Post by Lady Aislin Creed of Eohmark on May 29, 2008 10:34:46 GMT -6
Between Skye & Avaria
Balian Windsor- It had been months, the sea had given way to the large galleon breaking through the fog as it lift on the suns horizon and there standing at the port side rail stood the near six and half foot knight, victorious at war and beaten without a home to return to. The men that followed him had been discharged at his last port to find their own way and start their lives again while Balian simply stared into the deep blue that he knew all to well. His long white cloak drifting in the passing sea breeze though hardly noticed. All seemed to have lost its taste.
Aislin Creed- The lateen rig creaked and groaned as it moved along the choppy water, cutting it as clean as a sharp dagger in hot meat. The open sea air, mist of the water the splashed along the sides of the wooden creations and the calling of birds that were floating above with wings spread wide, had been their home for no more then two days. Aislin had only truly been on a boat once or twice in her life time, but this time she was in a way in charge. Aman-ud-Din had found himself a place to perch and read upon a book to keep him company while Aislin stood at the front of the ship as it made it's way towards her next destination. The breeze held a small hint of that salty taste within it as she inhaled not only through her nose to make nostrils flare, but her mouth as well. Long and soft fingers grasped around the wooden rail, feeling the solidness of it and knowing that in some strange way she was safe out here. Dressed in men's attire of brown breeches and a white tunic with a brown soft leather vest to hide what womanly curves she might have, she watched on as another ship came closer and closer. Max moved up along her side, taking his place as her right hand while they traveled for they were going to places where sometimes women would not re guarded as anything more then a face to look upon, not listen.
Max- `` Aislin...the ship is not holding any flags or symbols we know. I go not think they are pirates. The men think we should move by it slowly and see if their are men aboard first. Sometimes..ships are abandoned and if that is the case, we can loot it and get free supplies.`` That scar that ran from forehead to cheek was on the same side Aislin stood though he knew she never stared at it.
Aislin Creed- ``Ye were all pirates at a time aye?`` She teased her new coming friend softly. It was a idea she was not against. She trusted this crew. They were proving themselves worthy.``Aye..do what ye believe to be best. Thank ye for telling me such`` The ship's captain awaited the call.
Max- `` ALL HANDS ON DECK...WE ARE COMING AROUND THE SHIP. MATE TO THE BIRD'S NEST`` Every one their places and made ready to ease by the ship and see if it was run by ghost or man.
Balian Windsor- Balian's blues lift toward the approaching ship not a moment before the crows nest above called its arrival with a whistle and point. The Captain had stalked down the deck to give it a once over while its own men went to their posts. Balian pushed back from the railing with a cant of his head and a lift of his right hand just enough to command the Captain from provoking a fight. "Easy Captain." He licked his lips to moisten them and fill his pallet with the tast of the sea while his other hand slid down the brim of his cloak, the seal across his back long since forgotten to the pages of history. "Lets be calm, we do search for a port do we not?" And the ship had to come from somewhere. He trudged down the long deck to get a better look at the ship approaching while he lift his hand to wave and signal peace.
Aislin Creed- Aislin sighed softly as she pulled her long braid of chestnut and dark golden strands around to lay comfortably over her shoulder. Aman-ud-Din moved to place his book down with a marker in between the pages before his lofty frame moved forward to stand by Aislin's side as they waited. As the ship grew closer, both sizes of the mass could be seen. Finally, the ships moved along each others side and seeing a man on it, then another, Aislin looked to Max as if silently saying ' you can not loot it now..' The wave, did more then the tall male would ever know. Aislin moved along the side, letting her fingers slid carefully along the railing before she came face to face with the other male so to speak. No smile nor frown would be found upon her delicate features. Instead, the seriousness and calm of her true demeanor showed through. ``Ye symbols and flags upon ye ship are nay something we know. Where do ye hail from and why does it look as if yer crew be smaller in numbers then the digits upon yer hand?`` Leave it to Aislin to be blunt and out right ask such questions as they slowed into a drift, letting the waves carry them about.
Balian Windsor- The veteran knight hadn't moved more then his eyes to glance across the deck of the ship before falling on the female with a polite bow of his head after. It was tradition of his people no matter friend or foe. Balian's chin lift just a little as she spoke before his own deep tone carried from his lips. "This ship.. carries the Duke of a lost Kingdom.. .. that is the flag of Windsor you see with the dueling wolves, though we have been at sea for months.. I imagine it wouldn't be a symbol known in these parts by many. .. The crew.. ..we have what we need to sail and require no more.. This is not a war ship anymore." Though the few men at his back seemed busy in their own way the Captain had walked up to Balian's side in silence.
Aislin Creed- The bow was given back only in the sense of a curt nod of her narrow chin as she made sure her soft yet firm voice carried over the sounds of the water splashing between both ships. Oceanic eyes drifted to look the ship over as he spoke of it once being a war ship before they moved back towards his features and face. One could see that with the hair growth upon his flesh, though many men seemed to enjoy it either way. ``Lost kingdom? As in no more? Tell me then Duke, why have ye been at seas for such a long time if the ship's title is no more? Why have ye nay returned home to give the ship rest?`` Both hands gripped the railing as she leaned over slightly and yet stood up perfectly straight. A man of Arabic skin tone and features with tattoos upon his face stood at her left while another male of the more European decent and a scar over his eye from forehead to mid cheek and more then a day's growth of hair stood at her right.
Balian Windsor- "Aye as in no more." He tilt his head slightly while he paused to find the words best to explain. "The Kingdom.. .. it was swallowed by flame.. .. there is no home to return to anymore.. . We sail here.. searching for a new life." He motioned his hand back out to the sea. "This is the endless quest I have spent my life on My Lady. " It was a tale to tell indeed but one best left for another day, lest he bore the lass. After all it wasn't polite to talk about ones self. "I can assure you.. we are of no threat to your ship."
Aislin Creed- Aislin's face gave no change to emotions, but there could be a bit found deep within her soul. A small twitch of something that she brushed aside just as quickly. She knew and understood well what it was like to have the land that she called home destroyed by invaders, leaving her with no place to call her own. That may have lead to her next choice, which while was not completely wise despite his words, but was also a chance and something Aislin did not take often. Looking towards Max, she had to lift her chin jsut a bit higher to see his features. While Aislin was a tall woman at 5'11, she was not as tall as some of the men around her in every day life. Ocean eyes looked back to the male before she spoke again`` We shall see..pardon us a moment`` moving from the railing, her and Max spoke privately while they moved towards the middle of the boat where the pole to the crew's nest could be found and spoke to make a compromise.
Max- Max would be the one to turn back towards the edge of the boat and speak to the Duke once more.`` If you wish to come aboard and speak in a more steady setting, we will allow it. Only you and one other crew member of your choosing though. One can never be too careful`` A sly smile crossed his scruffy features before he waited for the male's answer.
Balian Windsor- He nodded toward Aislin while she moved away and Balian's blues settled on Max next with a slight lift of his brow. "Aye... that would do fine.. .. but I will leave the crew member behind." Not the wisest decision of his own, then again Balian wasn't known for fear or yielding either. Whether it was confidence or his longing for death it could be debated but he climbed from one ship to the next with nearly no sound other then the fall of his spurs against the hardwood and a lift of his hand back to the crew at his back to keep them at bay. "Tis a nice ship this.. ..I imagine it cuts the sea well... One thing I have found here is wind a plenty."
Max- Max would be the one to give out the call to set the anchor and move the planks towards the other ship to prepare for the boarding of the Duke. Max grew slightly tense with how eager the male seemed to want to board the ship and without a crew member. A lift of his cruffy brow was given as the male moved from one ship to the other, seemingly without fear of what could happen to him once he came.
Malick- Malick would be the first to greet the Duke. Standing at 6'8 with a body as thick as a tree it seemed and skin almost as dark as the night, he was imposing yet a bow of his head from the neck up was given to the male. Malick was Aislin's personal guardian and he would make sure all went well.
Aislin Creed- Aislin was awaiting him to step farther on the ship with the arabic, Aman-ud-Din, by her left side still. Slender hands laced in front of her, moving fingers to grasp the wrist. `` Welcome aboard. Ah be Aislin Creed. Who be ye then Duke?``
Balian Windsor- 6'8'', that was a large man and Balian at 6'6'' was no small man himself. It was rare he had to look up at anyone. He grinned at Malick. "Your an oak Sir." He bowed his head in return, taking that gesture with honor from Mallick. " I am Balian Windsor.. .. I am honored to meet you Aislin Creed." He did step further, minding his surroundings without a bat of a lash. His own crew had taken to the railing of the ship to watch as the Knight stepped further into the unknown fate but it was a statement on his part on many unspoken levels to do so and not so surprising by those that knew him.
Malick- Malick was a mountain of a man, but he was gentle and calm, having no need to use his size to try and get his way in life. A wide smile formed on his dark lips, pulling them back to show how white his teeth were compared to his dark skin color. `` So I have been told. I prefer the mountain.`` That deep baritone came out as he moved and waves a hand towards where Aislin and Aman-ud-Din was waiting.
Aislin Creed- Ocean eyes followed the taller male as he moved closer and introduced himself. The winds from the sea wiped around, making the flags snap out the material as the Griffen and Eohmark emblems showed through. A griffen with his claws exposed rested on one, while a horse in the heat of battle rested on the other. ``Balian Windsor... We come from the Kingdom of Skye and are heading to Avaria. Both Kingdoms are under a alliance at current and traveling back and forth around each other's borders. `` A slender hand waved to one of the large and high pallets, offering a simple seat for Aislin was not one to hold high guard chairs. She would find a seat upon a large wooden crated box and ease her frame upwards while Aman-ud-Din stood by her side. Long and slender legs covered in breeches dangled as she sat up straight and spoke on. ``Ye be looking for a new life and ah take it a new home. Tell me Balian Winsdor? Could ye ever truly be loyal to another home?``
Balian Windsor- Balian smiled faint toward Malick and with a nod. "The Mountain it is then Sir." Though his attention was quickly stolen back by Aislin while he moved to sit across from her with a soft exhale, the faint sound of rustling leathers beneith his cloak was heard all to well while his hands came to rest against his thighs. "Tis a fine question Lady Aislin.. But you should know.. the type of man that sits before you isnt one found so often.. I am a man that lives his life by honor. When my word is given it is true. I have sworn my allegiance thrice in this life of mine and each time it wasn't me who had broken the vow to end my service.. When I find the home I seek.. you can believe that God himself.. will not break my vow short of my death.... and I am not so easy to kill these days." He chuckled soft.
Aislin Creed- Aislin did not give respect so easily and much like Eamonn, she did not trust others so quickly. Still she was giving Balian all her attention now, for fate had put him in her path and she would give him choices, then let him decide if either were good enough to follow. His words, reminded her of many men she knew in Skye and Eohmark. `` True ye may say, but with any new home, ye will have to prove ye words, nay just say them. Blood, it may cost ye and yet, ye may never need to pay such a price depending on what happens. Skye has had their civil war and is now at war with another enemy that Avaria was brought with their alliance. Things are nay settled there, but if it is a true home to be proud of that ye seek, either of those lands would gladly accept ye. Fates have brought us together so that ah may give ye this choice. For only ye can make it. Many men ah know are hard to kill thankfully, so ye will fit in with either Kingdom.``
Balian Windsor- Balian nodded just once and lowered his icy blues to the deck of the ship with a thought. He knew it was unavoidable, he would have to run the gauntlet once more and prove his honor and metal both before the people and the soldiers yet again. It was a task he had overcome on countless occasions but one even he grew tired of. Even the strongest had their moments of fatigue after all. He lift his eyes back up to meet hers with a soft exhale of a breath breaking his lips before his deep tone carried forward again. "If there is a battle that must be fought. I will fight it. I am soldier first and have always been. ..I am afraid that is all I have left of what I am and the way the Gods toy with me.. it may be all I ever am." He chuckled soft, though he may have been the only one to find humor in the sad tale. "I would like to see Skye..Perhaps, this is the place I have been looking for." Or perhaps the Kingdom that would finally claim his life once and for all.
Aislin Creed- Aislin knew this was not a easy choice, for she had seen others make it countless times and everyone who stayed in Skye had not left her breast yet save to death. That ever lasting patience showed through as she waited for him to look back to her and answer. A man who lived for the sword, how she knew them well. ``Perhaps one day, ye will find another reason to live save for just the sword upon ye hip or back. Ah will show ye Skye, but first we head to Avaria. Ye may travel with us, but do nay be taken back if ye are nay trusted right off. Respect is earned, as a man of honor like ye ah am sure knows. Think long and hard tonight on yer choice, for ye must make sure this be a fight ye wish to enter into. Ye might be stripped of ye titles and have to start a new like being born again. Make yer past yer ghost and let them haunt ye only in yer dreams or until another chases them away. Ah will give ye a few moments to speak with yer crew and see what they decide.``
Balian Windsor- Balian nodded just once, and with the wisdom of two lifetimes in his eyes he knew, he understood and knew that his life would begin again in these lands and despite his age, despite his victories and service of the past he would be seen as an outsider and a nothing. He didn't mind, truly he didn't. "My title is in my heart.. .. the name they can have it if they require it." He licked his lips and pushed to his feet. "I feel as though I am walking into the lions den." Walking into the den with nothing and leaving with less then he arrived with. He lift those blues toward the crew at his back and with a lift of his hand he spoke. "Be on your way Captain.. .. split my gold and my things amongst the crew.. and make a life where you may." There were no other words to be spoken. The Captain simply stared with long eyes at Balian a long birth before he gave the orders and the Galleon had broken off from Aislin's ship.
Aislin Creed- How true his words rang into the ocean air. His title and everything of his past would be in his heart, as others in Skye had pulled everything from Inverness to their heart and left it there. Aislin was no longer a lower class witch to be looked down upon. Things changed and sometimes for the better. `` In many ways Balian Windsor...ye are.`` He was having faith and trust with strangers and while it was dangerous, sometimes one had to take such chances. Aislin herself was taking a chance with traveling and look where it may lead her. Other crew members waited for his words before they moved to break away from the ship and headed on with their destination. ``Let us see what we can help with then. Mingle..as they say`` she suggested and moved to hop down from the crate, waving off Aman-ud-Din's hand to help. Aislin was not so frail in a sense, not yet at least. Reaching for the triangle shaped hat, she pulled it on over her head and moved towards the ropes that were in need of rounding as the men pulled the anchor up. Once it was secure on deck, the ship began to move forward and Aislin's slender fingers found the rope to start looping it around her arm and shoulder, making it into a neat pile of circles.
Max- Max grinned wide as he pulled the pipe to his rough lips and puffed on it while walking around the Deck. Everyone else moved about with a purpose
Balian Windsor- Balians fingers came back to clasp before himself with one last glance back over his shoulder watching as the galleon of his former life sailed off into the sea and the spray of the sea kissed his face causing a light grin and a nod he whispered to himself. "Good.. bye." It held meaning to himself, it was the end of a dark era and hopefully the end of his pain. His heart was broken and his faith in Queens was tarnished but he would survive this and this too had come to pass. He had survived enough battles and burried enough friends to raise up again and live another day and perhaps meeting Aislin was the Gods way of telling him to live again. His head cant just a little when he stood back up and exhaled a calmed breath. "Lady Aislin.." His head had turned to look back toward her. "I dont know you.. ..but you have done me a great justice without even knowing it.. You have my thanks and whether you trust me or not just yet.. .. I will honor you."
Aislin Creed- The hat tilted to the right a bit as she turned her head to brush her narrow chin along her clothed shoulder and looked to the male as he spoke while she continued her task of wrapping up the rope so it would not be in the way or trip a crew member. Oceanic eyes could be seen partly as she listened to Balian and his deep toned words. `` It be just Aislin upon the sea. Leave the formal greetings for court Balian. Ah be glad that we could help and ah only hope ye can find some peace with yer choice. `` While Aislin was not heartless, her tone was distant and detached. It was not that she did not believe the male, or that she did not care of his words. Aislin had issues with emotions and more often times then not she was detached from subjects. She had been as such for as long as she could remember and being almost in her thirtieth year, she did not see herself as changing. There were few to none that got her emotions and even then they were hard to see. In many ways, she was like a solider, hardened though without as much war. `` Honor me? Ah nay be worried about honor for me so much as honor for Skye. It was there when myself and many from a home long since lost had no where to go. It has accepted us, while not fully, we have bled and fought for it, making her our new mother. Ah do nay doubt ye words Balian, do nay take such as offense. Ah look forward to ye proving such.``
Balian Windsor- He nodded and lift those blues back to the horizon and leaving his cloak to dance in the wind now open from the seas. Honor for Balian was his life, it was his currency and his very reason for living. Whether she knew or believed it was irrelevant just now. Soon enough there would be the proof that she needed and he wouldn't do anything more then be himself to show it. Loyalty and honor weren't proven by exceeding your normal means of character, if that were the case it would all be nothing more then false and a fairy tale. True proof is in doing what one would always do. "Tis no concern of that Aislin.. .. what shall be.. shall be, no?" He smiled soft and shift his weight onto his right leg.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aislin Creed- Aislin had never been one for too much conversation in Inverness, but here she had to speak more then normal and it suited her to a point. The rest of the journey to and from Avaria was use to tell Balian what she knew of the history of Skye, about their civil war with the clans rising and their victory. She spoke the Duke and Duchess, Lord Adam and Lady Beathag. Aman-ud-Din was introduced as a close friend to herself and many others. Upon arrival at at the docks of Eohmark, Aislin moved from the boat to head to shore. Upon the shore, ten men awaited in full armor with the symbols of Eohmark; horses at war; upon them. The one who held age in his face and a different design in his armor could be seen as the captain for others looked to him carefully and many men bowed their heads when Aislin came near. Only when the Captain removed himself from his horse to help Aislin up, might it be seen that she was important in some way or form. Aman-ud-Din stood by Balian's side as they waited for the other crew men to prepare their journey towards Turas Lan. Aislin's ocean eyes moved to turn around and looked back to Balian and Aman-ud-Din before speaking.`` This be where ah must leave ye both. Balian.. follow the crew back around the island to Turas Lan. Look to find court with the Duchess or Duke. Tell them Lady Aislin Creed of Eohmark has sent ye. Ah must return to my home with great importance. May our paths cross again.`` She waited but a moment, having not too many to spare as news of her husband's illness came to her from her captain, Cormack.
Balian Windsor- He bowed his head toward her, after an inspection of the men at the dock he nodded once between them and brought a closed fist to his heart, it was a traditional soldiers salute. Whether men of these lands knew so much was another matter. Respect was still given by the veteran knight. Icy blues returned to Aislin and his hands folded together behind his back. "I will tell them.. Lady Aislin.. .. Gods speed to you until we cross paths again.." With that he turned and stepped back onto the ship to retake up any post he may to help get the ship underway.
~~End Thread~~
