Free as the Wind (Meave)

[neav]

Neav considered this, once again chewing on his lip. Really, he did not think he could stop Lady Maeve from meeting Master Williams if that was what she wanted to do. But it was nice of her to ask his permission... and though he did not want her meeting him at all (because of that man's attitude) he could not think of any good reason to say her 'no.'
"I - " he started, without being sure what he was going to say. "I - he - Master Williams is not very nice..." he said softly. Perhaps if he warned Lady Maeve then she would not be so surprised over it. "But - he will be polite enough to you." Neav added.
And that was true enough because Aaron Williams was always polite to the people who society said deserved his politeness, even if he scorned them behind their backs.

But worried as he was over this meeting, Neav could not help smiling again. She said she would not leave him. She would be there - Mirshann would be there - for whatever wonderful thing he would see that night. But the next question took him by surprise. Did he feel safe in Camelot? Neav gave a small frown, thinking. His herd was in Camelot and he always felt safe with his herd. But then there were the endless people flowing in and out, watching with eyes like wolves. And there was also Master Williams with his quick temper and hard hands and the teasing grooms who followed his example.
"I... my herd is in Camelot." Neav said at last. "With the herd, I am always safe. But there are people who - " Neav broke off with a frown. Then he forced a grin.
"I am not brave at all, really," he admitted and tried to sound as if he did not care about the fact. "People make me scared, but it is just my fault."

[Maeve]

She could tell he was hesitant and then he explained why. He was not nice? Just how mean was he to Neav if even the poor boy considered him to be less than kind? This only made her worry for Neav even more. He should be polite to everyone, not just some and disregard the feelings of others. Maeve knew full well that things worked differently here, but still. In no realm was it acceptable to abuse a child....whether that was verbal abuse, or physical. Maeve really hoped it was not that serious but from the way he was talking, she feared it was. What is it that he does or say? She asked curiously, with a tone of sadness in his voice was well. Why were people so cruel to others? What did this achieve? No wonder there was so much violence here.

She felt even more saddened to hear that he thought he was not brave. Oh but you are brave my child. Just because you do not challenge the authority of others, or argue with them, does not mean you are a coward. That can take greater strength and bravery than fighting back. He did not seem to be the argumentative type and that was probably, sadly enough, the reason he was still alive. Why do they cause such fear in you? What had the poor thing endured during his life to make him fearful of such things as people? Maeve did not fear them, but rather felt sad for them...and yet, at the same time she carried the hope that they could change and learn to accept everyone rather than only others like them. And I am sure the horses, your friends do not consider you to be a coward. No. They most certainly must believe you protect them and just as you feel safe with them, they surely feel safe with you. She paused, gently smiling as she looked at him. These are not the traits of someone who is not brave.

[neav]

Neav shrugged uncomfortably. This was not a conversation he really wanted to have. Besides, he was quite sure that he had no worse treatment than any small stable-boy deserved. But he was also sure that Lady Maeve would not see it that way.
He could not see any way of stopping her asking the questions. Neav could not lie about what happened - he was so bad at lying that even if he did tell untruths he would be caught.
Neav did not know why he was so desperate for what went on between him and Aaron Williams to be kept private. All he felt was that somehow he had to keep Lady Maeve from knowing, keep her from asking these such questions.
"Nothing," he said and would not meet her eyes. "It is not your business, anyway."
Neav tried to sound rude but his eyes were that of an anxious child. Neav was as bad at being rude as he was at lying.

He shrugged again when she called him brave, still not meeting her eyes. He had been so happy before. Why did she keep having to ask him these questions, tell him things he knew was not true? When a boy is called coward almost every day of his life, it takes more than one person telling him he is brave to make him believe it. Even if he trusts that person more than he ever trusted anyone.
But Neav would not argue with Lady Maeve. It was not his place. He murmured softly something that could have been anything and asked Comet to quicken his pace. Neav should have been back in the city by now.

[Maeve]

Maeve had not realized that her questions would have caused the boy so much discomfort...until she felt it. She did not push for answers though she was still curious. She would perhaps find out first hand how his master treated him. But clearly the child did not want her involved in his affairs and she supposed she would have to respect that, even if she wanted to be there to protect him from whatever cruelty he was faced with on a daily basis. He did not deserve it, and she did not like the idea of a small boy being taken advantage of by rude superiors. No human being deserved that treatment, least of all someone like Neav.

When he quickened his place, Maeve gently touched Mirshann's neck and he did the same as the view of the city soon came into distance. Maeve did not want the boy to be offended, so she felt the need to clear the air a bit. I apologize my child. I did not mean to pry. Please forgive me. She was not a woman with too much pride to ask for forgiveness. She did not see herself as perfect for even fearies made mistakes and this was one that she did not want to cause strain between them. She did not try to justify her reasoning either... for it would not fully admitting she had been in her wrong. If he asked, she would say but for now, she was just working on easing any tension she may have created due to her nosiness.

[neav]

Neav had not known what he had expected from Maeve after his rudeness to her, but it had not been an apology. Nobles did not apologise to servants. Not ever.
Neav had thought perhaps she would be angry with him and more than a little afraid that she would turn and ride away... but she had done neither. And the way she asked him for his forgiveness made him feel guilty. Neav darted her a glance. Why did she sound like she understood so well? That she understood some feeling that he did not understand himself.
Neav chewed on his lips again.
He wanted to say that she did not need his forgiveness. She was a noble lady and should not even care what he thought of her! But a whole heavy part of Neav was glad that Lady Maeve had stopped asking her questions. And the shyness had come back to swallow him, and Neav could say no more on this subject.

He looked ahead over Comet's dark eyes, watching the city grow close. When they were almost at the gates he slowed the war-horse to a steady trot. Rising Sun copied their movements like a shadow.
"We are here, my lady" Neav said rather needlessly. "The stables are just by the castle... if you still wish to meet Master Williams, my lady, he will be there..." Neav bit his lip, remembering that he was late. His horses felt his urgency and wove through the streets as fast as was safe.

[Maeve]

This was obviously not the first time she had been to Camelot and so when they entered the familiar city, she knew where the castle was located, though not specifically the stables. Please, call me Maeve She said in a soft voice, smiling. She did not understand the need for titles though here they seemed to be a sign of respect for it was something she did when referring to those who held a higher class than what she was appearing to be: a merchant. Yet, she did prefer others to call her by her first name rather than a title. She also wanted Neav to feel comfortable enough around her to call her by just her first name, no fancy titles attached.

As long as you are certain you do not mind me meeting him, She added. Judging from his reaction of the subject she was not sure he still wanted her to be in the presence of the man who apparently treated him rather poorly. Maeve would of course respect his decision, though part of her urgently wished she would allow her to meet him and therefore, judge the severity of Neav's situation.

[neav]

At last Neav lifted his head to look at Lady Maeve again. Her voice sweet and her smile gentle as she asked him to call her just Maeve.
As though I were her friend or small brother, Neav though with wonder. The old trust for her washed over him again. He had been as rude as he knew how yet Maeve had remaind sweetness incarnate. He did not understand it... but there were many things he did not understand in this word. Perhaps understanding was not needed.
"I would be honoured... Maeve." his words were quiet as the whispers in the grass. But another smile lit his eyes and showed them to be true.

They were almost at the stables by now. The iron shoes of Comet and Rising Sun clattered against the stone.
Aaron Williams heard the noise from inside the stables and guessed that it was his wayward stable-boy.
"You are late, boy!" he bellowed in the voice of a bear.
Neav paled and slid from Comet's back as Master Williams came hurrying outside. He was tall with shaggy brown bear-like hair to match his bear-like voice. His brown eyes glowered at Neav.
"You are late," he repeted. "And where is your lunge-line? Your halters? Why are you late? You..."
Suddenly he stopped. For Aaron Williams had noticed that Neav did not return alone. His voice and manner changed as smoothly as an olied cart-wheel.
"My Lady," he addressed Maeve and made a sharp gesture to his stable-boy. "Get them inside," he muttered. "I will talk with you later."
Neav bit his lip. He knew what that meant and he dared not disobay. With a quick glance back at Meave, the boy disapered into the stables, both great warhorses following him with their heads faithfully level with his shoulders. Behind him, he heard Master Williams say,
"May we help you, my lady? Care for your mount, directions to the Castle?"

[Maeve]

As soon as Maeve heard the abrupt and angry voice of a man, she understood what Neav had meant and why he had such a strong aversion to discuss the man. Maeve dismounted from her horse, gracefully leading Mirshann to where the man suddenly stopped talking when she came into view. She felt so much hostility from him, so much anger, so much violence. How could he be this way...with Neav? No. Maeve could not accept this. She could not allow someone to treat Neav in this way. Whatever happened to kindness and compassion? How did it ever come to this.

Maeve released the reigns from Mirshann and the animal knew to stop following. She then lowered herself into a curtsy. Despite the rudeness of the man, she had to treat him with some respect. Maybe he would learn from that. My Lord, She spoke in a gentle, calm voice even though her heart broke for the poor boy. She used her strength to prevent her eyes from watering, but she knew that they must have glistened a little for suppressing her emotions had never been a strong quality of hers.

Please do not be angry with him, She said in a pleading voice, with a subtle urgency behind it. She looked directly at Aaron Williams, really not liking the emotions she was feeling from him. Especially when they were expressed at Neav's expense. It was my fault for keeping him. He remained polite, courteous and respectful to a wandering stranger such as myself. He gave a wonderful impression of Camelot, reflecting kindly and favorably on his superiors as well. She paused for a moment, gently placing her hand on the man's shoulder. I beg of you. Do not punish his tardiness. If you need someone to blame, blame me and I will take upon the burden of whatever punishment you deem fit. I ask for nothing else, besides this.

[neav]

Aaron Williams stared at the lady, that graceful curtsy taken him by suprise. Ladies of noble blood did not curtsy to him. It did not enter Aaron's mind that she was anything but a lady. Even if he was no judge of fancy clothes and manners, he was a judge of horses. No one less than a Lady would have such a creatue as her white stallion.
Knowing this he was almost stuck dumb by her words that followed. My Lord, she had called him. Not knowing what else to think, Aaron Williams assumed she was mocking him and resisted the urge to close his black brows in a scowl. No matter how rude a noble was, even the highest ranking servants could not scowl that them.

He listened to the lady's soft, urgent pleading for his stable-boy. So Neav's lateness was her fault? Well. Well, that was interesting. But why was she so concerned for his well-being? Aaron did not see how his runt of a stable-boy could have so captured this lady's heart.
When she rested a hand on his shoulder, Aaron Williams resisted the urge to shrug her off. In many ways he was similer to Neav, though he delt with it in different ways. The boy did not like people so he stayed silent and afraid. Aaron Williams did not like people and so he became an angry, bear-like bully.
But Aaron did not see or think of this. Instead he harnessed his anger and gave the lady the only answer that was possible to give.
"There will be no punishment," Aaron said. "If it was as you say, then the boy did no more than his duty." The words came as a growl but Aaron spoke true. He would not break a promise that he had made. Then he hesitated, knowing there was something else he needed to say, yet he did not want to say it. He wished with all his heart that she would take her soft hand from him and let him get back to his work.
"Forgive a man the words that were spoken only in anger." There. He had said it. Now would she take her gentleness and leave him alone?

((Short, basic biography of Aaron Williams if you would care to read. www.welcometocamelotrpg.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=minorcharacters&thread=958&page=1]Here. ))

[Maeve]

Maeve was most relieved to hear him say this. Though he promised that he would not punish the boy, and apologized, Maeve could sense that he was someone that Neav understandingly feared. There seemed to be a lot of anger within him, and Maeve wished she could do something to help alleviate this. But that was not within her power or jurisdiction. As much as she wanted to protect the boy, she could not change a person. It should be in their good nature to treat others properly and respectfully no matter their age and class...but this seemed to be a concept lost in todays world.

I thank you tremendously, She said in a very polite, grateful tone. She could sense that he would make true on his word...and hopefully, his emotions would not deceive or betray him. Your understanding and compassion is most appreciated. And I assure you, I will not forget this kind gesture. She meant that. If ever she could do something to help this man, she would. But right now, her priority was Neav. And to ensure his own safety...not just for today, but in general. I do not wish to keep you any longer from your duties, as you must be a very busy man. She paused, giving a gentle smile. No apology is necessary. She then decided she would need to take a chance in her next question. If she had gotten Neav in this much trouble, she did not wish to get him into any more.

Though you have shown the utmost kindness, I must ask for another large favor. Would it be possible to keep Neav from his duties tomorrow? Honesty was the best policy, and Maeve did not wish to deceive when there could be a chance she could have Neav be content and at ease when visiting her realm without that worry of having to hurry back. I realize this may put you at an inconvenience. I can bring forth someone to replace Neav for the day and I promise he will be back at nightfall. She could send Haldir, and she was certain that he would not mind. Especially if it was for someone like Neav who held such a promising future. Her voice once again had the pleading tone, though not dramatically desperate.

( that is an awesome bio!! Very fun to read! He sounds like quite the interesting man )

[neav]

Aaron Williams was fighting the glare that threatened twist his face. Would she not just leave him alone? He had work to do, he could not waste his time talking with a beautiful, blue-eyed lady... No matter how gently she apologised to him. And she called him kind! Aaron did scowl then, dreadfully. He was not kind and he could not have people thinking that. Yet could he argue with a noble lady? No. Aaron clenched his teeth, willing her to leave him alone. His heart soared when she said she would leave him too his duties... and then came crashing down again, for she did not make good her word but instead asked another question.

Hearing her words, Aaron's scowl darkened. What was this? She wanted Neav? Why? She did not say way. Aaron Williams might not like the boy but he was in his care. Besides, he was good with the horses. He could not allow him to go wandering off with some lady-stranger no matter how gentle she seemed.
"What do you want him for... my lady?" his voice was heavy with suspicion. "I answer to the Prince if he comes to harm."
There. That made it sound like he did not care what happened to Neav, only what the Prince's reaction would be if he were harmed. Good.

[Maeve]

It was a fair question, she could not argue with that. Neav's safety was a legitimate concern as she cared about that too, which was why she was asking the head of stables for permission instead of just sneaking him out of here. This way, he would be in far less trouble. We are distantly related, and I have not seen him in a very long time. I wish only to take him to my home for the day, and I promise I will bring him back. It was not a lie. They were both people of magic, therefore she felt that she could refer to him as a relative. And the reason she wanted to borrow his company was because she did indeed want to take him to her home. She just left out the small detail of here, as many humans have not ventured to Mabon and this was something that was integral to the survival for her people...well, for now.

I assure you that no harm will come to him. We will be accompanied by my dear friend Haldir, who is a soldier and a skilled combatant. Perhaps that would give his mind some ease, that she would not be wandering alone with the child. If you like, if it would put your mind at ease, I can personally speak to the Prince about this. She kept her tone very polite, hoping that he would permit this. She was not sure she could allow him to sneak out if he did not. She could not bare the thought of Neav being victim to this man's anger and outburst of rage.

[neav]

The bushy eyebrows of Aaron Williams danced in surprise.
"You are related?" he repeated, as amazed as a bear-man could be. For Aaron had found Neav in the forest when he was the smallest of children and they had never heard of any living relatives. Perhaps they may have if the boy had known his own name, but he had not seemed to. They had called him 'Neav' which was more of a sound than a name and had brought him up to be useful in the stables. Aaron had stopped wondering about the boy's family a very long time ago.
And now this lady had turned up and claimed to be related! Then a thought struck him. If this lady was really related as she claimed to be... would she not know of Neav's parents? Would she not know his real name?

"'Neav' is our name for the boy," said Aaron slowly. "What is his birth-name? What happened to his parents and why was he left in the forest on his own?"
And then he thought of something else, something much more worrying. "If he truly is yours, my lady... Do you plan to take him from here and have him live with you?
Aaron Williams did not want that. The boy was so useful to him... though he hated to admit it, he could not find a better boy if he hunted a thousand years.

[Maeve]

Maeve once again, understood the man's inquisition. Of course, she had to wonder about his motives...whether it was because he truly cared about Neav or if it was because he did not want to lose a stable boy who was exceptional in performing the tasks assigned to him. Either way, she was in a way grateful to the man for providing Neav with a home, even if she was still trying to determine his attitude towards the poor child. The way Neav spoke about Aaron led her to believe that he was not the most compassionate man. She continued to give a polite smile, ensuring that her answers to his questions would flow. If he did not believe her, she would have to find another way...even if it was years from now. She still had to take a chance in this moment.

I understand your skepticism, She began with this so that she could grant him the ability to ask whatever he pleased, and that she would willingly answer. I wish I could tell you what happened to his parents. I do not know myself. Had I known he was abandoned in the forest to fend for himself, I would have immediately taken him to my home, to care for him. I call him Colla, that is my name for him. A name I give him and say with great affection. She paused for a moment, feeling horribly guilty that the descendant of someone as grand as Anhora was left in the woods, alone. I can not claim him as my own. We may be related but for his life thus far, I have done nothing to show it. She said this with a tone of subtle guilt, and regret.

Now that I see he has a home here, I do not wish to tear him away from it. He seems so happy and content, and I would never want to deprive him of everything he has gained. I do wish to visit him however, at least on a bit of a frequent basis. But I do assure you, nothing is more important than his safety and happiness. He seems to have attained that here and I will not rid him of it. She was still unaware of the details of just how abusive Aaron was. Perhaps she would have phrased things differently had she known the truth. Right now, she was just trying to gain permission to take him for a day, and then after that, to be able to visit him to see if he was alright.

[neav]

Aaron Williams gave a sigh like a bear blowing a bee from his nose.
"I see," was all he said for the moment.
Well, did make sense. If it was a lie it seemed a smooth and practised one... and what reason would this lady have to lie? If Neav - Colla, she had called him - was her relative then it would make sense why she would want him. Otherwise he could fathom no reason for it.
He was also glad - or perhaps relieved was a better word - that she would not take him away.

"Of course my lady, if you are related and Neav wishes for it then I cannot prevent his visit. I only ask that you do not keep him from his duties too often - Neav has many horses in his care and their needs do not stop just because someone wants a holiday," it was permission in a grudging, if-you-must kind of way. Now that he knew as much as he felt this lady could tell him, Aaron Williams was once again wishing for her to go away. He stepped back and made a bow with the clumsy grace of a dancing bear.
"If you would excuse me, my lady," he said. "I have much work to do. More, if Neav is to be away tomorrow." That last was rather more pointed then politeness demanded but Aaron Williams could not help himself. He was gone before she had time to keep him longer, anyway.

[Maeve]

Maeve gave another small curtsy out of gratitude as she was pleased and grateful that she managed to convince Aaron Williams. Thank you My Lord. Please inform Neav as you call him, that I will be here at first light tomorrow. She gave a polite smile, and turned to leave. She was rather excited about being able to introduce him to her realm, and her people, and tell him of his past and great future. Oh how she was looking forward to tomorrow so much!

~ The Next Day ~

It was very early in the morning as the sun was just rising. She wanted to spend as much time with Neav as she could though and so the early she met him, the more time she could talk to him for. She had spent the night in a small inn, and informed Haldir of the boy, who he was related to, and the fact that he would be accompanying them to Mabon. Haldir was a bit more hesitant than the queen but still, he accepted on the basis that the boy had magic in him. That seemed innocent enough in his mind. Maeve did not even have to consider it. She had already met him, and even after having one conversation with him, knew that she could not pass up this opportunity.

The sun was just rising and she put on her cape, lifting up her hood, and exited the inn. Haldir and Mirshann would wait for her just outside the city's gates while she escorted Neav from the stables while they awaited the boy's arrival. She went to the stables and stood there patiently, hoping Aaron Williams had given Neav the proper message. She did not get a chance to inform Neav that the plan had changed, not wanting Aaron to suspect that she had been encouraging Neav to sneak out, for that would only get the poor child into trouble. She had a feeling that he told the stable boy though. After all, though he had accepted it, he did not seem all too happy about it.

[neav]

Neav always woke with the rising of the sun. He tumbled from his next of hay, tugging at strands that had been caught in his hair. Anyone who has spent a night in a hay-loft will know that it is a wonderful warm place to sleep, even if it did prickle like a thousand needles were lost inside. And if the same person had also spent a night in a hard wooden bed that was probably the home to lice, they would know which was the better.
Such as it was, Neav was glad that his home was the hay-loft and not the bed of a stable-hand.

Neav tugged on his second shirt. It was a soft, worn green and had was less ragged than the other. His also wore his second pants, the ones with holes only in the knees. A length of halter-twine worked as his belt.
Neav dragged seft-conscious fingers through his hair in attempt to remove the knots, yelped and changed his mind. Instead he pulled on his boot and swung down the ladder. The whole process took less than five minutes.
Neav raced down the length of the stables, giving hasty kisses to sleepy horses and then he was outside.

Maeve was there, waiting for him. Neav grinned. He knew it was her doing that had saved him a beating last night; Master Williams had said so.
"Maeve!" he cried, wanting to hug her but not quite daring. She was as beatiful, gentle as he remembered. And she had come! A heavy part of him had not believed that she would. She had no reason to, after all.