Post by Lady Siobhan MacLeod on Dec 8, 2008 22:55:44 GMT -6
Lucius || It was never easy to be a squire, and anyone that uttered anything different was either a fool or a liar. There was much hard work to be had, when one wasn't doing chores and services that were required of a squire. It was hard work but Lucius was learning to deal with it and certainly determined to never let it dampen his spirits. He worked hard, did everything that was required of him, and Lucius only prayed that it would lead him to better days as a knight. Presently, on this fine day, his master: Sir Liam, had given him leave to practice jousting, but had stepped off for a moment as someone had beckoned his services leaving Lucius along to practise his jousting skills by the courtesy of...the dummy. There was a pole in the middle of the field carved in the shape of a front view of a knight with a lance attached to one part and it was rigged on a machine that would send it turning as a real person would rotate their shoulders and body if struck on the horse. However, there was a heavy shield hooked to the other side, and if you paused, it would come around and knock you off the horse from behind. Already there were many times he had fallen off Valerius because of it. Sitting on top of the black Friesan, he held the lance tucked under his arm, and though he wore the simple breeches and tunic and boots with the only protection being the studded leather chestplate that his father had crafted for him as a gift. Lucius did sport a helmet with a visor to help keep splintering wood from flying in his eyes...not that he ever broke his lance for that to happen. Taking a deep breath, dark eyes peered through the slit and to the target as fingers flexed around the grip of the lance.
Siobhan || Just because you grow up within the lands, it did not mean that you knew every inch of them. That was, perhaps a major reason why her father had allowed her and three other clansmen to travel about the immediate area of Turas Lan. As the up and coming connection between her clan and the Duke, along with the Duchess, she would need to know these things, despite how mundane they may have seemed. Many would have wondered why knowing the land was important, unless you wished to travel, but traveling would be only a small reason. War was coming once again and while it may not be as big as 'Red Lines', people were restless and to know where each person stood, would help benefit yourself along with those you allied with. Seat upon Mekmera; a white mare that held both grace and strength; she moved into the fields at a slow and steady pace. The men about her who were upon their own steeds, were good for more then just protection. They were a human library of information, to help the clansman chief's daughter learn all she can to better serve their people when it was time for her to step forward. The past few moments, had been silence between them for there was no need to question the mountains or the forest. Hair of raven and and chocolate lay in flowing waves along her back, covering part of the cloak that kept her warm and covered from any chill that may sneak into the air. As a lady should, her dress was long and wide enough that even straddling the horse, it did not bare her legs too greatly. What was bared, had been covered with boots that reached well up to her knees. Decent in the eyes of her people, she spotted a figure... male she thought, not far off from the path. Pausing in her ride, she held the reins tightly in her slender fingers, feeling the woven leather that was crafted by a man of great respect, as cadet blue eyes stayed on the male, unable to hide the curiosity that lingered on her face. Wars and such, were an affair she would speak on, but never act within. Would this one go to battle?
Lucius || With the helmet on, it was hard to hear anything other than your own breathing, especially with a helmet that had a visor. Lucius sighed again, taking another breath and his other hand gripping the reins that were attached to the bridle. Peripheral vision was limited severely with the helmet in this fashion, but if he was to become a knight, he would have to get use to such, especially if he was ever going to be partaking in jousts, which were talents mounted riders possessed. Gloved fingers held the reins tightly, and when his heels dug into Valerius' flanks, the horse snorted and with a small rear, the horse took off. Galloping hard and fast, the mane and tail of the black beast flowed and whipped through the air as Lucius leaned forward, just as Liam had taught him. The lance was turned, tucked in even closer, but the tip turned and pointed toward the center of the dummy. Only mere feet from the dummy, Lucius thrusted the lance. BANG. CRACK. He did it! He broke the lance! So happy that he broke his lance, Lucius made the mistake in slowing Valerius down. As before, the dummy spun around, and the shield came around and smacked him in the back, knocking him off the horse. Lucius went forward, and then slid off Valerius, which made the horse stop completely as he hit the ground on his back, laying beside the the broken lance. that fall knocked the wind out of his lungs, and as he laid there, staring up at the sky gasping for air, there was a smile on his lips under the visor, which was still pulled down and covering his face and head. Further behind, the dummy was still spinning, though slowly
Siobhan || What was he hitting? It looked to be...well she was not entirely sure what it was, but her eyes focused on that until the charge of the male was seen and her eyes went to that. She would admit only to herself, that the action of fighting made her heart speed up just a tad. Perhaps it was bred into the woman to love a fighter or a male strong enough to protect them, but what ever it was, she always kept it to herself and pretended to be coy about it all. One slender brow rose up as she watched the male thrust his lance at the device and break it. There was no mistaking the joy he must have felt, but she saw the device coming back and wanted to call out, but it was much too late. Before she could get her breath to say something, it swung back around to hit him from behind and knocked him clean off his horse. Bemused, even slightly, she smiled before shifting the reins and making a clicking noise to pull her horse around and head towards the male and his device. The men followed in tow as she went towards the area, though kept her horse out of reach of the contraption as she headed towards the unknown male laying on his back. Clearing her throat gently, her face held that calm as she spoke. `` That was... interesting to say the least. Are you alright? `` Something in her tone, said she was not so worried about his health and that she was not think the move was completely awesome as she looked down from her high horse.
Lucius || Not even Siobhan's beating heart could compare to the rapid procession of his own, both from the fall, the adrenaline, and excitement that he made a large accomplishment...well in his opinion. Never before had he broken the lance, but now, he could say that he did. Breaking the lance meant that you had great power behind your thrusts, that you could unhorse a man with such a blow, and you were dead on target. Now...if only he could stay ON his horse. The sound of a voice made his eyes turn from under the slit, and turning his head, Siobhan came into view...that girl from the weaponry! Even though she couldn't see his smiling, he cleared his throat, chest still heaving heavily as he slowly sat up.`` Y-yes..quite. Forgive me...I did not know you were here..Lady Siobhan.. `` He replied, bowing his head, helmet still on and visor down. How did he know her name? Liam told him, for he asked his master who the beauty with ebony hair and wintry eyes had been. Daughter of a clan's leader. As beautiful as an angel.
Siobhan || That voice, she knew it from some where and was trying to recall from where as the male spoke. It was rich, with a strange accent that she never heard before. He knew her name, so they must have met before. Still seated upon her horse, she made no attempt to get off. If he could play such harsh games or do such training, he could lift himself from the ground too. `` How do you know my name? Have we met before? Come... be a gentleman and take off your helmet for a lady. `` It was more a demand then a request, though her voice did not hold the firm tone it should have. She waited for him to do so, only to reveal, that boy from the weapons room who talked a lot. She had seen him at the stables as well. What was he..a squire.. oh yes. That was it. Eyes turned from him to look out around them as her men remained silent. Finally, she spoke again without looking to him. ``Where is your Lord then? Does he not train you himself? `` Now, her tone held a oddity in it, as if half disgusted, yet curious. She did not mean to come off as such and corrected herself. He might only be a squire, but he belonged to a Lord. Not to mention, she should not be so ridden on common people. In her own village, she was much different and loved everyone, out here..she was still finding a balance. `` I mean, should he not be training you to help you better yourself? ``
Lucius || How could anyone forget a face like hers? Lucius couldn't, nor did he truly want to. Of course, he knew that a woman as high as her standards would have no business with someone such as him unless it was to tend to her horse, but there was no harm in dreaming, right. Lucius stood, and the smile died somewhat, but did not vanish completely as he stared up at her on his horse. Remove his helmet? Damn. ``..Everyone knows who you are, my Lady. Oh..my helm? Of course..as you wish. `` And gloved hands reached for the helmet, and pulled it from his head. He did not dare disobey someone like her. The helmet was tucked under his arm as dark brown eyes looked up to her on the white horse..like a princess. When her words and tone changed, his smile faltered all the more, and he took a deep breath, his heart skipping a beat with the slightly tingle running up and down his back. Lucius looked down at his feet for a moment, thinking on how best to answer her, before she corrected herself...though it did not sound much better than what she has said before. Lifting his head again, he tightened his hold on the helm while his eyes glanced to her. `` He was called away..a page came and informed him that someone required his counsel..I suppose it has to do with the threat of war...or the rumours of it anyway. But he was training me, my Lady. `` Why was it so hard to talk to her? There was something about her...alluring, but at the same time..there was a wall. Royals and nobles had little to do with simple men like him..so he was not entirely surprised by her behavior..but he could wish for someone to be different right? Eyes were cast down again, and he swallowed hard
Siobhan || Did everyone know who she was? one would think it would make her proud and high and mighty of herself, but in fact, it made her shiver slightly. She did not want EVERYONE to know who she was, though knowing what she would do, was more of what she wanted. In time..she just had to be patient. Her eyes finally moved back to him as her horse moved forward slightly then backwards to stretch it's legs a bit. Why did he look down and from her? Was that a insult? Her pouted lips twitched and she wanted to sneer at him, but she slowly counted backwards as her father had taught her, took a deep breath and eased herself down. No..it was a insecurity, which made her frown a bit before trying to straighten her face once more. So, his Lord had been here and left. `` Threats that will more then likely come true. Does he deem you ready for battle? `` Why did she care? She did not know honestly. Maybe because she was young and wondered what it took to be in the service of the Duke and Duchess. The sad reality was, if he could not stay on a horse, he could lose his life. While she did not know him, knowing that someone could loose their life for these land hurt even if a little because they were precious to herself, her family and all those she did know. This was home, no other place would be such.
Lucius || Perhaps there was still someone who had yet to know of her, but Lucius knew, well, he knew because he asked, and Liam seemed to know just about everyone here in Skye, visitor or not. Lucius could learn a lot from the man...and Liam was not of those knights who contented to leave people ignorant. Already the two were becoming the best of friends, and Lucius has nothing but respect for his master. Insecurity? Hardly. Nervousness? Getting closer to the mark. Not to mention it was considered improper for a man to look at their superior squarely, but in her case, he was nervous. When she mentioned the threats coming true, a part of him tensed. War...Lucius never knew battle before, and while part of him was ecstatic about fighting gloriously beside his master..a bit of him was..fearful. He could die..what man did not fear death at some point in time? Was he ready? Well, as Liam put it, he would not know how ready he was until he actually got on the field. Practice made perfect, true enough, but experience mattered all the more. `` Lord Liam thinks I am as ready as I can be..readiness is tested upon the field of battle. But..he has faith me...and my wits and skill. Hopefully that comes in the ring of readiness. `` He replied, smiling up at her softly. `` I pray that you will be safe should such threats come true...`` Of COURSE she would be safe..stupid. Lucius gave a nervous smile before glancing to her horse. `` You have a very beautiful horse..my Lady.. `` Way to divert attention.
Siobhan || The same questions were running through her mind. Should she be nicer to the boy if he were to head to battle? Would she regret not being nicer? What if he died..would he be among the many faces she would remember and tell her children about? She looked at him, studying the way his hair was a mess around his face, how he held some stubble upon his jaw that suggested he was becoming or nearly finished going from boy to man. That voice, also held more proof to that. She gave one thing to him, he could do more then she could, but then again it was not her duty to fight, only protect herself and children if things came down to that point. When he said he wished her safe, the beginning of what could have been a smile started, only to shift and move back to a calm expression. `` I am sure I will be. But thank you, never the less. `` The attention was averted and she should have taken her leave, but he spoke of her horse. `` Her name is Makmera. I am sure she loves the compliment. `` She did act as if she were the most beautiful horse in the lands, which had Siobhan roll her eyes a few times as she watched Makmera prance about the fields. `` If you and your Lord believe you are ready, then so it shall be. I hope you are safe, but how safe can you be in battle. May your wounds heal, both physically and mentally. `` That was as much of a goodbye as he would get before she shifted the riens on her horse and began to head away from him. She did not even look back as she commented. `` Mind the back hand of your device Squire. ``.
Lucius || The possibility of death, though high, was not something he wanted to think about. Lucius preferred to keep positive in his abilities and in God's mercy. Whatever he did not wish to happen, would not happen. He couldn't discard his fear of death. But he knew that she would be safe..she had guards with her at all times, and Lucius would put good faith in the fact that those men would give their lives for her. As would he. When she thanked him, he smiled a bit as he stared at the mare. Beautiful, entirely. `` A most deserving compliment. Horse and rider both reflecting beauty. She is most befitting of you, I have no doubt.. `` He added, before turning to Siobhan again. She did bring up a good point...how safe would he be on a battle field? Lucius did not know..perhaps he wasn't safe. No, he had to have confidence in himself and his master. But what a depressing good-bye to give..may whatever you suffer heal...already she assumed him to come back either with great wounds and scars or not at all. What a...no..she was a lady...perhaps that was a noblewoman's way of sincere endearment. Dark eyes watched her trot off, though her last comment stung slightly. He was use to being recalled by the name 'squire', but Liam never called him that..it was more than a squire..only to some, however..and apparently not Lady Siobhan. What would it take? If he was a knight..she would not ignore him, no doubt. `` Thank you, my Lady.. `` He called after her, before glancing to Valerius, the black horse watching the white mare trot off. ``. ..Mind the effect of the blow..yes..such will be my next goal..but Valerius, my friend..I have broken the lance..how that counts dearly to me. `` He said to his horse, walking over to the black beast and rubbing his powerful neck.
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