Wandering of a Bitter Soul

[Sir Nicholas Stryker]

"I'm sorry Stryker..I had no idea..keep hope, my friend, my lord...I will find your son."

Those were the words his longtime friend, Bowen, had told him upon visiting the wasteland that had once been a vast and fertile kingdom. Athelia. There had been hope, hope his son would return to the place of his birth. But there had been no sign of him. All leads, were dead and with each disappointment, the retired knights heart, died a little more.

The man had remained to help the remaining villages but things looked grim. Food was scares...his people were starving and reaching out to him and all he could think about was the icy blue eyes of a five year old boy, his son. It made the man hard, hard and cold to his own people.

"Where will you go?"

"My son...is dead..my wife, and my unborn child...are dead..there is nothing left for me..I will...wander."

He left Athelia behind. Ignoring the cries for mercy, for their King to return. He was not their King. Not anymore. Athelia had been a dream, a good dream. The procession of the memory faded and he tugged the top of her coat closed against the beating rain that hit him. Despite the canvas he erected between the trees. The horse beside him whined, obviously upset with the rain that beat down upon them both and he stroked at a sodden side.

"Easy there Jade. Easy girl" A gruff voice seemed all most soothing to the horse. As he gave a pat sending a spray of water off the horse.

"Lets go get you settled into a barn" He spoke as he flipped through a coin bag. Hmm, one more nights shelter for the horse, one more night shelter and one more good meal before he was back to a wandering hermet. Taking the reins of the horse, he pulled her into the thunder of the rain, coat top pulled up.

"Better get out of the rain mister, your catch a death of cold."Carried the voice of a maiden as she ran past him and headed towards the city.

"I hope so" He grumbled under his breath, following after the woman at a much smaller pace.

[jocelyncotovartre]

The small young woman was making her way towards the city as the rain continued to come down from the grey skies above. Big brown eyes would catch sight of the man on horse and she glanced his way. If and when he should look to her, he would see the water soaked female give him a nod. She walked as if she had not a care in the world and in fact she did not. She was her own person, did what she wanted when she wanted except when it came time to for hard honest work.

A few steps more were taken before she'd pause, not caring the longer she stayed in the rain, the more soaked she'd become. "Ye be needn directions tae somewhere sir? Ay might be o'some assistance. Wot is it ye be lookn fer?" She called out to him as she waited to see if he'd answer or just continue on his way. Jocelyn wasn't one to go poking her nose in other folks business but the man looked lost. The least she could do was maybe point him in the right direction should he need it.

[Anulia of Amora]

Many would move quickly at the sight of rain and seek cover in these lands. It was as if rain, to them was not as much as a blessing as it should have been. Having lived in the jungle, rains were not so hard to find and sometimes they lasted for days, making her people seek the trees in order to have places to sleep. It could be the reason that Anulia was in no rush as it came pouring down. Death from the rain was unheard of to Anulia for it was always warm in the jungle and the rains helped to cool the skin, not make the skin sick.

Dressed in a vest of cotton and leather, a skirt of the same material that reached just above her ankles and nothing more, bare feet padded along the muddy ground, pushing her forward as the ground embraces each step with itself, clinging to her as if it did not want her to walk on. Hair of dark onyx and chocolate stripes had long since been drenched to make every strand curl up into tight spirals about her frame. Droplets poured down her nose and chin and her clothing became heavy to her curvy form, but there was no frown upon her face, nor any trace of unhappiness. Yet, she was not in the happy state of being over joy to anyone that would pass. Alone, she was wandering the path and heading back to town, for the sun had been there with her even through the clouds that tried to trap it and she could see as well as any other.

In a slow and steady pace, she moved, lifting her chocolate eyes to see a few were still about. The yell or calling out of another woman had her head snapping in her direction before she noted the man on the horse, seeming to take his own time as well. It was not often Anulia found others were willing to go on their own time. With a pace that was all her own, she moved towards them, yet stayed behind, seeing no need to speak to them at the moment. Should she have shouted as well? No..that was perhaps rude..she was unsure. Best to get closer before saying a gentle hello. These faces were new to her, but when had that stopped her from being friendly?

[Sir Nicholas Stryker]

"Somewhere to settle my horse and a place for a good meal and bed for myself. You know of any?"

He answered the woman as she turned to look at him. A rain soaked head dipped downward, the dribble of rain fell from plastered hair against the scruff of his face before his head lifted again. He was slightly aware of another presence. Not close but not far. It was what he did. Always aware and always alert. The form was female, non-threatening. He turned within the mud to regard the woman behind him and then the woman in front of him, should he feel threatened by the forms of two women? Certainly not. The woman before him was as beautiful as the rain allowed, soaked she was getting and turning, he regarded the woman behind him, a jungle beauty, rain soaked as well and just as beautiful as the first. That was his damn problem, to many beautiful women but not enough heart to seek their company.

"I need work as well. I can do anything for the right amount of coin..know of anyone looking for a gentleman to do odd works?"

Stryker had to pause after saying it and even his lips jerked into a small smile, now he sounded like one of the whores down at the docks. Will do what you want for the right coin, ha!

[jocelyncotovartre]

Jocelyn would nod to the man as she begin to give her reply. "Aye, there be plenty o'places fer ye and ye horse to settle in tae fer tha night or so. There be the Pubs at Dockside, Tha BannockBurn Inn, and tha Briar Rose Inn." The rain continued to pour down on the lands and its people. Her hair by now was clinging to her face, curling to the curves and outlining her features.

Rain would drip continuously from her nose and chin. The yellow and white work dress clinging to her form more and more with each passing moment. Jocelyn wasn't at all afraid of getting a lil wet. She had lived her life on the open roads for many years now and enjoyed the rains. She might come off as abit loud or rough, but she never meant any harm unless provoked.

Chocolate hues shifted and took note of the woman that was in behind the man on his horse. She had seen her a time or so in the markets and perhaps on the roads. A nod was given to her as well as a polite smile. Yes, even someone as hard as Jocelyn could manage a smile. She was a nice girl, just often misunderstood.

She had lived on her own since she was a lil girl. Grew up on the streets. Made a living with honest work by doing odd and end jobs. At the first sign of trouble or less than honorable intensions, she was gone. Jocelyn had become a Jill of all trades to say the least. Learning to cook, clean, sew, field work, as well as a lil basic carpentry. The young woman then looked back to the man.

"Work ye say? Hmmm.. well.. Ay 'ave 'eard o these Windsors. Jus recently built a home. Ye might try ye luck with them. Ay've learned he is tha Lord Marshall o'Turas Lan. His wife be a Lady o' tha Duchess 'ere. Also, might should talk with tha smithy's 'ere. Ay hear they always be lookn fer help." She would add as she placed her hands on her hips.

Jocelyn was by no means looking for a man. To her they were nothing but trouble. In fact, her employer, Alendral had already tried to hug her and though she knew he meant it in a friendly manner, she had pushed him off just the same. Jocelyn had an issue with trust and didn't want to depend on anyone but herself. She was leary of both men and women but particularly the men and it was easy as to why she should be. To her, they always had hidden agenda's to why they did the things they did.

[Anulia of Amora]

One narrow brow rose up as she heard the male speaking to, now both it seemed. Her behind him and the other woman in front of him. Feet pressed deeper into the muddy path, finding bits of rocks here and there as she sunk lower only to lift her foot up and press it into another part of the mud. Behind her, a trail of her prints were being left, but she knew this. Who would wish to track her in any case? Finally, she approached the male's horse, though she knew better then to stand directly behind the creature. The Lord Marshall, Eamonn had taught her that and much more about the creature. Shifting towards his side, chocolate eyes rose upwards at him as he now towered over her while seated upon the horse. At 5'4 Anulia was short in any case, so the male was dwarfing her with his stead.

Eyes glanced from him as she remained silent and looked to the lovely young woman in front of him, giving vast amount of information. Was it so well known around the city of these things? Anulia would have to sneak into court more often and listen to Beathag as she spoke to understand more of these politics. Titles meant very little to Anulia because she was still trying to understand them. They were not like those within the jungles at all. Waiting her turn, or for a pause to speak, she smiled to the other woman with fairer skin before looking to the male and reaching a hand out to stroke three fingers along his horse's neck. She meant no harm, it was just that creatures like this fascinated her and she should have asked first before touching in case the horse did not like it. `` You shall not have worry of finding work. As the wonderful young lady here has spoken of, many are in need. I work at the briar rose and we are always looking for someone who could chop and lift heavy things, but that might be too common for many. Do you wish to gain a large amount of coin quickly or would you like a duty that will keep you busy for a good amount of time? What skills do you have?``

Pulling her fingers from the horse, a bit more quickly then she had brushed them along it's damp and soft coat, she tried to add on to that list. `` For fast trading disc, a tavern would be wise. For a larger amount, a smithy would be best. I am Anulia and am currently heading into town now. Since you are not in a rush, would you mind keeping a eased pace so that I may walk by you or behind you? `` Eyes drifted to the lady before she smiled once more, softly and it lasted only a few moments. `` If you were not heading in the opposite direction, would you care to come as well and point out other places and people.`` Anulia did not know all. She was a commoner, a peasant. Looking back to the male, she spoke gently. `` I know of places, not people. Hopefully the combined knowledge of us ladies will help you. Rose is a wonderful woman and owns Briar Rose...one of te places the lady has just mentioned. She can give you all those things for a fair price, or for nothing for the first night. She is a fair woman..I am sure you will find a way of trade.`` Moving eyes away from him, she started to move forward once more and head towards the direction he and herself were headed. Was the other woman headed there as well? Anulia hoped so. It was always better to travel with more people at times. `` Tell me Sir, does the stead you ride have a name? `` Of course she would ask such! There was were her curiosity lay the most at the moment. It did not matter if the male looked as if he were in need of a bath, or held clothing that was dirty and full of old sweat to stain it, or even that his face was covered in hair that had grown beyond his control. Anulia came to these lands with nothing more then a potato sac on her body and chains dangling from her wrist, ankles and neck. She was the very last person to judge someone's appearance. `` My lady, it is nice to meet you. Where is it you were heading? Do you live within the city as well? ``

[Sir Nicholas Stryker]

Each land was different. Each place had their own culture, their own traditions. It took time to learn them all or at least learn some of them before he was off again. Into the shadows, into the next land and slipping further from any history books. Keep his name off them, he was no hero, he was not the knight he once was or thought he was. Shifting within the saddle, he pulled himself off the horse, stepping into the mud and shifting the reins to hold on. Jade wasn't particularly skittish but it wouldn't do to have a hurt woman on his hands on his horses account.

His head dipped, taking in Jocelyn words with small sharp nods of his head as a hand lifted to rub at the scruff of a beard at his face.

"Thank you for the information. I will take that into account." A nod went to Jocelyn before he was turning to look at the woman behind him. He had felt her move closer but had given her the cold shoulder if only to give her the time she needed to make her assumptions of him. He was a stranger in a strange land. When he did turn, he did so slowly, as to not frighten the girl. She was reaching out to stroke the horse's neck and there was a ghost of a smile on the mans lips as silvery blue eyes watched the fingers of the girl as they stroked the neck of his horse. At least the falling rain had done some of the job of a bath to wash away some of the grim of the road and living outside. His head tipped again, jerking in a nod as she spoke.

"Thank you Anulia. I am Stryker..The Briar Rose you say? Sounds like a fair place. If you work there, perhaps you can show the way. I will walk beside you" His voice was gruff and raged, like slashing a knife through fabric. He shifted to let the jungle beauty by before turning and leading the horse in a row behind her. Silvery blue eyes shifted to Jocelyn, she was welcome to join them if she was going the same way but he wasn't going to go out of his way and be nice on purpose. -grumpy old hermit, remember- Silvery blues returned to Anulia and there it was again, the ghost of a smile.

"Jade, her name is Jade."

The smile slid from his face then. The memory of his son so strong he could all most reach out and touch the memory, smell his son as if he were there with them.

"Daddy! Daddy, I like this one." The child was the spitting image of his wife except for silvery blue eyes of the boy which matched his own. He was a constant reminder of the mother his father had loved so much and he grinned as he stood on the gate looking in on a milky all most white mare prancing within the gate. Nicholas himself looked like a well dressed lord as he joined his son at the gate.

"Why this one Jadrien?" He had asked him.

"Because Daddy, you two are twin souls..."The boy replied quite matter-of-factly. Surprising the hell out of Nicholas. The boy had always had a gift with animals, a king of jungle boy who knew more about the mind of an animal then a human should.

"We'll name her Jade then, for Jadrien Stryker." The knight actually grinned then, a wide million dollar smile as he scooped the child into his arms amist the giggles and wiggling. "Come on, lets go pay for Jade and take her home."

The hermit shook his head as he racked a hand through his wet locks and pressed his fingers into his skull, willing the memory away. Silvery blue eyes turned to Anulia and then Jocelyn.

"You two are going to catch a deal of a cold in this rain and this cold weather, come, get on Jade, We'll get there faster." His voice was low and still gruff but it wasn't as if it was a command, more of a way to get his mind off the past and besides, he really needed something to eat and a real bath!

[jocelyncotovartre]

Jocelyn would stand there in silence as the male rider took in the given information. He seemed satisfied enough for the moment and her attention would turn to the now approaching woman of dark skin. The two met each others gazes for a moment before Jocelyn would see the smile Anulia offered. Jocelyn would give a slight nod and a soft smile of her own. The fair skinned but dark featured woman might be bull headed but she wasn't rude... not all the time.

As Anulia and the man spoke, the woman was very curious of the horse. Who could blame her, they were magnificent creatures. Jocelyn's smile had began to fade but seeing the woman with the mans horse had it slowly taking shape again. Hands left her hips though when the conversation shifted from him and now back to her. Jocelyn would give a slight shrug with her answer as to whether she would like to join them. "Ay 'ave no place tae be... so iffn ye needs meh 'elp... tha both o' ye, Ay would nae mind o' be'n some assistance tae ye."

The dark haired woman would then look to this Stryker fella and eye him a moment. It was jus her way of sizing him up really and pondering over a few curious thoughts about him. It seemed she'd get another invitation to join them once the pair began to walk and Jocelyn would of course follow in along beside them. Once a chance was given after the other two were done, Jocelyn took the moment to introduce herself.

"Ay be Jocelyn Cotovartre... pleasure tae be meetn ye both." Nod was given to each instead of a hand shake for a moment. It wasn't that she wished to come off as rude, but should either offer their hand, she'd take it and they'd get a firm, hardy handshake in return before her own hand would come to rest along her side. As they all took a few more steps, Jocelyn could see something troubled the man, though she wouldn't bring any attention to it. Perhaps he was just tired from his travels.

Though, when the man spoke and offered up his horse to both her an Anulia, Jocelyn's brows arched. "Eh, thank ye much good sir but really...Ay be jus fine walkn 'pon meh own two feet. But.. if ye insist, Ay'll nae be rude and turn from ye offer." She then looked to Anulia, smiled softly and looked back to Stryker. "Bah... it be jus a lil rain...nae like Ay be tha sugar and melt once wet." She added before taking a couple more steps then coming to a pause once more and looking to both Anulia and Stryker before glancing between the two, waiting to see who spoke next and on what.

[chantalrose]

Visits to Turas Lan did not occur often for the Rose family. Indeed they mostly took place when shopping was to be done or merchant ships were announced bringing in wares. Running an inn meant that Chantal, at times, needed to travel into the city. Though this visit was more for the children who seemed to want to spend the small coin they'd been given for helping an old man carry some buckets of water. The children, naturally, had refused the taking of such coin- having learned when living with Astennu the knowledge of how to truly treat ones elders- until the man had insisted. When it seemed that the man was not about to be denied such a kind gesture, they had given in and now wanted to spend it.

Such were the ways of children. Realizing that they had coin, all three had immediately come into the inn clamoring to be taken to Turas Lan. Which meant the cart had been hitched and children loaded, along with Elspeth their Nanny. Once in the city though they had left the horses and cart in safe care at an inn, and went about their shopping.

Which is how all five came wandering upon the group of three strangers. Soaked to the bone, none seeming to care, the blonde-headed, blue-eyed figure of Chantal was carrying a small boy of almost two in her arms whose skin was the color of chocolate and eyes the color of coal.

In front of her were two frollicking children, nine summers of age, with skin the same pale shade as Chantal's own, sable colored hair and amethyst eyes. None wore cloaks, having not thought to bring them from the inn, but were not concerned with the chill. Eventually they'd return to a warm fire and food. The small group seemed to be enjoying the rain immensely, laughter and smiles aplenty to be found, except for the woman following behind. With her gray hair in a tight bun, matching colored shawl and dress plastered to the tall frame, she held her head high and tried to look regal even though resembling a drowned rat.

"Elspeth, do stop being so staid and dull! The rain will not do you any harm!" Chantal's sweet, musical voice carried, laughter in its depths and caused the children to giggle.

Sniffing, her own voice frosty, she muttered,"We shall catch our death!"

"That is nonsense, Elspeth." Chantal heard the woman sniff again and noted the lack of a response, which sent the two older children into fits of giggles. Haji, confusion clear on his young face, look between his older siblings and his Mother with that innocent smile of one his age.

Noticing that they were wandering upon a group of three, Chantal watched Synnovea and William instinctively shout out a "Good day!", manners not cared about as the joy of the day filled them, and Chantal offered her own,"Good day sir, ladies."

[Anulia of Amora]

Striker, what an interesting name. `` Like what a snake does? Strikes...`` It was perhaps a child like concept, but never the less, it was how she had put something together sometimes. Anulia was not a child at all and well into middle age for most women here, but she retained that small innocence to keep what light she could inside herself. There was no reason to be bitter with what happens in life for too long, for it ate at you and made you someone you were not meant to be. Cruel people were made from bitterness and Anulia could never be cruel.

Striker seemed like a kind gentleman, which was something that the world should never be short in. `` Yes! And hello Jade. A beautiful name for a beautiful horse. `` A wide smile was given to the best, before she started to move along and looked to the other woman, still holding that same smile. `` Joc-e-lynn. Jocelyn..`` When it came to named that were longer, Anulia had to take her time saying them to make sure she got it right. Hopefully people would correct her or she would hear it enough to correct herself. `` A pleasure as well. `` She was glad the woman would come with them, for who could resist meeting two new possible friends in one day? Naive? Hardly, but simply seeing the good first and the bad later if it ever came. Chocolate eyes turned towards Striker as he offered the horse. Anulia's eyes seemed to light up at the idea of riding the creature, for she only got the chance a few times a week when the Horse Lord could show her.

`` I would love to ride Jade, but I fear I am still learning about the horse and I know some horse's have a temper or strong personality and only like their riders. I think for now, it is better that I pass your offer, but if it could be granted another time, I would be honored! And hopefully know more about riding upon a horse.`` None of it was said with a sad face, but a bright smile even as rain poured down her dark flesh, making those curls tighten and cling to her skin. She did not shiver, nor mind that the clothing was clinging to her form and the much larger curves that was Africa's gift to her. Turning about, she started back on her pace, thinking that the other two would keep up with her much shorter form without a problem. Anulia had learned to move faster since most of the people she met was much larger then herself. Actually, all were save a handful.

Moving down the path, it was not until the walls of Turas lan came into view, that Anulia looked to the woman, be it on the horse or walking around and finally pondered a better question to ask her. Shifting her face, she looked to Jocelyn with that soft smile. `` What is it you do as a duty Jocelyn? We share common friends with the Windsors, but I have never met you in passing that I can recall, unless my mind has forgotten it from a time before. I am sorry if I have. `` Anulia gave the woman her full attention as they headed towards the city, listening to what she would say before pausing at the sound of others.

Looking behind herself, she saw the children and two women coming forward upon a cart. `` Good Day! `` She called back with a small wave. Children were wonderful, much like animals. Anulia could not help but adore them, perhaps because she never had any of her own, she knew that other's children could fill the gap in her life even if for a moment or two. Looking to Striker, she laughed softly. `` I do hope, that all these wonderful faces, will help you forget any cruel ones you might meet within the city. It is true, not everyone is so nice, but the few you will meet, I hope will spoil the bad ones away. `` A wink was sent to him before she turned back to the women and children, waiting for them to catch up a bit before turning again and heading for the gates, which were close now. Hopefully, others could introduce because the jungle beauty had forgotten about that common trait unless someone else started it.