A camp in the Snow....(open)

[Lady Katerina]

Katerina sat huddled beneath a tree wrapped in her torn tartan and a light weight cloak as the snow began to fall. White flakes dusted the land, the wind was cold and bit at exposed flesh. Her hands and feet still bound by rough rope, her captor sat by the fire warming his hands. Looking over at her he stood and walked to her " I will release you feet so ye can walk to the fire... try to run and ye will not get far.... understand?" his tone was clipped and harsh though as she shivered something flashed in his eyes... pity perhaps? Katerina nodded as her teeth began to chatter... she was so cold and the thought of warmth from the fire was to tempting to think of escaping.

The man helped her stand and walk to the fire " Ye knae lass that I did nay want tae be a part of this with Patrick and ye, but he holds my family and I will dae wha' I need tae keep them safe from harm." suddenly he sounded almost friendly and she could do nothing but stare at him wide eyed as he confessed that bit of information to her. " Wh... who are you and who is Patrick? What does he want with me?" she managed to get out between chattering teeth.

The man looked at her with pale grey eyes that were sad " I am called Finn.... and Patrick is the Bastard son of Angus MacKinnon....now that Angus is dead Patrick wants to be Laird of the clan and ye lass are all that stands in his way of tha'." he said as he helped her to sit.

Laird?? Her grandfather dead... she was truly alone now." Finn... if you let me go... perhaps I can speak to the Duke and Duchess, and explain to them about your family? You need not do this.... you know he will likely kill me." she said keeping herself calm and hoping that by being willing to plead his case to the Lord and Lady of the Isle she might persuade him to let her go.

" I cannae lass... he could kill me wife and son. They are all I have in this world." he looked away ashamed he could not help her.

He saw she was young too young for whatever Patrick had planned.... but he was only thinking of his family right now.

The snow might be just enough to slow them a bit and perhaps for someone to notice she was missing.... would help come in time??

[georyn]

He was silently cursing every footstep he had taken.

The blasted snow was enough to drive any man nuts, but one that only carried what he could, well he was indeed cursing himself now for not bringing enough warmer clothing. He had only left with what he had carried and it had been spring when he had left Lorme. France seemed so far away now. If his father hadn’t been an ambassador once upon a time, he probably would not have made it through England. He didn’t care much for English, save only a few he did know.

Georyn’s hair had grown long since his departure, longer than he usually kept it and it had become an untidy mess. He also had stubble, his cloak was heavily stained and whatever he had been wearing was becoming stained as well. He wasn’t equipped for cold weather. Something had told him to head back home, forget any of this and he could be on his way again and in a nice warm bed on the family lands. If only he hadn’t done what he did.

He had somewhat a hard time covering his tracks, in fear someone would be following him. Were they? He had hardly slept the night before and now he couldn’t ignore the grumbling of his stomach. He was hungry. Clutching at his waist to check the daggers that were there, he decided he would go hunting, or at least attempt to catch some food. He couldn’t continue this vagabond lifestyle for long. He was far too accustomed to having food in front of him whenever he wanted, he didn’t know what it would be like without it. He was already cursing himself again.

Footsteps drew him and he thought he had heard something. A fire? People? Curiosity and fear was starting to drive him closer. His stomach rumbled again. Should he approach? Grey eyes looked forward as he tried to think warmly, edging off the bitter cold that was starting to sting him. He didn’t know Scottland at all in fact, only reading and stories of course. The landscape here was foreign to him. So what was a man to do?

He could see his breath as he approached closer, the promise of heat and food looming in his mind. Warmth. He hadn’t been warm in awhile. As he peered more closely, he tried to make his approach quiet, but it was no use. A twig had snapped underneath his foot. His mask was betrayed. Snow continued to fall. Was there going to be an end to this bitter cold?[/color]

[Lady Katerina]

Katerina would not give up hope that he might let her go or someone would come to her aid. The sun had long since set and she was tired, he loosened the ropes binding her but not enough for her to free herself.He had also wrapped a blanket around her to help keep her warm, for that she grateful for she was not dressed for the current weather.

A twig snapped or had she imagined it? Could someone even now be looking for her? She said a silent prayer and hoped the answer would be yes.

Finn as well heard the sound and stood to go and investigate... he grabbed his sword and looked at her once more placing the gag over her mouth so she could not call out for help. Then he left...leaving her to worry and wonder.

[georyn]

Georyn was sure that twig had given him away. There was no escaping it now. He was going to get captured and turned in for murder. He hadn't intently meant to kill that man...had he? Duel gone wrong...or had it been? There were always secrets to him and he wasn't going to give them up now.

The warmth of that fire had drawn him near, closer so that he could at least get some warmth in him before moving on. In doing so he had probably already gotten himself branded murderer and a trip to whatever fate had awaited him. Georyn could only reach for his dagger as someone from behind had toppled him, causing him to fall to the ground with an "oof".

"Get him!"Someone had said before and as he had struggled, he managed to kick one of the men that had tried to subdue him, slashing another one and hearing a curse muttered. Georyn then saw something that had amazed him. Katerina? What on earth was he doing here? "Make sure he does not go anywhere."Someone spoke again and then laughed. So much for a heoric rescue, right?

He was shoved down before he could even talk, and even then he muttered in french. "Insolent little..." To the men's surprise. Well at least he was french right? Maybe. His hands were then bound to protect against any other shenanigans and he could only look up, staring at the girl who had been his friend from so long ago. Well at least someone had found her. He just didn't want them knowing he had spoken english just yet.[/color]

[Lady Katerina]

Katerina's heart raced as she heard the shouts and the ensuing scuffle of bodies hitting bodies and then hitting cold snow covered ground.

Finn and another man she had learned was named Cormac brought the one whom they had caught into the camp and shoved him down not far from her. Her blue eyes widened when she heard the man spoke French and then even more if that was possible when she realized it was Georyn.... a long time family friend.

She was saved?... or was she for he was a trussed up as she was at the moment. Not wanting to give away she knew who he was she looked away and prayed they might be able to form something of a plan to free themselves before Finn could deliver her to Patrick.


Finn came to her once more and removed the gag from her mouth, " 'Tis said ye speak his language.... find out who he is and what he is doing here. Nothing funny Lady fer yer lives depend on it" it was a threat Kate took seriously she would need to be careful. Katerina nodded in reply and met Georyn's gaze pleading with her own to him in silent communication.

" They ask who you are and why you are here? We have to be careful.... I know you understand them.... Tell me we can get out of this?" she said softly in perfect French. Yes she had practiced long and hard after all the teasing he gave her of how bad her French was when they first met.

[georyn]

The imposing scuffle of being shoved to the ground and then being asked questions in English, of course he understood but Georyn wasn't going to cater to them. He figured if they didn't know he spoke english, he would just play it off like he was french. Which he was. Vous ne me permettrez pas d'aller?"¹ He asked nicely. Playing nice wasn't always going to get you what you wanted.

The men still held him down and finally when he only had answered their questions in french, they resorted to another effort. Katerina. He was held up now, offered to be seated upright while his hands were still bound. It was ironic really. He was not handy with a sword, true he did know how to use it but he was by no means or any did he live by it. He knew how to fight, yes but it made little difference to him. His gaze had met Katerina's but he was still silent, resolute. He would play the silly little frenchman for as long as he could.

However it was when she opened her mouth and spoke in perfect french that he was surprised. He quirked a brow at her before smiling. A captured man smiling? Yes because the last time she had spoken french, it was far too horrible. "You have been practicing." He answered her in his mother tongue. "But your accent is still not the best. One could tell you were not from France, but you have gotten better." He smiled before looking over at Finn and the other man that had decided to keep him here. So much for a rescue attempt, for now.

"Make up a name, or I shall." Georyn was not sure if he should have been giving away his true name since there may have been a death warrant on him. "We might be able to make it out of this, but not now. How did you get here?" He asked her, quizzically thinking. He could have taken one of them out and run off...but that wasn't of good interest. He had already soiled his hands with the blood of one man. He didn't need another.[/color]

_{1. "Will you not let me go?"}

[Lady Katerina]

" Vous remercier je pense. J'ai fait l'attention à mes études bien que l'accent ne sera jamais parfait au moins je fais noy ffumble sur mes mots. Je formerai un nom et Dieu ils faisant ne soupçonnera pas nous nous connaissons (1)". Katerina said to him and then looked to Finn.


(2)"Mon parent a été assassiné quand nous sommes arrivés et ce Patrick pense que je suis une menace pour raison que j'ai pourtant être laissée connu. Je suis si effrayé... que faites-vous ici ?

" He says his name is Anton and asks why you have treated him thusly.... he was out riding his horse became spooked and well.... not being from these lands became lost. He saw the fire and came to seek aid... that is when you captured him."

Katerina hoped her lie was believable. Her voice never once wavered and she remianed as brave as she could under the circomstances. "Would you like me to ask anything else?"





~" Thank you I think. I have paid attention to my studies though the accent will never be perfect at least I do noy ffumble on my words. I will make up a name and God willing they will not suspect we know each other."~(1)


~~ (2)My parent's were murdered when we arrived and this Patrick thinks I am a threat for reason's I have yet to be let known. I am so scared... what are you doing here?~~"

[georyn]

Georyn settled against the ground, trying to move his arms but could not. He looked at Katerina, speaking to her in French may have led them to believe something else. He hoped it was believable. “Si nous faisons semblant, ils ne sauront pas. Vous êtes bons à la simulation sont vous non?”¹ His mind eased a little, maybe they could get away with this. One could only hope. He shifted once more, trying to get comfortable on a cold ground. It wasn’t entirely easy.

All his life he had not expected to run into her again. Not since her family had left for Scotland. It was when she told him that her family had been murdered that it struck a chord in him. “Je suis désolé. Je n'ai pas voulu donner votre fardeau de famille .. c'était pas à cause de moi vous visitant ? Je ne devrais pas avoir. C'était une faute.”²

He now had felt horrible for what had happened. This was his fault. Well not entirely and now Katerina was in this mess. He was going to get her out. He listened to her story as she explained who he was. She was good. He could only smirk a little. Maybe he had rubbed off on her, if only a little but he hoped Finn and the others had not caught this. They saw her as a threat, but what for? “Je vous ai influencés plus que j'ai réalisé. Laissez-nous espérer juste qu'ils le croient.”³

The only thing he could do now was wait, looking between the men. Now he would have to pose as a Frenchman that didn’t understand a drop of English. That could easily be done, but he did know English and he knew entirely what they were saying. Pretending was not his forefront, but he would certainly try.[/color]



<sub>1.If we pretend, they will not know. You are good at pretending are you not?
2. I am sorry. I did not wish to give your family burden..this was not because of me visiting you? I should not have. That was a mistake.
3. I have influenced you more than I realized. Let us just hope they believe it.</sub>

[Lady Katerina]

Katerina sat hands bound behind her and looking from Georyn to Finn and back again.... watching and waiting. When he had asked if she was good at pretending she had to fight the urge to grin and simply nodded as he continued.

The last time she had seen him had been at Baldregan while her parent's were attending a function in London she had said she felt unwell and insisted they go without her.... so yeah she was good at pretending. However when he had spoke of it possibly being his fault she closed her eyes trying not block the images of her slain parent's .

"Il n'a pas eu rien en commun avec vous venant à Baldregan .... il a quelque chose pour faire avec le pourquoi mon père a voulu quitter l'Angleterre et de que je pourrais recevoir le Finlandais yo la conversation de la mort récente de mon grand-père. Patrick veut être laird du clan et d'une manière ou d'une autre il ne peut pas si je vis."(1)




(1) "It had nothing to do with you coming to Baldregan.... it has something to do with the why my father wanted to leave England, and from what I could get Finn yo talk about the recent death of my grandfather. Patrick wishes to be laird of the clan and somehow he cannot if I live."

Finn approached... " Enough talking for now... get some sleep for come dawn we make for MacKinnon lands and hope to beat this snow storm." he rasped out. Katerina nodded and gave Georyn a look that said they better do as they wee told at least for now. There would be time later to talk again.

[georyn]

Georyn could feel the settling cold creeping into him. He was starting to shiver. He didn’t have much on to keep him warm, what he had was getting worn and fast. He hadn’t packed much from Lorme because when he had left in a hurry and hadn’t thought about bringing everything when he had gone.

His hands were still bound and he still had to play the part of a prisoner. Things like this were never fun but he managed to put up with it. It reminded him of..well something else he did not want to deal with. The images had flashed in his head and he closed his eyes, trying to purge his thoughts. God did not forgive murderers. Killing was a sin, forbidden and he had murdered someone. “Je m'excuse de la mort de vos parents. Laird du clan ? Sont vous .. ensuite à la ligne pour cela?” ¹ He asked curious.

He knew Katerina was Scottish, he vaguely remembered her mentioning something but he had just assumed she was English when he had been in England, that was where they had met after all. “Je vous recevrai d'ici, je promets. Nous devrons attendre jusqu'à ce que ce soit complètement sombre et ils sont endormis.” ²

He stopped talking when Finn had came over and told them to sleep. How could he sleep? He was hungry and wanted food. His stomach spoke clearly for him and there wasn’t any escaping that. He merely looked at the man and then when he walked away he looked at Katerina. They probably should so as they were told. He wasn’t one to cause trouble..yet.

<sub>1.I am sorry for the death of your parents. Laird of the clan? Are you..next in line for that?
2. I shall get you out of here, I promise. We will have to wait until it is fully dark and they are asleep.</sub>

[Lady Katerina]

" Vous remercier... la perte est grande pour moi. Quant à être prochain dans la ligne.... d'arrive peut être ce que tous je croit seulement que je suis en effet. Mon père a eu des documents officiels avec lui, mais je sais qu'ils n'ont pas contenu. ... et je crains qu'ils pourraient être perdus."(1)

Katerina had heard his stomach grumble and noticed his clothes... and looked at Finn. " Finn, this man Anton seems to be hungry as well as cold. He can have my tartan if you will but put it around him." her voice was soft and pleading . Finn looked at her large blue eyes and shook his head and began to mumble.
" I will give him food and the tartan if you make him understand I will kill him if he tries anythin' funny." and gave Georyn a cold glare.

Katerina relayed the messsage though in truth was not needed but she would paya this part to the fullest extent.

When Georyn talked of freeing them she nodded. "Dans le tartan est une poche secrète et dans qu'est un petit poignard.... l'idée de ma mère, pour une fille ne peut pas être à prudent. "(2)


Finn took her tartan and gave it to 'Anton' then freed his hands so he could eat a bit, for soon he would be once more bound with rope.

(1)" Thank you... the loss is great for me. As for being next in line .... from all of what is happening I can only be believe that I am indeed. My father had some official documents with him, but I know not what they contained.... and I fear they may be lost."

(2)" Inside the tartan is a secret pocket and in that is a small dagger .... my mother's idea, for a girl cannot be to careful.

She made herself as comfortable as she could bound up like a package and closed her eyes....and waited.[/color]

[georyn]

Georyn listened to her, content on just hearing the sound of her voice at the moment and blocking out the feel of the cold underneath him. He tried to shift so that he could get warmer. He wasn’t having any luck at getting warm and the think warm wasn’t helping either. Why did he leave France? He should have stayed, stayed so that he could face the consequences of what he had done. “Je vous recevrai d'ici et loin que possible. Je ne permettrai pas à de blessure de vous arriver.” ¹ He was intent on that.

He kicked his foot down on the ground, trying to get his foot moving to keep it from falling asleep. He hated being tied up and helpless. That was one thing he didn’t like. Being idle and not being able to help when he could. A fault or a virtue, he didn’t know which.

As soon as Finn spoke about killing him his face changed and he looked scared for a second, acting as if he couldn’t understand him but knew he was going to be in for it if something did happen. He would have to do his best and be on his best behavior. He was thankful now for something to keep him warm as the tartan was put around him and he looked at Katerina, raising a brow. What did she have up her sleeve? He then could only smirk, hoping none of the others had seen this when he had done it. So she did have something.

“Votre mère était une femme très parfaite. Je devrai la remercier un jour.” ²He replied as he tried to move his hands into the pocket to retrieve the dagger. He had to do so slowly. If he could at least get his hands free he could get hers free and they would be able to leave. His own dagger was in the snow somewhere, but he had another. Plus the sword. He still had it. He would have to do this quickly without drawing suspscion, that was the hard part. “Quand mes mains sont libres, je viendrai vous défont, mais seulement quand ils sont endormis. Nous devrons bouger vite et calmement.” ³ He just hoped this plan would work.

<sub>1. I will get you out of here and far away as possible. I will not let any hurt befall you.
2. Your mother was a very fine woman. I shall have to thank her one day.
3. When my hands are free, I will come untie you, but only when they are asleep. We will have to move quickly and quietly.</sub>
[/color]

[Lady Katerina]

Katerina nodded and listened as Georyn spoke to her. Her gaze went to Finn " Thank you for giving him the food and tartan." her voice soft Finn just nodded and stalked over to the fire to sit and talk to the men with him as Georyn ate.

She was getting tired and decided she might as well close her eyes a bit... for if Georyn was able to free himself... they would ahve to leave quickly and she would not hold him back by not being able to keep up.

With sleep came dreams... her parent's faces... their lifeless bodies.. the smell of blood heavy and thick in the air.

Katerina cried softly in her sleep.... Finn shook his head for she had done so beofre and he would pay no attention to her now though it did break his heart a bit to know that soon once he gave her over to Patrick... she would be dead, and with it perhaps she may find peace.

[georyn]

He attempted to eat the food that was brought to him, his hands were unbound at least so that he could eat, but the men had kept a watchful eye on him, watching him as if a hawk about to catch its prey. He knew perfectly well why they were doing thus- they were making sure he wasn’t going to get into any trouble or try to escape. Oh how wrong they would be.

Katerina had thanked Finn for bringing him food and when he had finished he handed them back the utensils with a grumbled incoherency of sorts. He was still playing the unknowing Frenchman that didn’t speak English. He watched as Katerina had gone off to sleep, but he too had dozed off, if only a little. His hands were still tied and he still had to pay attention to what was to come. He had to wait for them to be fully asleep so he could awake Katerina.

He heard her crying in her sleep and he had felt bad. She was probably upset over the death of her parents. He wish he could comfort her, but now was not the time for endearments. Finally when Finn had went to sleep, he made his move. He plucked the dagger from the pocket, no easy task and began cutting his own bonds with much frustration. It was taking too long. Finally when they were free he went to Katerina, moving swiftly and silently for if they were caught….his hand had touched her shoulder, hoping to rouse her as he held a finger over his lips to motion her to be quiet as he went to untie her bonds. Hopefully they would be able to escape.[/color]

[Lady Katerina]

Katerina slept though it was not restful in the least... would she ever get over them? She felt a hand gently shake her shoulder to wake her with eyes the size of plates she looked into the face of her dear friend as he placed a finger over her lips indicating for her to be silent. He swiftly cut the roped that bound her , nodded to him and without nary a sound wrapped the thin blanket around her and stood. Ready to follow him from here and to safety.... she trusted him without question that he would keep her safe.

She noticed one of the men had laid his weapons next to him as he slept....if she could get them... they would become useful she was sure. She slowly made her way to retrieve them and once done handed them to Georyn with a small smile. He took her hand in his and left the camp... it was dark and they needed to be careful and keep eyes open for dangers unseen... she let her eyes scan the area as they walked " Georyn.... thank you" she whispered and once more fell silent as he led the way to freedom for them both.

[georyn]

Georyn tried to make sure his steps were silent, swift so that they could get out of there quickly. He was more worried about Katerina and her safety. She was the one they had captured first for good reason. He was expendale: she was not. They wanted her for whatever ends they had. What were they planning exactly? He was going to have to ask her later about it.

Once she had stirred and was awoken they would have to get out quickly. However he paused when she had stopped. What was she doing? He raised a brow while whispering to her. “What are you-” but he was stopped when he saw her get weapons and handed them to him. He took them, the other hand in hers. “You do not have to thank me, we are not even out yet.”

However their luck would turn sour and fast. He should have known this was not going to be that easy. No sooner as they settled out of the camp, he heard footsteps and mumbling. “They are gone!” Came a voice, and with that Georyn let go of Katerina’s hand. “Go, run away. Get yourself out of here.” He stated as he turned to face what was coming to them.

A few men from the camp were headed after them and no sooner had they let go that they were after them. “Go!” Georyn yelled as he was trampled to the ground and received a blow to the stomach, crippling him. He hoped she would get away. Georyn could only brace himself as he was getting ready to take the next blow.[/color]

[Lord General Maahes Asad-Aziem]

The barracks had become muddy, from the melting snow day after day; Men could not train properly when they knew not their feet, but as well needed to learn the terrain. Setting forth time in the fields, Maahes and a few of his men made way towards rumors of a camp. Upon horses that seemed spawn of the devil, eyes red and bodies much larger then the calvary--Irish Draft horses made their way easily through the snow.

"M'lord, Do you think we have gone far enough?" The voice of a soldier feeling brave questioned the man closing in upon the dark skinned General who proved no sign of slowing.

Amber orbs of fire pressed through the air searching, for something lost or so he felt, and the man's words had come upon deaf ears. The soldier's answer would come with no sign of slowing their trek. Perhaps fate had come to play, or perhaps he was a fool but Maahes knew a fight like the back of his own hand. He could feel it just as his lover's, and knew what side held the right without knowing the truth. Voices upon the wind, a man's and then a woman's..and a man's again. A heavy hand would come to raise upon the hilt of his blade as he pressed on.

"No..it is not far." Help was but an ear's shot away, if a shrill cry broke the distance a thunderous militia would be within arms reach.

[Lady Katerina]

The look on his face as she had slipped away to gather the weapons would have made her laugh, but considering their current situation she just smiled. His took her hand and led the way as quickly and quietly as possible... not unfortunately not quick enough. They had just made it to far edge of the camp went the call that they were gone rang out. Georyn released her hand that he had been holding and looked back to the camp and then to her.

He directed that she run, but she did not want to leave him, the sound of men crashing through the woods had her pulse racing... wide eyed she looked at Georyn " We can make it... come with me." her voice soft and pleading.

He shook his head, drew the sword he held and shoved her to get her moving... her gaze saw the men break through the trees as she bolted in the direction they were heading she turned but once to see Georyn knocked to the ground.... She screamed loudly, and once more took off running. Trees and branches whipped her face and body snagging her clothing but all she could think was to find help for Georyn if any were about. She came crashing out of the woods... and stumbled into a small road, her heart thumping wildly, she gasped for breath. She laid there in a cold puddle of mud and water trying to gather her wits, the muscles in her body burned, her lungs felt as though they would explode as she inhaled gulps of air. The dirt of the road was cold but she could not move.

She could hear the men shouting orders for her to be followed issued... her thoughts turned to her beloved friend... lifting her head she saw riders... lifting one small hand " Help... me!" she called out to them as she willed her body to get up and move, it did not listen as she pitched forward once and fell to the ground. She was cold and she hurt, but the site of the riders drew her. She could not make out who they were and right she did not care... praying they were friend and not foe... for not only did her life depend on that so did Georyn's.

[georyn]

Georyn could only have hoped Katerina ran off within safety. He was sure she had. She was strong and could handle herself. She had clearly shown that she could, she had bravery. It was in there within her. “No, I can’t. Go.” He stated softly as he was overtaken by someone that had taken a blow to his stomach.

He struggled with the man before pulling out his dagger and thrusting it into the man’s side. He staggered off him, but Georyn knew he hadn’t given up the fight then. Once wounded, the prey was always going to attack with more resolve than it had before. After the man had been shoved off Georyn, he grabbed him from behind, knicking Georyn with his sword.

His left arm had begun to bleed from where it had been nicked. “That is all you are going to do?” Georyn spoke in clear English, the man had an astonished look on his face as he charged forward at him. He wasn’t the silly little Frenchman they thought him to be.
“After her…” One of them spoke about Katerina, to go after her and fetch her, she was after all their prize. Georyn thought he had heard noise in the distance of men…

He didn’t give up now. He slashed the man again, but he wasn’t fast enough. A dagger was shoved into his left arm, piercing him and immediately causing Georyn to fall down in pain. He could feel the blood rushing down his arm, and it seemed to be a lot. The man sneered down at him, but with the last strength he had, he grabbed the dropped dagger and forced it into his stomach, blood splattering on his own face as the man fell down as Georyn too could feel the queasiness overtaking him, strength evaporating. He felt so tired…and was loosing feeling in his arm. Was the dagger poisoned? He couldn’t feel the rest of his body and even then his eyes had begun to close.[/color]

[Lord General Maahes Asad-Aziem]

The sounds of branches came with a quick crack, and a woman's cry carried over the air in a shrill almost enchanting sound. Put under a spell, the Beast from the desert pulled over the mask he was well known for--destroyer. Pressing the horse into a gallop the gathered knights followed through. Like thunder down the valley they road, closing the distance quickly. Like a pride stalking it's prey, a pack of wolves circled quickly the men in pursuit of the woman and instantly their steps stilled.


"Too late to run." The heat of his breath filtered from his lips like smoke from the fires of hell that burned deep inside his chest. Amber orbs settled upon the wide eyes of the attackers and instantly lives flashed before their eyes, only to end with the downfall of his blades. For a moment there was silence only the sound of blood rushing to the surface of a few fallen men, and their muffled cries. No, they were not dead, but perhaps as they lay their wounded; death would have been the better deal.


"Who are they?" His voice grumbled from his chest as he turned to face Katrina. It was settled between darkened eyes, that he had no more patience for more trouble upon the Isle.

[Lady Katerina]

Katerina had laid there in the road a scream froze in her throat.... as the riders cut off the advance of the men following her, she let out a small heavy breath. In the blink of an eye... it was over... the riders had dispatched the others and the tall dark one approached looking like a demon when he spoke to her.

Her body trembled and she tried to find her voice... her eyes wide with fear. " Th...thank you. I.... I .... am not sure who they are... all I know is that they wanted to take me to a man. Patrick... I think he is a MacKinnon, they said I was standing in his way of what he wanted... Lairdship of the clan." tears streaked her face as she slowly gained her feet and looked about. She did not see Georyn panic and fear filled her." There was a man.... a frenchman... a friend he was helping me to escape where is he?" she began turning about looking for her beloved friend. Not seeing him sheturned and ran back to the camp.

It was then she saw him lying on the ground... still so damn still. She ran over and fell to her knees beside him. With small shaking hand she touched his face " Georyn?? Dear God not again Georyn please wake." she pleadedsoftly tohim as she cried. Turning to look up at the large man who now with his men came to where she was" He needs help....please."her large blue eyes more expressive than her words as she spoke.

The man looked angry and she could not blame him, but she was grateful for if he and his men had not arrived... she might be dead. Georyn could very well still die if not tended by a healer and soon. Their was so much blood... she placed a small hand over one wound as she tried to stop the bleeding but she was no healer... she knew the basics but not enough ot help Georyn injured as he was.

[georyn]

Georyn could not see or hear much of what was going on around him. He eyes was starting to flutter and flicker. He could hear vague sounds from around him. What was going on? He had tried to move, but parts of his body were going numb fast. He couldn’t feel his left leg.

He had thought he had heard hooves and then the chaos ensued. The men in the camp were taken care off, but what about him? Had he failed Katerina? He felt like he had, but well she had gotten away. She was safe and he didn’t have to worry anymore. She was safe, he had to repeat in his mind to reassure himself.

He was slowly drifting off. Was death going to take him? He had a good life, for the most part. To say your whole life flashed before you when you were dying was a lie. Georyn had started to feel at peace, if only he had not done what he did. God did not forgive murderers. He only hoped he made an exception in his case.

He had heard a voice, Katerina’s. His eyes opened one last time for her, and the only thing he could do was smile at her. “Safe.” Was all he spoke, in his clear English that was still accent with French. He smiled and then finally his eyes had closed. Whatever his fate was, it was out of their hands now.

((OOC: Feel free to mode him now, seeing as he is passed out. Just don’t make him magically cured.))

[Lord General Maahes Asad-Aziem]

Falling lightly the snow started, like ashes from a fire it fell over the broad shoulders of the Beast. Gently, softly, he always would be reminded of his wife in careful moments like this, but with the rush of panic in the woman's eyes Maahes knew too well; this fight was far from over.

"Don't touch him." The human touch had been an intimate nightmare to this man, but he knew well it's faults ran deeper. The fallen man was hurt; and hurt badly one wrong move; life would run out. There was but one person he knew who could ride this man of his pain--quickly. Struggling between life and death he knew the man was walking the thin line, and when the distance was closed between them he took him into his arms like a child.

Maahes had been poisened enough his body was close to imune to it's effects, but that mattered little to the dying Frenchmen in his arms. "We must move quickly." He barked to his men posistioning the man over his saddle and climbed the back of the horse. "Take the woman." He spoke to one of his knights and the blond haired soldier would nod lifting the lady with ease as they took off from the forests like a bats escaping hell.

Quickly over winding path, and endless fields they rode. The cobblestone of the city streets was like a song from the gods as the General knew they were not far from safety. Pulling up around the Healing Hall, Maahes quickly took hold the man again, and with raw ease. Inside us all there is a comforting careful gentle soul that no matter how brash we may feel--it comes out when perhaps it is needed the most.

"Hang on, M'friend." Spoken to a total stranger, the words were rich and deep, laced with the thousand desert sun's burning brightly behind his voice. "She is safe." Knowing any true heart had reason to beat, and no doubt reason was coming up quickly on his heels.


The door of the healing hall was burst open, eyes and gasps parting quickly from their work to take in the sight of familiar man. How many times had he come here for this same reason? To be seen by the only eyes he trusted to heal him in all of Skye. The one of few wise enough to rid this man of his pain, and return his soul from the afterlife.

"AISLIN!" He boomed down the line of the halls and the nurses would come quickly to take away the body in his arms. The man's wound was obvious, but time was now their enemy as he would not be able to spare much.

[Lady Aislin Creed of Eohmark]

The healing hall was never without it's usual accidents, injuries and people with a cold from the cold weather. Always busy, even if not always crowded, life and death went hand in hand among the halls. Aislin had been in a private room with Roac and a few other higher healers trying to assist in a man who had severed fingers from his own hand on accident when he was chopping meat from a cow carcass. The problem had been solved, removing the bones that were chopped halfway through and trying to leave him with the thumb as well as his last two fingers if possible.

Many were already moving to the general to help him when he moved through the door. Men and women alike were taking the male and lifting him into the air before shuffling him about through the many rows of cots and take him to a more private room. Many cases that were unknown, would now head to private rooms due to the many people affected by bites and the unknown cause that was taking death like wings on a bat.

Aislin heard her name boom through the healing hall only to look up and towards Roac. A nod was given, leaving him in charge as Aislin picked up her skirts and moved out of the small room to head to the main hall. No longer was she dressed in breeches and tunic of a male that she seemed to fond of, but a dress of blues and grays to heighten her eyes and make her extremely more feminine then she had been. The apron upon her front carried smugs of blood from the last male she had looked over, but her hands were clean. When she looked to where Maahes had and saw the male being carried, she glanced to Maahes, before following after.

Moving with firm steps after the male, she entered the room and waited until the other healers settled him down on the cot before leaning over him and pulling his eyes open to see how they responded to light. Finally, she addressed the wound on the left arm. Already it was starting to run with puss and swelling up. That was not of a normal wound; had others not come to her with such things before, Aislin might have been slightly stumped. Thankfully, Maahes himself had come to her with such a wound. ``Quickly. Ah need these items, along with the standard tools that we be bringing into the rooms.`` She listed off the herbs she wanted and needed, along with the items that were not on the tray brought to her. Quickly she went to work, telling any who did not need to be here to leave immediately. When one woman started to pray, Aislin wanted to tell her to stop distracting her, but left the woman to do as she wanted. She would not begrudge the practice, but saw little point of it here. Her face was blank as ever as she moved to rip the rest of his sleeve from him and grabbed a dagger to cut the wound open more, digging slightly into it so that blood poured around the swelling before she placed it to the side and pressed around the wound with her fingers, trying to get as much poison out as possible. A small tube was given to her so she could press it to the wound while another healer pumped at the other end of the tube, sucking up the blood and any puss that was stopping it from being seen fully. Aislin even leaned over to inhale, trying to see if the poison was herb based or other. If they did not get it cleaned, the male could very well lose his arm.

Three healers stayed in case she called for them, handing her different items she asked for. Another went to mix the herbs she spoke of together in hot water so they could try and get it down the man's throat and into his body. Of course, there was risk of choking him since he was unconscious at the moment. Aislin removed her hands from his arm and dipped them into the small bowl of hot water before she leaned over more and patted the male's face. ``Wake...ye must wake now. `` Had he not stirred, Aislin would smack his face harder, trying to rouse him enough to get some of the liquid into his body. Aislin was not against the seemingly unfriendly approach to medicine.

[georyn]

He had not felt anything that was going on around him. Georyn had been stuck in a solitary sleep it seemed he would not wake out of. His eyes had fluttered back and forth it seemed for awhile until all movements in his body had stilled. He had became a stiff as anything else, not moving as he was carried in what seemed the looming man’s arms.

It was a nice feat indeed to say a man could carry another, Georyn was by no means heavy now. He had certainly lost a bit of weight from being on the run, the muscle tonnage he had required before was replaced and withered away because he had not been as active. He had not gone through the daily activities he had been through in France.

Would he even be remembered? It would have crossed his mind. He hadn’t done much in his life, certainly people wouldn’t forget him, including his family. He had done them wrong so many times, but he didn’t know if they would ever forgive him for leaving. Had they known what he had done…his family had loved him. Certainly they would understand?

As he was shuffled between arms and people, placed in one spot and the next his body was at rest. He still did not interact. He did not move, still in a slumber of sorts. The poisoned it seemed had that effect on him. He did not stir even when Aislin had begun to work on him. He had not noticed his surroundings. He still did not stir, even when he had heard a voice. Who was calling to him?

He had stirred, if only a little. His eyes moved, but he did not wake. Perhaps it was only a partial sign of recognition that he was still there, but he moved, slightly, a finger in the right arm twitching. But still, Georyn did not awake from his deep slumber.[/color]

[Lord General Maahes Asad-Aziem]

Stepping back he watched Aislin work, having always found great fascination in her trade. His heavy boots would carry him to the wall, where open palms came to support his weight against the cool stones of the wall. The memory of his own wound was one he longed to forget, as always feeling horrible thinking of the Lady Healer and her black eye--he had given her. To this day he felt Eamonn's harsh gaze as judging and furious, but he could relate. Should anyone ever strike Ealora all the fires of hell would seem like nothing compared to the wrath that person would face.


Very little emotion ran across dark features, the black outline of his beard showcased the flat lines of his lips having little to no expression. This was keeping his attention, but he felt very little remorse for the man should he lose his life. What was one more compared to what was coming? The Beast waited in the shadow, to be called if needed, but before too long his attention would return to the army in preparation and he would fall away back into the day.

[Lady Katerina]

Katerina knelt at Georyn’s side and when his eyes slowly opened, hope sprang to life in her own… his soft words touched a place deep within her “ Aye my friend I am safe thanks to you…” her words trailed off as his eyes closed again. She pushed back a stray lock of hair “ Hold on Georyn…pleas.” She felt as if he was slipping away from her … that she were losing another person she cared about in this life. Katerina looked up into the amber eyes of the giant man as he spoke of not touching Georyn…. To late, her hands were already lying over one wound as she had been applying pressure to stop the bleeding.

Her eyes were round with fear for her friend, the man had begun issuing orders to his men that they were to move quickly .Then as if Georyn weighed no more than a child he hefted him into large strong arms and strode with purpose to his waiting horse… once more barking commands that another help her and for one moment she trembled… afraid of that touch… then stilled for they were helping were they not?? Her concern was now soley on Georyn and she would do whatever it took to ensure he was safe. As fast as the command left lips a tall blonde knight came to help her stand… then mounted his horse and reached down slipping a large arm around her frame and hoisted her to the saddle before him…. As they all took off at a gallop heading back towards Turas Lan.

She was tired and cold… she began to shiver…. The knight in who’s care she was now pulled his cloak around him and covered her with what he could. Kat gave him a soft smile and nodded her thanks… no words just the simple gesture. They had ridden fast and hard covering a lot of ground quickly. The sound of the horses hooves striking the ground rolled like thunder in the wind. The city was now coming into view and people moved out of the way of their horses and they rushed down the streets. She breathed a bit easier now knowing Georyn would soon have the help he so desperately needed. The large man dismounted with Georyn in his arms and carried him to what she presumed was the healing wards, once inside the doors he began to bellow for someone. The knight offered her his arm once they were on the ground and led her into the hall. Her legs were as weak as a child’s by this point and without a word the knight wrapped a large arm protectively around her slim waist to help steady and support her. Soon nurses gathered around the man and Georyn and motioned for where he should lay Georyn down. Katerina was led to a small room nearby where she herself would be checked to make sure she was alright… the knight stayed close by like a sentinel.

Her thoughts were on Georyn… would he wake? How badly was injured? Would eh die just as her parent’s had? She shook her head she would not let herself think this way ..she needed to be strong and to have faith.

She had said not a word since they had bee found… every now and then images filled her mind of that horrible day not so long ago when she had come to Scotland and her parent’s murdered… she grew pale as the images floated in her mind… she could not help it. It sickened her to know that her best friend could possibly die and for what?? Her?? She was not worth so great a cost . She inhaled a slow deep breath, stood and made her way to where Georyn was. When the blonde knight made to stop her she looked at him with blue eyes that spoke louder than words her fear and concern.. he nodded and she moved once more to where her friend was. She wanted to be near him… so he would know in anyway he could that she was there and had not left him. Standing within the doorway of his room she looked on as a woman came in … issued commands and began tending Georyn. Kat thought that the woman must be the one the large man had called for when they first came here. She watched and prayed…. Then the room began to sway and swirl about her she grabbed for the frame of the door to steady herself… to late… all the emotions of this day as well as exhaustion were finally taking their toll on her… a small hand reached out “Georyn…..” then she passed out and fell to the floor.


< This SL will continue in the healing hall and infirmary section of the MB from this point forward and will remain open to any and all>

[Lady Aislin Creed of Eohmark]

{Link to Next Section}


Poison Without The Snow