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Post by Ranger Gerrad on Mar 21, 2007 9:48:27 GMT -5
He arrived home at last, with but a dozen men. a sorry homecoming it was but at least they had made it home. More than he could have dreamed of given the events that had unfolded. A single fire was lit within the Glen.
Gaurds were placed but in reality all knew they would sleep soundly til the morn.
There was not one man that would have shirked his duty... yet Gerrad knew that it would be up to him to hold fast over the next day or two. So much was at stake.... so much to lose...he had to be careful...
He placed his head in his hands for a moment and reflected... He was not looking forward to giving Lady Loxley the news..
No not at all..
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Post by Ranger Little on Mar 22, 2007 10:58:05 GMT -5
The large man placed a couple of logs onto the fire which burned well, casting shadows about the clearing. It was peaceful, a calm seemed to settle as some of the men drifted off to sleep, whether their slumbers would be filled with dreams or nightmares, Little did not know, but the men needed to rest, he knew that much.
He stayed crouching by the fire and let his gaze fall upon young Gerrad, how the man had aged lately.........it troubled the older man to admit it, and there was nothing he could do but show his support.
He slowly raised his large form and moved towards Gerrad, halting to firmly place one aged, calloused hand upon the slumped shoulder......a simple gesture that needed no words.
Little finally settled himself down against a nearby tree........watching the fire buring and letting the events of the past days find their place within his weary mind.
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Post by Ranger Gerrad on Mar 24, 2007 9:02:25 GMT -5
Gerrad, responded to the touch of Little's hand on his shoulder..suddenly alert and on his feet in an instant.
He followed Ranger Little to the tree and stood silently for a moment watching the gentle giant as he settled against the tree.
"It's time" he said quietly, and waited............When the Ranger Little did not move he spoke again " Ranger Little...Tis time to change thy bandages...by hell or crook dun ye go givin me nae grief over it...i can nae lose ye cause of yer stubbornness yer big lug of an oaf!!.....Robins dependin or yer ..an ye know it..."
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Post by Ranger Little on Mar 25, 2007 9:49:25 GMT -5
Little opened one eye and looked up at Gerrad, the younger man standing tall and proud beside him. Pretending to be asleep had not worked its magic and he opened his other eye.......his words calm and deliberate, he had no need to be poked and prodded at this hour. He was tired, more so than ever before and he knew his own mind.
"A big lug of 'an oaf aye.......an' stubborn ta boot....but lose me, nae.....ah be nae ready ta leave any of yas just yet. Ah be but weary Gerrad...in need of me slumbers....tha morn will do."
He spoke quietly lest he woke his fellow rangers, some at least would be sleeping by now. Glancing up, he held his friends gaze a moment longer. Trying hard, he could not read what was going through his fellow Rangers mind....that troubled him deeply, more so than his wounds.
"Robin be depending upon us all.......more so ye methinks. Ah be comfortable now....but iffn ya be insistin' then so be it."
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Post by Ranger Gerrad on Mar 28, 2007 4:16:28 GMT -5
Gerrad looked at Ranger Little as the man spoke quietly.
A half smile crossed his face momentarily, then it faded and was replaced by a look of concern.
"tis best i tend yers wounds now my friend tha morrow is a long way away an yer neds ta keep on top of these things ya knows."
He bent down as Ranger Little rolled on his side at his request, and removed the bandage. He recoiled slightly as the wound was revealed to him. The smell was worse and an odd colour surrounded the large gash. He replaced the old bandages with new ones and stood upright again.
"All done me friend..now yer jist git some sleeps now an we'll look at that in tha morn again."
He walked away quietly. Panic took hold of him as he did so. He needed help as this was beyond his skills....the wound was worsening after weeks on the trail home....
There was nothing for it, he had to go get help from the castle. But that would mean revealing what had happenned.
He thought for a moment , and then mounted his horse. Lady Loxley & Lady Halethala would be the most reliable ones to go to for the moment. They could keep quiet of his dilema until it was well to tell the others of their misfortune.
The steed moved off slowly & quietly. The full battle armour creaking slightly until a comfortable stride was reached and they did nae stopp til the edge of the clearing nearest the castle.
Gerrad dismounted and walked the last distance to the gates of Windstorm.
"Greetings Windstorm" he paused....
"Ah am Ranger Gerrad of Robins Rangers....i seek counsell with Lady Loxley and M'Lady Halethala...iffn yers please"
He waited for a response...he was struggling to see properly and his head was swimming...he felt vulnerable and his hand closed over his sword. He turned and kept watch from the direction he had come, after all he was safe from the direction of the Castle.
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Post by Ranger Little on Mar 28, 2007 5:40:04 GMT -5
Although Gerrad was as gentle as he could be, Little had to stop himself from crying out as his wound was cleaned and re-dressed. He knew he needed more help than the Rangers could give him, even though they had done all they could, he felt a burden to Gerrad who had enough to deal with now.
The odour gave it away, the wound was infected and needed more than the Rangers could offer now........still if felt a little more comfortable with fresh bandages, he welcomed sleep when it came for him and dreamed of seeing Gerrad ride out. He dreamed of many things, both good and bad....sleeping more deeply than before, seeking an end to the dilema they all confronted, but finding no answers.
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Post by Dream Loxley on Mar 28, 2007 6:23:07 GMT -5
In Windstorm courtyard......
She had been in the courtyard surveying the damaged stable block when he appeared.......it was him....she was sure, his voice...his mannerism, although he seemed less at ease than was normal......almost afraid. Although she had not actually heard his words, she knew something was amiss.......for a moment her heart beat faster and she found it difficult to swallow. Of course he could just be visiting, there was no need to fret...no need for concern......she could not help but wonder as she moved towards him.
The Guards on duty knew Gerrad well and were about to wave him through the gates as she approached. One held the reins of his horse, his own concern showing through as he patted its neck. The horse had seen better days, it looked weary and tired, much like its rider. Was trouble brewing......what was wrong that Gerrad looked about him so.....were there others waiting outside. The Guard was quick to close the heavy gates and made sure all around were alerted........just in case.
"Gerrad......my friend.........'tis most pleasing to see ye this day..a suprise......I .........I......."
Her words trailed off as she looked upon him.....something was most definately wrong.....she felt a sickness within her stomach....her throat constricted and her mouth became so dry. Instinctively one hand reached for the silver locket around her neck......bad news he would give her......bad news.......she did not want to hear. Her eyes found his......pleading.........searching.......finding only fear.
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Post by Ranger Gerrad on Mar 28, 2007 8:32:00 GMT -5
He looked for an escape as Windstorm Castle closed around him. Someone held his horse captive...(not a good omen)...he almost snatched the reigns from the guard, but thought better of it.
His grip grew stronger upon his sword.
Then he heard her voice...
"Gerrad......my friend.........'tis most pleasing to see ye this day..a suprise......I .........I......."
He focussed on the voice...."Lady Loxley?"
"Lady Loxley... ah need your help...Little is ill and in the Glen....M'Lord Robin is well an safe...ahh need a healer...Little is ill as many are....help me M'Lady..please help me...ahh need a healer..and herbs
He looked at her then, and swore softly...."an tell them to back away"...
He looked at the guards , not recognising any...."back away i say, lest i takes yers all on" his sword moved partway from it's scabbard.
He glared angrily at them all ... then refocussed on the Lady before him...
"ahh need a healer M'Lady an ahh need it now"
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Post by Dream Loxley on Mar 28, 2007 9:26:18 GMT -5
For a moment she thought he might raise his sword to the Guards, it was clear he was very uncomfortable........even feeling threatened by them.....her step quickened and in an instant she was standing beside him, one hand firmly placed upon his upper arm whilst the other lifted to stop the Guards from taking action. She hoped the gesture would show them that Gerrad meant no harm.
Gerrad's word registered quickly.......her Robin was safe......but some men were ill......she did not know if the Castle Healers were even home....as she had been away herself untill but recently.
Concerned showed both within her softly spoken words and her features.......clearly there was a deeper problem lest Gerrad would not look so pale and poorly himself. Ill or injured.......whatever could have happened she wondered....thoughts of battles or worst came to her mind in vivid pictures, memories of darker times........she fought hard to push them away again.
"Gerrad........please.......still yer hand.......ye are safe here........ye have my word......ye know 'tis to be true. Come.... rest a while.....will ye tell me of what ails yer men......I shall do all I can.......and others too."
With another glance towards the Guards......she could see they were concerned but they stepped away from Gerrad and the one holding his horse let the reins drop...they accepted all was as it should be.........for now at least.
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Post by Gerrad on Mar 28, 2007 9:52:19 GMT -5
He stood warily as she touched him ....Looking here and there like a man condemned...
"Gerrad........please.......still yer hand.......ye are safe here........ye have my word......ye know 'tis to be true. Come.... rest a while.....will ye tell me of what ails yer men......I shall do all I can.......and others too."
He looked to her eyes at last.....so much he wished to believe her...so much..
"My men are unwell....some will die soon... one can nae stop that...but it should nae be so ..i need yers help an i needs it now...will you help me M'Lady ?...please help me now!! ...gather who and what ye need but do it quickly.....my friend lies helpless and in need of ...of hope"...
He looked around....his eyes scanning quickly the terrain (noticing the burnt stables).....
He turned then.......and whistled...........
The steed he rode in on ..tossed it's head and freed itself from the guard that held it still.......
He turned again to the Lady Loxley...."bring help (the Glen)........we'll be indebted to ye as always.... an tell my sister i love her" so
Gerrad swayed in his saddle.....and waved an arm........then moved off slowly
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Post by Dream Loxley on Mar 28, 2007 10:32:36 GMT -5
Death.........he spoke of his men dying......that could not be so.....she looked upon him....watching his movements....he was afraid....he was not himself, surely he should stay a while......let her help him. She did not know what to say...what to do.......something was so terribly wrong!
She would never find the glen alone.......what if the healers were not here.....what should she take..........and who would go with her. His Sister.....Halethala.......of course, he had taken her as his kin so long ago now......mayhaps Letha would help her. She shook her head, frightened and feeling at a loss......the man, her friend....Robins most trusted Ranger.....he was in such need, but could she fulfill his needs......did she have the courage and strength.
Within what seemed an instant....he had whistled and moved to ride off again......she lifted her skirts lest she tripped, and moved towards his horse, a feeble attempt to stop him as the Guards opened the gates once more. Her hand reached towards him......so much distance between them......calling to him........pleading.
"Gerrad.....nae..........do nae go.......I can nae find the glen.....please.........ye must tell me....ye look ill yerself......take a rest.......please........!"
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Post by Gerrad on Mar 29, 2007 1:34:11 GMT -5
"Gerrad.....nae..........do nae go.......I can nae find the glen.....please.........ye must tell me....ye look ill yerself......take a rest.......please........!"
He reigned in his steed and turned in the saddle, looking back to the walls of Windstorm.
Carefully he scoured the walls until he found what he was looking for ..........he waved & recieved a wave back.
He called out to the Lady Loxley "Owen knows ther ways M'Lady...please hurry" ...with that he spurred the horse forward and they dissapeared into the distance, the trees swallowing them and leaving no trace of their whereabouts.
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Post by Dream Loxley on Mar 29, 2007 4:36:16 GMT -5
He did stop.....but for a moment, and she followed his gaze as he looked up to the Wall Walk, high above the enclosed Courtyard. She saw Owen and the wave he returned to Gerrad.........of course.......Owen would guide her, she had been too absorbed in the situation to remember.
For a while she simply stood as Gerrad sped away into the distance, the trees finally engulfing him and his horse........her heart still beating quickly she tried hard to focus on what he had said, gathering her thoughts in silence. Unspoken words wished him safe travels........and wished her the strength to carry out his bidding.
One of the Guards brought her back to reality when he spoke of riding after Gerrad, she found a smile for him and told him it would not be necessary, besides, they would not find the glen.......she knew it was up to her now.......
After thanking the Guards she turned away, making plans within her mind......all the while wondering just what was happening......and her Robin, why did he not come if he was well.....Gerrad had told her he was well......and the men...a fever perhaps.....after injuries, or had something grasped them, like a plague. So many things did battle within her mind, it was hard to know what to do for a moment, it was then she saw Perran and bid him closer. She asked him to seek out Halethala, not knowing if the lady was still within the Castle or mayhaps at her cottage. Perran understood the urgency and quickly set to his task. He would ask Halethala to make ready to travel and explain the situation to her.
With that done she made her way to the Infirmary to gather supplies of healing herbs and other items she might need. If the Castle healers were unavailable it would be down to her to help Gerrad and his men.......a task she was unsure of but at least she could try.
((I shall assume the Varangian sailor did not arrive at the same time as this situation, leaving room for both plays to be enjoyed without becoming confused at the Gatehouse *S*))
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Post by Halethala on Mar 29, 2007 8:39:55 GMT -5
The poor lad was beginning to look truly beleagered under her incessant querries. He'd been so out of breath, having had to search the castle first before flying off to the Bragasson's cottage. She'd fought him at first, disbelieving only because she wanted so much not to believe what he was telling her, and not able to sort it all out well with his breathless skipping about across the details.
The fire alone had been ill news enough . . her mind immediately splintered in several directions. She'd seized the smoky fabric that encased his upper arm and clung to it until he assured her he'd seen her husband . . safe and well. Insisting he drink as he coughed several times, the smoke still troubling his lungs, first clear cool water, then a small measure of Sinold's mead.
He waved her off at further urgings to eat, to bathe . . and she fell motionless and bewildered as he retold of the Ranger who'd come. He didn't know the name, but by description alone, it had to be Gerrad. Shaking her head, she argued with Perran, certain he'd simply misunderstood, not seen rightly. It didn't make sense, but then many things didn't when told through other eyes. Young eyes.
One thing was certain. She'd picked a bad time to have returned home, and she was needed. Even if he was misstelling what transpired with the Ranger and Lady Loxley, she'd had enough presence of mind to have rapidly gathered her things together whilst he spoke and hurried behind him back to the castle.
Seeing the thin line of smoke long before they did the castle walls, she knew Perran had spoken truly, and remembered then to thank him. They'd very nearly scrambled the entire way back, and stood panting as the guards allowed them passage. Her eyes swept in the scene before her, which by now seemed well under control. Her heart was racing, not only from the exertion of the hasty return.
One look at Lady Loxley's pale face lent credence to all the boy had said. Biting back her myriad questions ~ those she would ask when they rode, if answers could be given. Their horses had been readied, the provisions being loaded . . the grimness of the task not lost on any.
"Lady Dream . . Courage. " Her hand drew around the graceful lady's own, willing an infusion of the selfsame in the gentle squeeze.
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Post by OOC on Mar 29, 2007 9:20:29 GMT -5
((I shall assume the Varangian sailor did not arrive at the same time as this situation, leaving room for both plays to be enjoyed without becoming confused at the Gatehouse *S*)) Of course both plot lines shall remain autarc and unconfused!  |
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