Fires Burning

[Caden J. Robertson]

A beautiful sunday afternoon bloomed before them and Caden and Eirian left the church service they had attended and made their way home in a liesurely manner. Annabel as always a constant companion trotting along side them as they chatted about various things.

As the afternoon wore on and they drew closer to one of the villiages along the way the acrid smell of smoke rent the air, as well as upset and fearful voices. Upon further investigation they would discover that a house had been set ablaze, and while it was out they decided to look further into the incident. The villiagers lead the Lady and her Knight guardian to the burned out shell of what had been a home....

Eirian: Eirian bit into her lip as she surveyed the damage. The oil, the curling smoke..for a second she had to turn her head , as if she saw more than a destroyed peasent
cottage. Steeling her nerves against an unknown adversary, the Lady turned her head to the cottage. " What do you make of it Caden?"

Caden: He dropped from his gelding lightly frowning as he took a step forward then looked towards her. " I don't know m'lady. I am nae sure why someone would throw a po' of oil through th' window. Who is th' family tha' lives here? Dae they have some special meaning tae ye?" His blue eyes
lifted to her. He hoped she would stay upon her mount. Not wanting her to get any closer. He looked to Anna. " Stay with her Anna, dae nae leave her side."

Eirian: "No, they haven't any deep significance. I am not sure who lives here..really. We have had many move from other villages to settle open plots here, cultivate the land. There is too much of it to go unusued.." Eirian slipped down from the back of the horse, holding on to the reigns as
horse and rider took a few more steps forward. The burned out portion acted as a barrier, an allergen if you will, and she avoided it but watched as Caden would creep the necessary distance to guage the situation

Caden: He glanced to her again frowning as she dismounted. Anna came to her side and pushed her muzzle into her hand as if to reassure her. Caden stepped forward picking up a large stick before entering the ruins. He went within and studied the damage. He hooked the end of his stick into
the pot that was thrown through the window. Carefully he lifted it as he lifted part of his tunic over his nose to block out the heat and fumes within the room. His eyes trailed from the pot to the rest of the room wondering if it had been some sort of child prank or if there had been deliberate and malicious from someone far more dangerous. His instincts told him it was the latter.

Eirian: Eirian remained a safe distance back, holding her belly to comfort the child within. The baby had never gone so still, so quiet, that only a small pulse she felt against her hand dectected it's life. In the room, the cauldron had been charred, the furniture nearby had been scattered. Sticks stuck out of the charred remnants, pieces of the foundation exposed,
but what was most prominent? How saturated with heat the area still was.

Caden: Not experienced with fires and their nature Caden moved closer dropping the cauldron getting closer to the charred walls the half burned draperies. He stuck the stick against the drapery moving it aside to assess the damage of the furthest wall. Never did he suspect the sudden flames
that sprung to life the moment cooler air hit them. He yelped, startled then gave a cry of pain as his arm was suddenly engulphed in flames. he ran out looking around wildly until he found a trough full of water and stuck his arm in it to get the flames out. His shirt charred and destroyed from wrist to shoulder. His skin lightly blackened but not too badly damaged. He turned back to the cottage only to realize the flame was out of control again and had jumped to the next cottage.

Eirian: Foreboding. Was that what the baby was cowering from? As she stood on tip toe to see what Caden was doing, her eyes switched between the present and a snippet of a fire-ridden future. No, stop it! She commanded the images, melding them into subconscious fabric. Just as suddenly as it was there, the yelp of suprise from Caden sent her immediatly running in his footsteps. "Are you hurt, let me see...let me see it." Her hands reached into the water to pour more over the offense, washing away only soot. She pulled the veil off of her head, wrapping it quick around his arm as they looked up
to find that suddenly two houses made an inferno. Hay-thatch roofing caught fire instantly, the hay snapping, crackling. Cinders blew on the cold air, and as the sun set in the western sky, she pulled against Caden so that they wouldn't be caught in the hellish brilliance of the fire.

Caden: He wrapped a protective arm around her pulling her away from the danger. " Come m'Lady, come away." He said worry and pain in his voice. Once she was a safe distance he looked to Anna. " Keep her here. Do not let her get closer." To which Anna stood infront of Eirian to keep her
from going anywhere. " For your own safety m'Lady." he said with an appologetic look. He kissed her cheek in a brotherly manner then took off to organize the panicing peasants that stood around looking dumfounded. His authoritive voice was heard above the racket of their panic cries and within moments a chain had been set up pulling water from a well as well as wetted
blankets being used to help keep the flames from taking over another home.

Eirian: "Oh my God!" She exclaimed, the sound of another bursting pot was heard, then another! There was more than one container of oil! Just as she was pulled back, a floating ember touched her dress, but smoldered itself out in the voluminous folds of silk. "Sweet, God...no no, come
away!" She nodded to Caden, but caught hold of a little child who wailed as the house he lived in was being consumed. If the fire wasn't haulted, it could consume the ground, new farming, more homes. It could become wild. Soon, the startled peasents obeyed Caden's authorative tone, filling buckets from wells
and the creak nearby, dousing the fire with water and dirt. Eirian took it upon herself to usher the frightened child to the family, soothing them as best she could. "Have you see anything suspicious?" She asked them, trying to gather information. A fire was one thing, but to be caused by oil pots?

Caden: Anna stayed close to Eirian following Caden's command not allowing her anywhere near the fires. Caden on the other hand, ignoring the burning pain in his arm which had begun to blister some in places. was at the head of one of the now many lines of peasants tossing buckets upon
buckets of water onto the burning houses. Anger burned deep in his chest as he realized this was deliberate, why he was not sure but there was no mistaking this was planned, and not just some child's prank. In wardly he cursed as he heard the other pots explode and more cottages go up in flames. But by now a new patrol had arrived hearing the commotion and now there were the added hands of soldiers as well to help put out the flames. For some reason they came to Caden for direction and he told them where they were needed the most. Was it because he was a knight, or because he was obviously leading the battle of the fires? Caden did not care, he simply did what needed to be done.

Eirian: Two cottages became four, and fortunatly nothing else was close enough to take hold of others. Anna paced before Eirian, keeping her at bay though there was no way she was going to the wall of flames. "Back, back let the men go about the work!" Crying wives, startled aunts, and young
unmarried women followed her command to get as far back from the seering heat as possible. Her brow was heavy with sweat, strands of hair sticking to her brow, her neck.. not even the breeze could provide relief, carrying with it only ashes and smoke that made her cover her mouth with her sleeve for protection, coughing heavily as she kept her place. The other men did as the
youngest among them commanded. People from neighboring plots came by to watch, and in the midst of them, a man cursed his ill-fortune. One house as a warning, not four were supposed to burn! Nothing distguished him in clothes, for he was dressed in the earth tones of a peasent, his feet bare without shoes to
cover them. Nothing set him apart, except those muttering nearby
would say the stench of oil was thicker nearby.

Caden: Caden growled in irritation but he was glad to see that no more were going up in flames. A few more soldiers arrived and were directed, and in well over two hours the flames were under control and nearly out. An exaughsted Caden was still carrying buckets from hut to hut alternating
between two of them and dashing flames. his hair was plastered to his head soot streaked his young face, his arm throbbed and itched and occasionally he would cough from inhaling so much smoke. But never did he complain, buckets kept coming and his actions were automatic. It was a good half hour before he realized the buckets were no longer needed and the flames were
gone. And to top it off it was starting to rain which would help immensely. His shoulders slumped as he turned to look at all those who had helped, and the families that huddled together, now without homes. His eyes then sought out Eirian needing to
reassure himself that she was alright.

Eirian: She had to pull back on flailing arms, catch hold of hands splaying out on her chest as she embraced a wife close, sobbing that all of their things were gone, how would they live? God saw their plight and opened up the heavens to
bring the rain. Oh, sweet, sweet rain! It smothered out the last of anything that could have sparked, meanng that the men at last put down their buckets, shifting carefully in the debris just to be sure. Her silk gown now clung to her like a second skin, her beautiful hairnet not being able to hold the strands of hair that came out. It was hard to tell just what Eirian's look portrayed, though as Caden had effectively led the efforts to undo the fire, Eirian would be a noble worthy of remembering for gathering them in the wake, "Come, find shelter with your neighbors, if there is not enough room, gather a wagon and those that have no place will sojourn with those at Arianna Hymodraeth. We will clear this as soon as it is safe, and rebuild your homes immediatly. Any loss you have sustained in possesion that you can not contend with, I shall. Come..let us get out of the rain..there..there is no more to do here or see.."People gathered their families and would begin to make arrangements, giving Eirian leave to go to Caden, " Are you alright, let me look at you.."

Caden: Suddenly he was a little boy again and simply went to her wrapping his arms around her and buried his face against her. Relief that she was safe, relief that it was over, and a moment to just let the pain in his arm wash over him.
" Ye are safe M'Lady and th' fire is out, nae one was lost, tha' is all tha' matters." His voice was muffled as he gave into the boyish
need to hug the one person here that meant so much to him.

Eirian: She didn't fault him for it, correct him or tell him to stand steadfast. No, she wrapped her arms around the one who'd become her beloved little brother. " Aye, it will be made right. It will be made right. Come, let us get home with haste so that you're arm can be tended, it looks angry..." She kissed his forehead, looking over her shoulder at the work he
had done. " The men respect you, despite your youth. That is something to commend, Caden. No Lady has a finer guard than you. "

Caden: He blushed at her praise. Then nodded in agreement that they should get home. His arm throbbed. Then suddenly out of the blue he started laughing. There standing beside them was Anna, soaked to the skin and mewling at them balefully. Tigers naturally liked water, but being
soaked in the rain, was not their favorite choice. She looked like a drowned rat sitting there staring at them her expression clearing stating she would rather be anywhere else but in the rain. He bent and rubbed her ears affectionately. " Alrigh' Lass we are gaeing home." He told her making her ears flicker though she seemed to glare at him in light of his sudden amusement. He stood and moved back to Eirian and placed a hand at the base of her back to guide her towards her stallion. " Ready M'Lady?"

Eirian: Aman who had seen war, but still youthful enough to let the roses bloom on his face! Eirian was glad to see it, glad to see that he was still himself in the midst of all that they stood before. Even Anna went on undaunted, expressing her disdain for the same rain that was thought by some to be an answer to their prayers. Nodding, the weight of his hand on her back was comforting, for her the skin by the spine had taken on stress-filled knots. "Yes, I am ready.." The night for them was not over, but at least they could conduct business in better clothes, with food in their bellies, and beside a warm fire. Gwyilliam snorted; he, too, was not in favor of the rain, or the events that left him feeling upset.

Caden: He placed a soothing hand on the stallion's neck for just a moment before turning, and as before lifted her by the waist to gently settle her into her saddle. His hand moved to rest momentarily on her belly and whispered. "
Knights of Skye: Everything be alrigh' now little one." Before turning and leaping upon Turks back careful of his injured arm. He looked to the soldiers that were helping those who needed to come to Eirian's home. to their group leader he called... " Please make sure they get safely tae th' Manor. I will be taking th' Lady Eirian home straight away." That taken care of he guided Tuck close to Eirian and lead the way home with Anna trotting along
side.

Eirian: The group leader bowed his head, issuing instructions that those who had no place to say, a small number, would be put into a wagon that was being hitched. Her eyes were focused only on Caden as he assured the little one all would be well. A tlast, she seemed to listen, taking pressure
away from her mother's back. "You comfort her," she said as he placed her on the saddle, "you're talents don't seem to cease, Caden Robertson," She was soaked through, though refused to shiver, instead hitching up the reigns in hand so Gwylliam would find his way toward the place where he, too, might be taken
care of. How the midwife was going to cry out! Eirian could already here the woman, a wife of another sheiff the baliff had sent, fawning all over her. Arianna Hymerodraeth manifested in the final dip of the road that led them down toward the beginning of the valley's floor. Craddled in the hills, her lights shone warm and bright, the most welcoming thing to see after the episode
of the fire.

Caden: He flushed a little at her statement but smiled. "She knows she is protected." Was his answer. before taking in the wonderful sights of the place he was currently calling home. A grin came to his lips and Tucks step became lighter and even Anna gave a semi happy mewl and lept ahead
a little bit.

Eirian: " The silver empire, indeed..it glows." She was more than happy to pass of the reigns to the stable hand as the steward came to take her down from the saddle. HIs face soured, twisted hard with disdain for the news had left a bitter taste with him. "Welcome back, Sir Robertson, and M'Lady...we've made ready a place for the people. Are you both hurt in any way?" Caden's arm spoke for itself, and he grumbled. The Bant chan Ser was so peaceful, so who would create such havoc, such a blantant stir? Rain-soaked hair was thrust out of the way of eyes already suffering from the smoke that wafted in the air, dulling the vision in the left eye. " Have a
maid fetch some salve, Edward, and some bandaging, I'll tend to Caden's arm m'self, and it can be looked over by a physician on the morrow, and have her lay out some dry clothing as well.

Caden: Caden nearly shrugged off the help for his arm wanting to tend to it himself but a glance at Eirian had him giving into the ministrations of the Steward. He knew if he denied she would insist and so he stood quietly in the warmth of the room after having used a towel to rub down Anna, and allowed the man to unwrap the bindings that Eirian had wrapped around it earlier. It was singed in places from his efforts to try and put the fire out but there was no further damage to his arm save for the blisters that had formed. And while painful they would heal completely in a week or two. He glanced to Eirian. " Why don't ye gae ge' changed M'lady?" Wanting to make sure she got out of those sopping clothes before she fell ill. His own needed changing but it could wait till his arm was seen to even though he dripped there on the carpet.

Eirian: Only the most feminine, fluff haired woman would rail him about dripping water on carpeting when he had been injured. Fortuantly for them, Eirian was not that sort of noble woman. If a carpet were ruined, God bless it, she could
Yesterdays Fancy: weave another one herself! "I will," she murmured, applying the salve to her content, wrapping the offending burn. "And off I go. Let me know if they come to the door..tell them I shall recieve them as soon as I am changed." Safe in her own confines, the nightingale sang a different song
this evening. Whispered psalms of thanks to God and his saints that no one had died in the terrible fire, and that those who'd lost their homes take comfort in knowing he watched over them. Who she rattled her mind, who. No one said much, for the rain washed out the smell of oil from the odd man's clothing just as it was carrying the soot into black, muddy puddles in the settlements those few miles away. The gray silk was ruined, the sodden mess was exchanged for a cotton chemise and a kirtle of blue wool, nothing much distinguishing it from a peasent that would have worn it, save a few patterened stiches. Of the hair?
The lot was left unbound and unbraided so it could thoroughly dry out.

Caden: Caden watched her go and then let the steward finish his work before heading off to change. His own clothes were ruined, his favorite pair of soft leather pants and black tunic. Ahh well he would earn enough in a short enough time to replace them. He saw that someone had set out
fresh clothes and would have to remember to thank Ruben later. Anna padded around the room and started to jump on the bed when Caden stopped her. " Hey not yet Lass your still dripping and I would like a dry bed when its time." She gave him a look that said, " Make me" but it onlylasted a second before she huffed and settled for laying in front of the fire on a rug. He
chuckled a little bit then started to puton some fresh boots then decided against it. He sat on the edge of his bed, then flopped back to streatch and ease some of the tension. " Just a few moments" He thought. That was his last thought for the night for before heknew it the poor lad was sound asleep.

[Caden J. Robertson]

Caden: Caden slept the night through and well into the next morning with Anna laying beside him. Ruben had come in and found him sound asleep and had sent word to Eirian letting her know that he was asleep. The next morning, well more like afternoon, Caden would waken to find a fresh bath drawn for him, clean clothes lay near him awaiting his waking and Anna was pacing the room anxious for him to waken so she could go outside.

Eirian: Eirian was no better of for want of rest, having remained up longer in the evening settling the inhabitants of the settlement who no longer had a roof to call their own. "No, remain until your homes are rebuilt, tis not an imposisition," she reinterated until their heads were down on pillows, and her on? On the cushioned arm of a chair in her drawing room as no one disturbed her. Dark hair fell in her face, piling in a laquer puddle beyond her knees.

Caden: Caden freshened up as Ruben reiterated what had gone on after he had in advertantly fallen asleep. He kicked himself a million times or more for falling asleep instead of coming back down right away. He grumbled to himself as Ruben helped him into his tunic and then with his sword belt. He looked to Anna. " Patience Anna, we are almost done." Poor thing probably really had to go. The second Ruben was done fussing for as long as Caden could stand it he brushed him to the side. " Tis good enough, thank you Ruben." Then slipped out, Anna on his heels. He took the time to take her out let her wander the garden and then came back in in search of Eirian. He found her there sleeping in the drawing room. He frowned as he came to her and knelt in front of her brushing hair from her forehead. "M'Lady, wake and take rest in your own bed." he said with concern in his voice.

Eirian: There was little rest to be had when affairs of the manor demanded the attention of the Lady of the Manor. Small, bird-boned and fragile - or so deemed. Adept mind quickly put forth resources to investigate, rebuild, and dispatch justice when the parties responsible would be brought to her attention. Ah, but no matter the occasion, young Hope demanded the vessel that nourished her seek rest. White lids twitched as black lashes batted once, twice...thrice before she startled. Tensing, she withdrew her hands up in alarm until Caden came into focus. His words followed a delayed second as she turned a head over bare shoulder to detect the time by the placement of the sun. "Alas, m'chair will be all the rest I have for now," she mumbled, wincing as the effects of a night slumped over furniture cried out in tense pressure points knotting her back, "Mm..tis time to break the fast...a noon meal no less." Slippers came to touch the floor, skirts falling over them to conceal legs. One skirt, then another, finally overdress rustling light as the whisper of a child. "That is deplorable, forgive me for sleeping so long! You have not stood a'miss there for long I pray?"

Caden: Caden flushed. " I slept much longer then you did M'lady, please forgive me for nae coming back down after going up to change. I lay back to ease the pain in my arm and rest my eyes just a second and next thing I know tis nearly time for lunch." He saw her winces of pain and wished there were something he could do but short of sitting behind her and giving her a massage there was aught he could do. He held his hand out to her to help her to stand. " M'Lady A meal is being brought tae ye here, while the victims of the fire from last night are taking their meal in the main hall. "

Eirian The lad's infraction was met with a grin as she'd rebuke them both and not him alone, "God knows, we are both guilty of the same thing, Caden....a meal, for me here?" In earnest, they ought eat with the victims to encourage the virtue of Christian brotherhood and solidarity in the face of adversity, but in the interest of the little nagging pains that made motion an adventure today, she'd gladly go against the grain of charity's good grace for one day. She stumbled a bit as she caught herself, slowly but surely going erect again as the stiffness of the low back relinquished a firm grip,slowly deafning the pain's throb in her hips. " That will do then. You will take your meal with me, yes? Then we might decide how to proceed abou tthis..whole affair."

Caden: He nodded. " Aye I had planned tae m'lady." He smiled a little bit then looked to Anna as she gave a humph then went to lay down. he chuckled and shook his head then moved to the table in the room setting chairs around it for them. " Would you like some water while we wait M'Lady?" He asked his blue eyes intent on her wanting to make sure she is fine. For a moment he rested his hand on her belly to see if Hope moved. One bold move, one of the very few times he would act without thinking around his Lady.

Eirian: "Master Caden, what should I do without ye presence about? Arianna Hymereodrath would be different all together -- a difference not to my liking," She gave a nod to that thought, a smile of affirmation to say she meant every word. Did Hope move? At his touch she certainly did, offering him a little flutter from the womb. "You are enamoured with the baby, aren't you?" she chuckled, aye, bold it was, but she would allow it. It wasn't as if he were a stranger.

Caden: He grinned a little sheepishly then bent to whisper to her belly, " Rest well Little Hope, let your Momma do wha' she needs tae." He patted the spot where he had felt movement then stepped back. " I feel bound tae her M'lady, I dae nae know why, only tha' I am." He shrugged. To him it was simple, to him it was right. Though he had no idea just how deep that bound would ever go. He blushed a little for a moment then pointed to the chair for her to sit comfortably though before she had a chance to sit there was a knock on the door, which he answered. Their meal had arrived as well as a scroll of what the soldiers had found out about the fires. He took both and settled them on the table before pouring their drinks.

Eirian: Eirian tilted her head, watching him at the angle afforded. A glance toward the future where Caden would have as much cause to raise arms in Hope's honor as he did for her mother now. "You do well by your oaths, an example to them. We are happy to have you with us, Caden, truly." A whisper recited the words to him from the secret place's the heart knew. As he over saw the preperations, her first instinct was to rise at the knocking of the door! Ah, gravity saw to that instinct smothered, for the chair, despite a night spent in one, was of the sort that now craddled all of the tense places into eased comfort. The men bowed, making spoken word of the scroll while she took one, cracked the binding, and began to read it it. "A vigilante? You are certain of this.." "Aye m'lady, we belive the responsible party sough to make a statement. While you slept, there were farm animals found in the settlements, a handful or so with slit throats. A sign that this viglante is watching, no doubt."

Caden: He smiled warmly at her words before taking over the tasks, listening to the conversation as he dished up their meal. Soon he too sat, settling a plate of meat on the floor for Anna to devour while they talked. The word Vigilante, and the fact that things were being watched entered his mind and he frowned as he looked to Eirian. " A watch will have tae be set for those remaining in th' villiage, and here even m'lady, whe know not who this person is, what if they seek false refuge in your halls as we speak?"

Eirian: "I agree with you." she gave thought to the seriouness of the situation.."It would be too daring, but one never knows how audacious someone will become. Have the Steward discretly search the house..anyone suspicious needs o be brought forward. A watch will have to extend out to the other settlements as well as here.." Suddenly, she lost all sense of having an appetite. The plate of food was pushed away, save for slice of buttered bread, a cup of watered sweet wine. "This makes the situation quite grave.. thank you..you are dismissed." Then men bowed, going away towards the door.

Caden: Caden watched them go with a frown. " Should we call for reinforce ments M'Lady. Are there enough here to keep watch and search?" He looked to her near untouched plate then to her face. " Are you alrigh' m'lady?"

Eirian: " We may need call for them if our men grow too tired to continue. We have enlisted a good number of men to serve as retainers.." She sipped on the wine, " I am disturbed by these things...wondering the meaning of it and wishing it were readily made clear. Some things, alas, do not come like crystal even to someone with the sight.." The sight for what? As it was, the people who knew of her foresight were the Avarians, because they sparked the gift into perpetual glow until the flames climbed too high to be ignored. After a few bites of bread, she attempted some of the sliced boiled egg only to give up.

Caden: "Tis Hope tha' is giving you trouble for eating, or worry and stress over what is going on?" One he might beable to fix, the other, he could as well but not for a while until they found out what they needed to. He wish he had the gift of knowlege, to simply know things so that perhaps this would be an easier task, but that was not the case. He looked to the door as someone knocked again. He frowned and stood going to answer it. he was handed one of the pots of oil. " Why do you bring this to me what significance does it have?" he turned it over and over in his hands and just as the soldier began to tell him he saw it. There on the bottom etched into the metal pot was a rearing stallion. " Sir.. the etching is on the bottom of every pot." Caden nodded his thanks, told him good job then closed the door and brought the pot to Eriran to look at, his mind awhirl with an old memory that had seemed naught but a dream.

Eirian: " A little of both, the timing upsets the baby, thus upsetting m'belly one would assume.." She put a hand over her belly in comfort to the child, a wish to ease her fears so her own body would release the influence of Hope's anxiety. "A rearing stallion on every pot? What does this mean...that this vigalante is organized and well funded? This is a madness..the country is recovering from a war, who is that full hardy to press on." Taking the pot from Caden, she studied the marking on the bottom, touching the etching in the mane.

Caden: He let her take the pot his mind lost in memories. though he would kneel in front of her after a few moments and look up at her. " Will you allow me?" He nodded his head to her belly. He had an idea that might relax Hope enough that her mother could relax and perhaps get the food she needed to nourish herself and the baby that grew within. " Let me try and then afterwards I will tell you a tale of perhaps import." His blue eyes looked up to hers searching for her answer.

Eirian: Sapphire gaze to another of cobalt, shades of blue were the alchemic mixture transfiguring emotions between the pair. Hope seemed to respond the warmth surrounding the womb, though the mind of the mother left something to be desired. "You are kind, little brother,"she affectionatly said,"though I do not think it is that simple.."

Caden: He smiled. " Perhaps not but I would like to try." He leaned forward and kissed her belly where he thought Hopes head would be, then remained close enough to be heard before starting to sing a lullaby, his voice was smooth as water rippling over rocks, the song sung in gaelic, telling the story of a princess and her prince and the trials they went through before they could be together. When the song was finished he looked up again to meet Eirian's eyes. So like a sister to him, he would die himself before letting harm come to her or Hope. A fierce protectiveness welled up deep in his chest as he waited to see if the song worked.

Eirian: The warrior had a talent for soothing the savage angst of the unborn. Children in the womb responded to sound; timid, curious kicks, the rapid infant's pulse slowing to calm. Eirian let her head lapse back against the chair's height, feeling soothed herself as the story unfolded. "I think she's sleeping.." she whispered, "Thank you."

Caden: He smiled for that had been his goal all along. He lightly patted her stomach barefelt for he didnot wish to wake Hope. Then he sat back and began to tell another tale. " When I was but 7 or 8 years of age m'lady m'father had a visitor. He bore a flag that flew a rearing stalllion like the one on these pots. At that age ai feared nothing, I had my uncle Jonas and I was invinceable, bu' this man I feared. My father did nae seem happy to see him in the least, and I was glad tae see him gae."

Eirian: " So he is against the Robertsons, or is he a member of your family seeking to rally people unde rhis own banner..." The mother began to ponder while the child slept, disjoining their minds so her own was just that. Fingertips tapped against the edge of the table, "We should be prudent in dealing with this, and being sure to take this to the Duke and Duchess.."


Caden: He nodded. " I dae nae think he was a Robertson M'Lady." but the rest he was not certain of.


Eirian: "We will find who he is.." she muttered softly, putting fingertips to her temples in kind,"we will."

Caden: Caden nodded firmly. "Hopefully afore they cause more trouble." he said softly. He wondered why the trouble arose now, Why was this person, orpersons holding onto this seeming grudge. It troubled him deeply and he rose and began to pace trying to remember any details he could.

Eirian: "It could be many things..an upstart angered that my petition for land extended so far into the Cullins, angry with your family for being such good neighbors..many things. Whatever the reason, he must be stopped." She sat the pot on top of the table, looking at the charred remnants where the horse stood in silent etching. Her eyes narrowed in fixed concentration while she chewed another piece of boiled egg, leaving the bulk of the meats untouched. " When you patrol Caden, make sure you do it with several men going with you.."

[b]Caden:[/b] He gave a firm nod. " Aye M'lady. " he rose and went to Anna bending to caress her ears. " Even my Anna is nae enough protection.. Though she is a great deterrrant." He sighed softly then stood again and came to stand before her. " Shall we gae for a walk or gae see those who were oust from their homes?[/color][/font]

[Lady Eirian Gwenyth Apollius]

Nearly a month ago, homes were last in the settlements of the Bant Chan Ser Valley. The reason behind these acts of vandalism was investigated but the conclusion evaporaed with the mists of morning; a sign of warning with no pretext or subsequent lines to follow. Life would go on as it had. The herds needed to be grazed, the fields of wheat tended. Gardens were grown, homes rebuilt.

Peace that had become a signature of the pastoral life wrapped around the sleepy countryside.

But nothing lasts.



Maahes: With the dawning of the sun rose a new day's promise, and with it a refilled hope that it would be better then the last. He felt like a fool, with angry words so quick to rise, that Maahes watched the rising sun with secret prayers of tempers control. Sleep had come in spurts, but never once did he roam. No, the beast had spent the night in the room prepared, and never once felt kept. With the open and wild world around him he brought his freedom in with each breath as the trees whispered back and forth a lullaby a thousand years old. Somewhere, someone had thought to offer him a change, and judging from the tight fit around the chest, perhaps they belonged to Caden. However, the General was thankful for the change. A day's walk on a body that seemed relentless to heat, would need a wash. It was an old tunic, and the giver's permission had granted the sleeves be removed. So Maahes met the day in an old ratty shirt, and well worn mud stained leathers, yet was there anything else? 'Drink in the sight, for someday it could be your last' were words that wrapped the man's heart in the moment as the treeline welcomed the sun. They welcomed the face of his God, and bid the world a promise of a perfect day. (d)

Eirian: Time was fickle; for some it was deemed eternal while others were left feeling the finite nature of each second's sand slipping through the apeture in the hour glass. Eirian Kushrenada never missed the first light of the sun burning past the thicket of colors. Twilight purple became a gray infused with an alchemist's idea of what the palet of champaign blush could become when infused with God's given secret of gold. No, the woman of alabaster incarnate couldn't miss the sunrise becase rest was hard to come by. Sleep proved elusive as behind the eyelids a curtain pulled back to reveal a theater of the macabre. The captured broke free of bonds. The halls of Arianna Hymerodreath enveloped her too well; shadow became conspiritory with the efforts of a black mind for hire. Just as the knife was pulled from the sheath, when the metal's glint flickered in a reflection of her eyes, she would awake. It was a torrid way to spend a night and the rising of a new, unblemished morning put prayers of thanks on her lips as she held her round belly tight. As with all things, private musings must give way to routine. She emerged from her chambers in a soft cotton robe in the color of water, bound beneath her breasts with a white silk sash time and time again. On the ends of the ribbon, one could see the flowing waves hand applied. All of her hair was wound in a twist, held in place by a sparrow of jade. (d)

Maahes: A thunderous sound boomed from beneath his chest, as the day's drums of war started when his mind gave way from the distant dream. To turn your back on the rising sun was like turning away from the face of God and his musings of morning, but a warrior would need to dress. In one room the finest of silk and jade, in the other tattered and worn leather and steel. Two worlds with the same act, as soft water spilled over burning fire, air breathed, while the earth held together what could be considered eternity. Up over darkened skin, a heritage well bred, rose the weapons of another. A Celtic Renaissance, met a savage style as a man of war dressed for the day. Where a pick of a sparrow would hold in place darks locks of what could be considered silk, a sword was being placed down the spine of what some considered more animal then man. The final clasp finished and body dripping with death Maahes stood before the mirror, and tore into a reflection that seemed his most perfect enemy--himself. Though confident and self aware of his strengths, he knew what he was to the world. Maahes broke things; He broke hearts, bodies, and homes. Yet, here in the reflection with a perfect peace behind him, there was a longing deep inside so very small, but growing. Go say your sorry. Turning away from himself, the Beast of Avaria, creature from the desert started down the hall. (d)


Eirian: He wanted to make penance for a sin. She would forgive him when he asked, but she was no priest and if his heart had come to God perhaps that was the best forgiveness for both. The Beast and and the Night Bird couldn't be more different. Sepereated in culture and flesh, what could bind them? A penant heart turned toward the Father of Heaven, of All. He dripped with the prospects of death, a merchant in the sale of blood. Eirian was swollen with life so much that the vessel of her body could hardly contain not only the child, but the sacred heart. He wouldn't hear her steps in the halls because her steps made nary a sound. The flow of cotton or silk, too, would be lost, mistaken for the outside gust of air unless one listened closely as she turned into the wide foyer. Sir Caden was there to embrace his cousin, to kiss her upon the brow with instruction to be vigilant all of the day even if his eyes were on her. (d)

Maahes: A gust of wind? A gentle breeze over the smooth surface of the floor, would meet the winds of change and a storm on the horizon as he watched a family embrace. Caden was loyal to her by blood and heart, but it was the spirit he admired the most. His dark gaze swept low as narrowed eyes broke the silence without a sound. It was the fires of his for-fathers that kept the amber color so intense. It was the battles and wars that replayed over and over like a broken record in his mind and over his eyes that kept the constantly moving from one shadow to the next. It constantly being betrayed that kept his eyes not only on the woman and knight before him, but as well over his shoulder. Every sound, every motion was recorded so that when and if a battle began he could replay it over and over in his mind, correcting any mistakes he or others might have made. "Good morning." Spoke a voice that could not come from the same body as he presented. There was a gentle sound that escaped, like distant thunder proof the storm was passing, and reaching it's end only to move on. (d

Eirian: The storm, too, could be a thing of beauty if observed with unbiased eyes to view the spectrum of nature without flinching when the gently lily was shaded over by a cloud. Not all storms were foreboding. In the wake of rumbling thunder came the hush after the bent of anger, " Good morning. God keep you well this day," she turned to greet him after capturing her cousin's hands in affectionate hold before he bowed to the General and with a smile parted to gather the report of last eve's patrols from the opposite end of the valley. Some women would have scoffed, others left him to be the Beast even he said he was. Eirian would do neither of those things for he was a man of service, the heighest in the military of two nations. She was the betrothed of a former general, and had been the wife of a general. Smile sincere was the sun through the stormy sky. "Are you hungry?" (d)

Maahes:: Eirian was a woman, much like those around him that one could instantly respect. Yet, this one did not demand, but with a glorious smile claimed it all. It was a smile that could melt the ice around stone cold hearts, and he could easily see why one like Apollo could quickly want to lay claim to a heart of hearts. "No, but can you pack yours? I would like for you to show me the village." There was not a demand in his tone, but a voice that rarely got questioned. Would she be so brave again? His neck would bend to catch her eye, a tall frame like a tree over a perfect flower. "Or is the walk too great? I am unaware of what a woman in your condition canhandle." There was the slightest hint of a small smirk as he pictured the full moon atop a horse, and instantly knew that option would not even be offered. (d)

Eirian: God gave her the boon of an open heart, a special heart that would be the source of joy when many forgot what it was. "Oh? I can have that done, a basket or so of food, a good store. The Valley has two settlements, I will show you them both," As he bent she chuckled softly for she was so incredibly small in his comparison! "Perhaps we may hitch a wagon instead. The walk is not far but the terrain will make me a winded heap, for tis up hill n' down of the valley floor. You would be unable to do nothing but snort with laughter to see the future Queen rolling down the hillside," amidst the smile came the glint in the eye a sprite has when the games are afoot. She reached over to the wall where she picked up a shepard's crook to hold in her hands. "Deborah, will you please pack food to last thorugh the afternoon? I will be away from home today with the General..thank you." The woman curtsied and went to see to the food stores (d)

Maahes: When the wagon was brought around, Maahes would eye the horse drawn cart with amused eyes. Never once had he ever had a reason to ride, and suddenly it was everywhere. From horseback to horse drawn, he found himself adapting more and more. It was not that he had never seen them, just had never had reason. Maahes liked to walk, and would have rather went along side, but something about the ride just seemed exciting. When the horse drew to a close before them, he rose a bare palm over the muzzle of the horse. The smooth texture ran into a coat and soon over the strands of the mane his fingers would follow. Quickly he snapped from the trance the texture placed over him and turned that hand palm up to the woman in an assistance onto the seat. "I would not laugh." His reply to her comment about rolling down the hillside. "It takes more effort then that." He said with a smirk as he guided her to her seat, and soon pulled his own form up. (d

Tommy: Hooves tread constant and heavy over dry earth, crushing leaves and twigs alike as the animal was commandeered through the forest. The lazy roll of her back and hips as the warhorse trod through brush and rocky ground revealed her current state, but weariness was staved off and exchanged for duty and obligation. Time and experience had taught the woman to alter her emotions as necessary in order to prevent mishaps and mistakes; hopefully this would prove to be true yet another day. Emerging from the tree line, she guided her mount toward the road and then ..gave a brief tug on the reins. Unsure as to which direction the city was located, she rolled her eyes and took a right..which would end up being the wrong direction..

Eirian: "How would you help it? A round moon belly falling down through the brush, bouncing like a ball.." She chuckled herself at the image's conjuring , but then again Eirian was the owner of a vivid imagination. Sunlight left a heavy gloss on the thick black hair, the tip of the jade sparrow holding it aloft only to fall on the silver fastenings in the horse's tack to the leather in the reigns that would go over gloved hands. " Fortunatly the wagon will spare us from the terrain on the walking paths. The brush needs clearing terribly. Maahes, met my friend, Gwyilliam." The dappled horse gave a snort for his greeting, anxious to be on his way. The burden of the wagon, of people, was nothing to a country bred horse. When Maahes was seated, the reigns were tossed outward, her tongue clucked and the wheels were turned. Over the long round of cobbled way from the stables they rose over a here toward a path. The Cullins here were a mixture of small hills, fields, and flat forest craddled in the fertile crescent of the mountains. On the way toward the village it was not unusual to encounter people though the one up ahead seemed very lost. " By horse it is only a half hour's ride to the first settlement over the small bit of miles..good day!" Her voice could travel when lifted, and given one so small it was amazing how far it carried towards the traveler's ear. "How fair you, my lady.I..Gwyilliam...still, my friend...still.." It was as if someone took the wind-up key out of the back of the doll and all animation would still, save for eyes that seemed to be privy to a sight no one else could see. The wind whispered a name..and that would be how Maahes would remember the prophetic abnormality in his future queen (d)

Maahes: "Why are we stopping?" Instantly an alarm went up, his entire frame came alive as eyes scanned the road. Over his shoulder he saw the horse, the rider going in the wrong direction (as usual) and a heart stilled until it beat no longer. There had always been an unbreakable bond between man and woman. Some stronger then others, but there was no such thing as breakable when it came to this pair. Her body was slumped, from lack of why? From lack of sleep? No, in Tommy's condition she would know better. "Lady Eirian, I want you to keep going, no matter what you see." He spoke as he leapt from the cart and started a jog in the direction of the horse and rider. Drawing closer his heart started to pound. The baby, something is wrong with the baby. Fears came alive, as he tried his hardest to remain calm. "Tommy?" (d)

Tommy: The sudden twang of a bow being released was heard from behind, but, too late, she turned on her mount to try and assess the location of the shooter, and..who the target was. Apparently, she was the object of attention -- the arrow flew true and sank between the blades of her shoulders, slightly to the left. Pitching forward, she thumped her heels against the animal's belly and pulled sharply on the reins to head for the main road, where she now was. Her intuition was challenged, and she had chosen the wrong direction in which to travel. She also wasn't entirely sure that she had managed to lose the assailant. Voices in the distance alerted and startled her, and her mind worked quickly enough to determine that she should lure the attacker away, in case another attempt was made since she hadn't gone down. Protect at all costs. Do not fail. The Talon teachings resonated, prompting her to react. Hearing her name, she glanced back over a shoulder and called out to Maahes, "Get her out of here!" ..ugh, woooozy. Her hands were damp, causing the reins to slip free, and she grabbed onto handfuls of mane to control the animal as it thundered down the road. Averting her eyes downward, she spotted the arrow's tip protruding and nearly fell free. Tightening her thighs, heels sank and held, even as two more on horseback took claim of the road.

Anulia: Within the village a cart of another kind could be found, stopped and with their riders close by. Anulia and Aman-ud-Dun had not only come to visit Eirian later in their trip, but to give some items to those that could not get to Turas lan and get them. Already the wagon had been unloaded and everyone had their sacs of grain, wheat, blankets and anything else they had needed be it to rebuild homes or to ease one less worry of getting from one place to another. There were so many things she had never seen before in the village alone. White creatures with cotton upon their bodies. Of course it caught her interest as Aman-ud-Din spoke to a older male about the up coming fields. Both were unaware that anything was going on beyond the calm of the village, thinking it to be a normal day of peace and quiet. As Aman-ud-Din spoke, Anulia saw a few children playing tag with each other, startling the odd looking creature, making it run towards her. Leaning down, she held out her hand, wondering what it was called. She would have asked Aman-ud-Din,. but he was in the mist of conversation. Braids fell forward over her shoulder as she gathered bits of the end of her dress and leaned down more, trying to coax the animal to come clsoer with whistles, clips, words...anything. One little boy paused in his play, dirt covering his face and arms from wrestling with the bigger ones. Moving towards the back end of the sheep, he wrapped his arms around it and lifted it's smaller body up, moving to Anulia. `` He'll nay come with that...ye need to grab em up and put em where ye won.`` Of course Anulia asked what it was, to which the boy gave a strange look to her.

Eirian: "General, bring her to the village, a guard can escort her back to my home..please..she looks not well." Gentle, firm tones called out an edict that she would in this instance insist to be followed to the abject letter. No matter what she saw she was to go on, no matter what she saw....so what was there to conceal? The mists of dreaming were thick to pull away. No..look longer, look harder.. a voice told her while hands took up the reigns. "Gwyilliam..hiphip! " Reign cracked over the dappled back of the tacked creature; anxious hoofs pulled the wagon only a a few yards before hell broke out in the distance. The morning peace was shattered by the twang of an arrow. The shudder of a bow string pulled...look then down the mountain..beyond.. the wagon rocked in the wake of the thundering road to make her horse rear, dance backward, and want to be free of the wagon. Eirian held tight to the reigns in one hand while clamping the side of the wagon's seat with the other. Only the naieve would find time to scream, to burst in to tears but a deeper instinct gripped at the Lady Eirian. Too many seiges, too many times at the side of militant men to collapse. That would have been folly, so brilliance motivated a hard snap on Gwyilliam's reigns to send horse, wagon, and rider shooting down the road past the fray in a streak of violent colors. On the hill above, a patron enroute to the manor to report to Caden would now move with lightning speed, a group of four men coming down the side of the mountain towards Maahes to see what the matter was. Such speed meant the village was reached in half the time, and the entry of the fast wagon, the woman holding the reigns inspired one of the men-at-arms to run out from the village outskirts (d)

Maahes: She was the only reason anyone could question the General's loyalty. When it came to saving his soon to be Queen, or the light of his life, there was no thought. The same would go for Apollo, and has. Maahes has turned his back countless times on the King for her. When Tommy said jump, he was already in the air. "She's out of..." He paused watching the arrow pierce her, and suddenly the world came to a still. Every inch of rock hard surface stilled and tightened until it locked together. The shooter would have to see this, as Maahes had his back to the man and no shots were fired. Was he waiting on a reaction, because he was about to get one. Boy done messed up now! The arrow was short, so he couldn't be that far away, and in an instance an invisible blind fold of rage was pulled over the bull's face and all he could see was red. There were two of them, but not a single one could muster enough courage to a shot. Turning slowly to face the road Maahes started in the direction of the attackers, large hands coming to removed the top heavy blade, and it would not take long for two heads to roll onto the dirt path. This, was what Kuriel was talking about. Mistakes that were to be made there within his rage. They could have questioned the men, got answers, news, and the where-a-bouts of the man who hunted her.(d)

Jack: -=Without any warning or pretense, a large burly figure leapt out of the foliage surrounding the road and with a fleetness uncharacteristic of its size, bounded to the side of the speeding cart in the moment that the horse reared. With a single motion, it hefted itself to the top of the cart where it spun about to a crouching stance, seemingly to bob and dance to an unheard melody as the iconic oilskin poncho flittered about his frame over the movements of limbs, low tree boughs, and the wind. From one side of the figure, a peppering of arrows of exit and sail in the general direction of the concealed assailants. From the other side a number of rough, squash-like orbs rolled out onto the road and were flung into the foliage. After a moment or two nature would erupt into fiery clods of earth and burning leaves, shattering nearby trees and obscruing their escape in violent color. As they neared the village,a hearty voice would call out to the determined driver.=- Methinks ye can slow now, M'Lady. Perhaps we ought tae seek cover. (d)

Tommy: Mechanical in motion, her mind continually worked while trying to ignore the sharp bursts of pain that shot through her chest. The rapid sound of approaching hooves suddenly lessened, and she glanced over her shoulder again to steal a glimpse as to what was happening behind her -- all she saw were two heads rolling free from still-moving bodies that soon fell from their mounts. The horses continued on their path along the road despite not having riders to guide them. Her own animal slowed its run, coming to a prance as she turned them both around. Hooves seemed almost dainty in their rhythmic dance as the distance between she and Maahes was slowly closed. "What in God's name were you thinking?! I'm fine, and now your lady, our future queen, is barreling down the road--" She winced, swaying as the horse stopped; instinct warned him that he was about to lose his rider as well. "--Maahes." For a brief moment, her eyes met his, apologetic yet laced with anger and worry, and then lost her seating and fell to the ground. Still conscious, she raised her head to look after the carriage that carried their queen, mumbling aloud that he should help -- then her world went black.

Eirian: The Future Queen of Avaria was a woman marked with title she did not embrace: Arch Duchess of Carmarthenshire, Golden Nightingale of the Emperor...Princess of Wales...title after title after title. What were they but burdensome words after the name given her on the baptismal font as holy water slid across the infant brow? "Hiiiya!" Her voice was hard, throat clenched gritted over the words as she snapped the reigns hard. Her back was braced, her arm wrapped over the shepard's staff before it could fly over the side and be lost foever. Gwyilliam was being fed adrenaline and commandments in his blood when a shadow gripped wagon, rider, and horse in the form of a man who seemed descend from out of the mountain. Her mouth opened in an 'o' but no sound emerged as the extra weight came with it arrows. Colored smoke made Eirian sputter in her breathing "Who......who are you?" Eirian pulled hard agains the reigns just as the man-at-arms forsook his spear to take hold of the dapple's harness, smoothing his hands over him. He wouldn't have time to answer the question before she turned to the approaching men. Breathless she pointed back to the road they had traveled down, "The general.....another....a skirmish. Send men to them...at once. NOW! Do not stare at me, go..go! I am alright.." She coughed hard, but waved away their hands to come down. First was the matter of catching her breath as she held to the great round of her belly. Hope kicked in a fury. Beyond the party, in the large barnyard that held the village's tools for the fields..soon...something more was to happen (d)

Maahes: "After all these years you still question me. YOU would think by.." He suddenly stopped catching sight of the arrow, he knew she had been hit, but had not seen where. His eyes grew wide as arms extended to except her body, and keep from falling. Her world went blank, and he stood dead still in his steps. Everything he had ever done happened because of quick reactions and reason. Yet, now he could not move. He could not react stone still to where he stood his knees gave and soon met the ground. The arrow..the blood.. did he pull it out...did it stay in..was it poisoned?..Clutching her body to his chest he closed his eyes and whispered, "La taqlaq, Zoya, ..uhibbok..uhibbok" The words fell from his lips as if he had been saying them for a thousand years. This was between the here and now, when English met Arabic, and as the men came running up his eyes would open and dare them to take a step further. "Ahtaju..." He closed his eyes to correct himself. "GET a dr!!!!" Arms tightened around her as to give proof that he was not letting go anytime soon. (d)

Jack: -=The burly figure stood stolidly atop the cart, facing towards the still burning woods, saying nothing while she barked orders to the militia. The wrinkled brim swiveled from side to side slowly, seeming to stare out into the distance without noting what those immediately surrounding him were doing. There it stood while the future queen remained in the cart.=- (d)

Eirian: "You, there! Man, what went on on that road, what are my men going towards?" The man in the oil skin poncho looked at the woods, colored smokes would double the amount of men who would go to prevent the spreading of fire, gather the injured, or look for the source of trouble. He put his hands up in the air in frustration, driving his spear into the ground while another guard at last coaxed the Lady Eirian down from the wagon. "My Lady, my lady are you alright, we should call the healer....the baby." She shook her head at afurious speed. By now, all of her hair was nearly out of the once tight knot sending silk black spilling across her eyes. "No! Make ready for a woman who was wounded with an arrow, and the General...something..something is wrong here.." Sapphire eyes took on the quality of blue-ice sky on a winter's morning. Silver thunder struck the iris as she seemed to gaze back into the clouds of smoke and see omens no one could decipher. "Something..is not..not right." "My lady...calm yourself..what is it you are speakng of....there is peace here..." All bleeting sheep with shepards easing them toward the grazing plains. Children playing, the sound of hammers as homes were rebuilt. But all she could smell was smoke on the wind, and see a fire that had yet to burn....closing in. Near the General, one man would advance against his dare. " The Lady sent us! Sir, Please! Let us take her to a healer..she needs medicine! Bring her if you must but let us go!" Eirian would push past the helping hands. The man in the wagon mattered less all of a sudden as she followed the trail mind was laying to the barn where nothing ought to have been amiss. The silence, the peace, was once again shattered by the pounding of hands on the other end of the doors. "Why are these doors sealed," she demanded,"Why?" The sound of horse hooves burst through the fields, a cry, the trampling of a body. Five mounted riders emerged but had no intention to dismount. No. They'd reak their havoc on horseback. Suddenly..just as she held the doors..the smell of smoke became prominent as an oil lamp lit was tossed into a back window.. (d)

Maahes: There was never to be a moments peace, as suddenly Maahes found himself unable to let them take the woman in his arms. No, they can't! He cried on the inside. He didn't know them, they could not care for has she needed. Where was Aislin? Get Aislin. The screams in the distance caught him, as he suddenly remembered Eirian and letting go of Tommy quickly became easier. "IF SHE dies, YOU die." Spoke the General in a rage filled growl as he handed the woman over. (d)

Jack: -=As smoke began to trickle from the barn windows, the weather-beaten brim rose to regard the barn. From a seated position, the burly figure regained its feet, the oilskin poncho spattered with fresh blood and surrounded by the fatal disarray of the five riders, their mounts, and a few of the militia. A long black curved blade slowly retracted into the folds of oilskin cloth as a grumble rumbled from somewhere within. It was going to be one fo those days. Without ceremony the burly frame trotted over to the barn and with a growling yell, a hob-nailed boot slammed into the barn doors, rattling their moorings. It repeated in quick successsion, splintering the wood until it gave way and a craked panel allowed a broad shoulder to plow an opening large enough for his bulk. An arm scooped up the reposed mother-to-be and bodily tucked her under the poncho as if she were a sack of grain. Turning and sprinting from the freshly sprung blaze, quick work was made of brushing past the firefighters and depositing the queen into the cart whether she liked it or not.=- We are nae safe here. -=That was the only words given throughout the whole ordeal as the hulking figure took up the reigns of the cart and cracked the horses to a run through the village.=- (d)

Eirian: A cracked door, a slipping within to see who might need help changed when the door shut against her. The good Sameritan mission now became one that held her life, the life of her child, and contents of the barn to the whim of the Fates. "Oh God." She muttered. It didn't take long to ascertain this structure was not meant to be a sturdy testament to the settelement's ability to endure a plight. The oil's stink was second only to the crisping flares of crimson tongue growing when fed with wood and hay. She turned against the door, no longer being able to hear the voices of any other, nor the alarm of the horses. Before she could react further to free herself her feet no longer touched the ground! Swaddled underneath his covering she saw nothing but smoke. Inertia propelled her against her own will (or was it absent of any) towards the cart where she heard the words of it being not safe. Did it need stating? Suddenly the village was in an uproar. Men-at-arms emerged from their homes and watch posts. A ram's horn was blown to summon the estate knights; a sound Sir Caden loathed as it made his heart drop and blood boil all at once. While he rallied the men, they would still have three miles of terrain from their point before they made it to the village. Those with Maahes would find a man who collected Tomassina with ease, "We don't deal in death, General." Crisp, direct. Alas! it wouldn't be the village they would go to, for no one oculd miss the rising smoke nor the screams over the miles. The future Queen was not an inanimate doll now as she held on to the wagon. Rearing back, Gwyilliam would give haste a new name. "Right, RIGHT" Eirian called out to her rescuer and impromptu driver as one of the horseman was baring down right on them. In all earnest? She held her staff hard in hte oppositehand, ready to beat the fool senseless enough to attempt to harm her or the babe within (d)

Maahes: "Then doubt me." He started to ball a fist at the man as he handed the broken body, but it would be the smoke that called his attention. His future Queen was in that village, and he would hate to prove Tommy right. The vacant horse was soon mounted and thundered into the village. Seeing Jack with Eirian he would almost smile knowing their paths had crossed for a reason. "Is she well?" He pulled on the reins the horse circling in place as to not launch it's rider forth. The cart passed and so too would his answer, a small smirk filtered over his lips as the woman's face was something he'd never forget. Turning the horse then to face the barn, the smoke rose up in heavy black billows and his feet would soon hit the ground. "Get those doors open!" Barking as he moved around the back of the barn seeing the fire traveling forward in hopes to get a glimpse of any mistake the men had made. Was there something that wasn't sealed? When he returned a few of the villagers had eased the rest of the door open and were soon leading the horse's out. As men and women started to carry buckets from the stream Maahes simply put out an arm as the wall of fire rose until the entire barn became nothing but burning embers. "There is nothing that can be done." He spoke in a much more somber voice, and then started to look around for any faces full of tears, finding none. That would be his sign none were trapped inside. (d)

Jack: -=No words were given to Maahes as they passed. None were necessary. With a snap towards the side, a short-shafted arrow exited the oilskin poncho. The arrow sunk into the larger of the two targets presented, namely the nameless rider's horse. As it reared and whinnied in pain, smoke billowed out from under the heavy oilskin cloth and another iron squash was flung out as they sped through precious distance. The blast flung the back half of the steed back down the road, and left the rest as singed hamburger. With a grumble the wrinkled brim began to swivel. With a yank on the reigns, the cart would shoot down a side street, scraping the walls of the buildings as they went.=- Where's the bloody exit tae this village? (d)

Eirian: A face to remember: ash ridden cheeks, a peak of jade sparrow flying through a tumult of tossed dark hair. Fingers white knuckled in grip. Aye, a sight for a future Queen but it could be that in such a pose Eirian proved that beneath the Nightingale's wing was as soul edged in iron, a soul that refused to be beaten out of a life it loved. She looked toward Jack, though did not yet know his name, and when this was over would remember to marvel at the wonders the man produced under his cloak! What matter of warrior and rescuer was this? It seemed adventageous and too coincidental that he was in the right place or the right time so to speak. Bouncing along, she could elect to be helpless cargo or a useful person to be thrust into the fray with. As he asked directions, she could speak it..true...but as winded as she was it would have taken forever! With a sharp wince, she opened up her hand and took the nearest section of reigns with her right hand while tossing the staff into the back of th ewagon to do so. The left would be her brace as she called out in her native tongue, far quicker than English, "Gwyilliam , cer addef! " Harddriving was replaced by a sense of logic in the animal as amidst the bumping, tumult, and twisting he was doing just as he was commanded. She told him to go home, thus he would twist his way out the village to do just that. (d)

Maahes: Maahes stays with the fire until it burns out in case it spreads, and then goes home. (d)