Not lost, just unsure (Faerydae)

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin had rode hard from her Uncles' home. He had wanted her to help him with the grain stores this morning but Caitrin wanted merely to go and practice her archery. As was her way, Caitrin had saddled up her mare, got her bow and arrows and set off from her home. She knew she would feel the repercussions of it when she returned, but she was in a bad mood anyway, it had only been a week since she had seen Griflet and still she was physically angered by the thought of him. Really she should get over it, but these things were often easier said than done.

What she really needed to do to release her anger was to practice her magic, what little ability she had, and her shooting. Plus having the bow had practical reasons, it meant she was less likely to be attacked, not that she had brought anything with her to give to bandits anyway. She slowed her mare down to a gentle trot, it was an altogether nice day and the ride was pleasant; she was in no hurry.

She hadn't been into Camelot in a week, so she was still in the dark to whether the Lady Morgana had been found yet. She knew her disappearance held a heavy burden on Arthur's shoulders as he would be expected to find her no matter what the cost. She presumed there had been no good news as if there were an invitation for a celebratory feast would already have arrived. She pushed her mare on down the forest path, she knew roughly where she was but she had not rode out this far for a long while and it threw her for a moment. She slowed her mare into a stop and looked about her quickly. She wasn't lost; of course she wasn't lost. She knew the way back, she just wondered how far away from her home and the city she was.

A broken branch and rustling in the distance caught her attentions. she knew she should reach for her bow but all she could feel was a thumping in her throat. Caitrin was rarely spooked but she was in unfamiliar territory so had to pray that whoever it was donned a friendly face rather than the opposite, "Hello? Who's there?" She called out confidently.

Timeline: About 2/3 months after the dragon attack
Location: The forest roads outside of Camelot
Tags: Faerydae

[Faerydae Moriarty]

It had been some time since she had been in Camelot. Honestly, it had been a while since the fair haired maiden had been within its lands, and she could not even remember if it had been before or after her exile of Balor. Of course, the kingdom had been scared by a great dragon. Although, perhaps that did not matter, and it really should not as she laid down on the forest grounds and rested in the fallen leaves. Her ice blue gaze stared up at the tree tops, and through the cracks in the leaves and their patterns, Faerydae Moriarty found herself staring up at a cloudless sky. Or, that is what she thought it was whenever the gentle breeze gave way and pushed the leaves aside to give her a better look at the sky. A sigh escaped her as she rested her eyes for a moment, knowing well that this relaxation would not last for long for even in the woods, Camelot was not a place to stay and rest for long. Men often traveled the woods and usually, they wanted to do more single woman than just stop and stare.
Hearing a faint snort, her eyes fluttered open and she turned her head slightly to see white horse legs standing before her.

Faerydae’s gaze glanced up now to see the horse’s face glancing down at her, his amber eyes filled with a questioning look, “Do we have to go now?” Silver of course, said nothing, because horses could not talk. Although, unlike most horses in Camelot, he was of the Elder breed. The stories of the horse breed said that they had been a herd of wild horses that were blessed by the gods and thus making them faster, stronger, and far more clever than others. With this, came the ability to understand human words. Of course, these were just stories, and the fair haired maiden did not know whether they were true or not, but often, she went about as if they did and spoke to Silver as he were simply a human rather than a horse. A moment past before he threw his head slightly and nodded in a direction now, stating that they must leave in his silent way.

Heaving a small sigh, she did not argue as slowly sat up now, “I just wish we did not have to run all the time,” she murmured now. Humans of course, she was fine not having any contact with, and being a wanderer, well, it honestly wasn’t so bad, but it was just the feeling of being hunted like an animal even though she really wasn’t, that was what bothered her. Even with Silver, Faerydae always felt as if she was living in fear, and it could not be helped. While she knew how to survive on her own now, it was the violence of humans that she could not seem to defend herself against for she was weak. Her warms had wrapped around her legs for a moment as she stared at the trees, acting like a cage from another world while her guardian stood protectively over her. The breeze picked up again, and it blew her white blond hair a little but she did not mess with it for it was the last thing on her mind at the moment. Silver continued to stand above her now, his amber gaze resting on his companion. Something was going through her mind, but he could not figure out, but she had never been reluctant to leave before, although, he could not see why for Camelot held no value to either of them.

The breeze brought a scent across the air. Silver lifted his head slightly and breathed in for a moment before shaking his head. Somebody was coming, a horse and rider, that was for sure. A low wicker escaped him as he nudged his companion’s shoulder blade. They really had to go now. She glanced over at the horse now, curious as to what his rush was until she heard it. While faint, Faerydae could still hear the distinct sound of hoof beats. Quickly, she got up now to her feet and crouched slightly, listening carefully along with the white stallion before he moved forward now into the brush. After a moment, the young woman followed her horse now as he weaved his way around the trees at a walk as they headed towards the sound, hoping that sound of the rider’s own horse would mask out their own, especially since they were so close to the pathway. As the hoof beats got louder, she could feel her heart beat start to pound louder in her chest, and her nerves beginning to spike up now ever so slightly.

Up ahead, Silver could spot the horse and rider. Upon closer inspection, he knew that they would cause neither him nor his companion either harm, or at least, that was what the horse thought. It was a young woman, and by the why she dressed, a noble woman on a tiny mare. If it were not for the bow and the quiver of arrows that rested on her back, they might have been as harmless as rabbits. When the horse and rider stopped though, Silver haunfortunatelyly broken a branch. The cracking sound of the wood split the silence in half so strongly that Faerydae had felt her nerves shot up as she stopped dead in her fact for a moment as well as the white horse, “Hello? Who’s there?” her voice rang of confidence at the moment and the young maiden felt herself uncertain of what to do as she pressed her back up against a tree trunk, her finger tips digging into it, “Nobody of importance!” She called back now, hoping that would be the end of that.

After a moment though, it was Silver who made the bold move and continued forward but this time, made his way onto the pathway now, despite all of the brambles and twigs breaking. The white stallion peered out at the horse and rider now. His amber eyes didn’t blink and his ears twitched for a moment as he whinnied a greeting towards them, as if testing them out to see if they would dare to attack or not.

Tags: Caitrin

[Caitrin de Archer]

Few things ever really spooked or fazed Caitrin. She hadn't been scared or fazed when her father had sent her to Camelot; she had been annoyed with him but not scared. She was never scared when her Uncle shouted at her for scaring off suitors or for her quick tongue. However, events such as the dragon attack had scared her. Although the situation she was in was on a much smaller scale she still found her heart beating quickly and her mouth became dry. Her horse took a few steps forwards as Caitrin looked all around her. She couldn't see whoever had stepped on the twig and just hoped they were friendly.

“Nobody of importance!”

Caitrin's eye brows furrowed and she relaxed slightly, she had been expecting a really gruff, hoarse mans voice who would jump at her and try to kill or rob her; or both. Instead it was a woman's voice, and although Caitrin knew that didn't mean she was totally out of danger it meant that she relaxed slightly.

She could hear another set of hooves and her hand went to her bow on her back, her fingers drummed against the wood of the handle. Caitrin's eyes softened as a white horse peered out of the side of the road. She blinked, slightly out of confusion and looked at the horse. It was certainly a handsome horse, and her own mare was looking directly at the new arrival as well.

Caitrin's hands dropped from her bow, she was probably being ignorant and innocent but she figured if she was going to be attacked it would have already happened. She ran her hands through her hair, ensuring her mare was fully stopped and turned to the stallion,

"Now don't tell me that it was you that shouted back at me." She half laughed at the idea but that would just be Caitrin's luck, she had been spooked by a horse in the middle of nowhere. The idea was laughable but it was possible, then again, there might be a rider concealed by the trees and that too was completely possible. "Or is there a rider there?" She half asked the horse, half asking herself.

[Faerydae Moriarty]

The white horse studied the girl for a moment, when he noticed how her eyes soften now though, Silver found himself quite certain that there was nothing to worry about now, that both he and his companion were hardly in any danger. Although, confusion hung in the air for the new horse and rider, not that the white horse could blame them, after all, riderless horses were often something rare within the boundaries of Camelot. His amber gaze moved towards her mare at a moment, and whinnied a rather friendly greeting before watching the rider’s hands drop from the boy now. Everything was safe now, “Now, don’t tell me that it was you who shouted back at me,” the girl said now. Silver simply stared at her lazily, uncertain of whether to take that question seriously or not before her second one came, “Or is there a rider there?”

At this question, Silver nodded his head now and turned slightly, glancing back towards a large tree now in which his companion stayed behind. Faerydae was quite certain that she did not wish to move, that she was perfectly fine with sitting behind this tree and hoping that whoever was on the other side would just continue on their way. This did not seem to be the case though since Silver had decided that he wanted to be friendly with strangers for once in his life. Of course, considering that nothing has happened yet for quite some time, perhaps it was safe. After all, when they had problems with people on the roads, it was usually with men, this individual, was not a man, but a woman, and judging by her voice, a rather young one too, probably only a little younger than Faerydae herself. She heard brambles breaking now as Silver’s large head appeared besides her to check upon her.

Ice blue eyes stared at the white horse for a moment, her gaze meeting his amber ones. There was a trust there, he clearly did not believe that they were in any danger, although, the young maiden never found herself sure any more. It took much convincing of herself to get up and move into the line of sight for the horse and rider on the other side of the tree, but perhaps it would be better this way. After all, if they knew she was there, it would be impossible for them to mistaken her for a threat on their way out. After a moment, Faerydae finally pushed herself up to her feet now and moved around the tree now so that she could look at the horse and rider. The first thing that she noticed about the rider was the flaming red hair which contrasted brightly against her rather pale skin and dark eyes. One look at her wardrobe though, the fair haired girl knew that this rider was of noble class, and no doubt, resided in Camelot.

“I am his rider,” Faerydae replied quietly now, but her thoughts were still on the girl. Never before had she seen her out here, in fact, most of the pathways in Camelot’s woods often remained untouched by horses of nobles. Only the knights are the ones that she ever sees out here, well, that and the druids, who probably are not even allowed to step foot on these lands by Uther’s laws. Although, after the city’s destruction by the dragon, perhaps the nobles were starting to set their feet into other places that Camelot had to offer for them, “Are you lost?” she asked now, studying the girl as she waited for her answer.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin began to think that she was going mad. She knew there was much to fear on unmanned forest path, robbers being the least of her worries. Now she felt as if she was just talking to a random horse in the middle of nowhere. It was a beautiful example of the species. Its coloring's were something Caitrin had not come across before. Her own mare, though perhaps larger than the average mare, was a mixture of black and white markings. It suited her, the beast was able to run quickly enough for the thrill, and was elegant enough for her noble status.

Caitrin spent a few moments pondering her own stupidity with the situation before a woman came out from behind a tree. Caitrin wasn't shocked, but she was settled to confirm that it had been a woman who had shouted at her. The woman's shining hair glinted in Caitrin's eyes and was either a very light blonde or white altogether. She had pretty features but her clothes suggested she was not a working peasant nor a noblewoman; instead she was stuck somewhere inbetween.

Her words weren't incredibly friendly and Caitrin couldn't blame her. Caitrin wasn't feeling incredible trusting either. After all, both women knew nothing of each other apart from things guesswork could tell them. “Are you lost?” Caitrin considered her question but then shook her head in an unsure answer, "I don't think so, no, no I'm not lost yet." Caitrin wasn't 100% sure about where she was, but that didn't mean that she was lost.

She watched the woman carefully and decided that her residing on her horse wasn't really helping anything. She dismounted her mare as elegantly as she could, her bow still strung across her body, cutting across her chest. She bowed her head to the lady more out of habit than anything else. She didn't know anything about the woman, she could be a noble for all Caitrin knew, "My name is Caitrin de Archer." She introduced herself, "What can I call you?"

Although she was sure the woman was not going to attack her, Caitrin still kept her bow about her person. Even if the woman wanted to rob her she had nothing to be stolen, save the horse and her weapons. "You have a beautiful horse." Caitrin stated, looking upon the womans horse with a fondness. Caitrin loved her own mare and would not trade her for any horse, even this one. She understood the bond between rider and horse which many riders chose to overlook, and she was sure this woman knew that bond well.

[Faerydae Moriarty]

Before she had stepped out of her hiding spot, she had watched how the red haired noble had studied Silver as he stood their patiently. It did not surprise her in the least, for this was quite common. Silver attracted more people than Faerydae herself, but this girl was different. Usually it was men who wanted to take Silver away, or spoiled rich girls who wished him to be their new parade pony, but not this girl. She seemed fair content with admiring his beauty from afar and had no desire to take him. No, unlike other people, she was faithful to her own horse, a rather large black and white mare. It was an odd combination indeed for a horse, as if it had been painted by an artist with calculated brush strokes. Ice blue eyes watched now as Silver dipped his head in greeting to the mare now, showing a sign of respect to the other horse even though it wore a saddle and a bridle. It was something unusual for the white stallion to do, but perhaps, he had seen something within the horse and rider that did not require mistrust or fear.

As she stepped out from behind the tree now, Faerydae felt as if she had done the girl a good deed. After all, it seemed that for a moment there, she almost seemed to have been questioning if she had really heard the voice. Of course though, upon stepping out, already, the two girls were sizing each other up as men would do. She was a noble though, and that was one of their many talents, one that the fair haired girl had not forgotten from her own childhood and queendom. They stood in silence for some time, simply taking each other in, but it had been Faerydae, for once, who had started up the conversation first and waited patiently for a reply, along with Silver who still appeared to be studying her, but his ears were alert now. For a moment, the red head seemed to be considering the question, and the young woman began to wonder if she was lost, “I don’t think so, no, no I am not lost yet,” she finally replied. Her eyebrows arched slightly at the question and the white stallion cocked his head slightly, for they were not entirely sure if they could believe her words.

Silver let out an odd snort, but it was she who spoke, “You hardly seem to be able to convince yourself,” Faerydae replied now. Even in Camelot, the woods were not a safe place to be if you did not know your way. Although, she had a bow, it could be questionable that she could even use it. Of course, there was no denial that the women of Camelot were often a different sort than those from Balor, so perhaps she was fine on her own. After all, she had that mare to look out for her. The girl’s dark green eyes watched her carefully now even though the fair haired maiden was still a good five feet away from her, neither one of them seemed to trust each other entirely even though they were both women. After a moment, she dismounted and when Faerydae saw that the bow would not leave her back, she took a step over towards Silver now and rested by his side as if he were a man or a lover rather than a horse. Ice blue eyes watched wearily as the red head bowed her head, “My name is Caitrin de Archer,” she said now, introducing herself, “What may I call you?”

De Archer? The name sounded familiar to her, perhaps Janus had talked about the family a while ago, back when he still had her as his queen. Although, all of those memories seemed so distant now that it was hard to recall whom she might have heard of and who she had actually met. Her eyes rested on the red head now, uncertain of what name to use. Although, this girl might be younger than her, so it would be quite possibly that she had heard nothing of the Balor Queen and how she had been exiled, or even known that Janus once had a queen, “Faerydae Moritary…but I go by Dae now,” the fair haired maiden replied now, “And he is Silver,” she added on, nodding towards the white stallion now, who let loose a friendly enough greeting in the form of a whinny. She noted how the other still kept the bow around her, as if a safety precaution that made her feel comfortable at the moment, despite being amongst strangers. Surprisingly enough though, it was the redhead to started off the conversation now, “You have a beautiful horse.” Silver’s ears twitched at the compliment and he nodded his head in agreement and the smallest of smiles escaped Faerydae, “Thank you. I was lucky that he had come to me,” her ice blue eyes glanced to Caitrin’s own mare now, “As do you. I can see that you two have a strong bond for her to stay so closely by your side even when you are not upon her.”

[Caitrin de Archer]

The woman who stepped out to join her horse was of course very beautiful. If they had met in a different setting Caitrin would have been certain the woman was a noble, but she was probably mistaken as why would a noble be in such clothes in the middle of nowhere? She decided not to chase her suspicions about the woman’s status because it was really none of Caitrin’s business. She could appreciate the woman’s beauty however, at court they would probably have been adversaries for male attention as was the courtier’s way.

The woman was right of course, and Caitrin could have sworn that her horse snorted at her, but that was absurd and she put it from her head. She shrugged softly, “I know I came from that direction, so I assume going back that way will lead me home.” Now she’d said it, Caitrin felt more confident towards the fact that she was not lost, she just had no idea where she was, “But as to knowing my exact location, I must confess I am at a loss.” The woman intrigued Caitrin, she couldn’t place her in society at all, perhaps she was nothing more than a nomad, but then again what was wrong with that? It was not Caitrin’s fate to wander around aimlessly but she was not going to poke at people who did; it was their choice.

Caitrin was pleased the woman introduced herself, and her horse instead of wandering off. She was extremely interested in the woman, and her horse. Their relationship, even though Caitrin had only known the pair a few moments, seemed deeper than one found within a horse and rider. Caitrin’s own mare was like her best friend and Caitrin had come across enough people in the past to know they did not appreciate this bond between horse and rider. Her Uncle did not appreciate it, he valued a horse on its speed and breed, not on its personality as Caitrin did. Caitrin bobbed her head to both of them, as was courteous and smiled at them, “I’m glad to make your acquaintances.” She directed at Dae then remembered that she had introduced her horse as well, “Both your acquaintances.”

Caitrin mimicked Dae’s smile as she complimented her mare and almost instinctively Caitrin turned from the woman and stroked the side of her mare’s head. “She’s one of my best friends.” Caitrin explained softly. The mare had been one of the most constant and stable things in Caitrin’s life since her arrival in Camelot. Her family ties had lessened but Caitrin always knew her mare would be in the stables waiting for their next ride; their next adventure. The freedom the mare allowed her was indescribable, and had kept her sane when she had arrived in Camelot. “I’ve had her about four years now, my Uncle gave her to me when he accepted my wardship.” She gave Dae a small smile, now was not the time to wonder on her own past, she was much more intrigued at her new acquaintance.

[Faerydae Moriarty]

The silence between them still hung in the air and the white stallion glanced back and forth between the two maidens now; uncertain as to what they could be thinking of, for even though a clever horse of the Elder breed though, the minds of women still stumped the horse even at the most simplest of times. Faerydae herself though, still found herself questioning the redhead’s last name, for it was nagging her in the back of her mind. Of course, it had been from her rule, but where? She certainly would have remembered meeting her, and if it would have not been for herself already having a husband, the silver haired woman would have thought them to play a game over who could attract the most men. Her ice blue eyes never faltered with this girl though, for unlike men and other women of the wild, she saw no need to fear this noblewoman. Not for now at least, it was odd. If the fallen Queen had still held her titled, she would have imagined becoming friends with this girl easily back in court, even if she had been from another kingdom of Albion.

Her studying of the young girl continued now as the idea of being lost came up. Although, it hardly seemed to bother her as she shrugged her shoulders in the slightest way now, “I know I came from that direction, so I assume going back that way will lead me home,” she replied in an easy manner. While Faerydae herself, still felt uncertain about her words, every moment after she had said them, the redhead’s confidence in herself about the situation appeared to grow, “But as to knowing my exact location,” she continued on, “I must confess I am at a loss.” Ice blue eyes blinked now, uncertain of what the difference really was. After all, the woods looked the same no matter where one walked, and sometimes, it almost seemed as if the paths changed their ways even though they didn’t, like wild magic. After a moment though, the fair haired woman finally spoke, “Well, I suppose you might have it under control then. Besides, a horse always knows the way back to its home,” she replied. Camelot City was not too far away; Faerydae supposed it was just that she was not accustomed to seeing people of nobility within the woods, because even Camelot was not safe from crime.

Caitrin seemed rather pleased that they had not left her yet, although, it was hard to understand why. Although, perhaps she was growing bored of the people in Camelot, why else would somebody be out riding around? There was a pause in the air before she was the first to speak now, “I’m glad to make your acquaintance,” the redhead said with the bow of her head as well as a charming smile. Silver moved slightly, about to voice his own opinion of her forgetting about him, but Caitrin seemed to catch on her ‘mistake’ before he had any time to say anything, “Both of your acquaintances.” A loud and shrill whinny escaped the white stallion now and he tossed his head in agreement, and Faerydae just found herself smiling softly at his actions, “The pleasure is ours as well. We are hardly ever graced with friendly company,” actually, this might have been the first that had not resulted because the former queen needed saving nor did she and Silver have to run after hungry dogs. Everything about this girl seemed normal for a noble, of course though, everybody has secrets.

Ice blue eyes watched now as Caitrin turned from her to the horse now, and she hardly seemed to give it a second thought, as if it came second nature, like all bonds between horse and rider should be, “She’s one of my best friends,” she commented softly. Faerydae watched, and she knew that there was a lot of meaning behind her words. While she hardly knew the girl, it could be safe to say that the mare had been with her for a very long time, “I’ve had her about four years now, my Uncle gave her to me when he accepted my wardship.” Ah, a ward, no wonder she was out and about. But perhaps hesr was not as bad as some others that she had witnessed, for they had looked like cages. Before she could even comment though, something struck her mind now though, “Your Uncle? And your last name’s de Archer? Surely his last name as well,” Faerydae pondered to herself now and Silver glanced towards her, for this thought was clearly on her Balor life before he had come into the picture. It sounded so familiar to her, but she shook it off now, and continued on, “Anyways, he certainly made a fine choice in a horse for you. And what is her name?”

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin wasn’t unnerved as the woman watched her. It was perfectly normal after all to be interested in a stranger. She was feeling more at ease with the situation now she was sure that Dae wasn’t going to pull out a knife and attack her for a purse she wasn’t carrying with her today. Although it showed her innocence in a way, Caitrin was sure that if she was going to be attacked it would have already happened. There was no use in conversing if she was a target because she was already off her horse and essentially easier prey for anyone who fancied their chances. Caitrin was sure that she had not met the woman before. She hadn’t encountered such unusual hair colourings before, and she was sure she would have remembered if she had. She was sure now, because of the woman’s obvious independence and lack of regard for social norms that they would have been friends in court. Perhaps they could still leave each other on friendly terms because Caitrin had no reason to dislike the woman.

Caitrin was not too sure how far she believed Dae’s words, that a horse knew its way home. Her mare had never let her down before but she had always been sure it had been because she was directing the horse. She had never really thought about it until now. She did share an uncommon bond with her mare, as she’d already said, the mare was her best friend. A piece of her fiery hair was tucked behind her ear as she smiled at the woman. Caitrin knew it was not too far from Camelot, she hadn’t been riding that long to be able to become too lost; she never did. The last thing she’d need would be her Uncle gloating that she had got lost. “Perhaps my horse knows more than me then.” She smiled softly, then stroking the side of her horses face fondly before turning back to Dae, “Does Silver help you navigate your way?”

Caitrin could have sworn that the horse reacted as she announced that she was glad to make their acquaintance. She kept her confused look for a moment before continuing on with the conversation. Horses were incredibly intelligent animals, but she wasn’t aware that they knew when you were speaking to them. The thought amused her and she gave a small smile at Silver. She was sure that Dae had a special kind of horse on her hands. Caitrin had no specific interest in anyone elses horse, no matter how special, she valued her mare too much to even consider another horse.

She was glad Dae proclaimed their company as friendly and smiled gently at her words. She wondered, from her words, what kind of company they were usually faced with. After all, Dae couldn’t be out here wandering the forest for no reason. Although Caitrin was an incredibly nosy individual she knew that would be the wrong topic of conversation to pursue so she picked another. “I am glad of friendly company as well.” She said softly, “Camelot can sometimes be a lonely place.” Caitrin hardly ever received visitors to her Uncle’s lands because no one at court particularly liked her Uncle and she suffered for that fact. Even at court she never really conversed with anyone because by the time she had arrived the court circles had been established. She was a Mercian noblewoman, and occasionally she was spoken to, but mainly by men who wanted to establish the quickest way to her bed chambers.

Caitrin furrowed her brow at Dae’s question about her Uncle’s last name. She now worried that he’d upset her along the road, perhaps told her his views on women and how they should obey the male figures in her life. Perhaps it would be quicker to ride away than face this, but Caitrin was probably getting ahead of herself, as she usually did. She nodded quickly, “Yes, my Uncle is Rouland de Archer, he’s lived in Camelot for many years now.” Perhaps that would be enough information, there weren’t many nobles in Camelot with the name de Archer, in fact there were only three, excluding her cousin; god knows where he was. Therefore it was hardly going to help her cause being vague, the rest of the de Archer’s lived their own lives in Mercia and Caitrin hardly heard from any of them.

Caitrin had never really used her mare’s name in company before. It felt like it was a small intimate secret she and the mare kept to themselves. However, she decided to let Dae into that small secret because she had told her her horses name. She could at least return the favour. “I call her Lily, but usually only when we are alone.” She said softly. The mare, recognising its name let out a small whinny of excitement and Caitrin brushed her hand along its face, “I think it suits her.”

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[Faerydae Moriarty]

The girl, Caitrin, was unlike any other that she had been before. She did not shy away from her ice blue stare, and quite honestly, it almost looked as if the young noblewoman was relaxing now in both Faerydae and Silver’s presence. While it was true that the fair haired woman would not harm her or her horse, she highly doubted that this would have been the right place to let one’s guard down, after all, even the cutest of animals could be the most dangerous beasts. In many ways, it was a naïve thing for the red head to do, but instead of calling her out on it, Faerydae just allowed it to slide. She was not her parental figure, nor hardly did she know her, therefore, there was no need to lecture her. After all, with a bow and a horse, as well as being out on her own, she was quite certain that Caitrin knew what she was doing, to a certain extent at least, either that or she was just being a rebellious girl to her guardian. If that had been the case, and this had been court, they might have been the best of friends, not to mention, their hair contrasted each other so easily, like fire and ice.

At her words of horses know their way back home, she noticed a little disbelief flash before the redhead’s eyes. It of course, did not surprise her. A lot of people often thought that they were the ones behind the journey, but the moment that it was time to go home, it changes and they don’t even realize it, and Faerydae was quite certain that it went for all horses, not just the clever ones. After all, she remembered one day, back in the distant past, riding with her older brother Kay, and her pony decided to dump her right on the road and take off. While Kay and her believed it to be a lost cause to chase the pony, they decided to head back. Sure enough though, there stood the little devil at their family’s gate waiting to get in. The slightest movement escaped Caitrin now as she smiled softly, “Perhaps my horse knows more than me,” she replied now, stroking the black and white mare’s face, “Does Silver help you navigate your way?” Before the young woman could even attempt to answer the question now though, Silver let out a gleeful whinny and nodded his head up and down in a ‘yes’.

This action caused her to roll her ice blue eyes, shaking her head slightly as if he had been no more than a bragging teenage boy, “I would say yes, but we never have a destination in mind. Although, he does point the way, and I do follow.” It was funny in a way, how she could put such blind faith in a animal that could not speak human tongue and yet, around humans, Faerydae found herself uncertain as to what she should believe or where to go. Both her gaze as well as Silver’s rested on the young girl now, a look of confusion across her face for a few seconds, perhaps because of the white stallion though. He acted more human than animal some times, and it often threw people for a loop. It was not long though before Caitrin gave a small smile towards Silver now, whose ears merely flickered forward as his amber eyes rested on her now, full of curiosity for a moment before he rubbed his head up against his companion, looking for a pet, which he had been granted as her fingers racked through is fore lock now.

Caitrin almost seemed to beam when the fair haired maiden pronounced her friendly company. Behind the redhead’s gaze now though, there was quite a possibility that her mind was set in motion. After all, while she hardly knew her, Faerydae could not help but to think that the girl, who stood before her, could be quite the curious one. All girls were, it was only natural to be curious of something that seemed so unnatural and against the rules. After all, it was not safe for a young woman to be out in the woods by herself, everybody knew it, and yet, Faerydae did it, and because of this, and run into her fair share of troubles, both she and Silver had, “I am glad of friendly company as well,” Caitrin stated now, “Camelot can sometimes be a lonely place.” At the red head’s words, she remained quiet for a moment, knowing it was true, but not just for Camelot, but for all kingdoms. While the memories distant, it still made her think of Balor for a moment, her old home before everything had happened. Her ice blue gaze glanced towards Silver now, thinking before finally commenting, “It is funny how we all feel so alone in a room full of people, and feel alive when it is only ourselves.” Besides, life was harder as a girl with money tied to her; men were always there to prowl upon them like wolves and deer.

Out of the corner of her eye now, Faerydae caught sight of the other girl furrowing her brow a little. Faerydae turned her head slightly now to get a better look at her now, was it something she said? Although, all what she had asked about was her last name and uncle combined. After a moment though, Caitrin finally nodded her head, “Yes, my Uncle is Rouland de Archer, he’s lived in Camelot for many years now.” Ice blue eyes stared at her for a moment now. If he had lived in Camelot, then she probably would not have known him then, and yet, she felt positive that perhaps he had visited Janus’s court a while back. Although, everything about her past blended together in her mind now, “Has he ever been to Balor?” she questioned now, only curiosity in her voice. Although, the conversation took a turn now with the subject of her horse’s name, for Caitrin knew Silver’s name and yet Faerydae did not know the name of the black and white mare. Her body language almost related it to a well kept secret, kept between her and her horse. Before she could say anything though, the redhead spoke, “I call her Lily, but usually only when we are alone. I think it suits her.”

A smile played across the fair haired woman’s features now, “Yes, I believe it suits her as well,” she commented lightly now, her gaze falling on the black and white mare before her gaze glanced back towards Caitrin now, “But why do you keep her name a secret?”

[Caitrin de Archer]

As the conversation began to progress, Caitrin began to feel slightly guilty. She had made a promise to Arthur, shortly after the dragon attacked Camelot, that she would not go out riding alone. This was the first time she had since the attack, and her friends words were now echoing in her ears. She inwardly groaned, she shouldn’t even be here, she should be at home, or at least have one of her Uncle’s men riding after her. Caitrin’s independence, and proudness, often led her into stupid situations such as this one. What would have happened if Dae hadn’t been as good natured as she was so far showing, Caitrin could have encountered anyone out here. Apart from the threat to her life she would have then had to face Arthur, and his disappointment at her disobeying his wishes. Therefore, mentally, Caitrin decided there and then to leave as soon as the conversation with Dae had finished; she owed Arthur that much. She had left her home in a short temper, and was now slightly regretting her own actions.

Caitrin had never really considered that horses could have a sense of knowing their destination. It had never really crossed her mind. She knew her mare was intelligent, not just because her Uncle had been assured by the tradesman who had sold him the horse had told him so. Now she thought about it more, as she and Lily had spent more time together, she had had to use less personal intervention with her mare when they went out riding. For example, when Caitrin saddled Lily with her riding bags, the mare did not need much instruction to know they were going to Camelot. She had always just taken it for granted, but perhaps there was more behind those dark eyes of Lily’s than Caitrin had ever really appreciated before. She grinned as Dae’s horse gave an answer before she could. The horse and rider must be close indeed. Perhaps then, if Dae’s horse did help to navigate, in some sense, Lily must have helped Caitrin in some ways on her many journeys. She looked back to her horse, who was watching her intently, and found herself smiling, she’d have to test that theory out sometime.

A smile found its way onto the young noblewomans lips as Dae told her that they never had any particular destination. What a peculiar lifestyle. It was one a lot of dreamers often thought of fondly, Caitrin had never wanted such a lifestyle but she held no issues with Dae’s own personal choices. Caitrin was too set in her ways, of being in courts and often becoming the centre of attention, to let anything change anytime soon. She wondered then what had led Dae into this solitary lifestyle, sometimes people didn’t choose to live the lifestyle she was leading; one wasn’t born into a solitary lifestyle, something along their path often forced them into it. Caitrin now wondered what had led Dae into this life. She wanted to ask, one of Caitrin’s many faults was her curiousness, which in a young woman wasn’t highly regarded, but she managed to keep her curiosity at bay and smiled politely at the woman’s words. “You must have a lot of trust in him, to pick, and lead you to your destination?”

She was glad that she was at least decent company with Dae, even though this was a rather unconventional setting, the compliment was still well received. She considered Dae’s words carefully. Caitrin wasn’t quite sure which she preferred, being in company or being on her own. In ways, she preferred being on her own because she could be comfortable in just being herself. When she was at court she was constantly aware she was being watched for every movement, how her hair was, and what dress she was wearing. Although she often enjoyed the attention that getting those things right brought, it didn’t feel like she was being herself. Sometimes, on these sorts of rides, she felt more like Caitrin than she ever did whilst acting like a painted peacock at court. She nodded at Dae’s words, “Court life can be very lonely.” She agreed, perhaps this woman had felt the effects of court life in this way, perhaps she had been there as well. Caitrin’s curiosity was now burning and she decided to let one little question slip, “Have you ever spent any time at court?” It was a small enough question, and hopefully it would not offend the woman.

Over the years, Caitrin had been subject to her Uncle’s bragging about how well travelled he was. However, he had never mentioned anywhere called ‘Balor’. It was quite a unique name so Caitrin was sure she would have remembered it. So, she shook her head, “If he has been to Balor he has not told me. And usually he likes to brag of these things.” She gave a small smile of fondness, her Uncle was defiantly something different. She was certainly closer to him than any of her family back in Mercia. “Why? Are you from Balor?” Caitrin then found herself asking, for she was now deeply interested in the woman who was standing in front of her.

Caitrin looked to her mare and she considered Dae’s words. She had never really thought of giving up her horses name just abruptly in the middle of conversation before. “It is not really a case of keeping her name a secret.” Caitrin said softly, walking slightly back so that she was stood next to her beautiful mare once more; her Lily. Her lips curled into a smile, stroking the side of Lily’s face, who nudged softly against her palm, “It is more that no one has ever asked me her name before, so I usually don’t volunteer it.” Caitrin had never encountered anyone asking her horses name, perhaps many, like her Uncle, just believed horses were a method of transportation and didn’t warrant names. Caitrin was different, she felt like her mare was a true friend, they were incredibly close.

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[Faerydae Moriarty]

While she was not quite certain of it, to Faerydae, it almost looked as if some form of a guilty conscious flashed across the red head’s eyes. It had been quick, and there had only been a hint of it, perhaps it was simply the daylight playing a trick on her eyes. Although, the girl was young, at least younger than the fair haired woman by at least two years, perhaps she was doing something that she was probably scowled several times on what to not do: talking to strangers, or even more likely, being alone in the woods. After all, a lecture like that had come through experience, both she and Kay had gotten it several times when they were young by their parents, especially since their destination of choice usually happened to be the woods of Balor, which had earned itself a fearsome reputation over the years, it had also been the same place where she had found Talberon. There were many things that could happen within the lands of Albion that cannot be explained, and perhaps that is also why friends and family members often kept their younger ones on tight leashes like a dog, although, Caitrin struck her as the sort who would not stand to be bossed around.

The gears of Caitrin’s mind still seemed to be at work though as their conversation strove forward, about a topic that the young woman very much enjoyed: horses. The animals were always a safe subject for Faerydae, they were something that she greatly enjoyed in life and it also kept the conversation off of her as well. She often found herself more at peace talking about the god’s gift to man in the form of a great four legged animal rather than her story, if anything, if she could survive this meeting with Caitrin de Archer without having to give any information about herself to the red head girl, then the day would be quite successful for her, for even though Caitrin was just merely a girl, and probably a harmless one at that, Faerydae still found it hard to trust anybody. Life could be cruel like that, but it has happened so many times that she found herself weary of anybody who spoke now. Ice blue eyes fell on the black and white mare for a moment, which stood patiently besides its companion’s side, there was such a beauty to the mare, and even though she was not of the Elder breed like Silver, there was something special about her. It was easy for her to see, as well as the white stallion, for he had not made a face at her yet.

A grin flashed across the red head’s lips now as Silver had taken the opportunity to answer the question for Faerydae, who almost had not been too amused by it as she shot the horse a look, although, it was hardly threatening and he knew that. The white stallion rubbed his head up and down her side as his velvety muzzle grazed her arm, clearly looking for attention. She tried to ignore him, after all, she was talking with Caitrin and not him, although, the other seemed distracted with thoughts at the moment, and the fair haired woman could only hope that they were not thoughts of curiosity. Silver’s head rubbed up against her yet again, this time, a little more persistent now which finally got her attention and she ran her small hands over his face now, caressing the white stallion a woman would her lover in such a way, with tender touches and love, one might have thought Silver human rather than horse with the attention that he received, “You must have a lot of trust in him, to pick, and lead you to your destination?” Her eyes had been staring into the horse’s amber eyes for a moment before they glanced back towards Caitrin now, “I trust Silver with my life completely, more than I ever would with a man.”

Perhaps the answer was a little more than what the red head had bargained for, but to have a horse choose one’s path of destination, that had to speak for more than just, well, the path they traveled. Half of the time, they did not even use roads; perhaps it was the roads that followed them instead. Although, the conversation did not stop there, Faerydae went on to assure the young woman that her company was perfectly fine. It was not something that she was quite used to though, her only travel companion has always been Silver, on occasion, the two of them have picked up some others, but they never stay for long. She pushed them away, she knew it so because trust was hard to come by for her, and she had this defense of an invisible wall of will that just set up around her, there had only been once person who had managed to crack that wall, and well, he was long gone now. Although, it also made her wonder if the answer was enough to settle Caitrin’s growing curiosity now. It was not something easy to ignore, and just by the thoughts that she could see within the red head’s mind, Faerydae knew that it might be harder to avoid the past now, for it was simply natural to explore a new acquaintance and her words to have an impact, “Court life can be very lonely,” she commented now.

While she did not say a word, the young woman could agree with the fellow female. There was nothing that she had missed from court life, now that her eyes were open to the world around her. Plus, Caitrin was not tied down by the binds of marriage and pleasing a husband, nor was she part of the monarch, so her interoperations of court life were probably very different from that of Faerydae’s. Her hands moved through Silver’s mane for a moment, finding time to entertain herself when a question escaped the red head’s lips, “Have you ever spent any time at court?” Ice blue eyes snapped up from the horse to the girl now, alarmed almost. Her gaze did not falter for a moment before it finally dropped and she turned her attention towards the trees and the starting depth of the woods, thinking. She found herself wish to recluse herself now, as a turtle would into its shell. It was dangerous territory now, and it was not Caitrin’s fault, she was simply a curious girl. No, it was Faerydae’s, she shouldn’t have stayed, perhaps she should have just moved on her way, “That was another life for me,” she commented softly now, roughly four years ago now. Perhaps, everything would be left at that though, although, it was hard to tame curiosity once it’s been fed.

Although, Faerydae’s own curiosity had been at its peak at the moment about the young woman’s uncle. There was just something about the name that hinted in her memory, although from what, she could not imagine, especially now when Caitrin had informed her that her uncle had never stepped foot within Balor, “Perhaps that is wise of him,” she replied now. Balor usually tended to remain neutral in conflicts, and Janus had hardly worried about the kingdom falling attack to anybody, why should he when the forests provided the perfect strong hold. Her thoughts were interrupted by yet another one of Caitrin’s questions though, which she seemed to be full off all of the sudden, “Why? Are you from Balor?” She found herself biting her lower lip slightly, thinking on how to answer such a question, but there seemed to be no true way to get away from it, “Yes…but I do not reside there any longer.” Faerydae honestly could not remember the last time she had set foot in Balor, ever since her exile, perhaps never, at least, not in the kingdom, but she always found herself returning to the Balor’s forests for they provided her comfort.

Thankfully, she managed to steer the conversation away from her now, but inquiring about the black and white mare now, or more specifically, the name. In many ways, she found it odd that Caitrin did not introduce her horse, but the fair haired woman also found that she was often out of tune with what was considered of nobility now, “It is not really a case of keeping her name a secret,” Caitrin spoke softly now, “It is more that no one has ever asked me her name before, so I usually don’t volunteer it.” Ice blue eyes rested on the girl and her horse for a moment and watched their connection, “Well, I guess I am not like other people,” she replied easily enough, “I think many people take them granted, every horse as a name. They are people as much as we are; just not all of us see it.”

[Caitrin de Archer]

The more she conversed with Dae, the guiltier she felt. Not for actually speaking for the woman, but the situation she had placed herself in. It was not only Arthur she now felt like she was letting down, her Uncle too had expressed concern over her safety more than once. She still shuddered at the memory of Vortigern on the roads; of course none of that would have happened if she had just had an escort with her would it? She would have been perfectly safe and out of Vortigern’s grasp for that evening. Even though she could not remember what had come to pass between the pair on that evening, she knew the nature of it and that sat harsh enough in her memories. She had rode off in anger today, and it had quite blinded her to her own stupidity. However, she was sure that whilst she was with Dae then nothing would harm her. Then of course she would head straight back home and resist the urge to venture out again on her own, well not in a rush anyway.

Caitrin was somewhat amused with how close the horse and rider seemed to be. It seemed the horse-Silver- was trying to seek some affection from his rider. Caitrin and her mare, Lily, were rather close and it was an action which Lily would probably copy in the future if she thought she could get away with it. Caitrin let out a small affectionate smile at the scene. It was nice to meet someone who was in tune with Caitrin’s thoughts on horses. She had always believed that if you had a bond between rider and horse then the journey would always be smoother and more efficient for both parties. On one of the rare occasions when Caitrin had ventured out without Lily she had ended up being thrown off the back of the beast. That had just cemented her theory. Caitrin was slightly puzzled at Dae’s words, although they seemed rather innocent on receiving the words, they hinted some previous event with a man, or perhaps a woman, which had caused her now to place so much trust in a horse rather than a man. However, Caitrin did not ask Dae for the details, even though her curiosity was burning. She already knew enough about Dae to know she would not gain a straight answer straight away. With many Caitrin encountered, a certain element of trust had to be gained before details were divulged. She therefore smiled back at Dae, once again considering the woman’s words, “He seems to trust you completely too.” Was all she could think to say. From what she had seen of the pair, Silver seemed incredibly attached to Dae, and that meant that he trusted her.

Caitrin then thought she had been neglecting Lily somewhat, and her thoughts were confirmed as the mare stepped forwards to stand alongside Caitrin, and she found their eyes lock for a moment and stroked a hand down Lily’s face softly. She was truly the best gift her Uncle had granted her on her arrival on Camelot. Sure, she had fancy jewellery, and clothes to make dresses which could make some Royal’s turn their head in jealousy, but nothing could replace the bond she had with Lily; nothing at all. Her only real annoyance was that she had not gained such an attachment to a horse during the many years she had lived in Mercia. However, she had not had her own horse then, so that just showed how special and unique the bond she had with Lily was.

Worry passed over Caitrin’s thoughts at Dae’s almost alarmed reaction at her question of whether she had spent any time at court. Caitrin had not meant to cause her any offence, but sometimes her curiosity got the better of her. Caitrin was interested in different aspects of court life, she did not recognise Dae so she supposed if she had spent any time at court then it would not have been in the courts of Mercia or Camelot. Furrowed eye brows met Dae’s reply and Caitrin could not hide a slightly confused look. So she had spent time at court before? “Why did you leave that life behind?” She found herself asking, because she was once again curious. She could not ever imagine having the courage to just abandon everything which she knew. She had once run away from her Uncle’s home, but she had always had the intention of coming back to it didn’t really have the same effect did it?

Balor was not a place she could think of anyone close to her ever mentioning before. Her father had fought wars on Mercia’s behalf with many Kingdoms, and it was possible he could have fought against Balor at some point, but he honestly could not remember. So Balor had once been Dae’s home? The conversation was progressing somewhat and Caitrin felt more at ease in a way that she could not describe. She knew what it was like to leave your home and never return, for she had not set foot back in Mercia after she had been sent to live with her Uncle. However, she assumed the reasons for Dae leaving her home were very different to those that had led Caitrin to Camelot. She didn’t press Dae for more details and just nodded for a few moments, then turning her attentions back to Lily, running her hand through the horses mane for a moment and letting her thoughts smooth over before she faced Dae once more.

Caitrin’s enthusiasm for her horse was once again probably evident as she quickly nodded at Dae’s words, that people often took horses for granted. Her Uncle often annoyed her as he treated his horses as little more than his servants which were there to make his life more comfortable. He could not understand why Caitrin would want to name her horse and become attached to it. To Caitrin however it made perfect sense. “They have their own personalities too.” Caitrin said in a sort of dreamy stance. It was true, Caitrin could always tell when Lily was upset, or perhaps annoyed. For instance, one day Caitrin had saddled up another horse instead of Lily to take out with her and when she had returned Lily had been in a sulk with her and had refused to come out of the state of mind for a few days; until she took her out on a long ride through the forest. “But I believe all horses deserve at the very least a name.”