Coming Home

[Repsol]

The sergeant silent placed his palms flat on the floor and shook his head slowly...Repsol took a step forward and extended his right hand to the man, the sergeant looked up and accepted the hand, this way both could feel that neither of them where a ghost of their own imaginations, the hands clasped forearms and the ghost thoughts left them, as the sergeant spoke slowly trying to take in what vision was afore him.

Wi thoug...wi thought tha was lost t'us, twas nae worth the risk t' attack the drow wer al round us the dragons where gone, the great castle fell an ..an then mages, mages cum thi sed tha needs to go ome to safety, wi pleaded wivem to wait fo thee no one listened to us, then a mist cum in, wi walked in and then wi was back ere at Windstorm, wi can't remember much else, wi wus fighting proud an all but wi wus losing men too fast, an we dunt talks of it no Sir we dunt.
Them Crimson Knights stood so wi could get away, so very few of em cum back an them who did have gone off all round searching fo sumert or uvver

Repsol broke in..

We doth return for more men and all there be was loose horses the drow where close at hand we could nae have fought them off ourselves, we dropped all armor and rode to the sea to make our escape, I thought ye had all perished, and tas took a year to find the truth, I shall seek nae more for most had been saved and I be in the debt of the gods once more..

His mind was still racing, most in his command had returned home, so he wasn't a deserter, it was a genuine act of faith by the mages and of the men who returned, these thoughts had haunted him for more than a year for he thought he had let them down and abandoned them and within five minutes with this man all had been cleared up.Repsol moved to the man and placed a arm around his shoulders and hugged him, this man had saved his sanity and his life, the segeant just hung there in Repsol's grip, he dare not hug a Lord for it was not his place even if he did hold his breath whilest so close, Repsol loosened his hug and the sergeant took two enormous steps backwards and spoke once more...

Sire tha needs to get t baths fergive mi fer sayin an all has tha summert in thee coyt which is dead, as tha eaten owt decent like recently, agin fergive mi but tha dunt look well at all, a shall get that rascal Perran to get ye sum food and clean thee up aye tis a plan, an tha has to listen cos I be a sergeant now..our Queen...does the Queen know thee be back ere, an council an all...

He could not begin to understand how he could get to see the Queen or anyone in the house he couldn't just wander in and act as if nothing had happened, then he thought of Perran, the lad would surely have a plan to aid him with this.
The sergeant offered secrecy until such a time he could assist the Lord further, he did promise Repsol he would have safe passage to the spa, mainly due to the fact not many with a sense of smell would go near him anyway, so he planned for a moonlite dip to freshen himself up and sort out this discusting beard and hair, he drew a knife from his boot and flicked the blade with his thumb, this would suffice for now.....

[Repsol]

As dusk fell and the shadows grew longer on the land he decided now he would bathe in the springs, they where far enough out of the way, he lifted the few things Perran had got him from the barracks, some sort of scrubbing stone, some scent of something which his nostrils could not take in for long so he would use a little, it did actually smell better than the forest fragrance he was wearing at the moment, he threw the cloth over his shoulder and began to climb down the steps into the stables below.
As he walked out of the stables the men outside turned and faced the other way, he shrugged and assumed this was the sergeants doing, though he would have to watch for the Castle guards, Gerben had whipped them into shape and kept a very high standard of discipline so he didnt hang around he made his way to the springs...
At the springs he filled his lungs with sharp evening air, it was becoming darker now and the night like a black velvet veil covered him and held him close and warm.
He sat on the soft grass and pulled off his boots and laid them beside him, he stood and drew up his cloak over his head, then his blouson, the taught scars resented the rush of cold air and tightened to bursting open again, he cursed the pains erupting from his back and chest, he loosed his belt, kicking off his pants he took two strides and was on the edge of the springs the fragrance and stone in his hand, he walked forward slowly emersing himself in the cold soft waters, with small sharp breathes he was soon in up to his chest, he pushed off and turned onto his back and just floated slowly, emersing his face every so often, allowing the water to run into his eyes, ears and mouth, his every thought was of her now as the cold mattered not to him now, he drifted effortlessly, he placed the stone and the small pot on his stomach and closed his eyes.
He wanted to take in as he always did, her features, the long flowing golden hair, the dark eyes, the smile, the happiness which filled his heart, he was at peace for once in a long...long time....
With his eyes still closed he took the small plug from the little pot jar and tipped some of its contents onto his chest, he sniffed the air as the fragrance rose into the cool night air, he realised then that this fragrance may well have been owned by one of the Ladies of Windstorm, the thought passed and he replaced the plug as he did the pot tipped and the contents flooded out all over his chest and shoulders, he rolled over and dived under the water, the water had no colors it was just black, his eyes burned as he swam through the spillage in the water, he stayed under until he thought his lungs would burst and surfaced further away so he hoped from the spill, he could still smell it strongly, he rubbed his chest with water to try and get it off.....

[Lady Edfeil]

((oh now you are SO tempting me to come hre and completely embarrass you.))

[Astridur]

(hmm... Am tempted to come on and embarrass as well *smirks*...Hm what the heck why not?! hehe)

[Astridur]

Well, here Astridur is taking her mare for a nice ride, knowing she needed to get the mare out of that stable. A soft smile is on full pink lips with bright blues looking about what could be her new home. She was waiting upon the coucil to decide, for now she is a guest in Windstorm. A She takes a deep breath, closing her eyes before the sound of splashing reaches her ears. Brows furrow as she pulls upon the reins upon the mare, stopping where they are. She looks about, not really having known there was a spring around here. Then again, she didn't come to this part of Windstorm very often.

She lowers herself to the ground, after dismounting, and ties the mare to a tree so she doesn't run off. Blue eyes look about as she tries to figure out where the splashing was coming from. She pauses midstep, taking in the scent of what could only come from a Lady of Windstorm. Why would a Lady of Windstorm be bathing out here? She wonders as she moves along to a spring that seems to be nearby. She passes quietly along, trying to avoid the brush and sneak up on who is bathing. She hides, eyes peeking out from behind the branches. A smirk comes to her lips, seeing it be a man and one using woman's scents.

Hmm... Any fish biting?

A smirk is upon full lips, a spark of mischief in her eyes though there is a deep blush upon her high cheeks to show her embarrassment. She tries to hide it, letting her eyes avert for a while before looking back to Repsol. She is standing now, arms crossed and weight placed upon her left leg. A long silvery dress covering her form, hugging her torso to fall elegantly to the ground and flow behind her an inch. Long blonde curls framing her face, the rest pulled back into a bun at the base of her head. She is petite, though there is hidden strength that one might now see at first glance. She holds her chin proudly, her voice holding a bit of an accent that could be placed for Norse... maybe

[Repsol]

He had made his way back to shallow water, holding the pot and stone in one hand and splashing his face with the other to get the rest of the goo out of his eyes, he was facing away from the bank with the water lapping just above his waist, as he heard the soft voice he froze, knowing he could hardly turn to face the asker of the question, he slowly lowered himself into the water until the water was just below his chest, then he turned slowly, he glanced past the shape to where his towel and his weapons lay, then his eyes fell on the shiny figure which stood on the bank, he felt not so much embarrassment but the feeling of a child when the hand is caught in the biscuit jar, he looked to the figure, blinking as water ran down over his eyes from his wet hair, if this was a robbery the woman had so badly chosen her victim, he knew he was at a loss.

Iffen thee plan to rob me thou hath chosen badly, there be a few silver coins in a bag on top of me pants, but tis all I hath in way of any wealth...

He glanced past the woman once more to where his possessions lay, what few he had then back to the woman, he noticed a twang in her voice which told him she was not native of Windstorms lands, he wiped his eyes once more and his vision was somewhat better now, he could see this was no robber, but the woman was alone and on foot as far as he could tell....lost, his mind dreaded giving directions he could end up with water wrinkles for weeks, he would point out the way to the Castle and leave it there, if this was a guest of the Queen he knew he had to somehow get out and to his clothes and as the woman asked one question before an introduction there was some certainty that more would follow and the water was not warm enough to induce any comfort his right knee had found the only pointed rock in the whole of the spring, he looked to the feet of the woman and saw the dagger stuck in the ground from his shave he was at a disadvantage and as he moved his weight from his knees to a squat he began to ready himself for a sprint to his clothes...

[Repsol]

(( You guys, still as cheeky as ever, this could have gone so many ways but alas he still be a gentleman at heart but hey ya never know if he runs he may fall who knows))

[Astridur]

She was a bit offended when he said this, feeling like a bird with it feathers ruffled. Her hands curl into fists, ready to say something rather rotten to him. But, then again, he does have water obstructing his vision and seems like he was trying to get something out of his eyes anyways. She also notes that he keeps looking past her to something, which makes her turn and see his clothing.

I am no thief sir! I am a guest of Windstorm and plan on making this place my home, if I am deemed worthy....

One would be able to note the lightness to her voice, the excitement in being able to do so. She takes a deep breath, noting how Repsol keeps shifting about in the water. It has to be cold in there with the time of year it is. So, with a sigh she turns from him and moves to retrieve his towel for him. Her back is to him, not having noted the dagger that had been by her foot at all, and bends down to get them.

Here is your towel sir, I will turn so you can come out and dress. I am quite sure it is cold in there. But, I will keep your weapons for you until we are to the place you have been staying... or until I feel I am safe.

She turns to throw the towel near the bank, far enough so it does not get wet. She keeps the weapons at her side and turned, with her back to the water. At least that is the plan because she doesn't know what is going to happen.

(Yes and he could very well come up and scare the living day lights out of her with that dagger she didn't notice)

[Repsol]

He was becoming very uncomfortable squating in the water as he began to tense his thighs to burst from the water and make a run for his clothes, the woman replied, this held him back for a split second as he watched the woman turn and see his clothing and weapons, he settled again and waited to see what she would do, he was cursing himself for making it so obvious but he had told her of the coins in his bag, the woman moved to his clothes and bent and picked up his towel, he had been held in compromising positions with women before he thought this would be no different, what would be the price of the towel?
Did the woman need a well clearing, a roof fixing, a field cut what would the ransome be, then the woman turned and the towel was mid air flying toward the water, he looked it had landed almost next to his shaving dagger which the woman had seemed to overlook...
Then to his total surprise she turned around offering her back to him, he moved out of the water his muscles still cold but he covered the ground to pick up the towel then the dagger, he quickly placed the towel around his waist and lifted the dagger and slid it down the back of the towel, he stood there.....

I bid thee thanks fer passing mi towel, an iffen ye allow mi to dress we can talk of thy ransome fer mi weapons, and by the gods I be tryin to figure reasons fer women folk to be alone at this hour, only robbers and vagabonds be around at dusk and of the night, alas tis nae fer me to judge fer reasons be thy own..

A woman holding the weapons like a bundle of ill mannered washing amused him somewhat as iffen he rushed her which one would she drop and which one would she defend herself with, as the Kings sword was almost half her height and probably almost half her weight, he thought better of any contact with the woman it would not be right of him, the Queen upon finding out would most certainly have his head on a pike, he would do this properly and not place the young woman over his knee although it amused him somewhat he did not let it show.
He half turned to his right and moved to a tree, he turned and sat, slightly moving to accomodate the ill conceived position of the dagger, the hilt digging in the small of his back and the sharp blade laying next to his backside, the rough bark rubbed his skin as he made himself comfortable on the grass, he stretched out his legs and crossed them at the ankles, he adjusted the towel and crossed his arms across his chest, he lay his head against the tree and closed his eyes...

So.. what be thy next decision fer me, an iffen this be thy home I spose I should curtsy an call ye M'Lady, an iffen ye hev any sense of aroma ye be well to be clear of mi clothin....it be somert well worn, alas thee hath the upper hand in this meetin an I should be well mannered too, an sittin ere half nekked wi a young woman...well I be a wonderin iffen any stray came past an seen us, what would be said around this place, but I jus be ponderin an all...

He waited......

[Astridur]

She heard the sloshing of the water as Repsol came out of the water, keeping her back turned to him. She was holding the swords, but she was holding them better than a a bundle of ill mannered washing. She actually was looking over the hilt of his sword, head canting as he wraps the towel about himself and then move to sit down. She obviously didn't think he is a danger since Repsol seems to be so well mannered. She hears his words of a randsome and then laughs.

No! No need to randsome back your weapons. It seems you are just a weary traveler that is very well mannered. It is not uncommon for travelers, one that seems to have seen war with the type of blades you have... I think you also might have held some sort of status... Am I correct?

She looks to you with a blond arched brow, bright blues looking to you and nots seeming to be bothered with seeing your chest. Though a light tint comes to her cheeks upon knowing just a slip and that towel with be gone. She quickly mentally shakes her head, clearing her throat to get her mind back where it should be! She had been married before, so she knows what a man looks like. A slow smile comes to her lips at what this man seems to insinuate and chuckles, shaking her head a bit.

No... There is no need to giving me such a title, sir. I am simply Astridur EyFrid... Or good woman Astridur as Her Majesty puts it. But, I shall have some clothing retrieved for you so you can get rid of those battered ones. I do not think...

She pauses in her words, looking to the clothing that seem to be tattered and worn from the use. She could also smell them from her, scrunching her nose slightly.

I do not think your bath would do you much good in wearing those again. I do have an extra cloak in my bag upon my horse. She is not far from here. And as to answer your questions upon being out here alone, Sir, I was born viking and have traveled about the countrysides alone. I can handle a sword, but need training. I also do very well with a bow. I think I can care for myself

She chuckles lightly, a spark to her eyes that seem to hold both defiance and mischief. She walks towards Repsol now, gently lowering herself and placing the weapons next to his side. She trusted him enough and would let him decide what to do. She would move to the mare that was not far, actually could be seen in the distance. The saddle bag in view and she reaches in, upon reaching the mare, and brings out a man's cloak.

This was my late husband's I keep it about in case I need another.

She offers this as explanation, not knowing if he was curious as to why she carried it with her. Even though it had been years now, she was still sad at his loss and needed some things to remember him by. She also carried her father's as he was gone from this world as well, upon her village being attacked in a raid. She moves back to the man's side, placing it upon his lap.

The only randsome I wish is a name

Chuckles lightly, knowing she didn't get to claim that anymore since he already had the weapons. She is also trying to show she is not some trollop wanting him for some unfortunate reason

[Repsol]

He watched curiously as the young woman laid down the weapons beside him and moved to a mount not too far away, one he admitted to himself of missing, the woman returned with a cloak, the way she held it showed to him it was held in high affection to her, and as it was offered he made no movement to accept it, he knew it was being offered in trust and kind, but something gnawed at his soul it was dry and maybe warm, a cloak and a towel hardly something to be seen in around the village, he needed his pants and boots regardless of their aroma, he stood and moved to where his pants lay and placed a foot in each leg and pulled them up under the towel, when he was confident they where on correctly he turned away from the woman and dropped the towel and fastened up the front, he then placed his right foot in his boot and pulled it on, then his left, he lifted his shirt and thought to forget even wearing it, it had seen better days, his cloak the same, he turned back to the young woman still holding the cloak close to her bossom..

Iffen it pleases thee I shall accept thy charity and the offer of thy cloak, but it be for a short time and I shall return it to thee forthwith whence I be settled..

He broke off suddenly the whole idea tasted bitter in his mouth he was not a charitable case and he should not accept, as he stood closer to the young woman he now saw her true features, she looked of good standing, and if Eddie called her goodwoman then she must be he knew if nothing else the Queen was of good character judgement, then there was his name, a little white lie should suffice, after all it had come second nature to him but why was it so hard now.

I shall offer thee as much as a name goodwoman, it be Montague, tis all I can offer an more than I should but alas fer yer charity seems a small offerin..

He was now endebted to the young woman and one he knew he would repay, he lifted his sword and wraped the leather strap around his waist and pulled it tight, he lifted the dagger which fell from his towel and placed it in his right boot top, then the other dagger into his left boot top, he stood up still topless, the night air cool but no more than he was used to, he would need to get back to the stable before the patrols in the hope Perran had secured him some clothing from his old room, something which fitted and had an aroma which fitted, and not this gllop he had furnished him with, then he would need to get a message to the Queen..
The young woman offered her cloak, receiving it with a bow of his head he lifted her righ hand and softly blew a kiss upon it, then he turned and ran into the night...

[Sir Kyle Draven]

He had left in the night some time ago when He got word of a clue of where the killer was and He did not have time to leave the letter of His leaving, He had to act fast and He went down into the village, he did not take His mare, that was the gift for Sir Kyle Draven, this was not He, He was no Knight at this moment but the embodiment of vengence, in the dead of night He was down in the village and He moved from shadow to shadow, He knew the lands well enough to avoid the guards, He knew the guards had been doubled, but not really there to stop what He had to do, but He honestly nay knew if they would or not, but He had to take caution in all movements He made.....


He moved into the building where the woman He helped was staying, He had kept tabs on her and went into her place by the back door and when He entered she was there and looking at him and it was if she was waiting and He did not look surprised that she was there, a slow grin splayed over His features and she looked to Him and had a letter in her hand and she passed it over to Him and He took it, opening it soon after and reading it as she stood there and started to speak

I wanted no part of what took place or what happened to you, I am so so sorry Sir Knight, I

He lifted a hand just then and He shook His head and offered a small smile, He said nothing to her, just nodded and headed back out the door, He had to leave the lands for a time and hoped He would come back, He took a steed from in front of the Smithy, if anything Micheal will know where it went, or he should, He mounted the steed and rode off into the night, going to final meeting, as He was leaving the lands He looked back once more before moving on, under His breath He says "Goodbye"...something He could not do in person....

[Lady Edfeil]

((ohhh... both stories getting very tense!))

[Sir Kyle Draven]

Sorry it took so long. Will post more tonight)))

[Repsol]

He arrived at the stables under darkness and after ducking out of sight a number of times from the patrols within the walls in one piece.
He climbed up into the hay loft and began to look for somethin, the cape from Astridur kept him warm so his search was not as frantic as it could have been, he had hoped Perran had come with clothes, as he had not seen him for a day or so he hoped the lad had not been caught, then he thought and smiled to himself and knew he had not for the lad was resourceful and would have too many Friends in this place.
He came to the fact it was too dark in the loft so he moved to the open door above the stable doors, he sat with his back against the wood and looked out, as the dim light from the torches lit small pockets of the courtyard it was a life away from the past twelve months or so, he was at ease with the darkness, he closed his eyes and began to pen in the letter he would send to the Queen, after a few moments he scrunched his face as to mentally delete the last passage, he lifted his hands and pulled the hood of the cloak further over his face, he settled back to carry on with the mental letter.
Thoughts between passages drew his memory back to when he first came to Windstorm, and upon his second meeting with Edfeil when both fell into the spa, or did he lift her and carry her and did purposely drop her in, he dare not contemplate such now and the number of times he had fell victim to the teasing of the Ladies of Windstorm, and the thoughts of a young Kyle in his quest to become a Lord knight, a wish came to his mind of wanting to spend more time with the young man to stand him in good stead for the quest he has now undertaken, but alas he will learn and as to handing out any retribution he knew Kyle to be Honorable, fair and of good faith, then his mind fell upon one who had taught him the King, who had taken him into his home made him welcome and would eventually teach him Honor, his titles mattered not to him he knew where his loyalty lay and more importantly so did those around him.
He would still request the title of Crimson Knight when he spoke with his Queen, he placed his left hand on the handle of the sword and ran his fingers to the end where fastened was a small piece of crimson cloth though now somewhat faded into a dull weathered red, he had tried to live by the code and no innocent had fallen by his sword, though some had come to hear the sharpness of his tongue such trivials shall be distinguished at church the next he attends, he had also put this off for too long his thoughts fell to the time he would need to confess his sins, he smiled to himself and hoped he would get a young priest as an older one may expire before he finishes.
then as is usual his thoughts fell to her, a day never passed when she was not with him in his thoughts and her perfumes filled his senses, the long flowing hair and her pale skin with dark eyes, she could speak to him without words and with a fleeting glance she would give him permission to either slap her ass or just keep himself to himself, a smile crossed his lips and he faded to sleep..



((can't wait to read more Bro wb))