A visit and a Storm....<CLOSED>

[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

Odis: Odis had ridden from the Castle Zurban, when it was told to him that the Lord and Willa had departed in a carriage. He could only assume that the pair came to visit that of his sister. The wounds along his side burned with the infection of neglect. Though it would be placed aside until he found his daughter and the feeling of dread was set to the side. The horse was less then thrilled by all this as they approached slowly. The man's clothing was filthy and travel worn, the several days growth along his jaw line and head gave the idea he had not halted in this traveling. The thin packs behind him were also clues that he hadn't paused in all this as well. He approached with this eyes watching with guarded patience. He certainly expecting something.. inwardly praying they were here. <d

Kaelyn: ** Kae had kept herself busy these days with setting up her house and checking on her Knight's that were camped nearby. It was a damp day and even though she felt the need to trained and practice... keeping her skills honed and sharp. She wore a white sleeveless tunic that laced up the front... more the style of a pirate than a ranger but it was comfortable and did not hinder her movements, black leather breeches clung to her long, lean and lightly muscled legs, she as well wore black knee high boots of soft supple leather again another trade mark of her Ranger ways. She stood with bow in hand and notched the arrow and aimed for the farthest target on the range... releasing the string the arrow flew through the air hitting its mark with a soft thud. She smiled and swept her long blond hair back from her face. She had not seen nor heard the approach of the rider but her Knight and cousin Ademar had and ran to the range to inform her " My Lady Cousin... a rider approaches from the East alone." he said looking to the East. Kae handed him her bow and walked over to meet the rider.**


Odis: The sight of people was a bit comforting and it meant that the had arrived. The fever from his unattended wounds finally took its full effect. The hand rested against his side as he slumped forward. Odis wouldn't remember the past couple of days as most of it was ridden in the fevered fog as he pitched to the side and fell to the ground in a heap. The horse seemed to share the exhaustion as the big yellow roan stopped and seemed to wait for Odis to get up. When he didn't, the horse nudged his shoulder. <d


Kaelyn: ** Kae saw the rider fall an took off running with Ademar on her heels. She had seen that horse before it belonged to Odis Wila's father. " Ademar to me!" she called as she skidded to a halt next to Odis and dropped to her knees. Gently she rolled him so that his head was in her lap and brushed the dirt from his face with her hands " Odis... Sir can ye hear me." she said patting his cheek to wake him blue eyes looked worried " Ademar ready a room and ride to Blackmoor get Raven and bring him back... we need to get Odis in the house he needs tending to." she cared not what Ademar thought of the fact she would be alone with this man until he brought her husband back " M'Lady...??" he began to speak but one look at Kae' face and he knew she would not be swayed otherwise " Aye.. Lady" He said as he bent and lifted Odis's form and carried him into the house and up the stairs to the room she pointed to. " Bring clean cloths, the salves, stitching items anything you think we may need as I look to see what is the matter with him." she said as Ademar laid him on the bed and left to do her bidding. She touched his face he was burning up.**


Odis: Odis mumbled something but it was left in a tongue that was garbled as well as foreign. The horse however followed them as though he were an expectant parent and huffed once they carried Odis inside. As one of the men came to gather the horse from the front doors found himself back peddling quickly as the horse bit and kicked at him. Upstairs Odis had gone silent, The touch of the woman's hand was cool against his skin. When the shirt was stripped away the half assed bandage to his side could be spotted. It was certain it was meant to be temporary. The wound beneath carried the rank stench of infection and discoloration. <d

Kaelyn: ** Kae effectively ripped his shirt off him and looked at the bandage " Bloody hell" she hissed as she grabbed for the clean cloths and warm water Ademar had just brought in and placed next to the bed on the night stand. " Go Ademar find Raven I will be fine." she said with a nod to the door. Ademar grumbled something about her being stubborn and left he knew she could handle it here, but in her condition Raven would surely beat him senseless for leaving her just the same. Kae had tended many wounds in her time whether her own or those of her men. She spoke softly to Odis as she gently bathed the infected wound " Odis 'tis Kae... I am sorry if this hurts can ye wake for me."**


Odis:The man groaned as the water was used to cleanse the wound. The tenderness of it was enough to wake the dead. The dull brown eyes were slow to open as his body winced away from the gentle touch. The thick hand moved to stop her…the voice was hushed and grated low. " Willa.. is she here? " He asked quietly as he couldn't hold her even if he wished to. The hand released its hold to drop down again at his side. He would worry of himself and his condition once he knew.. Once she knew. <d


Kaelyn: ** Kae continued to bathe the wound and looked at him when he tried to stop her as he spoke " Nay Wila is not here ... perhaps she is at my Brother's home for a visit." she said softly almost crooning to him " Odis I need to push some of the infection from the wound before it can be closed and bandaged again.' she kept her eyes locked with his and hoped he understood for it would hurt like hell when she began the process. She herself had to have it done and knew form experience what was involved... the wound was ragged so stitching might no be an option. She might have to heat a blade to seal it and thought made her cringe.**


Odis:The man shook his head slightly to her words, though he understood the need to drain the wound. He gritted his jaws together as the roar of pain was managed to only be stifled by a fraction. The body tensed at the pain as the infected ichor began to ooze out of the wound. The thick hands gripped the sides of the bedding as he closed his eyes. He couldn't speak otherwise.. not at the moment. Regardless of how manly one may be or may not be.. the tears still formed at the corners of his eyes and slipped down. It wouldn't take long for the ichor to be mingled with fresh blood. <d.


Kaelyn: ** Kae's heart clenched as she watched him grip the bed as she released the infection from the wound... soon bright red blood began to flow and no longer discolored with putrification. " Almost done now Odis... just need to close it a bit." she said knowing full well stitches would not hold but not wanting to cause more pain than he was already in right now. " Here sip this it will help as I stitch it closed." she held a mug of water with herbs to help with the pain a bit to his lips. His tears tore at her heart... She may be a warrior and a calculated killer but to cause pain to a friend ate at her.**

Odis: The tears were really a release , as he didn't speak a word as of yet. Just the short clipped nods of agreeing or disagreeing. When the cup was offered he slowly lifted his head from the pillow to take a drink. Normally he would have refused, but this was certainly not the time to turn down aid of any sort. The eyes closed a moment as he rested the cup onto his stomach for a moment. The breathing was deep and somewhat labored. The infection had gotten into the bloodstream he knew this. he could feel the fever that seared the nerves. But even that .. there was not much to be done in this , but waiting for it to pass. His tongue passed over the lips, dampening them before he spoke. " They .. are not there... not here?" He wanted to make sure he had heard correctly. <d

Kaelyn: ** She watched him carefully and knew the fever was raging in his body. " Nay Odis neither are here.. Why? What is wrong?" she asked as she again coaxed him to drink more of the water and herbs. The would was bleeding freely and there was no choice now but to sear it closed the edges were to ragged. She closed her eyes and open them again she cupped his face " Odis I have to cauterize this wound with a blade, do ye understand me?" she asked softly .**

[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

Odis: He listened, as he frowned, more so then being in pain. He couldn't answer the other part of it.. not yet.. as he took the drink that was offered. " do so . " He stated with a firm nod. The dull brown eyes had steeled themselves for this. If it had to be done. .then so be it. After all he could deal with a sealed wounds far easier then stitches. The questions again of Willa and Dmitrii.. those would be set to the side until the wound was sealed shut <d

Kaelyn: She did not wait for him to reply before setting the blade in the flames after dousing it with whiskey.She sat next to him once more " has something happened to Wila and my Brother?"**


Odis: for this. If it had to be done. .then so be it. After all he could deal with a sealed wounds far easier then stitches. The questions again of Willa and Dmitrii.. those would be set to the side until the wound was sealed shut <d


Kaelyn: ** She nodded to him and walked once more to get the now red hot blade. " I am sorry Odis... it will hurt greatly... cry out if ya need there is no one here but to hear it." she said as tears fell from the warriors blue eyes. She took a deep breath and set the blade to the wound it sizzled and the smell of flesh burning was acrid to her nose her hand began to shake as she quickly steadied it. Once it was done she threw the blade and it landed with a thud in the wall. She reached for salve and quickly slathered it on and then wrapped it with clean bandages. It would seem the warrior had many talents... and not just at wielding weapons. Tears streamed down her face now.**


Odis: The man just sighed and blew out a breath of air.. he wouldn't watch her hands. That always seemed to make it worse, instead his eyes stared upward to the ceiling. Though the sensation of the steel sealing the skin and wound closed brought not a scream but a flat out bellow of pain from him. Odis wasn't a shy man when it came to that hurt! Of course he had minded his manners in not cursing at the woman. Though the expression on his face certainly looked as if he were debating that rule of his. The sweat had broke out across his brow and torso as he growled while adapting to the pain. <d

Kaelyn:** Kae jumped slightly when he bellowed out in pain, and when it was over she laid her hand upon his chest " I am truly sorry, my friend."she said softly. The look on his face said that he had a few choice things to say to her and none that she had not heard or said herself before. She after all had spent almost a full year with a bunch of pirates a bawdy lot they were too. She shook her head as she readied another mug with herbs for him. Taking the bloodied water away and grabbing a fresh basin with cool water in it she place d it beside the bed and dipped in a clean cloth and began to bathe his fevered brow. " How did you get injured ?" she asked in soft tones wondering what drove a man in this condition to ride about the countryside. She knew he looked for Wila but in this condition?? He had to be daft in the head risking his life ... his daughter would be home soon right? If not she would hunt her brother down and flail him for not having her home timely.**

Odis: Yes but he wouldn't cross that level of decency for any woman. Regardless of who they had spent time around. It was against his own code of ethics. He closed his eyes while she soothed his brow with the cool rag. The breath was taken and expelled as he shifted a bit. " A few men.. looking for trouble.. found it they did. " He spoke quietly a bit hazy still. " Wanted to check on Willa.. she's not at the castle... boy said she was at Dmitrii's... " he spoke softly and trying to gather his head and slow his thoughts . " Servant says they left with an armed guard ... thought they'd come here. " He spoke with a frown. " Something I must tell them. " Odis didn't want Willa caught unaware of what was really going on.. and the boy shouldn't get too attached to his daughter without knowing the truth. <d

Kaelyn:** " Aye, it seems they did and you as well." she said as she dipped the cloth into the water once more and now washed his chest with it. "Bloody hell Odis what could be so damn important that you risked your life to speak with them." she snapped now and her stomach lurched as it usually did at this hour... she paled before his eyes and jumped from the bed and raced for the chamber pot behind the screen. Once her stomach was empty she rinsed her mouth with a cup of water and mint leaves. Retuning to the bed " I apologize for that , but it is not in my control it seems." she gave him a soft smile and frowned at him again. " Odis tell me what is going on? Are Wila and my brother in some kind of trouble?" she could almost feel what he was not saying but needed to hear it. Years of battle had taught her to hear that which was not spoken and her instincts were humming in her mind she would heed them. Though she remained calm she worried for him, for her brother and yes for Wila... whom she like greatly. " Odis I may be able to help ye if ye could but trust me to tell me what the Bloody buggering hell is going on!" she could no longer hide her fear or growing anger.**

Odis: He was about to say something, but the woman darted off. He could hear her retching as he slowly pushed himself up to the a seated position. The grunt was given as he breathed out a harsh breath. The room spun for a moment, as his eyes unfocused , then hand lifted to brush across his face. " I don't know if they are in trouble. For all I know they are off on some picnic or.. something. " He spoke quietly and bit back the groan as he shifted and slid his legs off the side of the bed. " I left his castle ...told one of the lads to follow me if they returned. That was... days ago. " he waited again for the world to stop shifting about. The word trust brought him up short as he looked at the woman. How much could he tell her? It was her brother though that was somehow mixed up in this? " There are some .. that would see my daugh... would see Willa dead. "
<d

[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

Kaelyn: She watched as he sat up and shifted his legs off the bed as if he were going to leave " Oh no you don't ye will lay your arse back in that bed or I will lay you there! You are in shape to be going anywhere!" she laid her hand on his chest and gently yet forcefully pushed him back down. " You need to rest Odis you have a ragging fever" she spoke softer now though worry was all over her face. " I will send out some of my Knight's to look for them... I myself I will go if I have to." she said as she turned to get him more of the herbal brew this time she put another herb to help him sleep, and he would be none the wiser. She wobbled on her feet and grabbed the table to steady herself, they Raven and her had said nothing about her being pregnant to anyone yet. She tried to hide it quickly from him as she brought him the drink. " Drink this we can talk more later." she said a gave him a small smile. When he spoke that some would see Wila dead she damn near fell over. " Why would anyone want to harm your daughter?" and it dawned that if that were true Dmitrii could be in danger as well. Her mind raced with a plan and it would anger Raven when he found out. The drink would work quickly and Raven was still hours from being home. She could leave here and be well on her way before any could stop her.**

Odis: He was going to protest , just there wasn't enough energy left in him to argue. He shook his head a bit ." I need to go.. there are things they do not know. " He stated though he was pressed back down again. The cup again handed to him as he figured he would drink this..then depart once the woman had gone to find help? Excellent idea. However what he wasn't expecting her to drug him. The frown appeared on his face before his eyes rolled back and well now answers and everything else would have to wait as the man passed out. <d

Kaelyn:** " I can tell then Odis, or one of my Knight's. All you have to do is trust me enough to tell me, Dmitrii is my brother for God's sake...my family. Perhaps Wila will be my sister as well though she is of my heart already."she said as she watched the drink work and he fell asleep. Her plan would have to wait until she knew what trouble they were in. She took the cup from him, and placed it on the table. Removed the rest of his clothes and covered him with the blanket. Adding more wood to the fire she took a seat by the bed and continued to bathe his brow with cool water. She had made more of the herbal and sgirl-thingyed it down his throat as he slept to help him sleep through the infection that ravaged his body. She hated that she tricked him so but it was for a good cause right? His health.**

Odis: The problem wouldn't be getting the man to talk once he woke up.. it would be getting him to shut up and not be so angered he didn't appear to be a great bear. Good luck with that. <d

Kaelyn: ** Kae had dozed off and woke to a ragging storm outside...thunder and lightening . Great... she thought just great. This would delay Raven's return home as the paths and roads between here and Blackmoor were treacherous on a good day. They would not risk their mounts or men to traverse it in this storm. She once more sat on the bed and ran a cool cloth over his brow which still burned hotly " Odis... I hope you forgive me. I am looking out for your health you are no good to your daughter if you fall over from being sick." she cooed to him softly. Her voice was almost melodic as she spoke to him, she remembered the look on his face when she rode to the Castle with Wila on her mount. So stoic and quiet as he plucked her from Baran's back and strode off with his daughter in his arms. They fought next to each other in the clan wars and she knew him a strong formidable man, but not in his current condition.**

Odis: The eyes moved beneath the lids as he found himself caught up in nightmares that often plagued him at night. Things that only Willa had known about. As to what those dreams may have been? Those were his. Always his.. as her hand lifted to touch his brow the thick hand lifted and caught the wrist within a tight grip. " Don't do it Brittany.. You go back now it will be for nothing. " he growled out, as he forced himself upright. The eyes were open, however it was clear that it wasn't Kaelyn he was seeing. He sat frozen for a moment as the eyes blinked slowly and suddenly they came into focus. He quickly let go of her arm and shook his head as he shifted away from her. " I am sorry.." He mumbled out , the look of shame touched his face as he looked around a moment, The storm rattled the windows as he closed his eyes once more. <d

Kaelyn: ** Kae had kept vigil all night and all the next day and night came once more. She had slept little and eaten even less and was now weary beyond all measure as she tended Odis. He gripped her wrist tightly causing her to gasp, but it was the way he said the woman's name that made her shiver. When he released her wrist she rubbed it slowly and then picked up the cloth once more " No need to be sorry..." she said softly as she looked and knew it was not her he saw in those glazed eyes but another perhaps this Brittany woman? She had changed her clothes while he had slept she wore now a simple green dress trimmed in gold and her hair pulled back into a thick braid. " Sleep my friend... sleep and heal. She raised the mug to his lips and watched as he swallowed some of its contents once more. She staggered and stumbled as she went to get more cool water. " Damn!" she hissed to herself and placed her hands upon her flat belly.**

[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

Odis:He accepted the water only because he knew she wouldn't likely leave him be unless he played the part of the good patient. Though when she stumbled his hand reached out, regardless she was too far away for him to offer aid. " I have slept long enough. The sickness will be with me until it chooses to depart. I have laid around too long. " He spoke quietly with the frown of pain as he began to move out of the bed. The glance down however caused him to pause. His eyes looked about for clothing. " My clothes? " He asked softly. The tone was like a growling whisper. His eyes turned back to her and her movements. The small faint grin touched his face.. well it had been years ago.. but he remembered little nuisances. <d

Kaelyn:** " I washed them... one more day Odis one more day and you can leave alright?" she was almost pleading with him. The storm still raged outside and the wind howled fiercely. Lightening flashed and lit the room causing her to jump, she turned to face him her coloring was pale and she swiped a hand across her eyes as she swayed on her feet. The room began to spin a bit as she fumbled to reach the chair at the table. Between the storm and not really taking care of herself she was feeling the weight of it all. If he left she would be here alone... she had sent her men to look for Dmitrii and Wila in all directions. Who would think that a ranger and warrior feared storms but she did! She blinked several times her hand still upon her belly " Please Odis just one more day." her voice but a whisper as she fell slowly to the ground exhausted.**


Odis: He was already rising out of the bed. The nudity aside as he crouched beside her. " One more day, lass.. though you need the sleep more then I. " He spoke as he paused a moment , the last thing he needed was for the woman's husband to walk in and well there would be an explanation that no man would believe. The hand reached out and tugged the sheet from the bed and wrapped it about his waist. A make shift toga. Once he had covered himself, the sturdy arms slipped to cradle the ranger warrior. His body protested the movement, but determination over ruled it. The bare feet carried her to another room. He didn't think it would be wise to settle her into a bed he had been ill in. He laid her gently into the bed as he looked down at her for a moment. It seemed so very strange, to see the lovely blond laying exhausted in a bed… much like his Brittany... He shook his head as he reached for the blankets to cover her <d.

Kaelyn: ** Kae stirred as he picked her up " Odis? I am fine really please put me down." her voice was thickly accented. " I am to care for you not the other way around." she smiled up at him as he carried her into the room adjoining his and laid her down " Thank ye for agreein' tae stay another day. I would be so worried if ye left and would ha'e to follow ye." she teased him softly her accent thicker. " Ye are verra kind Odis and am honored to call ye a friend." She said as she reached up and cupped his face gently. " Odis please do not tell Raven... I swooned he would be most worried."**

Odis: He sighed and looked at her , the brow quirked a bit while he shook his head. " You are over working yourself, young Miss. " he stated quietly as he lowered one hand to ensure the sheet didn't fall here. " It has nothing to do with kindness, Kaelyn. nor honor in knowing me. I fear this will all change when the truth is known. " He released a breath that seemed as heavy as the very earth herself. The soft rumbled chuckle left him as he pulled his face back and offered a near fatherly pat to her hand. " Yes well ladies in your condition should not spend so much time worrying about others and ignore their body's need for rest. " He pointed out with a firm undertone to that. <d

Kaelyn: ** " Tell me Odis what is weighing so heavy upon yer shoulders... I may surprise ye and be able to help." she stopped when he spoke of her condition " Ye know? Please do not tell anyone Raven and I want Dmitrii to be the first to know." she said as she reached and held his hand gently as he was patting the other. **

Odis: Lass I am forty six years old.. while I've fathered none of my own.. I do know the signs. " he offered a vague smile. " I'll not breath a word of your secret. I have kept so many over the years. that they now haunt me. " he admitted quietly as he stepped back a bit and seated himself. Careful mind to not flash the poor girl. <d

Kaelyn: ** She gave him a nod as he promised to keep their secret. It was the way he said he had not fathered his own children that had her canting her head to look at him " But Wila is yers right?" she questioned. " Odis just speak clear and tell me for worry is taking hold of my heart for them both. I may be young to you and I may be with child but I can handle whatever it is I promise you that." she sat up in the bed. " Aye I know to well what secrets can do and how they haunt a person." her voice sounded far way for a moment as she recalled learning of Dmitrii and how her cousin and his bastard born father on her father's side abused and tortured her mother before they killed her. A tear slipped down her cheek**

Odis: He watched her for a long moment and sighed. The hand passed over his head. " I need to shave. " He mumbled for a moment before resting back into the chair. " No, Wilhemia is not my child... regardless how many times I may have wished it. Her mother was with child before I took her as my wife. " He spoke quietly , the fever that still burned within him , made him perhaps a bit more talkative then he should be. Though he was tired, inside and out.. " Her true father is a man of great power and influence. It has been given to me to keep her safe and her existence a secret. Though even before we departed Rome, there were some that had come to know of Brittany's pregnancy. " He sighed for a moment as his eyes closed. The jaws clinched a bit. " You asked how I came to be wounded? I found those that were determined , even after twenty years.. to use this against this ... man. I dispatched them. " He spoke with a note of finality in his tone. <d.

Kaelyn:** The woman's name brought back that instant when he grabbed her wrist she now idly rubbed it... faint bruises could now be seen but she did not care " Odis I am sorry... I did not know." she felt guilty fro asking him to relive a time that might be painful to him. She held out her hand to him as she scooted across the bed " Tell me how I can help... other than what I have already done by sending men to look for them with strict instructions... to send word to both of us post haste." the room once more swam in her vision and she shook her head. He looked so tired still and she could tell still within the grasp of the fever. " Thank you for telling me that much...But 'tis time to get you back to bed." thunder clapped loudly and the wind burst through the shutters slamming them against the wall. She inhaled sharply and made a small scream. " I have to check the animals." she said as she got up to secure the shutters once more.**

Odis: He watched her and the small frown of regret touched his face. " No..I will go in the morning to see if Maurice has returned.. if I can not find out anything from him.. there is one other..but I will have to go to the MacDonald's home. " And of course there was likely not to be a welcomed reception given the fact that he had put the killer Tial to death. " If anyone knows of the church's politics.. she will. " He couldn't help the slow growl just thinking of having to deal with Valisa again. Ruthless bytch that woman was. He watched as she jumped at the clap of thunder," Ease yourself.. I give my word that I will sleep.. once I have helped here. " he spoke as he pushed himself up to his feet. The fever wasn't the worse he had ever had to deal with. "Settle yourself and perhaps a cup of tea will do us both some good. " He offered with a nod. Yes he had a good firm hold of that sheet as he slowly moved out of the room. " Would be easier with my pants .. " he muttered to himself. <d

Kaelyn: ** Kae hated thunder storms had ever since she was a child and had been lost in one back in Argania four days she had been missing. She had been five at the time, riding with some of her father's men when a storm came from nowhere her horse got spooked and took off she heard Jorund call for her but all she could do was hold on as the horse fell into a ravine. No one knew what direction she had gone, she crawled into a cave cold wet alone, waiting for someone to find her. On the fourth day her father saw the cave and hoped he would find his daughter.... there she was huddled in the corner with a white wolf cub laying beside her keeping her warm. “ Aye tea would be nice, I come with you." she said as she hurried to follow him holding the walls and rails once she was on the stairs. She stumbled and grabbed the rail but she was not going to wait alone....besides she knew this house. " I can give you something of Raven's to wear." She commented yes she heard him mumble about his clothes.**


Odis: The man walked on hearing her follow. The pause was given as he turned to look at her. The small nod was given for the offer of clothing. Though his hand shot out to make sure she didn't fall in that stumble. The sheet folded a bit downward as he really needed his pants! The other hand moved to hide himself once more as he looked decidingly embarrassed. " Pants would be good . " He stated bluntly , once assured she was upright and fine.. he moved a bit quicker now. Boyo.. if he had walked in to something such as this with his Brittany? There would be one dead man, regardless of reason.. standing there and that would simply be that. <d


Kaelyn: ** As Odis helped to steady her he lost his sheet and had to cover himself with his free hand. Kae had seen her knight's in one state of undress or another so she just played it off like she saw nothing. " Ehem umm Thank you ." she said as she walked slowly down the stairs to where she put her husbands clean laundry. She grabbed a tunic and a pair of brown breeches and handed them to him as she headed for the kitchen." I will make that tea now." she did not look at him as she passed.**


Odis: Yes well play it off or not.. he gave a nod for the clothes.. and set off to find someplace to put them on. Once they were tugged into place he set off out the door to check on the animals she seemed worried about. He was thankful for the cool rain and was greeted by that rather stubborn horse. " You stupid horse " he chuckled and took the reigns and lead the horse to the barn to check on the rest. Odis would be the last to
admit the way the world shifted and continued to go out of focus as he leaned against the frame of the door. He looked inside and grunted to himself as he pushed forward. Things to do.. first. <d


Kaelyn: ** She heard the side door open and close and knew he went out in the storm. " Damn!!" she turned and went out as well heading for the barn. he rain came down in blinding torrents " Odis! We have to go back in." she called as she made her way slowly to the barn. The wind whipped with vicious fingers at the land she had not seen a storm like this in a long time. She saw him leaning on the door frame and pushed on. Finally she reached him and could see he was in no shape to be out of bed let alone out here in the rain " We go in now... I can come back and check them." she said softly as she went to reach her arm around his waist to help support him...BOOM!! thunder roared and she jumped and began to shake no longer in the door frame of the barn but a girl of five and scared. She clung to him and began to cry thankfully her wet hair dripping in her face hid her tears.**

Odis "Damnit woman.. " he stated bluntly as he looked at her. Great now they were both soaked. He started to say something until the storm frightened her again. The sigh came from him as he circled about her. "Hush.. Kaelyn.. it is only a storm. You are safe. " he spoke softly in the tone he had often used to sooth Willa's nightmares. Forever a father it seemed.. even to those that were not his own. How ironic God thought it was to play with his life. " It is nothing but a storm.. " <d

Kaelyn:** It might be just a storm to most but to her it was fear incarnate and magnified... funny that she had until recently slept within a tent in the woods and when storm brew up like this it was Raven or Rhys who consoled her. Now on this day it was this man... father of her friend. " I am sorry you must think me a silly child." she said her head against his chest " Bad memories from another lifetime that haunt me whenever there is a storm like this." she said as she told him what happened when she had been five. She began to shake with a slight chill her wet clothing sticking to her. She lifted her head and stepped away quickly from him now it her turn to be embarrassed. **

Odis: He lifted a brow and shook his head. " Fears come to us all in ways we least expect them. " he replied with a small rise and fall of the broad shoulders. " Too many times we try to say it is from another life time. yet that life has not truly ended, it has been reshaped.. molded differently, but not gone from us. Once, I was a prominent man in the Holiest of Guards. Yet, for a duty that has been placed upon my shoulders.. I have become a famer and baliff. This does not change the fears that haunt me still. " He listened to the rain batter down against the roof of the barn. The scent of hay and manure, mingling with the settled noises of the animals within. " Were this another life, I think I would have declined such a duty and carried on a life of my own. " Well that was partially true. If he could be promised the joy of raising Willa.<d

Kaelyn: ** " Aye, I know well how life can be reshaped and molded... I was born a Princess in my country where now many call me Queen, yet I am here a Ranger and Knight of this land, and now a wife and soon to be mother." She said softly as closed her eyes for a moment. " I thank you for the comfort, I need to learn to not be let it pull me under like that." she turned away still embarrassed and went to check her mare Zhara. Who seemed most agitated by the storm and jostled about in her stall stomping her hooves against the ground. " Easy girl.... Shhhhh easy" she crooned softly. Gave the horse and treat and looked to Odis " I think we will have to run for the house as it shows no sign of letting up. I will grab dry clothes for you, again." she smiled as her teeth chattered. Taking hold oh his arm and placing it over her shoulder." Let's go and get you back to bed."**


Odis: "Queen? And interesting choice to be here instead. " He spoke with a nod. When she wished it he released her to allow her to check on the horse. His own stood there happily munching on hay. He was cold himself, as he waited. Once she was ready he gave her a nod. " Alright, lets go." He offered a hand for her to take, more to remind her he would not allow her to become lost in the storm that blew just outside. " I will sleep as well as you do. " he reminded with an arched brow and firm nod. Without waiting for her to reply he pushed open the door and lead her out and across the yard to the door once more. <d

Kaelyn: ** The rain battered them and felt like little needles against her skin a sodden clothes but she held tight to his hand her bare feet sliding in the mud as they made their way to the house. Once inside she went to get towel to dry with as well as dry clothing for him. She was even paler as her teeth chattered but he looked worse with the fever and all " Come let's get you dry, and back in your bed." she aid as she began to help dry him off." Aye, a Queen, and a Princess in title only here in Scotland." she spoke regarding their conversation in the barn. " When Dmitrii is found I have something for him." she looked at him met his gaze " He will be the crowned Prince of Argania, with all that titles grants him land, money, and a country."**

Odis: He took the towel and began to dry off. The brows lifted upward as he sighed softly. " Thats the last thing I need. and something else I should speak with Willa-kat about. " He slowly seated himself onto a chair as he buried his face for a moment into the towel. <d

Kaelyn: **" I would think knowing that he can provide for her would make you happy?" She turned to look at him and then knelt before him " Odis if by doing this for Dmitrii it puts Wila in danger or changes the way things are between them I will not do it... I can name him my heir effective upon my death." she was never one to cause trouble for anyone especially not those she cared for " It is his right by birth through me....I am sorry I mentioned it at all. I have made no secret of who I am or about my birth for I am marked by that" she stood once more and poured them the tea she had brewed before they went to the barn.**

Odis: He shook his head as he looked up at her. The eyes were tinged red from the fever. " It isn't that, Lass. There are things she doesn't know. What I told you up stairs.. she has no idea. " He ducked his head for the cup of tea. "Thank you. I don't know how to explain it to her.. or how your brother would take it. " <d


Kaelyn: ** She worried over the fact his fever still raged " I will help you explain of you want.... as for Dmitrii he knows well how that shoe fits more than you know." she said with a nod back to him " Now time for you to get upstairs and do not argue." she held out her hand to him. " You do not need to do this alone we are friends, Aye? As such I will stand next to you in this."**


Odis: He gave a nod and took the tea with him as he rose to his feet. " I think this is something I should explain to Willa alone.. first. " He didn't know how upset his daughter would be. So there was that wish for privacy before any one else found out the truth. <d

Kaelyn: ** " Aye, I understand... but I am here if ye change yer mind." she said and followed him back up to his room, " I need to put dry bandages on your wound." she did not wait for him to anything as she got what she needed and sat on the bed and waited for him to remove the wet shirt. " Please I ask that you not say anything to Wila about what I want to give Dmitrii...that is mine to tell as your tale is yours." **

Odis:" I gave my word that I would not speak of it. " he spoke softly as he followed her back up the stairs. The cup was set to the side, before he pulled off the tunic . The muscles through his stomach rolled with each movement. <d

Kaelyn: ** She watched as he removed his tunic, and knew that every move cost him more and more energy. " Sit, let me tend it and then you can rest." she went to work straight away removing the old bandages and when she saw the wound she inhaled softly knowing she had not initially caused it but the scar he bore now was by her hand and her dagger, that was still embedded in the wall where she threw it the day before. Gentle hands rewrapped his wound and helped to settle him into the bed. She went and stoked the fire, rising once more she sat in the chair by his bed to watch over him for a bit. Not really wanting to be alone as the storm continued on outside.**

Odis:He didn't speak while she tended the wound but stared off at the far wall. As he shifted again to settle back into the bed. The sigh left him , then the dull brown eyes shifted over to her . " No, Lass.. go.. sleep yourself else your husband will be very put out at me for keeping you from taking care of yourself. " He nodded to the door and looked back to her. " My word I will wait one more day.. you go and sleep. “<d

Kaelyn:** I will go in a bit I want to make sure you will be alright and that the fever will stay down." she said softly knowing she needed rest and would not argue that, but what would an hour or so make.**

Odis:He just grunted.. stubborn women. He said nothing else and closed his eyes. Letting the chest soon fall in the rhythmic movements of
sleep. <d

~~ END THREAD~~