An unexpected visit

[Sinold Bragasson]

She had come to Windstorm. To Windstorm! Sinold's had almost chocked on his ale when he saw Bethy standing in the Great Hall, a huge bundle underneath her arms, some sloth she said she'd deliver for one of the ladies.

Sinold was almost panicking and for the first time he thanked Odin that Letha wasn't here right now. Quickly he took the girl aside, wondering what she was doing here, in this castle. What about her customers? She said she'd miss him… Sinold almost wanted to carry her upstairs and give in to his manly urges… it had been almost a month now… he was close to brusting. But then the image of Letha danced before his eyes and he sure as the sun comes up couldn't do anything with the lass.

However, he made sure she had a room for the night here in Windstorm, and in the morning they would talk further, maybe she could find employment here in the castle.

If she would be still there in the morning.

[Lizza aka Bethy]

What on EARTH had possessed her to do something so risky and foolhardy! A few ales under her belt, nothing but mangy losers lately . . she’d missed him . . Thinking she could disguise herself well enough, setting out without her painted face, telltale hair tucked safely under the servant’s cap, her ample chest bound tightly, she thought he’d never notice it was her.

She simply wished to see him again, had inquired, easily found where he quartered. She’d seen his kind before, voraciously regular customers until they thought they found something better in a “Lady” . . she thought he’d be different, he’d never go for such foolishness. But the last time he was there, it seemed he’d been smitten like so many others. A pity . .

Her curiosity got the better of her, and in an adventuresome mood, she’d cooked up a foolproof plan to slip in unnoticed, catch a glimpse of him . . and maybe she’d spot the object of his desire amongst the good women of WindStorm. There didn’t seem to be any he’d paid any special attention to, unless perhaps the one who seemed to be presiding over the room . . what was her name again? Effile? Fedfel? Ah well, at any rate, they were all exquisitely beautiful, far moreso than her, like cherished treasures, they were . . even the maid who’d led them to a room . . it had only served to oppress her. She should have known better than to mingle with good folk . . .

Besides, he’d recognized her anyway, embarrassed her nigh unto death! ‘Twas bad enough they would look down upon him mingling with servants . . what would they think if they really knew what she was! She smiled ~ so he was just as big a fool as her. Although he DID seemed to truly find delight in seeing her again . . . if she’d only been in her element.

He’d be back. A little time with whomever he’d found to divert him . . he’d be back to her charms. They usually did, those that had little moral compuncture. . . she just hoped the high and noble Knights would not ruin him, filling his head with their codes and talk of honor and all that rot . . .

She listened for his footsteps to echo down the hallway, then slipped out of her room and headed back to the village. Laughing at his naiveté at thinking she be a woman of her word, greedily clutching the coins he gave her. Not bad! All that silver and the chance to still do a good night’s worth of work. “Bethy, ye sly fox, ye done hooked a goldmine this eve, ye did . . “

[Sinold Bragasson]

Of course she wasn't in the room when Sinold checked on Lizzy, or rather Bethy, the next morning. She was gone, and with her the money. Sinold had to chuckle… always keeping their eyes on their money, no matter where he had encountered pleasure girls, they were all the same in that respect. And he was glad he had given Bethy his coin, in the past and last night. at least he never had been one to abuse those who gave him pleasure, as some men did… as the son of his Gode had done which had provoked Sinold into the rage in which he had killed the young man. Basically, he mused, he was here, in Windstorm and with these people, because of a pleasure slave. He chuckled, and then sighed.

He would really have wanted to help Bethy gain her coins in a less dangerous fashion. No, there wasn't anything wrong with how she earned her bread now, but the dangers… Sinold had seen a few harlots mutilated by some foul-tempered customer or by a righteous Lord who wanted to teach them by example. by what example, Sinold wondered, and was quite certain that even here, within the walls of this castle, there would be those who'd simply spit on Bethy simply because she gave pleasure to men like Sinold.

Well… maybe…. if he could talk to Letha, and show her he needed… what she could give him, and what Letha, by moral and tradition and whatever other rules, could not. No… she wouldn't understand, and only would be hurt, Sinold knew even before this thought was fully thought out in his head. And hurting his shield maiden was the last thing he'd wish to do. Maybe there would be some other way around his voluntarily imposed celibacy… he just needed to think some more about this pickle of a problem he had maneuvered himself into.

[Bethy]

Unggghhh . . Bethy groaned in agony as she roused, slowly rolling over. Good, it seemed he was finally gone. Blasted sailors . . she was growing to HATE them. Her regular customers didn’t often damage their merchandise, but sailors . . now they didn’t care as much, they rarely came back. She’d tried to only take on those who’d not had too much to drink, but apparently with this one it didn’t matter. His arrogance should have warned her off.

He was mean to the bone . . nothing pleased him, nothing. He’d became more abusive, seething with rage, beyond reason. She’d been beaten before, but never this badly. Dabbing at the sores with a cold cloth, she sighed. Sitting immobile for nearly an hour, tossing thoughts in her mind like the punches he’d gifted her with . . . perhaps she should just quit this life, find something less dangerous to do with herself. Most of those she’d known in her “field” of work did not last into old age, for various reasons . .

As evening came, she’d made her decision. Sinold . .. maybe he was her answer . . he seemed a good man at heart, never been anything but kind with her . . . he had said he’d try to find something for her there at Wind Storm . . She’d not wait, she’d go to him while the bruises were fresh, play on his sympathies. Maybe she could even win his heart, now that would be something . . Wincing as she smiled, her face mottled to a bloom of purple, she set out to see him.

[Sinold Bragasson]

Sinold had just finished placing the saddle Sir Joseph had given him… no, had given Ligea, onto his horse, and was admiring the beautiful work on her back. What a thoughtful gift from a true knight, Sinold thought. He let the stir-up ran through his fingers, his name on the leather… what an honor. Today he would take his first ride with this saddle, to get Ligea used to its weight which would be new to her.

Passing the gate, smiling to the guards, who looked puzzled at the cheerful demeanor of the Norse, he decided to explore the lands north of the castle. The sun was out, some of the snow still lingering on the ground and some of the boughs, but definite signs of spring could be seen here and there. Sinold pressed his heels into Ligea's sides, the wind tousling his hair back, the saddle feeling like a soft cushion… it was wonderful to ride in it!

And then he saw her. Bethy, her clothing shabby, somehow shabbier than the night she was first at Windstorm… he rode closer, he saw her face. The next moment he halted Ligea, jumped off his horse and ran towards the now so fragile looking woman. He grabbed her by her arms, held her at arm's length, looking her over…the bruises in her face, which was swollen on her right side, her eye swollen almost shut and bluish, a long red scratch, no doubt from a fingernail, running over her right cheek.

It took all the resolve Sinold could muster to remain as calm as he was when he addressed Bethy. "One of yer customers did that? Who? Tell me who did this, Bethy!" His tone told anyone listening that an answer was better be forthcoming or the Norse temperament would be unleashed upon whoever was nearby. And right now, Bethy was closest to the enraged man.

[Lady LaurestinaOOC]

(( help be on it's way... waiting for as escort Bethy))

[LadyLaurestina]

While sitting before the hearth stitching her sachets lovingly, and enjoying the fire’s heat, she knew all was well within the kingdom. Suddenly a messenger rushed in though the main door and sliding on bended knee slipped a scroll to her, looking at his face she sensed the news was not good* opening the parchment she reads:

Dear Lady Stina:

Word has come to me this day that the Lass Bethy, that has been seen at you castle has been beat. When I ‘erd the news I had to send for you immediately. For I know thee know how to heal a young woman’s heart and her physical needs in such times as this.

I look forward to your visit, and have a good stock of wine ready for you as well. Please be careful, and know I wait for thee, and will look out for thy safety as well.
Your Good Friend
Garreth,
“The finest winemaker and Potter in the known world”

Her eyes grew dark, and her body trembled, knowing fully well what the note truly meant. Immediately she rose and prepared for her journey to the village.

Packing an extra supply of salve, and herbs, in her medicine pouch, setting out her riding boots, cloak and strapping a knife to her thigh, she hesitates. Knowing she would have to ask Sir Dorian’s permission first, as she had never ventured out of the castle proper without an escort. However, for this mission she desired no one’s company. This was a lady’s work, nae understood by a man.

Awaiting Lord Dorian, she paced the floor until finally he arrived and did nae grant her the privilege of riding alone, but sent for Sergeant LAN Talbot to escort her. She was told by the good lady E. that Elsie would be a good horse for her to ride. She had indeed set her mind upon her next task which would be to send a missive to her sister who breeds the most exotic horses in the land. But that would be another day. Her mind focused on her duty as her escort arrived and she mounted the horse approved of for her journey and road into the village with the Sergeant by her side.

Once she arrived in the village she slowed her horse to a trot and looked at one dwelling and then onto the next looking for one that perhaps gave away the sign where the lovely lass Bethy would reside After a short jaunt, she spied what looked to be small cottage with a rather unusual candle in the small window. Dismounting, she heard her ear up next to the door, and hearing what she thinks are a man’s and the Bethy’s voices… she knocks and calls out..”Tis the lady Laurestina, Please would thee let me enter? I am here to help thee Bethy, Please let me be of assistance to thee.”

Looking to the sergeant, she speaks softly, now mind thee, I would wish thee to stand guard out here, and nae see me tending to the Lass. Please, as it is a sensitive issue and I dare say we need no prying eyes and I know thee are most honorable, and I thank thee for thy assistance. Know if I need thee I shall … holler, aye?

[Sgt Lan]

He'd almost lost the Lady as She galloped wildly from the Stables....very seldom was he caught unawares like this...but well he knew the dappled grey could easily catch the galloping mare.....'twas the reason he had chosen the gelding. He was an expert horseman....many years in the saddle honing his skills....and he soon caught up with the Healer

His Captain had made His command clear....see the Lady to and from Her destination....and that, he would do certainly. After catching up with Her, he rode beside and slightly ahead of Her....so as to make sure no harm came to Her. It was some time before they found the cottage...and He nodded at the Lady's words...."I shall wish to check the cottage first, Milady....then I shall remain outside the door, but within earshot..."

[Bethy]

((*Whispers to Lady L* nice post. . . but Bethy's not there, she headed off to WS and has been met by Sinold already . . but DON'T go anywhere, ok? Just sit tight, waiting to be let in for now))

She'd almost hidden at the sight of the oncoming rider, a bit techy and jumpy, knowing she looked awful. She expected a small portion of pity, but never this rage in him! It frightened her.

Oh Sinold, ye know I don't ask names, and he ne'r offered his. Such a beast perhaps has none *she spat, and then sighed. He waited in tensely coiled quietness, not willing to drop it.* A sailor, Sinold, like a thousand others. Nothing so unusual to mark him. Taller than ye, dark chestnut hair, a hard chiseled face. Perhaps he's sailed off already . . *Then, thinking harder, focusing on what she'd tried to erase* He be havin' a faint forked scar over his left eye . . and, and a finger half missin', though I cannae remember for the life of me which hand, which one. *Sighing again, her deeply bruised ribs making each breath a chore*

I should nae have come . . ye have a look of murder in yer eyes, and it does not bode well. Ye cannae go killin' him, Sinold. I nae be worth such . . the magistrates turn a blind eye upon such as what he done, but will nae do so iffen ye kills HIM . . the bruises will heal, perhaps twas for the best . .

She wavered unsteadily before him, simply wishing to lie down, to hide . .

[LadyLaurestina]

Stands back and waits by the dooe farm while her escourt check s out the preices. * shakes her head*

These Lordsof the caslte, much too protective, *sighs* and lets him do his work as she waits for furthur word.

* smiles sweetly to Segeant Lan, and * bows her head in heeding his words.*

He is nae aware that she is a very stong willed Lady obviously, and one not likely to listen well. However, she is trying to follow orders, and feels as if she has a burr caught in her skirts.

[Sinold Bragasson]

"Be quiet now, Bethy!" Sinold's voice was stern as he gently brushed over the bruised face of the battered woman. "I will take care of this… my way. But before, I'll bring you to the village. Just for a night, then we'll see further."

Not allowing Bethy to protest, Sinold hoisted her up the horse, then swung himself into the saddle himself, sitting behind her and holding her securely in his arms. he didn't want to go directly to the Castle, he wasn't sure how Bethy's present would be received, least of all her state. The ride was swift and they found a small house where he paid the owner a silver coin for them to stay there. Much to his surprise, however, they soon had company. Somehow Lady Laurestina and a guard – Sergeant Lan, if Sinold recalled correctly – had been looking for them, and found them. When Lan checked the small room where Sinold and bethy sat huddled together, his eyes spoke more than any word he could have uttered. The Viking with another lass… wasn't he sweet on Lady Halethala? Was that how he played with her? Oh, this would be music to Captain Hawkmoon's ears, another piece of evidence of how unworthy the Norse was to even attempt to become a knight.

Sinold cared not… there would be others things they'd accused him of before that day would be over. Much worse things… but again, Sinold's mind was already on a track of its own, set on a course he wouldn't change.

"Take her to the castle, Milady, you and Sergeant Lan, make sure she stays in the castle, Mollie already had set a room ready for her the other night… she may want food, give her any comfort she needs and make *certain* she does not leave again!…I shall be back soon!"

Sinold gave Bethy a tender kiss, his eyes searching hers, begging her forgiveness for what he was about to do, but finding only fear and pain in them. He didn't look at Lan or Laurestina, know all he would find in their eyes would be disapproval would they know of his plans. Sinold asked for a long sturdy rope from the proprietor of the small house and then left. Ligea stood outside, waiting patiently for her master who soon approached and swung himself into her new saddle.

. She had none, no family or relations to regain her honor for her. For honor she had, so much more than the man who had beaten her bloody and blue. that man was a coward, and deserved to go to Hel. With the description Bethy had given him of her assailant, Sinold was sure he would find the man who had done this to her pretty easily. And when he had found him… he would show him what it meant to mistreat the "property" of a Norse!

***************

The harbor yielded nothing, but inquiries at the docks soon gave Sinold the name of the man he sought – Darek. And according to what Sinold heard, that Darek was still in Sommerville, he should look into one of the taverns. Not a well-liked man he was, for all Sinold heard. So much the better, no body would miss that scum. When he finally found Darek, it was in one of the sleazier taverns of the small village. The man was standing by the bar, drinking. Sinold could hear him brag about his last night, with Bethy, and how he had enjoyed teaching her to keep her mouth shut. To any outward observer, Sinold appeared not to be bothered by those words… he even joined in, bought the man an ale and had him talk in detail how much he had enjoyed the last night. But then, unbeknownst to anyone around them, Sinold drew his dagger and pressed it hard agaist the side of the man, daring him to make a wrong move… oh no, he would not kill him by sending him to Odin giving the man a chance to fight and die in a battle. Oh no… instead, Sinold forced darek to finish his drink, the last one he would have, Sinold knew, and then proceed outside, telling his friends he has some important business with the Norse, all the while Sinold's blade was pressing against the man's skin.

Once outside, the struggle was short, Sinold gave the man a good whack over his head with the blunt head of his axe, then, bundled him up upon the back of Ligea, riding just a short ways outside the village. anyone who was looking curiously Sinold was telling that the man has had too much to drink, and that he was bringing him back to his ship. Nobody questioned the Norse.

A little outside Sommerville was a large clearing, and Sinold threw the man down onto the wet grass, then jumping off his horse. The sailor was intoxicated, it took him a while to stand, but finally he managed. And then, Sinold gave him the beating of his life! Each time the man went down, he picked him up again and let his fist find his mark again. And again.

The rope he had brought with him was quickly tied into a nose, and placed around the man's neck. Sinold threw the lose end over a thick branch of a nearby tree, then fastening the rope to his saddle and letting Ligea take a few steps forward, so that the man was beginning to dangle off the noose. He screamed and kicked, his hands clawing at the rope around his neck. All the while Sinold simply watched, feeling satisfaction at the torment the man went through. If he had been in his own lands… he would have had no qualms about hanging the man and letting him die. But here… after a few more minutes of letting the man kick and gurgle, Sinold lowered the man down again.

He would let the king speak his justice over this brute, and Sinold hoped Agustin would be as merciless as he himself would have been. Dragging the man back to windstorm at full gallop didn't do much good to the man's back but the Norse wasn't concerned with Darek's well-being. When he finally arrived at the castle, the man was unconscious and it didn't take Sinold many words to convince the guards to place the man into the dungeon.

That done, Sinold rode back to the village, to see after Bethy. But many other things also went through his mind.

[LadyLaurestina]

Pressing her ear to the door, she could hear the sounds of the lass’s cries, as no one replied to her call.

After the Sergeant had checked the premises, he nodded to her that it was safe to enter. Knocking still once more, she heard the lass’s voice cry out. Not worried about her own safety she gave the latch a good tug and raised it up and pushing her body against the door. … it opened, and she could clearly see it was indeed Lass Bethy.

She remembered the young beauty, as she had delivered some packages to the ladies in the main hall, not too many days ago. Having stayed for a brief visit, she was granted a guest room for the night. Lady Stina, could not forget the lass, as there was a look about her that could not be mistaken. It was the look of one who yearned to be free from whatever life she had, and yearned to live within the castle walls. Her face beamed with brightness, and a soft loving nature was certainly evident in each movement the lass made. In her voice it could not be mistaken that even tough she appeared to be merry, there was the familiar sound of one who had indeed lost herself in the web of life…. And a life that she nae wished for.

Soft of movement, she approached Bethy and * lowered her head,* nae saying a word. With the gracefulness she had come to know, she eased her hip onto the side of the bed...and very slowly eased her way closer to the lass. With only the softest touch, she laid her hand upon the lass’s beaten cheek and tenderly said. “Mi dear, please do nae fear, I believe you remember me, and I am only here to help thee.” Bethy’s eyes darted to and fro as she tried to straighten her self to sit up, but suddenly as her eyes meet the Lady’s she stopped her struggle and left her body melt as she slid back down into the pillows and stained sheets.

Lady Stina, put her hand upon the young lass’s shoulder, so light of touch that it beckoned the lass to move her head and place it upon her lap. Having, spent some time dealing with matters such as this before, she knew she could not push, nor could she congeal the lass to speak. So, she eased Bethy’s head gently onto her lap. *Whispering, * “Bethy, do let me help thee, please talk to me if thee will, and let me ease thy pain. Please... Do let out all the pain! Please tell me if you can who did this to you? " taking a soft breath in she contued ," I can handle it Bethy, really I can." "I will listen to anything you have to say, but I should also wish that you would let me tend to your wounds.?” Bethy’s eyes looked up and it was then that the lady could see, the lass could barely see. Her eyes were swollen almost shut, and barely any place about her head was there anything but blues and purples. The lady realized that perhaps Bethy’s injuries were more extensive than she had anticipated. Looking down at her torn chemise, it was obvious that there were other places on her body that were surely in need of some healing attention. However, first she needed to hear from the lass herself, before proceeding to deal with the wounds, and bruises that obviously were of great concern. She couldn’t’ see how seagent LAN and herself could move the lass. Fearing the worse, she took one finger and gently pushed up one of Bethy’s eyelids to make sure there was no injury to her brain. Nae sure, she looked deep into the lass’s pupils. Surely it did appear that her pupils and cornea were slighted turned up and floating closer than normal to the inside of her reddened eye socket. She pulled a linen cloth from the inside of her sleeve and gently whipped away the tears, waitng to hear a word or more from the lass. Her eyes scanning the room for water and some source of heat. There seemed to be no way to move the lass yet, until she had dressed her wounds and body warmly before lifting her upon a horse. There was no way, she could see this lass being toppled about on a horse, at this time. It was obvious that she had been thrown about a bit too long and too much. She waited patiently for the words she needed to hear while trying to let the sergeant know that indeed she would need his help in time. If she did nae hear anything soon, she would have to take matters into her own hands, and she wasn’t willing to do that without concent.

[Sinold Bragasson]

He had intended to ride back to Bethy, see if he could help in bringing her to the castle. Nothing, he knew, could be done unless the lass wanted it herself, and he had a pretty good picture of how Lady Laurestina – bless her heart – would look at her. As a helpless frightened girl. Oh, Bethy was far from helpless… frightened and bruised, yes. But she had a will of her own, that Sinold knew. He'd have to break her a little, just as much as to fit into the castle for a while… maybe work could be found within its walls and if not, then maybe …

For the first time a thought shot through Sinold's mind: the sailor wouldn't be able to hurt Bethy any longer. But how about his pals? When Sinold had found Darek he had been amongst a group of about five others who could easily have been his ship mates. They wouldn't let the disappearance of their pal go without fuss.. and if Bethy was in the village, unprotected …. she would be an easy target for their questions and maybe more.

No. The only possibility for Bethy lay within the walls of Windstorm, whether she liked the idea or not! But for the time being she was cared for by Lady Laurestina and Lan was there to look over them. Disregarding his initial intentions, Sinold decided to not ride back to where she was stay with the battered girl. Instead, he turned Ligea around and rode back to the north. He would see what little possessions Bethy had back in her old "work place" and bring them here. And he would have to pay the owner of that tavern… royally, he surmised, for Bethy no doubt was a big draw for that far out little shag that called itself a tavern. Without Bethy the proprietor would lose business… Sinold ran a hand through his hair, then shouting at Ligea to get going. He was frustrated and angry…this would cost him in coin, enormously. And this could become even messier than he had thought at first. No, he wouldn't kill anyone opposing him, but if need be – anyone threatening Bethy ever again would meet a similar fate as Darek had. Of that Sinold was certain…

Much less so was he convinced the good and noble people of Windstorm would understand his reasoning as well!

[Bethy]

Biting her lip hard to stifle crying out as her bottom made contact with the Norseman’s horse, she nestled back against him, drawing comfort from his strong sure arms. The white fog that drifted in and washed through her like breakers softened the edge off the pain. The bouncing gait of the horse jarred her to merciful unconsciousness at last, until she awoke again in strange surroundings. Not Windstorm, she surmised. Of course not . . he couldn’t bring her there, he was ashamed of her, and rightly so . .

He was asking her forgiveness . . HER forgiveness? For what? For abandoning her, she could only guess, not tracking well with her surroundings. When he bent to gently kiss her, she wanted to pluck at his shirt to hold him closely, but then she realized he was going to leave her, and her eyes pleaded in with him to stay . . to no avail. What would he see in her now, her former beauty all that had ever held him in the first place.

She then became aware that she was not alone . . She’d seen that kind face before, where though? Ah yes . . the great hall . . she’d fled so quickly . . Why was she here? Fear gripped her then, a fear that this woman would find delight that one of her kind had “only gotten what they deserved” . . But no, the kindness in her eyes and her gentle touch seemed to say otherwise. . . She spoke so gently, as if she really cared . . her touch warm. Bethy melted at the unexpected kindness, and tears flowed freely.

She didn’t know what to say, and merely choked out a weak “Thank ye, M’Lady* It was all she could manage right then . . She’d all too long tried to forge her way stubbornly through life, hardening herself to all sound reason. Right now, all she could think of was surviving . .

[LadyLaurestina]

While waiting for Bethy to speak a bit more, she gently holds the lass’s head and humming a soft Irish song *to la too ra Lou la… * gently running her hand lovingly over the lasses silken locks, picks up her hand. Thinking that she had felt clumps of dried blood, looks down at her hand and realizes, yes there be blood all right and it is nae all dried. The lass have extensive head injuries and heaven knows how much more there be under the blood stained gown.

While still waiting for the lass to speak more, she once again speaks gently * Bethy, please stay with me here, do nae fall asleep, try and tell what happened to thee, who did this… please … let out your anger, your pain…. I can handle it I promise.” Now, hoping the lass will let her clean and heal her before taking her back to Windstorm, she takes a deep breath. Knowing she can not just get up and leave Bethy, instead , takes off her fur-lined cloak and covers the lithe but broken lass’s body . Calls out to Sir Lan, “ Please Mi Lord Lan,…. Do pray tell me….would tell please enter , I do need a good fire set in the tiny fire place, and am in need of good clean water desperately. If thee would Please, I can nae leave the Lass just now, and I am most happy now that you have came along with me. Please can thee help. I do have the lass covered , but