Post by Sir Dmitrii Zurban on May 24, 2008 14:27:19 GMT -6
War, The Winter of 1328
Dmitrii’s birthday came and went on a battlefield far away; never knowing the exact anniversary of the day he entered this world. Just as expected by the royals, the Army of Scotland attacked the English with full surprise. The arrogant English commanders did not expect the brunt force that the Scots would lay upon the field of battle. The months passed, Battle after battle, the war continued. The Scots did not know that the English had reinforcements so close… which bolstered their efforts to obliterate the Scots and subdue them in one war.
By sea, the English ships sailed into Inverness Bay unaccosted, and established a blockade. By land, the Scot forces were divided into three main parts, with an English spearhead making its way north. The two smaller Scot forces were eventually decimated, or wrought inoperable. The western forces, the force that Dmitrii and Adam Aberdeen were members of, stood their ground as ordered, only to be slaughtered. Sir Richard Burns, a Knights Templar, fighting for the Scots, saw the illogical thought of battle and moved his men out of harm’s way, taking the remnants of the Scot forces with him, saving their lives. Just as the main body of the Scot Army of the Highlands began to move north. Later it was discovered that the Highlanders had made a pact with the English.
Once again, the lull of battle allowed Dmitrii to stop, breathe and think… which was worse than battle itself. Letter after letter, Dmitrii wrote to Tory, only not to get one in return. Once again, the opposing commanders ordered the troops to the field. Dodging arrows, swords, and spears, Dmitrii managed to stay alive.
Sir Richard gave Dmitrii and Adam Aberdeen the opportunity to go to the Isle of Skye and begin anew.
The Death of Victoria “Tory” Welles-Zurban
Dmitrii awoke in a cold sweat… he feared something was direly wrong… he felt a sudden emptiness feeling wash over his entire body. Sitting upright in his tent… he knew Tory was dead. He could do nothing but weep. He knew not how, nor when, but he felt it in his heart. He prayed to God that he was wrong and all those feelings were just figments of his wild and lonely imagination.
After nearly two months of bitter fighting, a truce was obtained between Scotland and England. The troops from Inverness prepared to go home. But Dmitrii knew if Tory was dead, there would be nothing to keep him there… The offer of Skye was very tempting, but Dmitrii had to get to his wife and make sure she was alive. Either way, he determined that Skye would be their, or his, new home.
Bidding his good-byes to Sir Richard and Adam, he made his way north, avoiding the English forces and rejoined the Army of the Highlands. The long journey home was painstaking for the out-of-place Kievan Rus. The army of the Highlands camped outside Inverlochy before making the wintry journey home to the Highlands. It was here that fond memories invaded his mind. He had asked permission to go into the city; the commander granting him leave. He immediately visited the Inne where the two shared their temporary marriage bed. The visit proved beneficial as the man had told him that Tory had ventured thru their not 2 weeks prior. Unsure that Tory was alive or dead, he returned to the force as it had begun to move north once more.
The Army of the Highlands victoriously returned to Inverness, and was granted a hero’s welcome, but it was hollow for Dmitrii. For two days after their return, Dmitrii was in a fact-finding mission of his wife’s whereabouts. It was as if she simply disappeared… until… Until he found a old friend who confirmed her death. A simple ceremony of death, and her body disposed as per her wishes; those he missed.
Selling everything from the marriage, and giving her Ivywood Manor to the orphanage, he was now free to leave. He had spent a day or so packing his meager things, weeping in private. He had packed the wagon well and departed without ceremony. His attempts to locate Sir Pagan, or his sister Kae was also in vain. In his sorrow of Tory’s death, he had not contacted anyone, royal nor commoner… he had to get away from Inverness… get away from the pain and sorrow. It was this unplanned and sudden departure that caused him to miss his sister Kae’s letter. The siblings missed each other by mere days.
The Letter from Kae
Kae had written to Dmitrii to let him know she was well and survived the war. She has yet to arrive back in Inverness so knows nothing of Tory's passing or Dmitrii leaving. The messenger she paid was to go Inverness and seek out her knight Sir Pagan who would know where her beloved brother was and deliver her words with her seal upon the parchment... a Wolf's head.
My Beloved Brother Dmitrii,
I write to let you know that the war was fierce but I am well.. Though it may be some time before I wield my sword with my right... but 'tis naught to concern yourself with. I shall be back in Inverness in three days... if the Gods are kind. We travel slow do to those who are injured, Freika is among them and for that my heart breaks. I hope you and Tory are well and happy ? Not a day has gone by that I do not think of you my brother... I miss you dearly. It was you that kept me safe... for when I thought I could give up and be done with it all... I would here your voice... and that gave me strength to carry on. We have so much to catch up on.... and futures to build. I must go for now and get some rest.... Perth is forever nagging me to take care of myself.. much the way you do :: smiles::
Be well brother … for it is only a matter of days before we are reunited once more... for we are Troika always!
Your Sister,
Kaelyn Rose
To Skye
The Kievan Rus warrior sat on the bench of the wagon, his Friesian tied to the rear; the reins occasionally snapped across the horses' back to keep them moving.
It had been more than a month since Tory's death, his return, and the final decision to leave Inverness. The man, he had met during the war, offered a different lifestyle than Inverness and this intrigued the Rus. Of course, he had not expected Tory's death and this sealed his fate. Now he would venture to a new world.
He had been alone for many years... found a love that he thought would never find him... then war and death struck yet again... now he was alone again... He had always been a survivor...
He sat back down on the log and poured himself the last mug of coffee. Tory’s death had been hard on him, though he did not let emotions reign. One simple outwardly cry of the first notification of loss, but the continuous lamentation of her death screamed in his heart and mind…
Kae, his sister, if she was alive, oh, she would be angry with him for leaving so suddenly; but he would make it up to her. He never suspected that the rosters in Inverness listed him as dead and missing. His unit had taken a beating at the hands of the English, their archers delivering deadly accurate barrages to his men. Sitting on the log, he contemplated the loss of good men, only to have the Highlanders make a deal and leave. Then to return home to find his wife was also dead. A sip of the coffee, he tossed the rest on the dying flames. Wrapping himself in a blanket, he scooted down and rest his head upon the log.
Sleep evaded him as he pondered the new life ahead and his sister’s whereabouts. “Skye? What’s in this new land that Sir Richard mentioned?” he whispered to himself.
The Call of War… Again
Dmitrii arrived in a city named Turas Lan… the city that Sir Richard had described to him as a bustling place filled with liveliness and gaiety. The surrounding land full of opportunities. Securing a room above a tavern, he settled down to a new life… alone again.
The call to war!! Dmitrii had only been there a day until he had heard Adam Aberdeen was in Turas Lan. The man who Dmitrii trusted and called a friend, was returning to Inverness, but in a different way. Inverness, in its foolishness, had accepted the English truce, but found itself under siege… and quarantined by the English. Knowing the royals lived in Inverness, he knew the throathold on the city could break the country’s back. Knowing they could not beat the English, Sir Aberdeen only planned a rescue of the Royals.
The Rescue
His twins sharpened, he stepped upon the boat less than a week ago, knowing full well, he would not stop until he was Dead, or the people they were coming for were rescued. He knew in his heart as a warrior that the English would not be stopped. It was only a matter of time before they would take Inverness. There she was, the Scot north coast. Standing behind the man he vowed life and sword… the deadly twins upon his back… he smirked as he prepared himself mentally… to bring red to the ones that fought the black and gold.
A fight! And fight he did… having drawn the dual swords he faced the infantry as the archers had no time to regroup… a swing left, crossing with a right, man after man fell… blood flew erratically, screams coming from both sides as steel clanged and fell silent merely for a split second… spins and swings, combinations of movements none of them practiced… this man was hell-bent on revenge… his mind but a blurred imagination of a dead wife, the false rumor of death of the western flank of Prince Agravaine's army… being left to die at the hands of the English… Nay, he was saved by friends and allowed to seek what he desired most in life… to fight, to feel the limp body of men against his deadly swords… some praying his end result would be the savior of hundreds, maybe thousands from English tyranny… but he thought none of that… he wanted only the royal family preserved for future's freedom… and revenge… the steel grey eyes beckoned death at the edge of his blade… fighting bravely beside Adam… a friend to the end…
Waving his sword to Adam upon the hill, seeing his Lord point, he looked to the Clansmen that approached. The Rus used his swords as tools to direct movements… as if pointers in class. Care not he did, for the clansmen’s apprehension to take orders from a foreigner… he had his own… and it was from someone he cared for… Sir Adam Aberdeen. Waiting for the royals, Dmitrii took a moment to reflect to Kaelyn; thinking how much she would have loved to join in the fray. The rumor of her death, along with his wife had taken a toll. No tears, no laments… pure unadulterated hatred, solidified in revenge. He had done what he was asked of… and more. Blazing a trail for the royals to follow, lining the way with dead Englishmen. At the shore, longboats waiting to take them from land, Dmi saw the Princess. Immediately, he sheathed the twin swords in one spin of the wrists, and at the same time, knelt to one knee, his hands immediately moving opposite the other to demonstrate open arms; his mouth mimicked “M’Lady.”, his head bowed.
The Rus stood and began assisting those who needed assistance. A sight that would induce fear, his face and body blood-stained, his clothes cut several places from near strikes, his grey eyes would makes others’ eyes veer away from looking upon him. Ship after ship lined the coast; away boats, wave after wave took the Highlanders from their homeland, now refugees, bound for a new promise of hope. Seeing several men of Blackmoor, he turned and looked around hoping… nay praying to see his sister. Once he saw Pagan… then with a blink of the eye, he was gone. Cursing in Russian, he took it as a figment of imagination, of the brain hoping for rejuvenation of family lost hoping to be found. Shaking his head, again, he went about to assisting others into the boats.
The Return to Skye
Ordered into the boats… disgusting the warrior to no end. Even upon almost insubordination, Adam had ordered him to get aboard. Pushing off the boat, then stepping into the craft, he too took up an oar. As he rowed, he saw once again a vision, a ghostly figment atop a horse on shore. Kaelyn !! he stopped and stood up, only to sit down once again even more frustrated. Was she alive? Or was it his mind playing with him? Later, after getting aboard the ship and helping others, he stood at the rail; the smoke of Inverness yet another reminder of his past. Still he felt an odd sensation, as if Kae was alive, grey eyes narrowed. “Kaelyn, by whatever God we seek, be alive… stay alive… lest revenge I seek for yer death. I shant send word to Argania, nor accept it myself until I hold yer cold body in my arms.” He spoke in Russian, said in a soft voice to the wind, a wind that could make any human shiver.
Kaelyn: Kae turned when she heard the call to board the ships and when she turned back to where Dmitrii stood he was gone... she shook her head damn her shattered mind for making her hope... for what was not to be. She turned and headed towards the boats. She stepped onto the plank and walked slowly aboard with a last look towards the smoke billowing a filling the air from where the castle had once been standing. She ran her fingers through her hair, and pushed it off her face. Silently she prayed for those left behind, that they would be safe. Pagan had boarded earlier and the others were on other boats. Some had offered to stay behind to protect those who waited. Her heart was heavy and her mind fractured a bit more as she sank to sit upon the floor of the boat. Remembering the time when such a ship brought her from Argania to these lands that become her home... only fitting that one would carry her to another.
Vox Gladiis: Leaning against the rail of the boat, his calloused hands caressing his beard in contemplation, he watched Inverness burn. On the hill, he saw the Ivywood Manor. Now Tory’s burned out home. A tear worked its way down his cheek, though he would pay it no mind. He could see the smoke billowing from the Castle. To his right, his eye caught the first of the heavily burdened ships weigh anchor, sails full in the evening breeze. He laid his head in his hands and spoke Russian, words meant only for himself. The tears he now shed, tears that found no time before, now mixed with soot and dried blood to become a mess upon a once handsome bearded man.
KaelynRose01: Kae sat rocking herself slowly on the floor... if any saw her they would think she had truly lost her mind. Mumbling in Norn her native language, covered in dirt, blood, and soot she was a site to behold for sure. "Dmi... I am sorry brother... I failed in protecting you." she muttered to herself. Her golden hair now matted and knotted was covered in blood and soot not to mention whatever else became tangled in the long locks, but she cared not for grief held her captive. Her muscles cramped from sitting as she was she stood and looked over the side of the ship seeing land ravaged by those who wished to control it. Houses of those she cared for now but ruins for the ghosts to inhabit. Her heart lay there on the shore to die with those that see never to see freedom or their own loved ones anymore. Without thinking she climbed to sit on the edge looking down at the sea... wishing it was her and not her brother or his wife who had died. They had only begun their lives... a small hand grabbed and tugged her shirt “M'Lady tis not safe fer ye tae sit there." she looked down to see a young lad whose face was covered in soot speaking to her. His eyes must have seen unspeakable things as the English stormed their lands. "Nay worry lad I am fine, or as fine as one can get in these times." her voice soft...held no emotion for it was flat.
Vox Gladiis: Two soldiers walking past Kae regarded her as a war victim, mentally handicapped by what had occurred. In their passing, one spoke to the other... “Did ye notice how crazy that warrior was… no regard for himself… and he yelled in some faerign lang’ge.” the second man replied… “Aye, ah did… able tae handle two swords like dat means he’s been places…” The conversation continued. “Nice swords tae… ne’r seen a pair like dat b’fore.” The man shakes his head… “N’ther have ah… but as crazed as ‘e was, he knew how tae kill de Aignlish…”
KaelynRose01: She heard what the men said and leapt down from the side of the ship. "You there!" she called to the men before they got to far from her. They turned to look at her then to each other not sure about her at all. "I heard you talk of a man using twin blades. Did he make it a ship? I need ot know.... he is my brother." her words held anguish as she tried not to hope but unable to stop it. They looked at her again and she could see she was not crazy as they had thought but grief stricken instead. "Please if you know anything... tell me." she blinked back the tears burning her eyes.
Vox Gladiis: Not usually cringing from a woman, the two men beheld a devilish sight… the Ranger, bloodied, and sooted… the two men looked at each other, a bit scared should they answer her questions incorrectly. The smaller man then began to describe, in a question, Dmitrii. The larger man then pointed to the bow of the ship… “On that side M’Lady… heeees, there… but he don’t seem right t’all.” Pointing to his head.
KaelynRose01: Could she trust what they were saying? Then they described him and she knew in her heart that it had to be him. "Thank you." she said as she rushed past them to where they said he would be, ignoring the fact that thought him crazy for she cared not as long as he lived. Having made her way to the place they said she stood and stared at him. Instincts warned her to be careful in her approach, so when she was near enough to touch him she spoke softly "Dmitrii?” simply said as she waited for his reaction.
Vox Gladiis: Standing, facing the rail... his back to the ship... the twin swords was a calling card for all to know... friend or foe, all knew them. Deep in concentration about his losses, the touch was like electricity, a bolt of lightning that stirred him. Snapping erect, turning, his hand on his dagger at the waist... he froze... a site that he presumed dead, but hoped lived. Nanoseconds became hours as his steel grey eyes caught the most beautiful site - his sister!!!!!
She could not believe her eyes either for there before her was her handsome and strong younger brother. She opened her arms and waited for him to enter them before closing them lovingly around him to hold him close to her. "My dear brother I prayed for you to be safe... a messenger came to the Ruffian and told Bess and I that Adam, Tory, and you were all dead." her eyes filled with tears. "I would have killed him if Bess had not been there to stop me." her arms tightened about him.
In Kae’s arms, he felt secure; the adrenaline subsided, and emotions then overtook him. He began to sob terribly, full emotions revealing the inner insecurity he had felt since the loss of Tory and the reported death of the Arganians. Despite the outward persona of a stalwart individual and ferocious warrior, the young man wept.
Kae herself began to sob softly as she held her brother and knew that he wept within her arms. She sank to the floor of the boat dragging him with her but never released him. "Dmi... it will be alright.. I am here. I am here." she cooed to him.
Dmitrii’s birthday came and went on a battlefield far away; never knowing the exact anniversary of the day he entered this world. Just as expected by the royals, the Army of Scotland attacked the English with full surprise. The arrogant English commanders did not expect the brunt force that the Scots would lay upon the field of battle. The months passed, Battle after battle, the war continued. The Scots did not know that the English had reinforcements so close… which bolstered their efforts to obliterate the Scots and subdue them in one war.
By sea, the English ships sailed into Inverness Bay unaccosted, and established a blockade. By land, the Scot forces were divided into three main parts, with an English spearhead making its way north. The two smaller Scot forces were eventually decimated, or wrought inoperable. The western forces, the force that Dmitrii and Adam Aberdeen were members of, stood their ground as ordered, only to be slaughtered. Sir Richard Burns, a Knights Templar, fighting for the Scots, saw the illogical thought of battle and moved his men out of harm’s way, taking the remnants of the Scot forces with him, saving their lives. Just as the main body of the Scot Army of the Highlands began to move north. Later it was discovered that the Highlanders had made a pact with the English.
Once again, the lull of battle allowed Dmitrii to stop, breathe and think… which was worse than battle itself. Letter after letter, Dmitrii wrote to Tory, only not to get one in return. Once again, the opposing commanders ordered the troops to the field. Dodging arrows, swords, and spears, Dmitrii managed to stay alive.
Sir Richard gave Dmitrii and Adam Aberdeen the opportunity to go to the Isle of Skye and begin anew.
The Death of Victoria “Tory” Welles-Zurban
Dmitrii awoke in a cold sweat… he feared something was direly wrong… he felt a sudden emptiness feeling wash over his entire body. Sitting upright in his tent… he knew Tory was dead. He could do nothing but weep. He knew not how, nor when, but he felt it in his heart. He prayed to God that he was wrong and all those feelings were just figments of his wild and lonely imagination.
After nearly two months of bitter fighting, a truce was obtained between Scotland and England. The troops from Inverness prepared to go home. But Dmitrii knew if Tory was dead, there would be nothing to keep him there… The offer of Skye was very tempting, but Dmitrii had to get to his wife and make sure she was alive. Either way, he determined that Skye would be their, or his, new home.
Bidding his good-byes to Sir Richard and Adam, he made his way north, avoiding the English forces and rejoined the Army of the Highlands. The long journey home was painstaking for the out-of-place Kievan Rus. The army of the Highlands camped outside Inverlochy before making the wintry journey home to the Highlands. It was here that fond memories invaded his mind. He had asked permission to go into the city; the commander granting him leave. He immediately visited the Inne where the two shared their temporary marriage bed. The visit proved beneficial as the man had told him that Tory had ventured thru their not 2 weeks prior. Unsure that Tory was alive or dead, he returned to the force as it had begun to move north once more.
The Army of the Highlands victoriously returned to Inverness, and was granted a hero’s welcome, but it was hollow for Dmitrii. For two days after their return, Dmitrii was in a fact-finding mission of his wife’s whereabouts. It was as if she simply disappeared… until… Until he found a old friend who confirmed her death. A simple ceremony of death, and her body disposed as per her wishes; those he missed.
Selling everything from the marriage, and giving her Ivywood Manor to the orphanage, he was now free to leave. He had spent a day or so packing his meager things, weeping in private. He had packed the wagon well and departed without ceremony. His attempts to locate Sir Pagan, or his sister Kae was also in vain. In his sorrow of Tory’s death, he had not contacted anyone, royal nor commoner… he had to get away from Inverness… get away from the pain and sorrow. It was this unplanned and sudden departure that caused him to miss his sister Kae’s letter. The siblings missed each other by mere days.
The Letter from Kae
Kae had written to Dmitrii to let him know she was well and survived the war. She has yet to arrive back in Inverness so knows nothing of Tory's passing or Dmitrii leaving. The messenger she paid was to go Inverness and seek out her knight Sir Pagan who would know where her beloved brother was and deliver her words with her seal upon the parchment... a Wolf's head.
My Beloved Brother Dmitrii,
I write to let you know that the war was fierce but I am well.. Though it may be some time before I wield my sword with my right... but 'tis naught to concern yourself with. I shall be back in Inverness in three days... if the Gods are kind. We travel slow do to those who are injured, Freika is among them and for that my heart breaks. I hope you and Tory are well and happy ? Not a day has gone by that I do not think of you my brother... I miss you dearly. It was you that kept me safe... for when I thought I could give up and be done with it all... I would here your voice... and that gave me strength to carry on. We have so much to catch up on.... and futures to build. I must go for now and get some rest.... Perth is forever nagging me to take care of myself.. much the way you do :: smiles::
Be well brother … for it is only a matter of days before we are reunited once more... for we are Troika always!
Your Sister,
Kaelyn Rose
To Skye
The Kievan Rus warrior sat on the bench of the wagon, his Friesian tied to the rear; the reins occasionally snapped across the horses' back to keep them moving.
It had been more than a month since Tory's death, his return, and the final decision to leave Inverness. The man, he had met during the war, offered a different lifestyle than Inverness and this intrigued the Rus. Of course, he had not expected Tory's death and this sealed his fate. Now he would venture to a new world.
He had been alone for many years... found a love that he thought would never find him... then war and death struck yet again... now he was alone again... He had always been a survivor...
He sat back down on the log and poured himself the last mug of coffee. Tory’s death had been hard on him, though he did not let emotions reign. One simple outwardly cry of the first notification of loss, but the continuous lamentation of her death screamed in his heart and mind…
Kae, his sister, if she was alive, oh, she would be angry with him for leaving so suddenly; but he would make it up to her. He never suspected that the rosters in Inverness listed him as dead and missing. His unit had taken a beating at the hands of the English, their archers delivering deadly accurate barrages to his men. Sitting on the log, he contemplated the loss of good men, only to have the Highlanders make a deal and leave. Then to return home to find his wife was also dead. A sip of the coffee, he tossed the rest on the dying flames. Wrapping himself in a blanket, he scooted down and rest his head upon the log.
Sleep evaded him as he pondered the new life ahead and his sister’s whereabouts. “Skye? What’s in this new land that Sir Richard mentioned?” he whispered to himself.
The Call of War… Again
Dmitrii arrived in a city named Turas Lan… the city that Sir Richard had described to him as a bustling place filled with liveliness and gaiety. The surrounding land full of opportunities. Securing a room above a tavern, he settled down to a new life… alone again.
The call to war!! Dmitrii had only been there a day until he had heard Adam Aberdeen was in Turas Lan. The man who Dmitrii trusted and called a friend, was returning to Inverness, but in a different way. Inverness, in its foolishness, had accepted the English truce, but found itself under siege… and quarantined by the English. Knowing the royals lived in Inverness, he knew the throathold on the city could break the country’s back. Knowing they could not beat the English, Sir Aberdeen only planned a rescue of the Royals.
The Rescue
His twins sharpened, he stepped upon the boat less than a week ago, knowing full well, he would not stop until he was Dead, or the people they were coming for were rescued. He knew in his heart as a warrior that the English would not be stopped. It was only a matter of time before they would take Inverness. There she was, the Scot north coast. Standing behind the man he vowed life and sword… the deadly twins upon his back… he smirked as he prepared himself mentally… to bring red to the ones that fought the black and gold.
A fight! And fight he did… having drawn the dual swords he faced the infantry as the archers had no time to regroup… a swing left, crossing with a right, man after man fell… blood flew erratically, screams coming from both sides as steel clanged and fell silent merely for a split second… spins and swings, combinations of movements none of them practiced… this man was hell-bent on revenge… his mind but a blurred imagination of a dead wife, the false rumor of death of the western flank of Prince Agravaine's army… being left to die at the hands of the English… Nay, he was saved by friends and allowed to seek what he desired most in life… to fight, to feel the limp body of men against his deadly swords… some praying his end result would be the savior of hundreds, maybe thousands from English tyranny… but he thought none of that… he wanted only the royal family preserved for future's freedom… and revenge… the steel grey eyes beckoned death at the edge of his blade… fighting bravely beside Adam… a friend to the end…
Waving his sword to Adam upon the hill, seeing his Lord point, he looked to the Clansmen that approached. The Rus used his swords as tools to direct movements… as if pointers in class. Care not he did, for the clansmen’s apprehension to take orders from a foreigner… he had his own… and it was from someone he cared for… Sir Adam Aberdeen. Waiting for the royals, Dmitrii took a moment to reflect to Kaelyn; thinking how much she would have loved to join in the fray. The rumor of her death, along with his wife had taken a toll. No tears, no laments… pure unadulterated hatred, solidified in revenge. He had done what he was asked of… and more. Blazing a trail for the royals to follow, lining the way with dead Englishmen. At the shore, longboats waiting to take them from land, Dmi saw the Princess. Immediately, he sheathed the twin swords in one spin of the wrists, and at the same time, knelt to one knee, his hands immediately moving opposite the other to demonstrate open arms; his mouth mimicked “M’Lady.”, his head bowed.
The Rus stood and began assisting those who needed assistance. A sight that would induce fear, his face and body blood-stained, his clothes cut several places from near strikes, his grey eyes would makes others’ eyes veer away from looking upon him. Ship after ship lined the coast; away boats, wave after wave took the Highlanders from their homeland, now refugees, bound for a new promise of hope. Seeing several men of Blackmoor, he turned and looked around hoping… nay praying to see his sister. Once he saw Pagan… then with a blink of the eye, he was gone. Cursing in Russian, he took it as a figment of imagination, of the brain hoping for rejuvenation of family lost hoping to be found. Shaking his head, again, he went about to assisting others into the boats.
The Return to Skye
Ordered into the boats… disgusting the warrior to no end. Even upon almost insubordination, Adam had ordered him to get aboard. Pushing off the boat, then stepping into the craft, he too took up an oar. As he rowed, he saw once again a vision, a ghostly figment atop a horse on shore. Kaelyn !! he stopped and stood up, only to sit down once again even more frustrated. Was she alive? Or was it his mind playing with him? Later, after getting aboard the ship and helping others, he stood at the rail; the smoke of Inverness yet another reminder of his past. Still he felt an odd sensation, as if Kae was alive, grey eyes narrowed. “Kaelyn, by whatever God we seek, be alive… stay alive… lest revenge I seek for yer death. I shant send word to Argania, nor accept it myself until I hold yer cold body in my arms.” He spoke in Russian, said in a soft voice to the wind, a wind that could make any human shiver.
Kaelyn: Kae turned when she heard the call to board the ships and when she turned back to where Dmitrii stood he was gone... she shook her head damn her shattered mind for making her hope... for what was not to be. She turned and headed towards the boats. She stepped onto the plank and walked slowly aboard with a last look towards the smoke billowing a filling the air from where the castle had once been standing. She ran her fingers through her hair, and pushed it off her face. Silently she prayed for those left behind, that they would be safe. Pagan had boarded earlier and the others were on other boats. Some had offered to stay behind to protect those who waited. Her heart was heavy and her mind fractured a bit more as she sank to sit upon the floor of the boat. Remembering the time when such a ship brought her from Argania to these lands that become her home... only fitting that one would carry her to another.
Vox Gladiis: Leaning against the rail of the boat, his calloused hands caressing his beard in contemplation, he watched Inverness burn. On the hill, he saw the Ivywood Manor. Now Tory’s burned out home. A tear worked its way down his cheek, though he would pay it no mind. He could see the smoke billowing from the Castle. To his right, his eye caught the first of the heavily burdened ships weigh anchor, sails full in the evening breeze. He laid his head in his hands and spoke Russian, words meant only for himself. The tears he now shed, tears that found no time before, now mixed with soot and dried blood to become a mess upon a once handsome bearded man.
KaelynRose01: Kae sat rocking herself slowly on the floor... if any saw her they would think she had truly lost her mind. Mumbling in Norn her native language, covered in dirt, blood, and soot she was a site to behold for sure. "Dmi... I am sorry brother... I failed in protecting you." she muttered to herself. Her golden hair now matted and knotted was covered in blood and soot not to mention whatever else became tangled in the long locks, but she cared not for grief held her captive. Her muscles cramped from sitting as she was she stood and looked over the side of the ship seeing land ravaged by those who wished to control it. Houses of those she cared for now but ruins for the ghosts to inhabit. Her heart lay there on the shore to die with those that see never to see freedom or their own loved ones anymore. Without thinking she climbed to sit on the edge looking down at the sea... wishing it was her and not her brother or his wife who had died. They had only begun their lives... a small hand grabbed and tugged her shirt “M'Lady tis not safe fer ye tae sit there." she looked down to see a young lad whose face was covered in soot speaking to her. His eyes must have seen unspeakable things as the English stormed their lands. "Nay worry lad I am fine, or as fine as one can get in these times." her voice soft...held no emotion for it was flat.
Vox Gladiis: Two soldiers walking past Kae regarded her as a war victim, mentally handicapped by what had occurred. In their passing, one spoke to the other... “Did ye notice how crazy that warrior was… no regard for himself… and he yelled in some faerign lang’ge.” the second man replied… “Aye, ah did… able tae handle two swords like dat means he’s been places…” The conversation continued. “Nice swords tae… ne’r seen a pair like dat b’fore.” The man shakes his head… “N’ther have ah… but as crazed as ‘e was, he knew how tae kill de Aignlish…”
KaelynRose01: She heard what the men said and leapt down from the side of the ship. "You there!" she called to the men before they got to far from her. They turned to look at her then to each other not sure about her at all. "I heard you talk of a man using twin blades. Did he make it a ship? I need ot know.... he is my brother." her words held anguish as she tried not to hope but unable to stop it. They looked at her again and she could see she was not crazy as they had thought but grief stricken instead. "Please if you know anything... tell me." she blinked back the tears burning her eyes.
Vox Gladiis: Not usually cringing from a woman, the two men beheld a devilish sight… the Ranger, bloodied, and sooted… the two men looked at each other, a bit scared should they answer her questions incorrectly. The smaller man then began to describe, in a question, Dmitrii. The larger man then pointed to the bow of the ship… “On that side M’Lady… heeees, there… but he don’t seem right t’all.” Pointing to his head.
KaelynRose01: Could she trust what they were saying? Then they described him and she knew in her heart that it had to be him. "Thank you." she said as she rushed past them to where they said he would be, ignoring the fact that thought him crazy for she cared not as long as he lived. Having made her way to the place they said she stood and stared at him. Instincts warned her to be careful in her approach, so when she was near enough to touch him she spoke softly "Dmitrii?” simply said as she waited for his reaction.
Vox Gladiis: Standing, facing the rail... his back to the ship... the twin swords was a calling card for all to know... friend or foe, all knew them. Deep in concentration about his losses, the touch was like electricity, a bolt of lightning that stirred him. Snapping erect, turning, his hand on his dagger at the waist... he froze... a site that he presumed dead, but hoped lived. Nanoseconds became hours as his steel grey eyes caught the most beautiful site - his sister!!!!!
She could not believe her eyes either for there before her was her handsome and strong younger brother. She opened her arms and waited for him to enter them before closing them lovingly around him to hold him close to her. "My dear brother I prayed for you to be safe... a messenger came to the Ruffian and told Bess and I that Adam, Tory, and you were all dead." her eyes filled with tears. "I would have killed him if Bess had not been there to stop me." her arms tightened about him.
In Kae’s arms, he felt secure; the adrenaline subsided, and emotions then overtook him. He began to sob terribly, full emotions revealing the inner insecurity he had felt since the loss of Tory and the reported death of the Arganians. Despite the outward persona of a stalwart individual and ferocious warrior, the young man wept.
Kae herself began to sob softly as she held her brother and knew that he wept within her arms. She sank to the floor of the boat dragging him with her but never released him. "Dmi... it will be alright.. I am here. I am here." she cooed to him.
