Captured and Lost < open for anyone >

[wilhemiaschleitz]

She had departed the Inn, finding herself in good spirits as she even paused to wave at one of the guards as she turned the old nag of a horse down the road. The moonlight offered to light the way home as she figured she had gotten the best of her Da. She would be back snugly in bed before the man got up.. and be none the wiser of her little journey.

It was unfortunate things did not go as planned. As she rode without a care in the world, enjoying the cold night air, brilliant stream of stars above her .. the simple freedoms rarely found. She missed the subtle shift of the nag's attention from the road to the copse of trees. It wasn't until the old horse sidestepped then suddenly bolted. The yelp was given as she lost the reigns from being jerked so.. and the two small hands grasped the saddle horn.

She caught the sounds of the other two horses coming up from behind as she spared a look , both dressed darkly and upon far younger horses. The soft curse spilled from her lips as she turned back about and leaned precariously low to grab the reigns. The poor old mare was hardly a match for the two that raced up along her sides. The glance left then right would reveal the jeering smirks of the two men.

She gave the reigns a good hard tug to the left hoping to push one away, the three horses running pell mell down through the fields. Willa let out a scream as one reached for her arm. Though found that hand swatted away with the thick leather of the reigns. Her heart raced , pounding frightenedly in her chest as she turned her gaze forward in hopes of finding a farm.. a house.. anything close that would offer some aid.

The second rider managed to recoup from his side journey there and brought the stallion he rode up close again. He reached for the reigns , though as Willa tried to beat him away with a hand.. he struck her with a backhand. The cry now was from pain as well as fear as she swayed dangerously in the saddle. As the second had her attention the other reached over and caught the left side of the reigns.. and began to slow the mare.

The young woman turned her gaze sharply to the other man and battered his arm and shoulder with the fisted hand in an attempt of getting him to release the reigns. The mare however was quickly becoming spent.. she was not used to such riding.. as the animal slowed to Willa's dismay. The dark haired man reached out and snatched a hold of her hair bending her slightly backward, as she cried out swinging her arm wildly and catching him in the gut.

The OOF was a beautiful sound in her ears.. though the man did not release his hold. Instead he tightened it further as she stopped moving altogether as the brown haired man pulled a dagger and held it close to her chest.

" n'more.. yer gonna be a good lass now..ain't ya.." the man commanded as the bright blue eyes welled up with tears.. the little sob left her lips as she felt her hair released but her hands quickly grabbed and the coarse rope binding them to the saddle horn. " Git the horse.. " he stated as the other man smirked and caught the reigns.

They covered her eyes with a bit of foul smelling cloth as they lead her back off the road, the path leading into the woods by way of deer trails and hunting paths. The terrified young woman remained silent though her mind raced as she managed to squirm a bit to kick off one of her shoes.. just as they left the dirt road..

They lead her back to a small single roomed cabin, likely used by a trapper or lumberjack at some point. One held a blade while the other unbound her hands, then tied them again once she was pulled roughly from the saddle. She didn't dare ask what it was they had in mind.. fearful she already knew. She was jerked along by the bound hands , then shoved into the inky darkness. She tripped and stumbled over what might have been a chair.. uncertain she was.. until one moved to strike a lantern.

The interior of the cabin came to life around that orb of flickering light as the darker man licked his lips and moved toward her. Of course this only incited an argument between the two of who would take her first. The fear began to subside as she watched them.. they weren't much older then herself.. and by the way they acted.. obviously new to the game of kidnapping. It turned into a brawl as the two men exchanged blows.. overturning a table and breaking the cabin's only chair. She backed away and looked about the room.. keeping well out of reach of their fighting.

While they continued, she slowly slipped to the door.. both intent on the fight, Willa ducked out of the door. Sorry now she had dropped the one shoe as she had.. as she quickly unbound the horses. Yet due to the noise and sudden flicker of flame as they had managed to over turn the lantern.. the horses bolted on her. Just.. great..

She had little else to do at this point but run.. as she ran off into the forest. She would find a place to hide for the night.. then return home at first light. Or so the plan was.. The awkward steps ran through the dense forest.. the underbrush while dead.. was still thick and caused some hassles as she tried to push her way through the bramble. The detrimental glance behind her had caused her to misstep.. as she didn't have the chance to cry out before tumbling into the darkness of a ravine, her head finding a hard pillow waiting for her , made of stone.

Perhaps it was by the graces of whatever and whomever lived in the heavens as some of the soil and such broke free as well.. hiding her from view.

[Queen Beathag Aberdeen]

]"I've come for my daughter. I demand her."

Odis Schleitz was told what no parent wanted to hear: that he was wrong about where his daughter would venture to go, and that for the time being, her presence was no more than a speculation on a vapor of air. Behind the cool demeanor she approached his hot headed tirade, she felt her heart reach out to his plight. How was it she could tell him instruction that went against his nature? She admired him for doing instead of fretting, for pulling down whatever barrier stood in the way between him in the truth. At the same time, there would be no resource to mobilize to find Wilhemia if he was allowed to barrel down everyone from youthful squire to the most skilled warrior in pursuit of his one goal. "It took spears n' near a retinue tae hold him back," she thought, "Gods forbid anythin' else gae awry." If it were Aodhan and Edme, they would be holding her down to keep her from going out of the castle doors with a mentality that would give no one quarter.

The Dutchess had taken many audiences before and af the time she had been given the official titles that made her a woman of power. Rich men prattled on of money, the common and poor alike of suspicions. The littlest complaints always were given a roll of eyes when she was alone, but the true, genuine, and heartfelt petitions remained with her. His demand was as good as fufilling the wish of the King: Find Wilhemia before the terrible aspects of the criminal mind could be visited on her.

She wound her hands together until the fingers were aching from the strain so that even the craddle of the soft wool skirts soothed them. Cost. What would this cost in terms of life, of resource, and what were the risks? Once upon a time the answer would have been simple but now the commitment of the court's finest to the task what would come at the morning's light? Sir Darius Raven, Lady Ranger Kaelyn Urquhart, and her guardians Sir Rodric and Kendrew of Dumfrieshire had been told to find and return her to the castle. Her eyes grew distant at the possibility they could return her beaten...or worse.

A corpse.

The castle was filled with gossip as the servants scurried around at their tasks. What words could she exchange and how many times could she tell the tale? Her mouth had barely formed her conclusive thoughts to the Adivsor and Physician when her face would go pale at the revelation: " Tis been discovered she's gone, Your Grace. She is nay where she was proported to be.." "Find her!" she commanded, "Gae!"


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Sleep? What was that, a child's fable? A pair of hours were all that waited for her, but at least she had the comfort of her husband's arms. She smiled whenever she had the chance to look on his face; a rare sign of joy upturned his lips, left his eyes for once still. Often, the rapid movements of the lids moved at the pace of nightmares racing across the spheres to invade his peace. Offering a kiss to his brow, she sighed. In all the hours of dark passing to the streaking pink of day, no word. Her nightgown was pulled over her knees, smoothed, and the covers pulled up over the Duke as he slept. "Let him sleep," she prayed, "Give his mind peace fer it has had none." Executions. They were looming, or had they already been done? He did not tell her a great many things of his business now, so what had he committed he might need absolution for? "Ah love ye," she whispered.

Of course, her mind had too long to work again. Too long to do what made her at once admirable and despised: concoct a plan. She brushed a bit of hair away while picking up her robe from the hooks. The whispered hush of wool lined in velvet finery on the stone floor brought Aileen at once to her door. "Your Grace," the tart smiled, her voice honey sweet, "Good morning." Every person surrounding them proved useful at more than just their tasks. While Aida and Lillian served to keep the younger members of the household servants in line, the eldest among the children were in fact young women. Open ears for all manner of words and adept minds on recall. She smiled more than approvingly at this choice of girl opening the door. " Good morn', Aileen. Wouldst ye please see tha' a breakfast is set and be sae kind as tae summon' wot e'er members o' the court beh about? O' a mind this mornin Ah am for a ride tae calm my mind." Two sets of eyes twinkled and Aileen knew she would go down into the city for something other than a morning constitutional. "Will Her Grace be attending to any matters that will require her being announced in any hall?" The walls could have ears, so it was best to keep tactful. Creeping a tad bit closer, Aileen dipped into a curtsy just waiting for a chance to do something exciting!

"Ah'd appreciate it vera much if ye'd arrange it tae have meh announced in the chambers at the Hall o' Guilds iffn yeh please." The girl was a farmer and surely they had contacts. Little did Odis know, he was more alike to the court than he'd ever imagine. No amount of silk, lace, broacades, tapestry, or formality could hide the underbelly of the Lady Griffin to be as rough, sword honed, and anxious as his own. Business would be comingled with the pleasure of gathering information on this matter's behalf, as well as cornering Tial MacDonald once and for all. It was fine to mix agendas for it all resulted in one purpose in the end.

Ridding Skye of scoundrals. [/font][/color]

[wilhemiaschleitz]

The young woman slowly awoke as her head ached with the sharp throbbing that began at the back and seemed to wash forward into her face. The hands lifted to cover her eyes against the morning sunlight as she curled sideways into a half moon. The soft sob left her lips as she could feel the bruises and the sudden throb in an ankle.

If she had just stayed home.. if she had listened to her Da.. If.. there were lots of Ifs at this point. She knew she had to move.. sooner or later those idiots would begin looking for her. Rising to her feet was something of a chore, the right ankle refused to hold her weight. Hardly one to just give up, it simply wasn't in the makeup of the small country girl. She broke off a stick and ripped part of her dress to over an end of it before the impromptu crutch was ready.

She looked around her trying to remember what direction the road was.. however all the blooming trees looked alike! GAH! She began to hobble her way over the uneven ground with the soft murmured cry, as she misstepped again. Willa was really disliking the forest altogether. The sounds of horses caught her attention as she hid down beside the outcropping of moss covered stone. pressing herself as close as she could to the shadows there. All the while praying that she couldn't be found.

" Its all yer fault Clem, Pa's gonna be rightly mad that ya let that gel getin away. "

" My Fault.. iffin ye'd jus taken yer turn.. "

"Ye'd gots firs' on dat one lass.. nawt me own fault iffin she wanna a virgin.. "

" I'm older.. so's I always gits firs.. yer jus da second son.. naw one cares iffin ya gits seconds.. be yer place.. " the elder of the young men declared.

Willa listened to this, frightened.. and slowly becoming angry. How dare they speak of her as if she were some.. some... breeding cow.. She stifled it as she shook with both anger and rage at the whole idea of it! To be passed around like one does a cup o' mead at a feast.. really.. how .. how rude!

The two continued onward arguing the fact of who was telling their father. She had to get out of the damned forest. She waited there a few moments longer before rising to her feet. The tears rolled down her filthy cheeks as she started up in a direction once more. Away from the two derranged men.. if she could find the road. She knew now she had to keep moving... as she used that anger to press onward.

[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

Raven and Kae had left for their camp within the woods to gather men and to search for Wila as Lady Bess had bid them. Where to start... was the question?

At the camp they explained to the men what they were needing to do and all gathered their weapons... Freika Kae's wolf trotted into the camp carrying a something in his mouth.

Kae knelt down and called for his as he neared her she could see it was a shoe..."I wonder if it could be her's.. the girl we look for Wila?" she said softly.

She stood and gathered her own weapons, and made her way to where Baran was tethered to a tree his reins within her cousin Rhys's hands. " Travel in groups of four... if you find her one is to find the rest of the search party .. the other three take the girl to Griffin Castle to Lord Adam and Lady Bess." her voice held a note of authority as she mounted her horse and with Raven, Phantom, and Pagan beside her... she kneed Baran and took off at a slow trot looking for signs as they rode.

The four groups set out in different directions to cover as much ground as possible leaving the bulk of their force in the camp... to wait for the others coming from Blackmoor and Argania.

She sat in the saddle silent back rigid as she hoped to find the girl whole and hale, and return her to her father.Kae could only imagine the anguish and anger the man felt for it must have been the same as her father felt those five long years ago that she herself had gone missing.

The difference would be that Wila's father would be alive and waiting when she returned.. that had not been the case for Kaelyn. They rode for several hours in silence .... it was getting dark so they called a halt for the night and made a small camp... til the sun met the sky once more.

[Lady Eirian Gwenyth Apollius]

A knock went tap, tap against the Kushrenada chamber door not even five doors and a corner away from the Duke and the Dutchess on the day the Dutchess sought riding companions for her appointments down into the city. " Good morning, M'Lady. Her Grace wishes to know if you would favor a ride this morn with her into the city?" Eirian had never been one to recant an honored call from her friends, especially one that involved a practice in later months that would need be forsaken as her condition became more evident. "Of course, I would be glad to. But give me leave to make ready.." the door was nearly shut when wind of an afterthought widened the breech again, "Wait..why does her Grace wish to ride so early? That is nay her usual custom." A change did one good, but so vagrant a deviation was worth questioning. Dark brow arched as she watched the maid who had delivered the news as if she ought be an oracle with a readied answer. "Oh come now, Aileen. You can not expect me to believe something is not amiss. Come, what is it?"

The High Lady Artisan was privy to the young lass whispering the castle gossip that turned into a matter of urgency. "Oh God, missing? Her father...no!" she blinked, leaning in for more, " You don't say...tell her Grace I come by and by!" The Griffin Court would later be known for how they functioned like a system of gears only waiting to be thrown into motion. If one of them moved, the machine synchronized until all became part of a greater effort. The door shut promptly as she made ready for the outer trappings of a ride, and the inner truth of investigating. Beathag wanted to go to the Hall of Guilds, no doubt to hunt among the merchants the small family of father and daughter did business with in Turas Lan. For the first rays of light, the maid would have baffled at the amount of thought present in her eyes. As she brushed her hair each stroke became a possible name connected to Schlietz. Nimble fingers braiding ebony laquer calcuated the number of times each might have come near Wilhemia. A slipping in of bobby pin helped form the answers to Beathag's inevitable questions.

The Kushrenada's court appointments served three purposes: To cultivate works of fine and scholarly art, to teach, and to recall the details that would not have been noted otherwise. It wasn't long until a form swarthed in warm beige emerged while slidding the familiar over robe of midnight over her arms to be fastened in the middle. She took extra steps, three to her normal two so that she was running in between walking. Aileen was the jovial shadow that galavanted behind, soon coming to the side of the Welsh woman to await further instruction. And they were afraid that living in the castle would ruin her! Bah! In Aileen's esteemed opinion (which counted about as much as eggs given to a man who needs wax for candles) it was only heightening her sense of smart!

Were it not for the occasion, she might have paid the young woman more attention to cultivate that sense of flare before she brought down the silliness in her approach three pegs with a good admonishing. But that was the crux of the whole affair, wasn't it? A man had been too harsh and the naieve girl teetering on the verge of accepting her decisive stature rebelled. Now she was lost. Too long to be considered a run away, and too melded in with other crimes for it to go unnoticed. Griffin Castle came to life with the talk of it to fill in what she did not know: the confrontation between the Dutchess and her father, the commitment of the best to the task.

Little at the time did they know how stretched they would be with the capture and beathing of another, too. Eirian sighed deeply, lifting her skirts to run in full stretch of legs to become the gazelle. By the time she found Beathag, a small breakfast of bread, fruit, and milk had been taken to the stables for the benefit of the Lady Kushrenada while her horse was being made ready. "Will any others be joining us, Bess," she employed her short,affectionate name without care for formality. " This..morning ride. It will carry us right past the morning meetings before the markets commence.."

The Dutchess seemed pleased to hear this! She swallowed her cider away while sliding upon her head a jaunty cap with a single feather of white pinned on. The sharp appearence made Eirian shake her head while she finished her share of the food. "Tha' be wot Ah'm countin' pon' , Eiri. We shall take wot were 'ere back tae the guard. Ah can nay leave and if they caught sight o' such twould make 'em nervous n' suspicious."
"Do you think that the rash of crime is connected?"

"Maybeh."[/color]

"We will find out soon enough." The stable hand passed to her the reigns of the Kahaknian mount Moonshine. One foot hooked into the stirrup while the other carried her over to sit full astride. If only for the pregnancy, she would use the saddle, finding she could still climb up with grace. Generous dress flared round for she'd never ridden side saddle. It was a precocious practice, one only utilized in the most formal occasions when she couldn't avoid it any longer. Besides..it was easier to break away from the possibilty of chaos in a full gallop.

"I think if the name among farmers will bring up a peculiar man. I purchased some wood from him on behalf of Zahak. There was a woman that always mentioned how hard the man's son's had been looking at Farmer Schleit's daughter. Some are claiming they really are not quite right in the head....old drinking croonies in the taverns, always getting tossed out..."[/font]

[wilhemiaschleitz]

The daylight had come and gone once more while the young woman curled up into a filthy little thicket. Well if the deer could do it.. she could too. Being mindful of placing her face downward against a folded arm. To keep the condensation of her breath from giving her away. The slender body shivered most of the night, and the only thing she could really be thankful for.. was the fact her ankle had just finally gone numb.

The sounds of animals and such scurring about in the darkness didn't bother her so much. After living in the middle of no where, one was used to all sorts of noises in the dead darkness. The nightmare that came this time as she slept brought her upright in a sharp jerk. Right into the low branch of the pinetree she had tucked herself into. The yelp was immediately smothered by a hand as she blinked away the onset of tears that welled up into the pretty blue eyes.

The eastern horizon had brought forward the warming glow of the sun, a promise of a new day. Typically Willa was used to greeting such days with a smile and some hope for a day being better then the last. Though right now.. she was cold, tired and in pain. So the mild fact of not carring about the sunrise? Well it could be overlooked this time.

She ignored the fact her belly was grumbly, as she slowly crawled out from under the thicket and pine branches. The makeshift crutch drug along with her, and it leaned upon heavily as she slowly righted herself. How in the world soldiers slept on the ground was beyond her.. she had sore places and really one would think sleeping on pine needles would make for a soft bed? Pift.. every way she turned the sharp tips found a spot in her back or side. Attempting to brush away some of the dirt and dishevelment, she looked around to attempt to get a better idea of where she was.

The sigh came as she choose a direction and set off. Having little idea of what else to do at this point. The slim hand shoved the blond hair out of her face as she set off. The slow limping steps carried her to the edge of a ravine.. as she looked up and nearly cried at the idea of having to climb out of it. The sigh came as she shook herself a bit. Really.. she wasn't some lillygirl that couldn't fend for herself.. she could do this!

Willa was nearly to the top of that ravine as the sound of horses came down a nearby game trail. With a state of panic and firm belief it was those horrid little men again, she dropped herself to her knees, and the hands scrambling to pick up what few rocks and debrey she could get her hands on. OH .. she would show them...

One couldn't be a victim forever ya know.. and she was damned tired of being one! As the first rider came through she rocked up to her knees once more and hurled the stone as it caught the man dead center of the chest. He leaned forward at the sudden loss of breath as the next ride behind him would soon find himself under assault of the very same sort. The young woman was scrambling for rocks and anything else to throw as she called out.

" Ya think ya be man enoughed now? Eh.. are ya? .. and ya.. Take that" She called as she continued to throw the rocks and sticks.. as the men ducked and darted out of the way of the hailstorm of stones. " Hmph.. I'll show ya ta be talkin about me like I be some sorta breedin cow.... " She let it all just filtered into a beligerant anger. One of the guards that Raven and Kae had sent out swung down from the saddle. His hands upward as he started to speak.

" Lady.. please.. we're looking for... OW.. stop that... " He commanded which only found himself under attack this time it was with that crutch of hers.

" Oh I ain't fallin fer that.. ya git yerself gone.. go finds yerself anotherin whore... " She stated swinging wildly at the man. Another had gotten around behind her and while she was busy attempting to knock one guards head off with the stick.. he caught her up by her middle and lifted her from her feet. The scream would likely echo through the forest as she dropped the stick and began to beat on his arms with her hands.

" Put me down ya piebald yella bellied jackarse! " The feet were kicking and the young woman continued to struggle.

" Stop.. we're guards from the castle.. we're here to take you home.. " The man stated through gritted teeth while trying to hold that wylie little lass in one place. " If you would just stop fighting... " The man got out as it took Willa a few minutes before the words sank into her brain.. then all at once the little country girl went limp.

"whut? " She asked looking at the guards.. and their uniforms. Oh Good Lady above and Father below.. she just attacked her rescuers!

[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

A scream echoed through the trees, Kae brought her large black warhorse to an abrupt halt... as she tried to decide from which direction the scream came from.

She looked down at her wolf and noticed his behavior...Freika's ears twitched and flickered listening then he bolted off, Kae was right behind him. "TO ME!" she called as she let Baran have his head as they followed the wolf.

A sense of urgency filled her hoping that the scream was not that of the one whom they searched for and yet that it was as the same time. Crashing through the trees and into a small revine...seeing Andras restraining a girl who fit in description of the one called Wila.

Baran had not even come to a complete stop as she leapt from his back with so much ease it spoke of her excellent equestrian skills. Horses hooves thundered through the air as Raven, Pagan, and Phantom followed by more of her knight's entered the clearing as well. They all dismounted and with but a look from Kae fanned out to form a protective circle around the clearing, hands on swords just in case.

Kae was wearing a dark colored cloak, with the hood up concealing her form from head to toe. She had heard Draven's words to the girl that they were Castle Guards and the girl stopped fighting within his arms. He let he go.... and stepped back joining his 'brother's' in their defensive position's as did Andras.

Raven was at Kae's side as she approached wraith, like.. steps silent to stand before Wila.

The girl looked scared and was injured she reached up and slowly lowered the hood of her cloak. Golden hair spilled out from the confines to cascaded down her back. She gave Wila a friendly smile " There is no need to fear us lass, we are here to return you to your father."

Kae reached a hand out to her to let her know she was among "friends"... she smiled again as she waited for the girl to decide whether or not to take her hand. Wila looked around and nodded before taking Kae's hand. The knight's she would see were all large and heavily armoured... but were not a threat to her in the least.

Kae holding Wila's hand within her own walked to her large horse... where Rhys stood holding the reins in large gloved hands, smiled as they approached. " M'Lady ." her said in a rich deep voice that held respect for the ranger who was also his cousin. He gave a nod to Raven as well " Brother" a nod given to him as well.

Baran was more than capable of handling the additional weight,
" She will ride with me." Kae said as she mounted and waited as Raven grabbed the girls waist and hoisted her up to Kae. Once settled Kae took the reins that Rhys handed her and waited for the others to mount before nudging Baran to move.

The knight's were teasing Andras and Draven about how one wee girl with nothing more than objects from the earth defended herself against them. Both had scratches and the beginnings of bruises. The friendly teasing and banter between them made her smile. Barans' easy rolling gait... must have lulled Wila to sleep for she swayed within the confines of Kae's arms. Kae quickly adjusted her position to keep the girl from falling off.

They rode silently back to the Castle... well except those still teasing Andras and Draven. She sent a silent prayer thanking all that they had found her alive and for the most part unharmed.

[acelticwolfking]

The sound of the scream had lifted his head in the direction from wich it had come. His hearing sometimes better then most. When Kae took off in that direction, he and his golden mount were hot on her heels.

When they arrived on the scene he watched the others fan out took note of each one's new position then pulled Jester up beside Baran pulling him to a stop there before sliding off his back with practiced ease. He patted the golden neck for a moment then moved to stand beside Kae and a little behind her, not wanting his size to frighten the girl.

The silent sentry. He said not a word simply waited and listened. When the girl was lifted onto Kae's horse he too mounted once again and followed close, the only one really allowed that close save for Phantom and Pagan. He watched as Wila fell asleep, a smile twitching his lips as he listened to the firendly banter turning his head towards them and getting his own in. But this one to those doing the bantering.

" Ye jus' wish ye could find a Lass half sae fiesty fer yer own." That brought laughter and nods from all the Knights. He turned back grinning, then shrugged at the look his beloved Kae shot him. " Wha? its true. Ye are the fiestiest woman I know Lass and ye captured me heart why would they nae want the same for themselves?"

[wilhemiaschleitz]

Oh Blithering Hounds and flyin fishies! Hadn't she made quite the scene? She found herself put down and stood in a ring of people staring at her. The young woman felt rather small.. and horribly embarassed as she flushed a bright scarlet. The mouth opened for apologies, though she hadn't the voice to speak them.

As the Lady arrived with the wolf.. she made a step backwards, wincing at the pressure put on the ankle. There was no curtsying here.. as she looked at the woman for a long moment.. though at the mention of her Father, the tears spilled down her cheeks and gratefully took her hand.

She just wanted to go home. The steps were awkward as she moved closer to the horse, thankful even more that the woman had stated she was not to right with one of the bulky knights. The whole affair caught up with her rather quickly, the lack of sleep for several days.. the whole events of the morning .. as soon as the large man lifted her , almost effortlessly onto the back of the horse. The world crashed down around her eyes and hears. And the world turned a beautiful peaceful black.

And thus she would remain until returning to the castle.

[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

Kae glanced at Raven and then smiled brightly " Aye, I am feisty to be sure and I believe we claimed each other's heart's equally A Chroi." her voice a whisper for his ears alone.

Kae fell back a bit until she was next to her Knight's who had found the girl and began questioning them as to what exactly happened, when they found Wila. They told her how she had spoke to them as if they were the ones who had taken her. Kae raised a brow at that " Hmmm then perhaps she could tell us more when she wakes." with that she nudged Baran's sides to quicken his pace once more taking her place next to Raven and his golden colored horse.

Looking back over her shoulder to see the flushed cheeks of Andras and Draven and smirked. " It still amazes me that one wee lass could, have both of you hopping as if yer arses were a flame... and with mere rocks and a crutch. You both would be gravely injured had she had a sword!" she teased them herself before once more turning to face forward.

The City now coming into view... she would wake the sleeping girl once they were within the Castle gates... she would also send Andras and Draven to the healers to have their wounds tended.

" Raven... after we return her we will search for the ones that took her ." she said her tone flat as she held her anger in tight control of those who would do such and to one that could not defend themselves as she could.