheer her up a little.

Lady Monroe

She came from her trance to find all the conversation in a flurry of language. Being as multi-lingual as she was, she understood every sentence but had no reply. Not until the brother came around to touch her. She started a little, sighing. She wanted to raise no fuss but truly a mouse moving across the floor these days might undo her. It was a pathetic, detested way of being which she tried to overcome but she couldn't be conversive, it just wasn't in her after a few words at the gate. It only reminded her how things were, not how they really are. Of what should be, of what might never be again. A little table where two used to sit and she would dote on him. Jean-Claude and Adelaide were supposed to come to dinner one time, where she would show them all the new things in the house. "I'm..sorry Brother, I drifted. Forgive me. No. I am not well, but I will discuss it with you after dinner.. if you would..hear my confessions. Will you tell me what happened to you?" She gently acknowledged the bandages on his head, though didn't left her arm far. There was no part, head, arm, stomach, legs, feet..that didn't ache. "Do not worry so for me now, eat, rest. You traveled quickly I..am sure." she rose her head, and smiled. It flickered like her for an instant before vanishing to broken remnant (d)


Lady Malory

"Don't forget deadly, my lord Voltaire" She hummed with a wink back in the mans direction as her lips pulled into a wide grin. "Or Pregnant" She noted to Ada as the woman seemed dizzied but gave a shrug of her shoulder in the response, it was a jest, a small one, what did she know of pregnancy but her own that dizziness had plagued the whole of her pregnancies, all five of them. "Dinner, she chimed to the kids as it was set on the table and again she fellinto silence as she began filling up the plates of her children one at a time, cutting up the meat and vegetables for the smaller ones before she sat down again. Her plate had its own slice of meat ad some vegetables but she sat back rather then eating it. It seemed good and she had no doubts that it tasted well, for all the jests everyone had on Maahes cooking, he was quite good at it. Celadon eyes rolled towards Maahes at his questions and she offered him a quiet grin. "Shaden is well, I see her when I can, she has much to do with the new grand lily opening and taking care of two children, not to mention being pregnant." She tilted her body to the side, crossing one leg over the other as she leaned an elbow against the armrest of the chair. "Am I warm now? No" She laughed and then shook her head "You know I always hated the winters, its fast coming but I am trying to get used to it. No more sailing on warm waters, I must adapt to winters on land." She paused to turn her attention on Janice and Brother Diarmuid, her heart hurt for the girl, whatever pain she was going through now Ealora did not know but felt the look on Janice face as if it were her own, once upon a time, she had worn pain so plainly as this. She prayed silently for the girl to find some peace. All of them, needed peace. Again her attention turned to Maahes. "An how are you? Do you not eat? You cooked it. How are the villagers of Red Wall? The crops came in well?"*

Brother O'Corrain

There was a slight nod of his head, at the Lady Monroe's word. "Of course," the good brother said. There would be a smile upon his features, one seen many times before. One that offered both comfort and kindness. The good friar would begin to rise... however, he hesitated. In a moment, there was a discreet gesture. He would crouch again at Janice's side, leaning in to whisper something to her. Then here was a broad smile, "...and by that, I give you my oath that all will end as it should." And as he said that, Janice would feel something being shifted from the Brother's hand -- and into her own. Then he would go back to resume his seat. He couldn't help but laugh, surveying the table. He would lean toward Maahes and - in away- make a joke (in Arabic) of his own, "May I trouble you for a bit of salt?" (D)

Master deAquitaine

This was twice now she needed his support, his steady form through his coat sleeve and it worried him. "My darling..let us go to bed. Come one. You need to rest. We all do." Genna was already half asleep with her cheek to his shoulder, but Jean-Claude could simply not carry her that far. Nora was quick to rise to see them to their bed, "Good night everyone, Maahes dinner was amazing." HIs eyes settled on Ealora as if to shake his head very quickly to silence her on the subject matter of children--it was very clear she didn't know what was going on. "Brother Diarmuid, when I have settled my wife and child. Will you talk with me?" He would tuck Ada's hand into his arm letting her lean into him if needed. She was so short she was lucky to reach his shoulder.

Lord General Asad Aziem

"I eat last. Make sure there is enough for everyone first. You know this." He would starve just so his children could be full, but the wear was quick to show on his face too as Jean-Claude mentioned bed. "Everything is in an uproar at the moment, Ealora." He bent his head to whisper to her, "The Fruit's boy went missing, Janice's husband. She lost their child, and there is sickness all over the countryside. Things are not well, but we are all safe here." He wouldn't let any of them leave without being alerted first. "Salt? First you show me what you slip her? I know you and your type." Leaning forward he would glare the Brother down, "You casting a spell on her?" He tried to make a joke, but Maahes failed at those period. No one knew he wasn't being serious and often hid from him. (d

Lady Monroe

It wasn't Ealora's fault anymore than it was Adelaide's for her state of being. Life went on no matter what aspect of one person's stopped. Children were born or going to be born. People remembered states of being. Diarmuid's words in her ear were ones that made her cross herself with a nod of her head, before her hands closed over his to accept the rosary. Beneath the table, Jesus in hand, she gripped at the edge of her seat at the mention of that one state she no longer was, but kept her dignity enough not to dissolve in to tears.


Master Voltaire

Voltaire watched her, and connecting pieces felt a part of himself want to reach to La Bella. While he sipped his drink and enjoyed a full meal, Janice would drink only water until it was time to drink the tea Adelaide had perpared. He leaned over to Eirian, gently whispering. "When.."


Lady Apollius

"As long as her husband has been missing, he left after it had happened." Their voices were low so as not to be heard, as it was it seemed that Eirian and Voltaire were closer to Ealora where Janice had not moved to fix her sudden emptiness around the table.


Lady Monroe

"I think I will go stand outside for but a little. If you will all excuse me." She canted her head to them, slowly. The stiches against the side of her head were no mystery, only the ones in the back. "Claudio, if you would be so kind as your hand please." She couldn't move walk without a gentle start, but he was kind enough to walk with her all the way as to watch over her (d)

Lady Malory

Her chin dipped downward as Maahes whispered the happentence of the valley to her. Lips once pulled into a smile began to slid into a frown. "Mom?" Issa chimed at her ear and her head turned and she offered him a smile once more to comfort him before squeezing her hand in his. "Bed time" She chimed to the kids and chairs began to scrap back. "Issa, help your little brother and sisters. Come here, kiss me" She drew them in with a wave of her hand. Isis was first, Bast and then Eppie, Issa and then Ra but when she tried to pull Ra in for a kiss he jerked back and gave his mother a scowl before stalking off after his siblings. Ealora face twinged with emotion but when her attention turned back to Voltaire, Eirian and the Brother who still remained when Janice departed, there was no show of it. "Seems I have missed much in trying to regain some life" She mused in sorts of an apology for joking about pregnancy so when she had been unaware of the situation.*

Lady Apollius

"It is not something you would have wanted to have borne witness to, it was your time to do just that, regain." Eirian allowed her smile to remain ever soft whilst her hands folded together against the table. She shook her head "No one need tell you to cherish it, it is a lesson you could have written Ealora. Those poor children, they are still so young having been so sheltered. Still, this is much for any one being to take. It was the shock, too much of it, too much pain. My physician said she had been in such a state more than now, worried senseless enough to have lost her hair. Julian was losing all sense of himself but it is not as seems." The boy was possessed.

[Master Jean-Claude d'Aquitaine]

She knew that for a fact, having touched that thing in his head.."Then the child, well. Many small things to many large ones. That is the way of the world. Yet even I in all my faith am apt to ask the Lord why. No faith is perfect, no, now it is without a doubt that of a mere woman.Those I have watched leave we pray for, they have no heart in them left. One can only give it so many times, whomever God brings back at the end of this dark thing..we will give praise."

Master Voltaire

-- "Signora, you are a wise woman. All who live here seem far wiser than most." He looked to where his son had taken the girl for air "I take it as many have before, someone posed to you many questions of this time. The General, the Lady here, you. Very good to lead them. You invited many to settle here and it is a marvel of a place. I only hope we will not bore you if you will come perhaps to Northampton?"

--
Lady Apollius

She smiled "Only to accompany you so far as to see the girl taken to Laurence, but I know my children would be an imposistion so I will stay within the castle when I do progress." (d)


Lady Monroe and Young Master Voltaire

Outside of the beautiful home built after distant places of harmony and peace, Janice tried to find such a thing as peace even if the disjoint in harmony was ever apparent. Claudio was reluctant to let her go. "Madame, you look tired." He voice the obvious, standing a hair's breath behind her. She wrapped her arms around her body for comfort against the wind until he put his cloak across her shoulders. It was still so tender, the gesture made her cringe sharply. "No..no," she whispered, her voice hardly anything, "I just need to be." Be where. Be what? To stand, to exist without thinking, feeling, or being anything to anyone. No one's worry. No one's trouble. No one's reason for sympathy. To feel no pain. To feel no hurt, neglect or abuse. To feel no anger. She walked into his world with open arms but even then had never expected the burn to be so much.

Why was unmitigated happiness only relegated to a few, short weeks?

The Masters had seen how he was tender towards her, but they had never seen how deeply they loved. They had seen her dote on him, but never how deeply she cared for him, down to each of them laughing as they other stitched one another's shirts or hems. No one knew how rich his laughter was. What it was like for him to kiss her from no where, for the admittances to all tumble out after they fought their own pride. Pride was tended by its own priests, vane and self serving, but they laid down to the other and surrendered. This aspect was divided by how much toil,worry, anguish and bitterness came quick on the heels of his anguish, only for him to apologize, but this time where would the apology come? She felt like in her heart he was gone to a place no one could ever reach, least of all her. She only had the best of him to lock away in her heart. God, as much as she loved God, had taken her baby.

"It was because I was scared to bear children, and loved it too late." She whispered, Claudio shaking his head gently as he rubbed her shoulders at the side. At the age of sixteen, he was not shy with the opposite sex as Janice or Julian had been. He did not believe that. From the little he knew of Janice, and what his father had said of all of them, tragedy was not uncommon beside the joy. They lived in extremes for they were extremes. "God is punishing me and right so, I showed not enough devotion before my husband." Julian had been like an idol, a temple. He still was. For all as much as she wanted to hurt him for the pain she felt, she wanted to hold him to save him from himself, she wanted to plead with him to come home, to give God one more chance. Funny being as she warred with God even now. "Julian was right to ask why, what did I do? Nothing..so I thought. God, did I offend you?" She looked up and sneered...the instant she realized the expression she cringed, starting to sob. Claudio would hold her, gently guiding her to a place to sit. Time would go by, time in which all others found sleep. Tea was prepared and drank, yet part of her crawled through the herbs powerful effects.

She sat now by a dying fire down to only embers having wandered around the halls for a time she couldn't count. Her eyes were half open, half shut. Her body was numb in her belly yet half alive across her stiched head. Nothing spun though, that was a rare blessing.

[Master Jean-Claude d'Aquitaine]

Lady Monroe

The outer world was the inner world, all confining and suffocating. The only difference was that outside the stars pricked through the fabric until the sun burned it all away. Claudio, Voltaire's son, had helped her to sit upon the large porch of the Lion's home. Lacking true sleep, Janice was a creature straddling sickness, sorrow, and some said two steps from death. Her knees were hugged up to her, the pain numbed by herbs inso much as her own curling in to herself. Wind blew, leaves across her feet collected with nothing done to remove them (d)


Brother O'Corrain

What did she make of the distant and silvery light of the stars and the moon? Did the moon come to represent the face of a distant God, the twinkling stars the eyes of His uncaring angels? What to make of it, then, when a warmth settled about her. It was not the touch of divine - although, it was carried out by the voice of God upon the earth - but of a thick and hearty woolen clock being draped over her shoulders. There was a soft smile in a voice that said, "How long have you tarried here, without a cloak? You'll catch your death of chill...." For all of the warmth in his voice, there was no mistaking that the good brother knew the matter was grave. And he was no simpleton either. For as the dinner hour had continued, he had watched the faces of fellow guest.... troubled by one question alone... Brother Diarmuid would move to her side, sitting down beside her on the porch. At length, content to let her have her thoughts, he would look to her. Then he gently said, "You know that I am always here, Janice, to do all I can to lighten both heart and soul....." He would turn his face to the stars above, but say nothing more. He would let her speak, first. But in his mind, a question: Where was the Young Master Monroe? (D)

Lady Monroe

"Thank you, Brother. You are most kind, for your cloak. Your words. I just do not know what it is you could do now save listen, for that may be all and enough. I can ask nothing of anyone. Too much has happened, too much. We did not heed you. We did not.." Tears welled but went unshed. Her eyes were visible as she huddled down inside of his cloak, sighing before putting back her head on the wall. "You have been so kind and I do not deserve it." Julian was a wild babe in the dark wood, the one of innocence torn free from her womb. (d)

Brother O'Corrain

One wondered what Janice would make of it, when Brother Diarmuid did something that could be completely unexpected. He would half-turn toward her, then wrap his arms around her. Gently holding her to him. "It is alright, Janice. I promise. I shall do all I can to make it so." There was a fatherly smile, as he pointed out that he could listen still and always. And that it could very well be all that it took to set things right. (D)


Lady Monroe

"These are promises even I do not know if you or any could keep. When it happened..there was so much blood. Julian never liked blood. Yet when i was in bed and all was settled for modesty for the midwife to work he ..hardly wanted to touch me. Then he blamed Jean-Claude for upsetting me...and left. I have not seen him since. I fear for him and I am angry with him. I am angry!" She had not expected to be touched. She stiffened, only to soften in his arms, leaning against him "For weeks such worry only for a week of peace followed by another of worry..lost hair, worried scars and tears..but it was nothing I said, nothing to his suffering..I am a terrible wife to think myself, to want myself equal to his pain. Yet? Yet? I found the proof of our marriage from spain, ruined. It can not be mended, i can not restore what is shorn and burned! There are those who would a attest to our life, like you but what little matter? Who would register it, who would dare? I am angry he makes me little more than his common law harlot." He loved her, she was no whore, right? She bit in to her lip, "But I vowed to God and so will live it. If not him, then no one. I want no more of it. If I can not live it unto him, than I want to be done of the world sir. I have thought, that if all will not be mended twixt us, I will go to the abbey." (d)

Brother O'Corrain

Brother Diarmuid would lightly squeeze her, before turning her loose. He was gentle with her in all things, listening to her words. There was a slight nod of his head, to show that he was listening. He took a breath, before saying gently, "I am certain that all shall be well...." He meant the words. Whether or not it would be so, was a matter completely out of his hands. Still, he lightly squeeze one of Janice's. There was another gentle smile, "I shall help you in whatever way that you desire.. for whatever the outcome, I too have made a vow before God. One to help you in whatever way I can." There was a moment's pause, before he said, "If it is something that you still seek.... I would not hesitate to register your marriage within the Church." Otherwise, he would be there to help her settle once more into the routine of the Poor Claires. There was a brief pause, before something flashed across his features. "My dear.....how did you wound your head?" (D)


Lady Monroe

His eternal optimism was sweet she couldn't ingest, a drink for a parched throat that couldn't swallow. "What I desire...what I desire.." What did she desire? Fresh tears welled in near dry eyes for the tears didn't fall, yet these did now. "what I desire can never be for it has already past, how can what has past come again? It caaaaan't." She whispered down in to her lap "You can not register it, it would never be acknowledged by him, not this way, it would only bring more hurt, more embarrassment and I can not allow that, the truth is known enough and I will keep it.or it will be the end, please do not. I want him to be found, and..healed. I want him to pray, I want things that may never manifest. He has been gone a week sir, a week! He may never come back, or if he does, what if his mind is empty. A lunatic heretic for a husband!" When asked why the stitches on her head came to be she whispered, "Did not Jean-Claude tell you?" (d)


Brother O'Corain

"As I have said, I have promised to aide both you and Young Master Monroe in anyway I can.... and so I shall." Somewhat firmer, hinting at the true steel at the priest's core, he said, "Whatever comes, know that you shall not go it alone. Nor shall Julian. For I am here. As is Master deAquatine and his wife. And if needed, we can summon the Grandmaster. We are *all* your friends, Janice. We will be your strength no matter what comes." The last was said as he gently put a hand on her knee, looking in her in the eye. Quietly, he shook his head, "Not as yet...although he did say that he wished to speak with me." He was going to try to meet with Jean-Claude later. Carefully, Brother Diarmuid would study the stitches that he could see. Ironic, then, that he had his own head bandaged? (D)

Lady Monroe

She cringed as if admonished by the lashing of tongue with facts she needed to hear, a lesson forgot he the teacher made her to memorize it. "I am supposed to the Grandmasters estate today, Northampton, for keeping." Keeping. "My own house would hurt me..the baby's room." The word made her cross herself as she curled in to her body. Licking dry lips she turned to him to say in a very simple tone "I fell, I hit my head twice upon the Lady Eirian's library shelves."Not how she fell, or why she fell. Just that it happeend. (d)



Brother O'Corrain
Brother Diarmuid frowned quietly, but he was far to polite to press the issue. She had 'fallen'? Twice? There was a nod of his head, "I am sorry that you were hurt by it...." And yet, he showed restraint. For he did not ask why she had said that they had not heeded him. In away, Brother Diarmuid already knew. (D)

Lady Monroe

"Sir, I have been hurt by many things in my life over my short years..this hurts me the most. I have.allowed my flesh to be peddled..no it was not Peregrine. I was my who whore and brothel keep. It was me. Trying to do something to others but it was a sin. I have..lived beyond myself, beyond the walls. My mother sheilded me so much from the world. I love life, Brother, I do. I just am sad to live it.." She rubbed at her head gently before muttering "I fell..when Julian spoke and the voice was not his own." That was all she could say more of it...He could tell if he looked that some of her hair along the side of an old scar had thinned (d)

Brother O'Corrain

Brother Diarmuid frowned. After Janice had spoken of both loving life and being sad to live it, Brother Diarmuid said, "....I do not like this turn in you. It is not the Janice that I know." There was a sigh, as he looked toward the stars again. In truth, he feared that he was running fast out of platitudes to offer. There was a quiet nod, at what she had said. ...So it was as he had feared. From the beginning. Still, he would try to be the eternal optimist. Gently, he said, "It is my oath unto God that I shall help you both...and it shall be renewed many a time." Until all was set to right. There was a softening of his expression, "For now, I shall worry over you....." There was a soft smile, "Come, let us get you inside and out of the chill...." (D)

Master deAquitiane

It was strange to be so at peace when all the world was falling around him, but Red Wall had that power. He felt safe and secure inside the confines of the Lord General's home, but could see why Maahes kept to himself. The open windows were delicately done with cherry wood and thick paper to symbolize peace and prosperity. However, Jean-Claude, could not take this ache much longer, and now with Adelaide's sudden illness he was deeply concerned. Rising from the bed he would move from the security of his beloved wife who was curled around her daughter, and one of her hands over the start of the small bump of their unborn. When she gave out a moan of protest he would kiss her temple and whisper of his love of her, and that he would return soon. Wrapping the robe of silk around him, he put his feet inside his slippers and made way for the door. Thankful for Adelaide as ever, she thought to bring everything. It was in the late hours of the night did Jean-Claude simply relax and the open halls were welcoming. He felt her heart, he knew her heart..he knew it well, and knew the sounds that beat inside like a drum that now broke into a hundred pieces. Pressing back the door to where they sat he would help the Brother escort her in, "I knew I would find you awake," His smile was careful, but kind, "Brother Diarmuid..how thankful I am for your patient hand." He held himself together by a thin thread. It was in his eyes did his weariness show the most, the black pitch endless orbs that hardly reflected any light, but could keep the world inside them. What had she told him? How much has she spoke? (d

Lady Monroe

The secrets told were really the worst kept kind, like their love or their marriage now crumbling like the dust under the wheels of the carts as people would make ready to move from here as the day progressed. A beautiful place! Janice would never deny that. Had it been another time she would have stayed with Eirian until the days grew too cold, yet filled ever with life. She would have walked Maahes temple in contemplation of her own God but for now she felt as though God were giving her a clear sign: some people are not made for the world nor is the world ready for them. "Good morning, Jean-Claude," she said with faint smile. His tiredness was evident. But what could she say? you are tired because of me.. it mattered little what fault they had laid. "The Brother is good to all of us..I.I don't sleep Jean-Claude I think.. I slept perhaps an hourIt was something." She rubbed at her head. the dark eyes of her father-in-law looked like the night with no stars. "I watched Eirian go back to her home, to ready the last of the things. They say she will leave to join her daughter. The children have already gone. Brother O'Corrain will you please set me down?" Walking was a skill that advanced or retreated depending on the mood of an hour (d)

Brother O'Corrain

Brother Diarmuid would laugh softly, smiling to Master deAquatine, "It is a Virtue." There was a soft smile, as Janice flattered him. Still some what cheerily, "....no, I do not believe so. What I will do, however, is see you back to your chambers so that you may rest...." Yes. He had heard, but it was still his - as confessor, friend, and physician - to at least put forth the effort to see her back to her chambers. In the hopes that she might sleep..He cared not whether it was aided by herbs or because exhaustion at last had claimed her. There was little doubt that Claudio would be receiving redoubled instructions on not leaving the Lady Monroe's side -- it would not do if she collapsed from exhaustion and came to some harm. "And good morning --" Was it truly morning already? "to you as well, Master deAquatine." (D)

Master deAquitaine

The wolves of the morning had started long before the sun did rise, and the sound chilled him greatly. "Ma Ange..look at you, oh." It broke him as he extended a pale hand to her, once the sight beyond rare of long fingers that held the ruby of his heritage. The proud house of Aquitaine there upon his knuckle, also acted as his wedding ring as Adelaide had one like it. The flesh there was smooth though scarred deeply it was masked well, and he no longer hid from his past. "Come here. Come sit with me, ma petite..come. Brother, thank you." He would soothe over her hair kissing her temple lightly as they all took their seat, "We fear greatly brother, but our faith is not lost. Tell me of your plan, I pray you have one for I have done everything." (d

Lady Monroe

She accepted his hands, she even sat. The love she had for Jean-Claude was as bright as the ring on his hand. Her own was not so grand nor bright, merely clockwork pieces polished to do until another one was bought, but that day would never come. Once led to sit down she found herself saying. "God be with you Brother, for there is no plan on man's world, nor science, or art, or any such accomplishment. Man is killing man so I pray you have something to say where God has not lost favor. Jean-Claude does not speak for me, I believe so deeply yet I am so angry at God I could choke on it. I can not eat, I can not sleep. God willing if I am taken that will be a glorious day. To be taken by women of God or God himself..." She shook her head, speaking aloud what was in her thoughts "I..I am sorry. Pay me mind, please. I am not myself.." She turned her face away, ashamed. Asking for death or for seclusion. Blaspheming. Angry at god, wishing is mercy. Paradox. She put her face in her hands but shuttered. It hurt to bend forward again. It hurt to touch her face. It just hurt to live. (d)

Master deAquitaine

"Shhh now, Mon cher..we need God more then ever." As the Brother went off for breakfast Jean-Claude would sit there on the sofa with Janice watching the night fade away in the distance. The hills were nothing but black rolling patches on the horizon, but soon the gold would shine through. He curled her under his arm, held her to his chest as if she were a child, but with her he could be so close. Despite his appearance he was very much alive, and warm. The silk of his robe was thin, and the fabric of his night clothes thinner. This would be the moment many came to realize there was indeed a stout solid man beneath all the fancy fabrics. Jean-Claude was thin yes, but he was built well. "This is so hard on you..I could not imagine, for I have lost a son, but you..you have lost both." He bit his lip to keep from telling her what Eirian saw, but instead let the single tear slide down his face, "We will get him back. You will see. You must have faith, Janice. In God, and me." (d



Lady Monroe

"Papa.."She shook in his hold and surrendered all the thoughts of stance, position or appearance. They were from the ego and vanity was a sin. Vanity, lust, gluttony, vice ,murder. So much sin permeating such a beautiful world. Not ignorant of the beauty it helped no fractured mind understand why. "All the reasoning I gave to Julian and I can not even take it now..my husband is gone, my baby...God took Marius for I believed him false...and he was only preparing me..but for what..for what? You can not do this." She sobbed as she held him so tight "Your wife is pregnant, she can not be sick..or Genevieve..you can not. When I go to Northampton I shall never come out again, I shall not come out unless it is to go back to the abbey..with the nuns..I can not" She could vanish in his arms "You are so thin, so worried.." Said the vanishing girl in his arms. "Please do not leave us to? I wish I could believe he will come back to me..I wish..but if he does what if he kills me?" She was so deathly afraid, and yet "Yet I am dying already..what does it matter..." (d)

[Lady Eirian Gwenyth Apollius]

The Ultimate Realization in the Danger of Doubting
Part i

Lord Apollius

The door to their large house was cast open as a loud crack of thunder rumbled high in the dark sky. The wind blew dead leaves into the foyer before Apollo twisted to slam the door shut. Never had he moved with such speed. Dressed in a unique tunic, with a hooded robe draped over his shoulders as a makeshift wind break to ward off the chill. The tattered hems of which were cast back as he sprint from the foyer toward his lower study. Both doors were thrown wide, and he moved across the room, striding with some underlying purpose! A candle was pulled back, and the sound of several locks broke the silence of the room. Book shelf after book shelf was twisted to reveal a collection of highly lethal weapons racked against soft cushions without a hint of dust on any. The first he pulled was the red bladed sword Elundias, a gift from Siobhan the seer of Sarmaetia. The second was a large musket, and a smaller pistol. He armed himself quickly, turning to leave the displays in plain view. From the doorway, he screamed Eirian's name, his voice containing urgency unlike any she'd heard since his time in the wars. "EIRIAN!"[d]

Lady Apollius

No one trusted the world now. An open door thrown back with thunder rolling in the sky was accompanied by lightning's flash, bringing white light that poured in through the windows of the home. Made to embrace nature, it was strange that the Steward talked of closing all of its gates. Windows shut against the rain might not come open. At the foyer the maids crossing hither and yon on their chores jumped! Under foot the leaves would crunch as places they found to pay salutations to the Lord and Master. Delicate shoulders shook. Always gentle they were never so low of eye that nothing but their lids remained for him to view before the departure of all of them in to the household shadows. The knocking didn't stop. Pressed against the wall, the gentle Lisa found herself frightened. "What is he looking for, what is he doing? No more! God no more.." One of the groundskeepers gathered her up inside of his arms. By candlelight a small gathering watched him tear his study to shreds, knocking over things considered precious. The sound drew his wife from another wing of the house, a candle in hand to join their silent vigil. "What if he is..." Next it was Tabitha's turn to speak. What if he, like the other guest of the house had gone outside of himself? Monroe-Madness, they called it. "Be still, tell everyone to go about their business.." Her name bellowed up from below as she looked down the few stairs from the door to carry her to him. It was the fever in the way he said her name that made her go in; overcome, overwhelmed as if a man against a rising tide. "Talion, Talion! What is it? Why are you.." Overturned shelves with all of the weapons on him she saw the ghosts of the past. He wanted to return to use, didn't he? For now it was almost too much to bear. Her arm swept around while eyes continued to ask why (d)

Lord Apollius

"Grab a coat and a bible, cross, whatever the hell it is you need to bless something. Make it quick!" He yelled, moving to his desk to scribble some notes down. What were they? Recollections of what he saw, to reassure himself he wasn't going mad. The hooded cloak was cast back, and he went about slinging the blade to his back so that the hilt rested below his armpit, ready to pull, but concealed. He threw the cloak back on, then slung the musket across his back, and stuck the pistol under one of his many belts that held varying pouches for random things. He pulled his hair back from his face, tying it there so he could use his peripheral without obscurity. "Come on, come on.." He called, moving back to the foyer to pace by the door.[d]

Lady Apollius

"What? You want me to gather..what?" Items for blessing? That made no sense. Nothing in the overturned assortment of items made sense but a whirlwind of confusion that for an instant made her think her husband indeed might have seen too much. "Talion I can bless nothing! You must summon a priest for such a think.. a monk, a friar..of which we lack not in this valley. The praying of a nun!" She threw out the knowledge at him, the right way. What did he wished blessed and why would he seek to take with him black powder weapons, steel? She came from the study but didn't advance towards him. He frightened her, by his look alone he did. (d)

Lord Apollius

"Eirian-- get what it is you lot need to do a blessing, or so help me I'll do it myself and risk being damned to the reaches of Hell for ALL ETERNITY!" He reached over to collect a bible and pushed it into her grasp. "I am no..I am not going crazy.." He mumbled. "I know what I saw." He turned from her and stepped back outside, his cloak immediately taking flight behind him. He went to ready her horse, his own was still by the stable to keep it from being frightened from the storm. He worked very quickly.[d]


Lady Apollius

"Talion! Only in our home might we pray for such but they do not come from such as me..you..you are risking your soul already by asking such a blasphemous thing!" People could go out in the name of Christ in the absence of clergy, for the bible said so did it not? To love Christ was to become his acolyte? He spoke of damned souls, things that had never crossed his mouth with so much of a casual indifference. Like the love before him, he, too came from a land of old ways. What had he seen that turned him to the face of the Holy Host? He thrust the bible in her hands so hard she stumbled back. As he left her presence the book in black leather was pressed against her body. All of them had heard it - all of them looking at her in questions, fear, and suspicion. There was no one among them that hadn't heard or equally as many who believed. Stories of connections beyond distance or time. A chance to peer through the looking glass of all-hours. Yet this was more than that. It was as if he implied..no..demanded...that she come "He will not relent..he won't.." she whispered "lady Tabitha fetched the things he asked for..my thick cloak, my rosary. The crucifix that sits near the bedside table not yet on any wall..." The Steward watched from door as the Lord disappeared around the corner. "Eirian I refuse." This would not bode well. Within minutes she was arrayed for travel, the cloak hiding her figure, sturdy boots against her feet, gloves. The objects were placed within an inner hiding place inside of her cloak, still the Steward Thomas would not allow her outside of the door. When Talion returned he'd find the man perhaps his age if not but a little younger glaring at him as he barred Eirian's exit (d)


Lord Apollius

Apollo held no restraint, rearing back he punched Thomas right in the mouth with enough force to knock him from his feet and to his back. In the same momentum, he placed the heel of his boot on his upper chest, pinning the man there and yanked the pistol from his belt to level the barrel at the man's face. "You will let my wife pass." He clicked the hammer back. "..and you will never question me again." Looking up to Eirian, quite certain he'd made his point, he nodded toward the horses. "Time to go." Blood dripped from his knuckles from the connection he made with the man's face, but Apollo didn't seem bothered by it. He slid the pistol back under the belt and hoisted himself onto the back of his horse only after helping Eirian to hers. Without ceremony, his horse reared back at the crack of thunder, but he showed a mastery of horseback riding and managed to stay on. "YAA!"[d]

Lady Apollius

"Thomas please." She begged, but the man wouldn't relent, all but instrucing the maids to take her and lock her in the nearest room. Words were forming for opposition "N.." Crack! He felt himself going backwards, his face turning to the wide with the force of the hit to his mouth. HIs hand tried to find the offended place once his back connected with the ground. The others tried to go to him but were repelled by the fact the man's chest was being crushed under boot. Gasps permeated the air with the howling wind "NO, PlEASE MERCY MY LORD" The Steward's wife clutched at her heart, said to be the stoutest of all of having lived here so long. Right now it threatened to stop, then and there. "TALION ..STOP..yes..yes I will go..I will come.." A way was opened for his wife, who looked back over her shoulder at the way Thomas was pulled inside. The doors didn't shut against the rain. Everyone looked on as if either of them might never come back,and if the man did without the woman.....Without assistance her left foot found the stirrup. She hoisted up, putting her right leg over as she found her position within the saddle. What words could be said? Nothing. Nothing was spared to anyone but a nod as she dug her heels hard in to the flanks of the beast to spurn it on with a crack of the reigns (d)


Lord Apollius

Apollo rode hard, but Eirian had always been the faster rider. He was certain she'd have no issue keeping up with him. They passed by an abandoned wagon that looked to be raided, but Apollo made no indication of stopping. The rain pounded like stinging needles and low hanging branches caused minor trauma along the path. When he stopped, his horse reared back from the sudden. They were outside a poorly lit Inn, one that had been shut down for many, many years. Outside, dressed in a red cloth monk-like robes was a man who looked harmless. He looked jumpy when he saw Apollo, but that didn't stop him from coming toward him and his wife. Apollo slid from the side of his horse, leaving Eirian to watch in his wake. Talion was mumbling as he eyed the man. If one listened, it sounded like some sort of attack plan. "First.. distract target, then block his blind stab. Counter with cross to left cheek. Discombobulate. Dazed, he will attempt a wild punch; employ elbow block and body shot. Block for low left, weaken jaw, then fracture. Break ribs, traumatize solar plexus., dislocate jaw entirely. Two-step side kick to sternum, killing blow..." No sooner had he finished, Apollo performed his intended plan flawlessly. He distracted the man by tossing his cloak at him, blocked the knife weilding stab and countered with a powerful cross punch. He continued to lay into the man until he took his side kick and sent the robed male through the weakened wooden door. The wood shattered, the door falling back with the man'sbody on top of it. He twitched, blood emerging from the quick production of strikes. There, within the inn stood an altar with the naked bodies of the recently deceased travelers. And around them was a huge group of circled robed men, with one holding a knife above the only living survivor, a young little girl. Apollo paused then, sure his wife had caught up to him by now.[d]


Lady Apollius

Eirian kept the pace set by the hell hunted hooves of Apollo's horse. He was named for the God of the Sun and Art, with a sister who patroned Hunters, the woodlands, and the sacred. He seemed more the incanration of Aries, god of War, than of the chariot driver for the golden light of morning. Nothing was said between them. The rain ran off the cloak in small rivers to waterfalls as it collected in the horsehooves left in muddy terrain. An empty wagon drew her eye for the flash of a second. Lighting split the sky, makin her duck her head low as the white light was blinding more though the near catastrophic causing amount of rain. Naked tree branches were hands to claw, to snatch. No time was given to braid her hair, so if the hood of the cloak were pushed back it was made to be that of a harvest blood ghost, full of brambles.

The destination he had never spoken of, the cause, no word. He was a man full of thought only on complete the tasks in which the objectives called for her. Nothing of what was inside. Nothing of why. Scarlet covered man might as well have been clad in black as the shadows bled over him. She stood by the horses, her feet paralyzed. "Apollo.." Shorter, direct, brief. In war he was not Talion. She wanted an answer! Instead he recited his battle plans aloud. No one else might have heard but she always had very keen little ears. Soon she became his shadow, moving closer until his intentions manifest in a dead body. Another fell, prey to his hunt. She gasped, face gone to ashes.. hands trembling as she looked up to that house. "Where have you taken me.." she mouthed. Too scared to enter..too afraid to be outside. It was only then she noted what had been put against the side of her horse: Serene Goggeld. Why had he pulled out her sword? Swallowing hard she pulled it from against the saddle in to her hands, leaving it one inch above the ground as she preceeded past his carnage. Water from her body dripped on them, making the blood run. The moment she went in...she was ready to run back out. Screams, screams all around! Pleas of 'Help me!' and 'No, no!'. Belly's being sliced. Eyes losing lights. "Talion.." She wanted to tell him no, no I am leaving. She wanted to pray he had not been taken by the darkness here. A sacrifical altar greeted a direct line of sight. She was infront of him by many steps..a girl...shaking. Men...ready to kill her. She opened her mouth to scream but nothing came out, only a hand clasped over it (d)

Lord Apollius

Apollo stepped ahead of Eirian, just as lightning flashed behind them, casting their shadows over those present. He was without his cloak now, and the men circled him as he crested the center most part of the room. What light was there, had been provided by a litany of candles stashed along the bar top and various tables still strewn in various parts of the room. It was clear as to what or why Apollo was here, he was going to kill them. Each man, fifteen in total, withdrew an item they intended to use as a weapon. Apollo calmly massaged his knuckles, glancing back to Eirian shaking his head subtly. It was to tell her to stay out of this altercation. He turned back to them straightening his arms. "Cursed be the ground; for our sake. Both thorns and thistles, it shall bring forth for us. For out of the ground we were taken for the dust we are.." He pulled Elundias from below his arm and held it low and ready. "..and to the dust we shall return." Apollo sprang into action almost simultaneously as they had. He cut one man's head completely off in a masterful stroke only to capture another and cut him across the chest, use his body as a shield and stab from under his arms to kill another. The fight was fast paced, Apollo remaining in the center sending one man stumbling in death toward a table to smash to the ground, or to drop dead at his feet. In a matter of twenty seconds, the last two foes were struck down, and Apollo remained in the center unscathed. Some had questioned the old man's swordsmanship abilities, few had the privilege to live to speak of them after the fact. Blood slowly dripped from the stained blade as Apollo turned to Eirian. "I know you're here.." He spoke out loud. "Your evil presence is akin to the most foul stench of death I have ever smelled. Give us a sign to account for your handy work here.." Silence, rain, then there was a huge BOOM, as if something had landed on the wooden floor. Steps taken, drawing closer, until the young girl's body arched skyward. She screamed, her chest sinking in as the air was pushed out. Then, she just went limp and her eyes reopened. Without a sign she was hurt from her injuries, she sat straight up, staring at Eirian with an unblinking gaze..[d]


Lady Apollius

As the battle ensued the silence was filled with sound. She screamed loud and long. When had this happened? Why, Why God?! The wrath of the Lord was present in Elundias - the arm of Talion the avenging arch -angel as in the reflection of lightning it caught fire on the gleaming tip. She looked everywhere, man after man advancing. She held her sword..prepared..but could not journey forward. The gutteral sound of failing life was a wave washing over the house. The floorboards groaned in unseen weight shifting over them. Shadows in the dark betrayed to other shape as the foundation seemed to rock. How contrasting were they, his blood covered weapon to her still innocent steel tonight. How could he? "Who is here?" Were not they dead? A stupid question for the foolish wife knew the answer better than the man who asked it. Sapphire gaze darted with the shadow, the light, the unknown. "Apollo..no..no send for a priest!" She all but pleaded as the man challenged the darkness. No, didn't he know what lurked there that no teaching of Kurieal Savant or his blackened tatoo could conquer? He advanced, she came up behind him to watch with morbid curiousity "Summon a priest Talion for the love of God!" In his mind he had accomplished the degree on his lists by pulling his wife forward. No, it was not with all her true will that she went for had she known she might have prevented him, bid him send for the General's men. Could he not have taken Maahes with him? Sound burst! A thud, creeping round until screams crafted from hell came out of the body of a girl. She shook "How could you..how could you.." She hissed with vehemence at him - at the Devil - mayhaps even at God. Eyes to eyes now. It was not Talion it looked at. It from the body of a girl. It looked at her, a madness reminiscent of what curled in a mind she could no longer see. Red cowled men.."A house of the priests of the Black Sabbath." for it was all relative. Their altar, the bodies of the naked staring. One body was eyeless. The eyes of the girl were dark morbid things... "Find a priest, Talion." She uttered again..coming forward of him but a little. From within her cloak she drew out the word of God. "and pray God I forgive you.." Would they dance, the dark thing. Would it speak? (d)


Lord Apollius

"A priest is already coming, my lady." Apollo replied, sounding highly annoyed or frightened. He watched the interaction between this girl and Eirian, and he suddenly felt protective of his wife. Why bring her here? Apollo knew of no one else to bring. Anyone else might have hanged him for lunacy, but Eirian gave him the benefit of doubt. He stayed his blade by storing it back within its scabbard and crossed the room to stand by her. Outside, the thunder crashed and the wind blew, but their priest had yet to arrive. All the while this naked adolescence stood up straight from the alter, wet bare feet flexing to take the weight of her small body as she turned to face Eirian once more. Wet hair made tangled hair look wild, and it shifted as the girl turned her head to the side as if curiously regarding Apollo before looking to Eirian. There were distinct bones popping, they came from the girl's body. Akin to the sound of knuckles popping, the girl had rotated her head just enough to loosen the stiffness there. This gesture was the most intimidating thing Apollo had ever seen from something so odd and unworldly. He took a step back, unsure of what to do. The girl dipped her chin, regarding Eirian with utter disgust as she pulled the word of God from her cloak. Hiiiissss.[d]

Lady Apollius

"Nothing was here...for years...nothing. Now it has become the house of horror." Was this why all the wrong in land begun? Was it these men with the red cowls and altar of uncovered flesh that took the lives. She wanted to believe - indeed she did believe - that for an instant perhaps it could be. Her bold, strong husband who could wage man's war pulled from his home a pious, ardent woman whom he thought could do great things. Everyone sough her! Questions of hope, questions of despair. Yet he pulled her not for question but for an answer. An answer in the form of the Testement's teaching of holiness wrought in the name of the Christ. Mark 16:15-18. As she spake it in the tongue of her mother and father. Shrinking in to herself to draw out the most basic root, the bible was slipped inside close to her body once more. Around her wrist came to be twined the rosary. She shook it! Thrust it out at the adolescent and she hissed! Spurned onward, she made a move for Eirian only to find that she brought Serene against the adolescent's arm, spilling blood from a deep cut. She screamed, curling in on herself to hold the offended limb before hissing. "Where is he..Talion." She whispered as she moved in a circle, so did the girl. Her eyes were fired as if Eirian had a fever. "Where is he?!" Was this a nightmare for touching the young man..was it...She began to recite the book of Luke,the story story of barren Elisbeth and Zaccharus who walked upright in the lord to be blessed yet could not believe then unto Joseph and Mary went an angel, and the virgin held in her belly Christ Jesus. Was the girl truly beset or was it all the delirium of the house, the black sabbath enacted herein? She backed away..and if the girl followed, they would walk beyond the dead bodies. near to the stairs (d)


Lord Apollius & Lazarus

Apollo watched in a curious effort to find out what was happening. He jumped when the girl came at his wife, but Eirian handled herself with such fluid grace that it made his lip curve, despite what was happening. She spoke the words from the bible in her native tongue, some of the dialect to old for Apollo to understand.-- Then as she asked of the priest, he arrived behind them. A shadow in the doorway wearing a large brimmed hat and holding a cane. No priest looked as this one did, with a dirty face and the tattered cloth of his denomination. He stepped beside Eirian now, and the girl cowered back hissing at him. He slammed his staff against the wood, demanding something in German. The girl screamed and he lifted the staff to stab at her. At the end of the staff, embedded in the flat portion was the cross of a rosary. He pressed the staff to her forehead, using this to keep his distance as he demanded something more in German. The very words drove her back without him employing a bit of force. The girl pressed her back to the wall as St. Lazarus removed his large brimmed hat to reveal his haggard face. He had a blank look then turned to Apollo and Eirian, asking something in German. "He wants to know if this place has been blessed."[d]

Lady Apollius

If nothing else for the years of companioning General's in the shadows of monarchy Eirian was never weak of mind or soul. Now the years came at last when the body could match the mind. He had made her a sword that she could hold with no trouble, meant to move as she moved when she danced. Just as she would have cut the girl again the man came forward. Instead of the Church's Latin he used his own language, one Eirian could not speak. "No! It has not been blessed the walls, the floors it all screams. It screams so loud I can hardly hear you!" She snapped. The girl was pushed back by the stick it seemed, contained for now. The bodies..as she looked to he hanging dead they were possessed of heads, the bodies not marked in symbol. "It is not...it is not them that have killed my people? Oh God what has befallen us.." She began to back away. Let the girl run at the men! God forbid..if her mind had been bent in her captivity the objects on the Welsh woman's person would make the girl recoil. She lifted sword up all the same, moving backward. "I can not stay here...I can not stay. I can't!" She screamed,looking up at the ceiling as if listening to things they couldn't hear. "It is the business of the priest.." Denial. Deep, deep denial ripped inside of her. One admitted gift yet what was ensuing now. No. No. Not after standing inside the mind of the boy. Not after the magnification of that. "It is the business of the priest.." (d)

Lazarus

Her arm was grabbed by the priest and he shook his head. He could understand English, he just couldn't or wouldn't speak it. Frowning at her, he turned to face her fully. With both hands free, his staff leaned against his shoulders and he began to say a prayer in Latin. It was one Eirian may have been familiar with. He reached for both her hands, closing his eyes fearlessly, chanting. He made it clear she was not leaving. The prayer continued when he broke from her and began going to each of the windows and doors, drawing a cross with his finger and marking them with the power of Christ. Suddenly things began to happen around them as the young girl collapsed onto the ground. She looked to be unconscious. Splinters of wood began to move, a broom shaking off in the corner. A table flipped, and steps other than their own were being taken. Lazarus kept his prayer going, his eyes partially open to find all open portals.[d]



Lady Apollius


"No....no.. let me go!"

English to his silence. Pleas to his determination. "TALION!" Apollo's wife looked at him with wide eyes filled with angry, frightened tears. She struggled against it, her sword dropping as he took up the most powerful weapon: praying hands. "What has gone on in this house...what..what.." The questions caved under the prayers of Latin. The man wanted her to pray with him. Spirits moved or so they seemed. Was it too much strain? Her mouth moved in time with his as the prayer and his hands all but anchored her here. Her eyes looked at husband in constant pleading: Please I beg you do not let me be used this way. Please Apollo! You have no idea..the horror....Oxford.. Being a thing in a cage for this. Her mouth continued to pray as her back avoided the wall. She wanted to touch nothing here! Her feet burned, her throat went dry. Gently her hand unlatched from the priest...gentle...timid..frightened. The hand went to the wall. As if a gate had been opened the voices crying seemed to begin to sigh in relief. When would he say amen? Instinct was stronger than fear, but it was more than any could rightly stand. (d)

Lazarus

Lazarus turned to look over the girl, kneeling as he prayed and fixing her body to lay up right so he could examine her for injuries. All the while his prayer continued, verses so long and thought out, it was a feat he knew all of this. Coming to fruition now, he drew closer to Eirian and reached for the bible in her hand. Placing his hand upon it, his own hand carved cross lay over a specific page as he started at the back of the room to push everything out. Soon, silence followed; nothing. The very aura of the place had changed, and the father was kneeling, thanking the lord in his own way. Amen. From outside came more voices, the sounds of someone screaming in terror as they were being drug along the stone pathway leading them to the cleansed building. Tempered by the darkness of the tavern, death was all that awaited them. Had Lazarus come alone? An audible click sounded then, obviously from a gun, but not Apollo's. He stood by his wife, holding her close. Just then, Lazarus straightened and a brilliant flash of orange showed the blank expression on his face as he discharged the weapon. A trail of smoke followed the round he fired, all the way up till it made a thunking motion that sent a hooded man to the ground outside with a hole in his head, and its contents sprayed upon the comrades in tow. He fell back, dragging the victim he drug with him. Four others stepped ahead, drawing swords to await what was inside their tavern. Lazarus began another prayer in german, taking his time to reload the weapon he just fired. The distance to the door closing as light from outside showed the outline of his disheveled shadow.[d]


Lady Apollius

The girl seemed to come in to herself, screaming at the man who touched her. "Holy Mother, where am I, where am I? What are you doing to me..where are my parents...my uncle..where are..my..my clothes.." She scrambled backward amidst the gunfire in to Eirian, who though she could not bring herself to touch her yet..disrobed of her cloak. It was wet, but it was cover. It mattered little as the water soaked through the garment so that the wool dress underneath clung to her body. Was there a need of them? A priest who prayed only to engage with weapons of blackpowder. Light manifest, a dream made real. A fragmentation of the mind for the house had shook with the land as they prayed. Ground rocked which moved foundation. Natural - a sign of God's displeasure - but natural. Lightning had struck rear windows causing them to shatter and the wood to singe. Outside with the firing of guns she covered her ears, the poor girl cowering inside of the wet fabric. Both of them shook, the bible lay on the floor just as Lazarus had left it. "Take..me..home. u..Us." Despite what tricks the mind played the altar of flesh was very real. The cowled men worshipping the black prince was real, and all the rest could be attributed to the world or a weary mind. Never one to deny what was there, her admittance would come hard pressed. The girl was sick, as if she'd been stuffed with ritual disgust. Eirian put her arm around her..her Rosary around the girl's neck to be a cross worn. "Close your eyes until I tell you to open them ." No one could tell Eirian to close her own eyes. (d)

Lazaraus

Lazarus stepped outside, not frightened at the numbers of who gathered. Instead, he held his free hand up amidst reloading, and made the symbol of the cross. A second later, the four standing were now on the ground with only the sound of thunder to mask the distant cracks of blackpowder. The origins of the shots were unknown, but another figure stepped out to join Lazarus. Dressed in black, attributed to personal style and latest fashion, the man they called Percival was there. They spoke in German, but it all sounded abrupt. Apollo touched Eirian's shoulder. "Come on.. we have done our part. Percival and the Father are looking for the remaining members of this.." He collected her bible from the floor and walked back to offer his hand. His hand was caked with his own blood, the result of fighting. "Come now, love." Lazarus stepped back in and collected his cross. Each body in the room was being moved, collected to be carried out and burned all courtesy of the holy priest. Percival remained outside, acting as a sentry along the path. His arms were crossed over his chest, the expression on his face a slightly amused one. "Apollo. We'll take the girl." Their plans with the child unknown.[d]

[Lady Eirian Gwenyth Apollius]

part ii

Lady Apollius

The sounds of gunfire were instant and then as if nothing had ever been, were gone. The girl clung to Eirian's wet wool dress with nails enough to dig at the uppermost layer of skin. Black figures contrasted the dead of the red cowl, filled with iron, bleeding in to the ground. There was so much blood going out as easily as the passage of German from one person to another. The girl clung harder to her as the eyes asked her to come before words were uttered of the directive. The women stepped forward. A bloodied bible was offered but the owner shook its head "Burn it, I will acquire another. This house is to be put to torch." Gently moving, moving on. Among the rafters she saw it: The pentegram etched, then on the landing of the stairs. Not on bodies, but so marked. It looked too familiar! Her mind screamed that if one mission and another's fall were intertwined, the intersection was bleak indeed. The young girl muttered something in her ear alone, so close she was "We was leavin the settlement of Willingham..somethin was wrong after a few folk drunk the ale in the inn, at the supper..we were trying to get away." Rambling recitation as if the mind were trying to digest..When Percival said he would take the girl, she turned to Talion: "I forbid him to take this child. She is naked, cold!" From one mad man to another. A trusted Knight Champion - she believed in him, took him when his convictions never matched the expectation of good - yet now..all of them could go to hell. "You won't..you wont.." she clung on to Eirian like a second skin. "No.." The girl was a strange entity, but she had been a fleeing villager from one of the valley's settlements. As with every estate that helped to govern and protect on invitation, these were there people. Being the first estate there within years? These were her people. They were Apollo's people. "I trust you have not shot my horse." She snapped,bidding the girl come with a gentle hand to her back. Two people could go upon that one horse. Scared, in deep doubt afflicted, angered and beyond belief of what to truly think the woman who extended every kindness looked to be as welcoming as steel barbs and crowns of thorns. (d)


Master Vizharen

Percival remained slightly amused by the retort, but he didn't argue. He figured there would have to be a compromise. "As you wish, my Lady. My company will follow the girl then, I insist. We can only assume that lot are after the ones from 'round here, and if she has been ..effected by this substance they speak of, I only wish to' collect a trace to give to my sister. I am also I physician. I was gonna help." He turned when she asked of her horse and he pointed in the opposite direction where a lone rifleman stand. "We moved 'em. Didn' want our visitors to realize anythin' was wrong, know wha' I mean?"-- Apollo shouldered past Percival, and pulled Eirian's horse closer. He'd offer to help her, then hoist the young girl up as well. -- Percival stood poised, next to a fiery haired woman. "Search the surrounding set'lment, Spectre. Double back with the Father to meet at the Valley, aye?" The rifleman nodded and turned to leave. Percival simply watched for now, his arms crossed. The Banshee woman staying at his side following his gaze with her own.[d]

Lady Apollius

"As I command." Not wish. Things could slip through fingers like sand. The girl, being so tangible was wrapped in sodden cloak and again now by the woman's arms. She listened to him rattle his qualifications against things he said...things he said that sounded exactly as the General had said. People infected with sickness, villages opened up to be as nothing save with perhaps one or two, covered in nakedness by their hair..these men. these Red Cowled men.."The General has commanded that no one else of yet move until all can be called together. Your sister has sent Master Voltaire with the Outriders, all gathered at the General's estate..you should go there to see what all know. I do not know where they came from.." She looked at the house. Much To Talion's surprise she shirked his arm, and he would say her own shaking, but she got herself and the girl on that horse. "But if you have been at work here..seeing these things, do not venture to do it alone among yourselves. Go to the General, go to Jean- Claude after to compare things. Please make him Talion. He would no more listen to me otherwise than listening to a child. As one sees he knows better." Forgive her, she was burdened beyond measure "And where were you Talion? I had not seen you these nights, worrying if someone took you in the woods or in these settlements. Our people are dying. Killing themselves. No heads. These are the first bodies in many days I have seen with heads on them, only bereft of eyes. There is so much more. A haunted mind..a young man." She wanted to tell him the tale yet could not trust Percival not to kill him...if it was indeed him. Were all the signs moving toward one mind unto so much chaos? How she wanted to believe this house was merely beset unto itself..that nothing here was like nothing done before. "Come home Talion. They tell me I can not stay nor what more can I do that has not been done, what more can be sent when more are sent out? Come home. Not to tear through things but to come home." She looked over at Percival "If you find any on your way to the Valley's heart..alive, uncrazed bring them to Red Wall the home of the general, you may not have time to make the other towns and cities outside." If his guards followed they followed, not as if she suspected they wouldn't. She dug her heels in to the flanks of the creature and started down the road for home. What was home now? (d)

Lord Apollius and Master Vizharen

Apollo shook his head. "I've been investigating this myself, Eirian. What I found tonight was testament to that." He climbed to his horse, irritated beyond belief. "Lord Vizharen, do as she commands. I will ride out to meet with the General in the morning when all things are secure at our estate. Your entourage is welcome to travel with us, and while you're there, you can examine the lass if Eirian finds it in her best interests to allow you." Percival nodded. "Very well. See you lot, shortly then." He lo' o' chyt to do."[d]


Lady Apollius

She knew he had been. She knew when he was in the woods so long with the scent of the hills following his footsteps it was because he had walked days and miles. Miles and days. "When the bodies were pulled from trees in the paths, a week old I could not see you. When it spread, a sickness. Still I could not see you. Not word, not whisper. Not even a thought." The veiled meaning in it so keen given the bond they shared "I have much to tell you at home. I will delay no more." If she had gone with the others that left for the capital would it still have haunted her nightmares? What scared her was that her husband knew enough to seek a priest, but it was none like she had even seen. Neither Templar or Hospitaler fought in such a way. What order was he that moved so? All the presence Lazerus had of a Dominican Inquisitioner but all the humility of a man enough to seek help, or at least know it was infront of him. Trail turned around bends, the ride back in a dry night. Mud made the horse hooves stick, returning slower than the coming. Her mind was flooded with images of a fireside where a young man asked for her help. "He said you could find my way home. I love my wife, and I can not hurt her." The blood of a young woman flowing out of her with the undeveloped life inside. Headless bodies marked by the sign of Satan. Villages destroyed by fire as told by the General, people in tent villages on the grounds of Red Wall, unknowing of the future. Maahes was close to being right in her eyes - God was angry with no mercy to spare. Only when the estate came in view again did she find any relief, cut to half by the pain. All of its gates, oft unseen besides the main, closed off the way to the unmitigated hill sides, leaving only the gardens built in to the natural world..People no doubt sat beside what seemed always boundless, and even the open architecture of the house was no remedy. "Open the gate.." She called up to the watch moving back wrought iron and wood. Talion was a man who moved to do what was right, who for months had been paralyzed with what to do next as age moved to him. His body did not match that age. Were the trees, the earth his succor? Eirian worried over no mistress greater than war. It was his will to return, hers to love him. But this was no war man could win, could they? Her anger with him fought alongside her cealess love for him. She was a worried wife, and tonight...it..hurt. To be hauled from their home. Purpose? Yes. But no explanation. He had never been that way. Even in the time of war, he had never been that way before her eyes at least (d)


Master Vizharen and Lord Apollius

The gates opened way for the entourage to come in. Percival had caught up to them, and rode in silence as he moved along the left side of Eirian. His face was a tablet of foreign letters, incapable of deciphering. His eyes told a dark tale most tried to ignore or overlook. His very aura was as dark as the night, yet he fought vehemently for good causes. What made him tick? The ones with him seemed blind, their stories blank as new ones formed. All of them foreign, even the priest. He worshipped God in his own mysterious way, but nothing on his person indicated a particular group. He looked the part of a holy vagabond, armed to the teeth and apparently extremely dangerous on both spiritual and physical fronts.-- Apollo remained silent, acknowledging his wife with a thoughtful nod. He had no words to explain the behaviour he showed. Fear, for the first time, wormed its way into his core and shook the very foundation of what he believed. War wasn't a changing factor to him, war was always the same. This stung in a different way, a haunting way. He reacted as quickly as he could, looking to snuff out all fronts of evil where he found it. He followed them in, and took care of the horses while the others made their way to the estate. With some time to think, he'd begin to formulate what it was he needed to tell Eirian.[d]


Lady Apollius

From the time the party of two had left, at least four had stayed on the step awaiting the inevitable possibilities to be dire. Once the gates were opened, one of the men came to see to the horses but stopped. The Lord was doing it. "By your leave." The ascent was given with a bow while he backed away with mixtures of reservation in the man's eyes never since the Avarian lord proved himself to be a man of repute. It was a dangerous sort of avoidance, border lining on toxic. Were they sure he was not afflicted? He moved as if his thoughts were his own. Eirian came down from the horse with instructions for the young woman: "Take her within, let her be given a warm bath, clothing. I do not know if she can be alone so stay with her, prepare a room for her in which to rest where she may have the company of one of some of the other women. After she is bathed and dressed, tell me so I may get her again. There are still some matters to settle." One of the lady's reached out to collect the shivering bundle, looking to her own Lady. "What of you, my lady..." "I will attend myself, Lisa, thank you. See to the girl. See that these who have come have warm drink, a place prepared should they seek it. A fire." When one of them reached out for her, she recoiled and walked in alone (d)

Master Vizharen

"Apollo.. Apollo. Always a hornets nest by your head, ol' man. You turn the wrong way, and the hive comes to visit. Stings in different and unfamiliar areas leavin' you distraut, confused, and hurt." Percival said, sliding down from his horse after Eirian departed. He took care of his own, staying to speak with his old Lord. "I see it on your face. You should stay and tend your wife. This is a new war. Beyond you, " Apollo took him by the collar, about to say something, but Percival chuckled, speaking first . "Stay out of it. You've lost your touch." Percival's laugh was haunting, and he stumbled back when Apollo shoved him away. His words left a contemplative look on his face as he turned to secure the other horses.[d]


Sir Thomas, the Steward

If the servants had a sour taste in their mouth for Talion, then Percival was making it stick. The Steward arrived to oversee the conduct of the grounds. It was his job to do so. Without speaking he took the reigns of Eirian's horse without tugging from Apollo's hand. He afforded him respect for returning home - returning home above all else whole, and the Lady nothing could replace. Listening to the altercation he fumed. His mouth ached, red, half fat with the flesh around it bruised. He wanted to tell Talion it wasn't worth it, but he pushed the man back. Now what he knew of life among the Avarians was what he had seen play out before his eyes. Their inner conflicts. Wars with one another. Drawn lines only to reform whole only to let the same bias return. He adored Talion's niece, the Lady Brennah when she would come to stay among them. The Greek Danae and her brother Ren. It was a nation of mixed nations where the power came from those not native born it seemed. Tommasina baffled him while Maahes? Well, the Beast was a beloved figure of some public importance now. Saul had once been wicked strange but settled in years to only be a strang wanderer? Percival? Now, Vizharen to him couldn't make up his mind just what he was, or who. He was duplicitous. Once he seemed to be what they wanted to kill until the Lord vindicated him. Once he seemed to be whom they felt sorry for only to loathe, only to hope his honor would be restored. He shook his head "No honor. No honor at all." Where it might have been expected for him to say that of Apollo whom scared the household stiff, it was said of Percival. He glowered at him, taking the tack off of the Lady's horse, seeing the Lord had food for his own. Eirian had shared much with him over the years. Were it not for that his inner instinct would have locked all the women in rooms. He had been Lord when no Lord or Master here reigned. "You should go within, now, My Lord." A man who though few could understand, Talion was still royal to them. Just as Eirian was. It would never be different. Percival? Percival was honor vilified for his own ends and no matter what intention he walked about with, Thomas thought if anyone had ever been damned it was a man who gave no care for his own monarch, a man who spared his life. Disgusted, he went on in silence should Apollo choose to go in to be with his wife (d)


Lord Apollius

Apollo reached out for Thomas's hand and pulled him back. The look on his ever thinking face evident something heavy weighed on his shoulder. "Thomas." He started, looking down a moment before looking the offended man in the eyes, a noble trait of an Avarian. They were a conflicted people, but ones who thrived on confrontation. "I'm sorry for hitting you like I did." He glanced at the wound he caused. "You were doing what you thought was right, and I was too.. put off to think otherwise. I hold nothing against you, and my trust in you and yours is not misplaced." He patted the man's cheek, much like close comrades would do if only to make the catalyst of long term friendship outshine the bitter treatment. He walked with Thomas, in the wake of Percival who lingered while lighting a smoke of some sort. Watching the pair, Percival simply sneered and smoked. His small gathering of warriors dangerous and unnerving. He did well to keep them away from Eirian's staff, as Percival was certain he wasn't as welcomed as they thought to make him feel. [d]

Sir Thomas, Steward

Welcome might have occurred were he not such an arrogant bastard. Thomas would refer to him as that from now on, taken from his task to be confronted by the Lord who assaulted him. If it were in him to hold the grudge more, he might. Still eye to eye he offered an apology. Men were not created to be humble creatures, but he had seen a great deal of humility come the more Apollo stayed with them. Not sure what to make of it, he thought before speaking. "There was a small estate here, in this place once. My father kept it in his youth before it fell away, and we only lived as we sought to live, on the land. Then your wife came, and built a place that seems born from the hill itself. She called me here, my son, my wife. My son will do this after me. We are proud again. Whomever comes through that gate," he pointed out "Does so with reason, and many have stayed a long while. You are a good man, my lord. You are loved by her, respected deeply by the rest of us. We simply..are at a loss in these times. The household is shaken, and though she will not show it, I know it must hurt her as much as it hurts you that this has come, more times like this again here. You are of the Valley now." He clamped a hand on his shoulder, a wry grin as his cheek was touched. "There is naught wrong with that. The Valley, the mountains and hills. This is your land, too. Come." All was forgiven. When they passed Percival he did whisper "Though that one..." He turned back to the door both walked through "When you are away, she prays in all the holy hours for you. I..used to rue you, that she ever had a sword or rode so, but it was in her already I suppose as ingrained as her will to live when some said she would not to this age. Just as you should be the same hmm?" The fact that Talion was near to fifty was a miracle. Inside he found the ladies in waiting, guards and pages lowered down in salutation before offering him a warm cup of ale. These things were left for Percival, but with reserve were they handed. It was as if the area they stood outside was wrongly made, and the places they would all stay, near one another..would be odd. "The Frenchmen and his wife have been guest here while you were away, and the Frenchman's apprentice, and his wife. That is the source of grieving within the house. Come..I will tell you." (d)


Lord Apollius

Apollo nodded his thanks, and followed Thomas inside, listening intently. He accepted the ale with a bloodied hand, and held it close for now. "Thank you, everyone. Sorry for my display earlier. It was.. an emergency. I assure you, I have not gone insane." Apollo looked to Thomas, motioning to his study where they could discuss.-- Percival remained outside for now. He didn't want to offend the staff by smoking in the main estate. He needed time to think, to take inventory perhaps. Apollo attending this search was the opposite of what he wanted. It'd put a dampener on his methods, and essentially slow him down. He ran a gloved hand through his hair and sighed, looking around the area and noting the security.[d]




Sir Thomas, Steward & Lady Apollius

"You are returned, God be praised." Everyone uttered this or something close to the phrase. Another heard was "We were worried you were taken by the sickness." or "We worried she would die." Bodies were crossed by the right hand in the name of the father, son, and holy spirit. With his mug of beer in bloodied hand Thomas followed Talion into his study. On the outside of the house the Guard watched with scrutiny the pair of fashionably dark clad. It was a strange standard, they thought. Even the Master Voltaire arrived with riders in black. Had all of such nature sought to blend in with the night or mirror the void inside? Inside of the study Thomas told Talion of all the recent happenings: Bodies found headless in the trees after the Harvest Festival. The Lion roaring through the hills as the number increased with no remedy or ceasing, only to find the answer to the quandry greater than one man or a group of men. Villagers mad with poison sick rages killing. In his own home the Frenchman had stayed seeking his wife for advice only to be granted far more than any intended. A young woman lost her baby, and the husband, the Frenchman's apprentice, was alive but had long been sick with a madness they feared was beyond science. Did anyone tell Vizharen that? Apollo had lost his touch, supposedly but he knew who to attribute this all to. --- Erstwhile, the girl was bathed in the large bathing room the lady servants shared. Poor thing scrubbed herself raw, not too unlike Eirian who would be pink fleshed from it. They were taking the girl from the bath now, but Eirian still remained in hers, raking fingers through her slick jet hair.What was it in Vizharen's eyes that made him, too her, look a vigalante again? It was more than his companions. It was a look as if nothing mattered and everything was going away anyhow. Smug entitlement, a woe begotten lack of care for the here and now, or the things anyone gave reason to. She sighed, shaking her head softly at the state of affairs. (d)


Lord Apollius

Apollo listened carefully, watching Thomas as he spoke. Throughout the conversation, which was one sided, Apollo tried to make sense of what it was he saw. Never had any in this establishment seen him so afraid. Perhaps he may have been hallucinating? Apollo would never admit it. He scratched his head. There were many things left unanswered and it made Apollo uneasy. The shift in his stance gave that much away. "Thank you, Thomas. For sharing this with me. I think we've had enough excitement here for one night. I well reflect on everything you've told me, but my wife needs to see me. I think it's time I face her and account for my actions." He sighed, setting his mug aside, its contents untouched. Why would he drink? With everyone being poisoned, it made him queasy; not that anyone here would poison him, but he was cautious and paranoid like that. His study was still in disarray from his frenzy to find old weapons. "I will clean my study tomorrow, so worry not anymore. Go with your wife, Thomas. I will see you in the morning." Apollo left silently to go find Eirian.[d]



Sir Thomas and Lady Apollius

"You're welcome, my lord. We have had enough upset to fill more than a night but two years. I will pray for the days of being bored," He huffed, looking at the mug Talion put down. Had he eaten or drank? None could be blamed for the limited want to do so, as any measure for purity was taken. For all accounts by God's good grace, nothing had been put in the food or the water moving twice the place of the General and the Apollius family. God granted them a sliver of good will in that. "Women are strange creatures," he remarked. When upset they grew angry, when angry they weeped.Yet in joy they weeped which meant nothing in them made sense. "As you will, until the morning my lord. Good night." The bridge between them mended he walked a rickety one in order to fix that which was with his wife. The halls felt empty, for even with the servants that remained, many of them had been sent away with things packed in trunks on carts. The sounds of their children were not among them. Eirian ached for their arms more than she could say, wishing she had never seen a reason to stay. She was to follow the wagon that morning after one last cart of irreplacable things was assembled, but storm made that impossible. That cart covered in the stables was now like her and Talion, covered in upset. He would find her in their private bathing room The one shared with only their children when they did not bathe in one of the large tubs to be gathered everywhere. The springwater that came from the falls mixed with that from beneath the ground. Charcoal braziers had gone out, so the water was only lukewarm now as she settled herself on the edge, towel wrapped (d)

Lord Apollius

Apollo took a station by the door after making sure it was shut. His arms crossed and he stared at her. Were it not this crisis, the obvious anger built up; he might have expressed his love in a more physical manner! However, he restrained himself. Looking on. "You needed to speak with me, my lady."

Lady Apollius

It had been a while since she had seen him so close, and were it any other time would have allowed him to love her as he saw fit. Now, the obvious anger he had seen was only partially washed by the water. "Yes. I wanted to tell you of what has happened in the house while you were away, as you seem to be aware of the world." So speculation suggested as he was combing through the wilds. She stood, walking past him in order to put go to chair draped with clothing for the evening: a night gown, and a heavy robe to go atop of it. (d)

PercivalVizharen [3:37 P.M.]: His gaze followed where she walked, and he twisted to show his attention was on her. He waited for her to divulge what she knew, but this tone she used seemed professional, not the usual loving tone. He drew closer to her, if only to hold her gown up for her to grab when she was ready. He looked down though, unsure if she really wanted to look at his face right that moment. So he afforded her some modesty.[d]

Set In Her Way [3:50 P.M.]: It had never been this way with them since love was admitted. Far away and years ago, when she was teetering the age of twenty and he was a brazen man within his thirties by half. Love was eclipsed by fear. Fear straddled contempt, contempt to worry. Her eyes showed a woman divided by these things. She took the gown from him giving a cant of head, "Thank you," she uttered. She moved behind a dressing screen for privacy. Why the distance? It was sad! "I will tell you." She didn't want to look at him asshe said it, while the tears watered in her eyes. The towel was forsaken in order to pull the gown overhead. She talked of all the things Thomas had said, but from her own perspective. When it came to the mention of Julian and Jean-Claude's question: The boy was lost, sick of mind. He could not go home, could she find it? The story seemed to stall. Beyond it was the loss of young life, a sick woman. A sick world he could see for himself but she could not go on that far. She tried to mention of the girl finding her husband in their library, of the blood running through his fingers because she'd fallen and hit her head..but no one was sure of it. She said it..but seemed to return to the scene of Julian and herself. She sighed, it was silent after for a long time. Coming from behind the curtain she collected her dressing gown, a heavy heavy thing of thick fabric with fur that brushed her tall white throat. Her eyes looked to him from the side where she stood. "what did you find?" They turned to the wall. She didn't know how to be, what to think. To love him, to cry at him or scream. She had been so brave for so long. Tonight hurt them both (d)

PercivalVizharen [4:03 P.M.]: "I saw a demon." He admitted, looking her way. It had been the first time he spoke since seeing her in the bathing room, and his voice cracked. He listened intently, patiently, nodding to the things confirmed by Thomas. It always helped to hear it a second time, it helped put things into a broader perspective to take inventory. "I have never seen or thought it possible; you know I am not a religious man. But the sight of it, stirred the very core of who I am." He cleared his throat, sitting on the edge of the bed to look at his boots. "Like everyone, I was piecing together the mystery, trying to find a source. When I happened upon as scene of those travelers.. that little girl, being abducted. I followed, then pressed ahead to see where they were going. When I arrived, the place was empty save the altars.. that room. I watched as a shadow not of my own make, slithered across the wall. Heard the footsteps of something hooved against the wooden floor. I smelled.. something. I can't explain it. Like.. it was hot.. putrid. It was like.. something stood over me, breathing. Fear pierced my heart unlike any I have ever experienced. I rode into town to find a priest, and then came to get you. I didn't understand what it was.. I thought you would." He shook his head. "It was wrong of me to.. drag you there. But I was scared and I wanted to do the right thing. It just felt.. evil.. standing there. What better way to combat it than with the purest form of good. I am a believer, no matter what my old traditions were. I see the truth. I want to be.. saved, baptized.. whatever it takes to become less a heathen and more a man of God."[d]



Lady Apollius


He stole the breath she was about to take.
"I saw a demon."

Now it was his turn for him to speak when she was done. Eirian saw that it registered with him as he searched his mind to see if what he had seen matched with what the world was feeling, living. Apollo had never been a man of faith. Each of their children had been blessed with holy water on their brow not even a week after their birth, each child sat with their mother in Mass or prayer while their father had never been made to. Eirian had only loved one man of faith, and he became a Knight Templar for the material world betrayed him. Talion seemed a man of old ways yet a man of none all at once. The loss of his voice for months as he thought. Did he battle with his faith as much as he battled with the want to hold a sword? Closing her eyes she could picture the sort of thing that confronted him, touched him. It made her shiver. Cold. As if the same cold inside the mind of Julian Monroe. Eyes that looked, a voice saying get out. Out in the world it was putrid, hooved. She shook her head until the still wet strands clung to her face. "I was scared." she whispered, "I was scared that when you had not yet returned you could be dead..and that when you had, the way you had...that you were ill, or half ill..or mad. I couldn't say, but I was so afraid. You'd never laid a hand to any our house. I was afraid to go. I couldn't...see where we were going. It won't let me see." She bit her lip until a bit of copper blood reminded her that she was real. "It eats all thought, all memory and being until nothing is left. It curls inside. If it is out of Jean-Claude's apprentice...where is he...he is alone. Then the girl. Her eyes. The way the house rocked. Forgive me." She already forgave him.. "I worry that you will perish each time you are gone that much longer, and thought...that perhaps it had come to be so. All I would wish in this world is to be your good wife, to give you more children." She sat on the edge of the chair..the bed across the space. With time she rose from that chair, sealing the bathing room behind her. He said he wished to be baptized..he said..he believed. "You thought I was that pure?" she asked him gently, settling on her knees before his feet. It was real question. As if she really needed to know she wasn't praying in vain (d)

Lord Apollius

Apollo listened to her account and dipped his head to hide his face from her a bit. Partly out of humility, he felt as if he'd been wrong his whole life. Now, something dark introduced him to a part of the world where no man aught look. Apollo was certain of what he saw, he'd never forget it.-- To answer her question, he nodded silently.[d]


Lady Apollius

"Talion.." she whispered as she put her head to the top of his knees, hugging under them as if to try and draw closer. Neither could look at the other. So frightened was she to his wrong. His doubt set against hers. She muttered against the top of his thighs. "I thought I was...a thing. After England. He wanted me ..he said I was the key.to why you never aged. I was with Jean-Claude and...his scars are gone. Men's minds have been softened or broken in my hands I've felt it. With Julian..I...walked..in them. In the house I the dead as clear as the living. I had thought to understand the sight, but it is more. Even as I have prayed for understanding it..what is in my hands no one should control. I was afraid of where you'd take me because I could not see. Yet your heart so afflicted and you needed me. I will never cast you out." (d)


*


Lady Apollius


Eirian spoke to Apollo in the privacy of their chambers by candle light, the house still a shadow of itself. Half the servants had gone on ahead with the children by the light of the day before a storm kept her from proceeding with tarp covered cart in the stables. In the night, in the face of the storm, things were witnessed that made her husband bear testiment to a newfound belief. An ardent belief. The great gates of Arianna Hymerodraeth were shut, and as the storm winds raged the faint lights from the windows glimmered in sadness. All who would enter, if anymore would, could not come to a world ever opened..but pass from the outer to the inner. It seemed in direct contradiction to what the empire of silver had stood for, but so it was that way now. She looked up at him, gently rubbing his knees from her place along the floor, silence speaking for them. (d)

Brother O'Corrain

A light in the darkness. As the day had progressed, the Augustinian had found himself absorbed in the work of beating back the darkness as best he could. And he began by doing the small things. While some still clung to the misapprehension that his Augustinian habit marked him out as a dark angel of the Inquisition - come to pass judgement on all who found themselves beneath his steel blue gaze -Brother Diarmuid had done all he could for the refugees.There had been time spent helping the kitchen staff to prepare meals in the hopes of seeing the refugees' belly filled with a warm meal before they had taken to the road, then he had pitched in to help repair the broken axle of a family's wagon, and then at last he had helped a brief Mass for those who would take to the road. Giving them all God's blessing -- and praying unto Saint Daniel, Saint Michael, and God Himself that the travelers would delivered from the Devil's roaring fury. As he turned at last back toward the main house, he would pause. There. He saw something. There was a quick gesture toward his two Ebon Talon escorts. "With me." His eyes had a seen a light in the darkness....where there should have only been darkness. (D)

Master Vizharen

Percival and his lot stood outside for most of the remaining bits of the storm. Percival had been smoking, calmly talking to his comrades. He didn't appear to be bothering anyone, just trying to relax before setting out in the morning. The approach of someone had claimed his attention though, and the fact they traveled with armed guards peeked his interest. Being overly cautious in nature, Percival cast the cape that was normally draped over both shoulders back, to show he was armed. He didn't say anything yet.[d]
Lady Apollius

The night was enough to cast them off in the room forever, but there were still things to be done. Business to attend to though it was strange any business here should linger at all. For the first time she noticed what was missing in the bedchambers, the valuable things too sacred to replace put away as if lives could be so easily moved. "All I want is to come home when this is done." She whispered to her husband before venturing out again among the sparce populace. The doors to youth were closed, she left them closed. The servants held candles close to chests with no care if flame on wick could burn. People in black stood with those who wore the colors of the estate. The evening blue in contrast with the scarlet of Talion's old land of birth. The phoenix in company with the evening star. Day and night lived in harmony yet a world gone mad was missing it. More guard peered down at the black guards with the holy man. Was he? "Who goes?" They gave voice to what Percival did not. After coming to the front of the house, those near its doors gathered beside windows at side rooms, by the high arches. Eirian closed her eyes and held to apollo while holding her breath (d)


Brother O'Corrain

For a long moment, there was quiet in the night. Then the good brother steeped forward, into any lightly that was offered, at the gates. "I am Brother Diarmuid O'Carrion, of the Knights Hospitaller.... Master of Spirituality for
the Ebon Talon." There was another pause, to see if that satisfied the guard's challenge. "I had thought this manor already evacuated. What light is that I see?" In truth, he had thought at first that it was a light made by
squatters -- or worse. Had one of the madmen that plauged the Valley come to roost in the spires of the manor? (D)

Master Vizharen

Percival watched from afar, his hand resting on the hilt of his rapier, an old habit he had. He didn't appear to be threatening, just watching out of mild interest. His companions looked on, some drinking from their tankard. Clearly they didn't look like squatters!-- Apollo gently hugged Eirian before getting up to follow her out to the hall. Easing the curtain back he peered out, seeing Percival's crew poised to intercept and hearing the guard doing what they did best. He sighed. "Shall I go out?"[d]

Lady Apollius

"I can't let you go.." Gentle hands thread through his as she shrunk herself a little behind his back. After time of distance, reconnecting with him was priceless. "What say the guards?" She turned to look at the Steward, allowing him to be the one to open the door. Creaking hinge on heavy wood was emphasized in squeaks by the wet of the rain. The path to the front door was slick, so the party would have to walk carefully when admitted beyond the gate. The Steward called "Who is it? Who is it that is there?" The guard turned his head over the shoulder to call down the identity of the man on the other side of the estate. Lights more up close, torchlights on the rampart, lights through beyond the fence throne down under the doors. "Brother O'Corrain, the friar my lord and lady!" Eirian put a hand against her heart, "Oh praise God, Apollo have them let him in." (d)

Lord Apollius

"Let them in!"[d]

Brother O'Corrain

Brother Diarmuid would stay with his men, keeping an easy distance from the Percival's lot. Mmhm. If Percival and his lot were not squatters, that did not mean that they could not be highwayman or mercenaries. Still, the friar and his Ebon Talon escorts were at the ready when the gates opened to them. Brother Diarmuid quietly laid his hand upon the hilt of his own blade, until he was certain that those within the manner walls were not bound to try and seize or attack himself or his men. When the words was given, he would carefully pick his way toward the Steward. "Good evening, sir!" (D)

[Lady Eirian Gwenyth Apollius]

The Augustinian & The Sighted One, Part i

there is something i want to tell you
part ii forthcoming

[/i]


Lady Apollius


Beyond the drawn gates of wood and black iron came the cause of a choice set of mitigated light flickering in the autumn dark. Behind the gate the world of the Arianna Hymerodraeth, Silver Empire, torches were fixed for night watchmen to gaze beyond the fire halo. Servants carried torches, choosing not to light the halls with candles so that the Silver of the estate's name was not offset. As if trying to be as secretive as possible. The lady had found safety when it was only Diarmuid and his escort, having two men see to their horses, and another man with herself in tow to provide for a measure of comfort. "Beer, what have we in our larder?" In good fortune the perishables given among the travelers or those residing in Red Wall had not all been used, so to feed the guests on more than tried items and preserves. The fresher meats were prepared over a spit , sliced for them with a loaf of bread from the evening meal still available. "It gives my household and I comfort,"she began to him,"That it was you calling at the gate. But the slightest rustle and fear rises." She poured him a cup of beer, saw his plate full, before she would sit down at the table's head. (d)


Brother O'Corrain

As the gates of Arianna Hymerodreath began creaking open before him, Brother Diarmuid was a bit surprised to see the Lady Eirian herself welcoming him into her manner. Still, he did not forget his manners and led his men in bowing to her. "...Good evening, milady..." There was a touch of puzzlement on his features, for he had thought she had already gone from the valley. Once they were allowed within the walls of the manor itself, Brother Diarmuid and his escorts would take a moment to ensure that they didn't drip water into the hall. There was a soft smile, as the Lady Eirian let him and his two escorts to a table. There was a smile, as he said, "Bless you, milady, for such a thing." His men murmured their thanks. For there was no finer antidote to the chill of rain and darkness, than a finely cooked and warm meal. As he sat, he would nod quietly, "...As I have seen." There was a sigh, "We've traveled most of the day, journeying toward Red Wall once more... and this has been the first house that offer us hospitality." There was a quiet shake of his head, "The Harvest Festival seems so long ago...." It was not an indictment against the Ban Chent Ser, simply a stating of facts. As he and his men ate, he would hesitate. "I know that it will be hard to speak of, milady....but can you tell me what has gone on in the valley? I have only heard rumors and half-accounts." (D)


Lady Apollius

"The people in passing have said how kind you've been to them, repairing their carts, helping with animal or possession, a word of comfort. You are in their prayers, and ever mine, for all you have done for my people and the General, as well." Good evenings were exhanged with pleasentry greetings but it was at the table when he ate and she sat in company the core of conversation began. She was about to drink a hot cup of mead to ward away the chill of the excursion she went on with her husband that evening .After welcoming them, the Lord Apollius had excused himself with the weakest smile Eirian had ever seen to make right his study. All the paper and shelves on the floor were as scattered as his mind seemed to be. It was easier to clean one room than to clean the mind. Between them words on the matter of their union brought each to a retrospective pause, her anger fading down to an awe of a choice he made to be born in Christ, in love of him for still being alive when she thought he may have perished, and amazement that he thought her so pure as to need to be beside him to face the horror he had seen. Before the mead could go to her mouth, she stopped it. "The Harvest feel as if they were in another time all together, a time before the end of innocence. Just when innocence had settled anew." Then a drink, glad the substance was stronger. Obvious statements recquired obvious answers, "I was told the body of a man was found in the trees in the paths of the hills not far from the estate, paths walk often in chores or in leisure. It was more than one man, and the General told me that many bodies had been found, at that time eight or ten bereft of heads, marked with symbols of the antichrist." She crossed herself. The ebony hall guard did not mimic the action, but one man did hold the jet colored cross bleeding in with his jet colored clothes. "The bodies were found by women familiar to us, living nearer the estate lands to see its personal ventures well off. After this the stories only increased as I watched people come to the small burial house beside the chapel, claiming the dead to bury the dead. A prayer vigil ordered endless has indeed been that, those who have not left take sanctuary within the church if they would to pray, some beside the Poor Claires or the Francsicans, but it has come to be so hideous that it would not do, no matter how stalwart in Christ they are, to remain in a large number. The holy head of each order has sent their brothers or sisters about in waves, to help within village or estate and then to leave with them, too. It came to my understanding that some of the smallest settlements, for they are made of shepards you see," farmers would be naturally more spread apart, unless they were those who kept orchards perhaps, or crofted together. "Are burned, the bastian of ghosts for being so empty..the major townships are barred shut, if not all together emptied. For some it is too late to go. No one travels per night without escort or order as pe rmy ruling, and the General too enacts this, being a man of the service of the King he has power to do so. Furthermore, he settles here because I trust him, and would not have those enobled estates about me that could not be trusted." She looked to the door to see if Talion would enter soon, but he had not. She beckoned one of the gentlemen of the house forward to see that some of this meal was taken to the Lord, with his wife insisting he eat for he looked as if he had not for well beyond two days. "Then within these walls we witnessed the arrival of the deAquitaine and Monroe families. The order of which you serve, its Grandmaster, she took on lessons some years ago from my husband, the Lord Apollius. She served him in his kingdom, if not beyond as did Master deAquitaine with others..we are all and all is one, so to say. So all of us witnessed the fall of another." She shook her head softly "God be with them. No one has seen nor found the one known as Julian, and his wife..the midwife and healer both feared for her before the loss of the babe and after, they looked on Julian with a wearied eye, and my personal physican said he looked not well. He was not well, I fear to think how he might be now. More so that it seems..somehow he is a trouble of all of this. I have been given leave to judge by their majesties, as was thought proper even unto death. But is it so simple? I say it is not now, and in asking for that even with prayer a sense of vindication filled me as to not let my people suffer further. Yet suffering is deeper, and thicker a thing." (d)

Brother O'Corrain

What would the Lady Eirian make of it when he murmured, "....So, then.... it is as I feared." There was a soft sigh. And for a time, all would fall quiet as the Augustinian friar ate his meal. Would his black-clad guards follow his example? Once the meal had finished and the meal cleared from the table, Brother Diarmuid would say to his men, "Please, leave us?" The men would not, before rising. They would bow to the Lady Eirian and then take their leave. Again, there was a quiet silence. "I wonder at all that goes on... and that did not do my fullest to stop it." He did not marvel at her being appointed judge, for it was not a strange thing. When a felon was at last made to stand for his crimes, often he was put before a jury composed of those that knew him best. There was a moment's hesitation, an uncertain, that showed on his features. "Might I ask you, milady, to send for a scribe and your steward or confessor?" He met her eyes firmly, "..Since you are to sit in judgement of Julian Monroe, I you to do so with all of the facts arrayed before you..." Was that when she came to understand that he was going to give her his testimony to be used as evidence? (D)


Lady Apollius

"Brother, I said I had heard it was of him, not that this was definite." Yet how could it be denied? So many connections, so many possibilities. For a moment she defended a man who in some way was defensless. "I will need for all of what will come, not merely of one man, Brother. For to judge him we would judge the weakness gone mad in all my people as man kills man. It has a source, but it can not all be one man?" She shook her head softly, "There may be things that he has done but let it be proven, for all our sakes, that this is so. In good conscience I can take nothing of you yet until it is time, until what matters most is that the people die no more, that their home is ravaged no more for they can take no more of it, and that all the cause is found. My husband had even found others, which was the cause of his venture out this evening..a cult of worshippers of the Black Prince." Her voice dipped low as she crossed herself. Soon she would speak of it, soon. She must! It was almost too much to consider in a mind still finding calm even as it gave away that to others. "If you would hear something, though," another venue was opened him "As we are alone.." She rose to shut the door to make certain of that fact. "I will tell you on, oath sworn on the cross and word of God, that there is something within the Young Master Monroe. Something squatting in his mind." With what affirmation could she even begin to tell him this, being neither nun nor priest? (d)

Brother O'Corrain

There was a bemused smile upon his features, as she told him that. "Indeed....must be doubly blessed.... for I had sought to tell you the same." There was a deep breath taken, before he said, "Some months ago...before the Harvest Festival, Master deAquatine sent me a most urgent summons when night was cloaked over the lands... As I left to answer it, I noted that all of the Hall was in a state of-- " he paused, wondering how to tell of what he had seen, "--of anxiety, over something. Rumors soon came to my hearing that Young Master Monroe had near attacked a woman upon the streets, before Lord Voltaire's men were able to subdue him and bring him to Master deAuqatine's quarters. I was not given a full accounting of what had happened, but that much I was able to piece together. When I arrived, the young master was laid upon the bed with a sheet covering him. A sheet that had a smear of blood on it.... When Master deAquatiane I saw the sign of the Archenemy carved into his the young master's flesh." He met her gaze, "I was told by Master deAuquatne that it was a wound that the young master had inflicted upon his own body...And it was so." There was a shake of his head, "I order the young master bound and watched.... but, the young master seemed to have made an improvement in his state of mind...." Brother Diarmuid banged his fist into the table lightly, as he said, "Only later... did I learn of what had be fallen the young master and Lady Viscreed in Spain." Some part of him still felt as though that had with held from because had been a newly arrived outsider. "... and I agree with you. The Lady Monroe has told me that the young master spoke with a voice that was not his own...." He shook his head. (D)

Lady Apollius

She listened to the tale from his perspective: a newly arrived man within the confines of the Order, charged with spiritual nourishment as well as discipline. Was he distanced for his newness? Many were at once opening yet dismissive of outsiders. He told of what he had seen, noticed, where he advanced and where he could gain no information. Only later he received it but the situation turned as they are oft to do. All of them were out in rivers with no oars, save nwo the river was turning full keen out to the sea. "Carved with the archenemy mark, holy virgin pray for him." She whispered for the Divine Mother's intercession before going on "I had heard nothing of the young man's plight until deAquitaine brought him here with a question to ask, so it would be answered and some solution found therein. The young man was subject to loss of memory. I only know so much as yourself, what is given me." It would come to be known on those words how much was given. After the evening, after what was seen, felt, the taste lingering even after bathing and cleaning all of the body, it could not be said. "As you may know already all went awry here and here we are now." Part of her wished to confess it, she did,yet more of her wanted to hold to her own secret more than she ever had in her life. (d)

[Margot Laurent]

Julian Monroe: There are some qualities - some incorporate things, That have double life, which thus is made A type of that twin entity which springs From matter and light, evinced in solid and shade. There is a two-fold Silence - sea and shore- body and soul. One dwells in lonely places, Newly with grass o'er grown; some solemn graces, Some human memories and tearful lore, Render him terrorless: his names "No More." He is the corporate Silence. (Poe) The city became full again, but the markets had all closed down. Every Inn was filling, and the night did its chilling, and the thrills seemed never the more unwelcome as on the night of the new moon. The stone paths were dark, as dark could get with the lanterns all burning brightly over the stone, but even they were nothing with the light of the moon. Curfew had been set for the common, as deep in the woods horror stories did rise of a black death that was much like a plague, but less like a fire when it spread. The destruction did not end in casual death, but in murder by way of self inflicting wounds that ran deep through the chest of man. They wanted to die, for fear of the images that came to life in dormant memories of fears long forgotten. The dark roads that lead from the valley were a scary trek that none were permitted on at night, and now even the day was guarded by patrols. The poor part of the city was vacant in the night, where rent was cheap, and seemed reasonable for those who start out. It was where the square met, with the stone pillars and an empty fountain that was littered with leaves, and the water seemed black did the apprentice remain waiting as if this was the crossing point for all life. There is no need for the Underdark..it worked there, the aim is higher. His whisper left cracked lips that were blue, and the color under his eyes like coal the skin was so darkened by the natural need of what now would never come.

Margot: Not accustomed to luxury was she. Her road took her far from warm springs or even warm weather, the beds were scratchy straw ticking and the men rougher. The buildings closed in in a claustrophobic shuffle, leaning upon one another where fire had failed to destroy them years ago; not out of luck, but stubborn tenacity. The locals had told her of these buildings and of the invasions, of fires and sickness, of political intrigues that rocked clan halls and castles, none immune. Nor should she be. Jean-Claude had started her off well, seeing to rooms in a better part of town, but Margot preferred her anonymity. She disappeared mere weeks after his embarrassing assault in the Underdark, and the Scientist had been to busy to query after her when the rooms were found empty. She traveled among scientists and scholars of a lesser sort, neither above nor below them, neither enjoying this land nor hating it. She knew few here, and few wished to know her -- she was, in a word, prickly. Yet she seemed to have found her own, and after emerging from the shadows as night crept in, Margot was discovered once again. Their paths seemed destined to cross. Not once, but over and over again, as if they missed some critical plot device, and their authors to vain to allow them resolution. She wished Julian would let her be, but rather than curse him, placed a reminder upon her prayers to chastise the God who had created her to destroy. A brief flick of her warm cape, the metal clasp at her neck liquid in the firelight before vanishing entirely as she approached him. Her voice held a distinct accent, but not one from any particular land, so casually did she pick up tongues and drop them when exiled once more. But ever did it hold the faint notes of tiredness and irony, a woman not many years older than Julian, but old in many ways still. "They say it is dangerous out here, sweet boy, may I escort you back to the better-lit parts of town?"

Julian Monroe: His body shivered next to the fountain, though of the bitter cold it was not. The night air was warm or so he thought, with skin that burned like his. The temperature of his body raged like a fire inside his chest that boiled out into bloodshot eyes. Julian was dressed in some dark attire, black fabric of any highwayman who dare to disappear in the night, and even his own cloak was darkly lined. It was uncommon for him who favored a more muted pallet with deep rich browns, and burnt reds. This was not the same sweet boy she had known, but a man torn between heaven and hell that even when he turned to look at her there was nothing but shadow over his face. His head remained down as he spoke as if looking at her feet, unable to meet her eyes for they suffered a fate almost as twisted as her own. Did she notice that not a single bird did sing, or even a cricket chirp in the night around them. This was complete silence the time they shared until he slowly stood from his position there. "You are not afraid. I know you are not. You are afraid of nothing." His voice was his own though a raspy sound as if he had been screaming, but Julian had always had a deep soft spoken dialect. His was not French, nor was it Scottish, but somewhere in the mix he almost sounded English--confused was his heritage, though without knowledge anymore of where he was in fact born, "Did you do this to me?" He asked as he canted his head while tattered fingers pulled up the cuff of his sleeve to reveal the cuts there--the symbols that were written in the sand around their feet, over the edge of the fountain in water were as well carved into his skin. "You did didn't you? In Spain. Yes. I was there." His fingers then came up to the lace of his cloak as if to think while he untied them. He laughed then with his dry nearly mocking sound as he shook his head with a smile while looking up--anywhere but her eyes.

Margot: She had never thought him sweet, nor a boy, so she could hardly be shocked to see that he was still neither, though there was very much wrong with him that had not been in Spain. "I do not have much to lose. There is not much to envy, and nothing at which to laugh. But what has happened to you? Your arms." He revealed his arms to her, or she would not have taken them in her hands. His skin was hot, almost as if he burned. Benoit would say he was ill, if Benoit was deaf, dumb, and blind. "Oh, Julian, what have you bound yourself to?" Her stomach churned, but she did not release him, the metal of her own bindings calling to the markings upon his flesh. She wanted to silence them, like muffling bells that rang out of turn, but it thrummed through her blood, gaining in timbre, until all she heard was a brassy calamity that eventually subsided, a low dull ringing the swan's call in her ears. No, she heard no other life in this square, but Margot had thought all life fled with the turning of the season. It was a dark and desolate country in the winter, gloomy and miserable in the autumn of the year. Why should not birds fly and bugs die, to free themselves of such grimness? "I did not do this to you. I cannot." She released him with some effort, the metal cuff sliding back down her arm, and settling with an unhappy clank against its opposite as she drew both arms across her stomach.

Julian Monroe: His fingers undid the lace of his cloak letting it fall behind him, "Bind? I've bound myself to no one, I'm as free as ever. Finally out from the watchful eye of my Master, and free of that pathetic book keeper." He laughed again, "They call me crazy, but you know the truth. Are you afraid now?" He cant his head one more time as if the sweetest music to his ears was the ringing of those cuffs, "The other did not like her gifts, but soon she'll beg for them hmm?" It was the witching hour. His eyes softened a little as his hand came to touch her face, the warm palm of his hand cupping her cheek, "Sweet girl..sweet sweet mother of this world, you hold all the answers don't you." Leaning in to whisper, his lips but an inch from her ear and his breath warm down her neck, "My biggest regret was not kissing you that night..oh how I wanted to. In his bed at night I thought about it as virgins do; thought about it until I imagined it behind closed eyes, and closed doors." A small little smirk as he kissed the tender spot of her neck. "Why didn't you take me then, make me a man in Spain? This is how you have done this to me." Closing his eyes he let his head fall forward as he swayed in his steps.

Margot: She smiled, a quirk of her lips that touched her eyes, barely, as she threaded her fingers into his hair. She could hold him upright by his roots, if he wished to fall. Margot had failed to show sympathy for a very long time, and did not seem ready to start tonight. "I was confused for a moment, I truly was. Perhaps you are different from the one whose charms I entertained very long ago. Perhaps you are the same. I cannot tell anymore. I am not certain if your Master would be pleased to know I am as much whore as his lady wife was rumored to be." Benoit, oh how he would go on and on about his Adelaide. How she had broken his heart, and set him to muttering his way through life, when he made his miraculous rise from the dead this past spring. His apprentice, one of two, the only one not to disappoint. He had raised her well, and sent her off to do his bidding perhaps one too many times, but always set her straight and back out onto the streets with a pat on the rear, while the other leered out from his position behind the counter, ink permanently stained upon his pale meaty hands. How had he not seen it? How did they miss Julian now, this man, overwhelmed by another force more powerful, and without a hope of redeeming himself? "I would have liked to have bought you dinner first. Perhaps, we might have taken in a show. It all moved so quickly, sweet boy, what chance did we have for romantic things?"

Julian Monroe: "Funny..neither can I." His eyes fell back to the back of his head as he inhaled a breath, "My Master would have been pleased, and he would have been very proud of me. He thinks of you often, can you hear it? He would have been so proud to hear of our courtship, to be so pleased to know I was not sleeping with other men. He would have been jealous." Closing his eyes he pressed his forehead against her own as a pout formed on his lips, "Margot. Take me home." He breathed her in as his hands captured her hips bringing them closer to his own, "I'm not the same little boy anymore." When he opened his eyes again they were not as red as before. His hands came up to her wrists as his thumbs started to feel for the release of her bands, the spring was it? Or did they simply slide off? With a quick rush of the wind he shivered again hissing as it raced over his spine, and up through his neck. "Did you know that if you mix the cerebrospinal fluid with a few other things it will cause a folie à deux?" In the darkened alleys bodies swayed alone naked and pale under the lantern light as they made their way into the square. The pale flesh of their skin exposed the deep lines of the veins that ran through their body, they were black almost like their lips foaming from the drug induced madness. "We did that. We being this boy and I." His eyes were black now, as he captured her wrists once more with an inhuman strength turning them back to face the sky.

Margot: "He thought I was Adelaide," she whispered, her hand releasing from his hair as he pulled her in. "He would have been happy for us. But what he thinks now, I do not know." No clasps, no mechanisms, they were solid bands. He would know, he had found her at the blacksmith's, with her arm stretched out upon the anvil, waiting for the hammer blow. She hardly complained as he turned her wrists out, but the veins stood out upon her exposed flesh, muscles tensing in her arms. Had he ever had a good look at them before? Or were they merely tools she had given him in Spain; signs of bondage when he knew nothing of her plight save she was a beautiful woman walking through a market? It did not matter. The cuffs had picked up their alarming ringing through her bloodstream again. She felt deaf to the world, watching as they were joined in the square without hearing -- or rather, hearing brass, crashing over and over again, until her chest seemed to thump to the rhythm of it. "What now, Julian?" she asked, feeling the metal slide over her flesh as he puzzled out its seamless perfection. "Did you fail, with Adelaide? These will give you no hint how to succeed. They were forged by a master of his craft. He was murdered in a very horrific way; you should know what terror Benoit is capable of inflicting upon a man."

Julian Monroe: At first he was quiet canting his head once more, and it seemed for a moment the spirit left him as he looked over her wrists. "They put them on you while hot? The only way to take them off is to break your hand?" Was he willing? "You look like his whore. She is with child you know. I've poisoned her. The whole court with what I learned in Spain. Down in the waterways of the city did you know there was a greater evil? When the men in robes chanted you could feel the electricity..it was how the war was won. The War Machine defeated by this same..spell." Was it spell? "I did fail. She threw them back at me. She is stronger then you." He laughed letting her go, and his head dropped once again, "For now." Suddenly they were surrounded by men, women, and children alike, "This is why I need you. She can survive anything, her connection is strong. You could stop it." For there forever had been a battle between the dark and the life inside the earth no?

Margot: "Our mothers were sisters." She took her arms back, right hand over left wrist, and tried shoving the cuff up as much as it would go to rub life back into flesh. She truly feared little. The convergence took her attention for a moment, but it was an observant gaze that met those who gathered, not one of fear. She looked back at Julian. "I was not conscious when they put them on. I was very sick. When I woke, I was not even in Villena, it was some weeks later on the back of a cart." It had smelled like hay, but that detail was hardly relevant. "I think the plan was to weaken the metal, then cut them off. But I want them, Julian. I need to wear them. Find the ones Adelaide gave you, put them on her while she is ill. Do not let her fight this, she poisons everyone. It is the nature of her being." Something tightened in the pit of her stomach when she learned the woman was with child. But this must be done, there was no way around it. "How could I? I cannot stop her from being what she is. You can. I had faith in you, when I met you in Spain, when I learned what you knew.... You could do this. You could save Jean-Claude, it is not too late." Perhaps she would die. Perhaps she would be burned at the stake. It would all save Jean-Claude from a rather messy divorce, and the Lord d'Aquitaine could not afford a messy divorce. And it would be messy, if this child was born whole despite the poison in its mother's blood. "I do not want to hurt her. I have nothing to gain or lose from her death, but think of Jean-Claude's heart. You still wish to protect this, yes?"

Julian Monroe: There was a tear in the ripple of space and time then when for a fleeting moment he was himself, "I don't know. I love Jean-Claude. Ada she.." And as if jumping back in the very pits of hell remained, "She killed my unborn! Her craft killed the baby. I want them both to suffer. This body is just the shell." The lanterns all came to life again as if air had been swirling inside the globe with a quick rush of the wind that swept through square, and the flames would leap out across the sandy stone. "You are right. She should suffer." He growled his eyes black, and this was all he would need to finish what was started. "They all should suffer, this body..this body suffers." His fingers would start to undo his shirt, opening it up it would reveal his chest that rose and fell with each breath rather heavily, but what was more alarming was how every rib could be counted. He would take his nails and scratch over his chest and his skin would peal beneath, filling his fingernails with the skin. However, the fit would shift suddenly as his head fell forward, and his hands to his side.

Raoul d'Aquitaine: The sea of people would part, from the forest they had come lead through the day by ravens that reflected the night. It was at first he appeared another shadow from the alley, but the sound of his steps could not be mistaken as the hard hit of his boots sounded out through the night. He was a tall man, with silvering black hair that was kept short and combed back over his scalp in a fashion that spoke of rank and wealth. The peak of his hairline came into a point over a wide forehead that was only broke by dark brows that arched over little beady black eyes. His nose was the dominate feature of his face and his lips were outlined with a thin line of facial hair. His hand came to Julian's shoulder as if to pull him back as questioning eyes would tear into her own. (d

Margot: She wondered what this Adelaide was capable of that Margot had blessedly been relieved of knowing. What was this woman's power, and how had she entangled this professed man of Science? Her own flirtations with power had been minimal and amateurish -- they sang ballads dedicated to her, even now, but Adelaide had seduced kings and dukes, and her spiderweb seemed wide and varied. Perhaps there was a plan. Or perhaps Ada would keep spinning until they were all cold and rotting in their respective graves. There was no verification, only suspicion, but she had lived for long enough with Ada's master. If any should know her heart, it was Benoit. Benoit had sworn her to a concerted effort of binding Ada, to will her sober mind to the side of logic. Margot stared hard at Julian while he spoke, believing much of what he said utter nonsense, yet if he would do her bidding -- if he could make Ada see logic.... If the woman survived. If. He tore at his clothes and Margot lunged forward, taking his hands before she knew what she was doing -- but he was not the only one to fall still at the appearance of the older gentleman.

Margot dropped Julian's hands and stepped back as if scalded, holding her cuffed wrists before her breast until she recalled her manners, and swept into a low curtsy. She would not rise until he spoke, and even then, would not meet his eyes. Few could. Most of her bridges had been burned for her, saving her the effort of concealing a rather shameful beginning. She had thought this man dead long ago, but now realized herself still capable of naivete. Surely not even old age could conquer d'Aquitaine. He knew of her humiliation. Her low birth, which precluded her even from serving in the house in which she was born, in which pretty ladies slept the days away, and entertained the long nights, never mind her service to the Aragonian court and her lofty marriage to Villena. Her cheeks burned with immature rage. He should be dead. By all rights, she should be who she wanted to be. She had earned it.

Raoul d'Aquitaine: "Until now these fools have been ignorant of my presence," His voice was alarming, laced heavily with darker intent that had never known poverty, and somewhere through the heavy lines about his face there wasn't a single thread of madness. Raoul knew exactly what he was doing, and suddenly the world seemed to stop for a moment. "What are you doing here?" His voice snarled with a boom from his chest that had almost made the water ripple. His hand that held Julian's shoulder came to cover the boy's eyes as strange words that dare not be whispered too loudly left his lips, and the boy came to his knees before stretching out over the stone to sleep. Julian started to pant, like an animal there upon the ground as he slept, and the Comte would be quick to have him taken away. The high collar of his cloak, and the wide turned back cuffs of his coat gave him statue where it was not needed, but it was the way his scowl seemed relentless that made him appear the miserable sort. "Come. We have much to discuss." Men and women went to their knees at the sight of him, bowing their heads as they moved through the underside of the city until the Underdark was reached. All that was truly horrible happened in this world, but with their King away it was right for the taking. Ghouls and goblins or so they seemed skittered along the stone with their backs to the wall as the very air was stolen from their lungs as they watched the pair walk by. It was the Dark Manor that housed his grace, and the doors would open in his wake as one by one lights flickered on by the frail thin hands of servants.

The Dark Manor had been there long before the Underdark, but had been victim to the fire. Half of the roof had been burnt away exposing the night, and the moonless sky couldn't light the white sea salts of the alter, nor could the reflection of the chalked symbols be known. When the moon was high, it was a perfect connection between he and his own Master. The floors were in perfect shape, and the fires in the hearth burned brightly as part of the estate had not been swept up by the destruction. It was like two homes in one, but in truth only the upstairs truly remained in tact. The staircase that lead to the suite was still in perfect condition, marble in places with a wooden banister that turned along with the spiral. Julian's body was carried to one of the sofas and his seemingly lifeless form would continue a very disturbing slumber.

"So you have met my son." His voice boomed again from where he hung his cloak by the door, and removed his gloves. Spider like men would come to collect her coat, their half naked forms unable to contain their desire for her as heated passion pressed against the lace of their pant, but they were soon whisked away by the wave of the Lord's hand that would in turn collect Margot's chin to examine her face. Jean-Claude looked the mirror of youth compared to his father who by now was in the prime of his elderly life.

Margot: "I..." Margot's voice failed as she righted herself, but her eyes narrowed ever so slightly as she gathered her wits about her. "Was brought here for my safety." Which now seemed in distinct jeopardy, but the Comte did not seem to care for Margot's history as he swept off into the dark, and she walked abreast, half a step behind him. Her time had been spent primarily in the Underdark, or at the docks gaining what information she could. She did not fear this place, perhaps the only sign she was truly damned. They continued up the stairs, and Margot's cape was removed, Margot belatedly pulling her gloves free one finger at a time until she held the pair out to be collected by those strange creatures that seemed created to do Aquitaine's bidding.

She pushed up her sleeves to reveal the cuffs, perhaps a not so subtle signal she was ready for answers regarding those who wished her dead, and those who desired her for other than carnal pleasure. Which was he, and what was his motive? She could see the striking resemblance now between father and son. They might have been the same man in a looking glass, one looking at his aged self, the other at his youth lost. His bare skin upon her chin was soft as a nobleman's should be, but his grip ungentle, and she twisted her jaw free. She had not changed much in the years since he had found her in the court's preferred bordello, scrubbing floors and emptying chamber pots. She wore her apricot-colored hair loose since arriving in Scotland, where it seemed the fashion to walk in public spaces half-dressed.

"He is like you in many ways. His passions near obsession." Margot's summations were usually correct, if short. She did not know any more of Raoul's son than what she stated, and it was not like Margot to pretend that she did.