Offline
Dec 8, 2019 12:43:35 GMT -5
Tag me @alistar
|
|
Post by Alistair on Aug 15, 2010 18:17:07 GMT -5
------------
Alistair was normally a man who was serverly aware of his surroundings. Spending every night in the woods, alone meant you had to become so; be be constantly robbed and attacked. You learned to sleep light (which wasn't hard when you were constantly awakened by death dreams), and notice every sound, smell and trail sign. It was why he was one of the best hunters around. Other might take him in swords fights, or be smarter but Alistair was best at hunting.
In this moment he was lost to anything else. The only sounds were the ones she might have made, the only scents were of her, and he could think beyond the pleasure of of her softness. He ran his fingers into her hair, and angled her head so he might have better access.
He deeped the kiss for a long moment, letting him self explore the heaven of her, before pulling back and staring into her face. He looked slightly shocked at what had just happened. It was then the sounds of childish laughter broke though to him. Looking over at Mae he could see she had enjoyed the moment. Alistair who had trouble thinking of things to say in the best of moments was lost at what to say in this moment.
This would complete everything.
[Your very welcome]
|
|
Offline
Jun 18, 2013 19:29:56 GMT -5
Tag me @isadora
|
|
Post by isadora on Aug 15, 2010 19:21:32 GMT -5
Isadora was used to being in control. Not just of herself, but of those around her, even her surroundings. With a word she could make others do almost anything within reason, and with that power over others, she had disciplined herself not to abuse it. She was used to having complete grace and poise at all times, and she didn't take orders from anyone else. Since he had taken her, Alistair had taken her control away from her, and until now, she had resented him for it. But right now, she couldn't fathom why on earth that would possibly bother her.
She let him move her without protest, her hand moving from his face to his neck, holding onto him to steady herself, because left to her own devices, she was sure she'd just fall over. She forgot that she should be offended or that she shouldn't enjoy kissing a commoner, she even forgot that she needed to breathe as long as he was kissing her. It was a good thing that he pulled back, her eyes drifting open, and it was a moment before her mind got to thinking about anything besides wondering why he wasn't kissing her anymore. Then the shock on his face registered, along with the sound of Mae's laughter, and she drew in a quick, surprised breath as the realization of what had just happened sunk in.
She looked away abruptly as she felt a blush coloring her cheeks, what on earth was she doing?! She was a noble, a princess, even, royalty and here she was, kissing some druid? But she didn't think of Alistair as just another druid. Her chest heaved with quick, deep breaths as she tried to slow her heart rate, how could he make her lose all her sense so easily? She'd hardly known him two days, most of those spent in silence, and yet she was acting like some brazen harlot? And then, unbidden, she wondered what he must think of her. Her hand, still resting on his neck, was withdrawn so quickly she might've been burned, and hesitantly, she looked back up at him, uncertainty on her face. [/size]
|
|
Offline
Dec 8, 2019 12:43:35 GMT -5
Tag me @alistar
|
|
Post by Alistair on Aug 15, 2010 19:45:31 GMT -5
------------
Mae was the only one who seemed to get some sort of enjoyment out of this moment. To be fair to the child however, They had just been teasing each other about marriage and things. It would seem things had gotten slight out of hand . . . . or perhaps more the slightly. He took a few more deep breaths, and looked back at the princess. She had pulled away quickly and he knew she was in as much shock as he was.
Her face was red and he wanted to reach over and sooth whatever emotion made women do that. "Mae," he said with his voice deeper then it was a moment ago, rougher. "Your father and the men are about to hunting. You are not going to want them to see you here. Go play. Come back when they are away." Mae gave a gasp and looked back at her father then giggled and ran over to her brothers.
He had really wanted a moment alone with the princess. He waited until Mae was away before looking over at her, still down on his haunches. "Princess," He used her title as an endearment rather then insult this time. He still was unsure about what to say, how to explain he was still in change and keep her fearful of him. He did not want her afraid of him, but he knew it would be safer for her. He just needed to find the will to ruin everything he had gained right here.
|
|
Offline
Jun 18, 2013 19:29:56 GMT -5
Tag me @isadora
|
|
Post by isadora on Aug 15, 2010 20:03:49 GMT -5
Isadora watched his face as he spoke to Mae, then turned to watch the child as she ran obediently back to her brothers. She had to arrest the urge to call her back, tell her not to go...ask her not to leave her alone with him. She couldn't help but wonder if he was telling the truth about why Mae should leave, or if he really just wanted the child to leave them alone for a moment. She couldn't admit that just now, she was afraid to be alone with him, not just because of what he might do, but of what she might do. But once Mae reached her brothers, safely out of earshot, she slowly turned back to look at him.
She didn't know what to expect; her emotions were all over the place, her noble upbringing fighting with the irrational attraction she had to the man who had kidnapped her. Why couldn't she have fallen in love with a knight, like a good princess?! Or hell, it even would've been better to be like Lady Vivian and fall for Prince Arthur, for all the good that would do. For all she knew, Alistair was about to laugh in her face, or slap her around, and still somewhere in the back of her mind, she hoped he was going to kiss her again, then felt completely ridiculous for thinking it.
When he called her 'princess' again, she didn't like it, even though he said it sweetly. It reminded her of how she was supposed to behave, of what he was supposed to be to her, and she hated it. "Please don't call me that," she murmured, knowing he'd probably ignore her anyways, her voice soft but slightly coarse from the lack of use. Was it wrong that she wanted him to see her as a woman, instead of a title? Yes, she knew that already. It was very, very wrong, and yet she couldn't help but resent it anyways. [/size]
|
|
Offline
Dec 8, 2019 12:43:35 GMT -5
Tag me @alistar
|
|
Post by Alistair on Aug 15, 2010 20:20:46 GMT -5
------------
He had started calling her princess to annoy her, liking that he could get some sort of reaction out of the block of ice he had stolen away. Even a while ago he had felt sorry any man that would marry her. Now he did not like the thought of another man in her life. It angered him to know he would hear of her wedding one day, and that another man would be the one by her sit on the wedding night. Poor bastard, he had called him. Ironic.
"Why not," He asked her, still not feeling like him self, "Perhaps we both need the reminder of who you are." Part of him liked calling her princess now, not to annoy her but to have something no one else would have her. Others would call her my lady, or some other noble title but none would call her princess as if it was her name. it was childish, but it was something he did not plan to stop. Who knew, maybe once he returned her to her father then anytime she heard the word she would think of him.
"This can mean nothing." He knew he had to push her away now, but it felt wrong to do so. He knew he needed to summon the words to ruin everything, he looked back at Mae and the druids before turning to face her once again, "Now when you speak with the other nobles, and they speak of dallying with the servants you can one up them." He told her hoping it bough back the ice and anger in her. He did not want to have to say more, and hurt either of the more. This was hard enough. Her ice was easier to deal with then her passion. Once he could ignore, and the other would bring him to his knees.
|
|
Offline
Jun 18, 2013 19:29:56 GMT -5
Tag me @isadora
|
|
Post by isadora on Aug 15, 2010 20:53:42 GMT -5
His words stung, but she had been expecting a reaction such as that, and she couldn't say he was wrong. She was a princess and he was a lowly druid; it didn't matter how things could be different if they weren't who they were, such things couldn't be changed just because you wished it were so. She knew it all so well, and yet here she was, longing for him to abandon his harsh tones and just say her name, something she doubted would ever happen now. She didn't understand how he could change his feelings so quickly; had it all been a lie, some game he was playing with her to make her behave herself better? Maybe he was hoping that he would break her spirit.
She rolled her eyes when he pointed out the obvious; of course there could never be anything between them, despite the enduring ache in her chest at the thought. She didn't even bother to dignify that with a response, she wasn't so stupid to think that she could just bring some random druid back to Caerleon with her and have her father welcome him with open arms. Even if he did, it wouldn't matter. Her responsibility was to her people, both the lord and ladies and the peasants, and she doubted either of those groups would be pleased if she married a druid. They might even rebel; no one wanted to be ruled by someone they considered beneath them.
Nothing could have prepared her for what he said next, and she just stared at him with wide eyes for a long moment. So that was what he really thought of her. She felt fury bubbling up inside her, tempered only by the icy pain that seemed to grip her heart at his words. Dallying? She didn't think, instead raising her arm to slap him across the face with as much force as she could muster. The last time she'd tried to hit him, it hadn't really worked out that well for her, but she wasn't thinking about that, wasn't really thinking about anything. She just wanted to hurt him like he'd hurt her, and hoped he didn't notice the tears welling up in her eyes. [/size]
|
|
Offline
Dec 8, 2019 12:43:35 GMT -5
Tag me @alistar
|
|
Post by Alistair on Aug 15, 2010 21:06:25 GMT -5
------------
He'd let her do it. Alistair did not move he saw she did, and took the slap since he knew it earned it. He would not allow another. He stood were he was and looked down at her, the pain from his cheek helping his resolve more and more. It was not a very painful blow thought it did hurt allot. He knew at this point, not only Mae but Rilan and the others were watching them. The smacking sound of skin hitting skin almost echoed in the small clearing.
He knew this was all they could ever be between them. "You need to stop playing, and finish the morning chores, Princess. We still have another trip to the river to make." He said it in a harsh tone, letting the walls go up again between them. Mae's presence had allowed them to fall. Maybe having the child around was a bad idea, neither of them could be harsh and ice when she was around.
He walked a few steps backwards but did not sit. Just stood there over her, waiting for her to get started again. He crossed his arms and looked up at Rilan. A look pasted between them and Alistair left here there to cross over to speak to him, thought he keep a close eye on her. After a short conversation Alistair returned to stand over her, his body blocking out the sunlight as he stood there.
he had agreed to help one of the other men from the group watch the children while the men went hunting. He'd also promised to keep them away from the princess. No more making friends in which she would have to kill one day.
|
|
Offline
Jun 18, 2013 19:29:56 GMT -5
Tag me @isadora
|
|
Post by isadora on Aug 15, 2010 21:26:24 GMT -5
She glared up at him as he stood over her, hating herself for letting him get to her. She wanted to hate him, too, but why was it always so much easier to be angry at yourself for things you should know better than to do than at other people? He hurt her, and not just with carelessness, being rougher than he should, he had toyed with her emotions, maybe thinking it would make her easier to control. That was hardly right. Didn't he know that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned? And Isadora certainly felt scorned right about now.
She either didn't notice or didn't care that everyone else was staring at them now, and it took a force of will not to just kick the stupid laundry bucket over, and storm off, let him chase her again if he wanted to. But that wouldn't work, she knew that it wouldn't work, and then he'd just be on guard again. Throwing a temper tantrum wouldn't help her any, she forced herself to realize, mechanically turning back towards the stupid bucket of soapy water, she had to wait until she had a better idea of how to get away, and she was already getting an idea.
So she picked up the clothes she and Mae hadn't washed yet, ignoring everything else as her mind went to work elsewhere and her hands scrubbed dirty clothing mechanically. She didn't even bother to look up when a shadow fell over her, assuming it was Alistair and not wishing to acknowledge his existence right now. Even if it wasn't him, what was the worst that could happen? Some strange nomad could kill her? She'd be very surprised if she didn't welcome death right about now. [/size]
|
|
Offline
Dec 8, 2019 12:43:35 GMT -5
Tag me @alistar
|
|
Post by Alistair on Aug 15, 2010 21:44:25 GMT -5
------------
Alistair looked up from where he was watching her and watched the men load up their weapons, most of them home made, and start to head out. It was clear that Rilan was uneasy about leaving the children with her here but Alistair knew Rilan was one of the best hunters in this village. Not as good as Alistair, but good enough to keep his family fed. Had the princess not been here, Alistair would have gone hunting with them. Earned his keep here, but he had promised Rilan some of the gold earned from this.
The plan had been simple before the kiss. Alistair would do the dirty work; kidnap the girl and baby sit her for a few days. He would be the one to get blamed for it, and he would even pretend it was a one man act. It wasn't. His 'partner in crime' would be the one who went out and got the gold, and confirm that the random was paid. The other man would never revel his part in this.
Once the men had left the clearing, Mae ran up to them. However, as she passed by Alistair he reached down and caught her arm. "No Mae. I have given your father my word you would not make friends with her. Go enjoy your day with your brothers." Mae looked up at him, and she begged, "Please! I wont tell him!!" He shook his head, and spoke in a more commanding tone, "Go to your brothers." Mae looked over at the princess with an pleading look before turning and walking away. Alistair thought again, how he was the villain in this, he'd known he would be so but did not know if it liked it. Still, one man's villain was another's freedom fighter. And he was fighting for the druids, not for one little girl's approval.
|
|
Offline
Jun 18, 2013 19:29:56 GMT -5
Tag me @isadora
|
|
Post by isadora on Aug 15, 2010 22:05:38 GMT -5
So now she wasn't even allowed to talk to Mae anymore. She sighed to herself, what did she care if she had to be alone? But she did care. Isadora wasn't used to spending time on her own, and after spending all day yesterday in silence, she had been enjoying Mae's company, young though the girl might be. She wanted someone to talk to, and since she was too mortified to even consider speaking to Alistair, the little girl had been her only other chance. But it seemed that since Alistair had what he wanted, he didn't need the little girl any longer.
When she finally finished washing all the clothes, she sat back and stretched her arms over her head, rolling her neck from side to side in a vain attempt to work some of the soreness out. She covered a yawn with the back of her hand, rubbing her tired shoulders, well aware that Alistair had more work for her to do. She had admitted to being useless earlier, and she had meant it, but only in regard to these menial tasks, these chores that he acted like were all important. She was sure they were important, but he had no idea how she spent her days, that if she took a day off it wouldn't just mean more work the next day, it could mean war, or the collapse of the economy, or a trade embargo that left her people starving.
She looked towards the rest of the camp, only the children and Alistair were still here, but he hadn't bothered her much since she'd hit him. It was a childish impulse and she almost regretted it; almost, but not quite. It hadn't helped her feel any better, but at least now he was in some pain, and that was something. [/size]
|
|
Offline
Dec 8, 2019 12:43:35 GMT -5
Tag me @alistar
|
|
Post by Alistair on Aug 15, 2010 22:24:09 GMT -5
------------
FINALLY she finished that one task. Alistair watched her stretch for a moment before using his foot to kick over the dirty water bucket. He had made sure not to kick it so she got wet, but only because he knew that she had a temper and he did not want to fight more then he needed to with her. Let her hate him, fear him; but not fighting with him for two more whole days.
He was not in the mood to talk more so he basically just said, "River," in a commanding tone, as a way of telling her what he wanted. He knew she would understand since he had told her they would do this. This new trip would not even be her last of the day. If everyone drank all the water she would have to make one more tonight before they ate the last meal of the day.
He was not going to help her this time, he was only going to stand over and let her work her self into being to tired to run away. It would do her some good to know how the servants lived everyday. He didn't like being mean to her, but he was slightly afraid to be nice to her again. He did not want her to have that power over him. Her kiss had been like fire, consuming and he did not want her to know it's effect of him.
|
|
Offline
Jun 18, 2013 19:29:56 GMT -5
Tag me @isadora
|
|
Post by isadora on Aug 15, 2010 22:56:39 GMT -5
Isadora rolled her eyes when Alistair made a show of kicking over the bucket, someone was overcompensating. She raised her eyebrows at that thought; she'd been so mad at him that she hadn't been thinking straight, but his actions were different than before, she noticed now, and not in the way she'd thought. Yes, he was being brasher, more cruel, but it seemed more like an act than his behavior from before had. So maybe she had an effect on him, after all. Far from making her more sympathetic to his plight, it gave her an idea.
She didn't argue, or say anything at all to him, instead just picked up the bucket and started the long walk to the river. It probably wasn't actually as long as she made it out to be in her mind, but she wasn't usually required to walk this far for any reason, let alone to collect water. She didn't like having to take orders from him, but she was still working out the best way to make her plan a reality, so she wasn't going to push her luck until she had everything worked out. She wanted more than ever to get away from him.
The walk to the river took just as long as before, but it felt longer this time, the tension between them somehow more torturous than it had been back at camp, or maybe that was just her. When they reached the river, she bent down over it to fill the bucket, then drank from the river itself, splashing water on her face to wash it and wishing for a bath. She sighed before standing up, her eyes falling on the worn strip of blue fabric wrapped around the handle of the bucket with a pang. Why did he have to be the bad guy? [/size]
|
|
Offline
Dec 8, 2019 12:43:35 GMT -5
Tag me @alistar
|
|
Post by Alistair on Aug 15, 2010 23:11:17 GMT -5
------------
Why did he have to be the bad guy? Alistair did not know he was echoing her own thoughts as he watched her by the river. He had not said anything while they walked. If she need to stop, he silently stopped with her, if she needed to so slower, or faster he did so silently. When they reached the river he watched her, and wondered about his dreams. He knew the event was growing closer, it could be but hours away or it could be a day or two but no more. After today, there would be no more trips to the river for her. He'd warn Rilan about letting Mae go alone as well.
After she'd filled the bucket he thought about kicking it over again. There would be soap lining the inside of it. He gave a sharp sigh before picking up the bucket and pouring it out a foot or so away from her and sitting it back down. "You didn't rise out the soap." He'd let her rise out the bucket.
He knew he should offer to carry it, to be nice. It was clear she was not used to this and she would be in pain from all the work her body was not used to. Still, he did not. The wall he held between them was thin, and he was not going to break it. He had to keep her safe, and do his part in this. Dallying with the princess, would only drop his guard.
|
|
Offline
Jun 18, 2013 19:29:56 GMT -5
Tag me @isadora
|
|
Post by isadora on Aug 16, 2010 0:28:42 GMT -5
She frowned when he picked up the bucket and dumped it out, wondering if he was doing it just to create more work for her; as if he wasn't making her do enough. She was glad when he seemed to have a reason, at least he didn't feel the need to simply torment her. Filling the bucket halfway, she sloshed the water around a few times, repeating the process until both the thin film around the inside had dissolved, and there weren't anymore soap suds in the bucket. Then she filled the bucket up a final time, wondering if Alistair would find another reason to stop her.
Getting to her feet, she hefted the bucket up with both hands, feeling certain that it was heavier than last time, even as she knew it wasn't. She started on her way back to the camp without sparing a glance at Alistair, if she couldn't get him off her mind, she could at least refuse to look at him. She knew she wasn't moving fast enough to keep him happy, but it wasn't like she was purposely trying to slow them down.
She wouldn't deny that it was hard work, and she wasn't sure she could do this kind of work everyday. She supposed that if she did it long enough she might be able to get used to it, but she didn't want to have to find out anytime soon. No, this wasn't a life she could see herself enjoying, even if she was able to manage it. [/size]
|
|
Offline
Dec 8, 2019 12:43:35 GMT -5
Tag me @alistar
|
|
Post by Alistair on Aug 16, 2010 1:07:45 GMT -5
------------
Alistair watched her more then he should. He knew he should be watching the surrounding woods, and he was, just not as closely as he should. If this had been a quick trip he could have focused, but with her slow progress he had to much time to fill with thinking. Maybe tonight he would not have to bind her, she would be to tired. After a night of sleep they both would be over this? Yeah, maybe this whole thing was just from lack of sleep.
He became alert when he heard feet. Running. Soft feet, light; a child. With that thought, Mae ran to them. "I was jus' comin' to fetch you!" She was out of breath and trying to talk, "My brother 'ad a vision! Visitors are comin'!" "Friend or foe, Mae?" Alistair asked her, with concern in his voice. Where these the men he'd seen hurt the princess? "Strangers. Is all we know. Not knights." She added on.
Alistair reached over and grabbed the bucket with one hand the Princess' arm with the other, dragging them both with him as he quickly followed Mae to the clearing that hid the village. He let Mae get a little ahead of them before speaking. "I warn you now, Princess. You say anything to give away who you are, or endanger these people here you will not see home for a month, and this life will look like heaven compared to what I will do to you." He warned, and knew he should promise to kill her, but could not. Damn that one kiss.
He pulled her to the fire, and sat the bucket down beside her. "Mae, bring your brothers!" The other man, a nomad who had stayed behind to help watch the children ran up to the fire and sat down a bowel of black powder near the fire. He gave Alistair a nod (one Alistair returned) before leaning back to casually sit. Trying to look relaxed.
When Mae brought her brothers to him, he picked the smallest one (who could not be more then three) and handed him to the princess. Then he sat the two boys on either side of her. Mae sat on the floor near her feet. "I wish father was here!" She said, slightly frightened. Alistair knelt down to look in her face, "Mae, I'd have seen it if they came to hurt you." He reminded her, in comfort before looking up at the princess. Knowing that he had seen others hurt her. He was hoping they would mistake her for the their mother, or sister, or another druid; but looking at her gown he knew they would notice it's fine material. With a soft growl he pulled off his shirt and tossed it to her. "Put it on! Now!" He was on edge, and he only hoped she obeyed.
|
|
Offline
Jun 18, 2013 19:29:56 GMT -5
Tag me @isadora
|
|
Post by isadora on Aug 16, 2010 22:50:13 GMT -5
Isadora looked up when Mae approached, her eyes widening in alarm, wondering if something had happened. She didn't fight or protest as Alistair hauled her back to the camp, instead just trying to keep up with his pace as they hurried back. She felt like she should be disappointed when Mae said they weren't knights, someone come to rescue her from this, but she was more relieved; if knights found her here, they would hurt or even kill Mae and the other children, and no matter how much she didn't like their father or how angry she was at Alistair, she couldn't wish that on children. They hadn't done anything wrong. She wouldn't admit it, but she didn't want to see Alistair get hurt, either.
She looked at him as he threatened her, but found it difficult to actually be afraid. She wasn't about to tell complete strangers she was a princess, then they would probably just kidnap her and this whole thing would start over again; at least she wasn't afraid of Alistair anymore, despite his threats, she didn't think he'd hurt her. Otherwise, wouldn't he threaten to kill her, instead of threatening to keep her?
After being sat down, she was surprised when Alistair thrust a small boy into her arms, but she didn't argue, just held him close. Sensing the anxiety around the camp, the boy looked like he was about to cry, so Isadora smiled and shushed him gently, swaying him gently back and forth until he settled down. Isadora had learned how to remain calm in crisis, because nothing made the situation worse than looking up to your superior and realizing they were just as freaked out as you were. She wondered where their mother was, and if she had met the same fate as Alistair's. She hoped not.
After Alistair reassured Mae, Isadora realized his gruff practicality wasn't helping the children much, and she leaned forward to rest a hand on the little girl's shoulder. "Don't worry, it'll be all right," it was a blind promise and she didn't know if she'd be able to keep it, the kind she was used to making when things looked bad. She just needed the children to believe it for a little while, even if it wasn't true, believing it was better than being afraid.
She caught Alistair's shirt when he tossed it at her, and looking down, she realized what he was worried about. Even with his shirt on, the vibrant skirt would be a dead giveaway. Acting without really thinking, she put Mae's little brother into her arms and stood up, untying the thick laces that held her overdress in place, letting it fall and stepping out of it, leaving her in a cream colored underdress, far too revealing for modesty's sake, but when she pulled on Alistair's shirt, it would do. She kicked the bright blue dress behind the bucket and sat down again, taking Mae's brother back into her arms. Her underdress was still too fine for a peasant woman, but it was less noticeable than the bright blue silk, and with Alistair's rough shirt, she doubted anyone would notice. No sooner was she bouncing the toddler on her knee than she heard numerous footfalls, turning towards the opening of the clearing, showing only a mild curiosity on her face. [/size]
|
|
Offline
Dec 8, 2019 12:43:35 GMT -5
Tag me @alistar
|
|
Post by Alistair on Aug 16, 2010 23:21:40 GMT -5
------------
They were about to 'possibly' be attacked and she was removing her clothing?! It took him a moment to catch on to what she was doing. . . . She was playing along! He would have grinned if things were not so intense. He heard the foots steps but waited til they were closer to turn from her and the children to look over at the visitors. It would appear like he had not heard them approach.
None of them looked like the men in his dream, and he felt the weight come off his body. It was not time yet. There were six of them, all but one of them were men; the other was a boy who looked as if he had not seen enough winters to be called a man yet.
The man out front, wore leather pants, and furs over his chest, and the others were dress alike him. Some carrying weapons, and some carried what looked like herb pouches, and sliver chains. One even had an axe (something that would come in handy here), strapped to his back. Nomads. Not necessarily druids, they did not seen the type. Nothing about this village would suggest it was a druid filled land, until you saw the magic worked. They would think they were just poor farmers, and be on their way quickly. Dangerous still, as they were outnumbered. If it turned into a fight, things would get ugly.
The druid from their village, Marc, leaned forward letting his hands hang down over his knees so he was casually closer to the black power near the fire.
Alistair took a few steps closer, so there was distance between the visitors and the others. He said nothing, letting them speak first. "I am called Rourke," Alistair watched as the man, the leader of them, seemed to look over the few that were here. "We mean you no harm, we have come to ask if you wish to trade. We are travelers." Which meant they were never in one place long enough to grow food, they would want to take some of what Rilan and his family grew. Alistair was a traveler as well, so he was not sure how much he should hold back. "I am not the keeper of these lands. You shall have to return on another day, and make your dealings with him."
"We plan to be gone by then. Surely you can make a trade in his stead. We will offer something in return." Alistair watched as one of them jestered to the fur he wore, "We are able to hunt, we have no need of furs." The man appeared to be growing annoyed, and Alistair could tell if he did not make some sort of trade things would get dangerous. Why had he not seen this coming? His dreams always warned him if a fight was coming his way with the odds like this. It was as if the powers that forced them on him had felt there was no danger here, yet he knew things were wound so tight that the next words could draw blood.
"Surely there is something you need? You should take a look at the furs again." The man said, his hand coming to rest near his sword. Food was hard to come by in most parts, men were willing to fight and die for something as small as grain. While Alistair knew there was some extra for trading, he was not sure how much and for what to trade it. He was nomad his own self and lived off the land. Marc was a nomad as well, who was only staying in the village until he had healed from a run in with Camelot's knights.
|
|
Offline
Jun 18, 2013 19:29:56 GMT -5
Tag me @isadora
|
|
Post by isadora on Aug 17, 2010 2:03:45 GMT -5
Isadora turned towards the men who entered the village, but stayed seated as Alistair stood up to greet them, examining the newcomers with curiosity. She noticed a few of them returning her curious looks, even staring a little. It must have been a while since they had run into a woman, much less one as beautiful as a princess, even one dressed in men's clothing. She turned her attention to the baby in her arms instead, while listening intently to the exchange between Alistair and their leader.
She could hear the tension in the other man's voice as Alistair coolly turned him down, and even without looking up, she could tell that things were about to get ugly unless Alistair managed to turn things around...but he seemed clueless as to how to manage that. Leaning over, she spoke hurriedly with Mae, before she stood up, balancing the toddler on her hip and approaching from behind Alistair, putting a hand on his elbow softly. "Let's not be hasty, dear," Her vice was soft but she knew they were close enough to the leader that he'd be able to hear; she didn't want him to think they were keeping anything from him.
"I'm sure we can work something out," she raised her voice a little, she wanted all the men to hear her, so they wouldn't get anxious and act without thinking. She smiled disarmingly at Rourke, hoping that dealing with a woman might put him more at ease than dealing with Alistair. She just needed all the men to relax so she could figure out how to make them all happy. "Perhaps there's something else you'd be willing to trade...?" She might have to take the trade in furs, but if possible, she wanted to find something that would benefit the druids. [/size]
|
|
Offline
Dec 8, 2019 12:43:35 GMT -5
Tag me @alistar
|
|
Post by Alistair on Aug 18, 2010 17:09:32 GMT -5
------------
Alistair saw the man's hand resting close to his sword, and from the edge of his vision he could see Marc shifting forward more. Marc might be injured and unable to do much good but Druids had more then one way to win a fight. Alistair was planning things out in his mind, which ones would charge at him, which would try to over take Marc, and which would follow the women and children if they ran. He tried to plan out in his mind, quickly, on how to give the others time to get away, find Rilan and be safe. The leader, and the one with the axe might be the hardest to bring down but the one--
"Let's not be hasty, dear,", Alistair felt her hand on his and looked down at her, trying to hide the promise of murder from his gaze. Had he not JUST warned her to NOT speak up? She was going to get them killed. He could not however, man handle her with the men watching. She was supposed to be one of them after all. With the child in her arms, and standing beside him, it would seem like this was his family. Something he had not been apart of in a long time. It was surprising how that thought, came to him in the mist of this danger.
Alistair looked back at the men, watching for any signs of trouble, while remaining silent. "And what would the mistress of this farm be wanting, in return?", the leader questioned her with an edge to his voice, as if trying to see who she was in the mist of things. It would not be hard to notice who pure and unmarked her skin was; how unused to the sun it looked. Alistair reached his free hand up to rest it half way between her neck and shoulder. It was a clear message to the visitors. This is mine.
|
|
Offline
Jun 18, 2013 19:29:56 GMT -5
Tag me @isadora
|
|
Post by isadora on Aug 18, 2010 22:45:05 GMT -5
Alistair didn't say anything, but a quick glance in his eyes and she knew he wasn't happy with her. She just hoped he managed to keep his displeasure to himself until after they'd finished trading and sent these men on their way. She was more concerned with coming up with something that would satisfy both parties here than with Alistair's discontent right now anyway, as her eyes flickered over the well-armed men and whatever they might be willing to trade. Herb pouches could be of interest, she assumed the druids would collect their own herbs, but some plants were hard to come by, even she knew.
Other things, more basic things, were probably better. "We can always use more tools, if you've any to spare; thread, cloth, or leather could be handy, too. If you've none of that, herbs are always useful." She gave a short list, letting the men decide what they had or could spare. Her tone was cordial and warm, but she kept things quick and to the point, trying not to draw out the negotiation. Mae had told her they were grain farmers here, so they would need to get thread and cloth from elsewhere, it stood to reason, and while they could make their own leather, Isadora knew it was a difficult and highly unpleasant process, so sparing the druids that could be worth a little food. Everyone always needed tools, and since she hadn't seen a forge in this village, she assumed they'd need to trade for them. She didn't know what specifically they needed right now, but logically she could get them something they would need in the near future, if not immediately.
She felt Alistair's hand on her and didn't shy away; she was well aware that the simple gesture was a means of claiming her, but frankly, she preferred to be claimed by Alistair than to let these men think that she was up for trade, too. She didn't think Alistair and the other lone man would be a match for these wanderers if it came down to a fight, regardless if the other man could use magic; Alistair had already admitted that he couldn't. If magic were strong enough to defeat six well-armed men, she doubted the kings would have had half as much success ridding the land of it, even if there were still pockets that remained. She kept on smiling, trying to get everyone to relax; Alistair wasn't really helping her there, but she hoped the men would assume he was merely an overprotective husband and let it go. [/size]
|
|