The Price of Kissing a Thorn

[averythorn]

Avery: Escort to the house and escort back. No one would say why, only that danger lurked within the streets but she saw the fruits of attacks every day and though her specialty was children and...women with children. She was obligated to heed the call. It was why she loved what she did. Helping others, seeing smiles, even laughter in the end. Sometimes there was pain, unimaginable pain that would not go away but as long as she cool. Was there for the patient without physically involving herself in their lives, the pain passed for her. Summoned once more to the Lily, she took the hand offered as she stepped out of the carriage, a smile passing to the guard before she was moving inside. Her cloak placed on a peg. Sans her bag tonight, she was here for a check up and there was likely nothing she needed to prescribe her two patients within. Having tended the old knight, she had given good news. His eyes were on the mend. With time his eyes would heal. Now seated within the great room, she waited for the lady of the house to check on her progress. Gerda had said she had been detained by company and moved off grumbling about a pirate. Though she made sure to always remain the picture of complete blankness, the two different colored eyes seemed to beg an answer to the old woman's backside before she was lifting off the seat and moving about the room to survey the decorations of the Yule season.

Pembroke: It was a cold night made all the more miserable by the constant ache in his shoulder.. a grim reminder of the age old adage no good deed goes unpunished.. shot.. in the shoulder joint while helping rescue Ealora from the bad uns.. he now had a constant ache.. and a nasty scar.. as a reminder.. of what trouble that particular woman could get herself into.. one might say he was lucky as she was not a constant in his life.. as such he might live to make it to a ripe old age.. unlike that savage husband of hers at any rate.. hearing that the Lily was the place to go to find comfort That was where he was headed.. for three nights he had tried to find it at the bottle of a bottle..with no success.. tonight only half a bottle saw him weaving.. to the Lily.. and insides its.. holy hell in a hand basket , someone had decorated.. it was like a nightmare of Christmas and gold lame... he shook his head glad he didn't have to sleep here.. how could one with all this? stuff? glittery shiny stuff? almost groaning he made his way into the great room..... hello ... what have we here.. tossing aside the bottle into a potted plant he straightened his coat.. and ran a hand thru unruly dark curls.. sea colored blue eyes... lighting on the form of the girl before him.. now that was comfort... " Evening.... Milady " he bowed.. trying not to fall on his face.. a half a bottle of whiskey could undo the best of courtly bows...


Avery: Fingering an ornament within her hand, a smile curled lips that seemed perfectly painted in a soft pink hue. Releasing the ornament, she turned at the sound of the gentleman. The skirts of sky blue dress swaying as she pulled them back in order to not trip on them. She had just been relieved of her shift at the infirmary when the call came to come to the Lily. Duty never rested and nor did she, not when there were those in need but not having time to change back into workable clothing the woolen dress, thick for the ice of winter looked less like work clothes then she intended. The clothing never bothered her but sometimes it was nice to leave work behind and be the woman behind being the healer though unsuccessfully, she hadn't been able to separate the two yet. One blue eye, one gray seemed to rake from the top of the gentleman's head down to his boots and then up to his face again. Cupping her hands at her stomach, she frowned in his direction despite his attempt to bow in a courtly manner. "Good Evening..Sir.. “She paused as her head tilted slightly. "Are...you all right?" She moved forward towards him with an outstretched hand before stopping a few paces from him and raising her hand to her nose. Lord, he was drunk!


Pembroke: "I am quite well.. tonight.. better now that I've seen you.. " he leaned forward as she reach him with that outstretched hand.. and grasp it gently yet firmly pulling her to him.. " God's teeth your a pretty thing " before she could even react he leaned forward.. and sniffed her.. yes... sniffed her.. " And you smell clean enough.. turnabout " he practically turned her in a circle as if surveying a horse for sale.. " Nice.. " his hands released her.. suddenly as he swayed back a step.. then straightened.. catching his balance.. his hands disappearing into his pants and fishing around almost obscenely.. his other lifting to her.. in a motion to wait a moment " hold on.. almost.. got it.. just a second.. wow I lost it.. no no got it " with a devilishly handsome grin her way her pulled out what he had been searching for and finding to hard to capture.. a money bag.. he jingled it before her eyes... " How much for the whole night dear ?"


Avery: She let out a small squeal of surprise as he jerked her towards him. Her mouth opened to protest before he was sniffing at her..good lord what the hell did he think he was doing! "I beg your.."she was cut off as he turned her in circles making her head spin with the flash of silver and gold of the decorations spinning within her sight before the two colored eyes were landing on him again. She nearly toppled over the back of the couch as her head fought to catch up with what had spin before her eyes and with jumping back with him fishing around his pants. One blue and one gray eye widened like saucers. "I beg your pardon sir!" She nearly squealed out as a hand flew to her mouth before he was dangling a money bag before her eyes. Oh thank god but.. He thought she was a...a...dear god in heaven! Her hand flew in a resounding smack across his face. "I am not a courtesan you pig!" Lord her hand stung from slapping him and she flexed her fingers to ease the sting as she moved around the couch to put distance and an object between her and him.


Pembroke: His features were a bit stunned as she slapped him... and he blinked but stayed upright which was a feat of strength in itself.. " your not?" he was really confused as he turned about looking at his surroundings.. " Is this not the Lily?" another odd look at her.. as he moved toward her... " Courtesan house.. lovely Lady.. courtesan.. seems logical to me.. or are you just playing hard to get to drive up the price.. I'm quite willing to pay premium your quite the piece of good fluff. and I'll not be bartering over coin.. you can have it all " he tossed the bag toward her.. " Don't play coy it's not in my time allowance.. not tolerance tonight.. come.. give me a bit of what I be wanting"


Avery: "No I am.."Again cut off as he gave his drunken analysis of the situation, the house and her. Well in a drunken mind what didn't make sense. Both brows went upward as he called her fluff. Her cheeks flaming a deep hue of pink as the bag was tossed to her and her teeth clenched, for a moment she was ready to toss the bag back at him before a slow smile spread over her lips. "Very well my lord.." How did the courtesans do it? She batted her eyelashes in his direction as her hand curled around the coin. "But you must close your eyes..."At his protest her chin rose and she smiled still.."no protests...you paid for my services, now close your eyes..." Moving around the couch, she took his hand into her own. "No touching, not yet.."She nearly purred up to him as she lead him out of the hall, ever so slowly opening the front door before she was pushing him forward a bit to the doorframe. "Keep those eyes closed my lord.." She spoke moving in behind him and lifting her skirts, she rose her foot and gave him a swift kick in the behind, sending him out into the snow. Her fist clenched around the bag of coins then and she threw those to, right at his head. "This is where you can take your services you horses ass. I am NOT a courtesan!"

Pembroke: There that was better.. he liked his women with a bit of fight but to much was like buying a braying donkey.. he preferred the purring kitten.. a grin that was boyish and charming spread over his features.. and if it wasn't for the fact he was drunk.. and acting like a total ass.. she might have found him handsome.. or at the very least.. passable..azure orbs glinted with satisfaction as he closed his eyes.. and took her hand willing to let her take command for the moment but once he got that blue gown off her she would bend to his will.. and ohhh how she would bend.. he was fighting the urge to lick his lips, pick her up and toss her over his shoulder and run upstairs... cold wind.. what the hell.. touched his face.. and before his drunken mind could piece together the puzzle a boot in his ass had launched him out into the night and the thick drifts of snow at the base of the stairs that lead up to the Lily... " Damit to hell" he cursed darkly on his back in the white cold stuff.. what a shock.. he was expecting warm flesh.. and then the bag of coins right as he sat up.. smack.. right in the middle of his forehead.. he wanted to say ouch.. but blackness wouldn't' let him.. thud.. like a stone cast out ... he fell backward knocked slam the hell out.

Avery: Hands settled on her hip as her chin tilted upward in triumph that was until he fell backward into the snow after the bag of coins hit him. She waited, convinced he was faking it. When he didn't rise after a few minutes she flinched and threw her hands up into the air"Oh Bloody hell!" Perfect English lass she was came right out into the open. Moving to his side, she kneeled down and brushed the hair from his eyes. Damn it! Turning her attention to the two guards, currently unable to hold their laughter in, she scowled"Stop laughing' It wasn't that bloody funny, he is hurt, help me and carry him inside to the couch." Raising from the snow, she brushed a hand against her skirts and followed after the men as they carried the man inside. "Thank you, now go get a bowl from Gerda, fill it with snow and bring it in the great room with a rag, please."A soft look went to the men and as she bid they left and she moved to the couch where they had set the gentleman. Lowering onto an open space, she leaned forward to raise his head and place a pillow beneath it. Well now quiet and quite passed out, she could get a look at him. Lips pressed together, oh hell, he was handsome...but he was a pig. The bowl of ice and rag were quickly brought and she nodded her thanks before fingers delved into the flakes of ice and wrapping it within the placed it on his forehead where the bag of coins had struck him. Holding it there with one hand, her other wiped on her skirts to remove the wetness as well as to warm them before she was using a thumb to lift his lids to look at his pupils.

Pembroke: he was out.. no trickery to it.. at all...and a purple lumpy bump beginning to swell on his forehead.. she had a mean curveball apparently... but someone diggin about in his eyes was enough to wake him.. rouse him.. the lid fluttering against her intrusion... with a groan.. as he focused on her face.. " Angel.... " he murmured and grasp the back of her head.. pulling her to him his lips capturing hers before she could struggle away.. even with the taste of whiskey on his breath.. he was a dam good kisser his hand sliding down her back pulling her downward... while the other curled into her hair, at the nape of her neck commanding yet gentle.. lips that had kissed more than their fare share of ladies did so expertly, teasing open her mouth and then invading it with the soul purpose of intense pleasure.. both his and hers as he tasted the sweet pink hued treasure that was her mouth...

Avery: "Lie still"She spoke softly as his lids fluttered, the cloth turned to the colder side against his forehead where the lump began to show. She felt a pang of guilt as the two different colored eyes moved to his face as he murmurred. She was about to speak when she was being pulled down with lips meeting lips. Eyes widened and she wiggled against him as the taste of whiskey invaded her mouth. "mmphgggmmfff"She uttered against his lips before sinking against him as his lips moved against her own. Lids closed as his hand found place against her back and the nape of her neck. Her lips moved against his own to the point of being coaxed open were whiskey and the cider still on her tongue from dinner danced together in movement. Her cheeks flushed as the heat of such a kiss spread through her body. The realization that her body was indeed responding to a kiss...just a kiss made her struggle against him once more, wiggling her body against his own before she could do the only thing she could do in that situation, threw her body weight to the openness of the floor, away from the couch.

Pembroke: She was gone dammit... where had she gone.. He growled as she threw herself from him and onto the floor.. " Ohhh poppet no.. your much to soft for the floor.." and like that he rolled off the couch and onto the floor.. almost atop her... his arms planting along either side of her shoulders effectively caging her.. beneath the upper half of his body... " But if you insist " he smiled wickedly leaning down to nuzzle her neck... hot whiskey scented breath that was sweet and somehow sexy.. played at her ear.. teasing the flesh of her neck.. yes last he had heard her say.. well that he remembered.. was yes... she was a courtesan... the whole out in the snow things being erased by that wicked curve ball..

Avery: "Oh bloody hell!"She cursed again as he rolled ontop of her pinning her beneath his body and arms. "I'm not.."She hummed a soft moan as his breath rolled against his ear followed by his lips against her neck. What was she again? Oh yes! She wiggled beneath him shoving her hands against his chest. "Get' off me! I'm not a courtesan! Get' off me!" Unable to dislodge him, her hand fell, right into the bowl of rapidly melting snow. Grabbing a handful, she grabbed the belt of his slacks and pulled till there was a gap and the snow shoved right into his loins. Shoving upward again, she dislodged him from on top of her and grabbed the bowl and turned it upside down upon his head. "Here, cool off my lord!" She purred as she left the bowl on top of his head and scooted away from him.

Pembroke: OH for Christ sake woman !" he bellowed as the cold slush invaded his rather warm nethers, he rolled to the side with a groan and then stood up.. " It looks like I've pissed myself.. " he growled at her.. dark hair now wet and curling even more charmingly over his brow.. " For what you say your not.. your body says you are.. you kissed me back you hellion.. and you moaned.. you liked it.." another dark grumble.. " your a coke tease.." he told her none to gently, the whiskey, the pounding in his head and now the pain in his recently half frozen balls all colliding to make him practically bark at her.. " I'd nay bed you cold ass now.. for free " he stalked away from her.. with an animalistic growl headed for the front door..

Avery: Leaning back onto her palms from her crawl away from him, she stopped to stare up at him and the wet spot that had started to form were ice had melted into his nether regions. Her lips pressed tightly together, for a moment her face looked pained till the full bodied laughter rang out from her lips, her shoulders shaking with the sheer effort to not literally pee her own skirts. Rolling to her side she continued to laugh until it abruptly stopped when he argued she kissed him back, she moaned and now she was a coke tease! Her mouth opened then slammed shut as she maneuvered to her bottom again, watching him stalk from the room. "Oh do not be upset a woman was adverse to your charms Sir! There are many a man who has that problem!" She called out in retort to him as she rose from the floor to brush a hand against her skirts.

Pembroke: He stopped " Your lips and your body was not adverse just your silly mind and your sharp tongue.. then again.. your quite the lonely one I've no doubt sending a many man home with ice in their britches.. must make for a lonely bed " she was given a look that would sear her soul, before he grabbed his cloak.. from the hall tree and jerked open the door.. slamming it before she could get an word in edgewise.. he grimaced as it slammed.. god that made his head hurt! Great.. a walk in the cold snow with a wet head and crotch.. just what he had not planned...

Avery: She jumped as the door slammed, her bottom lip worried between her teeth...and this was why she was single and a virgin. Mmmhmm. Stupid men. With a grumble, she picked up the bowl and the rag and dumped the rag into the bowl. "I'm sorry Madame Thorn, the mistress has gone to bed."Gerda words had her head turning out of her own thoughts. "It's all right Gerda, tell her I will stop by tomorrow then." The bowl with rag was passed to her before she was moving to the rack to take down her cloak and wrap it her shoulders, followed by her gloves. She saw herself out only to nearly bump into the man as he seemed to be stalling from walking in the cold. With a grumble, she moved around him and turned her head left and right to look for the carriage to take her back to the infirmary. "For your information, I am a healer not a courtesan and my bed is quite warm without male companions to service it. At least I can still call myself a lady, you sir...are an animal."

Pembroke: He made a sound of irritation.. suddenly the whiskey leaving him and of a delightful manner instead in a mood of grumpiness and pain.. both his head and his shoulder.. all he had wanted was a bit of comfort was that too much to ask.. and now.. the shrew followed him... " And yet for someone who does not.. like animals you are following me still conversating.. Lady indeed " he drawled the English accent as thick as he was sore headed and miserable.. where was that whiskey bottle..? He looked up and down the street with a bit of concern turned to her.. " You're not thinking of walking wherever it is your going in this mess are you ?" no carriage was to be seen.. and the streets a darkened slushy disaster.

Avery: "I didn't say I didn't like animals..I just don't like you and I am not following you. I'm waiting on.."A scan of eyes went again to the courtyard. "Blast!" She hissed under her breath. She had forgotten to tell them to wait for her. One blue eye and one gray eye moved in his direction. His hair still a mop of wet curls strung together over his forehead making him look all the more dashing...even if he had been a drunken pig before had her bottom lip worried between her teeth again. The tops of her cheeks flushed with the remembrance of his lips against her own, again her neck. Gritting her teeth, her eyes seemed to harden even under his concern. She gave a curt and firm nod of her head and moved off the stoop of the Lily's doorway to head into the street. The Infirmary wasn't that far."Yes...Goodnight sir."

Pembroke: "oh for Christ sake woman you can't go traipsing about.. in the dark and snow alone.." as he growled at her his head seemed to almost split open.. why the hell was his head hurting so bad.. he'd never been that drunk before.. gahhhhh " Catching up with her.. he marked her steps falling in beside her.. " I'll walk you " his hands shoved deep into his pockets.. it was freezing out, as he begrudgingly offered his company

Avery: "Avery...my name is Avery..not woman."It was all the 'peace' offering she would afford him as she clutched the cloak about her to ward the chill of the winter away from her body. Though it did make her feel slightly guilty again as he growled from the feeling of his head. No doubt it was pounding. "Come with me inside the infirmary, I'll give you an herb you can put into tea...or water...anything but alcohol to help with your head. But you did...ask for it. You can't assume every woman in that house is a courtesan and then expect to throw coins at her and not get them thrown back at you.." What was this, the little 'coke tease' had softened up. "In fact...there is a rooms at the infirmary...come on."she ushered, the softness gone as she quickened her steps, the sooner away from him, the better.

[averythorn]

Avery: By the time he had walked her back to the infirmary, he looked near ready to pass out, even with the 'frost bite' to his neither regions, somehow she managed to convince him to stay the night in one of the infirmary rooms. She used his tiredness and a little chloroform to make sure he was completely knocked out before going to work. The least she could do even if he had turned out to be an ass, couldn't let the man go around in pain having seen the state of his shoulder as they walked, it was not hard to tell something was wrong. The surgery had gone well. She was able to remove some remains of the bullet in his shoulder. How the man got shot was irrelevant but had the bullet remains stayed they would of eventually caused more damage. Her hair had been tied back into one long braid which dipped and swayed as she moved to cleaning out the open wound, the bullet remains tossed casually into a basin. The assistant stood silent as she tended to the half clothed man, his shirt having been removed and taken for cleaning. "All right, all I have to do is stitch up and we will be done. Bison, please go down to the kitchens and fix some of the pain killing herbal tea and bring some food as well." She turned her attention briefly to the assistant who nodded, set the tray of supplies down and left the room. Turning to the table next to the bed, she cleaned her hands of the blood before collecting the needle and thread. The two different colored eyes moved along with her work to stitch up the wound, a serious pull of her lips as stitching it up wrong could cause problems as well but she had done this a hundred times or more, she could do it with her eyes closed but wouldn't test that theory now although she sorely wanted to. Courtesan, ha! Though it should of been a compliment the manner in which it occurred was less then flattering. A drunk ass pawing at her, kissing her. She shuddered though it was not from disgust. Yes she had reacted to his attention but what woman wouldn't? Leaning down, she bit the end of the string before tossing the needle onto the tray and grasping for the ointment. Fingers dipped into the alabaster cream before running over the stitches ever so lightly. Every once and a while her eyes rose to look at his face, whether to make sure he was still asleep or not was anyone's guess. When the ointment was spread over the stitching's, she set it aside and began to the process of wrapping the wound in gauze. It was the least she could do for causing him the head injury which still looked rather horrid, a large lump which seemed to pulse black, blue and purple. Leaning over his body, she moved his shoulder as carefully as she could while wrapping the protection around it before the ends were tied in a knot and his arm laid down again. Moving upward, she sat against the end of the bed and brushed his hair away from his forehead to inspect the lump she had created.

Pembroke: Ohhh he was going to wake up not only with a bourbon hangover.. frostbite cods.. but now a chloroform hangover this woman was a sadist.. and now she had dug around with barbaric torture devices in his shoulder, that had finally begun to heal after weeks of being infected and painful.. and she didn't even ask.. just snuck a piece of soak cloth to his nose and 1 2 3 and he was out for the count.. Sadistic Wench... thankfully he had slept thru the more tender moments of her healing arts.. the tender parts you know where she jabbed things into the socket and rooted about like a truffle hunting hog to find the pieces of the bullet that had shattered against his bone.. a lot of pieces.. so the tender moments would repeat.. over and over and over.. gods to have been awake he might have given away crown secrets just to beg her stop... it was after he was stitched and wrapped when she was leaning over him... the softness of her touch on his head.. that his eyes flickered open.. suddenly.. he was no groggy waker.. never had been.. one moment asleep.. the next awake.. oceanic hues trained on her face.. partched lips.. opening that drawl low english tone reaching her ears... " And here I thought you wanted nothing of being in bed with me " sarcaasm you betcha... now his head, shoulder and groin throbbed.. all because of her... gods teeth she was killing him in pieces!

Avery: "I'm not actually in bed with you now am I" A smile teased against her lips as she sat back from her lean over his head. "You'll be slightly groggy for the next day or so, so its been paid in full for you to stay here in that time. no leaving bed for tonight, tomorrow we'll get you up and moving around a bit but mostly bed stay tomorrow and then you'll be free to go, doctors orders." Shifting, she stood from the side of the bed, drew the table away from the bed and began to clean up the mess of the surgery and stitching. "I had my assistant go to fetch some tea that will take the edge of the pain off and some food. Light food, your stomach will probably not agree with you for the next day or so either. If you feel sick to your stomach, bread or crackers and some broth. I'll also have someone coming in to check and change your bandages through the night and will send some supplies with you when you go in order to keep the wound clean and tended though I'll want to see you in a few days to check on it myself." Her hands were rubbed against a cloth sticking out from the edge of a work belt. "I had your shirt sent to be cleaned as well, should be back later tonight." She wouldn't meet his gaze, not that she was embarrassed but well he was without his shirt and hurting because of her. Better to talk of what he would expect and such then dwell on things she could not change.

Pembroke: "I"ll be going to my own bed.. I can't stand infirmary's.. " and the stubborn bear of a man pushed upright.. ok not a good idea.. there were two of her now.. that was just wrong.. two evil sadistic wenches out to hack him into little pieces... a low groan as THEY continued to prattle on.. god above this must be hell..! His legs swung over the side of the bed.. and he groaned in pain.. both head and stomach rebelling at his moves.. then he did a stupid thing.. he brought his hands upward to cradle his head moving his shoulder.. the tight set of his jaw clenching and the pale color that washed over him was enough to send a clear message to her.. as his brain near fried with the sensations of pain " What the hell were you trying to do kill me the both of you " the fact that she was a twin.. was somehow scarey.. two of them... chloroform hallucinations were amusing " I'll not stay in the bed.. I'm not some child to be coddled.. and I have to piss !" he growled and tried to stand... his knees buckling beneath him like a horse who had foundered.. and down he went.. falling in slow motion... trying to catch himself but failing.. to land on his side with indelicate curses...

Avery: She turned as he pushed upward, her hands coming out to still his movements before drawing back as his legs swung out and she jumped back to avoid being taken down with them. "Stop, you'll break your stitches!" She grabbed for his arm as he reached for his head. "I removed the bullet from your shoulder and stitches up the wound, quite moving you ox!"She hissed as she moved tried pushing him back to check the guaze for bleeding, an indication that he had broken the stitches, but she was unable to tell as he wiggled to a stand. Her arms came around his wist to steady him only to be dragged down as he fell to his side. "Sit still damn you! Bloody hell your worse then a child! my child patients behave a hellofa lot better then you. Now sit still before you break your stitches or do worse to your damn body that I will have to fix. If you need to use the privy, let me get a male attendant to help you."

Pembroke: The jolt of the fall had him taking a deep breath against the pain.. what was that noise.. that chatter.. it was so irritating.. he rolled onto his back with a groan.. ohhh softness.. her body against his... where had this angel come from.. not the twin harpies.. his good arm reached out toward her.. grasping her by the waist... " Angel.... " and then he was out again.. simply a victim to her chlorform and tender healing methods.. not to mention the previouse abuse... to his noggin.. what kind of demented loon chloraforms a man with a head injury.. surely she was trying to kill the Englishman.. Long moments would pass until the attendant came back and help lift him back into the bed.. he looked rather rakeish.. if helpless against the stark white sheets.. and pillow.. dark swarthy sunkissed flesh.. dark unruly hair.. softly snoring.. out like a light... for the next few hours... imigine the Shrew's relief.

Avery: A soft hum of a laugh passed her lips as he went from saying she was trying to kill him to calling her an angel. She was trapped against him till the attendant came to help her roll him back into bed. The unruly mess of his hair was smoothed back with her fingertips as she gazed down to make sure he was out again. "Avery..." She turned towards Bison and shook her head. She was fine. "Take these things to be cleaned and stored away in my office. I'll sit with him for a while." When the assistant had left, she took the cup of tea and a spoon, sitting beside his head, she lifted up to her thigh and fed him a few spoonfuls of tea, at least he would get into his system to help with the pain when he awoke before moving his head back to the pillows. Damn it but he was handsome if not a savy jackass. Pulling the sheet up to his shoulders, she sat against the edge of the bed for a while before her attendant returned with a chair and a book. Gratefully she sank into the chair. for a while she read silently then read aloud to at least help with keeping her from falling asleep, the tale one of a woman who was a beautiful princess, hated by an evil witch who put her under a spell of sleep which would only be broken by true loves kiss. A kids tale but the detail that went into the story was beautiful. When the time came for his bandages to be changed, she did that too, cleaning the dried ointment from the wound, cleaning it out with soap and water before new ointment was applied and new bandages before she was back in the chair, reading from the book again, the long braid of her hair toyed with in one hand while she read aloud until finally her words drowned out and her head hit the back of the chair as her eyes fell closed to sleep.

Pembroke: It would be inttermittent.. but he heard her voice.. sweet and penetrating the drugged sleep that held him in it's confines... not willing to release him just yet.. then soft touches agaisnt his skin.. oh the smell of her this angel that pressed against him with such gentle ease... gone again.. where oh where had she gone... his senses denied her presence.. fell back into slumber once more... until the wee hours of the dawn that would find the drugged state giving over it's hold on him.. and a clearheaded if pain August.. awaking.. for a moment he lay still getting his bearings and then the night came back to him in flashes.. Infirmary... twin evil healers... and the angel.. where was she...? Oceanic hues looked about for landmarks of the room.. and fell on the sleeping form that moonlight had framed in it's silverly light... She slept soundly... his lips curled into a grin.. the Courtesan who wasn't... now he remembered.. he watched her sleep replaying what he remembered with a grimace.. what an ass he had been... his good hand moving to the bandages testingly as he sat up... good... no swaying and no evil twins... his feet on the floor .. even better.. and moved to her.. then gently bending and scooping her into his arms.. the one good arm bearing the slight weight of her toward his chest... Then tenderly laid her in the bed.. " Sleep Angel.. " he murmured as he released her .. looking for his boots quietly.. he really really hated infirmary's!

Avery: She hummed a soft sound of protest as she was lifted within his arms, no awareness of who actually held her in their arms though her head rolled to his shoulder, her face pressed against the flesh of his chest. "I'm not sleeping, just resting my eyes.."Lips moved against his chest as she gave another humming moan as she was laid into the bed. The awareness slowly sank in as she felt the softness of the bed beneath her. Wait..this wasn't her chair..Lids fluttered and slowly opened to the haze of a form moving around the room. "Where do you think you're going?" Slowly she sat up, the stiffness of resting in the chair making her body groan out in stiffness. She blinked several times to clear the haze of sleep from her eyes. "You really shouldn't be up.." Slowly she scooted to the edge of the bed and rose to her feet. She wasn't going to be caught on her back by him again! The lord knew where that had lead, a panic that left him with frozen neither regions and a bump on the head. Feisty little thing that she was. It wasn't that it wasn't good, it was that it was too good.*

Pembroke: "Back to my ship.. my bed.. I can't sleep here " he plopped in her chair wrangling his boots on with the one good arm.. the other bandaged almost useless in the task " never been a fan of doing what I should " he spoke in a gruff matter of fact way.. " you should sleep.. you look exhausted " he nodded.. pushing to a stand.. a little sway not to much.. " where's my shirt ?" what was with the haste to get out of this place.. why the absolute hatred of infirmary's... it was in an infirmary that his whole family had perished.. why would he ever want to be in one again His Wife Anna.. had contracted the pox while tending to patients.. she was a healer... and soon both their daughters and Anna have been quarentined to the infirmary.. and died there.. it was Claustrophobic.. as if the walls were closing in on him... He looked about and spotted his cloak.. " Hang the shirt..." he grumbled shouldering the cloak with a growl.

Avery: "If you insist, I can not keep you here against your will, not unless you were dying or could infect others but a shot to the shoulder is no reason to keep you here." She ignored the comment that she looked exhausted, she was always exhausted but a healers work was never done. One gray eye and one blue swiveled about the room, catching sight of the shirt folded up by the hearth. "Wait, damn it you can't go out into the cold without a shirt else you'll be back in here before you know it."She moved to pick up the shirt, shaking the garment from its folded state as she moved towards him. "I have some things to give you, ointment, bandages so you can continue cleaning the wound. Twice a day, more as needed. Soap and water, but if it starts getting discolored. I want you back here for me to see to it." She pulled the cloak from his shoulders and tossed it over the chair. "Let me.."She opened it and maneuvered his bandaged arm into the sleeve, slowly to keep from breaking the stitched before moved to the other side and taking his good arm, even though he could do that himself, one wrong turn would see the skin taunt enough to break the stitched as well, his other arm pushed into the sleeve before she was moving to his front to button up the front. "If you need more ointment or bandages, just let me know and in a few weeks I want to see you back here to take the stitches out." Turning once more, she picked up his cloak and drew it around his shoulders before taking a step back. "There..and here.."She held up a finger and moved towards the side table by the bed to take a leather bag from the bottom before placing a tin of ointment a few rolls of bandage into it before moving back to him and thrusting the bag into his hands. "Try to keep it dry..your shoulder, no calling women courtesans and getting your ass punted into the snow."Ok she was teasing and a grin curled at the sides of plush pink tinted lips. Perhaps it was a little early to be teasing, she just couldn't help it having learned long ago to laugh at oneself was the best remedy.

Pembroke: He groaned as the cloak weigh pulled over his shoulder.. and then grimaceing as she help him into his shirt sucking in his breath until... his wounded arm was thru and hanging limp against his side, while she buttoned him up.. even wounded and half deaded in body and mind with pain he couldn't help the shiver that her touch upon his chest ellcited.. did she know how good she smelled.. how her touch felt against his skin.. flahes of kissing her.. invaded his mind.. had she responded? or was that a figment of burbon and drugs.. a dark brow creased as she continued to babbly on about his wounds.. packing a small bag of things.. and handing it to him... oceanic hues concentrated intensly upon her for a few moments.. and then she teased him.. he chuckled soflty.... as he moved toward her almost predatorily... stopping just with a hairs breath between them.. he lowered his head as if he was going to kiss her awaiting to see the response.... " Goodmorning sleeping beauty " he murmered.. teasingly.. two could play this game... his nose barely nuzzeling hers... before he dipped further and captured her lips.. tenderly.. not the assine probing kiss of a drunk.. but a soft gentle whisper of a lover..... " After a night spent with you... I though a kiss was in order..."

Avery: She seemed a bit shocked that he chuckled at the tease. Well perhaps the drink had made him an ass. Her eyes lifted to his and she seemed to tense as he moved towards her. Her breath caught in her throat, waiting for whatever it was he was about to do. A grin pressed over her lips at the teasing response and then his lips were upon hers again though not as fever pressed as before her chin tilted up to meet his kiss though his words had her stepping back away from him as a gentle pink flushed her cheeks. "It was the least I could do after...what I did to you..it was nothing. Sir.."Her hand lifted to brush against her lips, as if rubbing the feel of his lips away, lord but she had to get out of that room.

Pembroke: "August not sir " he chuckled at her response and bowed lightly " I'll pick you up at 7 this evening.. for dinner " he canted his head as he watched her hands lift to her lips.. sealing it.. or brushing the kiss away.. " It's the least I can do.. after such tender loving care " He moved to the door then and turned " Get some sleep Angel... " and then he was gone..

[averythorn]

Pembroke:Well she had saved his ass again, mended him up and took care of him.. after that night in the cottage he felt he knew a little more about his Rose.. the Thorn.. and in the days following she would recive daisy's each day at the infirmary.. no note.. no trinket.. just daisy's.. until... about a week later she would recieve her daily boquet.. with a note... " Meet me for Dinner... I'll send a carriage " it was signed.. August.. Later that evening when the sun had dissipeared.. and Avery left the infirmary the Carriage would be waiting.. outside as promised... wonder what the rouge had in mind?

Avery: He knew more while she was left wondering just what was up with the English Sailor. Though she had been doing what she did best, tending the sick and needy in removing her clothes to warm him at the cottage, she knew it could of very well lead to other things. It was true, the Rose..was a virgin but it did not mean she did not know about sexual nature. The Daisies were always a welcomed surprise, every day for a week they came and the nurses cooed and croned that she had found an admirer in the Englishman. Avery just rolled her eyes and grinned. Never did she let on anything personal to anyone, no one knew they night of nudity within the cottage, simply seeing it as a patient who had fallen for the doctor...like some fairy tale. She let them think what they wanted to think, she...wasn't quite sure what was going on between them, so why voice it. When the latest patch of daisy's arrived, this time with a note...she could say she was honestly very surprised. 'Meet me for dinner, I'll send a carriage..' simple enough but when had either of them been simple? Still she was not one to deny him his request so when the carriage arrived, she was dressed and waiting. Her patients taken care of, back ups on hand since she did not know where she was going and could not leave notice of it. She took every precaution she would not be disturbed. Shifting skirts around, she climbed into the carriage without worry. At least she knew him well enough to know he wasn't going to murder her.


Pembroke:When the carriage had wound it's way about town to the edge of it. finally coming to a halt.. the footman opening her door and helping her out " ere you go miss " his hand released hers as he walked her to the side of the street.. " I'll be waiting to take you back when your done.. no worries" he tipped his hat and nodded.. In front of her was her cottage.. the one she had longed for... the fence gate had been righted, the hedges trimmed nicely.. and a warm glow was emitted from the windows... there was even a swing on the porch... Then he appeared.. the roughish Englishman, opening the door and stepping out.. dishtowel in hand, that rake's smile curving up one side of his lips.. " Come inside before you freeze Lady... Thorn ".. he chuckled jovially bouncing down the steps to her side.. " Come.. I've made us dinner.. " his lips brushed her cheek as his dark head dipped.. toward hers... then urged her up the few stairs and into the cottage.. before she could utter much, he was removing her cloak.. hanging it on a peg... near the door.. The cottage was warm.. and furnished with comfortable and new furiture.. there were even pictures on the wall and a few knicknacks on tables.. the fire blazed cheerily.. in the heart.. in front of that a low table already set with plates and a bottle of wine..two glasses... " Go .. make your self comfortable.. dinners almost ready" from the kitchen smells of roasting chicken.. and vegtables.. and something sweet.. he hoped... she liked chicken.

Avery:She was able to sigh a breath of relief as the carriage rolled away from the infirmary, she hated it as much as he did. To many rooms, not enough hands on, personal care for the patients, not enough privacy and she felt relief as the carriage swung away and to the road. Lids slid closed over the two odd colored eyes, both different from the other. Letting the rocking and sway lull her into an ease from the tension of the job. She hardly even noticed when they halted till the door opened and the footman offered his hand to her. She took it with a grin and stepped down. "Now I'd hardly think a nice gentleman like you would leave a poor lady like me out here on my own.."She half teased before turning to find where exactly they were. The cottage...her...cottage...? Everything looked well taken care of, the fence fixed, the porch swept and a new swing put up. Twin eyes rose to the door as the rake appeared, dishtowel in hand. Her hand lifted, clasping his arm as the kiss was returned to his cheek without much thought. Before she could ask just what was going on, he was sweeping her inside and pulling the cloak from her shoulders. She turned left then right to ease the material from her shoulders while eyes roamed the interior. Cleaned and furnished. "You cooked?"She seemed surprised as she moved towards the table and wine, though pausing to turn a look at him. The bottle lifted and one glass then the other poured, she lifted one into her hand and continued to turn this way and that to view the cottage. "You...did this? You cleaned up the cottage? "She took a drink from her own glass while picking up the other and bringing it to him."I know it was all right to hide here...but the owners are going to know we;re here now by the smells and well...the work done.."

Pembroke: " I bought it.. " he called from the kitchen the sounds of pots and pans clanging about.. " its taken most of the week to find furnishings and supplies.. " he came to the door a sgirl-thingy in hand tasting his handy work " What do you think.. did I do a good job.. I wanted it to be comfortable.. somewhere one could relax" he was watching her reactions intently, though a playful smirk was on his face.., for a moment he just gazed at her.. as she turned this way and that inspecting his handiwork... " Go upstairs and poke about if you like.. I've furnished the two bedrooms as well... no more sleeping on the floor.. though I have to admit.. it was not a night I'm likely to forget my whole life thru " he winked at her.. teasingly.. and disappeared back into the kitchen.

Avery:"You..bought...it.."As if saying, my cottage...you bought MY cottage. Though the look on her face was shocked, it was not...harsh as if mad he had done such a thing. She handed the glass of wine over to him before moving back towards the sitting area and table, looking more intently at the furnishings. "Yes..you did a fine job.." She answered in reply. The offer to go upstairs to see the bedrooms would be taken up but she paused to toss a smile his way before he returned to finishing dinner. No she wouldn't likely forget that night either. With glass still in hand, she climbed the stairs which also seemed fixed and did not look as if one could fall through the basement. Though now out of sight of him, she frowned, touching at the walls as she moved slowly down the hall. Well, she hadn't been able to afford it, she couldn't fault him for wanting it. "So your planning on staying on land now I take it?"Voice rose in a shout down the stairs so he could hear her as the door to the first bedroom was pushed open and she leaned against the frame as she looked inside.

Pembroke: Inside the first bedroom would be a decidely masculine bed.. and fittings.. dark wood clean and sparse.. obviousely his taste.. even a rumpled shirt hung over the end of the bed.. he had changed just before she arrived..to make a good impression.. it was the second bedroom however that might take her aback.. it was in oppisition quite feminine.. white iron bed with intricate scroll work, a soft blue quilt.. vanity... and wardobe in painted white wood with delicate pink rose flouishes... it was something a princess would like.. perhaps... from down below his voice called to her... " I was thinking on it... I have no ties left to England.. any longer.. Most of my men have found ladies here in Skye.. and would not go back to His Majesties Navy.. if I asked... so... perhaps I will retired.. become a merchant..sailor or the like ?" there was a tone of teasing in his voice.. or maybe he was just in a good mood? either way.. he moved to the bottom of the stairs.. "Dinners on the table... come eat ".

Avery: Fingers tapped against the glass in her hand, a dull musical tone drummed out from fingernails as her eyes slid over the room before turning away to move to the one across the hall. The door pushed open and surprise again registered over her face. One male room, one female it seemed..Just what was he planning. She turned at the sound of his voice and moved again down the hall to the stairs, taking them as easily as a dance to meet him at the bottom of the stairs. "The rooms..are beautiful..." Commented as she followed him to the dinner table and slowly slid into her seat as she set her wine glass down. "I only have my uncle left in England, he is old but has the stamina of a young buck, but I have not heard from him in months though I write him often.." She inhaled and let out a soft moan, it seemed wonderful. "It smells wonderful.."She commented before adding in. "There is a feminine like room upstairs.."More of a question then a comment.

Pembroke:"Indeed there is " he chuckled not giving much away.. as her plate was filled and settled before her.. bread not of his own doing yet warmed was sliced and offered , as well as her wine refreshed before he served himself and set to the task of eating.. Roasted Chicken... root vegetables and herbs combined in a tasty dish.. complemented by squash in heavy cream " tell me how your week has been.. I hope you got my flowers?" change of subject for now...

Avery:A small thank you was murmured as he set the plate before he and she went to task of cutting up the breast of chicken into pieces before she even put any of it into her mouth. It was just a force of habit as it was to fork a piece of chicken, a piece of vegetable and squash with cream, the perfect bite before placing it into her mouth and chewing thoughtfully. It was wonderful and she grinned with a hum of enjoyment. She finished chewing and swallowing before she would answer, reaching for her wine glass. "I did, thank you. The nurses and the rest of the doctors think its a classic case of patient falling in love with the doctor..It has been a trying week, a girl arrived, her face half gone. Said some mystical beast did it...and the man commanding it is disturbing, but I do not wish to talk of work, it ruins the meal. Is this what you have been up to all week?"

Pembroke:"Yes it is how I spent my week" he forked in a mouthful of tender chicken with a smile " Pie's done " he hopped up tossing down his napkin and moved to the kitchen.. some time later returning with a ruhbarb and dewberry pie.. with a small bowl of sweetened cream " There we go.. sweets for the sweet" a finger dabbed in the cream then dotted her nose with it.. playfully.. she had to wonder at this point if he were drunk or something of the sort.

Avery:"A week well spent then.."She fell silent as she ate and drank, draining her glass in the process between bites. The food was perfect, she was just perhaps a bit agitated. He bought HER cottage. Both brows rose in surprise as he jumped up to fetch the pie. Just what had gotten into him. Her head jerked, surprise as he dotted her nose with cream but she let out a laugh as her napkin rose to wipe it off. "What...is going on with you August?"

Pembroke: "I am just... enjoying the delightful company.. though I do admit.. I caught a frown on your face.. as I returned. I should ask you what is wrong?" he sliced her a gernouse serving of pie and slipped it onto a saucer and covered it in sweetened cream... " But then again I may have something to make you toss away such dreary thoughs.. eat your pie... carefully" he seemed to chuckle as if being in on some sort of joke.. and fidigted as he waited for her to fork into the pie... when she would her fork would clink against something metal within.. lets see how curious the good dr was.. and how skillful at extracting.. forieng objects.

Avery: "Considering how we met, I would say we've come a long way in a short time but it is rather nice having a friend of the same country as I...or a friend at all." She eyed him as he sliced into the pie, serving her a piece with cream. "I am just...curious, as to why you bought the place and fixed it up...after..I said I wanted it. It's nothing. Your happiness is also required August.."She shut up as he said he might have something to chase dreary thoughts away, she eyed the pie and then him before drawing her fork through the pie. Clink. Metal hit the china and brows pulled down as her lips turned into a curious frown. Using her fork, she scraped the pies insides and cream away from the object. "August...what..."fork laid aside, screw mannerism as she used her fingers to wiggle the object out.

Pembroke:A key.. shiny and brass was in her pie, as she removed it. He chuckled... " You like your pie Lady Thorn?" again he chuckled almost full out laughing as it was obvious she was distressed over him purchasing her cottage... " Well to relive you consternation... I will confess.. I bought the cottage because it was about to be sold to some horrible unhappy people from the country.. who would not love it as you do... and so... it was my thought.. my hope... that you and I could be.. roommates of a sort... you in your room.. me in mine... we are both in need of a home ... as the only friend I have.. one who wanted ..." he looked about referencing the cottage itself " this place for her own.. it seemed to solve two problems.. not to mention I could use the company... " now he took a bite of pie and watched her reaction.. hoping she didn't choke on her pie.

Avery:As she extracted the key, holding it between rapidly red stained fingers, her mouth hung open. All most as if he were offering her an engagement ring. The two different colored eyes rose to his face as he explained why he had purchased the cottage and offering that the feminine room was for her if she wished it. Perhaps it was overzealous but she jumped up from her chair and crossed to his side in under two seconds flat, nearly knocking him out of his chair as she threw her body against his own, embracing him in a tight hug. "Oh August thank you! Yes yes! I do love this place, I...am glad you bought it to save it from horrible people. I would be happy to room with you.." It was then she seemed to realize just how stupid her reaction was and she jerked back, clearly embarrassed.

Pembroke:The chair he was sitting in was bowled over by her overzealous, tipping back they crashed to the floor.. and she was still hugging him tightly thanking him and going on and on as if she didn't notice that once again.. the were on the floor.... her atop him.. one arm wrapped about her waist to hold her steady.. as the opposite hand lifted to caress her cheek softly... " I'll take that as a yes?"

Avery:No, it was very easy in heightened emotions to not know you were crashed upon the floor, on top of a man who's arm was around your waist and hand at your cheek. Only when she jerked back did she realize it and burst out laughing. It wouldn't of been an Avery and August night if they didn't end up on the floor. "Oh August, I'm sorry, its a yes..."A smile curled her lips as the two colored eyes held tightly to his. "Are you hurt?" She pushed hands against his chest to push herself up off him, her eyes finally breaking from his own to travel down to see if anything was indeed, hurt.

Pembroke: " no no I'm fine.. but if you want to lay atop me all night again.. I prefer a bed " he chuckled releasing her as she pushed up... off him.. he of course was teasing her.. or was he.. who ever knew with him... it was quite an awkward moment as she untangled her skirts from him and he just lay there chuckling softly... not helping one bit, almost over enjoying her moving and wiggling about atop him until she was straighten out enough to get up... " Then it's settled then.. we are co owners of the cottage.. " he chuckled... " The papers for you to sign..to make it official in case something happens to either of us the other becomes full owner.. are on your bedside table... " he smiled... and then rose, righting the chair... " Welcome home Avery "

Avery: She scuffed at his statement, taking it more of a joke then seriousness. A finger was flicked against his nose in as the only response to his tease before she was wiggling on top of him, trying to right herself and her skirts, muttering sharply of being stuck before she finally got them righted and sat back on her knees. Reaching her hands up, she pulled him up to a sitting position. "I'll sign them later..I'll make sure not to forget." Once he was up to sitting, she let go to push herself up to a stand, shifting back so he could stand and right his chair. Welcoming her home.. She moved in again, hugging him once more but this was tender and gentle. Her cheek pressing against his own as she let out a soft sigh, a soft breathing whisper. "Thank you..August...how will I ever repay you.."

Pembroke:There is no need to Repay me.. it is I who owed you a debt for patching me up.. yet again.. I dare say saving my life " he chuckled as she moved to hug him once again... his arms enfolded her lightly, as she pressed her cheek to his.. she smelled wonderful... his head turned slighlty to inhale the scent of her hair..., dark lashes that were almost ridcoulus for a male closing over sea blue hues..." us English have to stick together no?" he whispered.. when what he wanted to do was kiss her.. but he didn't want her to think that was the aim of his offer so he denied himself that want... content to hold her in his arms.

Avery: "This seems an awful lot just for patching you up...saving your life? August.."She let out a laugh against his ear. "That seems a little over dramatic, still...I will find a way to repay you..whether you wish it of me or not." She allowed her face to press against his neck. "Yes, us English must stick together, unwanted in a strange land.." Suddenly she pulled back, one blue eye, one gray twinkling with unshed laughter"come on..I want to see the room you made for me again..I didn't get a good look at it before.." She grasped his hand in her own, unwilling for protest and fairly bolted up the stairs, dragging him with her and into the right doorway. Once inside, she tugged him to the bed only to pull him down with her as she flopped into the large and overstuffed mattress. "Now how did you know I like large overstuffed beds hmm?"

Pembroke:"I'd Say a house for a life.. is well not a bad trade.. considering you could have claimed my life and made me your servant forever " he chuckled as he was dragged up the stairs... he had intended to stay at the doorway.. but the minx had flung him down bodily into the goose down mattress, that lay beneath the blue and pink quilt... " A guess.. and perhaps my own preference as well I like soft things...to be soft " his voice rumbled in low baritone as he rolled onto his side to regard her... with twinkling blue eyes.. that took in every sweet nuance about her.

Avery:Arms curled, using them as a pillow as she lay on her stomach but her head turned and she grinned at him. "You know, late at night I would lay on my cot at the infirmary and daydream about this place, of making that back room into an examination room...of making a herb and flower garden out back..being able to see people, to know my patients by name instead of by numbers.."She rolled then to her side, propping her head up on her upturned palm. "I'll have to tend at the infirmary still until the war is over...but after that..who knows. You know, so many of the people here moan and groan of war, but they don't seem to understand that conflict will forever be apart of life. We can't...have heaven on earth..because people are not built that way, none of us can be truly happy, humans needs conflict, people, are built to want more and never be satisfied, not really. Loss and pain, only another way of showing us that we are truly living." Her mouth slammed shut then, creating a fine line before she let out a burst of a laugh as she rolled to her back. "Tell me to shut up any time, your going to be sorry you asked me to be your roommate you know.."

Pembroke:"You will have your flower garden and herb garden and your room in the back for patients... just as you wish " he chuckled and raised a dark brow at her.. narrow and dim view of the world.. " Yes there will always be a war somewhere in the world.. but there are times of peace and happiness.. times when people find what they most love.. and settle into it " his eyes took on a glassed look, as if lost in memories.. " Though fleeting.. that love.. those times.. can be the only thing that make life worth living.. some people would fight to the death to preserve that time... for if only one more day " her laughter seemed to pull him from the past.. and he chuckled.. " I think I have found a very good companion and roommate and if she talks to much I shall just excuse myself to my own room.. and hope she's to timid to follow" he teased her now.. reaching out to tickle her sides lightly

Avery:"To timid to follow, Ha! Have you not learned anything about me in the short time we've known each other..or have you simply forgotten.."Eyelashes batted prettily but it was in a teasing nature until she began to wiggle to his ticking. "August no!" She shrieked, seemed the thorn was very ticklish.

Pembroke:Oh too good to be true.. and she had basically challenged him... it was on Looming over her he continued to tickle her playfully, no matter the protestations... " I havn't forgotton a thing... and am learning ever more " he grinned wickedly wiggling his brows.. a roll of his body and his hip, secured hers to the bed, as thick fingers played over her ribcage lighlty....

Avery: "August!!"She gasped, wiggling beneath his fingers and finally beneath his body as he pinned her against the bed. Fingers clamped over his hands but lord was he strong, that was what happened when you were a sailor and no doubt fixing up the cottage gave him a better advantage. Her shrill but musical cries of laughter peeled over the room as she struggled beneath him. Lower lip bitten between her lips as tears...of laughter fell from her eyes to roll into her hairline. With a grunt, she forced her legs around him and pushed hard, rolling him over with a "HA!" of victory as she pinned his arms above his head. Mad laughter spilled from her lips, chocolate and blonde curls framing her face as she grinned smugly down at him.

Pembroke:[/b It was with some surprised that he found himself lying on his back.. but much to his horror her little wiggling and struggling had enflamed him considerably.. and now.. she sat astride said inflammation.. looking down at him with a silly grin.. pinning his arms above his head... laughing like a loon.. charming.. and intoxicating... he was completely disarmed... " Now you have captured me what will you do with me ?"

Avery:In her wiggling, her gown had bunched at her waist, slender legs in all their glory pinned against his waist to keep him from wiggling beneath her. "Ah, so I have captured you? So England concedes?"Brows wiggled playfully. "Come on August, admit it, I am the better battler! Or I will be forced to torture you into admission."

Pembroke: He chuckled... softly.. his eyes roaming those... perfect legs.. that pinned his waist... slowly his arms lifted, even thought her hands still held his wrist.. it was a show of strength.. and then he let them rest once more on the bed... " release me Avery... " his voice was taut with desire... his eyes having darkened to an indigo hue... " you know not how you affect me " he inhaled deeply... trying to relax beneath her.. not wanting to throw her over and ravish her.. nor.. throw her to the floor to keep from ravishing her... he was honestly in a hard position.

Avery:"Not until England concedes defeat..admit it August, I am the better.." She wiggled un top of him though it was not to tease him into further display, honestly she felt like she was sitting on a rock or something. Did he have a handle of some kind in his pants, sheesh. One gray one and one blue starred down into his face, taking in the now deep indigo of his eyes. In them, she could get lost, did get lost for a moment in time. Before she had seen the recession but had not wanted to intrude, it seemed painful, his memories and she did not want to intrude upon painful memories. But now...just what was he thinking that his eyes darkened so.

Pembroke: "Conceded.. " he said in a gruff tone as he rolled her to the side.. and stood .. holding up his hand to her.. "Enjoy your room.. I need to do the dishes " and with that he moved out of the room stiffly... and down the stairs.. thru the kitchen and into the cold night air... inhaleing deeply... scooping up some snow from the top of the gate and pressing it to his face.. thinking seriously about dropping it in his pants.. good gods above she was a sadist!

Avery:She was a bit disappointed, he conceded so easily. Silly girl that she was. She released him and let him roll her to the side and watched still as he rolled off the bed and held his hand up at her. A brow shot upward in wonder and concern. Rolling to her stomach on the bed, she thought seriously of getting up and doing the dishes for him, he did after all cook but the full day of tending patients and within a few minutes she was fast asleep above the covers.