Egyptian Lion meets Arganian Wolf... part 1

[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

Kaelyn ** Since leaving her home Kae had grown restless and needed to let out some pent up frustrations. She sought out Pagan and Phantom two of her Shadow Knight's for some sword play. She wore a sleeveless tunic and black leather breeches, and knee high boots. They were in a small clearing though pregnant she still was not showing as it was still early " Come lads let's see what ye have." she taunted and took her stance. The two looked from one another and back to her. They drew their swords and came at her in unison, to any it would seem an unfair fight. She deflected Pagan's strike efficiently and moved to thrust at Phantom ... it was game on for them all. They showed no mercy to wards her for they knew she was more than able to handle herself. Blow after blow strike after strike they came and she moved with such ease and grace as they all 'battled'.**

Maahes: There had been a mud slide not too far from the clearing, one that trapped the roads leading to wards the city. So after the storms had passed, Maahes had gathered his men and the work had begun. The rush of day and the falling of night had come and gone without him even realizing that time had passed. The General was often the first in, and the last out. All day they had dug free the roads from the hillside, until mud carried over the man's flesh like skin. Early in the day a tunic had been stripped, having very little that actually fit, and too proud to have anything made the mud made up for the lack of material. "General Sir, the men are getting weary for the day, shall we continue tomorrow?" The man's voice trembled and with pleading eyes he begged the call of the day. The Arabic behemoth stilled his shovel and straightened his frame. Massive shoulders quaked with the release of the stance, until muscles tensed in a ripple from his neck down. Suddenly the man had wished he had been silent for the sight sent his mind into doubt. Dark amber eyes passed from the man to the rest, and took in their tired weary faces. As a well callused hand stilled atop the handle he returned his attention to the man. "Take them home, we will not meet back until midday tomorrow." Would be the pathetic remorse of their leader, but a night and half days worth of rest would do them all good. "Will you not be joining us, Sir?" The man spoke after a moment of silence, and the question caught the Beast a little off guard. No one really ever invited him anywhere, as he always brought about unwanted attention or his foul moods put the rest on edge. "I.." Quickly he searched for a way out, and eyes returned to the path where Raven and Kae lived. "I would like to make sure they are well, but I will perhaps show." Say thank you Maahes, he had to remind himself as manners just were not his forte. "Thanks." He muttered under his breath before the man gave a bow and excused himself to gather the men. It did not take them long to leave, and suddenly he was surrounded by the silence of the woods, and was instantly lost in the sounds of the trees whispering back and forth as their branches moved. Yet....on the wind what was that? Swords clanging in the distance? The shovel would be left standing in the mud as curiosity quickly caught the wondering mind of a very complex man. (d

Kaelyn: ** Her men knew well that she was looking for a good fight and they were all to glad to accommodate her. Metal clashing against metal would ring out loudly in the clearing, none giving quarter to the other. Muscles flexed and moved in a way that spoke of years of training. She dodged, parried, blocked, and moved to strike with lethal grace. The tall blond was covered in mud but so were the men as all had taken their share of time in being knocked down in it.Kae spun around and knocked Pagan flat on his arse in the mud causing his sword to come free Phantom cursed and doubled his effort he spun and went to strike for her head... quickly she brought her sword up to block it. The blow was painful as the blades met. She gripped her sword with two hands now as she pushed him back. Pagan regain his feet and retrieved his sword and entered the 'fight ' once more " About bloody damn time!" Phantom hissed to his friend. " Stop blathering and fight !" teasingly Kae spat out to them. Pagan thrust his leg out to trip her she jumped back but lost her footing in the mud and fell on her back with a SPLAT! her sword went flying out of her hand so she scrambled quickly to her feet to get it. Oh yeah she was having a blast right now and if Raven were here he would be fit to be tied angry or perhaps join in the 'fun'**

Maahes: A man's last defense was that of his bare hands, and from the moment Maahes had opened his eyes from birth that very bit was drilled into him. In the hot desert lands of Egypt he had learned what would someday captivate nations. He was bred for his father's strength and his mother's defiance to train army's in the nation. A tool from birth he knew little of the outside world, or that what this group was doing was considered 'play' Yes he had seen people spar before, often being part of the ring himself, but it was the fact he had but seen this woman days before and doubted very much she would allow any to put her on her back so fast. Quickly from the falling shadow the mud covered man lion lived up to that very name. Kae would be able to get to her sword easily now as he threw his shoulder into the chest of the other man. Both forces colliding but the obviously larger of the two winning out. The other man's back would meet the ground, and instantly dark eyes would pass to Phantom. Yes, the other man had the sword, and the look that crossed Maahes's face told the other he had not a care in the world he was unarmed. The Beast slowly started circle this Phantom as eyes dared him to push forward and a wildness there begged him to continue. (d

Kaelyn: ** Kae stood and starred at the mud covered man who just took down her loyal knight with a well placed shoulder block to the chest. Her sword once more in her hand she rushed forward "Stop!!" her voice authoritative as she shouted at Maahes. She placed herself between them daring either to make a move. Her sword held with a steady hand Phantom looked fit to be tied as he glanced at Pagan lying on the ground trying to suck air into his lungs " Ye will bloody well pay for that!" he hissed .Kae stepped forward " Leave off Phantom!" she instructed but it was to late he was already launching himself at Maahes.**

Maahes: At no matter what direction Phantom came, Maahes's hands clasped heavily around the man's sword bearing hand, rolling the arm until the bones broke free from the socket. Everything always moved so slow in battle, like the world stood still as his sixth sense kicked in. It was moments like this that won many wars, and killed many men having them begging for their lives in a matter of seconds. This was when the man was stripped from the massive frame, and the pure eyes of the beast burned out. There was no more man just simply a hungry animal's whose appetite was curved by the blood of another. "Is that it?" He barked over the men, chest rising and falling in heavy even breaths. (d

Kaelyn: ** Kae swore under her breath rushed to help Pagan to a sitting position. Standing she quickly made her way to where the two men grappled like animals... Phantom fought out of anger and protection for his friend and Queen... she assessed Maahes reasons were he maybe thought she was in danger from the two knight's not knowing they were hers. " HALT THE TWO OF YOU NOW!!!" Kae bellowed to them catching Phantom's attention immediately as he roared at having his arm twisted and dislocated. She looked every bit the warrior she was as she instincts kicked in as she squared off against the larger man ready to fight if he did not cease. " I have no wish to fight you." her voice firm yet calm as she tried to get control of her raging emotions. Anger filled the air and hers mingled with it, she may be a woman but she could fight as well as any man. She watched with arctic eyes... Maahes seemed to be more animal than man in this moment " We were but sparring, no danger was I in from these two." her tone even though laced thickly with an accent. Phantom writhed on the ground holding his injured arm as Pagan came to stand next to her ready to fight again if he had to. He went to Phantom and tried to help his brother in arms... as well as keep an eyes on his Lady.**

Maahes: The mud even over his face he looked like a native savage, and for a moment his eyes showered without understanding. "They hurt you." Just a hint ( a very small one ) came up over his eyes as he passed them to wards her and found the ice blue of her own. Realizing the men stood to help her, at ease at her side he suddenly felt the fool and his entire frame relaxed. Underneath the dirt perhaps they might have even seen a flush, but shame would be the only visible emotion over a stone face. Say you are sorry Maahes. He would remind himself, but the words could not find him as he turned to walk away.

Kaelyn: ** Sudden understanding lit in her eyes as she watched and listened to him. Kae relaxed seeing that he did the same " Wait! Please" she walked to him and touched his arm just as he turned away from them. " We were but letting out some frustrations and you could not have known I was in no danger." she hesitated a moment then once more began to speak " You came to defend me... and for that I am grateful M'Lord." she held out her hand and arm to him in friendship and wondered if he would accept it. " Pagan take Phantom to camp and see he is tended to." she said over her shoulder. " M'Lady... Sir Raven will have my hide if I leave you." Pagan replied as he looked at her " I will be fine... do as I ask. Maahes will you walk with me for a bit?" her voice soft as she waited for his reply. " Aye... M'Lady as ye command and by yer leave then." he said as he helped Phantom to stand . Both knew not to question her more. She was highly respected among her men. She would speak to them more later. She met Maahes gaze and smiled at him softly... she nodded to her men.**

Maahes: Suddenly he felt the fool, half naked covered in mud and busting faces before a lady of Skye. She would touch his arm, but get no response other then that of his frame stilling. Touch repulsed him, sent his body to chill and as he turned to face her he would brush a palm up the side of his arm where she had her hand to chase away the cold chills. "You were doing just fine. I just thought..." He spoke so quietly that the sound rumbled in his chest more then from his lips. "You were on your back, and.." He took a deep breath and let it leave his lips as he gave up trying to defend himself. "I'm sorry." From his feet to her eyes his own gaze would pass, suddenly feeling very shy and out of place. Looking around after she had asked him to talk with her he wondered if perhaps she was not feeling well. "I have to return to the city. I am in no condition to be walking with a wo.."he stilled himself, "lady." (d


Kaelyn: ** Kae felt him tense beneath her touch and pulled her hand away quickly. " Forgive my boldness Sir." she watched as he brushed the spot where her hand had been, and remembered a time when she had reacted the same to the touch of another. She chuckled softly seeing he may be uncomfortable being around her. His words caught her by surprise " Aye, I am Lady... though it is not a word I would call myself." she teased him " As for your condition to walk with me it bothers me naught for I care nothing for what others may or may not whisper." if he looked he would see that she spoke the truth. She was not like other woman who prided themselves on opinions of others, she was who she was and nothing more. Things began to tilt and sway as did she, the little spar had taken a bit out of her and she swore softly to herself as she tried to regain her balance. " Damn..."**

Maahes: Instantly his eyes snapped to her, and all brash self demons were lost when she started to sway. "M'lady?" He asked her large palms turned upright to encase any direction she would fall. A massive hand came to rest against the small of her back to steady her. Maahes liked to pretend he didn't care what others thought, but this was the culture gap. What he cared about was different then what the people of these lands did. He did not care one bit to be unclothed before her, but it was the opinion and pride of what people thought was what mattered. Worry crossed his brow as he took her frame in with his amber colored orbs searching for anything that could be wrong. (d

Kaelyn: ** Between being pregnant, the mudslides, and her brother missing it was taking its toll on her. She had not been eating well and sleep eluded her, she felt his large on the small of her back and smiled softly " Thank you... being pregnant is harder than I thought." her face seemed to be so pale now as she fought to keep upright and not swoon as sometimes happened to her. She laid a hand on the barely noticeable bulge of her stomach in a very protective manner blinking several times to clear her vision " I need to sit a moment." with that said dropped to a knee and took several deep breaths to help steady herself a bit.**

Maahes: "No..you need to see Aislin." He spoke following her body with his own crouching at her side. Oh lord he wasn't very good at this. Baby?? Must have been something in the water as that was a term he had heard more then enough of. Wide eyes pored out to her, waiting..wondering. "Where are your men?" He spoke as searched for the knights from before but seeing they were not there. Maahes found this odd because none ever trusted him alone with their ladies, no matter how loyal they were. "Can you walk?" This would have been the big mystery, as he did ask, but was already engulfing the woman against him and lifting her from the ground. "Put your arms around me." Such a command would almost promise destruction if questioned. However panic crossed him, and when it came to children there was no greater love then his. (d

Kaelyn: ** Her head was bent downward and her long golden hair framed her face like a curtain as she spoke " My men returned to their camp, as I bid them to do." they were loyal and knew she could handle herself better than a man at times. " Aye, I can walk." he was already lifting her when she spoke. Her legs buckled a bit and things dipped and swayed, but she gained her footing. Kae felt suddenly so weak and not at all well... she pulled back from him just slightly remembering the way he reacted earlier when she touched him. " Their camp is just over that rise. I can make it there...." her words trailed off as his image swam distorted before her eyes. She closed her eyes and shook her head slightly as to clear it of the fog that was creeping into it. " Maahes...." she whispered as she fainted, her stomach grumbled loudly.**

Maahes: Her body would never touch the ground, swept up in one fluid motion like lifting a child from the grounds. Without thought he took her into his arms and moved to wards the encampment. His steps were heavy and swift as he moved into the camp. Eyes of the other men grew wide as a mud covered man carried their lady in the camps. Instantly swords were drawn and positioned over the flesh of the Egyptian. Maahes's steps stilled his jaw clenching as instantly he was made to realize they thought he had done it. "She needs help." His voice was so quiet and still like a storm on the horizon, but for once he was at bay. His chest trembled with the worry of child within, and simply pushed past them to lay her by the fire. "I don't know what to do!" He shouted to the few who watched in shock of the sight, and that triggered their movements. (d

[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

Kaelyn: ** The strong and powerful warrior was now just a pale and limp form in his arms. Her eyes fluttered open as they arrived in the camp to the sound of swords being drawn. Pagan strode forward " Lower your weapons! He is a friend to our Lady Princess." his tone was one that they all instantly obeyed his directive. Pagan followed Maahes to where he moved to lay her by the fire. " What happened?" his voice held a bit of worry in it as he saw that Kae was pale. " Maahes.... friend" the last spoken in Arganian more for her knights to know than him. Kae reached out her hand to him she had heard the way his voice sounded... the worry it held. " I will be fine... just over did it a bit." she was trying to reassure them all as well as herself. Had she put her child in jeopardy? Was it just that she was not eating and sleeping well?? Who knew? " Sir Raven her husband is helping to make repairs in a village I will send a rider to get him." Pagan said as he looked to Ademar and nodded silently telling him to go. It was at that moment the sky decided to open and rain began to fall. " We need to move her to her tent... Maahes will you do so?" Pagan asked holding his ribs that were now wrapped from the shoulder block Maahes had given him earlier. Pagan nor Phantom held any hard feelings for after thinking about it a bit. If it had been them who came across two men 'fighting' a woman they would have reacted the same way, and done the same no questions asked.**


Maahes: Not more rain. A prayer to a God none here knew of, as Maahes's head bent to except the feel of the water brushing over his face. For a moment the words of the rest and orders of men stilled into perfect silence as the sounds of the heavens. For just a moment he was lost to the world, the only one there, and at perfect balance with the war inside. The Arabic sat back on his heels letting the water fall over his body washing away the mud, leaving stripes of his forbidden flesh exposed. move her to her tent. Came into his mind and he instantly snapped from his trance and moved to scoop the woman up. "Lead the way." He spoke to the man, and waited to follow his lead. (d

Kaelyn: ** The water was cool as it fell on her skin... she was a daughter of nature and it called to her wild Ranger heart. Powerful arms once more lifted her " I can walk." but said no more for she knew neither Pagan or Maahes would listen. Pagan had watched the way the large man reacted to the rain and shook his head, watching the dirt being washed away. " This way." he said in a deep baritone voice as he walked to wards the large tent still set up in the middle of the camp. Though Raven and Kae had a home now no one had thought to take it down good thing too at this moment. " Phantom go and get Mira and have her come here to see to our Lady Princess." Phantom nodded and moved off to a smaller tent on the far side of the camp. Pagan opened the flaps to the Royal tent and waited for Maahes to enter with Kae. Kae frowned at both men " I am fine... I only swooned." her tone mildly irritated at having done such.

Maahes: "You will be silent." He commanded as he placed her over the furs of the bed, the heavy tendrils of his hair falling over his shoulders; the silver rings that wraps them glinting in the light. Suddenly realizing how harsh that must have sounded he instantly found her eyes. "I'm sorry but I fear for the child within you." He had been in this same position not but a week before with his best friend. She was shot with an arrow, and though he could have gotten over the death of her Tommy, but the baby that rest inside her had made him break down inside. He heard her title, but it would go in one ear and out the other as such things meant little to him. (d

Kaelyn: ** The tone he just spoke with had her rising up on the bed and Pagan stepping forward until he saw her face and then stepping back just a quick. " Oh holy Odin." he hissed. Kae glared at him " Who in the name of bloody hell do you think you are speaking to me that way." anger reared its ugly head only to be pushed back when he spoke of his fears and it was her turn to flush a bit. " I am sorry Maahes... I myself am concerned." her voice suddenly sounding small as she laid her hand on her belly. " The babe moves...but it is more like a flutter." her eyes filled with tears at the thought of loosing their child. " I am worn out pulled in may directions.... is there no end to it all?" Pagan stood there watching silently feeling it was alright " I will go see where Mira is... Princess by your leave." he said and waited. Kaelyn gave him a smile " Aye, Pagan...." she waved her hand to him and then covered her face and sobbed. Not caring that the giant was still there. A Princess and warrior she may be but she was still human and a woman after all. **


Maahes: Woman was right! Maahes felt as if he was dealing with a delicate rose made of glass, should he reach out and touch it perhaps it would shatter. However, to see her cry did not break him like perhaps it should he knew nothing of her but the sight still caused his heart to still just a moment. The first time his son cried, Galen was 10 and Maahes just picked him up and dusted him off, but how does one do that to a grown woman? Uh..uh...Looking around the now empty tent and found a thick blanket pulling it wrap around her. "Your husband will be here soon." In other words..I don't know how to handle you, and if I tried I'd break you. He moved a bit closer and rest a hand on her knee as knelt beside her. The other free hand came to take her wrists pulling her hands from her face. "Do not hide your eyes from me." He begged in a much kinder voice like distant thunder on the horizon. "Ask your God for the rest, mine gives me mine when I need it." (d

Kaelyn: ** She was far from delicate or being made of glass... yet there she was. Kae swiped at her tears with such ferocity it would have made others stumble back from her... she was no simpering maid to be brought to tears right? Wrong! His words soothed her somehow and when her placed the blanket around her and pulled her hands from her eyes she looked at him. Worry and fear held within the brilliant blue depths of them " Perhaps, I have prayed to Gods of my father and the one of my mother... and feel like a lost child to both." Could the Gods forgive the sins of a daughter of two people, two religions? Kae had never felt like this and yet here was this man a stranger practically, offering her comfort in the only way he must know. " Maahes you are a good man to stay when most would flee me right now." she said in Arabic to him. Yes... she knew his language and several more so it would appear there is more to her than most would ever know. Hearing him ask her not to hide her eyes she met his gaze and held it like the warrior she is " I will not do so again." she gave him a graceful nod of her head and a small smile.**


Maahes: "It is important in my country." His thick accent sounded as he released her hands. "You do not look away or you become the lesser of us."He had not made any comment back in his native tongue, nor acknowledged that she used the words. He worked hard to fit in, to not only forget of that life, but to also try his hardest to feel like he belonged. Though with the little reminder he realized how much he would like to see his home again. Perhaps he could fit in more if he would try and form his image, but for now just trying to keep up with their words was enough. "You have enough wonderment inside you that I have no doubt you could have been just fine without me." He moved his hands to either side of her tightening the blanket around her. "Your child is important, the baby should remove you from your duty and sparing in the field with the men. How would Lord Raven feel if you killed the child inside you for wanting to vent your frustration." Woah! Where did that come from? Not making her feel any better huh, but perhaps this would be what knocked some sense inside her. Though if she only knew he was speaking his heart on the behalf of another who was in the very same spot. (d


Kaelyn: ** Kae had not missed that he did not acknowledge that she spoke in his language or that he did not speak it back, she would not push it either he had his reasons. " Perhaps I am lesser regardless." she watched as he pulled the blanket tighter around her. When he spoke of her child and husband her temper flared for an instant " Do you think I do not know that my bairn is important! Or that it would kill my husband and myself if I lost this child??!" she placed her hands against his chest and shoved him back and stood up. Wobbling a bit as she did so she spun around and looked at him " I am a Knight and a Ranger... a warrior... it is what I do.... what I know." Kae rose to her full height and yet somehow next to him still felt small. " Do not tell me about me duties... or being removed from them." her Norse and Scots temper now burning bright. It was better than crying right?? She turned her back to him and leaned on the table in the tent for support. " I am not like other woman I do not know how to be like them. From a child I was trained to be who I am now... A warrior and a Queen in my own lands." her tone had lost some of its bite and her temper cooled as well. **

Maahes: Yes he knew of this temper, these Norse women, but never in her life would she come across one as dangerous as this one. She would press him back and turn away the touch uninvited and instantly repulsed. Her words sent fury to rise no matter how high her frame would rise Maahes could tower it. Like a Lion on it's prey he moved around her teeth clenched and booming growl escaping his lips in words. "THIS Is NOT about YOU!" His breath was warm against her neck as his face was inches from her own. "This is about THAT child!! YOU are the one who questions your care, everytime you put yourself in danger!" Like today. "So do NOT" He barked. "Use the excuse it is all you know, for I know it is not. YOU are woman. Women know how to protect their child, and not taking care of yourself makes you a child." This really was therapy for him, as he's wanted to say these things to Tommy for so long, and taking this out on her was going to work in both of their favors if only he could make her understand. "I do not question your want for this baby, nor the desire to keep it alive, only your logic of how you are going about it." This was proof..proof that beyond the heart of war, the drums of an African heritage not only pumped through his body but fed a brain that worked just as hard as the rest. Maahes may not be able to read or write, but darn it the will was there!! (d

Kaelyn: ** When he rose and towered over he and then began to bellow at her she never backed down she stood there and took it like any soldier would. Though his words were like an arrow through her heart...she remained standing there in front of him. It was then that Pagan, Phantom, and Draven burst into the tent when they heard the shouting. Draven drew his sword " BACK AWAY FROM HER NOW!" he commanded loudly as the other two moved on opposite sides to assist if needed. Draven stood at six foot three and was built like a wall... he would kill protecting his cousin. Kae looked around when she heard Dravens' voice " Laz( peace) Draven stay your sword!" her tone firm and commanding .... yes even for a woman. She was holding up her hands to keep the men back..." Maahes you speak clear and your words have made their point. " she met his heated and angry gaze steadily so he could see in her eyes that she had heard him. " Forgive my temper and please accept my apology and friendship." she placed a fisted hand over her heart and bowed to him. Her Knight's could not believe what they were seeing...someone other than Raven that could speak thusly to their Lady and live. They all nodded to her and then to him and one by one left the tent once more...though not happily. It would seem this Giant man had made a friend of the White Wolf of Argania. It was not something that happened often with her if at all.**

Maahes: Don't cage the beast, don't cage the beast! Somewhere on the winds a voice would raise with the plea. Was it God? "Put that sword away, pretty boy." All words of reason went out the tent's entrance as the man came in. Inches from Draven Maahes's body stiffened and tensed with the preparation for battle. His shoulders rolling to release the tension as
before a war. Kae's words were lost, though later perhaps they would be more welcome. "Move him, or I will remove his head." He spoke to the woman but eyes never once moved to her. They bore into the orbs of the other like hot coals burning in the night. He was seething with the reluctant rage, and needed to escape the confines of the tent. (d


Kaelyn: ** As her knight's walked from the tent she stood looking at him wanting to hit him though she had just offered him her friendship and apology. Her temper still in full swing she shoved past him to stand in the tent opening allowing the air to beat against her. She clung to the fabric til her fingers turned white...Kae knew he spoke the truth to her and he had gained her respect in saying them. It only happened one other time long ago in the Kingdom of Windsor only then the man had been the Captain of the Royal Guard George and long before she had remembered who she really was. She was tired and did not know how she remained standing except perhaps by sheer determination of not wanting to faint again in front of the behemoth of a man. Her head lowered slowly and to all who could see her she looked defeated in will. Her strength
ebbed as she turned to face him blue eyes meeting dark ones " Anything else you wish to say to me? Or have said everything to this child you see me as?" she walked slowly back into the tent. Her face still flushed from anger and she made her way to the table to pour them both some water.**


Maahes: "Have a good evening." Would be all he would say to that as he made his way out into the night and rain. Maahes had a million things on his mind, but the most important was a bath and a good hot meal. (d

Kaelyn: ** She stood there as he walked past her and out of the tent into the rain. She suddenly felt alone and perhaps that was for the best right now as his words still swirled about in her mind, she walked wearily to her bed and laid down falling asleep immediately, her hands upon her belly where her child lay growing within.**

~~ END THREAD~~