Mystery of the Templars Part 6 - The Escape

[Sir Dmitrii Zurban]

Hour after hour… til day ended and began again twice… Robert had visited them several times but there was no interrogation… food came, and an empty tray was retrieved each time… Dmi and Willa lay close together on the small cot, their bodies pressed upon the other. Several times in the late nights, his restraint would wane whilst he slept, his mumbled voice called her name, and his hands would roam… but when she nudged him, he would wake and shift.

Three days of being in that room, Willa certainly didn't mind the time with Dmitri, but she was losing patience with this whole thing. For a lass that had been allowed to roam around on the farm, having some duty to perform... something, this idleness was something she was getting irrated with. That… and being dirty. Gah, that annoyed her as well. It was the early morning and she lay curled up watching Dmitrii sleep. Her eyes studied his relaxed features as she kept herself very still. Slight movements sometimes caused him to awaken with a jerk, the expression of sudden panic that crossed his face.

The inward sigh left her as she just watched him, he had attempted keeping them both in good spirits about this whole ordeal. Often teasing and joking about, keeping the unhindered grin just for her. Yet, she was slowly picking up his own nussiances. The little shift of light within his eyes when he became irrated. The affectionate touches they shared now and then, even now he kept her protected with the arm that circled about her waist. As for Willa, herself, her appetite was waning, becoming less willing to be a good girl in this circumstance. Each time a guard brought food and water was often met with a flat cold glare. She could understand now her Mother's dislike for the "holy guard".

This was only proving that with any power, men became tyrants. And Robert was seeking a way to serve only himself. How could keeping them in such a terrible place offer protection to the familial line of Christ? The expression on her face was set in a silent anger. Go along with this... Dmitrii had stated... relax and find her inner peace? She had tried... really. But there were moments it felt as if the walls here were becoming smaller, closing tightly in on them. Her imagination was running free with what if's. A terrible thing to do to anyone.

What if the Pope refused to care...certainly a man of his power could refute this and ignore what Robert and the others spoke of. Would she need be paraded around like some sort of leper for the world to see? Like an attraction shown at the gypsy carnivals? Keeping her imprisoned like some political pawn? That idea caused her to shiver a bit as she closed her eyes and moved closer still to her beloved. The constant beating of his heart helped calm her tormented mind from its thoughts… Dmitrii wouldn't allow them to do that... however he was without his blades and how many where there? She had no false thoughts of her love's ability to fight... but even she knew the circumstances of what would happen if he became aggressive, one against so many. How long would they be kept in such a terrible place?

Then late one night, he rose… tiptoed to the door and listened… hearing no sound, he tiptoed back, and removed his trousers and jacket… taking the blanket from her, tore a long strip from it, then he began to stuff his clothes with the remained. By now, he had woke the light-sleeping Willa with his movements. Once the clothes looked like a man’s form, he smirked… then took the homemade mannequin and hoisted it to the window… then lowered it until, in the dark, it looked like a man who had hung himself from the window.

Bare foot, bare assed, and chilled, he stood before Willa… “Complacentcy breeds inefficiency…” he mutters. “When I get set, yu shall scream as though yu have discovered yer lover had hung himself… When the guard enters… I shall do what I do best…”

Willa Schleitz: Willa had awaken though really… the eyes blinked slowly to the sight she was seeing. And well… ahem... not exactly what she had at all expected!! "Dmitrii!" She hissed and buried her face in her hands. Oh dear heavens "Realla Dmitrii… I donna thinks dis be da time… ta. ya know… " She was absolutely embarassed not to mention... there were parts that well she shouldn't have seen! The young woman was not about to open her eyes immediately as she listened to him.She slowly peaked out from between her fingers as he crouched. The little sigh came from her as she shook her head. "You canna be fightin wit yer bits hangin out… " She insisted and shifted a brought.

Vox Gladiis: Her comment made him smile... "No time for what my dear?" whispering as he stood beofre her naked... "Pretend not, if yu like what yu see..." he smirks... Then to her other comment, he chuckles softly... "I do not plan to do much fighting... especially with my... um, bits out..."

Willa Schleitz: "Oh honestly Dmitrii!" She blushed horribly as she popped up… While he had torn apart their blanket… not leaving any bits for him to use to hide himself there… as she turned her back to him. Honestly... she shifted a bit to release the laces a bit on her dress… as she wiggled her bottom a bit from side to side while pulling the slip down off her hips beneath the fabric of her dress. "be whether er nawt I be likin it. ain'ts realla da point.. " The bit of soft fabric was handed back to him. "At leas co'er yerself... " She whispered.

Vox Gladiis: Dmi smiled as she handed him her slip.... "Ya don't expect me to wear this do ya?..." He paused hearing a slight noise out side and lifted his finger to keep the words soft... "Mabbe one day yu will ask me to keep my clothes off...” he chucl;ed covering his mouth...

Willa Schleitz: "yer awful…" She whispered to him and shook her head. The noise was caught by her own ears as she glanced at him… "an aye… ya canna goes runnin downs halls an such nekkid. " She made very sure she didn't let her eyes wander… though she was curious. Well it was entirely different to see the man one loved naked then helping out with Mrs Willson's triplets and messy nappies!

Vox Gladiis: Leaning toward her, he kisses her forehead whilst her eyes were closed. “Now as I instructed... when I get set... yu scream...." then he began to brace himself behind the door... Then Dmi crouched down, his hands balled into tight fists, then he nods to his accomplice…

Willa Schleitz: She gave a little nod as he moved back away from her. She slowly opened her eyes to watch him. As he gave a nod, the deep breath was taken in as she began to scream. ONLY once he had hidden his nakedness, and once more in place… she waited for the nod from him. The deep breath was drawn in as she released a blood curling scream. "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" She drew herself up to the edge of the bed staring up at the scarecrow in horror. The high pitched blood curling scream pierced the cell and hallways. As soon as the first left her… the second followed… well if someone didn't come running they were flat out deaf.

Guard: The window in the door soon unlocked and opened... a single pair of eyes peered in... "Quiet lass... nary need ta scream..." then as she continued to scream and pointing, the guard glanced to the left and saw the form hanging...

[Sir Dmitrii Zurban]

Vox Gladiis: Soon the door unlocked and Dmi tensed... as the door opened, a spear appeared first... then the large form of a man in uniform... it was then that Dmi grabbed the man's wrist and pulled hard, swinging the man into the wall... then as he bounced off, backwards into Dmi, the Kievan's hands grabbed the man's head... with a quick twist, the spine snapped at the neck... the man dropped immediately...

Willa Schleitz: As the man opened the small door... she pointed and then buried her head into her hands as though she was crying. She looked up to see Dmitrii kill the man so quickly. She didn't argue as he told her to remove his clothing. She scampered over to do so.

Vox Gladiis: Pushing the door closed, Dmi dragged the man to the corner behind the door. "Quick, help me get his clothes off...” then Dmi pulled down the dummy down and retrieved his own clothes... donning them in place of the slip. As Willa began tugging on the boots... Dmi laughed.... "Just the surcoat and helm my dear... didn't yu see enough bare skin this evening..." he teased as he removed the helm.

Willa Schleitz: Though as he teased her, the boot was thrown at him. "I canna believe you... fer that ya oughts wait until yer fifty, hmph." She was blushing furiously as she hurried through what needed to be done. The small knife that was found in the other boot was tucked into a pocket. She was shaking a bit but she could be afraid later. Right now... they needed to get out. "iffin dis place is anythin likes da castle home.. dere oughts be some servants hallways.. mos folks avoids dem. " she spoke softly as she looked at him. The small lean towards him was given and the soft kiss to his cheek. "Ya looked better wits out da clothins…"

Vox Gladiis: Smiling at her comment, he donned the surcoat and helm... sheathing the sword and picking up the spear... "Hold yer hands behind yer back like yer tied... and walk in front of me... and keep yer eyes open for side hallways..." bowing slightly, his hand motioning toward the door.

Willa Schleitz: She only smiled a small secret little smile. as she turned and placed her hands behind her. The young woman moved out of the door and glanced around a moment before stepped forward further. "Clear." she whispered behind her.

Vox Gladiis: He chuckled.... swatting her arse as she went out the door.... then he followed closely behind. "I could think of better place for us to be so intimate..." he mumbled low.

Willa Schleitz: "ya sure abouts dat… seein how yer hands likes ta wander." She whispered back to him and moved forward. The young woman kept her head tilted downward, letting the blond hair fall into her face as she looked through the golden strands looking for side doors.

Vox Gladiis: The pair walked down the dungeon corridors, past several guards who asked no questions, only watched them ascend the stairs... then down the corridors toward the nearest exit... his mind was on the way out safely for them, but his eyes watched the sway of her hips... and just smiled... stopping briefly, he smiffed the air... kitchen... he thought.

Willa Schleitz: She didn't say anything other then continuing to walk foward. She accidently tripped as she caught ahold of a door knob, the weight thrown against it allowed her to check to see if the door was unlocked. The knob gave away as she glanced over her shoulder to him, before peering into the empty room.

Vox Gladiis: Caught off guard at her trip, he wanted to check on her but thought it vital to stay his ground, just in case someone was watching... As she opened the door, and looked in, then looked back to him, a slight shrug given... he was confused, unless it was a way out.

Willa slipped into the room and glanced around. The glance over her shoulder was given as she waved him in as well. The bare feet padded over to the window. After a few years of sneaking out from her Father's watchful eyes… there were tricks to this trade. The bright eyes peered out to check first the time, then the location as to where they were in the castle. She waited for him to come close to her. "We'll has a coupla minutes afore they go a figurin out we's ain't dere naw more. Looks outta a window ta sees iffin ya can pinpoint wheres we be." She whispered to him before looking back out the window.

Upon entering the empty room, Dmi removed the guard helm and stepped to the window behind Willa… Being a man, such as he was… he could not help but watch…As she strode toward the window and bent over the window sill to look out, he could only smirk… “All alone, no one to bother them… and such a fine arse….” He thought… the only word emitted was “Damn…” soft and seductively spoken. Restraining from popping the cheek, he snuggled next to her at the window. “Where are we?” he queried…

Looking around the room for anything they could use to aid in their escape, he huffed not finding anything useful… As he listened to her words, he would check closets and cabinets.

The word caused her to look over her shoulder at him. The blue eyes carried a mischievious little glint in them… though that sort of thing would have to wait until later. Once they were safely away… as she looked back out the window, trying hard to put aside the memories of how he looked in the nude. The soft blush touched her cheeks as she forced herself to put her mind back on the problem at hand. "By da looks o' things we be a bit off from da wall. It likela be a garden er somethin.” The small cant of her head was given as he moved off to look around the room, she was inspecting the decor on the outside of the window. "Look. overin dere.. da wall meets up wit da outsides o' da buildin." She pointed and stepped back from the window. "can ya climb?" She asked softly as she leaned over and caught the back hem of the skirts, lifting it up between her legs to make a pair of adaptable britches. Well, no one was getting a peepshow thank you!

“Can I wha…” his words interrupted by the sight of her bare legs, and her disappearance out the window… “Boi zheya” [oh my...] as he scurries to the window and looks out the window over to where she clings to the side. “Are ye crazy, lass?” disappearing back in, forsaking the guards spear for the sword. With the weapon shoved into the belt, he looks to where her footing had been and huffed, thinking “if she can I can…” Edging his way out onto the ledge, fingertips and boot toes clug to the crevices of the wall… “if’en I fall to my death… know I luv ye lass…” he uttered to Willa as they moved precariously along the outer wall.

Noises from above made them freeze in place as guards exchanged words as a shift change occurred. In broad daylight the pair worked on their escape. As the noise above diminished, they began their trek to the adjoining wall that separated the garden below from the Castle’s stable area. Early morning sun was soon hampered by encroaching dark clouds… in the distance lightning flashed and thunder boomed. The sky now darkened, lightning flashed… pellets of rain soon pummeled the pair…

The fingers and toes crammed themselves into crevasses. Her eyes seeking out the next hand hold while the toes slid along the morter and stone work. The jagged edges of the stone offered some help in their slow moving process. As the wind picked up it tugged at her clothing and sent the blond hair in different directions. To be followed then by the rain. Inside her head she was cursing something nasty, however she managed to mind her temper even when cutting her fingertips against the wet stone.

Perillously Dmi and Willa worked their way down the wall toward the garden… Soon drenched head to toe… the wall became slippery… eyes blinded by rain… then as fate would have it…. Dmi’s booted toe slipped from a crevice and he fell….

“Ooffppt…” were the only words to emit from his mouth, as he fell… 3 meters to the ground…. Landing upon his back…

“Pez dyetz…” he curses as he slowly rises… no yell… no noise at all, despite the fall from unpredictable height… Standing erect and stretching his back, he waits below for Willa to complete her descent from the wall… one glance to the impression of his form in the dirt, now turning to mud… “be careful luv…” he whispers loud enough for her to hear….not taking his eyes from her for even a millisecond…

The sound of Dmitri hitting the ground made her halt as her eyes looked first to where he had been, then below her to his form in the ground. The rain had caused the upper blouse of the dress to cling to every small detail... and the fact that it was a cold rain was certainly not helping.

As she stepped to terra firma, she offered him a smirk at her nimble abilities. It was then he leaned and kissed her cheek… the rain pouring down about them… “Nice legs by the way…” he offered. Now safely on the ground, he began to look around for their new direction…

As soon as her feet touched the ground she found herself kissed. The smile touched her face of course... well it was nice for once to show off a bit? She lifted a brow for his comment of her legs. The light swat was given to his arm as she did as he did… looking around. The hands however released the hem, allowing the modesty to return here. The hand lifted to shove back the blond hair as she bit her lower lip.

"A paira doors... love. iffin I knewed what direction da gate was in from here… I'd be able ta tells ya which would be mores helpful." She whispered to him as she slipped up close to him. She was actually very thankful for the rain. Being cooped up in the cell... again not a bad thing, but lacking in the privacy that ahem... yes well one gets the point. She could go up the wall there... peer about... but that would leave Dmitrii down here waiting on her… "Whatcha thinkin m'lord? " She asked softly.

[Sir Dmitrii Zurban]

Taking her hand, Dmi immediately worked his way along the garden wall. Stopping near an entrance to the farmers’ market inside the Castle. Bending down, he took her hem, and pulled a piec of the slip’s hem and ripped it. Then in her confusion, he took her wrist… “Put yer hands behind yer back….” Then as she did, he lightly bound them them together. Taking the sword from his belt, he urges her forward… “Keep yer face down… and walk forward… straight thru the market toward the main gate… and pray we make it…”

The blue eyes widened a bit as she looked at him, then it slowly came to her. The hands were bound behind her as she took a deep breath. The tilt of her head forward allowed the soaked blond strands to shield her face from view. She could feel her heart beating harshly in her chest as she moved forward. The shame seemed written all over her as she moved forward at the slow pace. The bare feet felt the mud slip up between her toes and the bedraggled clothing made it appear as if the man was escorting some sort of begger out of the castle grounds.

In order to dramatize their journey toward the gate, he would occasionally push the girl forward, her bare feet splashing mud from its path. Whenever she would raise her head, he would bark at her to keep her place among citizens… Meanwhile his heart ached at the actions… sincerely hoping she knew it was all an act.

Oh but how the food venders made her stomach grumble as she dared a glance through the wet and dirty veil at the fresh bread one of the merchants offered. Food later... right now there was only escape. She ignored the sneering gaze cast upon her by those that watched the two move through the markets. They were getting closer to the gate... as one of the so called Knights seemed a bit curious of what was going on and moved closer.

As they moved past the vendors, he had noticed several guards taking what they wished without paying… this disregard to commerce irked him knowing full well Lord Adam would squash such actions. BUT, with both he and Willa hungry, Dmi used this recourse to his own advantage in the moment… taking a loaf of bread from a vendor, the snarl upon his face, he stuck the loaf in his surcoat for later... then from yet another vendor, he took a goat skin full of liquid… then pushed the girl toward their destination.

Along the way, he heard comments from several guards about the girl and her escort…presumably able to have his way with her physically… “Give it tae ‘er goot, warrior… she’ll want more…” one man shouted… whilst the other followed… “Aye, an’ if’en any left…give her to us…” [/b][/i]then all of them laughed…

How could Lord Richard have allowed such atrocities? These were supposed to be the people of Skye… free from tyranny! Free from oppression! But these people are oppressed. How could this be? Is this the way Templars ran things? There must be more than meets the eye! He thought… his teeth gritting against one another…

The gates were opened this time of morning to allow vendors freedom to move within the Castle… this opening gave Dmi and Willa the opportunity to leave the walls of the Castle and make their way into the smaller village. Down the road, Dmi harshly took Willa by the arm, pulling her as a lust-struck guard would a slave girl… passing people on the busy road.

In the village, he pulled her into an empty hut. Closing the crude door, he dropped the sword and took her in his arms and breathed easier…. “M no ga Iz veniti…” [/color]

More then once did the bare feet stumble as she moved through the area. The arm tugging her caused a little gasp to leave her as she looked to those around them as to silently beg for their help. However most turned their eyes in different directions as not to be associated to what was likely to happen.

The young woman looked to her "guard " then found herself tugged harshly into the abandoned shack. As soon as the doors closed and the dull sound of the sword hitting the dirt floor she had turned to face him. His arms swallowed her as he pulled her in closely to him. She however couldn't return the hug. Though she tipped her face upward to him and delivered a rather passionate kiss. All that sneaking about... well ahem... anyways!

She shook her head as the kiss was brought to an end. "Nyet. You did whutcha had ta does… ya gots us outs o' dere, darlin. Whut folks sees be whut they be wantin ta sees... nawt nothin more." She spoke softly as she brushed her nose against his own lightly. Yes, it was all rather harried... a bit nerve wracking and all that. But in the end they were free... and together, safe... and whole. That's all that mattered really. "I love ya…" She whispered softly. This was certainly NOT the place to get intimate, but she wanted him to know, and for one reason or another it was important that he knew right then and there.

Unexpected! He was caught off guard by her kiss, one that was often yearned for, yet never received. His arms tightening about her, he could only smirk at her hands being tied, unable to caress him. Unexpected! Yet again, he stood in awe of this blonde-haired lass, as she finally attempted his own language… then brushed her nose to his.

Intimacy between these two was not defined by the usual sense, but defined in a context all their own. His steel grey eyes sparkled at her words, his heart skipped a beat, and then accelerated… his baritone voice soft as he responded… “Ya tyb ya loob lue moi dyhe vitch ka…” … offering her the highest respect by translating what he had said. , following by yet another passionate kiss.

Unexpected! Unexpected was the sudden stop they encountered as she had backed into the wall of the hut. The two, in there own style of intimacy had unknowingly walked into the wall and pressed himself to her… then only to stop abruptly and back away… his body stimulated, breathing hard… looking at her, his eyes apologizing yet wanting her.

Without speaking, as his heart raced, he turned her around and untied her hands…

The breath was stolen from her by the kisses as she looked at him, the blue eyes half veiled by the lashes of her eyes, when her chin tipped downward. The deep breath was taken in an attempt of soothing the racing heart. There were admiring looks cast her way from time to time… there were expressions of lust that had shone in the eyes of others. But that smoldering desire that seemed to ignite his gray eyes, simply made her weak in the knees. The wet clothing they both wore seemed to conform to their bodies, the press against one another seemed intoxicating. She found herself cold as he stepped away, as even that brief time of their bodies pressed against one another had generated a bit of warmth that was unexpected.

The expression in his eyes was met by one that would accept no apology. There was no need for one. The time spent between them, even in the stunned silence seemed to steal everything from the room... the sounds from outside... all of it. She turned as he guided her, as her hands slipped away from that bit of torn slip. "Thank ya " She whispered softly as she looked at him again. It was suddenly very difficult to think... as the logic part of her mind was trying to wake her back into the deadly situation at hand.

Her clothes clung to her form, his eyes soaking in the delight. Chu vist ben ni ye…. O cha rova ni ye…. ek sho tich no ye… those words in the Russian translation, [Sensuous… alluring… and exotic…] echoed in his mind… the eyes still again shading to the lighter shade of grey… Resistance to emotion was at an all time low, the fear of imprisonment, the potential harm that could come to her, and their daring escape, seemed to fuel the lustful passion that cranked in his thoughts. What he desired is what should remain unmentioned or acted upon until marriage was decided and performed.

As rain droplets streaked down their faces, words unsaid, eyes exchanging glances… strong arms pulled her to his form… a kiss offered and accepted yet once again burned their lips with desire… two forms melded as one in the embrace; passions rising with the beats of their hearts… when…

[Sir Dmitrii Zurban]

A bell deep inside the Castle began to clang, as the alarm was being sounded. Their cells empty save for the dead guard inside... Dmitrii had broken the guard’s neck… now they were being sought after. The voices of men, the neighs of soldier’s steeds broke the damp air as the rain began to cease.

The kiss broken, the lustfull thoughts subsided… he cursed the situation at hand. Looking out the window, he turned, taking her hand… “We must leave now!!” Then he kicked the straw strands loose form their moorings making a back door to the hut. Out the back of the rough made hut, toward a grove of trees the pair ran… feet splashing water and mud from its holdings.

“Damn…” he cursed as the trees got thicker… the pair making their way up the hillside toward the rocks… praying along the way that the hill would show them the way to the beach. The beach… that would be their first step off the island and enroute to safety. Could they? Would they make the beach before their captors recaptured them?

Scurrying up the rocks, knees, feet, and hands would become scratched and cut… Dmitrii knew that even IF they could not make the beach, he would make a stand here upon the crag of rocks… for they would not go back and endure separation and imprisonment.

All the build up… the passion, the want, and the need... all gone with the first ringing of the bell. The eyes widened as she nodded. They raced off into the forest as she ignored the bruises and cuts that would appear here and there. The best part of being raised as a country girl, her feet were a bit tougher then one might think. As they looked down at the beach, her eyes were looking through the rain to the beach. They were helpless here... caught between the guard and the water. The exasperated sigh passed her lips as she looked behind them… The hand caught his arm.

"We needs ta git ta the port. Dere oughts be merchants... iffin we can gits dere we can gits a way back. " She spoke quietly. If there was one thing she had come to know from the hiding with her da, is that merchants lived not by their loyalty… but by their purses. "Dmitri… iffin they gits close… ya go… seriously. They wonna hurts me... dey needs me alive. " She cut him off before he could protest. "Ya can gits back ta da others... they onla wants me... ya can goes an git me Da an da Duke. " She spoke with the seriousness that didn't often appear on the young woman's face.

Her words were as a spear had pierced his heart…. “Nyet!! I won’t leave yu…” shaking his head violently… “Who knows what lurks in their minds Willa.” He protested… “I’d rather fight and die than to lose yu to them…” he continued. But her persistence did make sense. She was right… the merchants would settle for coin than loyalty, and he could use the Duke’s help. Finally, he looked down in defeat, nodding slowly.

The eyes spotted a darker area at the end of the rocky beach. "look.. dere… a cave?" She hoped as she caught skirts in her hands and set off down the rocky ledge. It wasn't much of a cave... but it would serve for their purposes of getting out of sight.

His head turned in the indicated direction only to see her pass him heading toward the grotto. Hot on her heels, he followed her into the darkness, his urgence to enter first rebuked with a simple “hmppft…” His first thought was the guard’s sword that he had acquired… at least he was not unarmed.

A chill crept up his back as the pair sat in the dark, dank cave… “At least it is dry m’dear…” he commented. Once seated, he took her hand and urged her to his lap, his arms wrapping about her. The pair sat in the cave, conforming to what ever position was comfortable to stay warm, as the rain had caused the chill to set in…

Once the sun finally went down, it would be even a bit chillier. Noises from outside echoed inside the cave, Dmi and Willa could hear the neighs of the horses, the elevated voices of orders being given… and in the most distant background… dogs.

Dmi simply cursed softly at the yelling of dogs upon a trail… “Pezdyetz…” How far were they from the shore? How could he get them both to safety…? Could he get to Turas Lan and back with help BEFORE they disappeared with her? Could he fight them off long enough for her to get away? These are the questions he mulled over in silence. “What do we do?” …was uttered louder than intended.

In the darkness, despite the threat below, Dmi leaned up and kissed her neck as she lay her head upon his chest. If she listened, she could hear his heartbeat, a bit faster than usual. Her closeness and the excitement of the situation played upon his senses... his hand began to caress her, first with her hair, then with her back… the other hand upon her stomach… he could feel the grumblings of hunger.

Resistance was futile. His calloused fingers tipped at her chin and turned her ever so subtle… once facing each other, he pressed cracked lips to hers… pulling her more to him. “Damn my dear…” was all that was whispered before he kissed her, then buried his face in her hair. Upon his lap, she could feel why he stopped and buried his face.

She rested there curled up on his lap, his want made it difficult to pull away from that kiss. The press against her made her want to giggle… and the circumstances been different, perhaps she would have. Instead she sat thinking. The dogs would make this far more difficult. If her father was here... he would know what to do. If they had a bit more time... that's what they needed... time… though it seemed the world itself was dead set against it.

The small finger slipped beneath his chin as she brought the gray eyes to look into her own again. "ya think dey be ta close fer us ta makes it ta the water?" She asked softly. A dog couldn't track over water. They didn't have to be able to swim all the way back... just far enough out to allow them a chance to come back to land to give them that precious item they were sorely lacking currently. Time…

“Da… if’en we make ta water… they’d lose the scent…” Shifting, he allows her to rise from his lap… “If we leave now, then we should make it…” Picking up the sword in his grasp, as he made his crouched way to the cave’s entrance. Then pausing immediately, not a step from the entrance, he held a finger to his lips…

[Sir Dmitrii Zurban]

Outside was a lone man scanning the area below him… Dmi laid the sword on the ground and stepped behind the man… with expert hands and strained muscles… he snapped the man’s neck without even a hint of neither remorse nor inexperience. Dragging the man’s limp body into the dark grotto, Dmi stood at the entrance to the cave and peered below… to the west and south men were combing the area for the pair of escapees. More than 2 kilometers south and west were the dogs making their way quickly to the north and east. Taking the soldiers spear, Dmi snapped it in two… then handed it to her. “Use this if necessary…” then he reached inside the cave and picked up the sword.

Looking down the craggy hill, Dmi cursed... “It shall be rough going luv, but if we are careful, we can make it down safe enough…” then nimbly, she passed him once again making her way across the rocks. “Damn female…” he muttered as he took out after her.

She slipped now and then, but that bit of spear he had given her was used to catch herself. The rain didn't help much... the bare feet managed to become cut on the sharp edges of the rocks, but along with the hunger... it would be seen to later. Right now what was needed was their escape. She glanced over her shoulder to see how far behind he was from her as she glanced down at her dress. The weight to of it was already heavy due to the rain... in the sea... it would become a larger burden. The spear was jabbed into the rocky sand as she drew out the knife she had pilfered off the first dead soldier. Now was not the time to be bashful, as she sliced through the laces of the bodice. Thankfully she still wore her chemise and slip... though the dress itself was shucked off right there. There was very little left to the imagination with the soft white garments soaked clean through... but again... modesty would have to wait for another day. "Hurry Dmi..." She half called to him in a loud whisper. The first of the dogs was bounding up over the hill as it cut loose a howling call to the others that the prisoners had been spotted.

Her call to him was wasted as he drove the sword into the first dog up the hill, then his arm became braced in the seond dogs jaws… as growls mixed with screams that mixed with yelps, Dmi stood again victorious, sword in hand. Picking up the dead guards sword… now he had two… just like old times… Three guards were next to have topped the hill and Dmi offered them no mercy as his two swords ripped the life from their bodies...

Once glance down the hill toward where Willa entered the surf, and looked back in time to black a spear lunged at him… the clash of metal, followed by the faint groans of a gutted man, Dmi made his way down the hill… dodging arrows as he ducked and crawled. “Almighty God, protect my Willa… take me if we are to pay for our sins this day… I pray we shall have victory this day against those who wish to harm us… Protect us Oh Great Lord…” he continued to pray with every step… the words ushering forth in Russian…

Her heart hammered in her chest as she didn't waste another moment and ignored the bitter cold of the water. The spear still in hand as she wadded out…Please oh heavenly Father, Mother… whoever... just let us get away… The water washed up over her as the undertow grabbed at her legs. Willa didn't fight it as she felt herself be pulled under. The deep breath of air was snatched just before the rolling waves drug her beneath. Once her rump found the rocks beneath, she used her feet to push herself forward... again dragged by the current ebbing its way out. They had to make it past the breakers if they were to get away.

Heavy legs splashed the water as he dropped the weighty swords… ripping the chain mail and heavy clothes of the guard as he ran… nearly naked, save the trousers, he dove into the raging waves… and swam hard toward where he saw his Willa last… His arms hurt but he would not lose his Willa this day… or he would die trying.

Willa is not the greatest of swimmers, though it is amazing how well one becomes at something when there is no choice given in the matter. The young woman felt the salt water sting her eyes as she looked through the murky water, paddling out still further. The rain still tumbled down against the waves as she had nochoice but to surface. The explosion of breath was given as she reached the top, the arms and legs swirling about her to keep her afloat. The land seemed a good distance back... as guardsmen stared at the water, the two dogs that were left whined and paced back and forth. Her eyes however sought out her heart. Dmi.. she had to find him... she turned and looked around her... even daring to call out to him. Fear set in immediately, it was a deep haunting fear... "DMI… " she screamed through sounds of the water and the rain falling all around her… she couldn't see him... what if he couldn't hear her.

Determined to reach Willa was soon hampered by the zing and splash of arrows hitting near him. Diving beneath the surface, he swam back toward the beach… and in shallow water, he skirted the surf on his hands and knees… Finding two arrows floating near him, he grasps them… then within striking distance of the men, he surfaced and lunged at the two bowmen, driving one arrowtip into a throat, and the second into an eye… as one of the dogs ran into the water after him, he dodged and grabbed the dog’s fur and shoved it under the water drowning it. The last dog then grabbed his arm and he screamed… the natural reaction unheededm he dropped his weight upon the dog drowning it as well.

Now the advance party was dead… with more coming… it was time to find Willa… taking a running dive, he began to swim for the breakers… he prayed his heart was already there… as he swam, his arm hurt but he continued… then the salt water began to burn his side… stopping to check, he found a gash under his rib cage… blood seeped thru the cut, but he cursed and began to swim… not hearing Willa, but hoping she was near…

Stopping momentarily to look for her… he sees her behind him… she was looking for him toward the beach… then with an evil smirk, he dives under the water and swim to her… Under the water, his hand finds her leg, his hand slipping between them… lifting her into his chest… “Dras vo chi, dvey chits ka….” [Hello darling] as he holds her, kicking his legs to stay afloat.

The water ran down her cheeks though not all was the salt water from the sea, but the terrified tears. Dmi... no... .she couldn't see him, but she couldn't go back as the guard was arriving over the hill. If she went back it would all be for nothing. "no... " She whispered as felt the weight of being tired and frightened crash over her just as the waves had done a few moments before. The sudden touch against her brought a startled cry from her lips as she turned, arms already flailing about until she realized it was him. The cry left her lips as she finally registered who it was. The arms flung about him and held him tight to her. This was a bit much for her as she cried softly against his chest and shoulder. "I thought ya was gone... " She admitted… and the thought terrified her.

Patting her back as waves struck his back, the rain and wind whipping at them, as they embraced… “Nyet… It would take more than some lazy hounds and sloven soldiers to take me from you…” a few swift kisses later… “We need to swim away, before more arrive… or worse yet a boat…”

After several minutes of confessions of fears and calming of those, the pair set off to the southern end of the isle. The rain finally let up, though the sea itself was choppy due to the storms that were passing through the area. It was well into the later hours of the night when they finally deemed it safe enough to go to shore. Both cold, with Dmitri wounded, Willa helped as much as she could to get them onto the shore of the small cove. The forest itself once they were out of the water and onto land… she collapsed and panted for breath. Her eyes flickered over to her heart, was he alright?

A cut to his side, and arms that would seem to fall off… Dmi shook from the cold… “Thank God tis nyet winter, for we would be in serious peril…” as he limped along besde her… one hand to his side. As the pair collapsed in the forest nearby, he looked to his side… the bleeding had stopped and it did not seem to deep… nothing new for this time-tested warrior. As Willa looked at him, he wiggled his finger at her and patted his arm… all he wanted to do right now was rest and be close as possible to the holder of his heart… “lay with me dear… and I shall rest easy… then we shall make way to the nearest village and get a boat… even if we must steal one.”

She looked him over and as he spoke she gave a little nod. She glanced behind them to the ground, they had left tracks from the water… but she didn't care. Not right now. The young woman was cold and tired. Feeling more then a little numb to the idea of hunger or fear. She curled up close to him, her back to his chest. The clothing clung to every curve though even the thought of modesty was just simply too much to be cared about. She turned her head a bit to kiss his cheek before sighing softly. Exhaustion it seemed and overwhelmed the little farm girl.

The pair drifted off into oblivion, wrapped in each other’s arms. It wasn’t until the warm sun, rising over the horizon, woke the man. He feared to move for waking the sleeping lass next to him. His side hurt, and it seemed every muscle in his body hurt. Things were quiet… Had the pursuers given up...? Were they considered dead? How long could they rest? Would they resume once again upon new light?

He gazed upon her form, which was well-defined with the slow-drying garments. Oh she was beautiful to him despite the the dirt and grime that they had endured the nights before. If it were a different day, a different place, he would be tempted to seduce the lass…. Instead, he just kissed her dirty forehead.

[Sir Dmitrii Zurban]

The dreams had been haunted by words, images and flashes of memories. They slipped easily through the fingers of her mind, things she had thought long forgotten. However with the words of Robert’s to shed a different light upon the glimpses of conversations overheard by the little blond girl, those memories seemed so different... not nearly as innocent as she had first believed.

~ The morning had seemed like all the others, the sun came up, but out in the yard of the small cottage the sounds of jiggling of harnesses. Which could only mean one of two things, Father was home early from this journey into the city, or Aunt Valisa had come to visit. In either case the little girl dashed down the hallway with the bare feet slapping against the wood floor. Her mother sat solemnly near the window, however even her tortured face even managed to light up a little. It was Aunt Valisa with presents! She always brought presents. The eyes looked to her Mother, but raced passed to dance around the carriage... She would spend the afternoon listening to both women talk of things that were far beyond her understanding, usually playing with whatever new doll or toy that was brought to her. The two women seemed to want their privacy as they moved back to Mother's bedroom. Willa wasn't supposed to follow, but she found herself following in either case. Now with older eyes she watched the events unfold. The small vial was slipped from the bodice of Valisa's dress carrying with it the gentle concerned words. "Brittany, are you sure this is what you want? " The pretty blond woman who seemed always trapped in the darkness of her melocholy. "I can not do this any longer... he is gone... and the child... She is old enough. " There was more said but Valisa had caught sight of the little girl spying on the two. The gentle scolding sort of smile. "Now Willa.,. shoo... go and play... I think that Victor has sweets…" She promised. The image of the child giggling spun about and dashed off…

Though the adult eyes, she wished now that the little girl had stayed longer. The image there faded to black with only warmth was that offered by the press of Dmitri against her back. She had whispered in her sleep, but none of which was ever really understandable. Then, the warmth disappeared while the sun caressed her cheeks and the soft brush of his lips moved across her forehead. The small peaceful smile appeared on her lips before the world crushed in and reminded her of the present situation. The pretty eyes slowly opened to look up at him as she stretched herself out. The limbs ached as did her back... but the one thing remained certain at this point. They were alive and free. How long that would be? That sort of thing wouldn't even be considered. Not yet. For now she would allow herself to be in the moment. The small smile touched her face as she looked up at him. "good mornin love… " She whispered before the yawn came from her and she stretched herself out across the ground.

Freedom ! Why did such a commodity have to come so hard? The pair was free… and at the momet, relaxing in the sun. The clouds had dispersed and the sky was beginning to be a light blue. Her words would pace a smile upon his face, the beard crinkling in a familiar fashion, as he had done many times since meeting this beautiful blonde. “G’morn my dear…” his hand immediately raising to touch her face, flicking clumped dirt from her cheek, and caressing it.

The sparkle of blue eyes, the hair tossed and amuss… the clothes dry in most areas, still he would find it difficult to keep his mind on their current situation. All he wanted to do was kiss her, hold her, and yes… make love to her. The hourglass figure alluring and tempting... especially without the proper clothes to subdue the view. The thrill of escape and the pressure upon them to evade recapture seemed to act as an aphrodisiac…

He was about to kiss her good morning when she yawned uncontrollably and he could do nothing but chuckle, which set her to the same fate.

The light hearted laughter came from her as she yawned then looked at him. The breath was taken in and released just happy for that brief moment to be looking into his eyes while they laughed. The movements of his own didn't hide things... as she blushed prettily beneath the layer of dirt and grime. There were deeper feelings that stirred, nothing she could put to words… but absolutely something new... but certainly not unwanted.

Physical attraction was evident and he slowly sat up attempting to conspicuously hide what he could…. Though no comment nor superficial hiding what had manifested itself would be beneficial. “Mabbe we should get started… to find a village who would help us… we could use some food and a boat…” the soft baritone voice finally said.

As he sat up and spoke of finding their way… she looked away to the forest and gave a small nod. "Aye... we oughta be's ables ta finds someone that'll helps us. " She spoke softly as she wasn't entirely sure what they would tell people as to what had happened to their clothing… or how they had gotten in such condition, but surely they could come up with something. She slowly found her feet as she looked at the water with dislike, but well… she couldn't stand the fact of feeling... dirty.

Being dirty was never a consideration for comfort as far as he was concerned… he had been worse off… even hungry… but water was a different aspect… every human required water… so that would be their first concern.

The barefeet were sore, but she made her way to the water's edge to kneel there to wash off her face, using the slip to wipe her face off. Her eyes moved to the muddied footprints of their arrival the night before. The purse of her lips came as she looked about and reached for a rock. Remaining on her knees as she began to press it into the earth over their prints. So much for getting clean... but it was a way to hide their presense for a little longer.

Still he lay upon the dirt beach’s edge watching the lass as she intended to wash but instead got even dirtier with the rock covering their tracks… “This girl is intelligent… something has instilled the art of evasion in her…” he thought… And as she looked back at him, he just smiled…

With all that had occurred, and knowing what still come to bear, he stood up… his clothes dirty and tattered as if he was some sort of refugee… definitely not the warrior and Lord he was, but an orphan pushed aside by his country. Motioning for her to follow, he turned for the forest behind them.

[Sir Dmitrii Zurban]

A Proposal on the Run?

Time would only tell of the adventures they would encounter as the pair made their way inland… the prospect of a village to support their efforts… and a boat to get them to their final destination. Hungry, dirty, and a bit disoriented, Dmi led the pair thru the forest… neither armed nor prepared to meet a foe would normally prove fatal, but Dmi’s love and vow of protection for the girl was enough drive to push on… to get her back to where she was safe, regardless of where that was…

Would people be looking for the pair, or did they assume they had run off together? It had been over a year and a half since these two exchanged glances upon the wall and decided to become friends… and now the relationship had bloomed into something completely different than they first considered.

Feet were cut and bruised, still, for most of the day, they forged their way thru the forst, until Dmi stopped and crouched down. Pointing ahead, he indicated the village ahead to her. It was too far inland to consider them to have a boat, but indigenous clothes and something to eat and drink was surely there. “We’ll wait for nightfall…” he whispered… “Then we shall look for food and drink… and maybe some clothes. We look like refugees…” continuing with a chuckle.

Looking around, he pointed to a small ravene; then taking her hand, the pair made their way to what Dmi considered good concealment. Making himself comfortable, he sat near a tree, pulling her down to him. “Relax, we will wait for darkness.”

The time spent moving through the forest, small rocks, sticks and her soon becoming arch nemises… the thorn bush! seemed to hamper their paths. The young woman kept walking and kept her complaints to herself. After all, Dmi was the one that was injured. The morning swept into afternoon when he came to a halt and pointed out before them. She leaned against a tree and nodded. The tug to her arm got her going again as she half walked, half slid down the ravine's side. The musky scent of loam and trees mingling together was welcoming enough. Certainly beat the wretched stench of the dungeons back at the castle. She looked around them as Dmi tugged at her arm once more. His words to sit and relax were met by a shake of her head.

"Ya sit... jus rest, darlin… I gotta... well... ya know." She whispered. Well there were certain things as young lady had to do... and she preferred to do them alone! It had been horribly embarrassing while beneath lock and key... and most times she would wait until he was sleeping. During those moments? Her bladder hated her the most. Thankfully that was over, she slipped away from him with the nod to his words of not going far.

He smiled knowing what her modesty was. He jut nodded and laid back, making himself comfortable as possible.

She found a lovely bush that offered a bit of protection from sight as she squatted down. The blue eyes seemed to stare off at nothing really as she caught the dull brown movement about three yards to her left. She moved her head slowly to spy the hare while he nibbled on the low bushes. Two days without eating and well Miss Willa was hungry. She stood up slowly and on nearly silent feet she made her way back to Dmitrii. "Gimmie yer belt." She whispered to him. The small smile there on her face as she endured his puzzled look. But she wouldn't say another word... just holding out her hand. With the puzzled reluctance the belt was given over. She pressed a soft kiss to his cheek and slipped off again.

Laid back, his arms under his head, he relaxed, listening to the crickets and cicadas waiting for her return. The look of surprise evident when she demaned his belt. “Belt???” With a smirk, he unlocked the clasp and pulled it from his waist. Accepting the kiss, he laid back down.

She worked out a loop in the belt as she slowly lay flat in the dirt and loam the leather of the belt stretched out over a few branches and the pile of fresh greens awaited that hungry little critter. It was nearly a better part of an hour when her arm jerked back and the soft startled scream of the rabbit was heard. The small hands worked quickly to end the rabbits life, else the meat would be tough... not to mention nothing deserved a lingering death. She came back towards him with the dead rabbit in one hand… and his belt in the other. "Thinks ya can makes us a littlin fire?" She asked as she dropped down to the ground beside him.

His arm now lay across his eyes waitng for her to return. The thud of the rabbit, made him look and the words made the puzzled look return as he sat up. Seeing the rabbit, he looked up to her, smiling… “Resourceful wench aren’t yu…” Then he chuckled and rose to a full upright sitting position. “Now tis my turn to work…”

Moments later, he had collected some twigs and a a few larger sticks and stacked them in a leafless place. Looking about for a special stone, he walked back a few minutes later and squatted next to the woodstack. Several hefty strikes later, and a few bent-over wisps of breaths a small fire started… some kindling and a few more breaths, the fire caught good. The fire began to roar well… and he devises a spiet using two forked limbs and a fairly straight one. As he turned to skin and clean the rabbit, he found she had already done so… and was waiting on him. He just plopped to his arse shsking his head, the beard crumpled in its familiar smile. “Truly amazing… a handy woman to have when we are married and in poverty…” he teased.

She watched him as he worked to get the fire going... as she drew her knees up and leaned against a tree. The little grin was given as she chuckled softly. "twas some winter's Da couldna stay… an wella ya does whutcha gotta ta makes sures ya eat ya know." She shrugged a little. The soft laughter came from her as she lifted a brow. "Dun't tells me dat be yer proposal... " She couldn't help it. Though it did seem to fit in with the rest of the way their relationship here of late was going… secrets and captures... threats of torture... being chased... suddenly lost... now free… and a proposal like that? Yeah it seemed to fit didn't it?

He had taken the skinned rabbit from her and shoved the stick thru its form and set it upon the upright sticks of the spiet over the fire. Looking at her his eyes narrow as she speaks... then he scoots near her upon his knees with a smirk upon his face… “Luv, when we are back at home… and in a place of safety, clean, and dressed proper, I shall propose proper…. But if yu would consider yerself betrothed as of now, yu would make one man so happy…” his hand taking hers, with eyes asparkle..

"Asides, ya needs da res as much as me own self." She pointed out and wrapped her arms around her knees. "an asides been poor afore.. aint's nearly as complicated as them folks dats be rich " She pointed out softly. But Gods… did that smell good... FOOD... she could feel her mouth starting to water all on its own.

Then he chuckles and moves to the spiet to rotate the rabbit… glancing back to her. “I too have been poor… especially before I established myself as a warrior…” then as he began to drift into another ealm, he began to tell his own story of fate to her… It was her hand upon his arm that brought him back to the present… as he bowed his head and spoke softly… “Iz veni ti, dyv visch ka…” [my apologies my dear]… “I didn’t mean to prattle on….”

The little cant of her head was given as she listened to him. She'd hold her tongue for a bit as he began talking of his past and his life before herself. She had heard bits and pieces of the tale… but this was the first time he had told it entirely. She frowned at his words as she rested that hand against his arm, caught in those loving gray eyes of his.

His tale of woe seemed to damper the moment, until he looked up and saw her beautiful, though dirty face, and sympathetic blue eyes looking back at him. His hand captured hers upon his arm and he smiled…. “I love yu… and would love to grow old beside yu…” then he glanced at the fire… “If yu’d have me…” as he took the stick from the fire, he looked at her again… “Hungry?”

The sweet smile was given to him as she leaned towards him. "I love ya.. an twould be me honor ta be knowed as yer wife. Asides… whoelse is gonna keep ya outta trouble at them brothels?" She quirked a brow but there was somewhere deep in the blue eyes a dangerous glint to her eyes. mmhmm those sorta days were done. Long LONG gone.

A joyous smile crinkled that scraggly beard in its usual fashion, but this time it was a bit more special. “Then ye shall consider yerself betrothed my dear… and should ye wish to keep me from trouble in the brothels, ye know how…” he teased as his hand caressed her face, an evil glint in his eye. “But I think I shall nay need those lasses there any longer…” he winked as his caress tightened against her cheek. Then the hand moved to her neck and pulled her close, a kiss ever so tender and passionate.

The little giggle was given for the offer of food as she gave a nod and shifted a bit. Careful to keep herself properly covered… regardless the ragged garments she wore. She couldn't help but say it... if even in her head. Wilhemia Katherine Zurban. Didn't it sound wonderful?

The pair, now betrothed, seem to enjoy the meager rabbit as if were a feast, a King’s meal. Grey eyes met blue as the pair now looked upon one another in a new light. This friendship had now took on yet another level as they had promised one another to the other… But this may had occurred long ago, only now it was spoken and official…. At least until they could do it publically, as Dmi had promised. Many would criticize, especially her Father, er Odis, that the promise made was one made under duress, but the pair would know different.

The time seemed to pass far too fast. They would need to move closer to the village before darkness… then prepare to move in to get what they required. As they ate the last of the rabbit, Dmi began to douse the fire with dirt. “We shall move to the edge of the opening before dark, then wait… maybe we can find what we need and then on to find a boat… we must get off this damn island and back to Turas Lan…”

The kisses brought the small tears to her eyes more because of words finally spoken and accepted that well, had been something she dreamed about. Really. Though there were other dreams that well… some of his words had brought the fiery blush to her cheeks. She said nothing at all while the news was shared. They moved to the edge as they watched out over the field that seperated them and the village. They crept closer to the village. The soft call of the sheep in the fields as well as the crickets.

The quiet of the night was slightly unnerving, though the soft flapping of the clothing left out on the line. The hand slipped into Dmitrii's as they looked about then at a run made their way towards the barn. She would have smiled, were she not so scared of being found out.

“If I bird-whistle… freeze… make no sound, nor movement…” Dmitrii whispered as he watched the light in the house while gripping her hand… then with a sudden motion, he sent her running toward the clothes… His steel grey eyes watching for movement inside the house.

His attention veering away for just a moment… he smirks seeing a horse in the small corral… then he looks back in time to see a shadow nearing the door… he coos like a bird…

The small nod was given, then like a bolt she was off towards that clothes line. The eyes flickered over the items there as her hands began to reach out to tug the clothing off. Yet his call stilled her hand. She dropped like a stone to her stomach, lying as still as possible on the ground. Praying to the high heavens that they wouldn't be caught. All she could do now was lay and wait.

Watching the cottage, the shadow moving away from the door, he cooed once more… then he made his way to the corral… Inside, he whispered to the old mare, his hand out to stroke her nose. As he saw Willa returning to the place where she started from, he took the halter and attached it to the horse. Leading it away, he rejoined Willa. “Transportation… tis nyet a war horse nor messenger’s steed, but it is better than walking…. And faster.”

With a wink, he grabbed the mare’s mane and swung upon her back… extending a hand down to Willa, he waited for her to join him….

She waited until the coast was clear and pulled clothing down and held them close to her chest. She glanced back to the house, before darting off. Finding herself back waiting for him in the darkness. The sight of the horse and Dmitrii. As he spoke to her she was scratching the horse's forehead and gave a small nod. It wasn't right to steal from these people… but they had little choice. She took his hand and with a few steps and pull on his arm she swung herself up behind him. The clothing still held in an arm as she circled the other about his waist.

She was light and the swing up behind him was easy enough… though he wished to stay, he knew they could not… only to be recognized wearing familiar clothes, or questioned why they wished to be rid of their old ones… now they were mobile… and next was to find a boat.

"She's beautiful." She whispered into his ear and kissed the side of his neck as she waited for him to lead them off again into the darkness and safety.

He glanced back at her then to the nag… “Aye… and so are yu…” …not wishing to criticize their only means of transportation besides their own feet. Then he kicked the flanks of the old nag and into the darkness they rode.

It was as if the old horse knew its way thru the darkness, hopping over small streams of water and old logs as the pair rode thru the forest… keeping themelves at a lwft angle to the Star of the North… Dmitrii calculating west as to the left oblique of the Star… blaind faith in the old nag to keep from falling… they rode at a fast trot… then after a 20 or so moments of time, he slowed to a quick cantor…. Then later slowed to a steady walk.

The old mare was sturdy, in good health, though she was no warhorse nor messenger steed, he was glad to have her. As the equine walked along, the rhythymic bounce allowed him to lean back in Willa’s arms… with his head canted… “Soon we shall be back in Turas Lan… then we can plan our future…”

She had rested behind him upon the horse, the young woman moved easily enough with the flow of the horse's strides. Her head had been resting against his back as she let her eyes close, though holding the clothing be pinned between them. When they finally slowed to a walk, which was slowly lulling her into a dozed like state. His words brought her back to the surroundings. "Aye… though we still gotta takes ta me Da. " She spoke softly, regardless of what they had learned. Odis was her father. Period. It made no matter what some madman claimed.

Her Da !! He had forgotten all about the man… Now he was a bit concerned… What would the man think about the man who placed his daughter in danger? Would he hold him responsible? Would he even consider the excuses provided? The man had placed his trust in Dmi… then all this occurred. Dmitrii just sighed and leaned back against Willa. “Aye M’Lady… yer Da first…”

"… an yer sister... though I hope she donna minds. " She spoke softly as she looked up at him a bit. She just wanted to get home... she wanted to hide... she wanted a damned bath!

Kaelyn !! Ah yes… he had forgotten about her too… matter-of-factly, his memory had forsaken all, save the girl of his heart… She… her safety meant everything, and everything is where his mind was at… he knew Kaelyn would be upset, but he also knew she would be more understanding than M’Lord Odis Schleitz… well, maybe...Again he sighed.

The loping cantor of the old mare took them to once again the beach… Dmitrii had ridden west by southwest, circumventing the possibility of soldiers, hoping to find a village far enough away from the castle to be virtually forgotten by the Nobles…

On the far western coastline, there was a village and Dmi turned the mare in it’s direction… only to make a detour to the forest… Halting the horse, he kicked a leg over its neck and slid down… his arms held up for her… “We will change our clothes and rid now what we wear…” his fingers wiggling for her to get down.

She continued to hold him, her chin against his back as she watched the world through exhausted eyes. The mind however was working over time on possibilities as well as what ifs. Odis could no more blame Dmitrii for their capture then to blame the Duke and Duchess themselves. Silliness. The scent of salt once more tickled her nose as she looked around him to peer through the trees. The movement of him caused her to rock back a bit and release her hold about his middle. She watched him as he slid down and held out his hands for her. The simple slip had ridden up a bit, though both leg and slip were simply filthy. She offered a smile as she shifted a little and eased down into his arms. It was very likely that his hands managed to brush against the soft pale skin beneath the chemise blouse.

She was beautiful to him, no matter what she wore nor how dirty she was. His steel grey eyes sparkled, even now, as she sat upon the old mare. This stranger had captured his thoughts, caught his interest, and in just a year later he had offered his heart and his name. As she shifted on the horse, the glimpse of her white bare legs, the scraggly beard just quirked in a familiar manner. Then the eyes followed her limbs to her waist and the smirk widened… then grey eyes moved to blue ones then the smirk changed to a smile. To make his internal strife worse, when she slid into his arms, his hands found soft bare skin under the chemise… He pulled her close and kissed her ever so passionate… physical attributes immediately came to life… which caused the kiss to deepen, and he pulled her closer.

Once on her feet and looking back up into his beautiful storm tossed eyes, she slowly stepped away and looked to the bundle in her arms. The tunic and clean britches were offered to him. While she kept the dress within her arms. "I'll goes overin here... ta change." She spoke softly as she pointed to a few bushes.

Her moving from his arms left a void, that he hoped to filled again soon. Her handing him the britches and tunic brought his wandering mind back to the moment. As she spoke, he simply shrugged, wishing she was bold enough to change in front of him, but repected her for what she did. Removing the ragged shirt, tossing it beside a large stone, then he removed his trousers and finally the undergarments, tossing them on the shirt. In his birthday suit, still with an extended appendage, he slowly pulled on the extremely baggy britches. Its owner was much taller and bigger in the middle. He just had to chuckle as the fought to tie the rope belt. The shirt was also large… “Pez dyetz…” he jokingly cursed as he straightened the huge shirt.

As she slipped behind the bushes she spoke softly while changing her clothing. "I tells ya... when we gets back home... I'mma soak in a tub fer days." She was seriously considering that… just disappearing for a few more days… "Then sleep da res' o' it." she chuckled …though the chuckle died on her lips as she looked down to the bodice she was attempting to lace up. "Oh fer the sake O' Saint Pete!" She tugged and tried sucking in… well when that didn't work... she tried letting all the air out... and well. Great ! A bit more of the rustling about was given as she had to pull on the filthy chemise once more and a bit more finagling.

“Aye luv, a bath would sound fantastic…” his immediate thought was for them both… at the same time… but that was fleeting as she spoke of sleep… Then after a few moments of huffing, and sighing, she grunted and huffed again. “What’s wrong my dear?” he asked in response.

She stepped out from behind the bush. Obviously the woman of the old farm house was a tiny petite sort of woman… as the poor laces on the bodice of the dress were strained considerably. "Dun't laugh... " She mumbled as she glanced down... half afraid if she even so much as sneezed she'd likely wound someone with the lace when it snapped.

“Nyet… tis yu that should not laugh…” he glances at himself, then he looked at her… “…its fine… why didn’t yu snatch a new chemise… that one is old and so filthy…” though it did look tight… the former owner must had been very petite… he began to imagine the small woman, and the very large man… such a mismatch… much unlike the current pair of owners.

"Oh aye... cause that woulda fit." She huffed at him and shifted the bodice a bit to well cover a little more then what was showing. Honestly, she was very thankful no one she knew, besides Dmitrii would see her in this. Certainly NOT her father. She looked at him and canted her head. "AN ya... ya need a good meal. ya turnin inta skins an bones on me." She stated as she poked at his belly through that oversized shirt. She wanted very much to laugh at the way they looked… but well yeah. No laughing… no deep breaths... and Lady save her …no sneezing.

She looked away from him to the village as she shifted a bit. "We oughts git goin love… dat ways we can gits home… an aways from here." She wanted away so badly. Someplace safe... someplace to think and to find out the answers she desperately needed.

Putting all the clothes under the large stone, he stomped on it to hide the material underneath. Then he nodded at her frustrated words… Swinging up on the old mare, he once again extended his hand down to her. “Let’s go find a boat… before ye start attacking all the villages to get off this island…” he teased.

Attacking Villages? What she was some sort of savage? Hm. didn't sound all that bad now did it? ahem… the hand was taken as she swung up with his assistance once more behind him. The arms around his middle once more, along with the press against his back. The pair rode off into the direction of the village... [/color]

[Sir Dmitrii Zurban]

The Old Couple and the Boat

The pair rode off into the direction of the village; out in a field to the side of the village was a boy watching his flock of sheep. He was the first to spy the couple as he stared for a moment then raised his hand in a friendly sort of wave.

Willa didn't stop herself as she waved back as though they were supposed to be here. As they got closer however a few folks stepped out of their shambled houses and watched the couple ride closer in. One in particular was an old man that studied them for a long moment and with the cane in hand he moved out to greet these new folks.

"Af'ernoon. Ya folks lost? " he asked amiably enough though his eyes were far quicker then his aged body as he look in the small things about these two, obviously tired, and had some sort of tale to share. He'd give them their time to tell it, while he stood between them and the rest of the village.

Looking down at the old man, he nodded… knowing full well, his accent would provide the old man a plethora of questions to ask. He was a man who would certainly stand out amongst all IF he spoke…. And Willa’s accent woul not be much better. So he just swallowed hard, and spoke… “Good afternoon… a bit yes sir we are…” the r’s rolling as he spoke… “We, my wife and I, were looking for some fine land ta settle on… mabbe considering some farming or sheep raising…”

With an inconspicuous nudge, he wondered if he had gotten them in trouble or if he had helped the situation… Now if he had a sword and was ready to fight the enemy before him, he would know what to do… but this was a far different game to play and way out of his experience…. But he did like the idea of them being a couple… the scraggly beard just crinkled in its familiar manner.

The old man looked at them both and nodded with a turn to his head as he split out the juice of the tobacco he was chewing on. "That so? Eh. Wouldn't s'pect folks be lookin here.. given whut little the lord and his people be payin attention to us. " The man eyed the two a bit longer as the glance was paid down to the cut feet and the bruises here and there on this "married couple."

Willa felt Dmitrii tense a bit as she give him a gentle squeeze before looking around the warrior. She had traveled places with her father on many occasions, the small redirection of the accent of her voice. "Tis true… though I fear we have so vittle in da vay o' coin." she spoke softly as she somewhat managed an adjoining Russian accent. The soft smile was given to the old man as he canted his head a bit. "Ve has traveled very far… Perhaps to zeek a place… vitout notice." She blushed prettily as the old man lifted a brow and chuckled softly.

"Well…" The hand lifted to scratch at the beard... As he did so a rather round bellied woman came out of a house and looked towards the pair on the horse and to the old man. She didn't waste time in moving across the open area towards the goings on. "Are ye gonna keep them poor children on dat horse, Edgar? Right shameful o' ya." The woman huffed and looked up to the pair… “Come on down here... by the looks o' ya can use a good meal. Edgar here's got the sensibility o' a goat… That he does fer sure." She stated waving her hand down. Edgar however turned and blustered up a bit as the woman blatantly ignored him.

"Woman... know yer place... don't know if these two bring us trouble... " The man stated as she leveled a rather cool stare at him.

"Whut iffin they does? Eh? Ain't like we seen anythin else but sheep and goats. Hmph." And with that the woman sidestepped the old man and continued to wave the couple down. "Doncha'll go mindin Ol' Edgar here… be a suspicious man he be…"

Willa smiled at the woman and gave alittle nod as she swung down first to the ground. As she turned about to meet up with the plain woman's eyes. The tsk came from her as she didn;t' give Willa nor Dmitrii time to object. " Hm... poor skinny littlin thin… come... lets git ya cleaned up... yer husband can goes an see ta da horse.. " Willa blinked and looked up at Dmitrii, however the woman circled a protective arm about the girl to guide her past the still sputtering Edgar.

The old man huffed finally and looked up to the lad. "Well git down.. an ya can put that nag off ta the pasture ta rest.. " He stated as he turned about muttering and complaining about women.

Listening to the old man, then the woman, then his beloved who used a faux accent… which totally took him by surprise, he displayed no look there of… <given whut little the lord and his people be payin attention to us> lingered in his mind…. This is what he had hoped to find…

Walking the old mare toward the makeshift corral… he glanced back over his shoulder toward the home of the elderly couple, now where Willa had entered.

Moments later, the old horse was groomed, fed, and watered… then Dmi himself walked back to the house, the old man opening the door as he stepped upon the small wooden porch… “Welcome to mae abode lad… tis baet a meager place…” the old man said…

The two women had gone inside, the woman introduced herself and set Willa off to wash her face and hands. Of course the two spoke as women do… though Willa kept up the accent as she aided the woman in the kitchen. The woman watched as Willa moved this and that about and helped with the meal. Thankfully before the questions got a bit too personal the two men made their way inside.

Soon the four people were sitting down at a table eating a scanty meal… “Wot kin we de tae help ye two youngin’s?” the old man asked, his eyes seeking answers.

Even as they seated themselves for dinner, Willa had gone quiet... it seemed a large bit of control on herself not to stuff the food quickly into her mouth. Though she really wanted to. The eyes looked over to Dmitrii as old Edgar spoke to them. How much to tell them... how much could they really help? Dare they trust these two? "Vell, the truth iz, Ve vere hoping to find someone vit a boat… You zee, my father does not agree vit our match... "she began softly and looked down , more to hide the lie in her eyes as she played it off as embarrassment. "It is vhy ve does not has much... naught vhat da horse." She half whispered, hoping that Dmitrii would pick up on the lie and run with it a bit further.

Catching her story early, he would conjure up a fair story… looking down as if reprimanded… “Aye M’Lord… her Father had started an arrangement wit the Lord’s son, as his mistress… but Willa and I could not abide by this. Her Father knew she loved me… but her Da had hoped that the Lord taking her as his Mistress would provide him a more prosperous future… but I know he would have received nothing but a discarded wench when the Lord was done with her… I, being in love with her, could not bear this…” Dmi’s grey eyes darkened, knowing a friend who went thru this very situation back in Kyiv… he just updated the story using himself and Willa… hence making it more viable. “M’Lord, if’en we could make the coast of Skye, we could get lost… and start again….” Then he looked down to hide his eyes… as if the pain was unbearable…

The older couple watched the pair with rapped attention as the woman blinked and absently touched a cheek of hers. The old man frowned a bit as he thought this over. Willa however knew nothing of this other woman or her woes... but the small smile came to her lips as she reached out to touch Dmitrii's arm.

"No matter vhut happens… if ve has to swim, love… ve vill make it." When the blue eyes caught the gray eyes as Dmitrii looked up. There dwelling in the pools of blue was the affirmation of absolute love and devotion. Regardless what happened at this point… they would make it! She had no doubts whatsoever about that.

The old woman glanced to her husband and gave him a little look as the old man sighed and shifted. "Well, since you kids seem ta be in such a pickle." he shifted and lifted a hand to pass over the greying patches of hair. "We'll git ya ta the mainland. duncha'll worries none." The woman smiled and in doing so she seemed to hold a memory of the beauty she had been in her youth. She leaned in and kissed the man on his cheek as he gruffed and grumbled.

"Here now woman… there are guests..." he glanced over at Dmitrii and winked but let it pass as the older woman smirked.

"Come lass... let the men folk talk…" She gave a little tilt of her head as she led the lass off to help clean up the mess made from dinner.

Dmi was ever cautious, though never doubting Willa’s affections nor his own… He looked at the pair of females as they exited the table… then with a wipe of the mouth, Dmi spoke… “So yu have had problems with the Lord here abouts?” Trying to get a feel for the loyalty… “Do they take what they want and leave yu nothing, or do they provide for yu sufficiently…?”

The old man just smirked… “Dun beat ‘bout the bush boy… ask plain out wot yae need?"

Dmi must have blushed thru the beard, as the old man just smirked… “Aye, tis a boat I need… for my wife and I to get to Skye… we wish to make Turas Lan to bid our dues to the new Lord O’the Isles…”

The old man chuckled… “Aye… the boy Lord does take a fancy tae freedom dun naew he duz… Seems that Sir Robert fancies the Lord… though Sir Robert dun like the Church much… seems he and a few o’ Rome’s knights did fight naet laeng agae… been dat way faer a while naew… Sir Robert put much a tight grip upon Raasay Isle, tae keep de Romans out… dun knaew much ado wots they be fightin’ abaeut… but Sir Robert is a goot man, but his Captain Ah nae trust… Ah or’heard em speakin one day… he mentioned something odd he did… sumthin ‘bout Illuminaries, er something like that… duunae know wot dat be, but nae sound goot…”

Dmitrii’s interest had gotten keen… seems that Raasay has had its own troubles… Apparently the Illuminati had been probing Rassay for the Pope’s daughter… He rubbed his chin and glanced toward Willa, then looked back to the old man… thinking maybe Robert knew more than he should regarding the Illuminari here in Skye…

Again, the old man patted Dmi on the shoulder… “Dunnae ye worry, ah and mine ‘ll gaet yae tae Skye shores…” standing, the old man motioned to Dmitrii…

Dmitrii canted his head listening to the old man, meanwhile deep in thought… then when the old man stood, so did the Kiean warrior. Following the man out to a wooded area… deep inside the thicket was an old sod building. Waiting outside, the old man opened the door, then motioned him in… then moments later… the pair brought out a skif, large enough for three people…

“Dis shoullda get yae tae Skye coast well enough…” the old man said. “Best yae leave at eve’s tide… de waves won’t slap yae sae much…”

Dmi struggled to get the skif out, as the old man was not much help in strength, but never complained… Listening to the man, Dmi simply nodded… As the old man laid the oars in the skif, Dmi smiled and poke softly… “M’Lord, I shall repay yu ten fold… I swear…”

Again, the old man laughed… “Dunnae dae nuttin, save marry dat fine looking lass…” winking at them foreigner… “Fine breedin’ stock she be…” smacking Dmi on the shoulder… “Like mae Claire… five fine sons she gave mae…” looking to the heavens, then doing a sign of the cross… “God rest their souls… fine strong boys who gladly gave their life for freedom under the Wallace… naew like ah said… marry the lass and have fine sons… and make Skye strong…” then he started walking back to the shanty cabin.

Willa helped the woman in the kitchen as they cleaned up the dishes and such from the meager dinner. Willa fell into the old habits as she moved about. Finally Claire turned to watch the girl. The lass seemed to know her hand about a kitchen. "Here now lass.. we ought to get a few things for ya two. Knowing my Edgar, he'll talk that poor lad's ear clean off." she smiled a bit and dried her hands as she sighed. "Always hoped it would be me givin it ta me own boys women.. but well.. wars done took them from me. an onla one married and whut a spiteful little wench she was." She didn't bother keeping the bitterness out of her voice. Willa turned and listened as she chuckled softly at that.

"Don't you vorry none, my Dmitrii doez hiz own batherin... " She chuckled softly as she seemed caught off guard by the other woman's turn in direction of the conversation. The small frown touched her face as she had no words to offer her that would ease the heartache of loss. As the woman waved her hand for Willa to follow she did with a small cant of her head.

“Dmitrii can what my dear?” he said with a Rus accent as he entered ahead of the old man…. “What can I do…?” [/i]he chuckled having caught her halfway thru a conversation and heading to another room.[/color]

"Besides you could use clothin that seemed ta fit… " The glance was given from the matronly woman as she offered a secretive little smile. Willa blushed and gave a small nod. The woman carefully removed a parcel that was wrapped in a finely woven bit of cotton. "Jus takes good cares o' it fer me." Without another word the two went back in to collect food and other items the two would need for the time upon the water. Extra blankets as well as the tunic and extra dress for Willa. The two women packed up the belongings into the burlap sack as she walked out with the girl.

"Sae he dun talked yer ear off boy? " She asked with a grin before the weathered hand slipped into that of the old man's .

As the pair walked out, Dmi and the old man sat at the table discussing the skif… then when the women reentered, their attention broke from the skif to them… “Nyet M’Lady… M’Lord was very helpful…” Dmi always referred to the old man as M’Lord in order to continue the ruse of them as lesser class.

Willa slipped around and stood close to Dmitrii... her eyes looked at the couple. Regardless of what life had given them... they had each other. Her own hand took ahold of Dmitrii's own fingers.

Dmitrii looked up and smiled as he squeezed Willa’s hand. “M’Lord offered us a boat and directions… he said we could make Skye coast by morning… and that weather shant be a factor this eve…” Standing up beside Willa… “M’Lady… M’Lord… my wife and I appreciate all yer help… and should anyone coming looking for us, I pray no ill come to you… Tell them if yu must… Delay them if possible… but we must not bring ill to you and yers…” Once again, he hugged Willa about the waist… “Once we are settled, I shall repay yu both ten fold… I swear…” then he looks to Willa and smiles.

“Think nothing of the sort young fella…” Edgar said smiling to Dmitrii. “Ah kin handle mae own… ‘ave been faer years… yae need nay worry, ah’ll hold em at bay as long as Ah kin…” then he started to escort the young couple toward the shore from the house, his wife a few feet behind them. The older pair walked with them as they exchanged looks at the comment of people coming to look for them.

Willa smiled and gave a little nod as the old man glanced up to the sky. "Lets git ye inta the water. " He spoke softly... as Willa glanced at the water and sighed. More water… ah well it was taking them home. She slipped away from Dmitrii for a moment to give the woman a hug, then turned to the old man. The hug and faint kiss to the withered cheek was given before putting the bundles and sack into the boat. She would offer to help carry it down to the shore. The old man shook his head, then nodded to Dmitrii as the pair began to move the skif to the water.

As Willa approached the old man and hugged him, then set the bundles into the boat. Dmi shifted the weight by putting the bundle and sack in the middle. Then he pushed the boat into the water, bow first. “Dyvi da ro goi…” [lets go my dear…] the Rus spoken in a soft voice… his hand extended for her to step into the boat. Once settled, he shook the hand of the old man and patted his shoulder… then the men pushed the boat fully into the water… Dmi then sat on the bow and rotated his feet inside… “We shall be fine my dear…”

None of the onlookers said anything about it as they watched as the pair worked to get the boat into the water. They would remark later that they seemed in an awful big hurry... and curious as to whom would come looking for such a bedraggled pair.

Willa kept a worried eye on the woodlands as she and Dmitrii worked to settle everything. At his encouragement, she got into the boat while he pushed it out into the water. The smile was given as she waved to the elderly pair, then looked to Dmitrii.

The oars of the skiff were extended, and Dmi began to rotate the wooden handles, carrying them farther from the shore. With one quick wave to the old couple, he began in earnest rowing the boat, making their way to sea. His eyes wavering from Willa to handling the boat.

"Ya think they'll git inta trouble? " She asked softly, as she kept out of the way for a moment while Dmitrii settled the small rigging into place. As the boat rose and fell in the waves as they drifted out past the breakers. She worried for the pair, they had been so very kind and worse… the lies that had to be told.

Once past the breakers, Dmi stored the oars and began to raise the mast that would hold the small sails. Dmi was a landlubber… just because he didn’t like the sea, did not mean he knew not how to handle a small sailing boat… he just didn’t like the open sea… now he was forced to deal with it… With a smile of assurance for Willa, he spoke in gruntled sentences as he and Willa switched places so he could handle the tiller… Finally settled, Dmitrii looked at her… “That I cannot say Luv… but I swear by all that is true… if I can help them I shall... but first we make it home…”

The wind was with them for most of the day, as Dmitrii kept the small skif on a westerly course… the open sea was unusually calm, and Dmi seemed to handle the skiff well-enough.

Willa moved where she was needed to, before finally tucking herself in. Her eyes didn't watch the water, instead they watched the man that kept her heart. It wasn't long before finally, the lass had fallen asleep. The tangles of blond hair, clothing far too tight as well as the dirt and muck of the escape. It had all been far too much as the sun melted off into the west and the diamond littered sky appeared above them. The skiff rocked as though they were cradled in the arms of a mother…. Home.

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