Post by Sir Kendrew Campbell on Aug 21, 2008 1:47:40 GMT -6
A Noble Puzzle: We are the sum of our parts - comprised of blood, flesh, and the intangible spirit that is rumored to survive beyond the world of man. What if you were one who's spirit was the equated sum of your parts and the earthly portion was known by the dead and given to God to do with what he pleased? All that mattered under heaven was the sinew that moved his arm, the mind issuing command. The Knight Champion. What was this but words? He aspired to this: to be one among the hundreds that answered the call to be part of something greater than themselves. Candle light flooded the Catherdral with an atmosphere of divine radiance. Was someone hear, did they listen to the prayers of a man on his knee? With no one to see it would be God and the priest that saw the penance of the humble man among men. On his naked hand he lifted up the sword he would wield. On his back was the shield that deflected the blow of his enemy. On his mouth the words - "Christ I pray you. Deliver me from from sin and the faults of this earth and lift me to greater things beyond this world. Bless my hand that it might wield my sword. Bless it that it might use shield and spear. Help me to do justice in thy name and to fufill the fullness of my oaths. Amen." (d)
VeiledProphecy: God. Religion. Faith. Belief. These were things that once had been in her heart and mind. Her Papa and Beth had believed strongly, had never questioned the will of God, and had even went to Church on occasion. Even when they could not go out, when Father was away on business and Semara would not allow them to, Beth and her had read from the good book or doubled their prayers. Now though, to stand inside the Cathedral here felt odd to Liliana. The last timeshe had stepped inside one...before they'd left on the trip where her Papa and Beth had been murdered and her own life nearly taken. The day she had started to question everything and had her innocence ripped away. It was unknown to her why she had even stepped inside the doors and chocolate eyes filled with uncertainty moved around the interior as quiet footsteps took her forward. (d)
A Noble Puzzle: The priest took holy water and oil from the alter with a benediction uttered, "By the power of the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit. I bless you and these tools. Go into battle knowing you go with God." The cross was made over his sword, on the the shield across his back, and lastly his brow. He felt his throat close over a hard lump; the emotion of the sacred exchange of Knight and Deity was centuries old. "Amen," he murmured, crossing himself with hands that clasped the hem of the priestly garments. Bestowing them a kiss, the man looked upon one his own age as he said, "Go in peace, my son." He rose to his feet feeling stronger in already strong convictions. Sheathing the swordcame next as the metal caught the light of candles, the source swallowed thus in his sheath to carry with him to the field on the morrow. Reaching over to the pew at his left, he picked up a pair of leather gloves that he might slide in his hand, pausing only as he spied familiarity ahead of him. (d)
VeiledProphecy: Why am I here...the question was asked of herself, but not a single answer came. There was not one. At least that she knew anyways. There were many times that she'd yearned to step inside, to feel again that peace it'd always brought when she'd gone with her Papa and Beth. She never had though. And now, it was something else that brought her here. The answer seemed to come as she froze in her movements, hands clasped tightly at her waist and bodytight with tension. Did you forsake me? Did I do something to be punished? Those were the questions that needed answers truly. Chocolate eyes did not see Kendrew nor hear any sounds as they stared straight ahead. (d)
A Noble Puzzle: If she would have asked Kendrew he would have said To be a testament to God's work in the body of a woman. Eve's punishment made women strong for they bore the suffering of pain, risked death to bring life. Their hands could soothe, eyes could gleen the mysteries while a man? Strength aside, sacrifice withstanding, it took a man more to learn what women seemed to grasp without effort. That was why she was here. Why had some come? To make peace or to understand the meaning of the word's depth, perhaps, or to bury the past. As she stared off in to nothing a voice would herald her back. "It is late yet," he whispered as he looked to her from the vantage of his height. Consumed by his shadow, his body hid hers from prying eyes. "Did you come alone, where is your escort my lady?" He would not encroach on the free-will yet wanted no risk to come at the expense of that freedom. For a time his eyes would not be Beathag, Jelenah, or her. (d)
VeiledProphecy: It was as though those two questions paralyzed her body, locked her mind into memories that were dark and cruel, as she sought some sign of an answer. Something to prove the part of her that whispered that she had been forsaken...wrong. Finally it was a familiar, comforting voice that broke her free from those thoughts that had made copper-chinned cheeks pale and tears glisten in chocolate eyes as they'd lift to lock gazes with Kendrew. An escort? A negative shake of her head would be given, ebony hair in a tight bun tonight instead of typical braid, as she'd murmur,"I did not think to bring one. Forgive me." It was foolishness for any woman to be out alone at this hour and she knew better. (d)
A Noble Puzzle: He gave a sigh of discontent with those left behind in his stead. Before he went to the Valley of Stars he would see that each woman had a shadow to shield her as his did now. It should be known that they were to follow, to guard. To be unseen but always watching. A tilt of his head as the tear caught his eye made him gently touch the sides of her face. "My Lady....what can the matter be?" He furrowed his brow as his voice did not rise high. (d)
VeiledProphecy: When that hand touched her face, connecting with tender skin, she flinched and stepped back. It was instinct that made her do so. The memories that had assaulted her mind during those moments were still too fresh. Immediately guilt would assail her and her face would turn red with shame,"I apologize, Sir Kendrew. That was...not any fault of yours." Her tone begged him to understand and believe her, and not to be offended. Falling silent, looking briefly about the cathedral again, she'd whisper,"Why do you think it is God punishes good people and allows evil to prevail?" Fear of being struck down for asking such a sinful question, in a cathedral no less!, made her voice seem small. (d)
A Noble Puzzle: He forgot that they stood in the throws of God's sight and influence. With his hands on the side of her face, for an instant he wanted only to take all of her fears and place them on his shoulders. To combat her enemies as he did those of his sovereigns. The woven spell fell apart as she flinched, and he remembered himself. He turned his face to the side as he cleared his throat in the humiliation of forgeting himself. "No, let me," he muttered "I broached my place." He crossed himself anew as if to free himself of offense's constraint that God might forgive his penance while they stood on holy ground. His ear remained hers and at her utterance she said, "Just like there is a son and moon, Mistress, there is good and evil. To either we have what the angels do not. Free will. In some it is malaligned, but he does not punish the good." (d)
VeiledProphecy: "Do not blame yourself. I take no offense to your touch. It was meant in comfort and not cruelty. It has been many years since I have felt the first. It is the memories of men who were not as honorable as you, Kendrew, who make me react so. I should not allow them such control, but...I am weak." Such honest and brave words spoken for someone so weak. Liliana had not stated much on the matter of what had happened to her before coming to Skye. Out of shame andfear. His response to her question brought a thoughtful look upon her face,"Are people born evil?" (d)
A Noble Puzzle: "Tis a good thing to heed ye own words. You are not those things." He shook his head, the brown undone. Her earnest showed a substance of soul, one reverant for such a place as this. "People are only born. Neither evil nor good, tis what is seen, what is felt and in time what is decided that makes someone so. It is the freedom to choose. We all have a choice Mistress Liliana. " The alter on which he had knelt was caught by the moon. The arms of the Christ were open in the company of his saints to take the burden. Many a long hours did he spend here or at the foot of his brother's grave to divulge that burden to heaven. "Shall we go and look to the sky. I would like to show you some what, if you do not mind." He bowed, offering her an arm to take at her own discretion. (d)
iledProphecy: "I was told by a woman, my own Stepmother, that...I was evil. Something to be detested and loathed. I always thought it to be true after my father and sister were killed. I thought it was my fault..." Such hurtful words had beenspoken to her as a child and when her family had been alive, they had been able to make her not believe them. It was only afterward, after she had watched them be killed, that she had thought them all true. Placing hand upon the
offered arm, curiousity in her chocolate gaze, she'd nod,"I would like to see what it is you wish to show me." (d)
A Noble Puzzle: Kendrew's face shifted with the words of the story until the twists of her torchured passages wore lines of deep set worry on an often smooth face. In his exhale he spoke, " She did you a harm that has been left too long undone, my friend. The evil, the detest, lay in the spewing of vile words and those that committed the horrid act. Her bitterness poisoned her,and mark tha' lesson.." He lifted his index finger, " It is a poison, one that for all the world I would not see marr you...aye, come." A show of trust he violated not, but carried the hand on his arm as a feather in the hands of a child. Through the halls of the Cathedral he took her. The eyes of the saints, the stories of the faith in the stained glass shone down on them until the interior gave way to the exterior. Up a great set of stone steps they walked until beneath the seeming jeweled-glass dome supported by stones, the moon's light cut color into a thousand pieces. Above them was a relief of angel's wings that left shadow against their own, as if they too, for a moment, were heavenly hosts. "Look.." he bade her "Look there. There's piece of such in ye, even if by man's merit it is small. We are not so far from heaven as to ne'er find a way back. I would ask you this, if I might ask of thee anything at all. To hold fast to the goodness of thyself when I am away. Twould be most horrid if you lost that, m'lady. The woman that faced the White Hound." He smiled " and found her softness when she was all vice. God has not forsaken ye but blessed ye I think with a rare gift." His eyes. So full those eyes of wisdom, of kindness, of a lacking he might never speak of. (d)
VeiledProphecy: There was no question of trust as Liliana's footsteps moved with Kendrew's own. She did not worry that he would cause her harm of any sort. Even upon their first meeting she had sensed that he was not that kind of man. Now he was a presence she found soothing and warm. A kind soul. His words before had brought a touch of a smile to her lips though no words were spoken. Chocolate eyes would light upon the sight that he showed her with a sense of awe. Looking at it while ears took in his words, Liliana felt warmth and a bit of the belief she'd had as a child returning. "I will hold onto it with both hands, Kendrew, that I promise." Mention of Bess brought a light to chocolate eyes and alaugh,"She is not as fearsome to me as some may find her. She is a sweet, loving, brave soul." (d)
A Noble Puzzle: A spark of gaeity pulled on the distress on his face to replace it with a sense of wonder as he gazed on one of the rare everyday angel's he had the privelege to know. Should one need serve at the foot of a cause a man would find none better than to be in service to those in service to others. The flawless rainbow painted wings across her as he would take from this the sight of her as radiant as dawn. The colors became silver glass as the wind made the wings beat before his eyes, or was it only the trees beyond? He would remember this as he went to heed the call of battle. "Good," he whispered, " Good. Ah. No, you are not wicked and she is nay so fearsome. It is stature..the fact she has bled rivers as a man that many find awe inspiring. But she only wishes to give of her sacrifice. I admire her much forthis, now with you there she and jelenah are rightly completed. I will take such fact with me when I go soon." (d)
VeiledProphecy: "She is a strong woman and one to learn from. I have never met a woman that is like the Duchess. Who has given as much for a land and its people...yet still stands." Liliana wished she were as brave as Bess. Yet, the idea of war andviolence frightened her to a point where she wished to hide from it. Hearing Kendrew's words caused brows to furrow and a bit of worry to fill her gaze,"When do you leave?" (d- brb one more minute -.-; )
A Noble Puzzle: "Yes..she is too stubborn to die, though she came as close as to have the nation in mourning for her passing.." The truth in earnest was that Beathag had straddled the line far closer than any would have liked. Adam, too, walked a line that made it no wonder why the two sovereigns would stay in the castle where they belonged. They were irreplacable. "You all compliment one another." Violence and war were the way he made his life. All his honor had come from being a merchant of death yet he sought no reward than the upholding of a moment as this. "Mayhaps this night, or early in the morn. The enemy is many and it must not be allowed to go towards many more." (d)
VeiledProphecy: Though not a comment was made to his words, Liliana could understand why Skye would mourn the loss of Bess. She could not imagine having not met her or seeing her die. It was a painful thought. "Compliment each other?" Liliana was not sure how, but was curious to know. Yet, his next words killed the curiousity. "That soon?" War meant risk of death and injury. It meant the possibility of him not returning. Yet, she could not show worry now. Smile curving her lips, teasing light in her gaze, she'd murmur,"Should I come to protect your backside? I saw how you faired against the women." (d)
A Noble Puzzle: "Tis no secret, m'lady. You genuinely amuse her n' she favors you. Tha' is a rare favor." At times, his accent could grow more pronounced around his English as the boy in him surfaced at a good jest. "You and Jelenah, are the..mm.the sweetness to her steel and brass. Reminding her that it is good to enjoy the fruits of her work." War meant risk of death and injury, a price he'd been willing to pay since he was ten and a courier with dreams made of banners and steel as he watch, dirt to his face, the men he admired. That was many years ago and now he was the one to be admired if he was fortunate. This was why he favored her company, too, a habit of making the rising bleak entertaining. "Oh..God have mercy on me, nay..you stay here n' let us hope the field will have no swooning woman." They swooned he died..they were too pronounced he nearly grew vexed in action. In this he laughed, heartily, smiling as he shook his head. "You'd have no more of me I am sure. Cast me away to see such stupidity. No, the field is safe! A man knows war." (d)
VeiledProphecy: That comparison would make her nod softly,"It is good to enjoy life especially when one fights so hard to protect it as the Duchess has. She deserves to experience the fruits of it all more than anyone, I think." It was the reactionto her teasing that brought the widening of her lips even more as she'd laugh with him,"Then I guess I will stay here to make sure that none try to stalk you when you leave for battle." Tilting her head to the side, brow lifting, Liliana would watch him quietly a moment and then speak,"Make me a promise, if you will, Kendrew? As you have asked something of me...I wish to ask something of you." (d)
A Noble Puzzle: "What would you ask of me, m'friend," for they were such were they not, "if it is within my power to grant ye know I shall." The smile was still on his face, and Maahes would have never let him have peace for the width of it.A side of the man seen by little as he clasped his hands behind his back waiting to hear what an angel would ask of a meager man. (d)
VeiledProphecy: "I would ask that you promise to return. I know, it is absurd to ask such of a man for one cannot determine what hand Fate will deal them...." Trailing off, looking from him to the sight that he had shown her before, she'dcontinue,"Yet it is what I ask of you, my friend." Kendrew was a friend and Liliana cherished those she had for...she had been without any for so long. She did not know what she'd do if she were to lose one already. (d)
A Noble Puzzle: "Liliana.." He stepped forward and said through his breath with a soft, sad smile, "I would not promise you something that may not come to pass. But I will promise you not to go gentle into the dark night..." At first he relented..but reaching out..he put a hand gently to either side of her forearms. " I promise ye tha' I won't seek to die or offer m'self to the end willing like. That I will take the fact tha' you thought so much...as to ask that of me." To say he was touched would be to diminish the utter comfort given to a man who thought to take none to begin with.He called her by name, without herald before it other than what she was. "To..thank you for that." (d)
VeiledProphecy: There was no flinching this time when hands touched as he had her full trust. Kendrew did not bring fear to her heart. As he spoke so earnestly, the emotion displayed by her asking that of him, tears gathered in her chocolate eyes. She did not say a word until he finished speaking though. Her own voice would be soft as she swallowed a lump,"Then I will hold you to those
A Noble Puzzle: "You're crying.." He watched her with soft eyes that held nothing but reverance. No one cried for him, or asked him to return. He stepped closer to her as arms would move around her back, he would not give rise to the lump in his own throat as precious little moved him thus. He had watched towers burn and cities crumble to dust of history yet no one but his brother-in-arms to mourn the passage of time. She smelled the scent of his oiled leathers, the cotton scented with the springs in which he'd bathed. "Forgive me," he whispered as he drew his arms tighter around her..letting the top of his head fall to the crown of hers. So small, so fragile with a heart that beat loud in his ears. He closed his eyes as he savored the moment. (d)
Flanman69: -=A dark corner of the cathedral stirred almost imperceptibly. From the shadows, the profile of a black oilskin poncho and broad brimmed hat partially entered the dim moonlight filtering in through the stainedglass windows. There it stood wordlessly, perhaps a dark counterpart of the holy statues and stately decor surrounding them in stoney silence.=- (d)
VeiledProphecy: To be held, arms wrapped around her and head resting on hers, felt wonderful. It had been many years since she'd been held and felt safe. Returning the hug without hesitating, Liliana would smile softly as she sniffled,"There is naught to forgive. These tears were brought on...by..." A light shrug would be given when she could not find the words. She did not know what brought them on. The presence of another was not noticed as she was cocooned in safe,soothing arms. (d)
A Noble Puzzle: - " I tresspass 'pon your person..." He whispered, smelling her hair as it nearly impaired him. "You are young yet Liliana. Spring takes ye, shapes ye. This is but rain for you, to nourish a few fields ye didn't know needed tobloom. Tha's all it be." Her arms bore no hestiation. A countenance in the shadows could be as long as no harm came. Be he man posing as gargoyle or merely a pair of eyes in the infinite sea of the stone ones..this was all he saw. His eyes would be full of mist filled water brimming falling onto her hair. "What a flower you are..to make the tired rememer a bit about beauty." He pressed his lips to her forehead. " Shhh.." (d)
Flanman69: -=The wrinkled brim swiveled towards the altar, moonlight spilling over it and on to the folds of oilskin cloth as it tipped upwards the source. It paused in that repose, seeming to ponder something weighty. While the tender sceneunfolded, the hulking frame stood in solemn silence.=- (d)
VeiledProphecy: A tiny shake of her head would be given, just enough for him to feel the movement with head resting against hers,"You do not trespass." It was a simple, honest statement. She did not want to be released just yet. It was the feel of moisture upon her scalp that brought the lifting of her head a bit to look into his face and laughter would follow. "Look what I've gone and done! I've made you cry too..." The kiss to her forehead would bring a soft smile and one slim hand would lift to touch his face. Fingertips gently moving to wipe the tears from his cheeks,"I am well now." Chocolate eyes would move over his face and she'd smile wider,"Do not cry." (d)
A Noble Puzzle: "That is good to know. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, n' so help me I only just made m'prayers." He let a hand lapse up to run a gloved hand across the ends of her hair, along her back. Women made simpletons of men she'd made the aged warrior cry. To this he laughed again, only now to find it was her eyes he looked in. "Och. This is no country for the old men, you will unravel me n' I won't save face.." Where was her hand moving? He was in a moment's shock as she heard his voice catch in his throat. If she though to pull away, that now she had offended him..the moment was remedied by the large hand gently holding her own in place. "What weapon do you use to pierce a heart with such skill," he muttered, hair hanging as he looked down a little to the lack of space between them. "And you do not even know it. Do ye. Do not even know.." (d)
Flanman69: -=The stolid figure now broke the quiet as a voice rumbled and eddied about the stone walls, columns, and the couple.=- 'Tis the hand of the innocent that can cut the deepest. Fergive me. I was taught nae tae ruin a tender moment, but there be preparations tae be made. Things tae come that would rob ye two of the happiness that ye both yearn for in such earnest. The more time ye spend on pressing matters now, the better yer chances of enjoying each other afterwards. I donnae imagine that I need explain just how fulfilling such will be, and how great the loss might be. (d)
VeiledProphecy: Confusion would fill her gaze, making brows furrow and head cant to the side. "What do I not know, Kendrew?" Such a softly spoken question, as she took in the feel of his hand holding hers. She was not inclined to move from this spot. Yet the sound of another familiar voice would interrupt and make her copper-cheeks turn red. She had not realized that another had been there. Twisting her head, stepping back instinctively though she did not release Kendrew's hand just yet, she'd murmur,"Good evening, Jack." His words caused the blush to deepen and she'd fall silent. (d)
A Noble Puzzle: The man emerged from the stone to disturb the moment a man was delivered, for an instant, from the quiet madness that enveloped him. A deep rumbling in his chest turned out the baritone that said, "Fine poetry n' a fine bit of sense delivered like a riddler man." It would be the irony that when he elected to foster a closeness it would be witnessed. A shake of his head occurred as the free hand pushed strands of his hair back. He was right only to the point that to be prepared was to have advantage. "There is no more we can do now, save wait for the horn of battle. The pikeman n' foot soldiers have gone ahead of m'self. Does help though, to be the one ith the horn, Jack." On his belt was the white washed horn rimmed in gold. Jack-of-all-Trades. Useful fellow, honorable. His irritability at his timing was replaced with a soft laugh. "I told ye tha' you make old men forget themselves." He pulled Liliana close again as he looked to Jack. "Have ye got news or did ye survey the Gargoyles instead?" (d)
Flanman69: -=The wrinkled brim shook slowly as the voice continue on. It spoke in a gentle manner despite its propensity to rumble in the acoustically rich surroundings.=- There nae be need tae be modest fer me sake. Hold him close lady without shame or fear. I understand that ye have employed strategy, but battle doesnae always wait fer a horn, nor stay at the front. Even if there are nae surprises tae be found, we can expect tae put our bodies under great duress tomorrow. And further duress yet if we are naeeach other at each other's sides. I can get ye both a bedroll. But sleep, further words will only detract from what yer hearts already know. (d)
VeiledProphecy: Listening to the words pass between the men, content to be against Kendrew's side when he pulled her against, she'd think about the battle ahead. A silent prayer, one of the first to come from her in many years, would cross her mind...Please Lord keep him safe. It was not a prayer for her nor for anything fancy. It was a prayer to keep him safe and to help him keep his promise. Jack's words brought her attention to him and the blush stained her cheeks once again. "Oh...I...uh....clamping her mouth shut, unsure what to say, she'd finally just decide to not say anything. Surely not! Kendrew was a friend...naught else...that was it. Right? Oh dear...Liliana was dearly confused now. (d)
A Noble Puzzle: Jack gave agood speech on the necessity of rest and what as to come on the morrow. Now, it was the talk of what lay in the heart that made the man stare at his counterpart with a look of Shut your gaw, would ye as he talked of hearts and bedrolls in the house of God where a woman was present. Did he know nothing of a woman's modesty?Ah hell, he thought, not saying it out loud before he looked down to Liliana with a soft laugh. "Don't worry o'er much, m'lady," he canted his head to the man just yonder, "There's a good ride ahead of me n' I'm well awake and... there's nay..bedrolls I'd e'er be settin' out before the eyes of the Savior. Nor would it be to offend your good honor either. Let's walk poor girl, and pray for this man as we do." (d)
Flanman69: -=Again the wrinled brim would turn, but towards the altar this time as the voice spoke wistfully, more "at" them than actually "to" them.=- I cannae think of a better house for love than a chapel under the gaze of God. But as I told ye further words would only detract from what yer hearts already know, and they have. Let me urge ye once more tae rest here. As fer me, I will leave ye peace and nae speak a word, whether yer actions here are socially accepeted as "proper" or nae. Me honor lies here in the shadows, as it has for a very -=he let the word drip onto the stone floor.=- long time. I donnae seek yer prayers but let me have ye stay here and be closer the divine. (d)
VeiledProphecy: For all that had been seen by her eyes and done to her by cruel hands there still remained some innocence. It was what brought the blush to her cheeks and made her stumble over words. Jack had not offended her, honestly. Indeed it was more...shock. Surely there was...no...chocolate eyes would observe Kendrew from underneath black lashes. Was there anything there? There couldn't be though. For one, they had not known each other long. For two, well...she couldn't think of anything. Kendrew was a trusted friend...that was all. Yet, she was worried about him not returning. He is a handsome man...Such a random thought and it caused her to look away quickly to Jack. "Be well this evening and safe upon the field if you go into battle as the others." Thoughts of what would have passed between Kendrew and her had they been alone longer wandered through her mind as she'd fall silent again. (d)
A Noble Puzzle: "Tha's downright heathen sounding Jack. Downright heathen and indecent n' so many ways." He knit his brow together and mouth drew into a tight line as he ushered the party further away from the saints and Jesus with all this talk tadamount to bedding. Let it be known that despite his conviction he was still a man..a man who was befuddled the night prior by orchid perfume, and another with the woman who had been in his arms. Before the battle he may have to pray some more...douse his head in water...and pray again. The sheer nearness of her, though, he found he could not help but to smile over. Aye, he was friend to Liliana as he was to Jelenah and Bess, but he was stirred by her. "M'lady might I have a word with you for a moment o' brevity?" He looked over at Jack..honors in the shadows his backside! What won't they think up next? People and the blasted speeches he heard in this city kept him up at all hours pondering the meaning of all that fuss for a few words. Bah. As it was he would be guilty of wishing to speak on a matter but would leave Jack to converse with St. Therese-of-the-Picadilly (
Flanman69: -=The brim would dip in a nod at the lady's words.=- Aye, ye two be safe as well. And above all else, rest. The brim then rose slightly to level on the retreating lord.=- Heathen? Quite the contrary. -=The voice would rumble like the thrum of a panther's purr.=- But now nae be the time tae explain -=The figure would step back out of the moonlight, moving languidly towards the altar as the shadows would envelope his silhouette.=- (d)
VeiledProphecy: Heathen indeed! To do such in a place of worship seemed...well...wrong somehow. Let alone the fact that Liliana did not think she could be beared to be touched in a manner after what she had been through. Why then did she wonder if it would be different with Kendrew? Such a sinful thought! Offering up a prayer of forgiveness for thinking such within these walls, Liliana would watch Jack disappear. Her attention would be turned upon hearing Kendrew's voice,one brow lifting as she'd murmur,"Of course. Is something the matter?" Moving toward him, stopping a few steps away, hoping he could not read minds as she'd wait for him to speak. (d)
A Noble Puzzle: Now if Jack meant such thoughts as coursing through flustered minds was for him to know and them to ponder - yet it was the lady's honor he worried over - aye, twas it! The gentle character of a tender woman was to be cherished with the utmost! No, fortunatly Kendrew was not so astute as to peer into the head and pick apart the thoughts. As she stood further away...he was to speak. Then he gently took her hand as he made it a little further toward the doors, a bit back of the altar? Ah ha. Air. "Let me first apologize for Jack there. Spoutin' his rhetoric n' all. Nary a wrong intention ment." He grumbled a he muttered something to the tune of saints preserve me before breathing outward. "I have..enjoyed..do enjoy yer company, m'lady." The spell of the moment dissolved for that was when he'd had the better words..but he tengly touched her face. "You're fetchin', Liliana. Very fetchin.' (d)
VeiledProphecy: Grin widening a bit as he'd take her hand, moving them closer to the door, she'd watch Kendrew quietly. When he apologized for Jack, she'd give a nod of her head. Though there had been no offense taken by Jack's words it wasnonetheless sweet for him to say such. Yet, nothing prepared her for the words to follow. Chocolate eyes would widen a bit and cheeks would become stained with red. Yet, there was no anger or any sign of discomfort. Just...the blush of a woman who was not used to being complimented and of one who'd been unsuspecting of him thinking such about her. "I..." Biting her bottom lip, she'd nibble on it a moment as she allowed herself to enjoy his hand upon hercheek. Finally words would come, though whispered,"I enjoy your company as well, Kendrew." She felt oddly shy to add that she also found him fetching, so instead settled on hoping those words would due for now. (d)
A Noble Puzzle: "I am glad tha' you do.." He hesitated a second, before resting his forehead against hers, "I..will tell ye. I'm nay the youngest man in Turas Lan nor the island, and certain there's far better who ought pay attention to you that is for certain. Liliana..not the best with words at time like this." The blush of her face could be felt in heat he willed his pores to absorb into his own skin. A half callused- half softened hand brushed along the side of her face. "You are friend to me, aye? But ye...stir me. Please shut me up if I sound too much the fool. Ye've given me a bit o' hope. Tha' is not something had no do I seek to have it." He grumbled a little. No country for old men indeed. Women were not his forte..persay. The years had dulled the knife edge of his ability to translate his thoughts for he wasn't a frequenter of taverns as he was when he was younger. (d)
Flanman69: -=If any were to investigate the shadows of the cathedral, they would find the burly frame in a heap of oilskin cloth in a dark corner near the altar, wrinkled brim bowed as if to sleep.=- (d)
VeiledProphecy: Well, this was turning out to be quite the evening. Liliana found herself quite pleased that she had stepped inside the cathedral. Perhaps it was once again that guiding hand that was responsible for bringing her here. Kendrew's words mingled with the way his forehead was against hers stirred something inside her. Liliana was not experience in romantic emotions. She had only once thought herself in love, but that had turned out to be foolishness. Then when she'd been taken captive the swearing off of men had taken place out of fear and shame. Now though...she could care less if she had sworn it off. Lips curving into a soft smile as he went on she'd place a finger to his lips gently,"Young men are rash and inexperienced. They know naught of the world nor are they wise. They do not know how to soothe nor comfort a woman generally. Age does not matter to me. You are wise, sweet, brave, and handsome. A man that is admired by many for his deeds and stands at the side of one of the greatest women I have the honor to call friend. That is all that matters to me. I..." Stopping, unsure of what else to say, she'd just remove
her finger to allow him to speak if he wished. (d)
A Noble Puzzle: This was not reason he had come hence to Church but the Priest often mention the Lord working in mysterious ways. His eyes rolled inward to look at the finger he pressed on his mouth to keep it from moving. Thank ye Jesus he thought in grateful prayer. Listening to her go on he still furrowed his brow. A young woman, though, could be the bane of an older man if his heart broke or might seek elsewhere. Ignorance was not his to possess. He saw the age between them but to hear she was unhindered almost made him wish to laugh. He could only shake his head, capturing the hand of the quieting finger and kissing the palm of it. "Do nay know if I know all such but it serves enough." He leaned forward..uttering one last time.."Forgive me, aye?" He pressed his lips to her cheek, then let his nose cozy against the side of hers as he breathed an inch above her lips (d)
VeiledProphecy: "Forgive you?" Confused by those words, wondering what she had to forgive him for, Liliana was about to speak when lips touched her cheek. Eyelids would close, lashes fluttering against cheeks, as his nose moved against her cheek and she felt breath upon her lips. Would it not be that they would speak thus when he had to go to battle soon? Sighing softly, she'd lean back a minute to look over his face tenderly with chocolate eyes,"You will return to me or Iwill beat you, Kendrew." Stern words spoken with tenderness as she'd do something spontaneous and press a light kiss to his own lips. "For luck." (d)
A Noble Puzzle: He saw the top of her head as each strand of hair was coated with shadow and candle light. He felt the trembling of her skin under his mouth and her weight, substance shift in his arms as they moved from her face around her waist. Down the back fingertips walked as she threatened him with a beating if he didn't return. "Aye. Your wish is m'command M'Lady Mistress. Don't want to get the inards kicked out o' me.." Then it was his turn to be surprised. A kiss to his lips, no matter how fleeting..widened his eyes enough as he muttered, "Only green lads need luck, one o' the vantages of age. I make m'own damn luck." He closed the distance again, letting his lips rest with the same firmness her words feel. "Let me come back to ye aye? To do this fittin'." He muttered before he kissed her again (d)
Flanman69: -=There in the darkness, the wrinkled brim would upturn towards the crucifix. Though no mortal eye was there to see, a smile was formed before the brim would drop down to rest again.=- (d)
VeiledProphecy: A shiver went up and down her spine as fingers were felt moving down her back. That she'd gotten enough courage to kiss him had been surprising to her. Though she was glad she had. His words brought a sparkle to chocolate eyes,"Well then use it to re-" And words were cut off by his kiss. One that was different than hers. It created warmth in the pit of her stomach and made skin tingle. Even drew a sigh from her lips as body swayed closer. The thoughtcrossed her mind that he'd better return after showing her a glimpse of this! (d)
A Noble Puzzle: "Liliana.." He was floating. Drifting. He melded into her as he pulled the out. Out of the Church...and into an evening where his last few hours before the ride from the city would be spent merely holding to what was given him. We are often given what we don't know that is needed. For a man who never vyed for accolades but had them, sought no friend but was friend to all and earned them...he found that his heart raced at but the sound of a name on the : cusp of his 39th year, in the fallow of the 38th. "Liliana.." (d)
lanman69: -=There was a whisper that did not travel beyond the altar.=- So many...too many...to keep alive. Grant me strength. (d)
VeiledProphecy: God. Religion. Faith. Belief. These were things that once had been in her heart and mind. Her Papa and Beth had believed strongly, had never questioned the will of God, and had even went to Church on occasion. Even when they could not go out, when Father was away on business and Semara would not allow them to, Beth and her had read from the good book or doubled their prayers. Now though, to stand inside the Cathedral here felt odd to Liliana. The last timeshe had stepped inside one...before they'd left on the trip where her Papa and Beth had been murdered and her own life nearly taken. The day she had started to question everything and had her innocence ripped away. It was unknown to her why she had even stepped inside the doors and chocolate eyes filled with uncertainty moved around the interior as quiet footsteps took her forward. (d)
A Noble Puzzle: The priest took holy water and oil from the alter with a benediction uttered, "By the power of the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit. I bless you and these tools. Go into battle knowing you go with God." The cross was made over his sword, on the the shield across his back, and lastly his brow. He felt his throat close over a hard lump; the emotion of the sacred exchange of Knight and Deity was centuries old. "Amen," he murmured, crossing himself with hands that clasped the hem of the priestly garments. Bestowing them a kiss, the man looked upon one his own age as he said, "Go in peace, my son." He rose to his feet feeling stronger in already strong convictions. Sheathing the swordcame next as the metal caught the light of candles, the source swallowed thus in his sheath to carry with him to the field on the morrow. Reaching over to the pew at his left, he picked up a pair of leather gloves that he might slide in his hand, pausing only as he spied familiarity ahead of him. (d)
VeiledProphecy: Why am I here...the question was asked of herself, but not a single answer came. There was not one. At least that she knew anyways. There were many times that she'd yearned to step inside, to feel again that peace it'd always brought when she'd gone with her Papa and Beth. She never had though. And now, it was something else that brought her here. The answer seemed to come as she froze in her movements, hands clasped tightly at her waist and bodytight with tension. Did you forsake me? Did I do something to be punished? Those were the questions that needed answers truly. Chocolate eyes did not see Kendrew nor hear any sounds as they stared straight ahead. (d)
A Noble Puzzle: If she would have asked Kendrew he would have said To be a testament to God's work in the body of a woman. Eve's punishment made women strong for they bore the suffering of pain, risked death to bring life. Their hands could soothe, eyes could gleen the mysteries while a man? Strength aside, sacrifice withstanding, it took a man more to learn what women seemed to grasp without effort. That was why she was here. Why had some come? To make peace or to understand the meaning of the word's depth, perhaps, or to bury the past. As she stared off in to nothing a voice would herald her back. "It is late yet," he whispered as he looked to her from the vantage of his height. Consumed by his shadow, his body hid hers from prying eyes. "Did you come alone, where is your escort my lady?" He would not encroach on the free-will yet wanted no risk to come at the expense of that freedom. For a time his eyes would not be Beathag, Jelenah, or her. (d)
VeiledProphecy: It was as though those two questions paralyzed her body, locked her mind into memories that were dark and cruel, as she sought some sign of an answer. Something to prove the part of her that whispered that she had been forsaken...wrong. Finally it was a familiar, comforting voice that broke her free from those thoughts that had made copper-chinned cheeks pale and tears glisten in chocolate eyes as they'd lift to lock gazes with Kendrew. An escort? A negative shake of her head would be given, ebony hair in a tight bun tonight instead of typical braid, as she'd murmur,"I did not think to bring one. Forgive me." It was foolishness for any woman to be out alone at this hour and she knew better. (d)
A Noble Puzzle: He gave a sigh of discontent with those left behind in his stead. Before he went to the Valley of Stars he would see that each woman had a shadow to shield her as his did now. It should be known that they were to follow, to guard. To be unseen but always watching. A tilt of his head as the tear caught his eye made him gently touch the sides of her face. "My Lady....what can the matter be?" He furrowed his brow as his voice did not rise high. (d)
VeiledProphecy: When that hand touched her face, connecting with tender skin, she flinched and stepped back. It was instinct that made her do so. The memories that had assaulted her mind during those moments were still too fresh. Immediately guilt would assail her and her face would turn red with shame,"I apologize, Sir Kendrew. That was...not any fault of yours." Her tone begged him to understand and believe her, and not to be offended. Falling silent, looking briefly about the cathedral again, she'd whisper,"Why do you think it is God punishes good people and allows evil to prevail?" Fear of being struck down for asking such a sinful question, in a cathedral no less!, made her voice seem small. (d)
A Noble Puzzle: He forgot that they stood in the throws of God's sight and influence. With his hands on the side of her face, for an instant he wanted only to take all of her fears and place them on his shoulders. To combat her enemies as he did those of his sovereigns. The woven spell fell apart as she flinched, and he remembered himself. He turned his face to the side as he cleared his throat in the humiliation of forgeting himself. "No, let me," he muttered "I broached my place." He crossed himself anew as if to free himself of offense's constraint that God might forgive his penance while they stood on holy ground. His ear remained hers and at her utterance she said, "Just like there is a son and moon, Mistress, there is good and evil. To either we have what the angels do not. Free will. In some it is malaligned, but he does not punish the good." (d)
VeiledProphecy: "Do not blame yourself. I take no offense to your touch. It was meant in comfort and not cruelty. It has been many years since I have felt the first. It is the memories of men who were not as honorable as you, Kendrew, who make me react so. I should not allow them such control, but...I am weak." Such honest and brave words spoken for someone so weak. Liliana had not stated much on the matter of what had happened to her before coming to Skye. Out of shame andfear. His response to her question brought a thoughtful look upon her face,"Are people born evil?" (d)
A Noble Puzzle: "Tis a good thing to heed ye own words. You are not those things." He shook his head, the brown undone. Her earnest showed a substance of soul, one reverant for such a place as this. "People are only born. Neither evil nor good, tis what is seen, what is felt and in time what is decided that makes someone so. It is the freedom to choose. We all have a choice Mistress Liliana. " The alter on which he had knelt was caught by the moon. The arms of the Christ were open in the company of his saints to take the burden. Many a long hours did he spend here or at the foot of his brother's grave to divulge that burden to heaven. "Shall we go and look to the sky. I would like to show you some what, if you do not mind." He bowed, offering her an arm to take at her own discretion. (d)
iledProphecy: "I was told by a woman, my own Stepmother, that...I was evil. Something to be detested and loathed. I always thought it to be true after my father and sister were killed. I thought it was my fault..." Such hurtful words had beenspoken to her as a child and when her family had been alive, they had been able to make her not believe them. It was only afterward, after she had watched them be killed, that she had thought them all true. Placing hand upon the
offered arm, curiousity in her chocolate gaze, she'd nod,"I would like to see what it is you wish to show me." (d)
A Noble Puzzle: Kendrew's face shifted with the words of the story until the twists of her torchured passages wore lines of deep set worry on an often smooth face. In his exhale he spoke, " She did you a harm that has been left too long undone, my friend. The evil, the detest, lay in the spewing of vile words and those that committed the horrid act. Her bitterness poisoned her,and mark tha' lesson.." He lifted his index finger, " It is a poison, one that for all the world I would not see marr you...aye, come." A show of trust he violated not, but carried the hand on his arm as a feather in the hands of a child. Through the halls of the Cathedral he took her. The eyes of the saints, the stories of the faith in the stained glass shone down on them until the interior gave way to the exterior. Up a great set of stone steps they walked until beneath the seeming jeweled-glass dome supported by stones, the moon's light cut color into a thousand pieces. Above them was a relief of angel's wings that left shadow against their own, as if they too, for a moment, were heavenly hosts. "Look.." he bade her "Look there. There's piece of such in ye, even if by man's merit it is small. We are not so far from heaven as to ne'er find a way back. I would ask you this, if I might ask of thee anything at all. To hold fast to the goodness of thyself when I am away. Twould be most horrid if you lost that, m'lady. The woman that faced the White Hound." He smiled " and found her softness when she was all vice. God has not forsaken ye but blessed ye I think with a rare gift." His eyes. So full those eyes of wisdom, of kindness, of a lacking he might never speak of. (d)
VeiledProphecy: There was no question of trust as Liliana's footsteps moved with Kendrew's own. She did not worry that he would cause her harm of any sort. Even upon their first meeting she had sensed that he was not that kind of man. Now he was a presence she found soothing and warm. A kind soul. His words before had brought a touch of a smile to her lips though no words were spoken. Chocolate eyes would light upon the sight that he showed her with a sense of awe. Looking at it while ears took in his words, Liliana felt warmth and a bit of the belief she'd had as a child returning. "I will hold onto it with both hands, Kendrew, that I promise." Mention of Bess brought a light to chocolate eyes and alaugh,"She is not as fearsome to me as some may find her. She is a sweet, loving, brave soul." (d)
A Noble Puzzle: A spark of gaeity pulled on the distress on his face to replace it with a sense of wonder as he gazed on one of the rare everyday angel's he had the privelege to know. Should one need serve at the foot of a cause a man would find none better than to be in service to those in service to others. The flawless rainbow painted wings across her as he would take from this the sight of her as radiant as dawn. The colors became silver glass as the wind made the wings beat before his eyes, or was it only the trees beyond? He would remember this as he went to heed the call of battle. "Good," he whispered, " Good. Ah. No, you are not wicked and she is nay so fearsome. It is stature..the fact she has bled rivers as a man that many find awe inspiring. But she only wishes to give of her sacrifice. I admire her much forthis, now with you there she and jelenah are rightly completed. I will take such fact with me when I go soon." (d)
VeiledProphecy: "She is a strong woman and one to learn from. I have never met a woman that is like the Duchess. Who has given as much for a land and its people...yet still stands." Liliana wished she were as brave as Bess. Yet, the idea of war andviolence frightened her to a point where she wished to hide from it. Hearing Kendrew's words caused brows to furrow and a bit of worry to fill her gaze,"When do you leave?" (d- brb one more minute -.-; )
A Noble Puzzle: "Yes..she is too stubborn to die, though she came as close as to have the nation in mourning for her passing.." The truth in earnest was that Beathag had straddled the line far closer than any would have liked. Adam, too, walked a line that made it no wonder why the two sovereigns would stay in the castle where they belonged. They were irreplacable. "You all compliment one another." Violence and war were the way he made his life. All his honor had come from being a merchant of death yet he sought no reward than the upholding of a moment as this. "Mayhaps this night, or early in the morn. The enemy is many and it must not be allowed to go towards many more." (d)
VeiledProphecy: Though not a comment was made to his words, Liliana could understand why Skye would mourn the loss of Bess. She could not imagine having not met her or seeing her die. It was a painful thought. "Compliment each other?" Liliana was not sure how, but was curious to know. Yet, his next words killed the curiousity. "That soon?" War meant risk of death and injury. It meant the possibility of him not returning. Yet, she could not show worry now. Smile curving her lips, teasing light in her gaze, she'd murmur,"Should I come to protect your backside? I saw how you faired against the women." (d)
A Noble Puzzle: "Tis no secret, m'lady. You genuinely amuse her n' she favors you. Tha' is a rare favor." At times, his accent could grow more pronounced around his English as the boy in him surfaced at a good jest. "You and Jelenah, are the..mm.the sweetness to her steel and brass. Reminding her that it is good to enjoy the fruits of her work." War meant risk of death and injury, a price he'd been willing to pay since he was ten and a courier with dreams made of banners and steel as he watch, dirt to his face, the men he admired. That was many years ago and now he was the one to be admired if he was fortunate. This was why he favored her company, too, a habit of making the rising bleak entertaining. "Oh..God have mercy on me, nay..you stay here n' let us hope the field will have no swooning woman." They swooned he died..they were too pronounced he nearly grew vexed in action. In this he laughed, heartily, smiling as he shook his head. "You'd have no more of me I am sure. Cast me away to see such stupidity. No, the field is safe! A man knows war." (d)
VeiledProphecy: That comparison would make her nod softly,"It is good to enjoy life especially when one fights so hard to protect it as the Duchess has. She deserves to experience the fruits of it all more than anyone, I think." It was the reactionto her teasing that brought the widening of her lips even more as she'd laugh with him,"Then I guess I will stay here to make sure that none try to stalk you when you leave for battle." Tilting her head to the side, brow lifting, Liliana would watch him quietly a moment and then speak,"Make me a promise, if you will, Kendrew? As you have asked something of me...I wish to ask something of you." (d)
A Noble Puzzle: "What would you ask of me, m'friend," for they were such were they not, "if it is within my power to grant ye know I shall." The smile was still on his face, and Maahes would have never let him have peace for the width of it.A side of the man seen by little as he clasped his hands behind his back waiting to hear what an angel would ask of a meager man. (d)
VeiledProphecy: "I would ask that you promise to return. I know, it is absurd to ask such of a man for one cannot determine what hand Fate will deal them...." Trailing off, looking from him to the sight that he had shown her before, she'dcontinue,"Yet it is what I ask of you, my friend." Kendrew was a friend and Liliana cherished those she had for...she had been without any for so long. She did not know what she'd do if she were to lose one already. (d)
A Noble Puzzle: "Liliana.." He stepped forward and said through his breath with a soft, sad smile, "I would not promise you something that may not come to pass. But I will promise you not to go gentle into the dark night..." At first he relented..but reaching out..he put a hand gently to either side of her forearms. " I promise ye tha' I won't seek to die or offer m'self to the end willing like. That I will take the fact tha' you thought so much...as to ask that of me." To say he was touched would be to diminish the utter comfort given to a man who thought to take none to begin with.He called her by name, without herald before it other than what she was. "To..thank you for that." (d)
VeiledProphecy: There was no flinching this time when hands touched as he had her full trust. Kendrew did not bring fear to her heart. As he spoke so earnestly, the emotion displayed by her asking that of him, tears gathered in her chocolate eyes. She did not say a word until he finished speaking though. Her own voice would be soft as she swallowed a lump,"Then I will hold you to those
A Noble Puzzle: "You're crying.." He watched her with soft eyes that held nothing but reverance. No one cried for him, or asked him to return. He stepped closer to her as arms would move around her back, he would not give rise to the lump in his own throat as precious little moved him thus. He had watched towers burn and cities crumble to dust of history yet no one but his brother-in-arms to mourn the passage of time. She smelled the scent of his oiled leathers, the cotton scented with the springs in which he'd bathed. "Forgive me," he whispered as he drew his arms tighter around her..letting the top of his head fall to the crown of hers. So small, so fragile with a heart that beat loud in his ears. He closed his eyes as he savored the moment. (d)
Flanman69: -=A dark corner of the cathedral stirred almost imperceptibly. From the shadows, the profile of a black oilskin poncho and broad brimmed hat partially entered the dim moonlight filtering in through the stainedglass windows. There it stood wordlessly, perhaps a dark counterpart of the holy statues and stately decor surrounding them in stoney silence.=- (d)
VeiledProphecy: To be held, arms wrapped around her and head resting on hers, felt wonderful. It had been many years since she'd been held and felt safe. Returning the hug without hesitating, Liliana would smile softly as she sniffled,"There is naught to forgive. These tears were brought on...by..." A light shrug would be given when she could not find the words. She did not know what brought them on. The presence of another was not noticed as she was cocooned in safe,soothing arms. (d)
A Noble Puzzle: - " I tresspass 'pon your person..." He whispered, smelling her hair as it nearly impaired him. "You are young yet Liliana. Spring takes ye, shapes ye. This is but rain for you, to nourish a few fields ye didn't know needed tobloom. Tha's all it be." Her arms bore no hestiation. A countenance in the shadows could be as long as no harm came. Be he man posing as gargoyle or merely a pair of eyes in the infinite sea of the stone ones..this was all he saw. His eyes would be full of mist filled water brimming falling onto her hair. "What a flower you are..to make the tired rememer a bit about beauty." He pressed his lips to her forehead. " Shhh.." (d)
Flanman69: -=The wrinkled brim swiveled towards the altar, moonlight spilling over it and on to the folds of oilskin cloth as it tipped upwards the source. It paused in that repose, seeming to ponder something weighty. While the tender sceneunfolded, the hulking frame stood in solemn silence.=- (d)
VeiledProphecy: A tiny shake of her head would be given, just enough for him to feel the movement with head resting against hers,"You do not trespass." It was a simple, honest statement. She did not want to be released just yet. It was the feel of moisture upon her scalp that brought the lifting of her head a bit to look into his face and laughter would follow. "Look what I've gone and done! I've made you cry too..." The kiss to her forehead would bring a soft smile and one slim hand would lift to touch his face. Fingertips gently moving to wipe the tears from his cheeks,"I am well now." Chocolate eyes would move over his face and she'd smile wider,"Do not cry." (d)
A Noble Puzzle: "That is good to know. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, n' so help me I only just made m'prayers." He let a hand lapse up to run a gloved hand across the ends of her hair, along her back. Women made simpletons of men she'd made the aged warrior cry. To this he laughed again, only now to find it was her eyes he looked in. "Och. This is no country for the old men, you will unravel me n' I won't save face.." Where was her hand moving? He was in a moment's shock as she heard his voice catch in his throat. If she though to pull away, that now she had offended him..the moment was remedied by the large hand gently holding her own in place. "What weapon do you use to pierce a heart with such skill," he muttered, hair hanging as he looked down a little to the lack of space between them. "And you do not even know it. Do ye. Do not even know.." (d)
Flanman69: -=The stolid figure now broke the quiet as a voice rumbled and eddied about the stone walls, columns, and the couple.=- 'Tis the hand of the innocent that can cut the deepest. Fergive me. I was taught nae tae ruin a tender moment, but there be preparations tae be made. Things tae come that would rob ye two of the happiness that ye both yearn for in such earnest. The more time ye spend on pressing matters now, the better yer chances of enjoying each other afterwards. I donnae imagine that I need explain just how fulfilling such will be, and how great the loss might be. (d)
VeiledProphecy: Confusion would fill her gaze, making brows furrow and head cant to the side. "What do I not know, Kendrew?" Such a softly spoken question, as she took in the feel of his hand holding hers. She was not inclined to move from this spot. Yet the sound of another familiar voice would interrupt and make her copper-cheeks turn red. She had not realized that another had been there. Twisting her head, stepping back instinctively though she did not release Kendrew's hand just yet, she'd murmur,"Good evening, Jack." His words caused the blush to deepen and she'd fall silent. (d)
A Noble Puzzle: The man emerged from the stone to disturb the moment a man was delivered, for an instant, from the quiet madness that enveloped him. A deep rumbling in his chest turned out the baritone that said, "Fine poetry n' a fine bit of sense delivered like a riddler man." It would be the irony that when he elected to foster a closeness it would be witnessed. A shake of his head occurred as the free hand pushed strands of his hair back. He was right only to the point that to be prepared was to have advantage. "There is no more we can do now, save wait for the horn of battle. The pikeman n' foot soldiers have gone ahead of m'self. Does help though, to be the one ith the horn, Jack." On his belt was the white washed horn rimmed in gold. Jack-of-all-Trades. Useful fellow, honorable. His irritability at his timing was replaced with a soft laugh. "I told ye tha' you make old men forget themselves." He pulled Liliana close again as he looked to Jack. "Have ye got news or did ye survey the Gargoyles instead?" (d)
Flanman69: -=The wrinkled brim shook slowly as the voice continue on. It spoke in a gentle manner despite its propensity to rumble in the acoustically rich surroundings.=- There nae be need tae be modest fer me sake. Hold him close lady without shame or fear. I understand that ye have employed strategy, but battle doesnae always wait fer a horn, nor stay at the front. Even if there are nae surprises tae be found, we can expect tae put our bodies under great duress tomorrow. And further duress yet if we are naeeach other at each other's sides. I can get ye both a bedroll. But sleep, further words will only detract from what yer hearts already know. (d)
VeiledProphecy: Listening to the words pass between the men, content to be against Kendrew's side when he pulled her against, she'd think about the battle ahead. A silent prayer, one of the first to come from her in many years, would cross her mind...Please Lord keep him safe. It was not a prayer for her nor for anything fancy. It was a prayer to keep him safe and to help him keep his promise. Jack's words brought her attention to him and the blush stained her cheeks once again. "Oh...I...uh....clamping her mouth shut, unsure what to say, she'd finally just decide to not say anything. Surely not! Kendrew was a friend...naught else...that was it. Right? Oh dear...Liliana was dearly confused now. (d)
A Noble Puzzle: Jack gave agood speech on the necessity of rest and what as to come on the morrow. Now, it was the talk of what lay in the heart that made the man stare at his counterpart with a look of Shut your gaw, would ye as he talked of hearts and bedrolls in the house of God where a woman was present. Did he know nothing of a woman's modesty?Ah hell, he thought, not saying it out loud before he looked down to Liliana with a soft laugh. "Don't worry o'er much, m'lady," he canted his head to the man just yonder, "There's a good ride ahead of me n' I'm well awake and... there's nay..bedrolls I'd e'er be settin' out before the eyes of the Savior. Nor would it be to offend your good honor either. Let's walk poor girl, and pray for this man as we do." (d)
Flanman69: -=Again the wrinled brim would turn, but towards the altar this time as the voice spoke wistfully, more "at" them than actually "to" them.=- I cannae think of a better house for love than a chapel under the gaze of God. But as I told ye further words would only detract from what yer hearts already know, and they have. Let me urge ye once more tae rest here. As fer me, I will leave ye peace and nae speak a word, whether yer actions here are socially accepeted as "proper" or nae. Me honor lies here in the shadows, as it has for a very -=he let the word drip onto the stone floor.=- long time. I donnae seek yer prayers but let me have ye stay here and be closer the divine. (d)
VeiledProphecy: For all that had been seen by her eyes and done to her by cruel hands there still remained some innocence. It was what brought the blush to her cheeks and made her stumble over words. Jack had not offended her, honestly. Indeed it was more...shock. Surely there was...no...chocolate eyes would observe Kendrew from underneath black lashes. Was there anything there? There couldn't be though. For one, they had not known each other long. For two, well...she couldn't think of anything. Kendrew was a trusted friend...that was all. Yet, she was worried about him not returning. He is a handsome man...Such a random thought and it caused her to look away quickly to Jack. "Be well this evening and safe upon the field if you go into battle as the others." Thoughts of what would have passed between Kendrew and her had they been alone longer wandered through her mind as she'd fall silent again. (d)
A Noble Puzzle: "Tha's downright heathen sounding Jack. Downright heathen and indecent n' so many ways." He knit his brow together and mouth drew into a tight line as he ushered the party further away from the saints and Jesus with all this talk tadamount to bedding. Let it be known that despite his conviction he was still a man..a man who was befuddled the night prior by orchid perfume, and another with the woman who had been in his arms. Before the battle he may have to pray some more...douse his head in water...and pray again. The sheer nearness of her, though, he found he could not help but to smile over. Aye, he was friend to Liliana as he was to Jelenah and Bess, but he was stirred by her. "M'lady might I have a word with you for a moment o' brevity?" He looked over at Jack..honors in the shadows his backside! What won't they think up next? People and the blasted speeches he heard in this city kept him up at all hours pondering the meaning of all that fuss for a few words. Bah. As it was he would be guilty of wishing to speak on a matter but would leave Jack to converse with St. Therese-of-the-Picadilly (
Flanman69: -=The brim would dip in a nod at the lady's words.=- Aye, ye two be safe as well. And above all else, rest. The brim then rose slightly to level on the retreating lord.=- Heathen? Quite the contrary. -=The voice would rumble like the thrum of a panther's purr.=- But now nae be the time tae explain -=The figure would step back out of the moonlight, moving languidly towards the altar as the shadows would envelope his silhouette.=- (d)
VeiledProphecy: Heathen indeed! To do such in a place of worship seemed...well...wrong somehow. Let alone the fact that Liliana did not think she could be beared to be touched in a manner after what she had been through. Why then did she wonder if it would be different with Kendrew? Such a sinful thought! Offering up a prayer of forgiveness for thinking such within these walls, Liliana would watch Jack disappear. Her attention would be turned upon hearing Kendrew's voice,one brow lifting as she'd murmur,"Of course. Is something the matter?" Moving toward him, stopping a few steps away, hoping he could not read minds as she'd wait for him to speak. (d)
A Noble Puzzle: Now if Jack meant such thoughts as coursing through flustered minds was for him to know and them to ponder - yet it was the lady's honor he worried over - aye, twas it! The gentle character of a tender woman was to be cherished with the utmost! No, fortunatly Kendrew was not so astute as to peer into the head and pick apart the thoughts. As she stood further away...he was to speak. Then he gently took her hand as he made it a little further toward the doors, a bit back of the altar? Ah ha. Air. "Let me first apologize for Jack there. Spoutin' his rhetoric n' all. Nary a wrong intention ment." He grumbled a he muttered something to the tune of saints preserve me before breathing outward. "I have..enjoyed..do enjoy yer company, m'lady." The spell of the moment dissolved for that was when he'd had the better words..but he tengly touched her face. "You're fetchin', Liliana. Very fetchin.' (d)
VeiledProphecy: Grin widening a bit as he'd take her hand, moving them closer to the door, she'd watch Kendrew quietly. When he apologized for Jack, she'd give a nod of her head. Though there had been no offense taken by Jack's words it wasnonetheless sweet for him to say such. Yet, nothing prepared her for the words to follow. Chocolate eyes would widen a bit and cheeks would become stained with red. Yet, there was no anger or any sign of discomfort. Just...the blush of a woman who was not used to being complimented and of one who'd been unsuspecting of him thinking such about her. "I..." Biting her bottom lip, she'd nibble on it a moment as she allowed herself to enjoy his hand upon hercheek. Finally words would come, though whispered,"I enjoy your company as well, Kendrew." She felt oddly shy to add that she also found him fetching, so instead settled on hoping those words would due for now. (d)
A Noble Puzzle: "I am glad tha' you do.." He hesitated a second, before resting his forehead against hers, "I..will tell ye. I'm nay the youngest man in Turas Lan nor the island, and certain there's far better who ought pay attention to you that is for certain. Liliana..not the best with words at time like this." The blush of her face could be felt in heat he willed his pores to absorb into his own skin. A half callused- half softened hand brushed along the side of her face. "You are friend to me, aye? But ye...stir me. Please shut me up if I sound too much the fool. Ye've given me a bit o' hope. Tha' is not something had no do I seek to have it." He grumbled a little. No country for old men indeed. Women were not his forte..persay. The years had dulled the knife edge of his ability to translate his thoughts for he wasn't a frequenter of taverns as he was when he was younger. (d)
Flanman69: -=If any were to investigate the shadows of the cathedral, they would find the burly frame in a heap of oilskin cloth in a dark corner near the altar, wrinkled brim bowed as if to sleep.=- (d)
VeiledProphecy: Well, this was turning out to be quite the evening. Liliana found herself quite pleased that she had stepped inside the cathedral. Perhaps it was once again that guiding hand that was responsible for bringing her here. Kendrew's words mingled with the way his forehead was against hers stirred something inside her. Liliana was not experience in romantic emotions. She had only once thought herself in love, but that had turned out to be foolishness. Then when she'd been taken captive the swearing off of men had taken place out of fear and shame. Now though...she could care less if she had sworn it off. Lips curving into a soft smile as he went on she'd place a finger to his lips gently,"Young men are rash and inexperienced. They know naught of the world nor are they wise. They do not know how to soothe nor comfort a woman generally. Age does not matter to me. You are wise, sweet, brave, and handsome. A man that is admired by many for his deeds and stands at the side of one of the greatest women I have the honor to call friend. That is all that matters to me. I..." Stopping, unsure of what else to say, she'd just remove
her finger to allow him to speak if he wished. (d)
A Noble Puzzle: This was not reason he had come hence to Church but the Priest often mention the Lord working in mysterious ways. His eyes rolled inward to look at the finger he pressed on his mouth to keep it from moving. Thank ye Jesus he thought in grateful prayer. Listening to her go on he still furrowed his brow. A young woman, though, could be the bane of an older man if his heart broke or might seek elsewhere. Ignorance was not his to possess. He saw the age between them but to hear she was unhindered almost made him wish to laugh. He could only shake his head, capturing the hand of the quieting finger and kissing the palm of it. "Do nay know if I know all such but it serves enough." He leaned forward..uttering one last time.."Forgive me, aye?" He pressed his lips to her cheek, then let his nose cozy against the side of hers as he breathed an inch above her lips (d)
VeiledProphecy: "Forgive you?" Confused by those words, wondering what she had to forgive him for, Liliana was about to speak when lips touched her cheek. Eyelids would close, lashes fluttering against cheeks, as his nose moved against her cheek and she felt breath upon her lips. Would it not be that they would speak thus when he had to go to battle soon? Sighing softly, she'd lean back a minute to look over his face tenderly with chocolate eyes,"You will return to me or Iwill beat you, Kendrew." Stern words spoken with tenderness as she'd do something spontaneous and press a light kiss to his own lips. "For luck." (d)
A Noble Puzzle: He saw the top of her head as each strand of hair was coated with shadow and candle light. He felt the trembling of her skin under his mouth and her weight, substance shift in his arms as they moved from her face around her waist. Down the back fingertips walked as she threatened him with a beating if he didn't return. "Aye. Your wish is m'command M'Lady Mistress. Don't want to get the inards kicked out o' me.." Then it was his turn to be surprised. A kiss to his lips, no matter how fleeting..widened his eyes enough as he muttered, "Only green lads need luck, one o' the vantages of age. I make m'own damn luck." He closed the distance again, letting his lips rest with the same firmness her words feel. "Let me come back to ye aye? To do this fittin'." He muttered before he kissed her again (d)
Flanman69: -=There in the darkness, the wrinkled brim would upturn towards the crucifix. Though no mortal eye was there to see, a smile was formed before the brim would drop down to rest again.=- (d)
VeiledProphecy: A shiver went up and down her spine as fingers were felt moving down her back. That she'd gotten enough courage to kiss him had been surprising to her. Though she was glad she had. His words brought a sparkle to chocolate eyes,"Well then use it to re-" And words were cut off by his kiss. One that was different than hers. It created warmth in the pit of her stomach and made skin tingle. Even drew a sigh from her lips as body swayed closer. The thoughtcrossed her mind that he'd better return after showing her a glimpse of this! (d)
A Noble Puzzle: "Liliana.." He was floating. Drifting. He melded into her as he pulled the out. Out of the Church...and into an evening where his last few hours before the ride from the city would be spent merely holding to what was given him. We are often given what we don't know that is needed. For a man who never vyed for accolades but had them, sought no friend but was friend to all and earned them...he found that his heart raced at but the sound of a name on the : cusp of his 39th year, in the fallow of the 38th. "Liliana.." (d)
lanman69: -=There was a whisper that did not travel beyond the altar.=- So many...too many...to keep alive. Grant me strength. (d)
