Tears of Pearl

[Raieyana]

There was a reason that Raieyana should never try to be all rebellious. She had left her 'home' in Camelot to visit her brother in Mercia. Her only motive for going was because she had to leave her over bearing in laws. They were controlling. They dictated her life! And yet...they took care of her and Melodie. They provided the two of them with everything they could ever desire. At the same time, the emotional support was lacking. She was not sure why she decided to go visit her brother. The only thing he would probably give her is a horse and possibly an escort back to Camelot. A horse. That would be looking pretty good right now. She had tied the reigns too loosely on the horse she had taken from her in laws estate and now she was left with no choice but to walk.

The only other problem, was that she was completely and utterly lost! While she was independent in some ways, she was not able to fully look after herself, as circumstances had never required her to do so. Because of that, she lacked directional sense and had no idea where she was. All she did know was that it would be dark soon and she had no where to go. No place in sight. She could handle a night without food and shelter, but her daughter could not. She had been carrying Melodie for the last several miles, wrapping her in her cloak, which left Rai with bare arms. Her hair was loosely tied in a braid with a band around her head, but she probably looked more disheveled than she was used to. She often took great pride in her appearance but right now, she was tired, hungry, cold and was terrified to death for the well being of her daughter.

She paused for a moment, out of breath, and taking a few minutes to gather her strength. And fight back the tears that were threatening to form in her eyes. What good would come of her having a breakdown right now? None what so ever. Even if she was on the verge of collapse, crying now would only waken her six year old daughter who was fast asleep in the comfort of her mother's arms. Speaking of waking up, Rai suddenly heard the rustling of leaves around her. Someone else was here! This created panic in her, for she did not know who it was. It could be bandits! What then?! She was not skilled with any sort of weapon! How could she possibly fend them off while trying to protect her daughter?! Of course Rai had not physically seen anything to substantiate this, nor did she want to. Frantically looking around, she found a rather thick stump, one that was wide enough to hide both her and her daughter. She hurried towards it, moving as fast as she could while carrying an infant. She crouched behind it, waiting for who ever it was to pass them by, while trying to steady her breathing so that they would not hear her.

_{Posting layout inspired by Marian Engel}

~ Tag Romily ~

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[Romily de Braose]

Eldon’s daughter had sent Romily out to ‘be useful’ and to collect various flowers and herbs and whatnot. Why she couldn’t do this herself was beyond anyone’s imagination, but she treated Romily more like a personal servant than a friend. Romily didn’t care though, she was glad to be free of the inn for a few hours. At least she could take advantage of the weather.

“I want you back no later than this afternoon Millie” Eldon’s daughter had bossed her around as Romily was gathering a basket as well as a cloak. If it rained at least she’d retain some modesty by being covered up.
She didn’t even bother to answer Eldon’s daughter as she headed off down the stairs, out of the inn and into the nice fresh air. Being cooped up in a bar everyday wasn’t as healthy as being outdoors.

She’d already been gone for a few hours at least. She’d managed to find most of the things she’d needed as well as some nice flowers for her own room, to make it feel a bit more cosier at least. Now she was taking a well earned rest – she knew that once she got back to The Rams Head, she wouldn’t even have time to have one (not that she ever did).
It was only an hours walk or so back to the Inn and by the time she’d get there it would be time to get to work. Getting up, Romily grabbed the basket and headed off.

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary until she heard the hurrying sound of footsteps across the ground. This startled her more than anything and she was sure that through the trees, she could see the flash of a dress and a woman ducking down. Romily looked around, there was no one else around that could’ve caused someone to react in such a way, other than her.
Perhaps she thought that she was some kind of bandit? Romily could only laugh – she had many reasons to.

She pushed back the branches and stopped. Making sure that no one else was around to jump on her when she least expected it she carried on searching for the stranger who she’d most likely scared.

“It’s alright.” She decided that this was the only way to let them show themselves. “Im not going to hurt you – well, the only thing I have on me that can hurt anyone is a flower with thorns sticking out of it” she tried to lighten the mood. Whether or not it would coax the stranger from their hiding place was beyond her.

[Raieyana]

Instead of steadying her breath, she had ended up just holding it. Holding it out of fear, out of trepidation, as she was petrified of who this stranger may be lurking about. She heard the footsteps draw nearer, but she dare not reveal her self or even risk a peek to see who it was. Her eyes glistened with moist tears as she closed them, praying that whoever this was would go away! Never did she think it was possible that whoever this stranger was could possibly help them. Well, that thought did not occur to her until she heard the person's voice that is. The voice belonged to a woman, a young one from the sounds of it. While Rai did not miss the joke she intended to make, she did not laugh from it. Had the situation been different, it certainly would have caused a smile of amusement on her lips, but right now, she was too distressed to laugh, or even smile.

She had two options. She could either remain hidden, ignoring this person completely. That way, she would guarantee herself safety by not trusting a complete stranger. While she said she would not cause any harm, who knew what other people's intentions were! On the other hand, Rai was not naive enough to believe that she could find her way out of these thick woods. She had been wandering around all day, not crossing another single person. Until now. While it was dangerous to trust this person, it may be her only hope and chance to get out of here for perhaps the woman knew how to get out of the woods and possibly point her in the right direction. Rai hoped that if this was the case, then she would offer such direction free of charge, or at least for a price that could be paid with the few pieces of jewelry the noblewoman was wearing, for it was all she had.

It was a risky decision; one that had the possibility for complete disaster. But what other choice did she have? She had to think of Melodie. Her poor, innocent child who was growing weaker by the moment. She looked down at her, the small bundle she was wrapped in, and took a deep breath. This was it. After much deliberation, Raieyana had reached her choice. All she could do was desperately pray that it was the right one. She stood up slowly from her hiding place, her tall figure now in the opening. She rested her eyes on the woman. She was young, as predicted, and possessed a very strong beauty. She almost seemed to elegant to be merely a nomad. Then again, not all beautiful women were only nobles. She tried to keep a strong tone in her voice and stance, not wanting to act as vulnerable and stressed out as she felt. Though, it was rather difficult to do especially when Melodie's life was on the line.

Now what. What did she say to this woman who had managed to draw her out. Would giving her name be too dangerous? Would asking for directions be too forward? Would admitting she is lost make her too vulnerable? She had to say something instead of just standing there, awkwardly. Raieyana just looked at her, her tired eyes trying to show strength, but once again, she most likely failed. She tightly gripped her daughter who was hidden under the cloak, as she fought for the appropriate words to say. She had never been in this situation before! How did she know how to act appropriately. "I was wondering kind lady, if you could perhaps point me in the direction of exiting these woods." She kept her voice soft, though determined. "I can pay you for this information, just not too much for I have very little of value on me." Except for her daughter, but she was not going to trade her for any amount of information, obviously. She just hoped that this woman was not the kind to take full advantage of a situation that she clearly had the upper hand in.

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_{Posting layout inspired by Marian Engel}

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[Romily de Braose]

It didn’t look as though this person clearly wanted any help. Romily sighed and turned away, starting to head back in the direction of the inn. The snapping of twigs and such made her look back over her shoulder again.
A woman was standing up very cautiously from behind a trunk. Very tall, and beautiful – Romily couldn’t instantly tell that she was of nobility. For a start, no one wore clothes like that just to go walking in the woods and judging by the way she held herself she could see that this woman had obviously been taught the information of a graceful stance.
She appeared to be hiding something under her cloak. Romily frowned slightly as the woman spoke.

"I was wondering kind lady, if you could perhaps point me in the direction of exiting these woods."
Romily could tell that the woman didn’t trust her at all. Her features softened slightly; after all, she didn’t want to scare her in any way.

“I can” Romily replied curtly

“I can pay you for this information, just not too much for I have very little of value on me."

Romily looked her up and down. It wasn’t common for a noble to travel with such valuables on them, this being for fear of being attacked by bandits. Romily herself had made sure that when she’d left Carmelide, she’d dressed down, hiding her dresses she’d brought and instead dressing as a man so as no one would bother her. How she’d actually managed to get away with wearing that without being questioned on her sex was something she would never be able to answer. She’d obviously made a pretty convincing man.

“Just keep walking straight ahead until you come to the clearing. That’s the ending of the woods. You’ll see a road and if you then go right, you should be heading in the direction that you wish to go”
She shook her head and smiled pleasantly, “and I don’t need payment – I would have no use for it”

With this done she turned and headed off in pretty much the opposite direction that the woman would be going before turning back, “I hope you have a safe journey” she smiled, “There’s another inn on the road, it’s not too far – I can see you look tired, it might be wise to stop there and rest, after all, it’s nearly evening”.

Romily set back off again smiling, she’d done her good deed for the day. Now it was time to get back to the inn for a very long evening. Even though it had been fairly quiet, it hadn’t stopped Romily from being run off her feet.
Though she hated to admit it, She actually missed Gwaine and his attempts to charm her, however much they’d taken hold of last time. He’d left less than a week ago and had said he would be back within a week. Romily had no idea whether to hold out hope or not. She wasn’t doing so as much at the moment – after all, why would he want to come back to her? He would have forgotten her by now anyway. She sighed and carried on, making sure she stepped over upturned roots and loose twigs that could catch on her dress. She was taking the shortcut back to The Ram, and this would stop Eldon’s daughter from moaning that she was late back.