Tending to Tyrun

[LadyLaurestina]

(( OMGoodness!!! it is too early for me to be ROFLMSBO... and you two guys never fail to do the worst stuff..and Rayven and I have to try and hold it all together with the straight act... Okies.. well who's turn is it...? yes Rayven...LOL.. we need to talk.. I am sorry you got stuck with something I nae thought you should... .. I still have tricks yet up my sleeve..we arn't out of the woods yet... geesh... too funny!) Points my finger at y ou Sir Joseph and knows how much you loves mischief..well you shall get it..!!!BOL )

[Rayven]

((Its okay..plots revenge on Joseph..she had her eyes closed the entire time *L))

[Sinold Bragasson]

After he had heard that Tyrun was within the walls of the castle, Sinold had requested a leave of a day from the castle guards. Gerben had agreed graciously, but not before threatening to read him the riot act should Sinold not be back after his 24 hour leave.

The first thing the Norse did was to seek out Letha. Unfortunately, his Unnasta was not in her chamber, nor anywhere within the castle where he could find her. He sighed, and then made his way to the stables, saddling Ligea for a short ride to the woods. There he shot a rabbit and brought it back, sacrificing the animal on the small altar in the back of the gardens he had erected there. He asked Thor, Odin and Tyr to give Tyrun strength and not to call him to the halls of Walhalla yet.

His steps lead him to the infirmary then. No matter how much the maids tried to protest his entering, Sinold made his way inside, until he stood before the beaten and still partially bloodied body of Tyrun. His face was grim, and he nodded, then taking his left hand into his, feeling broken bones inside it. He lessened his grip on Tyrun’s hand, but still kept it in his.

“Tyrun,” Sinold spoke in a firm voice, not hushed, he would not pretend that his friend was at the brink of death, “what are you doing, old friend? Did you try to barter some nice gift from the Franks, something I could give Letha? Aaah, thought so. Well, next time you take me with you so I can help you in the bartering, aye? So, you get better, do anything these ladies tell you. Because if you won’t get better, I’ll make your life so miserable…”

Sinold looked at Lady Laurestina and Rayven, then he noticed Sir Joseph. His eyes asked what his mouth couldn’t – Tyrun would make it, right?

[LadyLaurestina]

As the day drew closer to an end, she could see the red sun setting though the infirmary windows, as she looked at all present in the infirmary. though she could nae explain it, there remained a nervous tension lingering upon the reflection of the setting sun on all their faces. *sighing to herself* the silence that engulfed all of them so thick, she could almost reach out and cut though it with her knife. As she looked upon her favorite captain’s peaceful repose, she once again tried to figure out what to do about his arm, his tendons, and bones visual be. There be not much muscle left under the area where the steel shackle still held it’s mighty grip. She had thought of using her stiletto to loosen the iron that cut into the little flesh that remained intact. In fact it was now beginning to show signs of being infected as well. Looking at her stiletto, knew it was nae a match for tearing apart such a heavy metal, and the knife strapped to her thigh was too thin as well. She was beside her self in not knowing what to do.

This was in fact the worst case she had ever seen, most men would be long dead to this world in the shape the Captain was in. Still, to make matters more grievous, she did love this man dearly as a brother, and could nae bear to let him go. Not knowing what to do, to amputate just above the elbow, or to try and save the severed arm of this man whom she knew could nae do without both arms. The picture of health and fortitude he had always been and to see him this way was indeed a test of all of their strength and belief in a higher being.

She thought about all the times he had picked her up and embraced her, when no one else had noticed, and all the times he had given her strength to go on, just by being who he was. He was in fact like “ A big golden beam of sunshine in her world” Now it was her turn to give back to him all he had given to her. All the favors he had bestowed upon her, all the secrets he had shared with her, and that trip to her homeland upon his ship for one whole summer… aye... nae did many know of this she thought.
* She crossed herself again and held her hands up in prayer asking for strength to carry on… to believe once again in the powers that be.* then returned one hand to the Captain’s forehead and the other rested softly upon his shoulder.

Hearing another familiar voice she looked up and seen another Norse, at least healthy and nae in need of her attentions she hoped. Gasping with surprise, to see Sinold standing there. Her voice shaky and mild, but none the less , very concerned as to why the guards had not alerted her to the presence of yet another visitor. Thinking to herself as she looked into Sinold’s eyes, why this be the lord she could send on a mission? In her mind he was the answer to her prayers, there seemed no other way than to seek the help of a black smith to loosen the metal bands that held Tyrun’s life now in a balance between life and death. * eyes with tears that glistened red in the dimming sun light, she spoke quietly and with no mirth, no joy, but bound and determined to get aide and knew this Lord she could count on.

“ Sinold, tis good that you came to see our dear Captain , and aye he needs thee now, Aye? Could thee please do me and all a great favor?
* Her eyes searched his for a response*
“ Could yea please go and fetch the best blacksmith in the lands, for ta remove this metal band. See, it needs to be removed as soon as possible. Sinold do thee hear me, ... aye? I need thee, I plea with thee, if ever there was a man for this deed it is thee… Please I ask thee in the name of Odin, Thor, Zeus, and all the Norse Gods that there be… PLEASE.. Would thee make haste and fetch a black smithy to remove this evil band about the Captains’ arm.. . Thee see, if it tis nae removed within hours, I shall have no choice but to amputate. “

With these words she searched Sinold's face in desperation, and though her tears, she waited to hear if he would answer her pleas, as the minutes seemed to take hours… she once again returned her hand to Tyrun’s forehead and gently rested it there as she kept herself alert to each and every breath he took. while keeping an eye on the brave Sinold.

[Rayven]

I didn’t hear the door opening and the sound of footsteps across the floor. The first I knew was a touch on my hand and a light accented voice.

Lady Rayven how is Tyrun?

He reached and took the hand of his good friend and I could feel the anger rising in him like a tide at the fate that had befallen Tyrun.

His eyes flashed then grew soft as he spoke to the slumbering form on the cot. There was no response, only that of Laurestina as she turned her red rimmed eyes towards Sinold and gave him her request.

I turned and left the infirmary, my body and mind weary from the long hours of helping care for Tyrun during this critical time, and headed for my chamber and rest

[Lady Edfeil]

*She should nae make any promises anymore to Gods and Saints. That had been said. Instead, she had reverted to pleas. She knew he would get ebtter. She had faith in the healers and in his own strong constitution. But... how would he get better? Would they have to damage his body? He had lost the use of his eye... would he loose more? She shook her head, shaking the thoughts aside. Nae... the healers were competent, and Our Lady would look down upon him in mercy and kindness and intercess with her son.
The vigil continuted, and Edfeil divided her time between church, the great hall, and the small bench aside the infirmary, waiting for the moment to be able to get inside again.*

[Sinold Bragasson]

With dismay Sinold looked at the remnants of iron shackles that once bound Tyrun someplace. It was clear even to his untrained eyes that the iron bonds needed to go so Tyrun would regain the use of both his hands, even the crushed one.

Placing a hand onto Laurestina’s shoulder, Sinold nodded, fixing her eyes. “You don’t need to plead with me so, Milady, as I see the need for removal of his bonds meself. And I think I can do even better than to call a blacksmith…. Wait here a little bit, I shall be right back!”

With that, he left the infirmary and ran over to the smithy where he had forged Letha’s wedding sword, and where the king used to work when something was gnawing on his mind. With sure steps he found a hammer, a chisel and a sturdy iron plate which he carried back to the infirmary. There he instructed Lady Laurestina to place Tyrun’s arm onto the plate, and then he swallowed.

“Alright, hold him and his arm still. I will chisel the cuff open, it will take a few well-placed hits. Don’t worry, I won’t injure him, if he doesn’t move! So hold him tightly!”

Laurestina nodded and did as she was told, her anxious eyes following every move Sinold made, every hit of his hammer onto the chisel, in his attempt to split the metal bonds around Tyrun’s wrists.

BAM!

CLANG!

CLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANG!!!!!!

With a final hit the first shackle sprang open and was immediately removed by Laurestina, Sinold then switched sides and laid Tyrun’s other arm and wrist onto the metal plate, repeating his work on that side.

This time it took four hits before the metal bond gave way, but now Tyrun was truly free, Sinold wiping his brow since the loosening of the metal had cost quite some strength..

“Now he will keep his hands, and you will be able to keep his crushed hands as well, aye? Sinold looked at Laurestina, confident she would do anything in her power to just make it so.

[LadyLaurestina]

*Astonished at the speed in which Sinold worked, she was greatly relieved to have the Captain's Arm free*

*Looking to the healthy Norseman she bowed her head in thanks, and speaking respectflly and gratefully*

"Thank thee Goodman Sinold, thee have proven your self in mi eyes as a great and humble servent, Thank thee."

Looking around For Rayven, she had a few requests that needed to be meet, one was to gather cobwebs.. hundreds of them..and clean ones at that... iffin Lady Rayven was about she would ask her to request this need to the Good Lady Edfeil, but her fellow healer must have stepped out for a few minutes, but she was confident that she would return soon.

Now, she had another need, and that was a good fresh deer... Looking to Sir Joseph, she spoke with all seriousnes..." Sir, would you see to it that a fresh deer be killed and that it's sinew be brought to me, it is very important that the sinew NAE be dried out .... Please Sir? " "I would nae ask if it were nae urgent."

With all these words spoke, she continued to plan out her next move, but dept all her energy on reserve for the time being, as her next endeavors to cure the captain would drain her, and she so hoped for Lady Rayven's contiued aide, and also for consulation.

[Joseph]

No sooner did I arrive back from the quest fer Lady Dream, on behalf of Tyrun… I returned te the infirmary and spotted Sinold there as well…


Watchin em closely, leavin em undisturbed whilst I heard the clanGgggg of steel… Knowin he twas werkins on the manacles imbedded in Tyruns Wrists… hearing them break free, a smile crosses mah features.. knowin .. Now.. Now, finally, Tyrun aves a chance te recover.. Knowins no way in the abysss twould Tyrun aves a chance te recovery with es wrists shackled.

Spotting Sinolds look… “Aye, He shall be much better now, mah friend”.. *slaps Sinold tenderly on the back*…

Turning mah vision te Laurestina…
”Laurestina , ye aves performed a miracle… smiling at ye… Thank ye mah friend fer doin all that ye aves done. I knows ye aves nae rested Laur, perhaps some well deserved rest?”
*that is when she asks fer me te hunt down a deer and brings her the “sinew”.
“Ummm, of course … leanin down, whispers in er ear..* What be the, “sinew”? I shall bring ye the entire deer”.. lifting mah ead, spotting the weakened smile adorn ye features. Always one te barter**…...
Hmmm…Rubs mah chin… so… ye spex me te go out into hostile territory?.. Amongst an army of armed te the teeth, onnery as a hornets nest, Franks?….. be quiet enuff te sneak upon a deer?… Kills em?…. Then, Drag em back here? * a pause in es breath* “fer, the sinews right? Now, lets see.. fer such a monumental task as such , Hmmmmm. Rubs es chin..….”I twould be entitled te some recompense, do ye nae agree? *Biting back a smile as I see ye wheels ternng in thy head… as ye look up, resigned to whatever remuneration I may wish te extract.. ((heh heh))

As a pause falls o’er the room…. “All’s I request mah good friend” *In a teasingly soft voice*.. Alls I ask Laur, is that ye gain some rest… breaks inte a smile and winks… I shall make ye a “Bargain” (( knowins the “sucker” women are for SALES))…. The bargain be, whilst I hunt, ye shall sleep… presses mah lips together then breaks inte a smile.. Spots ye agree with a defeated nod of yer head…. “as ye wish then, ye shall sleep and I shall hunt”…

: Striding from the infirmary after wishings all a guid day… walkins inte the stables…then to Ortex’s stall* turnin my attentions to m'Steed* "Ortex ole boy, ye be ready te hunt ? * he whinnies and stomps his front hoove on the ground.. shakin his powerful neck up and down.. his long silky black mane nearly touching the ground
M’squire knows how I likes m’steed prepared fer the hunt…Spotting the coil of rope, an everra thin else I requested… M’heels kick Ortex lighltly in es sides , we begins a slow cantor away from the Keep
.. Checkin m’quiver of arrows.. pullin one out and running my finger lightly over its cutting edges checking fer sharpness.. M’squire hath honed em, to a razors edge… Able to pierce the tuff hide of any beast I may encounter
Riding to a location known fer spotting game.. A small pond lies in the distance where they can water.. Some grazin fields surround the pond…
Dismountins , stringing the long bow… “ Ortex , ye waits ere fer me.. when I whistle boy , ye come.. Walkin quietly.. My eyes scan the surroundin areas.. Close, Far.. looking to detect the slightest movement.. Soon I am at the edge of the forest.. there! The game I seek… taking a knee.. I prepare….

M’leathery fingers draw back the powerful bow… nay a quiver nor a shake as I aim.. feel fer the wind on m’face… factor the trajectory.. take aim on a spot on es neck… Let fly… whisperin death leaves m’fingers

The intended arrow finds its mark.. the prey takes the hit in the neck. I watch as it penetrates and then protrudes out the other side.. the beast begins to hobble away.. loading another arrow in an instant and letting fly.. m’arrow drops em where he stands.. loading another arrow .. ye nay knows when another predator be around and smells the Kill… cautiously, yet quickly I walks to the fallen prey
…~ unshielding the fabled blade, Wolvensbane, the golden rays of sunlight cause it to shimmer with a mystical light.. Walkin o’er to a small sapling maybe 20 feet in length.. I make a quick slash at the base, as the blade slices through effortlessly… The sapling falls to the ground.. the cut, clean and smoothe..
Walking over, remove all the branches and then cut the main tree in half with another blow.. taking the branches and laying them across the two long pieces.. pulling off the rope hanging at my side, begin to strap the branches to the sapling creating a carry litter.. Standing up and whistling fer Ortex to come once the deer is loaded..

Towing the litter back te the Keep… Stoppin at the rear entry te the servery…Untying the liter, then slappin Ortex in the flanks.. watchin em gallop te the stables.. smiling at mah trusty steeds smarts…
Walkins inside.. speakins te Mollie, whilst I untie mah cloak and hand it te a servant…Spotting her smile, coerces one of mah own..


"Mollie iffen ye wouldst? Clean and gut this deer... savins, the,, .. the,,… “Sinews” aye, the Sinews” and bring them immediately te lady Laursestina… she should be fast asleep in er chambers… please awaken she, once ye aves the beasts .. SINEWS”. She nods, as ye wish M’Lord and immediately begins te sharpen her blades…

[Rayven]

I always knew as I lay in my mother’s arms and listened to stories of the Fair Ones who watches out from their hills and hollows for little girls like me that I would one day travel to a distant land far from my home. My destiny not certain, but fate would lead the way.

Childhood was one long summer in sunlit meadows clad in white and gold, daisies and celandines spangling the grass like stars. At midday the sun blazed down on the silent glades and lofty forests, living green cathedrals roofed with fire. Of all the lands, my mother told me, the summer country seemed longest.

It was an enchanted childhood in a land of summer sun. And though the autumn winds were blowing that would turn my world to winter, I saw nothing, felt nothing, until suddenly it was gone.

I could hear my mother calling my name over and over.

The quiet voice of the chambermaid woke me from my dream of childhood days, of warm summers, and fields of flowers and a young girl with bright blue eyes and long dark hair that played under the canopy of stars.

My lady, ye are needed in the infirmary. Lady Laurestina said to come at once.

I sat up, reality sinking in. This wasn’t the land of my childhood but I had indeed traveled far.

My feet slipped into my leather shoes as I made my way to the door, my way lighted by the golden glow of the lantern, to the infirmary.

For what ever was coming was already written in the stars.

[LadyLaurestina]

((Hummmm..... so..? Okies.. it is too late for these sleepy eyes to post..so will do so in the morn... my how things change in the twinkle of an eye, and yes ..please do get creative and join in.... though it is important at least to me.. that lady Rayven and I work together, it is critical that we establish our bond... and I promise to try my best to keep you ALL in play...please be patient, it is only a matter of a few posts and all will be set... OKies? HUGS to all..*winks* ))

[LadyLaurestina]

((Excellent posts by all, especially you Sinold for just falling into the plot so perfectly and to you Sir Joseph as well, though you do give me a run for my money, and Dear Rayven, you are doing fantastic1 … I look forward to seeing what will transpire next from you lady Dream and Lady Edfeil….and anyone else as well * Smiles warmly* sorry to occ here, but it is best for me to communicate to all so that ..It is all open for all…* smiles warmly*))

The distant light from the sun set now giving way to a soft gray dimness in quiet, but tensions continued to fill the solitude of the infirmary, there be little that could be done until the sinew was somehow retrieved and lady Rayven returned.
_________________________________________________________

After Sir Joseph’s witty words reverberated through her mind, she knew he would come though with her request to him, in spite of his reluctance to put himself in harms way. Being a knight of the old Code, well, there was no doubt he would serve his home and dear friend Tryun any way he could. Thought she had gone along with his bargain of sorts, and had nodded in reply, inside she knew she would nae follow though with her the end of the bargain. Therefore she would settle up with him later, but for now, she could nae go along with his request. She would nae rest yet; the state of the Captain’s life was still in question, with an arm and gapping puncture wound to his side. She had learned a long time ago, when unsure what to do next in an operation of this sort, twas wise to do nothing. Twas indeed the wisest way to just keep the patient’s wounds clean and wait until the patient’s vitals were stabilized, and to make provisions for the remaining steps she needed to take to heal the Captain.

Looking up, she could see Olaf standing attentive as ever, over Tryun’s head, and Sinold was present she was sure as well, though she could nae see clearly in the dim light. She quietly asked Olaf to light the torches now, and make sure the small infirmary hearth was blazing, the warmth of the apple scented wood, feeling the heat radiate on the blanket that covered the captain and her trembling hands.

She needed the sinew as soon as possible, and also hundreds of cobwebs. Spotting, whom she thought was Mollie quickly dart into the infirmary and peek though the crevices of the screen, she took no time hesitating, no matter who it might be.

“ Mi lady,…?. Sweet lass..? Gentle lady? Please would thee take a message to lady Raven that I am in need of her healing hands, and…* her voice quivering* and…if it would nae be to much trouble? Could thee please see if Sir Joseph has arrived yet safely back, with the sinew? * Inhaling softly and exhaling with a restriction breath as it emitted from her lips in short soft gasps…*

“Also……ah..Also…. * hesitating again for brief second, having had made so many requests* … also.. Would be too much trouble to have servants or anyone who is able gather clean cob webs and bring them to me as soon as possibly can be?
* Her eyes searched for those she spoke to, but only seeing the silhouetted figure behind the screen was nae sure her words were lost or heeded.*

Though her plan to restore the captain’s arm to it’s former healthy muscular state was some what questionable, as no matter what she did there would remain a scar, and also a smaller one on his chest but non the less of great concern to her, for if she did what she had proposed in her mind, with the aide of lady Rayven there would be less of a hideous scar than if she just stitched him the regular way she usually did. But this was a special case! She felt her thigh and pressed on it, and raised her hand then to her soft hair, and wondered if it would be possible to do what had nae be done before. *thinking to herself… she was of Norse blood…and the fae in her was quick to heal… compadiable with all, and her Norse flesh and blood would match the Captain’s” * shaking her head* She couldn’t do it alone, that she was sure of, for there would be repercussions, no matter how she proceeded from this point on.

Raising and stretching, making sure Olaf was standing sentential again, she walked to the infirmary cupboard and searched for all that would be needed for the next and hopefully last step to the physical healing of the Captain. Finding a jug of wine that had not fermented correctly but had gone a bit bitter, (vinegar) and also another jug of wine that was extremely potent, she carried them both to the table near the captain’s cot, and returned to cupboard for more bone needles, and several knives of various sizes and widths. Checking the blades now with her finger, seen they were sharp and clean…. Now all that remained were the items asked for, sinew and cobwebs, and the lady Rayven, and who ever else happened to wished to aide her in her final quest. *Lifting her hand to her brow, there was more she needed..wasn’t there?*

…” Aye yes* She needed at least four slender, fresh and limber willow twigs, or dog wood would serve her well too, but this she could wait for as her, hopefully last request. She waited anxiously for aide to arrive, … *thinking, as soon she heard more from …someone. * With much on her mind, she moved into a slow pacing, pensive and foreboding in her demeanor… keeping all her energy on reserve for now.

[Midnight]

Quietly walking by the infirmary black ears twtiching I stop and watch curiously the smells here are different to me so I walk in and investigate this place quietly though the sight of a great black panther in the infimary is probably unerving to most I really don't pay much attention I sniff about curiosly the catching the scent of Tyrun whom I have come across a few times in the castle I slowly and very cautiously apprach him black ears perked forward my nose twtching as I keep tasting his scent on my nose.

[Millie and Mollie]

*They worked diligently, the animal was first skinned then placed upon the large kitchen work bench. None of the meat would be wasted, and while the legs were chopped and cut from the body, the rest of the carcass would be made ready for the evening meal. Sir Joseph had chosed a large deer that would yeild plenty.

Mollie used the sharpest of knives to cut along the length of the leg, she pulled the flesh apart to reveal the muscle and tendons connecting the bone. Millie helped by keeping the flesh away whilst her Sister delicately removed the tendons. Pulling and cutting as neccessary, she eventually had two lengths of tendon which were wiped clean of blood and placed into a shallow bowl. These would be shredded and the much needed sinew would then be created for sewing or binding in whatever manner the Healer required.She was unsure if to take the other tendons from the spine of the deer but could do if they were needed.

Meanwhile Ned aided the other girls in their search for cobwebs.....the Castle was kept as clean as possible, but always high above them in the rafters were spider's homes. Ladders and other means of climbing up were used and before long a basket of cobwebs was ready to be taken to the Infirmary. They were not completely free of dust, as the task had proved very difficult...but they did their best and joined the others in the Kitchen's.

Mollie then carried the bowl of tendons....Millie the basket of webs....and together they peered around the door of the Infirmary, watching for a moment.*

[Halethala]

There had come a point beyond which the onslaught of horrors had ceased to provoke a reaction in her, the combination of weariness and constant stream of wounded to deal with had almost numbed her to reacting anymore very emotionally. It was a blessing of sorts. She would not have been much help iffen she'd simply broke down at each heartbreaking new thing she'd seen.

She'd kept quietly to the shadows, tending those who had been there the longest. She'd heard that the Captain had been brought in, yet kept her distance for a long time . . she simply couldn't face the possibility that he was so close to death! There was enough help with him, she tried to convince herself. Her place was to tend the others so the Healers could focus their attentions on him. And thus, she did what she could . .

She'd almost sidled near when Sinold had come . . had winced and bitten her lip against the ringing blows of the hammer . . and still she kept to the shadows, busying herself with small tasks . .

But when Lady Laurestina mentioned the need for willow whips, she spoke up quietly but firmly. "M'Lady . . iffen ye can spare me for a bit, I will fetch them for ye . . "

Not waiting for an answer, not stealing more than a glance at the body she worked over so lovingly, Letha slipped out the door on unsteady feet, and made her way to the gardens . . .

As she searched the grounds for the twigs, she muttered beneath her breath. "He be a Viking, he be . . strong, brave, invincible . . " It was too close to her heart . . the memories of almost losing Sinold to the sword wound that had pierced him through in the last conflict rose to the surface again, and she could no longer hold it at bay. As she drew the blade across the tender branch to sever it from it's lifesource, the accumulated grief of the last few days came crashing over her, and she collapsed beneath the tree and surrendered to her tears for a little while before she returned with her offering . .

((I sincerely hope I am not encroaching on Rayven's responsibilities . . Just hoping to find somewhere to join in again . . ))