An unexpected visit

[Lady Laurestina]

* standing in the center of the small room, arms crossed aroung her breasts..... watching.... listening... nae likeing the tone, her eyebows amost meeting one another in her controlled scowl, nae betraying the stern voice*

Sinold !! This is going to COST you big time, and I mean in Silver!!

*spins around on the heel of her boot, and hears her wolf howling, thinking ~ it can't be....no surely it can't be...she left her white wolf *moonshine* with Garreth for safeweekping when she came to Windstorm~ * shakes her head....*

[Lady laurestina]

(( will return the post this eve... sorry am at work and I need time))

[LadyLaurestina]

Standing with her arms wrapped firm around her chest, with her back to Sinold. She hears her wolf. Spinning around again on her heel, to her great surprise stood her friend. Looking like he had been hit by lightning, his eyes wide, mouth agape, dark full beard encircling his face like a wreath of matted ferns, slouched over and appearing to be greatly distressed. Seeing her white wolf jump from the inside a very large crock of the heavily loaded wooden cart outside the open door. In lopes Moonshine, jumping into her arms, the weight and force of her favorite animal, forcing her to fall backwards as she hits the wooden plank floor; her wolf begins licking her face… Wrapping her arms around the animal tightly begins laughing…
“Oh Moonshine, I am happy to see thee too.”

Looking up sees the yellow haired one, and the brown hired man in what looks to be some kind of embrace. Realizing that indeed Garreth had come, it was unclear to her why everyone was looking so seriously disturbed, and Sinold sounded a bit miffed with her. Trying to focus as her wolf continued to leap about the room, she called ”Moon shine… Come here.” Rising slowly with the aide of her wolf to hang on to… peered into the two men’s eyes. “ What are you doing with mi friend Sinold, and why are you so eager to push the lass from her bed before she is able? What are you doing to mi friend? Perhaps you should set Garreth free right now, before I sic mi wolf on yea?”

The room seemed to be getting awfully crowded, and the lady was quite confident that things were going well with Bethy’s progress. But how could she possibly get the lass properly dressed for her trip to Windstorm, with all these men about? As she looked at the loaded cart, the thought came to her, aye, the lass can ride in the cart and Sinold can hold her so that her body sustains no more injuries.

“Sinold, perhaps you’re right, you can hold Bethy in the cart, making thyself a buffer from the bumps of the road Aye?” “ Perhaps you should be getting thyself out there and make the cart ready and get your hands off mi dear friend here.” Pulls out her stiletto just enough so that he can see it, she hesitates a second before returning it again, in the concealed pocket of her bodice. * Her blue eyes turning steel blue, as she makes sure that Sinold has seen her do such and making a hissing sound, her wolf turns to the blonde man, while arching it’s back and growling.

“Moon shine, settle down!!!” Grinning as she speaks softly, “thee best be getting that wagon ready then shouldn’t thee Sinold? ," and I will be having thee know, I expect a payment worthy of the purchase of a horse for cleaning up this mess…and if I were thee I wouldn’t be drinking of the kind man’s wine, since your in such a great hurry."

Looking to the Sergeant, smiles, “Sergeant Lan you have been most kind, I shall nae ask you to help the yellow bearded one, but I must ask thee to leave the room for a little bit, while I dress the lass.

“Garreth, I am so sorry that the man has not show thee any hospitality, but I am indeed very happy to see thee…” walking toward them “ Garreth if thee would please, can we please use your cart, and escort us all to Windstorm.?” “ We shall talk once I get the lass ready, mi Friend aye?

[Sinold Bragasson]

Sinold nodded to Laurestina, not really taking her little threats very seriously. He had to give her that – she was as protective as he had learned many of the Windstorm residents were. He nodded towards Lan and grumbled something about helping him unload the wagon of the old man, while Laurestina would make Bethy ready for the short trip t the castle.

Unpacking the cart with Lan's help was done rather quickly, amidst grumblings about women and their penchant to make things more complicated when they had their hands in it. Finally, the back of the cart was emptied out rather nicely, with space enough for two people, and it would not be Sinold who would sit in the wagon with Bethy!

From the inside both men took as many blankets and pillows as they could find, and then Sinold took a deep breath, scooping up Bethy into his arms, feeling her so fragile body melt against him. She was such a beautiful woman… that anyone would do something like that to her. Just imagining how the attack must have occurred brought Sinold's blood to boiling… that scum would pay, one way or another. When he had hoisted Bethy onto the wagon, layering a few of the blankets over her beaten body, he called for Lady Laurestina to climb onto the cart and buffet Bethy against the more violent rattling. the lady protested some, but Sinold threatened to scoop her up a well and dump her into the cart, and quick as a little doe Laurestina made her way into the back of the cart, finally finding a comfortable position to hold the injured woman securely in her arms, now both of them covered with blankets against the cold and wind.

Sinold asked sergeant Lan to ride in front to scan the road for any particularly nasty bumps, while he rode in the back to guard the rear from any friends of darek who might linger in the night. He let the old man take the reigns, and watched as the wolf-dog pet of Lady laurestina began to trott next to teh cart.

At last they were all off to the warmth and security of Windstorm and Sinold send a silent prayer of thanks up to Thor!

[Bethy]

Even through the aching that numbed her, Bethy could not help but hide a small laugh at the Lady's worries of having the men see her undressed. It would not have been the first time, she smiled inwardly, had the Lady forgotten that? But she had to admire her spirit and determination. This woman was not someone easily ignored! She was definitely one used to being obeyed.

She listened to the battle of wills that tensed the small room, amazed at the ever growing involvement of yet more players in her welfare. It did not fail to amuse her. Until it registered to her head the Lady had mentioned silver . . SILVER . . she cursed . . her belongings! What had become of them . . would snooping hands find her treasured horde? She struggled again to raise up, to speak, but dizziness claimed her, and she nearly blacked out.

She was at their mercy now, whatever that might be.

The Lady's firm but gentle hands froze often as she cleansed the wounds that lay hidden until she had stripped off her gown. She'd not been stranger to tending men after beatings or battle, but ne'er seen a woman in such a state. Her sympathies grew. Bethy lapsed into oblivion again, the prodding of the Lady too much for her.

Coming to as she was lifted by strong arms, she had no memories of being dressed for this trip. Swaddled loosely in a gown of soft cotton and quilts, she reached out in spirit to the one holding her, sensing a bond she wanted to follow in her misty dreams, but soon settled into another's arms, and was lost in a sea of warm blankets. The jolting and jostling soon put her out again . .

[Lady Laurestina]

Seething with anger, her eyesbrows almost knitted together, feeling each bump in the road… trying to hold the lasses head gently so She would nae sustain any more pain while she lay upon layers of blankets. Realizing she is right behind Gareth, thinks it is a good thing that there is a gentle breeze this day. *Tapping Garreth on the back she whispers * "Stop …Garreth, please stop… and when thee do I am jumping out of this cart and would thee please wait until that blonde one with the big bush around his head, gets into this cart, and HE can hold the lass, it’s all his fault to begin with I say. IF he hadn’t gone to this lass in the first place, no one would know any better of the whole matter.” Aye Mi Friend?” * Garreth turns his head to her, and is nae happy about this whole situation, he concentrates only on his reigns and keeping the old mule going in one direction. Just happy to be near the lady again, he nods and chuckles a bit to himself. tHE lady leans in again” Please stop..” Garreth leaning back in on the tippsy one board seat, Pullling back the reigns, making a “hoolllllld it.” The mule and cart nearly come to a stop, but the Lady can nae wait another minute.

FEELING Desperate , Lady Laurestina carefully lays the lass’s head down upon the blankets and jumps up and out of her appointed position. Jumping down free from the cart, manages to roll a few times in the process. Garret stops the cart and yells” La la a is s st t tina..!” The white wolf bounding towards the blonde man’s horse, causing it to rear up several times while the man desperately tries to hang on, the horse begins to buck. While trying to avoid the growling, teeth barred wolf. With the Wagon stopped, the horse bucking and Sgt. Lan in the lead, everything comes to a stop for a brief second while the lady goes over to the bucking horse, with the blond man trying to hang on, gently reaches out her arm, and at the same time the horse calms down immediately. She catches the reigns, the horse settles down, as does the whitewolf, and standing very firmly on her grounds she makes it quite clear that she has had quite enough and yells, “ Listen here YOU … YOU…Butter head….YOU get in that wonderful cart! YOU hold her!! .. YOU can be responsible for taking her back to Windstorm!! AND you can answer for her when the questions are asked. NAE, me, I only helped you clean up the mess. This is your Gal MI LORD, nae mine, and I will nae stand still for thee demands. Tis bad enough that thee are moving her so soon, as she is In no condition for this what did you say, short ride…?? I hardly think it’s short MI Lord! I will have thee know I have had quite enough of you…..”

Waiting now, while he slowly gets down from the saddle.

[Sinold Bragasson]

Sinold cannot believe what he is seeing Laurestina do, but eventually has to take it as reality as Ligea is spooked by her wolf dancing before her feet. He will need to train her a bit better when it comes to shying away from unknown things and growling beasties.

He only listens to the Lady with a smile and then nods, dismounting his horse and walking to the back of the cart while speaking: "You are right, Milady. that you appeared on the scene has been a coincidence nobody has reckoned with. Before your arrival I was perfectly set to bring Bethy to safety meself, and I still am!"

Sinold then climbs into the back of the cart, carefully picking up the moaning woman laying in the back, making his way back to his horse. He gently slaps her face a little bit, not hard, just enough to bring her back to the present.

"Bethy, we will have to do this the harder way, you will ride with me, it's not long any more. You will be safe, I promise you. Now, up onto the horse with you!" He sees Bethy nodding painfully slow but managing to stay onto the back of Ligea when he had hoisted her up. With a jump he joins her on Ligea's back, sitting behind her, one arm around her waist, the reigns in his free hand. Turning Ligea around once more to face the irate woman standing next to the cart, he sends a pitying look towards the old man and Lan and then addresses the Lady for a last time.

"Milady, you are right, Bethy here is my responsibility right now, and as much as I appreciate you having helped her worst injuries, as you say, she is now my responsibility. I will take her back to Windstorm, this matter is now out of your hands and you won't need to worry any longer. I shall see you in the Castle…. Sergeant Lan?" Sinold inclined his head towards the sergeant. "I am certain you will see Lady Laurestina back to the castle safely? You have my thanks, Sergeant!"

with a last look at the small group, Sinold turned his horse around and pressed his spurs into ligea's side, sending her flying towards Windstorm, Bethy safely in his arms!

[Lady Laurestina]

Her thoughts now upon the welfare of the lass... but non the less, he was right, it was best he took her back to Windstorm. her only concern had always been * With the condition she was in, could she sustain herself, and make the journey? Though Sinold would have to answer the questions on his own. She still felt sympathy for the lass and for Sinold as well Soon his actions would surely have to be accounted for? Lady Laurstina was not willing to speak for nay, for her job had only been there to heal the good lasss The good man Sinold would nae listen to reason , it was his way or no way. Obviously the lass's need for rest and medical asistance were nae his first priority, there was nothing else she could do. She only hoped that when she reached Windstorm, the lass would be in need of her healing touch, and hoped the Norse- man would settle down once and for all, and leave his filandering ways.

* smiling as she walked towards Garreth, *shaking her head and hunching up her shoulders* as if to say, don't know...!! *she patted his warm reassuringly,* "Garreth thee have been ever so gracious to me, and I do sincerely mean it when I say. " It was most thoughtful of you to summon me to help the lass, and then to also offer your service for all of us,..... know I shall return to your small hoddle soon, and work on some crockery with thee" * smiles merrily* I shoud also like to share in some of you fine wine, but for now I must be off... *bows her head * "Thank thee."

Looking to Sergeant Lan, * holds her hand up, as soft smile curls around her pale lips, " Sergrant might I have Elsie back now, as I shall ride the rest of the way with thee."

Just as Garreth was turning the wagon around he summoned her closer, * smiling a he eyes sparkled in eagerness, he held out a cloth sack and as he handed it to her, she had to take both hands to hold the sacl and still the wetihg of it had pullling her over... it had to weight 25 pounds or more?... and nae wishing to ask of the gift, acepted it wiht deep and *gracious bow of her head*, in return gave the man five silver coins from her medicine pouch, as she handed them to Garreth , his face paled.. as.. He did nae wish to accept them, but she patted his hand again, "thee need to eat too mi friend. * again thank thee mi friend.*".....and with these words she turns and * bows her head and curties to Sergeant lad* picking up the heavy cloth bags, Sergeant Lan reached down and pulled up the bag, heisting it to the back of his saddel.. and not waiting for him to dismount and help her up on to her mount, she pulls herself up and frimly places her self in a stable riding position. ~ waves to Garrth, abd Moonshine, * sighs* Hoping to see them all again soon.... turns to look at the responsible, stong. and silent Sergeant . * whispers thank thee*

Sergeant Lan, clicking of his tongue as he pulled up some sort of growling sound from his throat... as both horses were off on a leisurely ride back to their home... * sighs happy to be free to return to her family and friends.

[Bethy]

She’d snuggled into his arms as he lifted her, as a wee child again, groggily, the Healer Lady’s tea had been strong enough to allow her to feel e’en less pain than the Lady had intended. The ride to the castle mercifully short. How he got her past the gates and up into a room, she would never know . . nor did she care. He sat beside her for a long time, holding her hand, stroking her face, talking softly to her. Soon she roused, and looked up at his worried face, smiling in spite of the pain it caused to do so.

“Where be I, Norseman? At yer home already? At the big fine castle?” He nodded, and her smile broadened. She’d done it . . she was IN.

*Reaching over and laying a hand upon his thigh, she purred. “Ye know I shall thank ye well when I be in better shape . . just as ye like it, Sinold. . . “ Her eyes traced his torso, scanning back up to his face. She knew every inch of it . . and savored feeling it beneath her touch again. He would not resist, not for long. She held a place in him, she was certain. If she only would heal quickly . .

“Sinold, fetch some ale, some wine, anything to numb this aching” . . her pretty mouth pouted, knowing the power it held over men. Arching her exquisite body into a luxuriant stretch, at first really just needing to, them exaggerating it to tempt him, she sighed pitifully. “Perhaps some food as well? Some fine food, royal food, perhaps? Surely you wish to see me as lovely and able as before, Sinold?”

She walked her fingers up his arm and tangled them into his blonde curls, tugging teasingly. “Come, kiss me . . stay with me tonight . . . protect me, my Knight. I may not be fit to please ye in the shape I be in, but enjoy what ye can of me, just be near, I shall heal all the more quickly . . " Her eyes flashed beguilingly at him . .

[Sinold Bragasson]

Already on their way here Bethy had snuggled herself against his chest and protective arm, a position Sinold found quite appealing… although he wished he was holding another like thing in his arms. Yet, Bethy was here, right now… available…. or at least would be once she had healed. Sinold sighed – how long could he fool his body with lonely self-gratification and pretending that soon another would be in his bed, loving him the way Bethy had before?

He denied it vehemently but deep inside he knew – he was falling in love with the beautiful and strong minded Halethala, and she was the one he wanted! But his body screamed for release more often now that his heart had allowed someone to enter it and become rooted deep inside himself. How he wished *he* were rooted deep inside of…

Quickly stopping that very unbecoming thought, Sinold was glad when Ligea finally crossed the castle gates and they were home. he should have brought Bethy into the infirmary but there people would have come who would have posed questions about where she'd come from. Sinold wanted to avoid such scrutiny, especially now that his Letha was back. Oh Thor protect him if she'd find out about Bethy and him! Instead he settled her in the room she had been given before, away from prying eyes and gossiping servants.

At first he balked at providing her food and drink. She should rest, maybe only drink water and eat some soup, but then Sinold was thirsty himself, and a little bit of ale couldn't hurt, could it? Settling her onto the bed, Sinold made sure Bethy was safely propped up against the head of the bed. Even now he could smell her perfume and knew that if he closed his eyes, images of him and her together would flood back, which wasn't good given the love-starved condition he was in by now. Several week without any sex were wearing on the Norse.

Her offers, then, made him smile, maybe a little bit too eagerly. "Oh yes, I know how you could thank me, but… I cannae, Bethy! Understand this, another lady would be very much hurt if I … took on your offer, and you do not want to hurt anyone, aye?" He sighed melodramatically, feeling a shudder running through his body when she touched his thigh in that oh so familiar and teasing manner.

"I'll get you some ale, and some bread and cheese, aye? That will help you recuperate, and soon you'll e all new!"

Soon he was back with two tankards of ale, and a tray with bread, cheese and some cold meat. All that he set down onto the small table next to Bethy's bed and then sat heavily onto the mattress, lifting her pretty legs and laying them across his thighs, rubbing them gently. The feel of her warm skin was exhilarating and already he could discern the scent of her undeniable arousal. Even now, beaten and injured as she was, her mind seemed to be on only one track….

He swallowed hard and took a long gulp from his tankard, the setting it down onto the floor before looking squarely into Bethy's eyes. "Now, you are at Windstrom Castle, under King Agustin's protection. Nobody will harm you here, and the one who did harm you is in the dungeon right now, awaiting his punishment. but I need to know exactly what has happened, my little bird!" He used an endearment he often had used during their past encounters. "What has led to him beating you? Did he request something you were not willing to give him? Was he drunk or clear of mind? Was he alone? Did he… take you before or after the beating? You must tell me, little bird. Only then I can help you!"

Sinold leaned forward and placed a kiss onto Bethy's nose, almost the only part of her face that was neither swollen nor bandaged up.

[millie and mollie]

*The girls spoke in hushed whispers as they prepared the turnips for dinner. A thankless task made easier by the gossip that was being spoken in the kitchens. Millie listened as a picture became clearer in her mind, her Sisters description probably somewhat enhanced, but the deed done still the same.*

"Ye mean he took tha tray up to her chambers and stayed tha night .......this one 'e did brung ere afore.......what about tha Lady Halethala. We was all told he was ta be a courtin' her."

More whispered words followed about a certain young Ranger having turned the pretty head of the one known affectionately as the shield maiden.......the story continuing as the turnips were sliced and added to the pot. Such gossip would surely find its way to the Norseman's ears in time and the blaggard would pay his dues they all stated.

The giggling ceased as cook made his way through the kitchens, growling and huffing in his normal delicate way. The girls wondered if they should check on the lady guest after they had finished their chores, their minds filled with all manner of ripe and juicy tales.*

[Lady Alexandreania (Andrea)]

~Andrea knew there was another woman up here on the Guest level. She had even seen her once with Sinold as they passed her on the stairs when she first arrived. She had heard that the woman was not the sort her Mama would want her to be associated with at any time but Andrea also had learned that circumstances often were left up to the four winds and what one could do with them was not always fortunate. As she walked down along the corridor she stopped outside of the "Lady's" quarters and thought for a moment to knock and see if anything was wanted by the one within. But she had also heard that the woman had been injured and needed to rest and heal. Giving a sigh she decided it would be best to wait a few more days until the Lady was feeling better and instead continued on to her room.~

[Bethy]

She smiled coyly . . his mouth was saying one thing, but his hands something different entirely! And his lips . . Flinching when he first reached for her legs, the memories flooding back against her will, she quickly silenced them and simply savoured his gentle touch. One of the few places the sailor had not hammered at, except for a large purple flush below the left knee, she assumed that was why the Norseman was caressing her there, to cause the least pain to her. He had always been somewhat special to her . . not especially kind or gentle, but always memorable. And always generous with his silver! The sure way to her heart . .

Her smile at his sweet endearment faded . . she’d blanked much of that evening with the mean one . . now Sinold wished to know the details?!!

”NO! Nooo . . don’t make me go through it again, Sinold . what good would it do? Ye have him, do ye not? Aren’t the marks of his handiwork evidence enough!” She looked into his face, and wondered to herself “Or does the thought of hearing it excite ye, Sinold? . . nae, ye be nae one of those, I should hope . . "

He waited patiently, sensing it would not be easy for her to speak of it . . prodding a bit now and then with another question, trying to convince her it would help their case if she’d share more . . finally she clenched her eyes and tensed, her face hot . .

“He was more drunk than I first thought . . that nauseating false charm some men be so adept at, ye know the kind . . He was demanding . . nothing unusual to that . . I’ve no idea what set him off! He simply exploded . . I cannot even remember what was happening then . . *She shuddered, trembling, drawing her knees upwards involuntarily into a fetal position* I think he was beating someone or something else through me, Sinold . . I was merely there, the wrong place at the wrong time . . and I could not fight back. He was twice as big as me and far stronger . . The more I struggled, if I cried out at all . . the harder he hit . . it seemed to feed something he wished fed . .

*A few tears squeezed out, soaking into the bandaged cheek* I don’t know why he stopped, why he didn’t kill me . .

“Enough . . no more . . “ she groped for his hand, caressed it to her cheek, wanting to draw strength from him . .

"Why me? There are other harlots at the tavern he could have chosen . . . why me? "

[Sinold Bragasson]

All Sinold could do was take the sobbing woman into his arms and hold her as tightly as he dared. “Shhh... Shhh Shhhh Shhhhhh... he cannot hurt you any longer, nor will his friends! You’re save here, understand that, Bethy?”

He began to rock her a bit in his arms to sooth her mind which was so much in turmoil. “I don’t know why he chose you, as you say, you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. But he will pay for this, trust me.”

And so Darek would ... and badly. He had beaten the woman apparently without any provocation, had not even drunkenness to excuse his actions. Not like the young man whom Sinold had killed in a drunken rage, so long ago. He more and more felt with every fiber of his being that Darek needed to die for his heinous act of cowardice, but how could he convince those in power that such was the right answer to his crime?

For the time being, he simply settled Bethy’s head back onto the pillows and draped the blanket tightly around her shivering body. “Sleep now, drink a bit more ale if that will help you. You need rest, sleep a bit. the healers will look in to you in the morning, and I’ll look after you as well. just one thing – you will stay here inside the castle, pretty bird. is that understood?” He fixed Bethy with his blue deep eyes, his voice stern yet caring. “If ye try to get out and return to that tavern ye called yer home, forget it. I told the landlord yer won’t be back, and I have nae doubt he by now has found a new pretty thing to take yer place. Darek’s men might lurk outside, so it is also not safe to go to the village for now. Your only safety is within these walls...!”

He hated to tell her this truth which basically meant she would be a prisoner here... although if she chose to escape again, like last time, he would have no legal rights to detain her. She was a free woman after all.

“Now sleep!” He stood from the bed and walked to the door, looking back once. “All will be well and I will find ye work within these walls, for the time being. Alright?” He didn’t wait for her answer, and simply turned and left... maybe because he feared her accusing look, telling him that although he had been one of her more gender customers over the past months, now – after all was said and done – he was nothing more but her jailer.

[LadyLaurestina]

Though it was a faster ride than she had anticipated, she felt refreshed from the day’s events in the village. Sergeant Lan had exchanged a few words with her, regarding how good the sun felt upon his face as well, in all it had been a pleasant ride.

Nae forgetting the events that had transpired, her thoughts returned to the lass, and her injuries. Surely, once back at the castle, she would be asked to return to the lass’s side, and would continue to aide her while she recovered from her injuries.

Riding into the courtyard upon Elsie’s back, there be Perren standing and waiting. Indeed pleased to see him smiles as she quickly dismounted with her leather medical pouch, as he took Elsie’s reigns and led the horse back into the stables.

Looking up to Sergeant Lan, smiling as she spoke softly, “thank thee for thy aide* *bows her head * Running quickly into the gardens and past the ladies, she stops a moment to wave, and proceeds to open the main door and running to the stairs, returns to her chambers to take a much needed rest.